Coastal Area Management Act Land Use Plan-1976

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Division of Coastal Management Copy
COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT
TOWN OF ATKINSON, NORTH CAROLINA
1 C) MCP

A
. LAND USE PLAN
. - FOR THE
TOWN OF ATKINSON, NORTH CAROLINA
Prepared in Accord with
State Guidelines for local Planning in the Coastal Area
Under the.Coastal Area Management Act of 1974.
Submitted to
North Carolina Coastal Resources Commision
May 21, 1976
The preparation of this report was financially assisted by grants from the
State of North Carolina, the National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
and the Coastal Plains Regional Commission.

NOTICE TO USERS
All major policy related maps and documents are either included within
the text or attached to the back of the plan. However, due to the expense
and technical limitations required for reprinting some illustrations may
be omitted. Complete copies are available for inspection at the N. C.
Coastal Resources Commission offices in Raleigh or at the local government
offices.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of a Land Use Plan in North Carolina
Coastal Area Management
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Method of Preparing the Plan
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CURRENT CONDITIONS
SECTION 1
Population and Economy
1-1
Population
1-1
Employment
1-2
Commerce
1-3
_. Existing Land Use
1-4
Regulations and Policies Concerning Land Use
1-8
Location Regulations
1-8
Plans
1-8
Constraints
1-9
ISSUES, OBJECTIVES, AND STANDARDS
SECTION 2
Major Issues and General Alternatives
2-1
Population
2-1
Employment
2-1
Service Facilities
2-2
Regulation of Growth
2-4
Objectives and Standards of Atkinson
2-6
FUTURE LAND USE
SECTION 3
Factors Influencing Growth
3-1
Land Classification
3-3
Implementation of Town Policies
3-5
REFERENCES CITED
SECTION 4
APPENDIX A: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
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PURPOSE OF A LAND USE PLAN IN NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT
The North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 ZChapter
1284 1973 Session Laws (G. S. 113Y (CAMA) established "....a coopera-
tive program of coastal area management between local and State
governments" whereby "Local government shall have the initiative for
planning."
Enactment of CAMA was based upon findings by the General Assembly
that
"Among North Carolina's most valuable resources are its
coastal lands and waters."
"the estuaries are among the most biologically productive
regions of this State and of the nation"
.an immediate and pressing need exists to establish 'a
comprehensive plan for the protection, preservation,
orderly development, and management of the coastal area
of North Carolina."
The CAMA established the following goals for the coastal area
management system.
"(1) To provide a management system capable of preserving and
managing the natural ecological conditions of the
estuarine system, the barrier dune system, and the
beaches, so as to safeguard and perpetuate their natural
productivity and their biological, economic and esthetic
values;
"(2) To insure that the development or preservation of the
land and water resources of the coastal area proceeds in
a manner consistent with the capability of the land and
water for development, use, or preservation based on
ecological considerations;
"(3) To insure the orderly and balanced use and preservation of
our coastal resources on behalf of the people of North
Carolina and the nation;
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"(4) To establish policies, guidelines and standards for:
(i) Protection, preservation, and conservation of
natural resources including but not limited
to water use, scenic vistas, and fish and
wildlife; and management of transitional or
intensely developed areas and areas especially
suited to intensive use of development, as
well as areas of significant natural value;
(ii) The economic development of the coastal area,
including but not limited to construction,
location and design of industries, port facilities,
commercial establishment and other developments;
(iii) Recreation and tourist facilities and parklands;
(iv) Transportation and circulation patterns for the
coastal area including major thoroughfares,
transportation routes, navigation channels and
harbors, and other public utilities and facilities;
(v) Preservation and enhancement of the historic,
cultural, and scientific aspects of the coastal area;
(vi) Protection of present common law and statutory public
'rights in the lands and waters of the coastal area."
The planning processes established by the CAMA include: (a) State
guidelines setting the objectives, policies and standards to be followed in
public and private use of land and water within the coastal area; and (b) a
land use plan for each county within the coastal area.
Following the procedures contained in the LAMA, the Mayor and
Board of Aldermen of Atkinson declared the intent of the Town to prepare a
land use plan in accordance with State Guidelines for Local Planning in
the Coastal Area under the Coastal Area Management Act of 1974 (Guidelines)
adopted by the, North Carolina Coastal Resources on January 27, 1975, as
subsequently amended.
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The Guidelines mandate that each 'land use plan contain:
1) A statement of Local Land Use Objectives, Policies and
Standards;'
2) A Summary of Data Collection and.Analysis;
3) An Existing Land Use Map;
4) A Land Classification Map;
5) Written text describing and indicating appropriate
development for Interim Areas of Environmental Concern.
A land use plan is one of many elements that constitute a compre-
hensive plan for Atkinson. The land use plan expresses the way the
democratically elected representatives of the people think the finite land
area should be allocated to best meet the hopes and aspirations of the
people who live and pay taxes in a specific jurisdiction. A land use plan
can only be thorough when health care, education, transportation, economic
development, leisure time, and other components of a comprehensive plan
are tested against the people!s goals and objectives so they can be integrated
into the land use element.
Atkinson's land use plan relies upon those data most readily.
available and focuses upon the major emphases of the CAMA: development
within the capability of the natural resources: Other topics, such as water
and sewer, roads and streets, and employment are consistent with issues
raised by the public, but are peripheral to establishing a basis for
decision -making with respect to land.
It is Atkinson's intention to utilize the plan as a keystone for
all future town activity. The land use plan is a major step in comprehensive
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planning for Atkinson. Matters such as zoning, building codes, Town appearance,
and community development can be based upon the plant policy issues, such as
annexation, taxes, maintenance of water quality, health care and employment
are preliminarily identified for later study and decision -making as elements
of the Town's comprehensive planning process.
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METHOD OF PREPARING THE PLAN
The Atkinson land use plan was developed as an iterative process
among elected and appointed public officials, the public, and professional
resource specialists.
The iterative process:, 1) Sampled public recognition of problems
and opportunities in general termsy 2) defined the known physical, social,
and institutional settingr 3) invited the public to participate in matching
problem solutions with the setting by defining objectives and standards
for the Town; 4) projected factors consistent with the selected Town goals
and the physical restraints; and 5) allocated land according to the pro-
jected magnitude of demand and the physical characteristics of the Town.
Coastal Resources Commission Guidelines emphasize the'need to map
three sets of data: existing land use, land classified according to
projected use in 1985, and areas that will be recommended as interim areas
of environmental concern. However, there are no Interim Areas of Environ-
mental Concern in Atkinson, as those areas are defined in the State Guidelines.
Atkinson data were mapped at,a scale of 1-inch - 400 ft. The basic map
medium was an aerial photograph at a scale of 1 inch a 200 ft purchased from
the U. S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.
Existing land use was determined by air photo interpretation and
visual inspection of structures, vegetation and water. This method of de-
fining existing conditions permitted rapid identification of hazardous,
fragile, and.unique areas to see if any might constitute an area of environ-
mental concern.
The air -photograph maps are easily reproducible and.will serve as
a useful public information tool. Additionally, the reproducible photograph
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is available for use as a base map to support other planning activities and
for implementation of the plan.
Details of Atkinson's public participation program are contained
in Appendix A.
The CAMA sponsored planning in the Town was closely coordinated
with comparable activities conducted by the Pender County Planning Board.
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POPULATION AND ECONOMY.
Settlement of the Town of Atkinson began in 1822 around a railway
station. For the next 27 years the Town was called Lewis, named for the
man who donated the lot for the station. The Town was incorporated in
1909 and renamed Atkinson in honor of an engineer involved in the completion
of the Cape Fear and Yatkin Valley Railroad. For about the next 25 years,
the town remained a small, but thriving rural community. Agriculture
formed the basis of the economy of the area; the Seaboard Coastline Rail-
road ran regularly through the center of town establishing the town as a
center for the marketing and transfer of the area's agricultural products.
As railroad traffic has declined over the last 30 years, _so has the ability
of farming to provide a sound economic basis for the area. The railroad
no longer runs throughAtkinson, and farming is no longer the principal
occupation.
Population
U. S. Census data report a slow but steady increase in the popu-
lation of Atkinson over the last 25 years: in 1950, the population was 294;
in 1960, 302; and in 1970, 325 (U. S. Department of C(mmercer1973).
The most recent estimate, made in the town's application for Powell Bill
funds, lists the current population, at 340 persons:
The U. S. Department of Commerce classifies populations as Rural
or Urban. Areas defined as being within a. zone of commercial influence
and having populations of 2500 or more are classed as Urban; all other
areas are Rural. According to the 1970*U. S. Census of Population, all of
Pender County, including Atkinson, is classed as Rural.
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For the two decades between 1950 and 1970, there were not enough
jobs available in the area to accommodate all of Atkinson's high school
graduates and others seeking employment; agricultural activities were no
longer able to absorb the new entrants into the labor force. Out -migration
of the youth from the town resulted, leaving a disproportionate number of
older people in the residual population. In the last five years, however,
several new industries have opened in neighboring counties, particularly
in adjacent New Hanover County. More of the labor force is now able to
find jobs close enough to Atkinson to remain residents of the town. Further-
more, with increased employment opportunities, Atkinson is now seeing the
return to residency of some of its natives who had formerly left town. The
current trend is toward a more balanced age distribution than existed in
r years past.
Employment
It is estimated that presently one-half of the town's resident
workers commute to neighboring counties for industrial jobs with General
Electric on US 117, Castle Hayne; DuPont an NC 53W; Hercules on US 421 N;
or Federal Paperboard Co. at Riegelwood. One -eighth of the labor force
is employed in general commerce in Atkinson, such as grocery store, bank,
and service station operation; only about one-fourth of .the townspeople
are employed in agriculture, producing mainly corn and tobacco; about one -
eighth of the adult population of Atkinson is retired.a
aJohn Eakins, Mayor; Jean Butler,.Town Clerk, Personal Interview, May 24,
1975.
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1. Commerce
There are no major businesses or industries in Atkinson; the
largest operation, a grill called Woody's Kitchen, employs only four people.
In the last 10 years, several small businesses have been established in-
cluding a garage -repair shop, a branch bank, the grill, and a fabric shop.
A convenience store is presently under construction on 'NC 53, in the
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western section of town.'
Atkinson's commerce can now fill most of the day -today shopping
needs of its townspeople, including groceries, banking services, beauty
needs, fabrics and the like. It is still necessary to leave town to obtain.
the professional services of doctors, lawyers, and dentists. Burgaw is the
most common shopping place for professional services and for prescription
drugs, large items such as furniture and appliances, and specialty goods
and services. Some of the commuters working in and around Wilmington find
choices larger and prices lower in the Wilmington area and do much of their
shopping on the way home from work. For most Atkinson residents, however,
the 41 mile trip to Wilmington is made only on special occasions.
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EXISTING LAND USE
The Town of Atkinson is located in Caswell Township in the western
part of Pender County, 15.5 miles. virtually due west of Burgaw. The town
Is accessible from Burgaw by. NC 53, and,from Wilmington by US 421 to NC 53.
Wilmington is the population center closest to Atkinson, located 41 miles
to the southeast.
According to 1970 U. S. census data, there are no parts of Pender
County that meet the population density criteria for being classified as
Urban. All of the county, including Atkinson, is classified Rural -Farm
or Rural -Nonfarm. For the purpose of discussing existing land use in
Atkinson, however, the term Urban will refer to nonfarm areas with a
build-up of residential and/or commercial structures..
There is presently no zoning ordinance or subdivision regulation
that applies to land use''in Atkinson. Throughout the town limits, land
use is mixed, with residential, commercial, recreational, public and
institutional land occurring together in a random fashion. The area of
town that serves as the central business district extends for one block
east along NC 53, starting at the intersection of NC 53 and First Street.
Located in this one block area are a gas pump, barber, beauty and fabric
shops, a grocery store, insurance office, service station, grill, bank
and a post office.
NC 53 traverses the Town of Atkinson from northeast to south-
west, becoming the main street within the town limits. At the time of
its incorporation in 1909, and for the next 60 years, the Seaboard Coast-
line Railroad traversed the.town from southeast to northwest. The
railroad tracks were removed in 1972, but the right-of-way and First Street,
which runs parallel and to the east of the right-of-way, continue to
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function as a transportation corridor. The town, by virtue of NC 53 and
First Street, is divided into four sections'-- north, east, south, and west.
In the eastern section of Atkinson, land is developed for urban
uses for only two blocks along First Street and five blocks along NC 53.
In this section are several residences, including some mobile homes,._ ,
commercial activities, a Masonic Lodge, and a church.. The main drainage
canal of the town empties into Mill Branch which, with its tributaries,
runs through this section of town. Little of the land in this section is
presently being used for urban purposes; most is in timber stands of mixed
pine and hardwood; the rest is farmed. There are no roads extending into
this area for more than one block, and no new roads have been proposed
to extend into it further:
In the southern section of Atkinson, land has been developed for
urban uses for five blocks along NC 53, and for one and one-half blocks
along the railroad right-of-way. Most buildings are residences, though
a monument yard, welding shop, women's club house, and beauty shop are
located here. The Town of Atkinson owns the block of land at the inter-
section of First Street and NC 53, having bought it.in 1974 from the .
railroad company The Town's new medical clinic being built in this block
is expected to take up about 400 sq. ft. of the 900 sq. ft. of area.
Presently streets extend for one and one-half.to three blocks into this
section of town, with new streets proposed to extend for a total of five
blocks. Most of the land in this part of town that is not being used for
urban purposes is presently supporting timber stands, some of which have
recently been cutoverj there is a small amount of farmland in the extreme
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' southern part.
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In the western section of Atkinson, land is developed for urban
uses for five blocks along NC 53 and for one and one-half blocks along
First Street.a Land use in this section is predominantly residential,
especially on those lots that are not located on NC 53. In addition to
the housing in this section are ABC, grocery and convenience stores, a
garage, and two churches, all located on NC 53. Atkinson Junior High
School is located in the second block off of NC 53. Roads extend into
this section of town for only one to five blocks, with the exception of
Sunset Street which continues nortrJestward across the town limits
becoming, SR 1218. The land in this section of town that is not being
used for urban purposes is in the west being farmed, and in the northwest
supporting a pine plantation.
Land is presently being used most intensively in the northern
section of Atkinson, with urban land use 'extending northwest and north-
east nearly .to the town limits. Blocks are large', with only one street,
Henry Street, running parallel to NC 53. The block located at the inter-
section of NC 53 and First Street is owned in large part by the Town of
Atkinson, and contains the Town Hall, Volunteer Fire Department and the
Town Parka Land use away from NC 53 is residential, with the exception
of a church and electrical shop toward the NW town limits. Most of the
land here not presently used for urban purposes is farmed, with some in
the north supporting timber.
There is no land in or immediately surrounding Atkinson currently
being used for industry. There are two tracts of land in Atkinson that
a Blocks in western and northern sections of Atkinson are twice as long as
those in the eastern and southern sections.
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have been proposed by the Town (in accord with the owner) to be used as
industrial sites. One of these sites is located in the southern section
of town, along NC 53 from Pope Street to the Town limits, and is presently
supporting timber. The second proposed industrial site is located to
the northwest of the school, extending to the town limits between
Sunset Street and the railroad right-of-way. Part of this site has been
recently cut -over, the rest is a pine plantation.
The only lands in Atkinson equipped for recreational use are
the Town Park and school yard. Conversion of the abandoned Atlantic
Coastline Railroad right-of-way, from Richards in Pender County to Kerr
in Sampson County, to a recreation -historic -nature trail has been proposed
by some Pender County residents. Development of this trail would create
additional recreation land in a strip through the town, providing land for
hiking and camping for residents of Atkinson as well as tourists.
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REGULATIONS AND POLICIES CONCERNING LAND USE
Location Regulations
• There are no zoning or subdivision regulations that apply to land
use in Atkinson, but the Town of Atkinson "Code of General Ordinances in
1973" describes structural, lot size, and building location requirements in
the town. Atkinson has adopted the 1968 edition of the North Carolina
State Building Code as its standard; a building permit is required for con-
struction or alteration of buildings and for the location of mobile homes.
A permit from the Town Clerk is required for the establishment of private
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water supplies and sewage disposal systems. Before location of a mobile
home on a lot, written assent must be obtained from adjoining lot owners
and residents, and a copy of that assent must be filed with the Town Clerk.
Authority for enforcement of the Town Ordinances that concern
building and lot requirements is conferred on a Building Inspector to be
appointed by the Town Aldermen. Condemnation decisions, however, are
made by the Aldermen, on the recommendations of the Building Inspector,
Fire Chief, and'Mayor.
Plans
The only plans relating to land use that have been developed for
Atkinson concern public water and sewer facilities. At the request of
the Town Board a preliminary engineering report (PER) of the feasibility of.
public water and sewer systems in Atkinson has been prepared by Henry von
Oesen and Associates, Inc. (1974), Consulting Engineers and Planners. The
PER recommends that both water supply and waste water collection and
treatment systems be developed in Atkinson with the financial assistance of
the Farmers Home Administration
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CONSTRAINTS
There are certain areas of Atkinson where development would be
either especially costly or likely to cause undesirable consequences because
of the inherent characteristics of the land and water. The permeability of
soils, their susceptibility to flooding, and their biological productivity
can and have exerted influence upon the choice of land areas that can most
economically, and with the least risk and uncertainty, be put to various
uses.
Flooding
The U. S. Geological Survey is in the process of mapping Flood
Prone Areas of Pender County. The purpose of these maps as stated on
each map is to "show administrators, planners and engineers concerned with
future land developments those areas that are subject to flooding." The
flood prone areas shown on these maps have a 1 in 100 chance on the average
of being inundated during any year. The flood areas are being delineated
without consideration of present or future flood control storage that
may reduce flood levels.
The Flood Prone Area map of the Atkinson area has been completed,
and shows the town to be located well outside the area subjected to
inundation by the nearest large stream, the Black River. The Black River
flows approximately four miles from Atkinson and its flood prone area falls
within the 30 ft. msl elevation line in this vicinity. Atkinson is at an
average elevation of about 60 ft msl. Within the town, however, the water
table remains relatively high throughout most of the year and the perme-
ability of some of the soils is low; as a result, temporary ponding of
water in streets and yards often follows periods of heavy rainfall. The
Town maintains a network of drainage ditches which flow into a central
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canal in the southeastern part of town. Water from the canal empties
into Mill Branch, which enters Moore's Creek southeast of Atkinson. During
some periods of heavy rainfall when runoff is extremely high, Moore's Creek
is unable to contain all of the water flowing into iti the resultant over—
load of the creek causes a backup of water in Mill Branch and the drainage
canals, causing further ponding in Atkinson.
soils
According to the U. S. SoilConservationService (SCS)'"General
Soil Map and interpretations for Pender County," Atkinson is located
entirely within the Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia Soil Association. This association
is made up predominantly of the Lumbee, Johns, and Kalmia soils each of
which has its particular characteristics and suitability for various pur-
poses. The Lumbee soils are poorly drained and have gray or dark gray
surfaces over gray friable sandy clay loam subsoils. The Lumbee soils occur
chiefly on stream terraces and make up about 40 percent of the association.
The Johns soils are moderately well,and somewhat poorly drained with gray
sandy surfaces over friable sandy clay loam subsoils. Johns soils occur on
level uplands and on stream terraces and make up about 30 percent of the
association. The Kalmia soils are well drained with light gray sandy loam
or loamy sand surface over yellowish brown sandy clay loam subsoils. The
Kalmia soils occur on nearly level to gently sloping uplands and stream
terraces and make up about 20 percent of the association. The subsoils
of all three of these soils are underlain by sandy material at depths
generally less than 40 inches.
The Lumbee-Johns-Kalmia association includes a dominant portion
of the cropland in the county and most of its soils are well suited for
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both agricultural and woodland uses. The chief limitations for most resi-
dential and commercial uses of these soils are wetness and flooding. The
Ralmia soils have only slight limitations for septic tank fields, structures,
and roads and streets: the Johns soils have moderate to severe limitations
for the above uses due to their susceptibility to flooding; the Lumbee
soils have severe limitations for all the above uses plus agriculture, due
to their wetness and susceptibility to flooding (U. S. Soil Conservation
Service 1973).
Sources of Water Supply
Ground water comprises the sole source of water supply in
Atkinson as in the rest of Pander County (Wiggins -Rimer and Associates
1973). The county is underlain by a large aquifer system from'which
potable water can be drawn at various depths in different localities.
There are four geologic strata in the aquifer system, two of which are
important as sources of water supply in Atkinson.
The Pleistocene and Recent surficial sands cover most of Pander
County and constitute a major water source for individual wells in
Atkinson (Henry von Oesen and Associates '1974). In the surficial sands,
water occurs under water table conditions usually within 15 ft. of the
land surface. Recharge is accomplished directly by rainfall, subjecting
the water to possible contamination from the ground surface. The produc-
tivity of this aquifer is limited primarily by its thickness, which varies
locally. In most cases, water yields from wells in the surficial sands
are sufficient for domestic and farm uses; in periods of drought, however,
or when large amounts of water are needed as for fire fighting, yields have
sometimes proven inadequate (Wiggins -Rimer and Associates 1973). In places
where shallow wells are located too close to septic tank fields, contamina-
tion of this water supply may result.
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The Peedee Cretaceous sands, limestone and marine clays occur
throughout Pender County and serve as an important source of water supply
in many areas west of the Northeast Cape Fear River.. Wells in the Peedee
vary from 50-200 ft. deep and yield up to 30D gpm (Wiggins -Rimer and
Associates 1973). water quality and yields for specific locations can be .
determined only on an individual case basis., Some existing wells in
Atkinson yield water with high concentrations of iron and hydrogen
sulfide to which residents have become accustomed but which newcomers may
find objectionable.
The Peedee formation immediately underlies the surficial sands
in the Atkinson area and is recharged directly by rainfall.
Slopes_
The Atkinson area of Pender County is characterized by low
rolling hills along water courses, on otherwise nearly level ground; with-
in the town there is little natural elevation change. Grading of the land
surface during development is required only to the extent necessary to
facilitate proper water runoff to prevent ponding, and to insure good
foundations for structures. There are no steep slopes within the town,
the nearest ones being to the southwest along the Black River and to the
east near Ward's Corner. Along parts of NC 53 between the Black River
and Atkinson there are scenic areas of elevation change and hardwood stands;
a scenic drive can also be found on SR 1201, one and one-half miles north-
west of Atkinson.
Wildlife
Located to the north of Atkinson is a pocosin that is drained by
Mill Branch. Characterized by wet ground and slowly moving water, dense
shrub and low tree vegetation, this pocosin constitutes good wildlife
habitat. Throughout the Atkinson area, vegetation varies from cropland to
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pine stands and hardwood stands, creating conditions favorable to wildlife,
primarily deer.
.Community Services
The Town of Atkinson's services include a one-man police force
and a 31 member volunteer fire department. The fire department equipment
includes 1946 and 1970 pumpers, a 1958 tanker, a 350 gpn pump, and a 1973
van for carrying breathing apparatus and other small equipment. The fire
department serves the town and surrounding area within a 3-mile radiusi
it is funded by the Town, annual appropriations from the County, private
contributions, fire district taxes and fund raising campaigns.
Under the auspices of the North Carolina Rural Health Services,
a medical clinic has recentlybeen constructed in Atkinson and opened
in September 1975. The clinic provides a full-time family nurse.practi
tioner and two Burgaw,doctors on call. Each doctor also spends one-half
day each week in the clinic. Efforts are being made by the mayor to
find a way to incorporate a prescription drug store in the facility so
that people using the clinic can obtain medicine in Atkinson rather than
travelling to Burgaw.
The Town provides a maintenance operation to work principally
on streets and ditches in the town.
The Town goverroent's main sources of revenue are property taxes
and ABC revenue and intergovernmental revenue sharing. The Town's main
expenses are the police force and maintenance operations.
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Many community facilities offered'in Pender County are operated
on a county -wide basis out of the town of Burgaw, the county seat. Road
networks in the western part of the county are integrated and distributed
in such a manner as to make the delivery of services out of Burgaw, efficient
for the area. Atkinson is located approximately 15.5 miles west of Burgaw
and is within one-half hour's driving time from the town.'
The Pender County Memorial Hospital is located in Burgaw and offers
X-ray, laboratory, dietary, surgical, and delivery room services to county
residents. The hospital and adjacent Medical Center operate health clinics
hnd an emergency room and maintain four Pender County doctors on staff.
Public education is operated by the County. Atkinson youth
attend grades R-5 at West Pender Elementary, grades 6-9 at Atkinson Junior
High, and grades 10-12 at Pender High School in Burgaw. A school bus
service is operated by the County and provides transportation for all
grades.
'.A volunteer organization, the Pender County Rescue Squad, Inc.,
was formed in 1961 to serve the whole of Pender County west of the AIWW.
Calls from throughout the area come to the county dispatcher in Burgaw,
who sends out emergency vehicles as needed. The squad is maintained
financially by an annual appropriation from the Town of Burgaw and Pender
County, and by public donations and an annual fund raising project.
Solid waste collection and disposal for.the unincorporated parts
of Pender County west of the AIWW has been operated by the County since
• February,1973. There is one landfill for the area, located on SR 1640, four

miles west of Burgaw. The Town of Atkinson.brings garbage to four estab-
lished collection boxes located on the periphery of town. The collection
truck makes as many rounds to each box as necessary two days each week,
followed by deliveries to the landfill.
Water Supply -Wastewater Disposal
There are no public water supplies presently in operation in
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the Town of Atkinson. All of the townspeople rely on individual wells or
small private systems (10 connections or less) for their water supplies.
Groundwater comprises the sole source of water, with many water table wells
drawing water from the Surficial Sands. Throughout the town, the shallow
wells produce water with a relatively high iron content causing some
staining and taste and odor problems. Productivity of the shallow wells
varies but is generally adequate for domestic and farm needs. Water from
deeper wells, such as those drawing from the Peedee formation, is generally
of acceptable quality and quantity.
The Town of Akinson has been studying the need for and feasibility
of a municipal water supply. At this time, however, the'.townspeople, most
of whom are satisfied with the existing supply, question the need for such
a system, and have not applied for funds for its construction.
There is no public wastewater disposal facility in Atkinson. All
of the people rely on private wastewater disposal systems serving individual
residences and using subsurface disposal methods, either septic tanks or
privies. Some problems have been encountered in the town with contamination
of shallow wells by sewage; the characteristically high water table,
1-15

especially in periods of heavy rains can rise close to the surface and make
contact with effluent. Some of the pollution problems are related to the
soil conditions; where the impermeability of the soils hinders the flow
of effluent downward, lateral flow into the Town's drainage ditches can
occur. The drainage of effluent into ditches poses a potential threat to
the health of the residents of Atkinson and areas downstream. Some problems,
however, are more likely to stem from improper location, installation, or
maintenance of the sewage disposal system.
A study of the need for and feasibility of a municipal sewage
treatment facility has been conducted for the Town of Atkinson. The Town
is presently reviewing the study and deciding on a course of action.
There have been no fragile areas, hazard areas or other areas with
resource potential identified in Atkinson, nor are there any significant
land use compatibility problems, major problems resulting from unplanned
development, or areas experiencing or likely to experience major changes
in predominant land uses. There is virtually no seasonal population change
or economic activity which uses, depends on or may impair land and water
resources. 'There are no municipal floodway ordinances, building codes,
septic tank regulations, dune protection ordinances, sedimentation codes
or environmental impact statement ordinances.
1-16

.24

MAJOR ISSUES AND GENERAL ALTERNATIVES
On September 24, 1975, a Town Meeting was held in Atkinson for
purpose of discussing the future of the Town. There were 68 resident
adults in attendance, about 20 percent of the total population. In the
course of the meeting,the following issues were discussed; informal votes
were taken on each issue to obtain a concensus of opinion.
Population
The present population of Atkinson is about 340. This figure
represents a 12.5 percent population increase overall since 1960, or an .8
percent increase per year. Between 1970 and 1975, the increase was .9
percent per year. A continuation of the 1970 to 1975 rate would result in
a population of 375 in 1980; 405.in 1985,.440 in 1990, and 525 in 2000.
Atkinson is a small rural town; its residents like it that way
and want it to remain the same in.the future. Maintenance of the 1970 to
1975 growth rate would allow for natural increases in population due to the
birth rate, for young adults to remain residents of the Town, and for older
residents to retire in .the community. Much higher a growth rate would require
new service facilities and annexation of property adjacent to the Town in
order to accommodate new residents at the desired low density. A lower
or "no growth" rate, which would result from the outmigration of pro-
ductive youth and young adults, would ultimately change the family -oriented
community into a retirement village.
Employment
Much of the Atkinson labor force commutes long distances to jobs
in neighboring counties. Commuting allows residents to live in their rural
2-1
3C)

home town but work and shop in more urbanized areas. The ever increasing
price of gasoline, however, will put increasing economic pressure on the
commuting population to move closer to their place of work] to move out of
Atkinson.
Atkinson has never been the site of heavy industry. Former
business enterprises have centered around the railroad and the area's
agricultural activities. There are two sites in the town proposed for
industrial. location, should industry choose to locate in the town. But
neither site is large, and neither has the water or sewer facilities often
desired by industry. The location of industry in the town, even if it were
feasible given the limited amount of land in the jurisdiction,'wduld tend
to change the rural atmosphere of the Town; the use of the undeveloped
land for industrial purposes would tend to force new residential growth to
occur outside the town limits. The location of light industry outside but
near the town would allow Atkinson residents the opportunity of working in
their own county, near their place of residence. Industry near the town
could conceivably encourage the location within the town of professional
and service support enterprises, as well as promote the expansion of existing
Atkinson commerce.
Service Facilities
The lack of industry and large commercial enterprises in Atkinson
results in a low property tax base from which to draw the revenue required
for municipal service facilities. Most services currently in operation in
the town are maintained cooperatively by the County, Town, and volunteer
organizations. Atkinson's size limits the amount of services that can cost

effectively be maintained by the Town alone. A large compactor type
garbage truck, for instance, as well as a landfill for the single town,
cannot be justified. Equipment required for maintaining the town's
drainage system would stand idle much of the time if it were operated in
Atkinson only. The small population cannot even support a single doctor
or dentist practicing only.in the immediate area.
The Town's residents consider a limited amount of publicly
operated services an acceptable price to pay for their rural lifestyle.
Voluntary local manpower can often accomplish efficiently and free of
charge some service provisions that the Town government could not. Certain
services usually provided in urban centers, such as public transportation
and entertainment, are willingly forsaken in Atkinson as infeasible under
the rural conditions they desire.
There are problems in Atkinson, however, that concern the health
and safety of the townspeople and,to a certain extent, residents of unin-
corporated areas nearby. Specifically, the contamination of shallow water
table wells and surface waters in ditches, by improperly functioning sewage
disposal systems, is a municipal -wide problem which the public sector must
try to solve. But solutions are hard to find.
Outside fundingcould provide as much.as 87.percent of the money
needed for a municipal water and sewer systems but the remaining 13 percent,
plus future operations and maintenance costs, would be the responsibility
of the Town. Atkinson residents are aware of the pollution problem, but
they are also aware of the high cost of maintenance, operation, and
individual connection and use fees they would be required to pay. Higher
2-3
3.�

taxes and fees would be problem enough for the working residents who
constitute the bulk of the adult population; but for the retired people,
many of whom are living on social security or other low fixed incomes, the
taxes and fees required would be impossible to meet.
The municipal'services most desired by Atkinson residents are
supervised recreational areas and facilities. The Town has a public park,
but there are virtually no recreation facilities in the park at present.
There are some organized athletic activities, such as softball teams,
currently utilizinq the school yard fields. The townspeople would like to
establish a.center for the community recreation, meeting; fund raising
activities that currently take place in a variety of places, i.e. wherever
possible.
Regulation of Growth
There are currently no zoning or subdivision regulations to control
growth in Atkinson. Growth in the area has always occurred slowly, most of
it within the municipal jurisdiction. There is no "urban sprawl" threatening.
agricultural land use, and with the lack.of industrial and business activity,
few problems with property values or conflicting demands for land have
occurred. Atkinson residents realize that such problems have occurred in
other municipalities where growth has been unplanned and unregulated; they
recognize the need for well established public policies to ensure that growth
in the future will be consistent with standards set for their desired
lifestyle.
. 2-4
33

Implementation and enforcement of Town policy will require some
professional expertise. Presently the responsibility for condemnation
proceedings and mobile hone location approvals rest with the Town Board
of Aldermen. The building inspector is charged with the responsibility
for building permitst the County Sanitarian has the power to enforce the
N. C. State septic tank regulations. The coordination of these authori-
ties in a single body could both simplify permit issuance and reenfoxce
public policy.
In response to.public opinion in the Town Meeting, the Town of
Atkinson has established the following Objectives and Standards for future
growth and development in the Town.
2-5
31

OBJECTIVES AND STANDARDS OF ATKINSON
Objective: Atkinson will promote the continued gradual development of
the Town as a rural, family -oriented community.
Standard: _1) Public services, including police and fire protection,
solid waste collection, and medical and recreational
facilities will be planned for a population of 375 in
1980, 440 in 1990 and 525 in 2000.
2) .The Town will encourage the location of future kesi-
dential•growth.within.the municipal jurisdiction; public
. services. supported by the Town with the exception of
fire protection will be provided only within the
existing municipal boundaries.
3) The. Town will encourage the location of professional
and service businesses within the.municipal juris-
diction.
4) The Town will discourage the location of industry within
the municipal jurisdiction, but will encourage light
industry location in more urbanized areas of Pender
County.
5) The Town will cooperate with Fender County, the Cape
Fear Council of Governments and the Community Develop-
ment Committee in order to coordinate planning efforts
and facilitate implementation of Town policies.
2-6

Objective: The Town of Atkinson will continue to try to eliminate any .
health problems caused by the physical limitations of the
soils and drainage system.
standards: 1) In order to correct any improperly functioning septic
systems, the town will seek the assistance of County
Health Department personnel to determine the cause and
extent of ground and surface water pollution.
2) The Town will seek County cooperation in assuring the
proper maintenance of the drainage ditch system.
Objective: The Town of Atkinson will attempt to provide public recrea-
tion facilities for all its population.
Standards: 1) A recreation committee will be formed in order to survey
the recreational needs of the Town and to establish
priorities for recreational facility development.
2) The Town will endeavor to establish a Town Center to house
recreational meeting and fund raising activities.
2-7

37

FACTORS INFLUENCING GROWTH
The 1975 Atkinson population was estimated to be 340. Projections
for the future call for gradual population increase to between 405 and 425
in 1985 and about 525 in the year 2000.
The projections developed by the Town for future growth in
Atkinson — a population of 405 in 1985, for instance.-- are based on the
estimated rate of growth incurred between 1970 and 1975. That growth can
be attributed partly to natural increases due to the birth rate, but also
to people moving into (or back into) the Town because of increased job op-
portunities in neighboring counties. 'Even though the town is located 30 to
$5 miles from some of these employment centers, its overall appeal as a nice
place to live, the friendliness of its people, and its low taxes tan attract
and hold people that might otherwise move closer to their place of work.
Pender County has initiated an economic development program, part
of which involves promoting in -county employment by expanding existing
business and locating new markets and industries. The county has also
established a growth policy of encouraging new residential and commercial
development within or adjacent to existing communities, in order to reduce
urban sprawl and the associated costs of servicing sprawl development.
Associated with its economic development program, the county has established
a County -wide growth goal calling for a population of 20,800 by 1985 and
25,000 by 1995; this growth goal exceeds projections based on recent
historical trends. In estimating the 1985 distribution of the population
increase throughout the county, a somewhat larger increase is predicted
for Atkinson than the community itself has predicted. Specifically, the
County has projected a population of 425 for Atkinson by 1985.
3-1

Atkinson is encouraging the location of light industry in the
county close enough to the Town that its residents can work within
reasonable commuting time from the place where they live. The Town's
projections for future growth are based on assumptions of their being
enough employment nearby for its natives to remain resident3; the projections
don't,,; however, take into account the possibility of a shift in residence
that could result from the location of new employment centers nearby. County
projections do.;take this possibility into account, and assume that much
of the new residential growth will occur within the Town rather than
scattered in more rural areas; for that reason, its projections for Atkinson
-are higher. The difference between these two projections, however, does
not represent a conflict between municipal and county policy = only a
difference in estimations of the probability and impact of light industry's
location in the area.
Atkinson supports the County policy of accommodating population
increases within existing communities. The Town is discouraging sprawl'
or strip development outside the town limits by establishing the policy of
limiting extension of existing or future services, such as street paving,
ditch maintenance and police protection,.to areas within the jurisdiction.
3-2
35

LAND CLASSIFICATION
The Land Classification System (LCS) was established by the N. C.-- -
Land Policy Council for localities to use to identify the most appropriate
general uses of various kinds of land and to make a statement to state and
federal authorities, as well as local residents, on where and to what
density growth is desired.
The LCS"includes the following five categories of land:
1. Developed -- Lands where existing population density is moderate
to high and where there is a variety of land uses which have
the necessary public services.
2. Transitional -- Lands where local government plans to accommodate
moderate.to high density development during the following'ten-
year period and where necessary: public services.will be provided
r to accommodate that growth.
3. Community -- Lands where low density development is grouped in
existing settlements or will occur in such settlements during
the following ten-year period and will not require, extensive
public services now or in the future.
4. Rural -- Lands whose highest use is for agriculture, forestry, .
mining, water supply, etc., based on their natural resource
potential. Also, lands for future needs not currently recognized.
S. Conservation -- Fragile, hazardous and other lands necessary to
maintain a healthy natural environment and necessary to provide
for the public health, safety and welfare.
Current land use in Atkinson would allow a separation of the town
into two of the above classes -- Community (developed) and Rural (undeveloped).
3-3
40

There are no Areas.of Environmental Concern to warrant the Conservation
category. Only about half of the land in the jurisdiction is currently
developed. The rest is in forest or farmland. There is, therefore, enough
land within the jurisdiction to accommodate the population increases
predicted by either the Town or County as well as any increases in com-
mercial land necessary to support the residential growth. The Town owns
the block of land at the intersection of.First Street and NC 53, only part
of which hasbeen taken up.by the new medical center: the rest of this
block could be used for any municipal facilities which may in the future be
needed.
Actually, there are probably enough single lots and other small,
parcels of land within the developed parts of Town to accommodate future land
needs. However, some pollution problems have been encountered.in the built-
up area. Many of these problems may be attributable more to the improper
1
locatioq,installation or maintenance of the septic tanks in use than to the
inherent limitations of the soils to accommodate septic tanks at the
existing densities. The Town is requesting assistance from the County
Health Department in assessing the cause and extent of these problems and
will, if necessary,- make provision to require larger lot sizes in the
future if the density of population is found to be a main cause. Requiring
larger lot sizes'in the future could necessitate development of parts of
! the yet undeveloped land; for that reason, the entire jurisdiction is
designated Community. The Community designation is a policy determination
that density of development in the future will remain low enough that no
public sewer or water lines will be necessary,. since the townspeople have
indicated an unwillingness to accept the financial burden of a municipal
sewer and water system.
3-4

OF TOWN POLICIES
The primary goal of Atkinson is for the ,Town to remain much the
way it is -- a rural community where residents can enjoy a safe, health-
ful environment. Town policies to achieve and support that goal have been
established. In order to implement those policies, future planning
efforts will'be focused on three major endeavors:
1: Septic tank study -
In order to -.assess the extent of the pollution problems so as
to begin solving them, the town is requesting assistance from the County
Health Department. The Town proposes evaluation of each.septic tank
system in the town, with repair or reinstallation required for each one
found to be defective. The authority for granting permits for installing
septic tanks rests with the county=: Atkinson will encourage the county to
develop new or revised septic tank regulations.in the future, adequate to
prevent recurrence of the pollution problems. Meanwhile, the town will
consider the necessity for establishing zoning or subdivision regulations
for the Town requiring lots to be sufficiently large to accommodate on -
site sewage disposal systems and water supplies safely.
2. Recreation program -
Because of the limited tax base in the town and the lack of a sub-
stantial increase in that tax base foreseen in the near future, the kinds
of services the town will be able to offer will remain limited. The towns-
people in the Town meeting gave highest priority to the development of
supervised municipal park and recreation facilities. In particular,
residents would like to have established a center for the community
recreation, meeting and fund raising activities that currently take place
3-5
it;--

at random locations in the town. A recreation committee has been estab-
lished to study the feasibility of such a recreation program, and to
obtain new and more diverse equipment for the town park.
3. City -County coordination -
The Atkinson Land Use Plan was closely coordinated with the
Pender County Plan. in addition to the Atkinson Town Meeting, one of
the four Pender County Public Participation meetings was held in Atkinson
to obtain local area views on County policy matters. A joint public
hearing for the County and municipal Plans was held in Burgaw in order
to present the various Plans prepared in the County and ensure compata
bility among then.
The future of the Town of Atkinson is strongly related to the
future of Pender County, in particular, to the success of a well organized
and directed economic development program. Growth policies, concerning
proper land management and use practices and the solicitation of certain
selected kinds of businesses have been established in the Pender County
Land Use Plan. Atkinson supports county policies and encourages adherence to
those policies in the future. The Town also recognizes that many planning
programs, for economic and rural development, are initiated on the County
level. For that reason, the Town will continue to coordinate its planning
activities with the County. Review and revision of the Atkinson Plan in
the future will be done in coordination with the County Plan.
3-6
LO

References cited
U. S. Department of Commerce. 1973. U. S. census of.population 1970 --
characteristics of the population North Carolina. U. S.
Government Printing Office. Washington, D..C.
Von Oesen, Henry and Associates. 1974. Preliminary engineering
report =- proposed water and sewer systems, Town of Atkinson,
North Carolina. Henry von'Oesen and Associates, Inca Wilmington,
N. C.
Wiggins -Rimer and Associates. 1973. Inventory of facilities --
regional water supply and waste water disposal study. Cape Fear
Council of Governments. Wilmington, N. C.

46

APPENDIX A. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
In order to assess public opinion on specific issues facing the Town
and on desired courses of action, a Town Meeting was held on September 24,
1975, in the firehouse. Prior to the meeting, questionnaires (Exhibit A-1)
were distributed to every household in the Town. It was initially in-
tended that the questions asked in the announcement of the meeting be
discussed during the meeting but answered later by.filling in the spaces
provided. During the meeting, however, discussion became heavy, and
votes on particular questions were called for and taken. The results of
those votes (where taken),are..summarized in Exhibit A-2.
Total Town resident attendance at the meeting was 68 (67 adults), or
approximately 35 percent of the adult population.
A-1
q7

Exhibit A-1.
ANNOUNCING
A TOWN MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1975
AT THE FIRE HOUSE - 8:00 p.m.
TO
DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF ATKINSON
Under the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), the
Governor declared 20 counties to be the "Coastal Area" of North Carolina
and thus subject to the provisions of CAMA. A key requirement of the
CAM is preparation of land use plans for the Coastal Area. The plans
Could be prepared by the cities, towns and counties or the planning
would be done by State agencies. Your Town Government elected to have .
the citizens of Atkinson plan for their own future.
Upon completion, the plan can serve as a basis for Town budgets
and telling others what we want for our Town. The best way to plan is
to have goals and objectives that you establish. That is why we want
your opinions. Please plan to attend our Town Meeting on Wednesday,
. September 24, 1975. FREE COFFEE AND COLDDRINKSWILL BE AVAILABLE. Think
about the following issues; be prepared to say how you feel about each
one and to bring to our attention other issues that are bothering you.
1. Row big should Atkinson become?
Our population is now about 340; that is an increase
of 46 since 1950. But.the rate is•accelerating: 21
persons have been added since 1970. If the 1970-75 trend
Continues, we could have a population of 375 in 1980; 440
in 1990, and 525 in 2000. Would this be too large? just
right? not enough? `
i
2. Where should employment be located?
Heavy Industry: in Atkinson i unincorporated
area near Atkinson elsewhere
in Pender county ; other
Counties
Light Industry: in Atkinson ;'unincorporated
area near Atkinson ; elsewhere
in Pender County ; other
Counties
A-2

Professional & Service: in Atkinson I unincorporated
area near Atkinson 1 elsewhere
in Pender County i other
Counties
3.
Do you favor a sewer system?
4.
WiIl a central water system be necessary if the Town is to
achieve your expectations?
5.
Should growth be limited to the capacity of Individual wells
and properly- operating septic fields?
6.
Are recreation.facilities in Atkinson adequate? If not,
what should be added?
7.
Are you satisfied with services provided by the Town? If not,
are you willing to pay for increased services through increases
In Town Taxes?
8.
Does Atkinson receive Its fair share of County Services?
Sf not, what else should the County provide? .
9:
,Mow should your Mayor and Aldermen act to achieve the quality
of life you expect?
Enact zoning regulations
Enact subdivision regulations "
Enforce building codes,
Establish a separate fund to attract employers
.Arrange for free land, tax Incentives; and utilities to
attract employers
10.
Should trailers be permitted In Town? Sf so, under.what
conditions?
"' COME TO THE FIRE HOUSE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 8:00 p.m.
A-3
49

EXHIBIT A-2. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OPINION IN TOWN MEETING
Question 1.
How big should Atkinson become?
No formal vote taken; informal concensus that the present
(1970 to 1975) growth rate is right for the town.
Question 2.
Where should employment be located?
(a) Heavy industry: in Atkinson - 0
unincorporated area near Atkinson - 20
elsewhere in Pender County - 4
.(b) Light industry: in Atkinson -0
unincorporated area near Atkinson - 42
elsewhere in Pender County - 0
(a) Professional &.Service.: in•Atkinson -_43
,:.unincorporated area. near Atkinson 0
-.:elsewhere in'Pender!County - 0 '
Question 3.
Do you favor a sewer system?
Yes - 24 (35%) No - 30 (44%)
Question 4.
:'Will arcentral water system.be necessary'if,the Town is to
f
>.achieve••your,,expectations?
Yes - 19 (28%) No - no formal count but informal concensus
that central water would be too expensive.
Question 5.
Should growth be limited to the capacity of individual wells
and properly operating septic tanks?
Yes - informal concensus
Question 6.
Are recreation facilities in Atkinson adequate?
If not, what should be added?
No - need a supervised playfield, maybe tennis courts, and
community center.
Question 7.
Are you satisfied with services provided by the Town? If
not, are you willing to pay for increased services through
increases in Town taxes?
Get.what you pay for? 36 (53%) Yes
Increase taxes? 19 (28%) Yes
Improve ditches and garbage collection - informal concensus
Question B.
Does Atkinson receive its fair share of County services?
If not, what else should the County provide?
Concensus - no. There is no mosquito control and there are
too few solid waste containers.
A-4
Sd

Question 9. How should your Mayor and Aldermen act to achieve the
quality of life you expect?
Enact zoning regulations - no opposition .
Enact subdivision regulations - no opposition
Enforce building codes - 18 (26%)
Others not specifically addressed.
Question 10. Should trailers be permitted in Town? if so, under what
conditions?
Yes - 52 (76%)..under the same conditions as single family
detached structures. There was concensus, however,
that there be no trailer parks.
Additional question- Do you favor establishing a sewer and water system?
22 (32%) Yes 31 (46%) No
A-5

gown of zAdinson
AM INSON, N. C 28421
I, John D. Eakins, Mayor do hereby certify.that
this is a true and complete copy of the Atkinson
Land Use Plan and Synopsis adopted by resolution
by the Atkinson Board of Aldermen on May 20, 1976.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the said Atkinson
this the 20th day of May, 1976.
John D. Eakins
Mayor
JDE:awm
S'Y

I
Index to Table of Contents (based on Standard Format)
Atkinson Land Use Plan
Subject
Section Pages
I. Introduction
IL Description of Present Conditions
1
1-16
A. Population and Economy
1
1-3
B. Existing Land Use
1
4-7
1. Map
Attached
2. Analysis
1
477, 16
C.Current Plans, Policies and
Regulations
1. Plans and Policies
2. Local Regulations
3. Federal and State Regulations
N/A
Public Participation Activities
Appendix A
A. Identification and Analysis of
major land use issues
2
1-5
1. The impact of population and
economic trends
2
1-2
2. The provision of productive
natural resources
2
2, 3
3. The conservation of productive
natural resources
2
3
4. The protection of important
natural environments
3
4
5. The protection of cultural
and historic resources
N/A
B. Alternatives considered in the develop-
ment of the objectives, policies and
standards
2
1-5
6<3

i
Sub ect
Section Paves
D.
Land use objectives, policies and
standards for dealing with each identi-
fied major issue
2
6, 7
D.
A brief description of the process
used to determine objectives, policies
"and standards, emphasizing public
Participation
2
1 .
E.
A detailed statement.outlining the
methods employed in securing public
participation, and the degree of
_.participation
achieved and the results
obtained
Appendix A
IV. Constraints
1
9-16
A.
Land Potential
1
9-12
1. Physical Limitations.
1.
9-12
2. Fragile Areas
1
16
3. Areas with Resource Potential
1
16
B.
Capacity of Community Facilities
1
13-16
1. Identification of existing
water and sewer service areas
1
15
2. Design capacity of existing water
treatment plant, sewer treatment
plant, schools and primary roads
1
15
3. The percent utilization of water
and sewer plants, schools and
primary roads.
1
15
V. Estimated Demand
A.
Population and Economy
3
1, 2
1. Population
3
1, 2
2. Economy
3
1, 2
B.
Future Land Needs
3
4
C.
Community Facilities Demand
3
5
sy

., 1 °EIdEt1t
N. C. G:Fi. C� ItAiURAU '.
RESDURCES & CDI:Rs1. DGY.

Subject Section Pages
1. Ten-year population projection
used to determine facilities
demand
3
1
2. Consideration of the type and
cost of'services needed to accommodate
3
5
projected populations
2
3, 4
3. Consideration of the ability of
the -local economy to finance
service expansion
2
3, 4
VI. Plan Description
3
1-6
A. Description of the Land.Classification
System
3
3
B.` Projected population growth allocated
to Land classes based on local`
objectives
3
3, 4
C. Gross population densities used to
allocate Transition and Community
Classifications
3
3, 4
D. .Land Classification Map .,
Attached
VII. 'Summary
A.' Discussion of the manner of data assembly,
analysis, and a statement of major
,,conclusions
Introduction
H. Discussion of the application of
the data to the plan's formulation
3
1-6
" VIII. City -County Plan Relationship Defined
.:Introduction
3
6
3-5

r
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMEIAl
LI )11ARYl
N. C. DEPT. OF NATURAU
RESOURCES & COMM- DEV, l
�I