Land Use Plan-1982

CRAVEN COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
1981
Prepared by:
The Craven County Board of Commissioners
and
The Craven County Planning Board
with assistance from
Donald Baumgardner, County Planner
and
John Schofield, AICP, Consultant Planner
The preparation of this report was financed in part through
a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Manage-
ment Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.

j
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1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(1
{
S)'CTION
PAGE
(I 1.0 Summary
1
1
- 2
1.1 Data Collection
2
1.2 Present Conditions
3
1.2.1 Current Population
3
- 13
1.2.2 Future Population
13
- 16
1.2.3 Population Analysis
16
- 17
1.2.4 Economic Analysis
17
- 21
1.2.5 Agriculture
22
1.2.6 Existing Community Services
22
- 26
1.2.7 Impact of Seasonal Population
26
- 27
1.3 Existing Land Use Analysis
27
- 29
t 1.3.1 Significant Land Use Compatibility
Problems
29
- 31
1.3.2 Problems and Implications from
l Unplanned Growth
31
- 32
1.3.3 Areas Experiencing Changes in
Predominant Land Use
32
- 33
l 1.3.4 Areas of Environmental Concern
33
`1.4 Current Plans, Policies and Regulations
34
1.4.1 Existing Local Plans and Policies
34
1.4.2 Means for Enforcement
35
1.4.3 Relevant Federal and State Regulations
`1.5
35
Constraints: Land Suitability
40
1.5.1 Man-made Hazards and Natural Hazards
40 -
46
1.5.2 Areas of Environmental Concern
46 -
47
;1.6 Constraints: Capacity of Communicy Facilities
47
1.6.1 Water and Sewer
47 -
48
1.6.2 Current Capacity
48 -
49
I.7 Estimated Demand
49
1.7.1 Population and Economy
49 -
50
1.7.2 Future Land Need
50 -
52
1.7.3 Community Facilities Demand
52 -
53
2.0 Policy Statements
53 -
54
2.1 Resource Protection
54
2.1.1 Estuarine Systems
54 -
57
2.1.2 Complex Natural Areas
57 -
58
2.1.3 Areas Containing Unique Geologic
Formations
58 -
59
2.1.4 Areas Sustaining Remnant Species
60
2.1.5 Other Significant Areas
60 -
63
2.1.6 Areas of Historical Significance
63 -
65
2.2 Resource Production and Management
65
2.2.1 Importance of Resource Production
(Agriculture, forestry, Mining, Fishing,
Recreation)
65 -
71
2.2.2 Policy Statements
71 -
73

.
i
1
l
2.3
Economic and Community Development
73
2.3.1 Residential Development - Discussion of
Issues
74
- 76
2.3.2 Industrial Development
76
- 78
2.3.3 Commercial Development
78
- 79
2.3.4 Commitment to State and Federal Programs
79
- 80 ;
2.3.5 Energy Facility Siting and Development
80
1
2.3.6 Tourism and Waterfront Access
80
- 81
2.3.7 Commitment to Providing Services to
Development
81
2.3.8 Urban Growth Policy
81
- 82
2.3.9 Policy on Channel Maintenance
82
y
3.0
Continuing Public Participation Policies
82
3.1
Public Participation During the Plan Update
82
- 83
3.2
Means for Public Education on Planning Issues
83
- 84
3.3
Means for Continuing Public Participation
84
- 85 1
4.0
Special Local Issues
85
11
4.1
The Neuse River Water Quality
85
- 91
4.2
Waterfront Development/Second Homes
91
4.3
Impact on Cherry Point
91
- 93
4.4
Military Training Flights
93
- 94
4.5
Coal Trains
94
- 95
5.0
Land Classification System
95
- 97
5.1
Relationship of Policies and Land Classification
97
-100
5.2
Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation
101

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LIST OF TABLES
i
TABLE NO.
TABLE NAME
PAGE
1
Population Changes, Craven County, 1940-1980
3
2
Population Change, By Township, Craven County
1940-1980
4
3
Percentage Change, Township Population to Total
County Population, 1950-1980
5
4
Age Trends in Craven County, 1960-1980
6
5
Age, Sex and Racial Components in Craven County
1960-1980
8
:6
Age, Sex and Racial Components in Craven County
of Total Population, 1960-1980
9
�,7
Net Migration Estimated for Craven County
1960-1980
10
8
Birth, Death, Marriage Formation Rates
11
9
Past and Projected Age Components for Craven
County, 1970-1980
14
10
Broad Age Categorization for Craven County
1970-1990
14
It
Township Population to Total County Population
1960-1996
16
12'
Civilian Labor Force, Craven County, 1970-1980
17
13,
Total Labor Force Employment, Craven County
1970-1980
18
141
Industrial Employment By Place of Work, Craven
County, 1970-1979
18
15
Craven County Business Patterns - Establishments
1968, 1974 and 1978
20
16
Unemployment Rate, Craven County, 1970-1980
20
17
Retail Sates - FY1970-71 and FY1975-76
21
18
Consolidated School Enrollments and Building
Capacities
25-26
19
Major Corporate and Public Land Holdings, By
Township
32-33
20
Population Density, By Township, 1970-1980
51
21
1990 Population Densities
51
22
Selected Agricultural Indicators
65
23
Number of Farms by Acres Harvested
66
24
Selected Characteristics of Farm Operators
66
25
Market Value of Agricultural Products
67
26
Selected Forest Statistics
69

f SECTION 1.0 SUMMARY
This land use plan for Craven County is both a revision to
the 1975 Land Use Plan and a new plan. In the first instance, the
major elements presented in 1975 were updated with more current
data. This updated data base was used to project trends in popu-
lation and land use to 1990 and to discuss the general implications
of these trends for the County. In the second case this plan
represents a second step in the Craven County planning process
where plans are translated into public policy. These policy
statements become the foundation for the actions that will come
as the County addresses the identified problems.
Craven County has witnessed a significant rate of growth since
1970. It represents a doubling of the rate of the previous decade.
This trend will continue into the 1990's. As the number of people
increases, so will the need for public services in a level and
i
kind not previously required. This plan identifies the existence
of an urban corridor almost twenty miles from River Bend to
Havelock where over 80% of the County's population will live.
Such a concentration of people will require a higher level of
intergovernmental cooperation and will place some severe pressures
on the natural and social environment of Craven County. This .
corridor, while twenty miles in length, is less than four miles
wide at its widest point and less than a mile at its narrowest.
Constrained by the Neuse and Trent Rivers, the vast amounts of
commercial forest land and the Croatan National Forest, the amount
of land available to handle the expected population is reduced. The
County will be called upon to furnish more specific urban type
services and will need to exert control on how development occurs
1€
in this area.

2
Compounding the pressures of development in a restricted area
is the deterioration of the water quality of the Neuse River. Craven
County depends greatly on the Neuse River as a source of income and
pleasure, both of which are intertwined to make water quality an
overriding issue that will impact the future. This plan sketches
the nature of the problem, some possible implications and a suggested
plan of action to attack the cause of the problem some 200 miles
away.
Recently, coal trains and peat mining have become prominent
issues in coastal North Carolina. While the impacts of these issues
are discussed, the guidelines for future action must remain hazy
until a consistent and coordinated policy can be developed between
the State and the various local governments.
This document suggests that Craven County does indeed have a
bright future with enough time to recognize its future problems
and to do something about them.
SECTION 1.1 DATA COLLECTION
The Land Use Planning Guidelines of the Coastal Resources
Commission and the 1975 Craven County Land Development Plan
provided the basis for all data collection efforts. All data
sources used to either update previous information or secure new
information have been cited. All sources are readily attainable
by anyone wishing to delve more deeply into an issue. The inter-
pretation of the data has been explained fully and clearly. While
another reader may question the analysis, the current assumptions
and understandings are evident.

3
SECTION 1.2
PRESENT CONDITIONS
SECTION 1.2.1 CURRENT POPULATION
The population of Craven County has shown an erratic increase
over the past forty years. During the 1940's and 1950's the primary
growth impetus came from the Marine Corps Air Station. In this
twenty year period, the County as a whole, grew by 88%. However,
most of this growth was localized around the Air Station. For
example, Township Six increased its population twenty three times.
Township Seven showed a more modest increase of 133%. Without the
benefits of Township Six and Seven, the County's growth rate
during this period would have been 27.4%. Since 1960, the growth
rate has "normalized" with the stabilization of the Air Station.
Table 1 and Table 2 provide graphic representation of this growth.
Year
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
TABLE 1
POPULATION CHANGE, CRAVEN COUNTY
1940-1980 (%)
Census Estimate
31,298
48,823
58,773
62,554
71,043
Increase
36.0%
17.0%
6.0%
13.6%
Source: Table 2, 1975 CAMA Land Use Plan; 1980 Census estimate.

TABLE 2
POPULATION CHANGE, BY TOWNSHIP, CRAVEN COUNTY
1940-1980 (%)
Township
1940
1950
1960
Township
1
5,486
5,494(0)
5,310(-3.3)
Township
2
1,874
2,471(3.2)
3,003(21.5)
Township
3
3,957
4,398(11.1)
4,315(-1.8)
Township
5
1,428
1,333(-6.6)
1,823(36.8)
Township
6
723
11,695(1500.0)
18,053(54.4)
Township
7
1,662
2,632(58.3)
3,887(47.7)
Township
8
14,337
18,952(32.2)
20,686(9.2)
Township
9
1,831
1,848(1.8)
1,696(-8.2)
1970
4,946(-6.8)
3,257(8.5)
3,837(-11.0)
2,047(12.3)
20,798(15.2)
4,757(22.4)
21,125(2.1)
1,787(5.3)
Total 31,298 48,823(56.0) 58,773(20.0) 62,554(6.4)
Source: Table 1, Land Use Plan; 1980 Census
Total% Change
1980
1950-1980
5.359(8.4)
-. 2.5%
4,414(35.5)
78.6%
3,803(-1.0)
- 13.5%
2,551(24.6)
+ 91.4%
21,963(5.6)
+ 87.8%
6,149(29.3)
+133.7%
24,645(16.7)
+ 30.0%
2,159(20.8)
- + 16.8%
71,043(13.6) + 45.5%

E
TOWNSHIP
TABLE 3
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
POPULATION TO TOTAL COUNTY
POPULATION
1950-1980
Township
1950
1960
1970
1980
Township
1
11.3
9.0(-2.3)
7.9(-1.1)
7.5(-.4)
Township
2
5.1
5.1(0)
5.2(+.1)
6.2(+1.0)
Township
3
9.0
7.3(-1.7)
6.1(-1.2)
5.4(-.7)
Township
5
2.7
3.1(-.4)
3.2(+.1)
3.6(+.4)
Township
6
23.9
30.7(+6.8)
33.2(+2.5)
30.9(-2.3)
Township
7
5.4
6.6(+1.2)
7.6(+1.0)
8.7(+1.1)
Township
8
38.8
35.2(-3.6)
33.7(-1.5)
34.6(+.9)
Township
9
3.9
2.9(-1.0)
2.9(0)
3.0(+.l)
Source: Table 1, 1975 Land Use Plan; 1980 Census
As interesting as the growth of the population are the dis-
tributional patterns of that growth. This data can provide vital
information on future policy decisions regarding the provisions
of service and the demand for new services. Table 3 supports the
previous discussion. During the 1970's, Craven County averaged a
1% annual growth rate. The net distributional change of population
between townships was only .1%. This suggests a rather even in-
ternal growth rate, even though there were some noteworthy town-
ship changes. Perhaps most noteworthy was the slowing down of
Township 6 (the Havelock area). The rate of population growth
was fully 1/3 of the County's rate. The reverse had been
historically true. Even more unique was the township's
decline as measured by its proportion to the total county.

6
Township-7 regi'stered'the largest percentage increase of: any: town—
ship, but this growth only resulted i`n:a. 1:% increase in the townshi:"s<
proportion to the County as a whole.. However.,. the new -water: andl
sewer program in the Township may very well be the catalyst to sigmifi-
cantly increase this proportion. For the first time,i;n several
decades, the New Bern Township (No.. 8)� registereda s.ignificana in --
crease in population and.slightly increased..its proportionof the
whole County. Township 3 has.seen the most significant and steady
decrease in both population and proportion.
Table 4 examines the age structure,and'trends in Craven County..
TABLE. 4:
AGE TRENDS IN CRAVEN COUNTY
Age Category
0-14
15-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
64+
Total
1950
14,706(30.1)
10,993(22.5)
8,717(17.9)
5,797(11.9)
3,820(7.8)
2,459(5.0)
2,331(4.8)
48,823
1960-1980
1960
21, 329 (36 . 3)
10, 56808. 0)
8,589(14.6)
7,.245(12.3)
4,883(8.3)
3,123(5.3)
3,044(5.2)
58,781
19Z0
18,634(29.8)
15,.971(25.5)
7,808(12.5)
6,677.(1.0.7)
5,594(8.9)
4,188(6.7)
3,682(5.8)
62,554
1980 *
15, 724(2'2..8)
18,J90(2.6.3)
13,252(19..2)
6,401(9i.3)
5, 428(7'. 9)
4,988(7.2)
5,096(7.4)
69,079
1980 age estimates derived from 1980 DOA projected 1980 population
adjusted to conform with preliminary 1980 Census.
Source: 1960 and 1970 U.S. Census of Population and 1980.DOA popu-
lation estimate.

7
The general population trends in Craven County show, over the
past twenty years, a general mirroring of national and state trends.
The under 14 age group has decreased by over twelve percentage
points. A similar trend would also be noted for the 15-24 age
group except for the influence of the Marine Corps Air Station.
The 25-34 age group shows the aging of the large 1960 under 14 group
and may suggest stronger forces retaining local residents. Signifi-
cant increases were recorded for the two oldest age groups. The
over 65 age group has doubled its rate of growth in the last twenty
years. While this is not an unexpected trend, the County should
begin to investigate its service demand patterns for the elderly
because they will certainly increase in intensity.
Tables 5 and 6 show the age, sex and racial components in the
Craven County population.

TABLE 5
AGE, SEX AND RACIAL COMPONENTS IN CRAVEN COUNTY
Age
1960
White
Non -
White
M
F
M
F
0-14
7324
6994
3468
3543
15-24
4740
3230
1388
1210
25-34
3545
3160
827
1057
35-44
2768
2592
879
998
45-54
1616
1696
710
861
55-64
1013
1036
510
564
65+
852
1198
434
560
Sub-
total
21858
19908
8216
8793
1970
White
Non -
17hite
M
F
M
F
6638
6268
2852
2792
7934
4611
1701
1600
3219
3037
636
819
2625
2428
685
861
2000
2103
699
778
1309
1584
577
715
982
1500
497
693
24707
21531
7648
8258
Source: 1960 and 1970 Census of Population and 1980 DOA estimate
1980
White
Non -
White
M
F
M
F
5414
5107
2636
2569
8543
4954
2387
2307
5561
4495
1413
1783
2434
2383
661
923
1933
1990
638
867
1617
1964
638
768
1200
2150
665
1082
26702
23043
9038
10299
1980 age, sex and race components were derived from the 1980 Department of Administration
population estimates, adjusted to conform to the preliminary 1980 U.S. Census of
Population.
M

TABLE 6
AGE, SEX AND RACIAL COMPONENTS IN CRAVEN COUNTY (% OF TOTAL POPULATION)
1960-1980
Age
1960
1970
1980
White
Non
- White
White
Non -
White
White
Non
- White
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
M
F
0-14
12.5
11.9
5.9
6.0
10.7
10.1
4.6
4.5
7.8
7.4
3.8
3.7
15-24
8.1
5.5
2.4
2.1
12.8
7.4
2.7
2.6
12.4
7.2
3.5
3.3
25-34
6.0
5.4
1.4
1.8
5.2
4.9
1.0
1.3
8.0
6.5
2.0
2.6
35-44
4.7
4.4
1.5
1.7
4.2
3.9
1.1
1.4
3.5
3.5
1.0
1.3
45-54
2.8
2.9
1.2
1.5
3.2
3.4
1.1
1.3
2.8
2.9
1.0
1.3
55-64
1.7
1.8
.9
1.0
2.1
2.5
.9
1.2
2.3
2.8
1.0
1.1
65+
1.5
2.0
.7
1.0
1.6
2.4
.8
1.1
1.7
3.1
1.0
1.6
Total
37.3
33.9
14.0
15.1
39.8
34.6
12.2
13.4
38.5
33.4
13.3
14.9
Source: Table 5
0

10
The racial makeup of the County is very similar to that in
1960. However, during this period, there occurred some significant
shifts prior to returning to the 1960 pattern. The non -white
portion of Craven County's population is only slightly lower than in
1960, which represents a significant increase over the 1970 pro-
portion. Within the non -white segment, similar age group trends to
the total population can be found. The proportion between male and
female again is similar to 1960.
While increase and trend analysis of the most obvious components
of population is a necessary first step, there are other indicators
that provide equally important information about the people. With
birth rates declining and death rates decreasing, more emphasis is
being placed on migration as a key population variable. It can be
used as a rough estimator of economic health as well as an indicator
of future problems. The Department of Administration had provided
the following estimated rates of net migration.
TABLE 7
NET MIGRATION ESTIMATES FOR CRAVEN COUNTY
1960-1980
Total
White
Non -White
Rate
Male Female Total
Male
Female Total
1960-1970 -12.13
-5.57 -11.66 -8.51
-21.77
-20.39 -21.06
1970-1980 0.28
-1.04 - 4.45 -2.65
6.36
10.85 8.70
Source: 1980 projected
population estimate,
Department of
Administration
Another key set of population variables are the birth, death
and family formation trends.

11
TABLE 8
BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE FORMATION RATES
CRAVEN COUNTY
Year Live Births Deaths Marriages Divorces
1950 1491(30.5) 386(7.9) NA NA
1960 1928(32.8) 494(8.4) NA NA
1970 1573(25.1) 520(8.3) NA(9.4) NA(2.7)_
1975 1458(21.5) 559(8.2) 672(9.9) 309(4.6)
1980 1449(21.5) 492(7.3) 693(10.3) 310(4.6)
(00.0) = rate per 1000 people
Source: North Carolina Statistical Abstracts; City and County
Data Book - 1977, U.S. Bureau of Census and Vital
Statistics, N.C. Public Health, 1978.
In review, these statistics and tables suggest the following:
1) The County has experienced a healthy increase in population
since 1970 of 13.6%.
2) The majority of this growth has occurred outside established
municipal boundaries. According to the 1980 Census, only
28.3% of the 1970-1980 growth happened in cities and
towns, when the annexation of the Marine Corps Air
Station by Havelock is considered.
3) Townships 5, 6 and 7 have recorded the most significant
growth rates since 1950. These rates range from 87% to 133%.
Township 2 has also increased significantly since 1950.
When Township 8 is added to these other townships, almost
84% of the County's population is represented.

12
4) An analysis of township growth suggests more interesting
factors. The two largest townships (8 and 6) were only 6th
and 7th in actual growth rates. In fact, the highest growth
rates (Townships 7, 2 and 5) were respectively only the
third, fifth and seventh largest townships. Table 2 suggests
that the future growth of the County will occur in those
townships located on the Neuse River.
5) The county's population is aging in similar pattern with the
State and nation. The under 14 age group has decreased by
over seven percentage points, in terms of its proportion of
the total population. The older age groups continue to in-
crease their share of the total population. The employable
part of the population (age groups 25-54) has actually de-
creased its share of the total population by a percentage
point.
6) The race and sex proportions of the total population have
remained fairly consistent over time. However, the non-
white shares have actually increased since 1970.
7) The total net migration rate has become positive since 1970.
however, within race and sex groups, whites still maintain
high out -migration rates while blacks have made a significant
reversal in overall net migration rates. In fact, were it
not for a high change in black migration rates, the County
would still have a net out -migration.
8) Live births continue to decrease in the County. The rate has
decreased by nine births per 1000 since 1950 and by 3.6
births per 1000 since 1970.

13
9) The death rate has dropped by one death per 1000 people
since 1970. It is likely that this will continue. The
ratio between the death rate and the birth rate has changed
from 1:4 to 1:3 since 1950.
10) The primary marriage group (15-24) has increased along with
the number and rate of marriages. However, the divorce
rate has also significantly increased.
11) These data appear to be consistent with the preliminary
1980 Census data which shows a decrease in the person/
household ratio from 1960 to 1980. In 1960, there were
3.71 persons per household. By 1970, this had decreased
to 3.3 and by 1980 to 2.78 persons per household. The
number of households however had increased by 35% since
1970 indicating a high formation rate for single person
households.
SECTION 1.2.2 FUTURE POPULATION
If the past represents a prelude to the future, Craven County
in 1990 or 2000 will be very different than it is today. Popula-
tion projections are always a risky business, because they must
build on the past and assume that forces that shaped the past will
continue in the future. Understanding this limitation, the 1985
and 1990 Department of Administration population projections are
presented.

14
TABLE 9'
PAST AND PROJECTED AGE COMPONENTS FOP. CRAVEN COUNTY
1970-1980
Age Component
1970
1980X
1985
1990
0-14
18634(29.8)
15724(22.8)
18219(24.0):
18241(23.0)
15-24
15971(25.5)
18190(26.3)
14342(18.9)
15466(19.5)
25-34
7808(12.5)
13252(19.2)
16807(22.2)
15956(20.2)
35-44
6677(10.7)
6401(9.3)
9403(12.4)
11732(14.8)
45-54
5594(8.9)
5428(7.9)
5538(7.3)
5570(7.0)
55-64
4188(6.7)
4988(7.2)
5267(6.9)
5207(6.6)
65+
3682(5.8)
5096(7.4)
6230(8.2)
7006(8.9)
Total 62554 69079 75806 79178
Source: Table 4 and 1985 and 1990 DOA populatLon estimates.
1980 age estimates derived from 1980 DOA projected 1980 population
adjusted to conform with preliminary 1980 Census.
The State projections suggest a softening of some of the trends
previously described. The birth rate may increase slightly as the 0-14
a,ge group is projected to increase by a percentage point. The prime
marriage group (15-24) increases significantly. The major age group
of employable workers (25-54) increases significantly by over six per-
centage points. The over 65 age group increases by a point and a half
over 1980. To better understand the implications of this population
analysis, a broader perspective of the age trends is offered.
TABLE 10
BROAD AGE CATEGORIZATION FOR CRAVEN COUNTY (%)
Age Group
1970
1980
1990
0-24
55.3
49.1
42.5
25-64
38.8
43.6
48.16
65+
5.8
7.4
8.9
Source: Table 9

15
If one assumes that each age group has certain broad unique
and generalized requirements then the future population change may
take on more meaning. These broad assumptions might be:
1) Age group 0-24 will require educational, child care, health
and vocational/higher education expenditures. However, the
projected 1990 population suggests a net loss in the total
migration outlook.
2) Age group 25-64 will provide the primary local tax revenue
but will require expenditures for enhancement of life, such
as water and sewer, solid waste, law and fire protection and
other similar support services.
3) Age group 65+ will require additional social and health services,
as well as services provided for the previous age group, but
with a decreasing tax payment.
Generally, these population estimates suggest a major shift in
the County. In 1970, essentially 40% of the population supported the
other 60% - in the sense of the broad assumed age group requirements
mentioned above. By 1990, this ratio will have shifted to about 50%
supporting 50%. Again this support is described in terms of those
assumed services required by the broad age group provided by the
County. The shift in age related service demands may impact heavily
on the educational, vocational/higher education and health expenditures.
The middle age bracket may be expected to demand the new "urban"
services that the County is beginning to offer - solid waste, water and
sewer and law enforcement. Ironically, this will be the group that
will expect high quality services in education and recreation. The last
age group will be interested in many of the same services but will be
reluctant to approve long-range funding measures. More social services
programs may be required for this age .group.

16
SECTION 1.2.3 POPULATION ANALYSIS
The 1990 population estimate of the Department of Administration
suggests a 14.5% rate of growth for Craven County. As was seen
earlier, there are anticipated shifts in age and location for the
future population. Sex and race components are not expected to be
altered. The more important aspect of this population change for
the County will be in location. Past trends suggest that location
preferences are shifting to three Townships. To estimate the 1990
Township population to total County population, a trend analysis
was performed with the following results:
TABLE 11
TOWNSHIP POPULATION TO TOTAL COUNTY POPULATION M
Township 1960 1970 1980 1990
1 9.0 7.9 7.5 7.6
2 5.1 5.1 6.2 6.1
3 7.3 6.1 5.4 4.0
5 3.1 3.2 3.6 3.8
6 30.7 33.2 30.9 32.2
7 6.6 7.6 8.7 9.6
8 35.2 33.7 34.6 34.4
9 2.9 2.9 3.0 3.0
While the techniques used to estimate these 1990 Township
figures are heavily dependent on steady past growth, it will be
interesting to plot the growth of Townships 5, 6 and 7 against
this estimate.

17
In summary, it appears that the County's attention - in
matters relating to land use - will be focused on the Neuse River
and the land bordering it. The Countv's interest in providing
services to this area will increase significantly, as well as
problems brought along by growth.
SECTION 1.2.4 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
The economic analysis provides an updated and expanded view
of Craven County's economy. The major elements of this type
of analysis include labor force estimates, employment patterns,
unemployment rates, industrial development, sales and income.
Labor Force
The availability of workers is a necessary component of a
healthy economy. Not only does it provide a pool of workers,
but a steadily increasing labor force indicates that new and
replacement employment is being made available to local people.
This can be a significant factor in,reducing out -migration.
TABLE 12
CIVILIAN LABOR POOL - CRAVEN COUNTY
1 n 7n__ 1 n Qn
Year Civilian Labor Pool
1970 20,230
1971 20,330
1972 21,630
1973 21,980
1974 22,370
1975 24,370
1976 25,250
1977 26,050
1978 27,310
1979 26,580
1980 (Nov) 28,420
Source: North Carolina Labor Force Estimates, Employment Security
Commission, 1980 and "Area Labor Market Newsletter -New Bern, Nov., 1980.
Since the 1975 CAMA plan, the civilian labor force of Craven
County increased by 12.6%.

18
Employment Patterns
The continually rising labor pool indicates that the number
and quality of jobs is also increasing. In fact, the total
employment pattern mirrors the labor pool.
TABLE 13
TOTAL LABOR FORCE EMPLOYMENT - CRAVEN COUNTY
_--i I- 1 -
Year Total Employment
1970
19,110
1971
19,060
1972
20,520
1973
21,170
1974
21,290
1975
22,780
1976
23,790
1977
24,440
1978
26,260
1979
25,430
1980 (Nov)
26,180
Source: N.C. Labor Force Estimates, Employment Security Commission
Total employment increased by 15% in the five years since 1975.
More importantly, however, are the areas where total employment
has increased.
.
TABLE 14
INDUSTRTAL
EMPLOYMENT
BY PL_A_CI:_ OF WORK
(%) CRAV177N COUNTY
1970-1980
Job Category
1970
1975
1980
Manufacturing
2800(16.2)
3060(15.5)
4290(18.8)
Construction
860(5.0)
880(4.5)
900(3.9)
Transportation,
Communication,
Utilities
860(5.0)
850(4.3)
1080(4.7)
Trade
3260(18.9)
4260(21.6)
4960(21.7)
Finance, Insurance,
Real Estate
530(3.1)
690(3.5)
670(2.9)
Service
1690(9.8)
1730(8.8)
2350(10.3)
Government
7160(41.5)
8060(41.0)
8470(37.0)
Other
100(.5)
150(.7)
150(.6)
Total
17260
19680
11870
Source: N.C. Labor Force Estimate, Employment Security Commission

19
The data presented in the preceding three tables, while
coming from the same source for the same time period for the
same County, can only be reviewed in very broad terms. Each
table measures a different aspect of the County's employment
pattern. The civilian labor force is defined as:
"All persons 16 years of age and over residing within
a specific geographic area (excluding members of the
armed forces) who are classified as employed, unemployed
and seeking employment, or involved in a labor dispute."
These data are collected by the person's place of residence.
In a county as large as Craven, a member of the civilian force
may be more a part of another county's labor market yet still
be included in the County total.
The industrial employment estimates are collected by place
of work. These are Craven County jobs, but they may be held
by out of County people. However, these data are still meaning-
ful because, over time, they can show shifts in employment that
may be useful indicators for economic forecasts. It is inter-
esting that the manufacturing sector made a small but important
increase. Over the decade trade and service saw modest but
important gains. These increases offset the decrease in govern-
mental employment. Trade and service sector employment is
important for another reason. The New Bern area is the center
for a large trade area and increasing trade and service
employment indicates a strengthening trade area.

20
TABLE 15
CRAVEN COUNTY BUSINESS PATTERNS - ESTABLISHMENTS
1968, 1974 and 1978
Job Category
1968
1974
1978
Contract Construction
82(9.5)
108(10.3)
130(11.4)
Manufacturing
68(7.6)
78(7.5)
81(7.1)
Transportation, Commu-
nications, Utilities
42(4.8)
42(4.0)
45(3.9)
Trade
369(42.6)
439(42.0)
476(41.6)
Finance, Insurance,
Real Estate 75(8.7) 94(9.0) 108(9.9)
Service 231(26.6) 283(27.1) 304(16.6)
Total 867 1044 1144
Source: County Business Patterns; 1968, 1974, 1978
The majority of these business establishments (53%) are under
four employees, which indicates the strong trade and service sectors.
New Bern remains the center of economic activity with almost 57% of
all business establishments in Craven County in 1977.
Unemployment Rates
For most of the decade, Craven County has a relatively low
and stable unemployment rate. However, the recent economic distress
has significantly affected the County.
TABLE 16
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE - CRAVEN COUNTY
Year
Rate
1970
5.5
1971
6.2
1972
5.1
1973
3.7.
1974
4.8
1975
6.5
1976
5.8
1977
6.2
1978
3.8
1979
4.3
1980(Nov)
7.9
1981(April)
6.0
Sottrve: 1SmltloyIII vIIt SveIIrILY Cou11111ss1oti

21
The monthly area labor market newsletter suggests that as un-
employment in the New Bern labor market continues (Carteret, Craven
and Pamlico Counties) fewer jobs in the supporting sectors of trade
and service.will be available.
Income
The real measure of economic health is the rising incomes of
the people. Per capita income in 1979 was $6893 or 130.6% above
the 1970 income level. This placed Craven County in the top third
of per capita income rankings in North Carolina. Until the 1980
Census becomes fully available, there are no official estimates of
the number of persons or families below the poverty level. However,
one estimate shows the number of Assistance for Families with
Dependent Children has decreased slightly since 1970, which might
indicate a small reduction in poverty.
Retail Sales
Double digit inflation makes any analysis of retail sales
somewhat risky. Total retail sales now exceed $300 million compared
to $133 million in 1970 and $234 million in 1975. Even with high
inflation rates, this increase still shows a net rise in retail
sales and profits. The 1977 edition of County Profiles provides a
brief view of how this rise is distributed.
TABLE 17
RETAIL SALES (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
FY 1970-71 & FY 1975-76
FY 1970-71 FY 1975-76
Apparel
3.5
5.4
Automotive
25.7
44.2
Food
29.6
58.9
Furniture
6.8
12.1
General Merchandise
31.7
48.4
Building Materials
10.2
17.4
Unclassified Group
10.5
19.1
Source: County Profiles, 1977

22
SECTION 1.2.5 AGRICULTURE
Although Craven County is a large county with over 500 square
miles of land within its boundary, it ranks only 62nd in the State
in the amount of land under harvest. This is of course due
primarily to the large amount of land in the Croatan National
Forest (13.61 or 68.5 square miles) and the Marine Corps Air
Station (18 square miles).
An analysis of the 1974 Census of Agriculture suggests that
Craven County is undergoing many of the same agricultural trends
as the rest of the nation. For example, there was a 32% decrease
in the number of farms from 1969 and a 16% decrease in the
amount of land being farmed. There are few large farms of over
1000 acres with the vast majority under 180 acres. The total
value of farm products is now over $33 million annually. Corn
and beans are the primary field crops.
SECTION 1.2.6 EXISTING COMMUNITY SERVICES
a) Water and Sewer
Urban areas within Craven County are generally well served by
both water and sewer facilities. The three major areas, Havelock,
New Bern and Vanceboro, have either completed or are in the process
of completing 201 Wastewater Facility plans.
The new Vanceboro sewer system provides service to the
entire town with a design flow of 100,000 gpd and a current
surplus of 40,000 gpd. The Havelock plan calls for a major up-
grading and expansion of the current system in both service and
treatment. Current capacity is now 1,000,000 gpd with an available

23
surplus of 100,000 gpd. The New Bern 201 planning area originally
included the city of New Bern, the towns of Bridgeton and Trent
Woods (also including the newly incorporated town of River
Bend) and the rapidly growing Township Seven. The impact of
these municipal systems on County growth is limited because the
service boundaries are primarily restricted to incorporated areas.
The private sewer systems at Weyerhaeuser, River Bend and Fairfield
Harbour are restricted to the development at each site. The
Craven T:idustrial Park also has a public water and sewer system.
The water system is composed of two 250 gpm pumps with an elevated
storage capacity of 200,000 gallons. Water is purchased from the
City of New Bern. Sewerage is disposed of by a 0.04 mgd plant
with lagoon and spray irrigation disposal facilities.
Of more immediate concern to the County is the innovative
water and sewer system being developed for Township Seven, which
will have an immediate impact on the County's growth policies
and problems. As part of the demonstration Rural Initiative
Program, the County proposed to acquire the existing Neuse River
Water and Sewer Association located in Township Seven. This
proposal was accepted in a public referendum in December, 1980
and is now being implemented.
The water project will allow for the purchase of the existing
system and its 866 customers and provide for the addition of
138,600 linear feet (26.25 miles) of new lines to serve another 971
potential customers. This will provide access to a public water supply
to virtually all of the residents of the Township. The innovative
sewer system will utilize all existing septic tanks for primary

24
collection of effluent material. Existing drain fields will be
abandoned as individual site effluent is pumped into a larger
collection and distribution gravity and pressure sewer by means of
individual effluent pumps. This innovative approach will be coupled
with a discharge system consisting of lagoons with chlorination
facilities discharging into a eighty plus acre land application
area located near the airport.
As Township Seven grew during the past decade, the poor overall
soil conditions caused a number of septic tank permits to be denied.
This new type of sewage connection and disposal system will do much
to restore the demand for building activity in the area and direct
growth into a more defined and manageable area.
b) Fire Protection
The unincorporated portions of Craven County are provided fire
protection by ten districts and eleven non-profit corporations
acting as volunteer fire departments. Since 1973, these departments
have built five new stations and added twenty-six mainline trucks.
(45% of the number of available trucks). Although there is little
direct County monetary support for these departments, the County
does provide a Fire Marshall as an overall coordinator for fire
protection services.
c) Solid Waste Control
For the last several years, the County has operated a solid
waste collection and disposal system. At one time, two landfills
were in operation. However, by the end of 1981 both landfills will
have been closed. The County is currently seeking a new landfill
site. The system currently uses a series of small collection

25
boxes located in various convenient locations throughout the
County. A larger transfer station is in Township Six.
Approximately 300 tons of material are collected and disposed of
daily.
d) Education
The Craven County and New Bern City schools will soon he
in the first year of merger. During the years since the 1975
Land Use Plan both the County and the City of New Bern
enrollments have stabilized. In the 1975-76 school year, both
systems had a combined enrollment of 13,035. During the current
year, enrollments rose by 7% to 13,993. However, the current
year enrollments are down from the 1977-1978 levels of 14,340.
The school administration anticipates enrollments to remain
steady over the next ten years.
TABLE 18
CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL ENROLLMENTS AND BUILDING CAPACITIES
School 1980-1981 Enrollments Building Capacity
Bridgeton Elementary 547 600
Brinson 755 850
Farm Life 374 being replaced in 1982
with 750 pupil school
Ft. Barnwell 423 new site purchased
Barden 715 800
Havelock Elementary 834 750
Jasper 436
Vanceboro 257
West Havelock Elementary 1,201
Bangert 563
new site purchased
being replaced
1,050
600
Danyus 359 425

26
School 1980-1981 Enrollments
Building Capacity
Trent Park
694
600
Oaks Road
655
600
McDonald
1,294
1,300
Barber
462
600
Havelock Jr. High School
840
1,000
West Craven Jr.High School
783
800
New Bern high School
1,371
1,300
Havelock High School
767
1,000
West Craven High School
667
1,000
Source: Craven -New Bern School Administration
In addition to the replacement of the Farm Life and Vanceboro schools
and the consideration of a new school in the Ft. Barnwell -Jasper area,
pre -merger plans in New Bern centered around a new elementary school.
Craven Community College provides a wide variety of vocational,'
technical, adult basic and college transfer programs from a 100 acre
campus on the western border of. New Bern. Enrollments are projected
to increase by over.50% during the next decade. Three major on -
campus buildings provide classroom and teaching space for nearly
3,000 annual students. An additional classroom building has been
requested.
SECTION 1.2.7 IMPACT OF SEASONAL POPULATION
There is no appreciable seasonal population in Craven County.
The County is sufficiently away from the main coastal areas that attract
high summer tourist populations. Although the major access to the
Atlantic Beach area is through the County via U.S. 70, the recent
four laning of this road has greatly reduced any impact from the

27
tourist traffic. No appreciable tourist traffic could be identi-
fied for the Croatan National Forest.
Township Two contains Fairfield Harbor, which is a planned
development designed to attract more than a local buyer. Within
the. project are twenty-eight new time sharing units and forty-
eight units reserved for prospective buyers on marketing trips.
These units are designed to fit into the overall project design
and will, by themselves, have no effect on the County. The seasonal
population attracted by these units will be small.
SECTION 1.3 EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
The 1975 CAMA plan presents a detailed description of the
County's land use patterns by townships. These descriptions are
updated and summarized below:
Township 1 -- The County's largest township is primarily
agricultural and forest oriented. Land development, outside of
Vanceboro, is sparse and primarily residential. The Weyerhaeuser
plant is located in the southeastern tip. Since 1975, 255 residential
units have been located in the Township, most of which were mobile
homes. .The 1975 plan did not identify any major land use compati-
bility problems and.none could be found during this planning effort.
While the areas of environmental interest are restricted to the
wetlands bordering creeks and streams, the Big Pocosin may increase
in importance in the future.
Township 2 -- This Township is, at the same time, an eaten-
sion of the agriculture -forest domination in land use patterns
of Township 1 and one.of the growing Townships. Since 1975,

28
over 514 new building lots have been approved (25% of all such
lots). Bridgeton and Fairfield Harbour are the only concentrations
of urban growth. The extensive flood plain and poor soil conditions.
have had a somewhat limiting effect on growth. Over five hundred
housing units have been added in the Township since 1970.
Township 3 -- With significant population decreases, this
Township will continue to be dominated by agricultural and forestry
patterns. Cove City, Dover and Fort Barnwell are the only concentra-
tions of population. Located in the extreme western portion of the
County, Township 3 has witnessed little change since the 1975 plan.
Township 5 -- The 1975 plan described this township as having
the lowest density, most minority residents, and most coastal orientation.
Over half of the Township is within the National Forest boundaries.
The limited growth potential has reduced land use conflicts.
Township 6 -- While physically a large township, Township 6
has perhaps the least amount of developable land to meet its expected
demand. Between the National Forest, the Marine Corps Air Station
and the City of Havelock, there is little land left. The growth
pressures caused by scarce land, poor soil conditions and high demand
have already begun to present major land use problems. More attention
will be focused on this area.
Township 7 -- Bounded by the National Forest, Trent River
and Neuse River, Township 7 is really confined to a small but compact
development area. Its proximity to New Bern and Havelock and its
prime water orientation were major reasons it was the fastest growing
township in the '70's. A recently approved water and sewer system
will only increase this growth factor. The commercial strip along
U.S. 70 will continue to provide some land use problems.

29
Township 8 -- With the City of New Bern, and the towns of
Trent Woods and River Bend, this represents the most urban
township. Fully 40% of all subdivision activity during the past
five years occurred in Township 8. Additionally, large forestry
holdings to the north west will confine growth to the U.S. 17
corridor. Like Township 6, the future may bring land use problems
caused by high demand and dwindling land availability.
Township 9 -- This township is very similar to Township 3,
without the concentration of people. Growth has been limited and
will continue to be.
SECTION 1.3.1 SIGNIFICANT LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS
The land use problems in Craven County are really confined
to specific areas. Townships 5, 6, 7, and 8 all have development
potentials and problems caused by the rivers and the federal govern-
ment. As mentioned earlier, Townships 6 and 7 are dominated by fed-
eral land. Caught between these lands and the Neuse River, the
amount of usable land is further restricted by soil conditions.
At the same time, both the Air Station and the National Forest are
in major planning efforts to determine how best to protect their
varied interests from further encroachments. These two townships may
witness a number of land use related issues in the years to come as
competing interests collide.
The Marine Corps Air Station is undertaking a major revision
to its previous Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) study.
AICUZ is designed to define areas of impact from air facility opera-
tions and their attempt, through procedural and operational changes,
to lessen those impacts by reducing the area effected. Long range

30
strategies can then be identified that will discourage encroachment
into impacted areas and thus continue to control the increase of
negative impacts. The 1975 AICUZ posed the problem in this manner:
"The land surrounding the air station will be subjected
to high noise levels and aircraft accident potential.
Aircraft noise often exceeds levels compatible with some
land uses and impacts a larger area of real estate due
to the performance characteristics of jet aircraft. To
eliminate the conflicts arising from lack of.adequate
land use planning, local governments, the air station
command and the local populace must take positive
coordinated action to insure that future land use will
be compatible with all activities."
With a new military mission as a base of operations for the Rapid
Deployment Force, the MCAS may have to function in a more strategic
manner. The new AICUZ will undoubtedly reexamine the adjacent land
use patterns in light of this new mission and its operational conse-
quence. Already the base has had to acquire off -base property where
the conflicts became too great. With coterminous jurisdictional
boundaries, Craven County, the City of Havelock and PSCAS need to
coordinate land use activities.
The National Forest is also developing a master Plan. This
plan, which is scheduled for completion in 1982, will not only
develop various management strategies but will also examine possible
RARE II sites. As a prelude to this effort, a socio-economic report
on the impact of the Forest has been prepared. This study acknowledges
the dominant influence exerted by the Forest.
"Management of patterns of large tracts of land inevitably
affect the patterns of use of adjacent tracts. Havelock,
for example, is surrounded by the Croatan National Forest
and land for development is thus limited. On the other
hand, residential properties which border National Forest
lands are seen by many as desireable because the quality
of the environment will not change through further resi-
dential or industrial development. Public ownership of
large areas removes part of the tax base of a county and
compensatory payments by government agencies are matters
of contention in many localities."

31
This positive and negative influence will present itself along
the U.S. 70 corridor, especially now that Township 7 will be
receiving a new water system and a sewer system.
For the same reason, but with different influences, Township 8
will have a narrowly constrained growth area along U.S. 17. The
coordination of planning objectives and tools will likely be as
difficult as in Township 6, but equally as imperative.
In these areas, the conflicts between urban and rural will
become more apparent. Increased traffic, conflicting use patterns,
drainage problems and the reluctance to regulate will increase these
incompatibilities.
SECTION 1.3.2 PROBLEMS AND IMPLICATIONS FROM UNPLANNED GROWTH
Craven County has already experienced problems from its growth.
Aside from the expected problems of increased traffic and an increasing
number of rejected building plans due to poor soil conditions, the
County has begun to experience nuisance type problems from incompatible
or inappropriate use of land. In some heavily populated areas, such
as in Township Seven, the lack of land use regulations has allowed
inappropriate uses, such as nightclubs, to locate in residential
areas. The mixture of residential and non-residential areas is.also
beginning to cause storm water and traffic conflicts.
The Marine Corps Air Station, with its increased activity, has
led to more complaints about low flying aircraft in areas away from
the Air Station. Additionally, lack of control around the major
approaches to the Air Station has led to concern about the ability
of the base to reduce future noise and accident impacts.

32
Water quality of the Neuse and Trent Rivers has steadily
deteriorated. While much of this has been due to upstream effects,
the problems of low flow, high siltation and high nutrient loadings
may have significant impacts on local waste treatment and develop-
ment activities.
Growth patterns indicate that a major urban corridor will develop
from River Bend to Havelock. Well over three fourths of all County
residents will reside in this area. These residents will receive
public services from five separate units of government. The County
will be expected to provide the same or similar types of urban
services to the Brice's Creek and James City -Grantham areas that
are being provided in the four municipal areas. At some point in
time, these units of government should begin to coordinate their
service patterns and long range planning tools to provide a consistent
level of service to this area.
SECTION 1.3.3 AREAS EXPERIENCING, CHANGES IN PREDOMINANT LAND USE
Although the growth in the County has been significant, it is
mainly occurring in the River Bend -Trent Woods -New Bern -Havelock
crescent. As was mentioned earlier, this area is slowly being
transformed into a continuous urban strip. Outside of this area,
change is occurring only in isolated spots. One reason for this is
the large amounts of public or corporate land holdings.
MAJOR CORPORATE AND PUBLIC LAND HOLDINGS
BY TOWNSHIP (%)
Township Corporate Holdings % of Total Public Holdings % of Total
1 41,000 acres 38.3 --- ---
2 15,000 acres 27.3 --- ---
3 2,500 acres 4.2 --- ---

33
Township Corporate Holdings % of Total Public Holdings % of Total
5 6,500 acres 17.1 3,500 acres 9%
6 4,000 acres 4.5 65,000 acres 72%
7 5.200 acres 13.5 2,560 acres 10%
8 6,500 acres 19.1 --- ---
9 9,500 acres 20.5 ---
Source: Craven County Tax Department and map measurements
With over twenty percent of the total County land area controlled
by corporate timber holdings, this may act as a check on changes in
the predominant land use pattern.
SECTION 1.3.4 AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
This portion of the Coastal Area Management Act has changed the
most since the 1975 plan. Previously, the County was required to
discuss those areas considered to be of major concern, and to propose
how it was going to protect these areas. In 1978, the State assumed
full responsibility for designating and regulating development in the
Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC). The designation of AEC's has
a tremendous impact on the County and represents the major thrust of
CAMA. Protection of the estuarine waters serves to save not only a
major incubation area for most marine animals but it also serves as a
buffer to protect the sensitive shoreline from damage. Public trust
waters provide everyone with the right to enjoy and use the water for
personal benefit and enjoyment. Fragile coastal and natural and
cultural resources include unique natural and social elements that
enhance our understanding of our past and present. Ocean hazard areas
include those areas subject to wind and wave erosion and other natural
land forming and changing elements. The existing areas of environ-
mental concern are discussed In Section 1.5.2.

34
SECTION 1.4 CURRENT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
SECTION 1.4.1 EXISTING LOCAL PLANS AND POLICIES
a) 1975 CAMA Land Use Plan -- This represented the first compre-
hensive land use plan for the County. While focusing on the
requirements of the coastal act, it provides a detailed
accounting of the position of Craven County in 1975.
b) Subdivision Regulations -- This County has utilized the Sub-
division Regulations as the major development control. They
require prior County approval for all subdivisions and mobile
home parks. Coordination between the various County agencies
is built into the approval process. These regulations have
recently been revised.
c) Flood Hazard Controls -- The County is participating in the
Federal Insurance Administration's Flood Insurance Program
which regulates the construction of structures within a
designated flood hazard area.
d) Capital Budget -- This budget projects needed capital expendi-
tures over a five year period and ties the need for capital
expenditures in with local projections for population and
housing growth.
e) Recreation Plan -- The County prepared a Recreation Plan
several years ago detailing an extensive recreation program.
The need has been expressed to update this document to reflect
the changing population patterns.
f) A new and more detailed County wide soil survey will be
available in late 1981 from the Soil Conservation Service. A
Long Range Program is also available from the Craven Soil
and Water Conservation District.

35
g) A comprehensive architectual resources survey will soon
be completed that will aid in identifying those properties
which are architectually significant.
SECTION 1.4.2 MEANS FOR ENFORCEMENT
The County has employed a resident planner since 1975. This
position provides direct staff support to the County Planning Board
and advice to the County Board of Commissioners and County Manager
on matters of concern relating to land use. The County Planner
enforces the Subdivision Regulations and the Mobile Home Park
Regulations.
The County also employs a Building Inspector to enforce the
provisions of the North Carolina Building Code, Electrical Code,
the County Flood Ordinance, and CAMA regulations. Enforcement of
septic tank regulations is provided by the Craven County Health
Department.
SECTION 1.4.3 RELEVANT FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS
The following is a listing of all the relevant Federal and
State regulations affecting coastal land and water resources.

36
STATE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Licenses and Permits
Department of Natural Resources and Community Permits to discharge to surface waters
Development or operate wastewater treatment
plants or oil discharge permits;
NPDES Permits, (G. S. 143-215)
Division of Environmental Management
Permits for septic tanks with a
capacity over 3,000 uallons/day
(G. S. 143-215.3)._
Permits for withdrawal of surface
or ground waters in capacity use,
areas (G. S. 143-215.15).
Permits for air pollution abatement
facilities and sources
(G. S. 143-215.108).
- Permits for construction of coin
plex sources; e. g. parking lots,
subdivisions, stadiums, etc.
(G. S. 143-215.109).
- Permits for construction of a well
over 100,000 gallons/day (G. S. 87
88) .
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development - Permits to dredge and/or fill in
Office of Coastal Management estuarine waters, tidelands etc.
(G. S. 113-229).
- Permits to undertake development
in Areas of Environmental Concern
(G. S. 113A-118).
NOTE: Minor development permits
are issued by the local
government.

APPENDIX CONTINUED -
Department of' Nnt:ural. Pe!;ources and
Community Development
Division of Land Resources
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Secretary of NPCD
Department of Administration
Department of Human Resources
37
- Permits to alter or construct a
dam (G. S. 143-215.66).
- Permits to mine (G. S. 74-51).
- Permits to drill an exploratory
oil or gas well (G. S. 113-381).
- Permits to conduct geophysical
exploration (G. S. 113-391).
Sedimentation erosion control
plans for any land disturbing
activity of over one contiguous
acre (G. S. 1131,-54) .
- Permits to construct an oil refinery
- Easements to fill where lands aiv
proposed to be raised above the
normal high water mark of
navigable waters by filling
(G. S. 146.6 (c).
- Approval to operate a solid waste
disposal site or facility
(G. S. 130-166.16).
- Approval for construction of an -
public water supply facility tLit.
furnishes water to ten or more
residences (G. S. 130-160.1).

FEDERAL DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Agency Licenses and Permits
Army Corps of Engineers
(Department of Defense)
Coast Guard
(Department of Transportation)
Geological Survey
Bureau of Land Management
(Department of Interior)
38
- Permits required under Section 9
and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors
of 1899; permits to construct in
navigable waters.
- Permits required under Section 103
of the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.
- Permits required under Scction 404
of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act of 1972; permits to
undertake dredging and/or filling
activities. ,
Permits for bridges, causeways,
pipelines over navigable waters;
required under the General Bridge
Act of 1946 and the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899.
- Deep water port permits.
— Permits required for off -shore
drilling.
- Approvals of OCS pipeline corridor
rights -of -way.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Licenses for siting, construction
and operation of nuclear power
plants; required under the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954 and Title II of
the Energy Reorganization Act of
1974.

39
Pederal Energy Reyulatory Conmu:;s.ion - I'c rmit.t; for con Lruc:t.i.<m, op,.r,it it)tc
and maintenance of interstate pipe-
lines facilities required under the
Natural Gas Act of 1938.
Orders of interconnection of
electric transmission facilities
under Section 202 (b) of the
Federal Power Act.
- Permission required for abandon-
ment of natural gas pipeline and
associated facilities under
Section 7C (b) of the Natural
Gas Act of 1938.

40
SECTION 1.5 CONSTRAINTS: LAND SUITABILITY
SECTION 1.5.1 PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS TO DEVELOPMENT
a) Man-made Hazards and Natural Hazards
1. Man-made Hazards. Man-made hazards are considered to be
such things as airports, tank farms and nuclear hazards.
The Simmons -Knott Airport and the Marine Corps Air Station
must be considered man-made hazards. However, both airports
were originally constructed in areas with sparse develop-
ment. As suggested in the 1975 AICUZ study, the hazards
created by the Air Station come from the close proximity of
residential and other civilian structures to the critical
approach zones. The reduction of commercial flights into
Simmons -Knott may have reduced an amount of hazard but the
potential still exists for an air accident affecting struc-
tures located near the airport.
While there are several tank farms or bulk petroleum
storage areas, none are located within the jurisdiction of
the County. There are no nuclear power plants located in
Craven County.
For a number of years, military ordinance and highly
inflammable jet fuel have been hauled through Craven County
by rail. Luckily, no accident has occurred. However, with
recent concern over increasing railroad line usage from
coal trains going to Morehead City, the safety of the rail
track has become more important. Craven County has, over
the years, repeatedly tried to get improvements made to
the railroad bed, track and bridges. The recent derailment
of a train car of tobacco into the Trent River again raises
the issue of rail safety, both from a human and an

41
environmental standpoint. As the volume of rail traffic
increases, additional improvements all along the track
right-of-way, and especially on the Neuse and Trent Rivers
trestles, will be required to improve this man-made hazard.
The location of the Simmons -Knott Airport has been
convenient to the County. It is located near the center
of the County, and, when commercial service was available
through Piedmont, provided a needed transportation service.
The airport is still capable of providing air transport
service to energy facilities as a staging area for equip-
ment and personnel. However, the volume of traffic at
Simmons -Knott should remain at a low level because of the
burgeoning growth in Township 7.
2. Natural Hazards. The Coastal Resources Commission identi-
fies two main types of natural hazard areas -- 1) ocean
erodible areas and 2) natural erodible areas. There are no
ocean erodible areas in Craven County.
Bisection by two major river systems has created large
areas subject to periodic flooding. The areas most signifi-
cantly affected by flooding are those upstream areas of the
Trent and Neuse Rivers around the City of New Bern, City of
River Bend and in the Bridgeton -Fairfield Harbour area.
Participation in the Flood Insurance Program has provided the
County with maps of the 100 year flood plain and the tools
•to enforce sensible building regulations in these high hazard
areas.
b`;l Soil Limitation Areas
In the time since the 1975 Land Use Plan, the County wide
detailed soil survey has been in preparation. The general
soil information in the 1975 Land Use Plan has been updated

42
and improved as a result of the detailed mapping. The
major soil associations and their characteristics are:
1. Lenoir -Craven -Leaf
a) nearly level to gently sloping, moderately well
drained to poorly drained soils with clayey, slowly
permeable subsoils
b) approximately 15.5% of the County is in this association
c) suitable for crops when drained
d) very erodible without appropriate conservation measures
e).fair to poor suitability for most sanitary facilities
and building development
f) major limitations are seasonal high water table, slow
permeability, shrink -swell potential, high erodibility
and plastic, clayey subsoil
g) these soils perc too slow for conventional absorption
fields
H) surface drainage is very important
i) for dwellings with community sewage systems, Craven
soils have fair suitability; Leaf and Lenoir soils are
poorly suited unless they are drained.
2. Leaf-Bayboro
a) nearly level, poorly and very poorly drained soils with
clayey, slowly permeable subsoils
b) comprises 14.3% of the County
c) very little has been cleared
d) suitable for crops when drained
e) surface drainage is very important
f) highly erodible when cut
g) well suited for growing trees

43
h) poorly suited for sanitary facilities, building sites
and recreational developments
i) major limitations are: seasonal high water table,
flooding, slow permeability, shrink -swell potential
and plastic, clayey subsoils.
3. Altavista-Augusta-Tomotley
a) nearly level, moderately well drained to poorly drained
soils with loamy, moderately permeable subsoils
b) comprises 4.8% of the County
c) Altavista and Augusta are good tobacco soils when
drained; Tomotley is good for crops, except tobacco
d) responds well to drainage
e) well suited for growing trees
f) fair to poor suitability for most sanitary facilities,
building sites and recreational uses unless they are
drained.
4. Rains-Pantego-Torhunta
a) nearly level, poorly to very poorly drained soils with
loamy, moderately permeable subsoils
b) comprises 13.4% of the County
c) well suited for crops, except tobacco, when drained
d) well suited for growing trees
e) poorly suited for sanitary facilities, building sites
and recreational facilities unless they are drained.
5. Lynchburg -Goldsboro -Rains
a) nearly level, moderately well to poorly drained soils
with loamy, moderately permeable subsoil
b) comprises 21.5% of the County
c) Lynchburg and Goldsboro are good tobacco soils when
drained; all are well suited for crops

44
d) well suited for growing trees
e) fair to poor suitability for most sanitary facilities,
building sites and recreational uses unless drained.
6. Deloss-Tomotley
a) nearly level, poorly to very poorly drained soils with
loamy, moderately permeable subsoils
b) comprises 3.1% of the County
c) good crop soils except tobacco when drained
d) well suited for growing trees
e) poorly suited for sanitary facilities, building sites
and recreational development unless they are drained.
7. Dare-Murvill-Leon
a) nearly level, very poorly to poorly drained organic
soils, and sandy hard pan soils; slow to moderately
rapid permeability
b) comprises 4.2% of the County
c) poorly suited for growing most crops because of wetness
and low productivity; the exception is blueberries
d) poorly suited for growing trees
e) poorly suited for sanitary facilities, building sites
and recreational development because of the high water
table, flooding and poor engineering properties of the
organic soil.
8. Seabrook -Tarboro -Arapahoe
a) nearly level to gently sloping somewhat excessively
drained to very poorly drained sandy and loamy soils,
rapid to moderately rapid permeability
b) comprises 9.6% of the County
c) high variability for crop potential due to wide ranges
in natural drainage and moisture and nutrient holding
capacity

45
d) fair to good suitability for growing trees
e) highly variable suitability for sanitary facilities,
building sites and recreational developments.
9. Croatan-Dare
a) nearly level, very poorly drained organic soil
b) comprises 5.3% of the County
c) suitable for crop production when drained
d) fair to poor suitability for growing trees
e) found in pocosins
f) poorly suited for sanitary facilities, building sites
and recreational developments because of the high water
table, flooding and poor engineering properties of the
organic soil.
10. Masontown-Muchalee-Dorovan
a) nearly level, poorly and very poorly drained soils in
flood plains
b) comprises 8.3% of the County
c) water table is at or near the surface, frequently
flooded for long periods
d) poorly suited for crop production
e) well suited for growing trees that are adapted to
wetness and flooding
f) poorly suited for sanitary facilities, building sites
and recreational developments because of frequent
flooding and the high water table.
c) Water Supply Sources
Craven County has an adequate water supply. Close proximity
of the water table to the surface, while a problem in some
building areas, provides ready access to a stable water

46
supply. The 1975 Land Use Plan provides a detailed de-
scription of, the geology and ground water for the County.
The major water supply problem has been one of shallow
well contamination from septic tank effluent. The County
Health Department has done a good job of protecting the
purity of the water supply by tough enforcement of the septic
tank regulations. While this has stifled some growth, es-
pecially in Township Seven, it has protected the public health.
Municipal water needs are well served by the local public
water systems. The recently approved purchase of the Neuse
River Water and Sewer Association by the County will provide
Township Seven with a safe water supply not subject to contami-
nation from septic tanks. While there are no current plans to
develop a County wide water system, the continued growth of
the County may well indicate the need for a more coordinated
approach to providing public water needs.
d) Excessive Slope Areas
This is a very minor acreage of excessive slope areas
(over 12%) in Craven County. Most are in narrow areas along
major streams such as the Neuse River, Trent River and the
larger creeks.
SECTION 1.5.2 AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Within the framework of the Coastal Area Management Act, areas
with special or unique characteristics have been identified as areas
of environmental concern. This designation is designed to protect
these critical resource areas from inappropriate development that
would destroy their value to man. Four broad categories of state
defined and regulated areas of environmental concern have been created:

47
the estaurine system(including coastal wetlands, estuarine waters,
public trust areas and estuarine shorelines),ocean hazard areas
(including ocean erodible areas, high hazard flood area and inlet
hazard area), public water supplies and natural and cultural
resources.
In addition, there are other areas that may obtain the status of
an area of environmental concern upon a special nomination process.
These areas might include a complex natural area, a unique geologic
formation, an area containing a remnant species, a significant arche-
ological resource or a significant historical resource. The Coastal
Resources Commission must review each nomination petition and review
the available data for each request. These areas can appropriately
be called fragile areas because of their unique value to the locality.
Both types of areas are discussed fully in the Resource Protection
section (2. 1) .
SECTION 1.6 CONSTRAINTS: CAPACITY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
SECTION 1.6.1 WATER AND SEWER
As discussed earlier, the County's municipalities are generally
well served with water and sewer. Each of the major systems (Vance-
boro,-Havelock, and New Bern) have completed 201 Wastewater Facility
Plans. The improvements that have come out and will come out of these.
plans will provide additional capacity. The new Township Seven water
and sewer system will provide much needed relief for the fast growing
part of the County. The New Bern 201 planning area, which includes
Trent Woods and River Bend will continue to serve the major growth
area in the County. The private sewer systems will continue to serve
small areas, but the estimated growth in these areas will almost
certainly require some type of major treatment.

48
The existing capacities seem adequate to meet current and fore—
seeable growth. Careful attention should be placed on Township Seven
to prevent too much development overloading the new system (See Section
1.6.2).
SECTION 1.6.2 CURRENT CAPACITY
There appears to be adequate capacity in both the water and
sewer systems in the County. The new system in Township Seven,
which the County will operate, is being designed with some excess
capacity. There will be approximately "300 potential" customers
available for the sewer system or about 27% of capacity will be in
excess of actual use. The water system will have the.ability to
expand from 866 current customers to approximately 1650 customers.
School capacity varies from site to site, as seen in Table 18.
With a recently merged system and a new superintendent, it is not
clear what capital improvements will be sought. However, the 1980
Craven County Capital Budget, prepared during the last year of the
separate systems, enumerated several needed projects affecting school
capacity. The New Bern system identified the following needs:
1) a new elementary school in the southwestern end of the
district containing a minimum of eighteen classrooms and a
cafeteria, and
2) a vocational education building and a fine arts building at
the Senior High School.
The County system identified the following needs:
1) two new elementary schools to replace existing schools in the
Jasper and Fort Barnwell areas,
2) a twelve room addition and general renovation at the Havelock
Elementary School, and
3) general renovation at Brinson School.

49
With the exception of the Ft. Barnwell -Jasper schools, the new
construction needs of the schools are 1.n the growth areas names earlier.
A review of the latest average daily traffic counts show that
while the major roads are well used they are within current design
standards.
The major highways are U.S.17 from the Beaufort County line to
the Jones County line and U.S.70 from the Jones County line to Carteret
County. U.S.70 is a major four lane road and connects the east to the
Piedmont and the west. U.S.17 is traditionally a north -south route.
The latest available average daily traffic counts are:
Highway
ADC
U.S.70
at
,Jones County line
3.600
U.S.70
near New Bern
4,000
U.S.70
at
Carteret County line
12,000
U.S.17
at
Beaufort County line
3,200
U.S.17
at
Neuse River Bridge
17,190
U.S.17
at
Jones County line
8,200
These counts show that the major highway utilization occurs in the pre-
viously identified urban corridor where the majority o£.growth will occur.
Currently the Planning Board feels that Highway 17 from the Beaufort
County line to New Bern being two lanes is not adequate to serve the
amount of traffic passing over it. Although traffic capacity is adequate
now, there will be more utilization problems eapecially at the inter-
sections of smaller state roads with these heavily traveled highways.
SECTION 1.7 ESTIMATED DEMAND
SECTION 1.7.1 POPULATION AND ECONOMY
The estimated future projections for Craven County are found in
Table 9. These projections, obtained from the Department of Adminis-
tration, suggest a 14% increase in population during the decade of the
1980's. While this is animpressive increase, the change in population
will result in different age and location patterns not in

50
different sex and racial groups. Table 10 shows the age group 25-64
years will increase significantly, even with a projected increase in
the birth rate. Some indications for what this age group change may
mean are discussed on pages following Table 10. The changes in
locational pattern will be equally significant. Those Townships
bordering the rivers will witness the most growth. Table 11 suggests
that Townships 6 and 7 will have the most growth. The implications
for an urbanized corridor bordering the water from River Bend to
Havelock is becoming more of a reality.
The economic base of the County seems to be resting on a very
stable foundation. Healthy increases in both the civilian labor
pool (Table 12), total labor force employment (Table 13) and employ-
ment patterns (Table 14) point to available labor markets for addi-
tional economic growth. The two major employment areas - wood and pulp
and national defense - offer stability in the upcoming decade.
Increasing population and a strong economic base suggest that
Craven County will have a decade of progress. That progress will
however require local governments in the County to better understand
the costs of growth and the necessity to plan for these costs, es-
pecially in times of reduced federal and state support and aid.
SECTION 1.7.2 FUTURE LAND NEED
The total land area of Craven County is 773 square miles of
which 62 square miles are water. The following table compares the
1970 and 1980 densities by townships.

51
TABLE
20
POPULATION
DENSITY BY
TOWNSHIP 1970-1980
Size
1970
Density(pe-
1980
Population
Density
Township(Sq•
Miles
lati) Popuon ogle/sq.mi.)
lati 27
5359
32
1
167
4946
38
4414
51
2
86
3257
42
3803
41
3
92
3837
2047
34
2551
43
5
6
60
144
20798
144
21963
153
166
7
37
4757
128
397
6149
24645
465
8
53
21125
25
2159
30
9
72
1787
104
123
Average
Density
This table further defines the population in the County. The
average density increased less than the population increase. Town-
ships 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 had density increases above that for the
County, as a whole. Table 21 forecasts the 1990 estimated densities
by township.
TABLE 21
1990 POPULATION DENSITIES
1990
1990
1980
Township
Population
Densit y
Density
1
6017
36
32
5141
2
4830
56
3
3167
34
43
5
3008
50
153
6
25495
177
153
66
7
7601
205
465
8
27237
514
30
9
2375
33
This significant change in population density is particularly
noticeable in those Townships identified for growth (2, 5, 6, 7, 8).
Considered together these townships will increase in population
density by over 41.0% from 1970 to 1990, while the County, as a
whole will only increase its population density by 20%. The Township
which is projected to increase its population densities the most is
Township 7 with a 60% increase.

52
Upon reflection these two tables indicate that the County, and
the local governments within it, will have to face major demands for
all types of urban related services. The rural densities enjoyed by
the County just outside its municipalities will change into a con-
centrated corridor of urban development stretching from River Bend
to Havelock, a distance of over 20 miles. Within this area will
five over 63,000 people or 80% of the County's population.
It is anticipated that increased density will occur in several
ways. More land will be developed, either through redevelopment or
new development. The trend in the past has been toward surburban
single family subdivisions with lots in the range of 1/3 to 1 acre
in size. While this trend will continue, the price of land, con-
struction, financing and transportation will all work toward smaller
developments of this type. Higher densities per development, either
through smaller lot sizes and/or multi -family arrangement, will
become more common. Townships 6 and 7 will be particularly vulnerable
to this development form because of the concentration of public and
private forest lands. With family size decreasing, the number of
units required to house the new residents must increase.
SECTION 1.7.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMAND
Urban service demands in Craven County will increase. The new
water and sewer system in Township 7 will act as a magnet for new
development, especially in the area around Brice's Creek. The
innovative nature of the sewer system may not lend itself to rapid
expansions. 201 planning for New Bern, Havelock, James City -Grantham
and Vanceboro will provide some framework in which to review the need
for improvements and expansion, but increased densities and uncer-
tainty in obtaining construction funds will require continuous
monitoring for adequate wastewater planning.

53
Solid waste collection and disposal problems will continue to
be present. By the end of the planning period, the County may have
to operate several landfill sites to maximize efficiencies in light
of higher transportation charges. Higher densities will place high
demands on the system as it now exists.
The lack of a major county park will become critical, especially
in the urban corridor previously described. Even with the popu-
larity of major subdivisions incorporating some recreational facilities
in their design, the need for a major, water -oriented park will
become necessary. The popularity of Flanners Beach already suggests
the need for such a facility. The County's efforts of providing
recreational facilities at school sites will not offset the need for
larger facilities to accommodate large crowds. The conflicts between
school -park combinations and the neighborbood in which they are
located will become increasingly more severe.
Usually increased density increases the traffic loads on exist-
ing streets, which are often undersized to handle these new loads.
While this may still be true in the upcoming decade, the uncer-
tainty in transportation funds and changing travel patterns may
pose new problems in coming to grips with the problem.
SECTION 2.0 POLICY STATEMENTS
Policy has been defined as "intelligently directed action toward
conscious goals - as distinct from aimless drift and blind faith".
As directed action, it is at the head of a process which leads from
policy to plans to programs to projects, each contributing to support
the overall policy. The identification of policy issues begins the
process of directed action which ultimately leads to the question of

54
how a local government addresses a specific problem- Within the
context of the Coastal Area Management Act, the.discussion of
policy centers around four elements:
1) the definition of issues,
2) the discussion of possible policy alternatives,.
3) the choice of policies, and
4) the description of proposed implementation methods.
Specifically, CAMA requires a discussion of resource protection,
resource production and management, economic and community develop
ment and continuing public participation issues. Within each of these
broad areas, the overall policies must address several specific
issues which further define the areas of concern to the jurisdiction
and frames the possible courses of action. While the data elements
of the first section show the nature of change in Craven County
during the previous decade, the development of this policy section`
represents the changing perspectives of the County as it begins to
direct its planning efforts at more specific areas of concern
SECTION 2.1 RESOURCE PROTECTION
The areas of environmental concern were previously discussed in
Section 1.3.4 and Section 1.5.2. Within the section, each area of
environmental concern, whether it is an officially designated AEC
or an issue of local concern, will be discussed in terms of how it
should fit into the county's land use plan.
SECTION 2.1.1 ESTUARINE SYSTEMS
Estuarine systems are the most productive natural environments
in North Carolina. This importance is due primarily to its loca-
tion and function. Located where water meets land, they have

55
properties of both. Acting as incubators for marine life, they
serve to generate and regenerate an important economic aspect of
coastal North Carolina and Craven County - commercial and sport
fishing. Acting as an unstable bridge from land to water, they
often present barriers to development. The estuarine system is
composed of the following components: coastal wetlands, estuarine
water, public trust waters, and estuarine shorelines.
The coastal wetlands are more commonly known as salt marshes
subject to regular flooding. They are very valuable breeding areas
for marine life and for retaining sediment in areas outside of
channels. Estuarine waters exist seaward of the line between coastal
fishing waters and inland fishing water. Public trust waters, while
well defined, means those areas where public rights for navigation
and recreation have been well established. Estuarine shorelines
are especially sensitive to wind or water erosion and whose location
near coastal wetlands requires protection. !The area is usually that
area behind mean high water level.
Within Craven County, the primary concern is with estuarine
waters and public trust waters. Within these two estuarine system
AEC's, the State, through the Office of Coastal Management, regulates
major developments, while Craven County issues permits for minor
developments.
SECTION 2.1.1.1 DEFINITION OF ISSUES - ESTUARINE SYSTEMS
There are, in fact, many issues connected with the Craven
County estuarine system. Perhaps the most far reaching issue is
the water quality of the Neuse River, which will be discussed in
later detail. The need to protect the estuarine waters and public
trust areas from development is an important environmental and

56
economic need. However, estuarine waters and public trust waters
are a major attraction for development. As witnessed over the last
five years, the two needs are not totally incompatible. The local
CAMA permit process has allowed development to occur in these areas
under a more thoughful approach and has worked well to protect these
sensitive areas and to allow most development activity. Over 50
permits have been issued during the last three years. The County
has not felt that local permits have placed unnecessary restraints
on the development process. Nor has it allowed haphazard or unwise
development to occur in sensitive areas.
SECTION 2.1.1.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
ESTUARINE SYSTEMS
The County sees three possible alternatives to address the
estuarine system in Craven County. The first alternative is to
continue issuing local permits for minor development in estuarine
waters and public trust waters in accordance with state guidelines.
The second alternative is to prohibit all development from designat-
ed estuarine areas. The third alternative is to not require local
permits to these areas and let developers work directly with state
permit officers. Neither of the last two alternatives represents a
responsible approach to facing the needs of the County and were not
considered further.
The costs of prohibiting all development in estuarine systems
would, in the County's opinion, be a negative cost. As previously
seen, the townships witnessing the most growth are those along the
rivers. By restricting demand in this area, the County would, in
effect, be creating an imbalance in the housing market. This im-
balance could reduce needed unit production and increase unit cost.
While the County recognizes the importance of the estuaries, it feels

57
that adverse water quality, not limited development, is the more
serious issue impacting the estuaries. For these reasons, a ban on
controlled development in estuaries was not considered.
On the same token, however, encouragement of development in
estuaries was not considered.as a viable alternative. Local develop-
ment permits can serve as a monitor to gauge the impact of develop-
ment in sensitive areas and not as a hinderance to development.
SECTION 2.1.1.3 POLICY - ESTUARINE SYSTEMS
The Craven County Planning Board suggests the following policy
for controlling development in estuarine systems.
TO CONTINUE THE LOCAL PERMITTING PROCESS OF ALLOWING
MINOR DEVELOPMENT FORMS IN ALL ESTUARINE AND PUBLIC TRUST
WATERS. THESE DEVELOPMENT FORMS SHALL CONSIST OF ACTIVI-
TIES REQUIRING WATER ACCESS AND USE WHICH CANNOT FUNCTION
ELSEWHERE SUCH AS SIMPLE ACCESS CHANNELS; STRUCTURES TO
PREVENT EROSION; NAVIGATION CHANNELS; BOAT DOCKS; MARINAS,
PIERS, WHARFS AND MOVING PILINGS.
SECTION 2.1.1.4 IMPLEMENTATION - ESTUARINE SYSTEMS
The County would.continue issuing local permits through its
Building Inspection Department.
SECTION 2.1.2 COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
A study is underway to determine the suitability of these areas
for a RARE II designation. While these are important areas within
the natural system, they are perhaps better protected from encroach-
ments than other areas. These areas more specifically are Croatan
Pocosins, Lake Ellis Simon (owned by the Camp Bryan Hunt Club),
Great Lake and Little Lake (owned by Camp Bryan).
SECTION 2.1.2.1 DEFINITION OF ISSUES - COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
A complex natural area is one supporting plant and animal
communities with habitat conditions or characteristics that have

58
remained unchanged by human activity. Apart from those areas in
the National Forest, there are no other areas in the County that
meet this definition. The value of these complex areas is important,
but they are not an issue in land use planning because of existing
federal control.
SECTION 2.1.2.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
The County does not see any possible policy alternatives for
this area because of the federal proprietary interest. The County
supports the Forest Service's planning activities and interest in
further protecting these areas, but views these activities as being
apart from its land use planning program.
SECTION 2.1.2.3 POLICY - COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
The County does not have a policy on complex natural areas, but
supportsthe Forest Service in itsefforts.
SECTION 2.1.2.4 IMPLEMENTATION - COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS
Craven County will leave implementation of the Forest Service's
RARE II planning activities to the Forest Service.
SECTION 2.1.3 AREAS CONTAINING UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The 1976 Land Use Plan identified some areas containing unique
geological formations. While these areas are not designated Areas of
Environmental Concern, they do have a uniqueness that warrants attention.
SECTION 2.1.3.1 DEFINITION OF ISSUES - UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The following areas were identified in 1976 as having unique
geological formations: 1) a marine molluscan site near Spring Garden,
2) a site of Pleistocene cypress stumps south of New Bern and 3)
a Neuse River exposure of Trent limestone near Spring Garden

59
Additionally, the State has identified a site near Flanners Beach
as having some geological significance. This area is controlled
by the National Forest Service.
SECTION 2.1.3.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The County has taken no outward steps to preserve these areas.
Nor has any other governmental entity. The following policy alter-
natives were considered:
1) To do nothing. The areas have remained reasonably secure
without overt attention.
2) To determine the exact location of each site and to make
an assessment of the likelihood of danger from development
for each site.
3) To secure the sites in the name of the County.
After careful consideration, the first alternative was rejected.
More information is needed on these sites and the characteristics
that make them unique before any policy is adopted. The third
alternative was rejected for this same reason.
SECTION 2.1.3.3 POLICY - UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The following policy is adopted for areas containing unique
geological formations.
The CRAVEN COUNTY PLANNING BOARD WILL SECURE INFORMATION
PERTAINING TO THE LOCATION, NATURE AND VALUE OF EACH AREA
WITH UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS AND WILL USE THIS IN-
FORMATION IN APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN ADJACENT AREAS.
SECTION 2.1.3.4 IMPLEMENTATION - UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The Planning Board will use the available services of the
Planning Department to implement this policy.

60
SECTION 2.1.4 AREAS SUSTAINING REMNANT SPECIES
From available information, the County feels that the.National
Forest is the only area with identified areas sustaining remnant
species.
SECTION 2.1.4.1 DISCUSSION OF ISSUES - REMNANT SPECIES AREAS
As with complex natural areas, the County feels it should accede
to higher and better equipped authority. The endangered species
found in the National Forest are important in many respects and the
p'rotection of the habitat sustaining these species is being adequately
handled by the Forest Service.
SECTION 2.1.4.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
REMNANT SPECIES AREAS
The County feels that there are no -alternatives due to existing
federal authority.
SECTION 2.1.4.3 POLICY - REMANT SPECIES AREAS
The County feels that no policy is necessary due to existing
federal authority.
SECTION 2.1.4.4 IMPLEMENTATION - REMNANT SPECIES AREA
No implementation actions were considered.
SECTION 2.1.5 OTHER SIGNIFICANT AREAS
Aside from the areas of environmental concern there are other areas
that have some resource significance. These areas include flood
plains, pocosins and shoreline erosion areas. Each provides different
needs and requirements and each offers a wide range of possible
courses of action.

LEGEND
Developed
Farmland
Forest Land
Water
EXISTING LAND USE
CRAJEN COUNTY, N.C.
—1981—
_tin ,
o�
i
SOURCE: Land Use and Land Cover, Norfolk,Va.
N.C., United States Geological Survey, Open
File 77-789-1, Land Use Series.
NOTE: The source map from which this land
use map was taken was based on updated 1972
data. Source maps are being further updated
by faculty members of East Carolina Univer-
sity in Greenville, N.C.

61
SECTION 2.1.5.1 DEFINITION OF ISSUES - OTHER SIGNIFICANT AREAS
Flood plain development has been regulated by the County for
several years under the emergency part of the Flood Insurance Program.
The County evaluates each subdivision request as to the possibility
of lots lying within the 100 year flood plain. Should lots be found
in this area, the approved plat makes such a statement for the in-
formation of all interested parties.
Pocosins, or "swamps on a hill" represent a new area of interest
for many resource people. They are evergreen bogs with very organic
soil. Currently, they offer possibilities for very intense forestry
practice and for possible sources of peat mining. In order to be
used effectively for either purpose, they must be extensively
drained which may cause problems in estuarine water. Environmentally,
the pocosins control the rate of movement of fresh water into
estuaries, filter nutrients, provide habitat, and serve as ground
water recharge areas.
Shoreline erosion is gradually becoming a problem in Craven
County. The major factors affecting the rate of shoreline erosion are:
fetch (the distance across open water to land), exposure, wind, tides,
soil type, bank height and land use. The 1975 Soil Conservation
Service Shoreline Erosion Inventory suggests that since the late
1940's the County has lost over one square mile of shoreline to
erosion.
SECTION 2.1.5.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
OTHER SIGNIFICANT AREAS
The County has no real alternative in terms of regulating flood
plain development because of statutory requirements. No other
alternatives were considered.

62
The use of peat as an alternative fuel source has gained much
attention since the 1975 Land Use Plan. While most of the attention
has been.focused on the peat mining efforts in Hyde and Dare Counties,
Craven County has two large identified areas of peat deposits. In
1979, the North Carolina Energy Institute published a report entitled
"Peat Resources in North Carolina" by Otte and Ingram. The Big
Pocosin, in Township 1, was surveyed and reported to have an insignif-
icant amount of peat. What deposits that had been present were
perhaps reduced when an extensive canal system was constructed by
the forestry concerns that own the property. However, interest is
still being shown in the area as a possible source of mineable peat.
The deposit in the National Forest has been described as the last
untouched peat bog in eastern North Carolina. Because of its
condition, it contains a commercially high grade peat with a depth
ranging from four to six feet. Ingram also identified, in an
earlier report a commercially high grade of phosphatic limestone
stretching from the Neuse River shoreline into Great Lake.
In reviewing the possible alternatives, the County felt that
there was only one real alternative. The only siginificant peat
deposit and limestone deposit is in the control of the National
Forest Service, who is undergoing a similar planning program to
evaluate its resources and make plans for the future. The State
is also conducting a National Areas Inventory of this area. Until
such time as these inventory and evaluation plans are complete,
Craven County is not in a position to develop a policy on peat mining
or pocosin development on lands which are beyond their influence.
This doesnot imply that the County has no concern, but only that more
concrete data is necessary to express its concern.

%
8 E A U F 0 R T c o u N T Y
— - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - -- — - — — - — - — - — - — --
FORT BARNWELL
I G P 0 C 0 S I N
A d c.-
0
AAwT 0.
cr
— - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — --
0V,-
J 0 N E S
C 0 U N T Y
Note: The Town of River Bend has applied As of April, 1983 the City of Havelock
for planning assistance to prepare a Land began exercising jurisdiction within a
Use Plan. If funded, a detailed land use plan one —mile radius of its city limits.
will be available in 1983. See Havelock land use plan for land
classification in that area.
NEW
C R 0',_ A T A N
LAND CLASSIFICATION MAP
CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C.
1981
DEVELOPED
TRANSITION
COMMUNITY
RURAL
CONSERVATION
Notet This map was financed in part with funds CAI *
from the National oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the state of Worth
Carolina through the Office of Coastal
Management, Department of Natural C 0
Resources and Community Development.
.4 At 0 J /( /� �1 M�N� I r
0 C.
ArEUSE
F 0 R E S
_01
>< 0
CRAVEN COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA

63
SECTION 2.1.5.3 POLICY - OTHER SIGNIFICANT AREAS
The flood plain policy of Craven County is:
TO CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE
PROGRAM AS A MEANS TO PROMOTE GOOD LAND DEVELOPMENT
PRACTICES AND TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY.
The County's policy on peat mining/pocosin development is:
TO AWAIT THE FINAL PREPARATION OF THE STATE'S NATURAL
AREA INVENTORY AND THE NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE'S
PLANNING DOCUMENT BEFORE EVALUATING ACTIONS REQUIRED
TO SERVE THE COUNTY'S INTEREST IN PROTECTING AREAS
OF SIGNIFICANT PEAT DEPOSITS FROM ADVERSE IMPACTS.
THE COUNTY'S POLICY WILL BE BASED ON THE DESIRED
FUTURES OF THE NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE FOR THE CROATAN
NATIONAL FOREST.
The policy of Craven County with respect to pocosins and shore-
line erosin is:
TO UNDERTAKE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED
WITH POCOSIN DEVELOPMENT AND SHORELINE EROSION AND, MORE
PARTICULARLY, THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF THESE AREAS ON THE
BIG POCOSIN AND ON THE NEUSE RIVER.
SECTION 2.1.5.4 IMPLEMENTATION - OTHER SIGNIFICANT AREAS
The Planning Department will be asked to provide information
relating to the local effects of pocosin development and shoreline
erosion as its schedule allows.
SECTION 2.1.6 AREAS OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Craven County has had a long and significant history. The City
of New Bern capitalized on its heritage by protecting and promoting
buildings of historical value. Interest in historic preservation is
not, however, limited to the City of New Bern.
SECTION 2.1.6.1 DISCUSSION OF ISSUES - AREAS OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
The heritage of the past provides a sense of continuity and
purpose. Preservation of older buildings represents one way a

64
community can examine its past. Interest in historic New Bern has
added a new dimension to Craven County. Within the County, but outside
of New Bern, the interest for historical preservation has not been
as strong. Perhaps this is because of the relatively few identified
sites, compared to New Bern, and their isolated location.
SECTION 2.1.6.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
AREAS OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGIC SIGNIFICANCE
The County discussed three possible alternatives for developing
a policy toward areas of historical significance. The first dealt
with a continuation of current actions, which is to say a very passive
role in historical preservation. The second alternative dealt with
obtaining more information on the various sites in the County and
their current condition and to incorporate this into the planning
processes of the County. Lastly, a more active role in publicizing
the value of historic preservation and the various Craven County sites
was discussed.
SECTION 2.1.6.3 POLICY - AREAS OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
CRAVEN COUNTY SHOULD BECOME MORE AGGRESSIVE IN PROMOTING
ITS HISTORICAL PAST AND UTILIZE CURRENT AND AVAILABLE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION INFORMATION
IN ITS PLANNING PROGRAMS.
SECTION 2.1.6.4 IMPLEMENTATION - AREAS OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The County will rely on its staff and.area residents, especially
those connected with the New Bern historic program, to assist it in
developing the appropriate information and tools for use in its
planning programs.
SECTION 2.1.6.5 HURRICANE AND FLOOD EVACUATION
The County clearly remembers the damage caused by the hurricanes
of the 1950's and 1960's. To protect the public welfare when the

65
threat of a hurricane became imminent, the County adopted a
Hurricane Evacuation Plan in April, 1979. This plan provides a
five stage alert system as the threat increases and presents an
administrative decision -making system to insure proper emergency
procedures. The policy of Craven County in the area of hurricane
and flood evacuation is:
TO CONTINUE TO TEST AND MAKE READY ALL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
OUTLINED IN THE HURRICANE EVACUATION PLAN AND TO MAKE
CERTAIN THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE SUPPORT GROUP KNOW THEIR
ROLES IN THE HURRICANE EVACUATION PLAN.
SECTION 2.2 RESOURCE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
SECTION 2.2.1 IMPORTANCE OF RESOURCE PRODUCTION
Agriculture
Like many eastern North Carolina counties, the face of agri-
culture is dramatically changing. The number and character of
farms has shifted. The amount of acreage devoted to farming has
been decreasing steadily.
Number of farms
Acres in farms
Average size of
farms
of land area
TABLE 22
SELECTED AGRICULTURAL INDICATORS
CRAVEN COUNTY
1964, 1969, 1974, 1978
1978 1974 1969 1964
701 800 1,028 1,243
106,664 103,459 113,032, 126,625
152 ac. 129 ac. 110 ac. 102 ac.
23.8 23.1 25.3 27.2
Value of Land
and Buildings
Average value $191,726 $ 78,248 $ 36,088 $ 22,906
of farms
Average value of $ 1,200 $ 605 $ 328 $ 238
farm acreage
Source: 1964, 1969, 1974 and 1978 Censuses of Agriculture
r

66
These data indicate a significant decline in the number of
farm operations. As operating costs rise, the move to larger farms,
and better economies of scale, can be seen. The significant rise
in farm values is perhaps a result of both decreasing amounts of
land in cultivation and the general rise in land prices within the
County. This latter trend is likely to continue as more competition
for alternative land uses is felt, especially in the growth corridor.
TABLE 23
NUMBER OF
FARMS BY ACRES
HARVESTED
CRAVEN COUNTY
1964,
1969, 1974, 1978
Size of Farm
1978
1974
1969
1964
1-9 acres
78
145
262
268
10-19 acres
100
112
170
249
20-29 acres
80
102
130
189
30-49 acres
93
127
150
227
50-99 acres
125
152
158
189
100-199 acres
101
84
62
58
200-499 acres
65
36
20
12
500-999 acres
5
4
1
1
1000 acres +
3
1
---
---
Source: 1964, 1969, 1974 and 1978 Censuses of Agriculture
TABLE 24
SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF FARM OPERATORS
CRAVEN COUNTY
1964, 1969, 1974, 1978
1978(%)
1974(%)
1969(%)
1964(%)
Full Owners 276(39.4)
378(47.3)
463(45.0)
485(39.0)
Part Owners 274(39.1)
275(34.4)
328(31.9)
407(32.7)
Tenants 151(21.5)
147(18.4)
237(23.0)
351(28.2)
Average age 48.6 years
51.1 years
50.2 years
49.0 years
of operator
Place of residence:
on farm operated
420
412
679
1,103
on another farm
158
40
222
N.A.
in rural area
N.A.
76
N.A.
N.A.
in city
N.A.
98
N.A.
N.A.
(Note: Detailed catagories for place of residence not available in
1964, 1969 or 1978)
Source: 1964, 1969, 1974 and 1978 Censuses of Agriculture

67
Tables23 and 24 also suggest significant changes in Craven
County agriculture. While the average size of farms has increased
and more larger farms are being assembled (i.e. over 200 acres),
the age of farm operators was also increasing until 1978. Apparently,
the place of residence of farm operators is also changing away from
the farm. All of this suggests that, over the next decade, agricul-
ture will change.
TABLE 25
MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
CRAVEN COUNTY
1964, 1969, 1974, 1978
1978 1974 1969 1964
Market value of $33,110,000 $22,992,000 $12,535,799 $12,238,500
all products
Average value
47,232
28,740
12,194
9,846
per farm
Crops, hay and
24,125,000
18,636,000
9,796,266
10,907,239
nursery products
(629)
(748)
(924)
(NA)
Forest products
N.A.
187,000
69,622
88,776
(17)
(40)
(69)
Livestock and
8,985,000
4,890,000
2,669,911
1,241,651
poultry
(224)
(266)
(360)
(NA)
Note: ( ) indicates
number of farms involved.
It is interesting to note that since 1964, the relative position
of value of crops to total value has dropped by seventeen percentage
points.
Forestry
The forest products industry is a major economic sector in
Craven County. Table 19 shows that major corporate timber holdings
account for over 90,000 acres, or 141 square miles of the County.
As suggested earlier, these holdings will exert considerable influence
over the development of Craven County over the next 10 years, if for
no other reason than to restrict development patterns..

68
Forestry has several major implications for the County over
the next decade. The first, as mentioned above,, deals with influence
over the development pattern. As growth pressures accelerate, the
location of land controlled by the forest products companies will
become more important. Some land may be held for development and
would be released when the market conditions are appropriate. Other
timber land may not be released for production reasons. The forest
products companies will therefore have a major role in the timing and
location of development. This role will be consistent with corporate
policy and may not always be consonent with local need.
Another major implication deals with the need to balance timber
harvesting with environmental protection, especially of sensitive
areas, such as estuaries, that are important to other resource pro-
duction areas. For example, timber harvesting of lands near the
Neuse may increase the amount of siltation in the river and increase
eutrophication. Timber harvests in the Big Pocosin may change the
functions of the area as a recharge area for run off and drainage
and increase fresh water intrusion in the Neuse system.
The importance of the forest products industry cannot be under-
estimated as can be seen by the increase in softwood production in
Table 26. As a source of employment and tax revenues, it provides
the area with a stable, good growth potential industry. However,
the County needs to become aware of the possible impacts that full.
development of its forestry resources may have on other areas. This
does not suggest a regulatory role for the County but only one in
which the County can begin to balance.the needs of a major economic.
contributor with the needs of other areas.

69
TABLE 26
SELECTED FOREST STATISTICS
CRAVEN COUNTY
1974
of total land in commercial forest
Ownership of commercial forest land (acres)
National Forest
Misc. Federal
County or Municipal
Forest Industry
Farmer
Misc. Private
Annual Commodity Drain
1974
Saw Timber 57,439(t.b.f.)
Veneer and plywood 13,139(t.b.f.)
74.5%
54,239(16.3)
6,280(1.9).
80 --
99,395(29.8)
104,192(31.3)
69,175(20.8)
1979
34,291(t.b.f.)
30,863(t.b.f.)
Source: "Forest Statistics for the Northern Coastal Plain. 1974"
USDA Forest Service Resource Bulletin (latest available
data) and "1979 County Figures for Forest Products Drain" -
NC Forest Service
Mining
With the exception of sand and gravel operations, there is no
significant mining in Craven County. The potential for peat mining,
according to the North Carolina Energy Institute, is limited to
those peat deposits found in the National Forest.. While these de-
posits are perhaps securely protected, the deposits at the Big
Pocosin will need to be more fully understood before the true en-
vironmental consequences of mining are known.
Fishing
Commercial and sport fishing are becoming more valuable to the
County. Both represent economic value to the area. The Neuse River
provides over 6,000,000 pounds of commercially valuable fish to the
area. In 1979, this represented over $1.5 million to the economies
of Crav ep and Pamlico Counties. The leading commercial species

70
include blue crab, menhaden, shrimp, croaker and trout. Ironically,
however, even in the face of increasing commercial fishing value,
creel studies indicate that adverse water quality conditions are
decreasing the quality and quantity of fish caught in the Neuse.
One apparent explanation for this contradiction is that commercial
catches are recorded as "dock" value or the home port of the boat
not where the fish were actually caught. Red sore disease is having
an impact on both the sport and commercial fishing markets.
It is apparent that the needs of fishing in Craven County are
related to the water quality of the Neuse River. This also will
have implications for the popularity of the area for boating. These
issues are discussed more fully in the special issues section.
Recreational Resources
In a recent edition of the New Bern Sun -Journal, *the increase
in the popularity of sailing on the Neuse River was documented_ The
article states "Every sailor interviewed for this article stated
emphatically that the Neuse River from Fairfield Harbor to Oriental
into the Pamlico Sound is the best sailing recreation in the
United States." (p.3F) With the rapid increases in sailing as a
recreational sport, the Neuse River can expect to expand its potential.
Since the 1975 Land Use Plan., interest in marinas has increased
significantly.
"Since 1971, eight full service marinas have been built
on the rivers and over 1000 boat slips. The biggest
portion of these are in Oriental, and most of these slips
are occupied by sailboats. The tax base from boats in
Pamlico and Craven counties has., in the past ten years,
increased by close to $13 million. Most of these new
taxes are paid by people who do not live in these two 1
counties. This growth is due by and large from sailing.."
Power boating is equally as popular on the Neuse. The need to address
this recreational demand will be met by more marina.developments.
* George Hall, "Sailing': Part of the Past, Present and Future" New Bern
Sun -Journal, March 27, 1981, Sections F and G

71
The County has a recreation program utilizing the educational
facilities throughout the County. A master plan for recreation
cited the need for a water oriented park to complement and relieve
the pressure on Flanners Beach, which is the only water oriented
public park in the County. It is owned and operated by the National
Park Service as part of the Croatan National Forest. To address the
need, the County has applied for a 1981-82 CAMA grant to develop site
plans for two sites. The first site is located in Township 7 at the
Brinson Memorial School, which has 1200 feet of river frontage and
35 acres. The design for this site would develop a public access
to the waterfront and a public pier. The second site is located in
Township 1 on Weyerhaeuser property. A boat ramp leading to the
Neuse River has already been developed. Site planning activities on
this site would involve picnic and restroom facilities, parking lot
and docking facilities.
These efforts will begin to address the need for public access
to the waters of the Neuse, as well as providing basic recreational
facilities for all County recreation.
SECTION 2.2.2 POLICY STATEMENTS
SECTION 2.2.2.1 PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND
Although agriculture is changing, it is still a vital part of
the County's economic base. The changes that are occurring are part
of a national trend and will continue to occur as agriculture ad-
justs to economic conditions. However, the preservation of productive
agricultural land, especially in light of projected urban growth,
must be recognized as a legitimate goal for County consideration.
The following policy is suggested.

-72
PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM
URBAN DEVELOPMENT TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE. THE
COUNTY WILL USE THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SOIL CONSERVATION
SERVICE AND OTHER AGENCIES TO PROMOTE SOUND SUBDIVISION
GROWTH IN RURAL AREAS WITHOUT IMPACTING PRIME FARM LANDS.
HOWEVER, IN THOSE AREAS DESIGNATED FOR GROWTH, THE
COUNTY, THROUGH DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS AND PUBLIC SERVICES,
WILL ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT FORMS THAT MAY IMPACT FARMING
OPERATIONS. IN THESE AREAS, PRIMARILY ALONG THE NEUSE
RIVER, THE MAIN POLICY WILL BE ONE OF AN URBAN ORIENTATION.
SECTION 2.2.2.2 COMMERCIAL FOREST LANDS
Forest products represent an important part of the County's
overall development. The location and magnitude of privately held
timber lands represents both opportunities and.possible problems for
future development. To address this need, the County suggests the
following:
THE LOCATION AND USE OF COMMERCIAL FOREST LANDS WILL
BECOME A MORE COMPLEX ISSUE AS FOREST PRODUCTION AS
A SOURCE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS BALANCED AGAINST
FORESTS AS A BARRIER TO DEVELOPMENT. THIS DILEMMA
WILL NOT BE SERIOUS IN THE AREAS NORTH AND WEST OF
THE URBAN CORRIDOR BUT MAY BECOME SERIOUS IN T014NSHIPS 6
AND 7 WHERE COMMERCIAL FOREST AND THE NATIONAL FOREST
RESTRICT DEVELOPMENT. IN THE LATTER CASE, THE COUNTY
WILL USE ITS DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THESE
IMPACTS BUT RECOGNIZING THAT AT SOMETIME THE COUNTY
WILL.NEED TO ENCOURAGE LAND BEING MADE AVAILABLE FOR
GROWTH FROM COMMERCIAL TIMBER STANDS.
SECTION 2.2.2.3 MINING
The lack of significant mineral resources in Craven County has
reduced the need to address this area. The County is, however, in-
terested in keeping abreast of the issues related to peat mining
and its consequences, especially as they relate to the known deposits
in the National Forest and the Big Pocosin.
BASED ON AVAILABLE INFORMATION, THE ONLY COMMERCIAL GRADE
PEAT AREA IN CRAVEN COUNTY IS IN THE NATIONAL FOREST.
HOWEVER, UNTIL THE NATIONAL FOREST HAS COMPLETED ITS LONG-
RANGE PLAN AND RARE II STUDIES AND DEVELOPED A USE PLAN,
THE COUNTY IS NOT IN A POSITION TO ADOPT A MINING POLICY.
THE COUNTY WILL USE THE NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE PLAN AND
THE CEIP FUNDED NATIONAL AREAS INVENTORY TO FORMULATE A
PEAT MINING AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY WHEN MORE CURRENT
AND DETAILED DATA .IS AVAILABLE.

73
SECTION 2.2.2.4 COMMERCIAL AND SPORT FISHERIES
Any policy statement relating to fishing must relate to the
issue of the water quality of the Neuse River. The overriding
concern in this area must be the condition of the waters. The
County's policy statement on commercial and sport fisheries is
the County's statement on the Neuse River water quality (see
special issues section).
SECTION 2.2.2.5 OFF -THE -ROAD VEHICLES
There are no areas in Craven County affected by off -the -road
vehicles. The County does not feel the need to adopt a policy
statement on this matter.
These policy statements will guide the future planning efforts
in the County and will augment the policies, plans and programs already
in effect, such as: 1) the Subdivision Regulations, 2) the Mobile
Home Ordinance, 3) the Recreation Plan, 4) the Hurricane Evacuation
and Disaster Plan, 5) the Capital Improvement Budgets and 6) internal
memorandum and action plans.
SECTION 2.3 ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Counties have increasingly become more active in promoting
economic and community development issues. Craven County has
supported an industrial development commission and recruiter for a
number of years. More recently it has become active in promoting
and sponsoring housing improvement programs. The new water and
sewer project in Township 7 shows the leadership position of the
County in promoting appropriate development forms. The County is
anticipating its future growth by moving into the more typically
municipal functions which will be required with the higher densities
that will come.

74
SECTION 2.3.1 DISCUSSION OF ISSUES - RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
The significant growth in population and households will
continue but perhaps in different forms. The traditional suburban
subdivision, which is so familiar to the County, may see competition
from condominiums, townhouses, apartments and other forms of multi-
family or higher density housing, which are not so familiar to the
County. Already the County has seen two "subdivisions" grow into
municipalities and is one of the first counties in the state to see
time sharing units. If the urban corridor, stretching over 20 miles,
becomes a reality, there will be a wider range of available housing
requiring different types of services from at least five units of
local government. The issues of land cost, service cost, incom-
patibility with existing or neighboring uses, construction costs and
age of housing will come to the forefront. New Bern and the James
City -Grantham areas will represent, on the other hand, the need for
extensive rehabilitation and renewal activities, while areas like
River Bend and Snug Harbor will be seeking protection from new en-
croachments. Mobile homes will continue to present problems on how
best to utilize them in the housing mix. Throughout it all, the
County will increasingly become more involved in housing issues.
SECTION 2.3.1.1 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
The range of possible policy alternatives available to the
County is as large and multi -faceted as the problem itself. In the
development of this plan, the County recognized an opportunity to
begin understanding its housing problems. As an adjunct to this
effort, an initial housing element will be prepared describing the
existing conditions. However, until this housing element is ready,
the discussion of possible policy alternatives centered around
several areas.

75
Redevelopment
The County has been successful in obtaining two housing re-
habilitation programs which have resulted in repairing close to
100 units. Although unsuccessful in obtaining a Community Develop-
ment grant in the latest round, the County has begun to address
its housing needs.
The available options for the County are:
1) continue to pursue housing rehabilitation assistance for low
income families to repair their units and continue providing
County assistance in matching eligible recipients of FmHa
assistance with the FmHA program staff;
2) ignore the aging housing structures in high density areas
and hope that the demand for new units will convert these
marginal areas -into sites for new developments;
3) expand the housing activities previously utilized to in-
corporate a more active program of rehabilitation and low
income housing development.
Single -Family and Multi-Famil
The housing needs of future Craven County residents will be
addressed in many different ways. As previously suggested, the areas
of greatest demand will be those townships bordering the rivers.
The paradox in this area is that this part of the County has the
greatest amount of physical and ownership restraints. -Land will
certainly increase in value, as will the potential conflicts between
existing and proposed uses. The new water and sewer project in
Township 7 will solve some environmental problems caused, by over-
crowding but will also act as an incentive for new growth. The
need to anticipate the off -site impacts of development will become
more acute. The desire to place residential developments near the

76
water may run up against the deteriorating water quality of the
rivers. All of the above issues point to a need to better under-
stand the mechanics and market for growth.
Density
Perhaps more than any -..other residential issue, the problem of
density will be more persistant. There will be conflicting forces.
On the one hand, rapidly advancing housing, financing and develop-
ment costs, increasing public service and transportation costs and
high growth demands will encourage newer and more dense forms of
development. On the other hand, these denser forms of development
may challenge existing neighborhoods and developments and may cause
conflicts between different lifestyles and service needs.
SECTION 2.3.1.2 POLICY - RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Reviewing all the possible alternatives is a difficult task
and one that may never be completely finished. However, after
review of these options, the following policy is suggested.
THE COUNTY WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE HIGH QUALITY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS SUBDIVISION
REVIEW PROCESS; TO SEEK OUT ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF
LOW-INCOME HOUSING REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE; AND
WILL BEGIN TO DEVELOP A DETAILED HOUSING STRATEGY
THAT RECOGNIZES THE VARIOUS HOUSING NEEDS IN THE
COUNTY.
SECTION 2.3.1.3 IMPLEMENTATION - RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
The County Planning Board will accept as one of its on -going
projects, to analyze and review current housing need and to develop
detailed plans to meet this need. With the help of the staff, it
will seek to prepare a housing plan.
SECTION 2.3.2 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
As seen in Table 14, manufacturing employment increased by over
53% during the 197O's. Although the closing of Texfi and general

77
economic distress has caused unemployment Lo .Increaser, ou the whole
the County has made great strides in this area. Two new industries
have made commitments to help offset other losses. Rail Car Repair,
Inc. has opened a facility in Bridgton where 50 to 100 jobs have
been created. Stanadyne will be the first occupant of the new in-
dustrial park with a facility initially employing 125 people. The
County has made obvious commitments to providing meaningful job
opportunities that fit local skill levels without reliance on a
single firm or product. While industrial sites are available through-
out the County, it is apparent that the main attraction for major
industrial location will be the new industrial park. The County
has committed resources to provide basic services and, more im-
portantly, its overall support. Other areas, such as the former
shipyard near U.S. 70 bridge in James City, may also become important
for more specialized industrial needs.
SECTION 2.3.2.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Through the offices of the Craven County Industrial Development
Commission, a centralized coordinated approach to industrial recruit-
ment and development is available. Without this, there would be
no central objective or goal. The Industrial Park, while a private
sector venture, exists within the overall framework of the County's
industrial needs. The alternatives to a coordinated approach was
not felt to be realistic. A good deal of hard work preceded the
Industrial Commission and this work has paid handsome dividends for
the County. The County secs no alternative to providing coordinated
industrial development activities.

7s
SECTION 2.3.2.3 POLICY - INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The industrial development policy of the County is:
TO PROVIDE A SOLID ECONOMIC BASE ON WHICH TO ADD NEW
EMPLOYMENT SOURCES AT HIGHER SKILL LEVELS AND WAGE
RATES. IN ADDITION, THE ATTRACTION OF INDUSTRY IS
SEEN AS A MAJOR COUNTY FUNCTION REQUIRING THE EFFORTS
AND TALENTS OF ALL COUNTY CITIZENS. THE COUNTY WILL
COMMIT ITS RESOURCES AND BEST EFFORTS TO THIS GOAL.
SECTION 2.3.2.4 IMPLEMENTATION - INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Craven County Industrial Commission and its staff serve as
the major implementors of the County's industrial development policy.
SECTION 2.3.3 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Tables 14 and 15 point to major growth in both the trade and
service employment sectors. The major highway approaches to New
Bern and Havelock have seen increases in strip development. The
New Bern Central Business District still provides a major commercial
function. The new shopping areas have expanded the local trade area.
This growth will probably continue as population increases.
SECTION 2.3.3.1 DISCUSSION OF ISSUES - COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The problems associated with commercial development - increased
traffic and storm water runoff, congestion, noise, etc., occur when
commercial concentrations are allowed to effect existing development
and vice versa. As we have seen, commercial employment and sales are
very important to the local economy. The important question is one
of appropriate location for convenient access and minimal off -site
effect.
SECTION 2.3.3.2 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE POLICY ALTERNATIVES -
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Three possible alternatives were reviewed. The first dealt
with strict regulatory controls on future commercial development.

79
The second dealt with no controls on location. The third considered
identifying potential sites for commercial development and analyzing
the probable impacts before any development occurred.
The first alternative was not selected because the current
pattern of commercial development, on the whole, seems reasonable.
For example, good access to Twin River Mall and the adjacent centers
has prevented major problems. Strip development along U.S. 70 East
is controlled by service roads. The lack of controls was rejected
because of the potential for negative impacts. The third alternative,
one of identifying future sites, offers the ability to anticipate
needs and work around potential problems. This alternative was
selected.
SECTION 2.3.3.3 POLICY - COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The commercial development policy of Craven County is:
TO ENCOURAGE MAJOR COMMERCIAL FACILITIES TO LOCATE IN
AREAS PROVIDING GOOD ACCESS AND REDUCED OFF -SITE IMPACTS
TO EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS. TO PROMOTE APPROPRIATE NEIGH-
BORHOOD AND SMALL AREA SHOPPING CENTERS OFFERING A HIGH
LEVEL OF CONVENIENCE AND ACCESS AND SUPPORTING NOT DE-
TRACTING FROM, SURROUNDING RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
SECTION 2.3.3.4 IMPLEMENTATION - COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
This policy shall be carried out by the Planning Board and
staff by careful consideration and enforcement of land use plans
and controls.
SECTION 2.3.4 ' COMMITMENT TO STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Craven County has been an active participant in a number of
unique and innovative programs. The new water and sewer project
in Township 7 and the Section 504 Rural Housing Demonstration
Program point to two recent examples of County commitment. The
County is very interested in maintaining access to and participation

all
in those state and/or federal programs that provide genuine benefit
to County residents. Its location requires that constant attention
be paid to issues of regional concern, such as the development
and improvement of the Morehead City port; improving transportation
access, such as air and rail; and maintaining a viable water trans-
portation system. These interests, concerns and participation will
continue.
SECTION 2.3.5 ENERGY FACILITY SITING AND DEVELOPMENT
While the County does not anticipate major off -shore or on-
shore energy facilities within its boundaries, it is anxiously
concerned about the secondary impacts of these developments. Of
more immediate concern is the impact of long coal trains to and
from the Morehead City port area. The County is interested in proposed
studies in New Bern and Morehead City investigating this impact.
Until these efforts have been completed, the County will take no
official action on these energy facilities.
SECTION 2.3.6 TOURISM AND WATERFRONT ACCESS
The County does not see itself as a major tourist attraction.
While there are certainly areas of tourist interest (i.e. Tryon
Palace, etc.), the coastal areas serve as the major magnets for
tourists. The County is spared the problems associated with the
large seasonal tourist populations. This arrangement has worked
well in the past and no change in this pattern is desired.
Waterfront access is a major priority for the County. In its
past recreation efforts, the County has been limited to utilizing
existing school facilities for additional recreational purposes.
As the population expands in the townships bordering the river, less
and less public access will be available. Access would be controlled

81
by private development which could begin developing water oriented
parks. A proposal for site planning assistance has been submitted
to CRC to aid in developing the Brinson School site in Township 7
and the Cowpen Landing site in Township 1. Upon development, these
sites will provide an initial effort at preserving public access to
the water.
SECTION 2.3.7 COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING SERVICES TO DEVELOPMENT
The County has shown a major commitment to providing services
to development. The purchase of the Neuse River Water Association
coupled with an innovative demonstration sewer system in the area
most likely to receive growth beyond the ability of the soil to
dispose of wastes shows this commitment. In all of the services
provided to County residents, from law enforcement to recreation to
waste disposal, Craven County has continually strived to provide
the level of service required to meet current and future problems.
The County's policy statement is:
TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF SUPPORT SERVICES
TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FUTURE POPULATION. THIS
IS ESPECIALLY CRITICAL IN TOWNSHIPS 2, 5, 6, 7 AND 8
WHERE MOST OF THE GROWTH WILL OCCUR.
SECTION 2.3.8 URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS
As has been presented earlier, Craven County anticipates
that by 1990 almost 80% of its population will live in a narrow
corridor stretching from River Bend to Havelock. This urban growth
pattern represents a logical pattern because of the shape of the
County and the influence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. While this
growth pattern will undoubtably provide many problems for future
staff to handle, it is anticipated that intergovernmental cooperation
and sufficient money to provide public services will be the major

82
concerns. With growth concentrated in this well defined area,
the County feels that the rest of its jurisdiction will be fairly
immune to pressure on its farms, forests and low density develop-
ments.
Therefore, the County's policy on urban growth patterns is:
THE URBAN CORRIDOR IN TOWNSHIPS 6, 7, AND 8 IS SLATED TO
RECEIVE MOST OF THE FUTURE GROWTH AND WILL BE ABLE TO DO
SO. THE REMAINDER OF THE COUNTY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF
TRANSITION AREAS SUCH AS DOVER AND COVE CITY, SHOULD BE
RESERVED FOR FARMING, FORESTRY AND VERY LOW DENSITY
DEVELOPMENT.
SECTION 2.3.9 CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
Craven County has always been dependent on the Neuse and Trent
Rivers. Today the economy is not dependent on river transportation,
but the river as a recreational and fishing means of economic
livelihood is very important. As pointed out earlier, sailing is
becoming a big business. However, the eutrophication of the
Neuse, besides its water quality problems, will reduce the ability
of the river to continue providing recreational advantages. The
maintenance of adequate channels thus becomes very important to
Craven County.
CRAVEN COUNTY SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN SAFE AND
ADEQUATE CHANNEL DEPTHS AND WIDTHS IN BOTH THE NEUSE
AND TRENT RIVERS.
SECTION 3.0 CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION POLICIES
SECTION 3.1. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING THE PLAN UPDATE
The Craven•County Planning Board was given the primary respon-
sibility for developing the draft of this Land Use Plan update with
assistance from the County Planner and a consultant. At the very
beginning of the update process, the participants discussed the
various citizen participation methods employed for the 1975 plan and
other available techniques. It was decided that the following methods

83
be used to secure public participation:
a) the various members of the Planning Board were to serve as
the key links to the various groups of interest in the County,
b) that the local media would be used to present the major
findings as they were developed to promote interest,
c) that the Community Development Program application discuss
the land use plan, and
d) that public invitations to Planning Board meetings be ex-
tended to the general public.
More specifically, the following public participation methods
were actually utilized:
a) The County Planner addressed several groups interested in
land use planning and the Land Use Plan update. These groups
, included the local association for surveyors and a minority
neighborhood group.
b) Two large advertisements were purchased in the local news-
paper describing the major findings of the land use plan.
These ads were run in April and May and provided information
on the next Planning Board meeting.
c) Several newspaper articles were developed and published on
the Land Use Plan update.
d) A local radio station presented the general findings of
the Land Use Plan as part of its local newscoverage..
e) A local environmental group concerned with the water quality
of the Neuse River was contacted to provide input into the
Land Use Plan.
SECTION 3.2 MEANS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ON PLANNING ISSUES
Perhaps the most significant issue developed in this Land Use
Plan update is the deteriorating water quality of the Neuse River

84
and the many impacts it has on other areas relating to land use. It
is an issue that may influence economic development, water and sewage
treatment, land use adjacent to the river and general environmental
quality. This Land Use Plan Update coincided with the development .
of a group of local citizens concerned with the water quality issue.
The Friends of the Neuse, Inc. have prepared a position paper on
the issue and have dedicated themselves to a public education program.
Their membership reflects the wide cross section of concern that the
issue raises. In addition to their position paper, a multi -issue
series on the problem has appeared in the local newspaper.
The County Planning Board and the Friends of the Neuse, Inc.
have already met once to discuss the group's position paper. It is
likely that additional meetings will be forthcoming as various public
education strategies are discussed. The overriding nature of the
issue is such that each group has certain key roles to play in pre-
senting information and preparing possible plans of action.
The Planning Board will continue to rely heavily on the local
media to present information on key planning issues. With issues
such as the Neuse River water quality, coordination and cooperation
with other local governments.and citizen groups like Friends of the
Neuse will only expand the efficiency and effectiveness o'f public
participation efforts.
SECTION 3.3 MEANS FOR CONTINUING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The County will use the water quality issue 'as the springboard
of a more formalized continuing public participation effort. Co-
ordinating with other interested groups, this effort will ensure
maximum use of print and electronic media to inform the public.

85
Other possibilities include a county -wide meeting of local govern-
ments to discuss issues of general interest and a possible general
forum to highlight the concerns with the Neuse River.. Already the
County Planning Board has effectively worked with an ad -hoc task
force on zoning composed of a broad cross-section of interests.
Similar methods for other issues may be appropriate.
SECTION 4.0 SPECIAL LOCAL ISSUES
SECTION 4.1 THE NEUSE RIVER WATER QUALITY
The growth of Craven County has always been directed toward the
Neuse River. During the next decade, the river will serve as the
major attraction for growth. Projected population estimates suggest
that over 80% of the County's population will live in a corridor
twenty miles long and bordering the river. The recreational attrac-
tions of the river will increase the potential for the area. However,
there are major problems in the Neuse River that may influence the
very potential suggested.
Beginning in Durham County, the Neuse River watershed encom-
passes 6,000 square miles or about 12% of North Carolina's land area.
It carries run off and effluent from the urban areas of Durham,
Raleigh, Wilson, Goldsboro, Smithfield, Kinston, and New Bern. Until
it reaches New Bern, the Neuse is a fairly small, well contained
river. At Glenburnie, the river begins to widen out to over one
mile. It is at this point that many of the deteriorated water quality
problems become pronounced.
In a position paper prepared in May, 1981, the Friends of the
Neuse, Inc. classified the Neuse river water quality problems into
three groups:

1) water volume
The widening of the river serves to slow the water velocity which
in turn allows sediment and nutrients carried along in suspension
to fall. In low flow periods, the rate of suspension loss is
accelerated. This reduces the ability of the river to keep itself
"clean" by carrying sediments into the Pamlico Sound where it can
be removed more readily. Dye studies have even indicated signif-
icant periods of no flow or even reverse flow. This represents a
serious problem when dealing with effluent and in combination of
the other two problems.
2) temperature
Increasing sediment loads block the sun's penetration into the
water and the photosynthesis required for plant life is hampered.
Plants produce oxygen as a by product of the process. Reduced
sun penetration reduces oxygen levels which require more complex
marine animals to work harder at securing adequate oxygen levels.
The microorganisms, resulting from high nutrient loads, remain
near the surface and are more efficient at extracting oxygen and
in doing so increase water temperatures near the surface. This
increase in temperature spurs the production of additional micro-
organisms.
3) nutrient concentrations, organic matter and oxygen levels
The nutrients come from agricultural fertilizers washed into the
river and from waste treatment of sanitary sewers. They represent
the primary "food" source for plant growth and, in high levels,
can stimulate the growth of algal blooms. As these microorganisms
grow and die, they in turn become part of the nutrient load. The
increasing amount of matter begins to sink and settle on the
bottom where plants previously grew. Over a period of time, this

87
organic bottom begins to build up, especially in times of low
flow, until it enters a period of eutrophication, Coupled with
the sediment loads that also fall when velocity is reduced, the
river begins to carry water less efficiently. Additional problems
include higher levels of toxic substances, such as lead and
mercury; fresh water intrusion into the narrow salinity ranges
required for marine development in the estuaries and increasing
levels of urbanization which cause more storm water run-off and
high effluent loads.
These problems have been documented and researched by State and
national scientists. However, it has taken the efforts of the Friends
of the Neuse and a well prepared newspaper series by Catherine Landis
to bring the issue home.
The issue of the Neuse River water quality is important to the land.
use planning program of Craven County for several reasons. First, the
projected growth along the corridor from River Bend to Havelock will
increase the local run-off and sediment loads, which may act to increase
eutrophication in selected areas, ie. Brice's Creek. This certainly
will have an effect on the Trent River estuaries. Secondly, the increas-
ing nutrient loads may ultimately lead to a consideration of the new
nutrient sensitive water classification for the Neuse. Presently, only
the Chowan River has such a classification. It requires point -source
dischargers to upgrade their treatment facilities to reduce the levels
of nutrient laden wastes in their effluent. In the case of the Chowan,
where much of the nutrient material comes from agricultural run-off in
Virginia, the upgrading of the point source discharges represents
only a partial solution. There are twenty-six municipal waste
water treatment plants discharging into the Neuse or its tributaries.

There are probably an equal number of smaller treatment plants for
mobile home parks and industries feeding into the Neuse. The
largest of these discharges is Weyerhaeuser. Upgrading of existing
treatment plants to reduce nutrient loads may be expensive. The
significant low flow periods of the river might, under a nutrient
sensitive classification, require effluent prohibitions or reduction.
Thirdly, the attraction of the Neuse for recreational purposes could
be adversely affected by the deteriorating water quality. The nutrient
load passing under the U.S. 17 bridge at New Bern is the equivalent
to "eleven dead mules per day". Locally, this has shown up in subtle
ways. Boat owners are now having to clean and repair boat hulls
annually, rather than once every two or three years because of the
conditions in the river. Sport fishing catches are not what they
used to be. Fish nets are having to be repaired more frequently
because of the accumulation of the nutrients and sediments.
Alternatives
The alternatives seem limited. The importance of the Neuse
River to the economy of Craven County is unquestioned. Its impor-
tance to the industrial development is also unquestioned. On one
hand, the need seems evident for immediate action to clean up the
river. On the other, the tremendous costs involved in requiring
additional treatment facilities for point -source discharges would be
significant and might cloud the industrial development program for
the County. On top of this, there are no hard and fast answers.
In her series on the water quality issue, Catherine Landis
reported state water quality officials as saying that additional
information is needed to answer such questions as "the amount and
kind of nutrient impact from each discharger in the river basin,
the nutrient requirements of the algae types which dominate the

89
river, the nutrient level which must be reached to control algal
growth, the physical and chemical requirements, feeding habits and
seasonal movements of the river's fish population, and effects of
the basin's topography, farming practices and nutrient applications
(fertilizer and pesticides)". Another vital unanswered question
deals with the nutrient load and what is going on in the river in
relation to flow conditions.
Clearly, the null alternative is out of place. There has
already been too little concern and attention focused on the river.
However, the alternatives available to local decision -makers are
not clear. With too many unanswered questions, but with a growing
acceptance that something is very wrong with the river quality, the
direction for action must remain tentative.
The following has been suggested as a prudent means of bringing
the issue of water quality to its appropriate place on the public
policy agenda of the County.
I. An initial meeting of interested government, industry, business,
boating and other interests be called to present the problems
and discuss the impact deteriorating water quality will have on
Craven County. If enough interest is generated, a steering
committee should be formed to develop a local plan of agenda and
public education program.
2. Utilizing the resources from the State and the efforts generated
by the Friends of the Neuse, Inc. and others, a statement of fact
should be developed to document local concern and press for the
commitment of resources to begin answering the unresolved
questions and finding solutions.

W
3. Because the problems of the Neuse River actually begin 200 miles
away in Durham County, the need for inter -governmental coopera-
tion and understanding will be paramount for successful solutions.
The next step in this process is to begin a basin wide education
program. The long unresolved problems in water quality, such as
the need to manage urban run-off and agricultural run-off, will,
of course, make this a difficult part of the issue to address.
However, the implications for each user of the river must be made
apparent. A citizen and local government plan of action may very
well be the needed catalyst to speed up the needed research re-
quired to address the problem and find resources for resolution.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE STATED THAT THE DETERIORATING
WATER QUALITY OF THE NEUSE RIVER WILL BE THE MAJOR LAND USE
PROBLEM IN THE 1980'S. HOWEVER, THE ISSUE HAS SUCH A MAGNI-
TUDE AND CROSSES SO MANY GOVERNMENTAL BOUNDARIES AND INVOLVES
SO MANY APPARENTLY YET UNRESOLVED SCIENTIFIC ISSUES, THAT THE
COUNTY MUST RELY ON STATE AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES FOR GUID-
ANCE AND LEADERSHIP. AFTER YEARS OF NEGLECT, THE COUNTY
HOPES THAT THIS ASSISTANCE WILL BE FORTHCOMING IN A SCALE
SIMILAR TO THAT NOW BEING DONE ON THE CHOWAN RIVER.
Implementation
The local resources needed to address the problem are already
in place. The formation of the Friends of the Neuse, Inc. in 1980
brought together a number of concerned people representing indus-
trial, environmental, fishing and recreational interests. The
resources available to Craven County and the other local govern-
ments are sufficient to begin the education and awareness program.
With increasingly uncertain federal support for water quality
planning and implementation, the effective clean up of the Neuse
River will have to start at home. The implications for the future
of the County suggest that some action is needed to awaken upstream
users of what is happening. Without their help and support, it
will remain Craven County's problem.

91
SECTION 4.2 WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT/SECOND HOMES
To date the development of waterfront homes and projects has
not caused major problems. Shoreline erosion has resulted in a loss
of approximately one square mile of land over the last thirty years.
The research of Riggs and Bellis and others on shoreline erosion has
provided Craven County with general locations of erosion. However,
for the most part,shoreline erosion is still a landowner's problem.
The approval of CAMA permits and setbacks from the shore will reduce
the problem in the future.
Although Craven .County is becoming a popular boating area, it
has not developed a tourist climate similar to the coast. The
only true second development in the County is the time-sharing con-
dominiums project near the Fairfield Harbour marina. At full
development they will number less than fifty units. The condominiums
at the marina also reflect a second home nature.
Second homes are not likely to contribute significantly to the
growth of the County over the next decade. It is expected that
marina development and retirement home development will be the
major thrust for the out -of -County residents.
The County does not feel that waterfront developments or
second home developments require special attention. They have been
adequately addressed in the past within the County's development
review process and no change from this process is necessary.
SECTION 4.3
IMPACT OF CHERRY POINT
The Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point in Township 6,
is the primary jet air base for the Marine Corps on the east coast.
It is headquarters for the Commander of Marine Corps Air Bases (Eastern
Area), home of the Second Marine Air Wing, the Naval Rework Facility,
a Naval Hospital, and an air maintenance training detachment. It

92
has additionally been designed as a major component in Rapid
Deployment Force strategy.
The development of MCAS in 1941 created the City of Havelock.
As seen in Table 2, the Air Station has been the major growth
factor in its township. Up until the past decade, Township 6 has
led the County in population increase. The Air Station is located
on 11,500 acres between Hancock and Slocum Creeks and is physically
a part of Havelock.
Its impact to Craven County can be considered in two senses.
First, the economic impact of a large military population has been
seen to be substantial. The Air Installation Compatible Use Zone
Study (AICUZ) for the Air Station suggests that "approximately 92%
of population and economic activity in Craven and Carteret Counties
is supported, directly or indirectly, by the impact of active duty
personnel and civilian employment at MCAS, Cherry Point". The
study also suggests that almost one-third of the County's work
force is related to the Air Station. The presence of the Air Station
has helped the County's unemployment rate to remain fairly stable
over the past decade. However, the industrialization and spread -of
service and trade establishments is beginning to blount some of the
economic dominance provided by the Air Station. The significant
population increases in Township 6 in the 1950's and 1960's did not
show up in 1970, suggesting a stabilization in the Air Station.
The second impact deals with the operating of the Air Station.
AICUZ is primarily concerned with noise level and accident potentials.
Significant efforts have been made by the Air Station to reduce both
impacts. Composite noise rating (CNR) zones have been established
based on decible range and estimated response to noise. To reduce
the noise potential, runway utilization is directed toward Runway 23

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and 32. Additional operational noise control procedures have
become standard at the Air Station. Accident potential zones have
been established to identify areas likely subject to aircraft
operation failures. Based on these two zones, an AICUZ footprint,
depicting those areas of critical concern, have been developed.
"The purpose (of the AICUZ) is to guide compatible develop-
ment through cooperation with local jurisdictions in order
to minimize public exposure to aircraft noise and accidents
while at the same time protecting the operational capability
of the station."
Craven County is indeed fortunate in having the Marine Corps
Air Station within its boundary. It has been a good neighbor and
citizen, has provided a solid economic footing to the County and
represents an important element in the community. The County feels
that the Air Station has had, and will continue to have, a positive
impact on the area. The relationship between the AICUZ and the
County's Land -Use Plan has been one of coordination. The AICUZ
has provided important information to the County Planning Board in
subdivision review. Although the County cannot, at this time,
provide zoning protection to the AICUZ footprint in its jurisdiction,
it is well aware of the need to preserve the integrity of the Air
Station operations and will continue to do so in the future.
SECTION 4.4 MILITARY TRAINING FLIGHTS
The County Planning Board has added one element to this special
issue section. In April 1980, the County provided a negative comment
to a A-95 review of low level training flights from Seymour -Johnson
Air Force Base. The request stated that fifty percent of these low
level flights would be flown,at 300 feet with the remainder at 500
feet. There would be approximately one to two flights per hour
five days per week. The training corridor was to be widened from

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four miles to ten miles. In Craven County, the area for low level
flights includes Cove City, Fort Barnwell, and Vanceboro.
Since these low level training flights have started, more and
more complaints have come in. While the over flights have avoided
areas of population concentration, the Planning Board is none the
less sensitive to the concerns of residents in the area. Recognizing
the need for combat preparedness, the County is interested in working
with appropriate officials to resolve the problem.
SECTION 4.5 COAL TRAINS
After initially reviewing this document, the Coastal Resources
Commission asked for a statement of the impact of coal trains on
Craven County.
For years, Craven County'has expressed its concern over the
unsafe track conditions over which vast amounts of jet fuel and
military ordinance have been hauled. The narrowness of the bridges
over the Neuse and Trent have been particular subjects of the County's
concern. The antiquity of the method of opening and closing the
trestles have been targets for improvement. The width of the Trent
River trestle is also a topic of long discussion'. These issues
existed well before the coal trains came. But their urgency is now
upmost in the minds of many people concerned with the coal train traffic.
In reviewing the available information on the potential impacts
from coal train traffic (particularly the DOT March, 1981 preliminary
report) the County has taken the following positions:
I. The condition of the track, bed and rails must be improved
if traffic is to significantly increase. This must be done
all through the County and not just around New Bern and
Morehead City.

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2. As long as trains remain at their current length, the
County does not anticipate much of a problem with blockage
for emergency vehicles. As the frequency of trains increase,
a higher level of coordination and cooperation between the
railroad and local emergency and law enforcement must be
maintained.
3. Until more information is available on the costs and effects
SECTION 5.0
of off-loading to barges compared to re-routing or new rail
by-passes, the County cannot intelligently discuss this
issue. An initial glimpse into the possibilities for alter-
native means of transport raises serious problems on all
sides. More information from State and railroad officials
will be needed.
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification System is a graphic depiction of the
policies previously discussed. It is used by regional, State and
Federal policy makers in evaluating grant and development proposals
and is a key factor in making consistency decisions. At the local
level, the Land Classification Map can be used to explain public
policy and issues to the public, but it must give way to zoning and
subdivision controls for implementation powers.
There are five mandated land classifications:
1) Developed - This provides for continued intensive develop-
ment in areas approaching a density of 500 dwellings per
square mile. Public services, including at least public
water, sewer, recreational facilities and police and fire
protection, must be available.

W.
2) Transition - This classification provides for future intensive
urban development in the next ten years. Necessary public
services will be provided to these areas. Transitional lands
can already be developed or are appropriate to accommodate
the anticipated growth. Criteria for this classification
include available water and sewer facilities and be generally
free of severe physical limitations or serious impact areas
such as prime farm or forest land; unique areas of scientific,
environmental or scenic values; natural hazards; or areas of
environmental concern. Additional transition class.lands
should comply with a guideline density of 2000 persons or
500 dwelling units per square mile.
3) Community. - This class provides for clustered land develop-
ment to help meet housing, shopping, employment and public
service needs within rural areas. These areas are charact-
erized by a small grouping of mixed land uses and do not
require municipal sewer service.
G) Rural. - This class provides for agr.iculttire, forest manage-
ment, mineral extraction and other low intensity uses. Urban
services are not required for residences. The prime criteria
for this class are: high potential for agriculture, forestry
or mineral extraction; lands having development limitations
making it costly or hazardous to implement; or lands with
valuable, natural, recreational or scenic resources.
5) Conservation - This class provides for effective long term
management of significant or irreplaceable areas. These
areas might include major wetlands, undeveloped shorelines,
wildlife habitat, water supply watersheds and aquifers and
undeveloped forest lands.

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The Craven County Planning Board, staff and County Commissioners
reviewed the 1975 Land Classification Map, the development that occur-
red since that time and the conclusions of this document to prepare
the 1981 Land Classification Map. The major changes to the earlier
Land Classification Map were:
1) The municipalities of New Bern, Havelock and Trent Woods are shown
totally in the developed class with a notation that these cities have
their own, more detailed, land classification plans.
2) The municipalities of Vanceboro, Bridgeton and River Bend have been
provided land classifications that recognize existing services and
local extraterriorial planning areas.
3) The towns of Dover and Cove City have been provided land classifications
that recognize existing services.
4) West of New Bern, the 1981 Map depicts the Industrial Park., Weyerhauser
and the residential development along NC 55 and SR. 1440-1401.
5) The Township 7 water service area has been depicted as "transitional"
to recognize current and anticipated development.
6) The increased development along US 17 South has been included.
7) A new subdivision proposal near Fairfield Harbour along SR. 1600
has been depicted.
8) The only new conservation area shown is Flanners Beach, which would
be sandwiched between the transitional areas of Township 7 and
Stately Pines -Carolina Pines.
SECTION 5.1 RELATIONSHIP OF POLICIES AND LAND CLASSIFICATION
The major policy statements in this document reflect a shift in the
County's orientation. Growth will become even more important as the
present urban corridor from River Bend to Havelock continues to grow.
Undoubtedly, the next Land Development Plan will identify more problems

98
associated with growth in this area. However, this plan provided the
County with a recognition of the need to plan for adequate services in
this most critical area. The County will become more urban oriented
in service requirements and more concern will be expressed on the
problems of water pollution and land development patterns.
The Resource Protection policies, while geared mainly to State
and Federal enforcement procedures, will provide guidance to the
County in several areas. First, the development in Township 7 will
have a more profound influence on the estuarine systems of the Trent and
including Brice's Creek. More thought will be given to how development
occurs in this area.and assistance from OCM may be sought as the number
of requests for local or minor permits increases. These Resource
Protection policies, along with the Special Issues, set the framework
for the concern in Craven County,over the deteriorating water quality
of the Neuse. During this planning period, the County wants to signi-
ficantly increase the awareness of citizens about this issue and to
enlist support from State and other agencies in drawing the attention
of upstream local governments to this problem.
Resource Production policies indicate that while considerable
attention will be focused on urban development, the valuable re-
sources of agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing and recreation will
be supported. In fact, this plan suggests that outside of the identi-
fied urban corridor little growth is expected.
Economic and Community Development policies are geared to the
urban corridor and to development such as Fairfield Harbour. Coupled
with this area is concern over how deteriorating water quality will
impact development and how local development growth will impact water
quality. These policies are geared toward minimizing the problems of
growth in the urban corridor.

99
The land classifications have certain types of ranges of uses that
are allowable under this plan:
1) Developed lands are already fully utilized with a wide range of
residential, commercial, industrial and other uses. The developed
classes of land are found in the cities which have adopted their
own Land Development Plan. There are no developed areas classified
within the Craven County jurisdiction and therefore the policies
developed above are not applicable to lands in other jurisdictions,
except to provide a statement of County interest.
2) Transition - The criteria used in distinguishing this class is the
existence of public services and the likelihood of reaching developed
class standards in ten years. In the areas delineated as transitional,
the County is in effect saying that these are urban growth areas.
Conflicts with resource production and man-made hazards should be
resolved in favor of the needs of the transitional area. Resource
protection policies will have a major influence as these transitional
lands move toward developed status. The location of the National
Forest and the two rivers are both attractors and limitors of growth.
Conflicts between the economic and community development policies geared
for Townships 6 and 7 will have to be weighed very carefully for their
effect on resource protection issues. Areas where this conflict are
likely to occur are water quality, the new National Forest plan and
the need to reroute railroad right-of-way through this area as a
result of increased traffic to Morehead City. Appropriate land uses
within this class are similar to those found in the developed class.
The County is presently considering a zoning ordinance to regulate
land uses in Township 7.
3) Community - The crossroad development pattern is encouraged to
continue because it offers a place of livelihood and shelter to

100
people outside of urban areas. While this type of development is
encouraged, it is regulated under the County's Subdivision Regu-
lations to insure proper development. Resource protection policies
are generally not related to the designated community areas because
of their.small size and long existence. Since municipal services
are not provided and communities generally locate around road
intersections in the interior of the County, the development of
these areas is often quite slow and spotty. As such they do not
usually impact the areas of concern in resource protection.
Community areas usually occur to serve areas of resource pro-
duction and are quite complementary to each other. The community
class is expected to retain its characteristics of small service
and shopping facilities, limited residential development and very
low density.
The most appropriate land uses in this class are residential
uses, small food or convenience stores, service stations and automobile
and equipment service facilities, and other similar uses serving only
the immediate area to the community.
4) Rural - The rural areas of the Land Classification Map are meant to
preserve and enhance the policies of resource production and resource
protection. Only in limited circumstances, such as housing rehabili-
tation programs, should the economic and community development policies
have application. The most appropriate land uses are farms, forestry
lands and the National Forest. The last use is included in this
class because very controlled forest harvesting is allowed.
Development not related to resource production and ancillary uses,
such as isolated residences, should be encouraged in this class.

1.01
5) Conservation - The conservation class in Craven County was
selected to protect sensitive areas from development. The County
feels that any development request in a conservation class should
have no impact on the sensitive area. Not only should development
be of very low density, but it should also have some direct relation-
ship to location in a critical area. Development types would be
restricted to those carefully planned around the sensitive area,
regardless of their type of use.
SECTION 5.2 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
The Craven County Land Development Plan identifies an urban corridor
of about twenty miles in length and three to four miles in width. This
corridor stretches through the jurisdictions of Craven County, River
Bend, Trent Woods, New Bern and Havelock. In order for the County to
properly develop and provide efficient and low cost services, the five
jurisdictions should begin to come together on a frequent basis to
discuss problems of mutual concern and interest, such as the Neuse River
water quality.