Comprehensive Plan-2001

Comprehensive Plan
Adopted
November 15, 2000
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 Management Act of 1972, as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
' The Wooten Company
Engineering*Planning*Architectures
Raleigh/Greenville/Hickory/Asheboro, NC

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Table of Contents
1.0 VISION STATEMENTS .............................................. 1-1
1.1 Town Of River Bend Mission Statement .............................. 1-1
1.2 Comprehensive Plan Mission Statement .............................. 1-1
1.3 Environmental Vision Statement .................................... 1-2
2.0 SUMMARY OF STUDY GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS ................... 2-1
3.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ... 3-1
3.1 Population and Household Projections ............................... 3-1
3.2 Development Scenarios ........................................... 3-3
3.3 Thoroughfare Plan ................................................ 3-9
3.4 Water and Sewer Systems ....................................... 3-13
3.5 Bicycle and Walking Paths ....................................... 3-20
3.6 Update of Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances ........................ 3-25
FIGURES
1 General Land Use Map .......................................... 3-4
2 Comparison of Conventional and Cluster Development ................ 3-6
3 Recommended Thoroughfare Plan Street Extensions ................. 3-10
4.1 Existing Sewer System and Proposed Pump Station Locations ......... 3-18
4.2 Suitability of Soils for Septic Tank Use ............................. 3-19
5 General Paths and Trails Plan ................................... 3-21
APPENDICES
A-1 Study Group Reports ............................................. A-1
A-2 Priority Ranking Document ........................................ A-7
A-3 Northwest Quadrant Development Scenarios ......................... A-8
A-4 1988 Plantation Canal Study ....................................... A-9
A-5 History of the Town ............................................ A-12
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November 15, 2000
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1.0 VISION STATEMENTS
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1.1 Town of River Bend Vision Statement
River Bend is a dynamic and uniquely located waterfront and golfing community well
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prepared to benefit from the area's historical and natural resources. By protecting its assets
and actively fostering a diverse multi -aged population, the River Bend community will
continue to be an attractive place to live and will be competitively positioned to participate in
the broader area's economic and population growth.
1.2 Town of River Bend Comprehensive Plan Mission Statement
The purpose of the long-term plan is to outline the steps necessary to perpetuate and
improve upon the livability and desirability of River Bend. The ongoing planning process is
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intended to recognize:
❑ The inevitability and desirability of change
❑ The importance of protecting and maximizing town assets
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❑ The need to address town challenges proactively and routinely
❑ The desirability ongoing oing planning timelines and accountability
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The comprehensive plan should address the following premises:
❑ Our future success as a community will be closely allied with the condition of
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our physical attributes:
♦ Our lakes, ponds and canals
♦ The adjacent Trent and Neuse Rivers
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♦ The overall visual appearance of privately -owned residential,
commercial, institutional and recreational properties
♦ Common areas
♦ Roads and other infrastructure
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❑ The average population age in River Bend appears to be getting younger as an
increasing number of young adults are attracted to our housing prices and
schools. This growing diversity needs to be encouraged if River Bend is going
to fully participate in a very competitive focal housing market offering newer and
very attractive choices of housing developments.
❑ The maturing of River Bend's assets, coupled with possible concerns about the
price appreciation and selling time of our residences, the high vacancy rate of
the Town's commercial spaces and an increasing percentage of residential
rental units, suggest that the current planning process will need to carefully
assess our current situation, specify how we want to evolve as a town based on
that audit, and provide an action timeline to get there.
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❑ Our proximity to historical New Bern is a major plus in attracting people to River
Bend and keeping them here, therefore efforts to cooperate with New Bern
should be encouraged wherever practical.
1.3 Environmental Vision Statement
The original development of the Town of River Bend was accomplished at a time before
environmental laws and regulations were developed to protect wetland areas of the nation
and state. The construction of the Plantation Canal system would not be permitted under the
present State and Federal Regulatory Programs. As part of the Town's original
development, many acres of flood plain wetlands were filled and developed as home sites.
These are the same homes that now experience flooding of lawns and driveways each time
we receive a hurricane driven tide in the Neuse/Trent River estuary.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the State and Federal regulations that
implement that Act, impose rigid controls on any activity that involves wetlands or areas
adjacent to wetlands. The designation of what constitutes a wetland is vested in the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (COE). Any site that is to be developed near, or has the potential
of being, wetland requires an inspection by a soil classification professional. That
professional will identify to the Town and to the property owner areas that arc entitled to
wetland protection.
The Town of River Bend owns significant wetland acreage adjacent to the Plantation Canal
' and the Trent River and the Town is dedicated to the preservation of these wetland areas
from any threat of development. The Town's Waterways Advisory Board is working with the
Coastal Area Management Staff to plan and construct an elevated, handicapped accessible,
walkway through a portion of this forested Town -owned wetland. This walkway will be a
public facility and will be aimed at demonstrating to visitors how critical wetlands are to the
improvement of water quality in the Neuse River estuary.
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During the past several years the Town has worked closely with the Craven County
Agricultural Extension Service and North Carolina State University to develop demonstration
wetland projects at the Town entrance pond and the expanded wetland facility adjacent to
Ritter Field. These projects were made possible as a result of a matching grant from the
State. The Town looks forward to continuing this relationship with County and State officials.
The Town of River Bend Citizens are stewards of an attractive and fragile wetland
environment. We must work together to make it a healthier and more attractive than it is at
present. Key to that goal is an understanding that in critical drainage ways the present
system needs to remain undisturbed. As citizens we need to seek information that will help
us all better understand our surroundings. The Waterways Advisory Board working with the
Agricultural Extension Staff will provide us with opportunities to meet and talk with experts in
the field of preservation and proper environmental practice.
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2.0 SUMMARY OF STUDY GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS
Five Comprehensive Plan Study Groups were appointed in October 1998: Environment and
Waterways, Infrastructure, Land Use/Zoning/Housing, Municipal Services/Governance, and
Parks and Recreation/Town Appearance. Each study group was charged with reviewing
previously identified comprehensive plan issues, identifying any additional issues, and
preparing recommendations concerning those issues. The study groups and the Steering
Committee recommended a variety of functional plans, feasibility studies, new municipal
policies and ordinances, and amendments to existing ordinances such as the zoning
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ordinance and subdivision ordinance. The group making the recommendation is identified in
parenthisis according to the following lenged:
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(LU) = Land Use/Zoning/Housing Study Group Recommendation
I = Infrastructure Stud Group Recommendation
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(MS) = Municipal Services and Governance Study Group Recommendation
(PR) = Parks/Recreation/Town Appearance Study Group Recommendation
(S) = Steering Committee Recommendation
(W) = Waterways Study Group Recommendation
A complete copy of the Study Group Reports is provided in Appendix A-1.
The Study Group and Steering Committee recommendations were organized by twelve
subject matters considered the most important.
2.1 Northwest Quadrant
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2.2 Bike/Walking Paths
2.3 Stormwater Management
2.4 Streets
2.5 Water and Sewer
2.6 Underground Electrical Lines
2.7 Waterways
2.8 Municipal Facilities and Operations
2.9 Housing
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2.10 Commercial Development
2.11 Parks and Recreation
2.12 Town Appearance
The Study Group participants prioritized each of the recommendations according to
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the following categgories:
Priority 1—Critical
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Imminent danger to life and/or property. Planning and Implementation must begin
immediately to avoid future severe damage or injury. Timeline: 0 to 12 months
Priority 2--Urgent
' Timely action required to preclude future expense. Planning should begin as soon as
resources are available & implementation started according to completed and approved
plan. Timeline: 12 to 24 months
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The Study Group and Steering Committee recommendations are organized into twelve
subject matters as follows.
2.1 Northwest Quadrant
2.2 Bike/Walking Paths
2.3 Stormwater Management
2.4 Streets
2.5 Water and Sewer
2.6 Underground Electrical Lines
2.7 Waterways
2.8 Municipal Facilities and Operations
2.9 Housing
2.10 Commercial Development
2.11 Parks and Recreation
2.12 Town Appearance
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2.1 Northwest Quadrant
While the actual development of the NW Quadrant is not critical, it is critical to commit
specific planning ingredients to paper so that the development, when it does occur, meets
Town objectives. With this in mind, implementation of all steps recommended by the Study
Group warrants immediate action.
1. Zoning.
Develop zoning regulations that provide flexibility and promote creativity while
maintaining open space, architectural styles, and current quality levels (LU).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Northwest Quadrant
2. Streets
Develop a streets plan that includes a second major access to River Bend,
most likely in the NW Quadrant, by altering the proposed extension of
Plantation Drive; encourage curved streets with bike paths; discourage cul-de-
sac streets for public safety reasons (LU) (1).
Responsibility: Planning Board/Public Works Advisory Board
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Guidance: The overall plan for the Northwest Quadrant needs to
include the provision for the access with a speed limit of 35 mph — the
same as Shoreline Drive. The Planning and Public Works Advisory
boards must determine costs and coordinate with the end of Plantation
Drive extended to the end of the Town's extra territorial jurisdiction.
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Northwest Quadrant
3. Water and Sewer Utilities
Prepare a preliminary engineering report that outlines a master plan, including
cost estimates, for the extension of sewer lines to the remainder of the Town,
develop policies for determining the financial participation of developers when
requiring oversized lines; develop a projected development scenario for
assisting with utility planning (LU).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Committee/Water Resource
Department
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Northwest Quadrant
4. BikeMalking Paths
Rewrite current policies regarding the mandatory provision of park/open space
so that land for bike/paths can be dedicated to the Town rather than park land;
encourage paths that are creatively designed (i.e., not just adjacent to streets)
and that are linked to other existing and planned paths; develop a master
bike/walking path plan (LU). Ensure that any developer in the NW area sets
aside enough land for common use, including walking/bike paths; only on rare
occasions should the Town accept money in lieu of land (PR).
Responsibility: Parks and Recreation Board/Planning Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification: Overall, bike/walking paths were not considered
as desirable as park facilities. Neither parks nor bike/walking paths
were considered a very high priority.
CIP:
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Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Northwest Quadrant
5. Stormwater Management
Expand the scope of the proposed stormwater master plan to include the NW
Quadrant. Prepare studies that show the impact of runoff from the
development to determine if it will overload existing Town facilities or damage
natural drainage paths downstream of where the development will take place
(LU).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Water Resources
Department
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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Northwest Quadrant
6. Prevention of Clear Cutting in Residential Sections
Add sections to the subdivision ordinance and zoning ordinance to prevent
clear cutting of land zoned residential. The ordinance should require the
developer to demonstrate the advantage of clear cutting over selective cutting
and obtain prior permission from the Planning Board before proceeding with
clear cutting (S).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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112.2 BikeMalkinq Paths II
' For discussion purposes, the Bike/Walk Paths and Parks and Recreation components were
combined. Respondents considered Parks as more desirable than Bike/Walk Paths. We do
not feel either component gained sufficient approval to justify a very high priority. However, if
River Bend wants to be considered a desirable, well-rounded, competitive community which
is attractive to a younger as well as a retired population, then these Plan Components will
have to be addressed. Developers are no longer building communities which do not include
these amenities as a major feature.
1. Form a special task force to explore the possible expansion of the existing
Ipaths in the developed areas of River Bend; seek grants to develop a master
bike/walking path plan and to construct paths (LU).
Responsibility: Parks and Recreation Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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BikeMalking Paths
2. Consider using roadway medians for paths; specific locations for additional
paths were recommended:
♦ Old Pollocksville Road between Shoreline and Efird, and along the creek
in the Efird woods adjacent to Shoreline: Also to be considered is a path
through the woods along the creek between Old Pollocksville and Master
Court, if the Town acquires this land for recreation and storm water
mitigation purposes.
♦ In woods between Pirates Road and Plantation Canal: There seems to be
plenty of rectangular space in this permanent wilderness/wetland for a
network of walking paths.
♦ At mouth of Plantation Canal into Trent River: If this site is approved for
placing dredged canal soil, the basis for canal side and riverside paths is
available.
♦ Off Anchor Way to Trent River and entrance to Island Lake.
♦ Off Tar Landing along Trent River, possibly to the end of Rockledge Road.
This would be a linear walking path through a permanent wetland.
♦ The reserved right-of-way of Efird Blvd. from the Christian Care Center to
its intersection with Pirates Road (1).
Responsibility: Parks and Recreation Board/Public Works Advisory
Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval:
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BikeMalking Paths
3. Where private lands are involved, the exploratory committee will have to work
closely with the land owners to make sure they are in agreement with the
proposals, and that they are free of liability. The Committee should also explore
how the 'loaning' of such land for bike/walking paths may be of possible tax
benefits to the land owners (S).
Responsibility: Parks and Recreation Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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112.3 Stormwater Management
Recent experience with storms has made the priority of this Plan Component abundantly
1 clear to respondents. Action requirement is urgent. Subject matter experts should
determine the precise sequence of events and implement the specific actions as outlined in
the Plan. If the FEMA grant is not provided by the end of 2000, the Town should explore
alternative areas of funding.
1. The Town must assure that developers are aware of the stormwater
management regulations set out in the subdivision and other ordinances which
call for impact statements on the part of the developer of any major construction
work to be performed (1).
1 Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
t CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Stormwater Management
1. The Town must remain current in State and Federal regulations regarding
stormwater management and insure that Town Ordinance and regulations
remain up-to-date (1).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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2.4 Streets
Respondents viewed this Plan Component as a necessary requirement of good Town
Government with some sense of urgency, but lower on the Priority List.
1. Consider constructing a road bed to be used only in emergencies to be located
between Ritter Field and the Lochbridge area (LU).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board.
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Streets
2. Develop plans for the widening of Efird Blvd. and Pirates Road in the vicinity of
the planned commercial areas (LU).
Responsibility: Planning Board/Public Works Advisory Board
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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3. Maintain the recommendations of the 1993 Thoroughfare Plan except as
follows: not extending Tar Landing Drive between Old Pollocksville Road and
US Highway 17 and altering the alignment of the proposed extension of
Plantation Drive at the town's western boundary (1).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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Streets
4. Discourage new cul-de-sac streets; encourage connecting streets instead (1).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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5. Consider whether the reserved Efird Blvd. right-of-way between Pirates Road
and the rear of the Christian Care Center should be retained for future street
development or if it should be converted to parkland and/or a walking/biking
path (1).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Planning Board
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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2.5 Water and Sewer
Most respondents seem to understand the importance of upgrading the Wastewater
Treatment Plant to `tertiary capable.' There was less urgency on seeking new wells and the
potential use of the Trent River as a potable water source. There seems to be less clarity on
the possibility of spraying treated wastewater on the Golf Course. On the surface, spraying
treated wastewater on the Golf Course sounds like a good idea. We suspect, however, that
it is fraught with legal as well as environmental issues that would need to be resolved.
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1. Prepare a feasibility study and develop cost estimates for using tertiary treated
wastewater for irrigation at the golf course (LU).
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Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Water Resources
Department
Priority: Priority 2, Urgent
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Water and Sewer
2. As a long-range goal, investigate the feasibility of utilizing the Trent River as a
public water supply source (1). Also explore possibility of new well sites in the
undeveloped area (1).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Water Resources
Department
Priority: Priority 2, Urgent
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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Water and Sewer
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3. The Town move as quickly as possible to improve the wastewater treatment
plant to a tertiary treatment. Explore ways to remove the effluent discharge
from the Trent River (W).
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Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Water Resources
Department
Priority: Priority 2, Urgent
Priority Justification:
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CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Water and Sewer
4. Develop and publish a plan to replace deteriorating water pipes to provide more
reliable service. Change group metering to individual metering in a three to five
year period (W).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Water Resources
Department
Priority: Priority 2, Urgent
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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5. Begin planning for expansion of the sewer system to the entire Town as waste
treatment regulations become more stringent and septic tank failures increase
(I).
Responsibility: Public Works Advisory Board/Water Resources
Department
Priority: Priority 2, Urgent
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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'112.6 underground Electrical Lines
' Most respondents viewed placement underground of all electrical lines as a necessary
requirement. Certainly in any new development it should be part of the Town Code. It does
' not appear that there is sufficient support to spend Town money on a 'retrofit' of existing
lines unless the Power Company agrees to significant reimbursement. This Plan
Component was categorized as a critical priority for new development and construction and
a necessary priority for existing lines.
1. Review ordinances and policies regarding underground electric lines to make
' sure there is no contradiction with Town policy to eventually locate all power
lines in Town underground; proceed with the preliminary engineering study re:
installing underground electric lines throughout existing developed areas. The
first priority should be Shoreline Drive (LU). Prepare a survey of all utility lines
in River Bend currently located above ground (S).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Respondents expressed serious intent with respect to cleaning up and maintaining the
canals. Because of the momentum already underway, coupled with the importance of the
waterways, it is essential that a high priority be placed on implementing the Waterway
objectives in the Long Range Plan. Construction of a water access at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant site was relegated a lower priority. Subcomponents 2, 3, & 4 were
categorized as a critical priority and subcomponent 1, a necessary priority.
1. Explore the feasibility and cost of constructing a public water access ramp in
River Bend (LU).
Responsibility: Parks and Recreation Board/Waterways Advisory
Board
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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Waterways
2. Develop a formal waterways management and maintenance plan following the
dredging of the canal system. The Town Council needs to approve this plan
and commit the annual financial resources necessary to keep the plan current
(W)•
Responsibility: Waterways Advisory Board/Town Council
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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Waterways
3. Retain the 1998 Plantation Canal Study for inclusion as an appendix to the final
plan document (W).
1 Responsibility: Waterways Advisory Board/Town Council
Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
( CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Waterways
4. Waterfront buffers need to be encouraged. The Waterways Advisory Board
should develop draft guidelines and best management practices for minimal
waterside buffers for existing homes and future development and present its
proposal to the Town Council for adoption (W). In the same vein, buffers with
wetlands areas need to be encouraged. The Waterways Advisory Board and
the Planning Board need to consider rules that protect the existing wetlands.
These rules should consider severe penalties in addition to Federal and State
laws to punish those who destroy wetland areas in Town.
Responsibility: Waterways Advisory Board/Planning Board
1 Priority: Priority 1, Critical
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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' 2.8 Municipal Facilities and Operations
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Respondents seemed to recognize that a well -run Town gets that way by what happens in
this Plan Component. The 'Capital Improvement Program' and the 'Employment of a Town
Manager' led the 'parade' of the respondent's choices. The consensus choices as to
prioritizing the various subcomponents provide a reasonable sequence.
1. Develop and implement a Capital Improvements Program that will permit the
Town to plan for and save money for major construction projects and other
large expenditures (MS).
Responsibility: Town Council
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Municipal Facilities an Operations
2. Develop a town staffing plan that is subject to annual review by the Town
Council (MS).
Responsibility: Town Council
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval
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November 15, 2000
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3. Research and fully utilize state and federal funding sources as well as private
foundations (MS).
Responsibility: Town Council
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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4. Consider zoning that will allow construction of municipal facilities without going
through a special exception review and approval process; rezone all
municipally -owned recreational land to a 'Recreational' classification (LU).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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Facilities Operations
Municipal and
5. To assure better continuity and increased responsiveness to the public the
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Town needs to employ a Town Manager for all executive functions including
supervision of budget and finance, the water resources department, the police
department, and planning and zoning. Advisory committees would still be
involved in recommending to the Council the best way for the community to
handle issues. Once those issues are decided by the Council, it will be the
responsibility of the Town Manager to assure implementation (MS).
Responsibility: Town Council
Priority: Priority 3, Necessary
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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112.9
Housing
Housing and Commercial development seem to rank low in urgency on respondent's
evaluations. We believe the 'urgency' for these issues will increase as soon as there are any
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indications of development occurring in these areas. Therefore, it is necessary that the
Planning Board begin addressing these issues now.
1. Encourage developers to consider using portions of the undeveloped areas in
town to construct a progressive care facility which would offer both unassisted
and assisted living care facilities (LU).
Responsibility: Planning Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP: -
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Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
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2.10 Commercial Development
' Housing and Commercial development seem to rank low in urgency on respondent's
evaluations. We believe the 'urgency' for these issues will increase as soon as there are any
indications of development occurring in these areas. Therefore, it is necessary that the
' Planning Board begin addressing these issues now.
1. Encourage the development of an office complex in existing, appropriately
zoned areas; seek funding to sponsor such development. (MS).
Responsibility: Planning Board
1 Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
IRiver Bend Comprehensive Plan
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112.11 Parks and Recreation
For discussion purposes, the Bike/Walk Paths and Parks and Recreation components were
combined. Respondents considered Parks as more desirable than Bike/Walk Paths. We do
' not feel either component gained sufficient approval to justify a very high priority. However if
River Bend wants to be considered a desirable, well-rounded, competitive community which
is attractive to a younger as well as a retired population, then these Plan Components will
' have to be addressed. Developers are no longer building communities which do not include
these amenities as a major feature.
1. Evaluate the current condition of all parks and commons areas to determine
1 condition and needs, develop plans to remedy current and future needs of the
community. Several examples of what could be done are:
♦ Ritter Field. After the dredging project, when Ritter Field is filled in with
the spoils, a sports area should be established consisting of a well turfed
sports field with a lighted walking track around it.
♦ Channel Run Park. Create a meandering walking/bike path within the
park (PR).
'J
Responsibility: Parks and Recreation Board
Priority: Priority 4, Nice
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
2-36

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1
2.12 Town Appearance
It is frequently the 'nice to do' things which make the first impression of a Town favorable.
This is because these are the things that convey how the Town feels about itself. If visitors,
prospective home buyers/builders and entrepreneurs don't like the way the Town looks, then,
to them, it really doesn't matter if River Bend has streets that flood or whether we have a
Town Manager, or whether we upgrade our wastewater treatment plant. We will have
already turned them off! Image is important, and by many standards, River Bend is already a
little 'shabby.' We categorize this Plan Component somewhat higher than many
respondents, because it reflects our belief that the Town's appearance is the first indicator of
Town's viability.
1. The following recommendations were developed to address town appearance
issues:
♦ Entrance to Town. Review signage. Improve signage for River Bend for
traffic coming from Jones County (PR).
♦ Landscaping. Maintain an ongoing budgeted schedule to upgrade and
replace shrubs, trees and flowers in all parks and common areas as
needed. Expand grass cutting to include all public areas such as
medians and small traffic circles (PR).
♦ Conduct and audit of the town's physical assets, both public and private,
using qualified personnel capable of discerning both the subtle and
larger opportunities that combine to create the overall image of the Town.
Other New Bern communities such as Greenbrier and Tabema should
be studied for their integrated planning approaches. The audit should
take a close look at the maintenance of town grounds.
♦ The Zoning Administrator should conduct a review of private property to
assure that all properties meet town codes including the storage of cars,
boats and RVs. Action should be taken to correct the current problems
and procedures put in place to routinely review private properties for
violations and to enforce corrections (PR).
♦ Upon completion of the audit, prepare a standards manual for the
maintenance of Town property. This manual would include tasks to be
done on ongoing or one-time bases, a timetable to accomplish the plan,
and job descriptions for internal and external staff. At this point, an
effective evaluation of the advantages of internal versus external staffing
may be made (PR).
♦ Municipal Buildings/Equipment. Maintain an ongoing budgeted schedule
of painting, repairing, cleaning and up -grading (PR).
♦ Community Sign. Construct a small illuminated sign, near the Town Hall,
that would be used for posting information, events, meetings, etc (PR).
♦ Coordination. Coordinate all action with land use, infrastructure,
waterways and municipal services planning (PR).
♦ Enhance the town's identity through landscaping and signage
IRiver Bend Comprehensive Plan
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improvements along the US Highway 17 corridor including the entrances
to Town; develop a budget for installation and maintenance (LU) (PR).
Responsibility: Community Appearance Commission
Priority: Priority 2, Urgent
Priority Justification:
CIP:
Date of Approval: November 15, 2000
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
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3.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND GENERAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
'
3.1 Population and Household Projections
'
Population. River Bend's population is projected to increase from 2,783 in 1998 (the latest
certified estimate from the NC Office of State Planning) to 3,398 in 2010. By 2020, the
town's population is expected to total 3,991. The table below summarizes historical, current
'
estimate, and projected population by age group.
Population Projections by Age Group
Age Group 1990 1998 2000 2010
'
<18 346 401 417 489
18-24 156 181 188 221
25-64 1238 1430 1487 1747
65+ 668 771 801 941
'
Totals 2408 2783 2893 3398
Sources: US Census of Population, 1990, 1998 Municipal Population Estimates
and County Population Growth 1990-2020, Office of State Planning, 1999, The
Wooten Company.
Population projections were based upon the Town's 1990-1997 growth rates and historical
'
1980-1990 growth rates. Projections of age group population were based upon the Town's
1990 age group distribution, which was applied to the projected town population for 2000-
'
2020. An exact counting of the Town's population will be available in March 2001 from the
US Census Bureau. At that time, the figures need to be reviewed.
Another indication of population trends is housing starts. New home construction permits
issued in River Bend indicate that the Town's population growth is slowing. The table below
delineates zoning permits for new residences issued by the Town from 1990 through 1999.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-1

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SFR
MFR
All
Year
UNITS
Units
Units
1990
51
51
1991
62
62
1992
39
39
1993
35
8 (2 structures)
43
1994
29
8 (2 structures)
37
1995
34
14 (5 structures)
48
1996
20
20
1997
17
17
1998
11
11
1999
4
4
Totals
302
30
332
Based upon the new housing starts data above, population projections were made for 2000
and 2010. These projections, which are outlined below, assume that the annual average of
new housing starts experienced between 1990 and 1999 will continue through 2010 and that
the 1990 average number of persons per household (2.17 pph) will remain constant. These
projections indicate slightly higher future population growth rates than the previously
delineated River Bend projections that are based upon Office of State Planning data.
2000 2010
Projected River Bend Population 3206 4004
Median Age. While median age projections are not available for River Bend, such
projections have been made for Craven County. Historical, current estimate, and projected
median ages for Craven County are delineated below.
Median Age In Years
1990 1998 2000 2010 2020
30.20 32.78 33.46 35.70 37.73
Source: County Population Growth 1990-2020, Office of State Planning, 1999.
Reflective of the national trend, the population of Craven County is aging. In addition to the
natural aging of the general population, the influx of retirement -aged persons accounts for
the higher median age of most Craven County municipalities as compared to the statewide
average. In 1990, the River Bend median age of 53.3 years was considerably higher than
that of Trent Woods (43.3 years), New Bern (33.7 years), Craven County (30.2 years), the
statewide average (33.1 years), and the national average (32.8 years). Given the large
disparity that currently exists between River Bend's median age and that of the county and
the projected trend of higher median ages, one would assume that the town's median age
will also be higher in future years unless there is a substantial increase in the number of
younger -age groups moving into the town.
7
do River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-2

Households. In 1990, River Bend had a total of 1,023 occupied households. The
household population (persons in occupied households) totaled 2,225 persons or 2.17
persons per occupied household. The household population represented 92.4 percent of
the town's total 1990 population. Based upon the town's total population projections outlined
above and the 1990 Census data for household population and average persons per
household, household projections were made and are outlined below.
Households
1990 1998 2000 2010 2020
1025 1185 1232 1447 1699
Sources: US Census of Population, 1990; 1998 Municipal Population Estimates, Office of
State Planning, 1999; The Wooten Company.
3.2 Development Scenarios
The majority of land within the corporate limits of River Bend is developed except for an
approximate 270 acres located in the northwest quadrant of the town (see Figure 1, General
Land Use). This acreage, which is composed of approximately 20 separate parcels,
represents the only major growth area for future residences for the next 10-20 years. In
addition to concerns regarding the ultimate use and density of the northwest quadrant, there
are also concerns about the extension of water and sewer utilities, stormwater management,
provision of open space, development of walking/bicycle paths, and extension of streets. To
gain some insight into the impact that the development of the northwest quadrant could have
on the Town of River Bend, various development scenarios were prepared and analyzed.
Summary of Development Scenarios. All of the acreage in the northwest quadrant is
anticipated to be used for residential purposes. Six development scenarios were prepared
that included residential development at densities that varied from a low of approximately 2
dwelling units per acre to a high of about 6.5 dwelling units per acre. The densities utilized in
the scenarios correspond to the maximum permitted residential densities that are currently
allowable in the Town's zoning ordinance:
Zoning Classification Maximum Permissible Density
R20A 2.17 du/ac
R15 2.90 du/ac
PDR-SF 4.0 du/ac
PDR-MF 6.5 du/ac
The table below summarizes the additional dwelling units and population generated by the
various scenarios. The scenarios are listed in descending order in terms of amounts of
acreage devoted to higher densities. Thus, Scenario 1 includes the greatest amount of land
devoted to the highest density (6.5 du/ac) and Scenario 4 includes all acreage devoted to the
lowest density (2.17 du/ac). Appendix A-3 provides a more complete description of each of
the development scenarios.
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000 3-3

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Scenario Add'I Average Add'I
DU DU/Acre Population
I
1 1125 4.12 2441
1 A 941 3.44 2041
2 886 3.24 1923
1
3 897 3.28 1947
3A 722 2.64 1567
4 595 2.17 1290
Recommended Development Density. Based upon the Study Group recommendations,
1
Scenario 4, the all low density scenario, is considered the most desirable development
option. This scenario would continue the low density, detached single-family residential land
development pattern that is prevalent in much of River Bend. This scenario would also be
consistent with the zoning and density of areas (The Colonies, Gatewood Park,
Huntingwood, and Stones Throw) located to the southeast of the northwest quadrant --areas
from which existing streets will ultimately be extended into the northwest quadrant.
P
1
1
The development pattern represented in Scenario 4 maintains the maximum density and
building styles allowable under the R-20A zoning classification. Such zoning classification
will result in approximately 2.1 dwelling units and a population of 4.7 persons per acre. The
additional population (1,292 persons) resulting from the complete buildout of the northwest
quadrant at this density would represent an approximate 46 percent increase over the town's
current total population. The additional residences generated by this scenario would
represent an approximate 50 percent increase over the number of dwellings currently in
River Bend. By comparison, should R-15 zoning be considered for the northwest quadrant
each acre so zoned would result in 2.9 dwelling units and a population of 6.3 persons. The
complete buildout of the northwest quadrant at the R-15 density level would result in an
estimated total additional population of 1,723 persons, a one-third increase over that
projected with R-20A zoning.
Flexible Zoning. The Land Use Study Group recommended that flexible zoning regulations
be considered to encourage more creative housing development in the northwest quadrant.
Concepts such as clustering and zero side setbacks can provide housing diversity while, at
the same time, preserving the overall character and housing integrity of the Town. Cluster
development, in particular, can be effective in reducing lot sizes while maintaining overall
residential densities. In a cluster subdivision, the developer is allowed to decrease individual
lot sizes but maintain the overall density of the zoning district in which the subdivision is
located. Overall density is maintained because the land area not included in the individual
lots is preserved as common open space. Figure 2, Comparison of Conventional and
Cluster Development and the example below may assist will understanding the concept of
clustering:
Tract size: 70.25 acres
Traditional R-20 Zoning:
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
153 lots @ 20,000 square feet each
0.0 acres common open space
2.17 du/ac gross density
3-5

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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Figure 2
Comparison of Conventional and Cluster Development
��..�., - .- :--r• r" Wit.
Conventional Subdivision
(153 Lots)
Cluster Subdivision
(153 Lots)
Source: The Subdivision and Site Plan Handbook, David Listokin and Carole Walker, 1989.

Cluster Zoning: 153 lots @ 15,000 square feet each
17.5 acres common open space
' 2.17 du/ac gross density
Clustering will result in the retention of open space in larger tracts and, thus, will provide a
greater opportunity to have usable open space that can be utilized for natural areas and
' paths/trails. Clustering can also have a positive impact on water quality by preserving
natural drainage systems and other environmentally -sensitive areas and by reducing
impervious surfaces. Cluster subdivisions can reduce developmental costs by decreasing
' the amount of site clearance and shortening the length of streets and utility lines. Town
maintenance costs are also reduced since street and utility infrastructure is more compact.
1 Zero side setbacks provide an alternate dimensional standard that permits a single-family
dwelling to have one side setback of zero distance from a side property line. This concept
allows for the consolidation of outdoor space on an individual lot, thereby promoting more
usable lot area for smaller -sized lots.
Recommended Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. To provide additional flexibility in
1 the development of the northwest quadrant while maintaining architectural styles and
adequate open space, the following amendments concerning cluster development and zero
setbacks are recommended:
' Article IV, Section 10. Add a new subsection 10 to read as follows:
Section 10. Cluster Development
1
10-1 Cluster Option. Cluster development may be used in any R-20, R-20A,
or R-15 zoning district if the tract to be developed is ten acres or larger in
area and is served by a public sanitary sewer system.
'
10-2 Development Standards. The objective of the cluster option is to place
the single-family detached houses in a development closer together and
on smaller lots than would normally be permitted by the zoning district in
'
which the development is located, and to place land which would otherwise
have been included in private lots into public dedication or common area.
The total number of lots permissible within a cluster development shall not
'
exceed the maximum number of lots allowed if the tract were subdivided
into the size of lots required by Table 10-2.1
' (1) When cluster development is employed, all lot size and other
dimensional requirements for single-family detached dwellings are
decreased to comply with all requirements of a smaller lot zoning district
as delineated in Table 10-2.1.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-7

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Table 10-2.1
Cluster Development
Zoning District of
Proposed Cluster Development
R-20
R-20A
R-15
Single-family Lots and
Detached Dwellings in
Cluster Developments Must
Meet the Density and
Dimensional Requirements
of This District
R-15
R-15
R-15 except that
the minimum lot
area may be
decreased to
10,000 square
feet
(2) The sum of those areas placed into common area as open space, or
those areas dedicated as public open space in excess of any
required dedication for such purposes, shall not be less than fifteen
percent of the total area of the development.
(3) Common areas shall be located within the development to:
(1) Preserve stands of trees, natural vegetation, lakes, steep
slopes, historic sites or other significant features;
(ii) Provide common green space in the development for aesthetic
purposes and pedestrian use;
(iii) Provide space for common recreation facilities and meeting
places; or
(iv) Provide buffering from adjacent land uses of higher intensity.
(4) Common area for open space shall be of usable dimensions and
shall be accessible to all homeowners in the development by means
of sidewalks or walking trails.
(5) Homeowners or property owners associations responsible for the
maintenance and control of common access shall be established
pursuant to Article X, subsection 2-6 (Note: see recommended
Subdivision Ordinance amendments in Section 5.5 of this Plan) of
the Subdivision Ordinance.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-8
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(6) Any open space areas proposed for public dedication shall follow
the applicable procedural requirements established by the Town of
'
River Bend.
Article IV, Section 11. Add a new subsection 11 to read as follows:
'
Section 11. Zero Side Setback
'
11-1 Zero Side Setback Option: Zero side setback development may be used
in any district which permits single-family uses if the development contains
ten or more contiguous lots and is served by a public sanitary sewer system.
'
11-2 Development Standards:
(1) Setbacks of zero feet are permitted only where the lots on both of the
affected lot lines are part of a zero side setback development.
(2) . A wall and roof maintenance easement (five feet along one-story walls,
ten feet along two-story walls) shall be provided on the opposite side
of the zero setback lot line.
' (3) Whenever one side setback is zero, the minimum setback on the
opposite side of the same lot shall be twice the minimum side setback
required by this Ordinance for the zoning district in which the
development is located.
Note: Article Vlll, Section 10 of the Town's Subdivision Ordinance should
simultaneously be amended to provide specific authorization for lot area and
' design that varies from the conventional requirements of the zoning ordinance.
A cross-reference to the cluster development and zero side setback sections of
the zoning ordinance would suffice.
i3.3 Thoroughfare Plan
The Urban Thoroughfare Plan for New Bern, Bridgeton, Trent Woods and River Bend (NC
Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, Statewide Planning Branch, 1993)
includes recommendations for street extensions and improvements within the River Bend
planning area. The streets that are recommended to be extended or improved are listed
below. The proposed street extensions are delineated in Figure 3.
Proposed Street Extensions and Improvements. The Thoroughfare Plan delineates
1 extensions and improvements for three major thoroughfares and two minor thoroughfares.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
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The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through the funds
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act
of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
•.. �•�
Figure 3-
Recommended
Thoroughfare Plan
Street Extensions
1993 Urban Thoroughfare Plan
�►Town of River Bend
Source: Urban Thoroughfare Plan for New Bern, Bridgeton, Trent Woods-,Vhd River Bend, NCDOT, 1993
LEGEND N
w+c
River Bend ETJ S
-- -- New Bern ETJ
Town Limits
Proposed Street Extensions
Town - Owned Parcels
o'o wten
March 21, 2000

1
Major Thoroughfares
Plantation Drive. The portion of this facility that is designated as a major thoroughfare
(west of Shoreline Drive) and its proposed extension (from Shoreline Drive westward
through the western River Bend corporate limits to US Highway 17 at the intersection of
Tuscarora Road, SR 1224) is intended to be the primary east -west facility through River
Bend. It will also allow another entrance and exit for the Town. The two functions that
this thoroughfare provide are the most needed in River Bend. It is imperative that this
' facility be protected and constructed if River Bend is to have efficient traffic flow in the
future. The recommended roadway cross section of the 1.4-mile extension is a 60-foot
right-of-way and a 22-24 foot pavement width.
' Shoreline Drive. This is presently the major route into and out of River Bend,
consequently it carries the most traffic. Even with proposed new entrances and exits it
will still exceed its practical capacity from US 17 to Plantation Drive and should be
' widened to three lanes.
New Tar Landing Drive. This is a proposed major thoroughfare that will provide land
access and traffic circulation as development expands in River Bend. This street would
extend 0.6 mile from Plantation Drive northward to Old Pollocksville Road, SR1307, and
ultimately to US Highway 17. The recommended roadway cross section is a 60-foot
right-of-way and a 24-foot pavement width.
Minor Thoroughfares
' Pinewood Drive. Provides for residential access and internal traffic circulation in River
Bend. The proposed 0.7-mile extension, from Plantation Drive northward to Old
Pollocksville Road (SR1307), is recommended to have a 60-foot right-of-way and a 24-
' foot pavement width.
New Lakemere Drive. Provides for residential access and internal traffic circulation in
' River Bend. This proposed new street would connect the proposed Pinewood Drive
Extension and the Tar Landing Extension. The recommended roadway cross section is
a 60-foot right-of-way and a 24-foot pavement width.
'
All of the proposed street extensions in the Thoroughfare Plan are located within the
northwest quadrant. The construction of these recommended extensions will be critical to an
'
efficient street system as well as the provision of alternative access to River Bend from US
Highway 17 and Old Pollocksville Road. All future subdivisions within the northwest
quadrant that would be impacted by the proposed street extensions should be required to
provide a street layout that conforms to the Thoroughfare Plan recommendations.
Specifically, proposed subdivisions should have a street layout design that accommodates
the extension of Plantation Drive, Pinewood Drive, and Tar Landing Drive as well as the
development of the new Lakemere Drive.
'
Thoroughfare Plan Revisions. The Infrastructure Study Group recommended that the
Thoroughfare Plan be revised to (1) not extend Tar River Landing Drive from Old
Pollocksville Road to US Highway 17 and (2) alter the alignment of the Plantation Drive
'
extension at the town's western boundary so that it terminates at the Old Pollocksville
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-11

'
Road/US Highway 17 intersection rather than the Tuscarora Road/US Highway 17
intersection. To amend the Thoroughfare Plan, the Town of River Bend should contact the
Manager of the Statewide Planning Branch of the North Carolina Department of
'
Transportation to initiate a formal amendment of the Plan and to have the NCDOT evaluate
the town's request. Since the Thoroughfare Plan is a regional plan involving four
municipalities within the New Bern area, all plan participants would have to approve the
1
amendment.
Careful consideration should be given to altering the current recommended alignment of the
Plantation Drive extension. It would appear that the proposed extension to the US Highway
17/Tuscarora Road intersection would provide a more efficient traffic circulation pattern than
would terminating the extension at the Old Pollocksville Road/US Highway 17 intersection.
Efficient and safe traffic movement should be a higher priority than the desire for a 'town -
controlled' alignment.
Cul-de-sac Streets. The Infrastructure Study Group recommended that cul-de-sac streets
not be approved in new subdivisions. Eliminating cul-de-sac streets will improve street and
neighborhood connectivity as well as increased accessibility for emergency vehicles.
Improved connectivity results in more efficient traffic movement and improved service.
'
delivery for garbage collection, police patrolling, school bus routing, etc.
Recommended Amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance. To ensure that new
subdivision developments are coordinated with the adopted Thoroughfare Plan, the following
amendments to the town's subdivision ordinance are recommended:
'
Article VI, Section 2. Delete the existing section and replace with the following:
Whenever a tract to be subdivided includes or adjoins any part of a thoroughfare or
'
collector street as designated by an officially adopted thoroughfare plan, that part of
such proposed public right-of-way shall be dedicated as public right-of-way within the
subdivision plat in the location and to the width recommended by the thoroughfare
1
plan.
Article Vill, Subsection 8-1. Delete the existing subsection and replace with the
following:
The planned street layout of a proposed subdivision shall be compatible with existing
or proposed streets and their classifications on adjoining or nearby tracts. The
1
location and design of streets shall be in conformance with any applicable, adopted
thoroughfare plan.
'
An additional subdivision ordinance amendment is recommended regarding cul-de-sac
street development:
Article Vlll, Section 10, Design of Streets. Add a new subsection 10-5 to read
'
as follows:
' 10-5. Cul-de-sac Streets
To the extent practicable, streets shall interconnect within a development as well as
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-12

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with surrounding streets. Cul-de-sac streets shall be permitted only where, in the
opinion of the Planning Board, topographic and/or exterior lot line configurations offer
no practicable alternative for connection or through traffic. The standard maximum
length for a cul-de-sac street, when permitted, shall be 400 feet.
The following definition should simultaneously be added to subsection 2 of
Article V, Definitions:
Cul-de-sac. A minor street that terminates in a vehicular turnaround with a minimum
street width of 25 feet back of curb to back of curb and not over 400 feet in total
length. Additional cul-de-sacs shall not intersect with this type of street.
Official Street Map. The North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS Chapter 136, Article 2E,
Transportation Corridor Official Map Act) authorize municipalities to adopt a map that
pinpoints and preserves the location of proposed streets against encroachment. The basic
effect of an official map is that building permit issuance or subdivision plat approval for
property within the designated corridor may be delayed for up to three years. Corridor
location and alignment must be determined prior to adopting an official map. A major
requirement for official maps is that an environmental impact statement or preliminary
engineering must begin within one year of the adoption of the official map. Other
requirements and procedures for adopting an official map are outlined in the general
statutes. The use of official street maps has traditionally been utilized by large municipalities
that are located within rapidly growing areas. The Statewide Planning Branch of the North
Carolina Department of Transportation should be consulted prior to initiating the preparation
of an official map. In River Bend's case, the development of an official map at this time does
not appear to be practical.
3.4 Water and Sewer Systems
3.4.1 General
The Town of River Bend is in the southwestern corner of Craven County adjacent to the
Jones County line and west of the City of New Bern. The northern boundary of the Town is
generally along Highway 17 and the southern boundary runs with the Trent River. On the
east, the Town is bounded by Rocky Run and on the west by an unnamed tributary to the
Trent River.
The topography generally slopes downward from north to south. The higher elevations
along the northern boundary range from 20 to 30 feet mean sea level, sloping to a bank
along the Trent River that ranges from 10 to 25 feet in elevation.
3.4.2 Existing Conditions
3.4.2.1 Water System
' The Town owns and operates a water system that in 1996 was purchased from Carolina
Water Services Inc. Since that time the system has been expanded to provide water service
to all residents who wish to connect, fire hydrants are now located so as to lower fire
insurance rates throughout the developed area of the Town, a new water tower has been
' installed that increased the water storage capability by 300 percent to 300,000 gallons, and a
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000 3-13

I
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I
number of maintenance items and operating improvements that had not been accomplished
by the previous owners have been made by the Town. This has all been done with no
increase in water service charges since the system's takeover by the Town. Town
ordinances have been revised to require connections to the Town water service for all new
residences and developments.
The system was reported to have a year round population of 2,100 in 1997. There were 790
residential connections and 2 institutional connections yielding 792 customer connections.
The total water use for 1997 was 92.71 mg, with an average annual daily water use of
254,000 gpd. Residential water use comprised 81 % of the total; industrial used 3%;
institutional water use was 9%; backwash water was reported to be 6% of the use; and
unaccounted for water was reported to be 1 %. The maximum day demand reported for the
year was 753,000 gpd which occurred in May. The summertime maximum day demand was
441,000 gpd occurring in September. The maximum day to average day ratio of these two
demands are 2.96 and 1.74 respectively. The former is abnormally high - the latter is within
normal parameters and therefore will be used later in this report.
Using these data we have calculated the following characteristics of the River Bend Water
System:
Per/capita Consumption -120.9 gallons per capita day
Customer Consumption - 321 gallons per customer day
Maximum Day/Average Day Demand -1.74 MDD per ADD
The water system is supplied through three deep wells that pump groundwater into a iron
' and maganese removal plant and into the distribution system. The wells have the following
capacities:
1. 438 gpm
'
2. 208 gpm
3. 486 gpm
'
The total twelve hour yield is 815 mgd. The wells are reported to be approximately 103 to
110 feet deep. Water is therefore withdrawn from the Castle Hayne Aquifer. The Castle
Hayne Aquifer in the New Bern area is very productive, although the water quality is
sometimes poor. This requires iron and maganese removal as well as, at times, softening.
The Town operates an iron and maganese removal plant for this purpose. The hardness is
reported to be 223 mg/l. No softening is provided by the Town. Some residents are reported
to have softeners at their homes. The wells are equipped with emergency power to be used
in case of electrical power failure. All water treatment and distribution operations are
performed by or under the direction of trained operators licensed by the State.
The distribution system consists of approximately 9,000 linear feet of 2 through 8 inch of
PVC water pipe. Construction was completed last year on the latest sections of the
distribution system providing water service to residents south and west of Plantation Drive
and Shoreline Drive. This addition provided water service to approximately 415 new lots. It
'
is estimated that approximately half to two-thirds of the residents in this new service area
connected to the water system. Thus, the total customer connections on the system at this
time is approximately 1,000. Along with the additions to the water distribution system, the
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000 3-14

Town constructed a second elevated tank last year bringing the total elevated storage to
400,000 gallons (100,000 gallon old - 300,000 gallon new). The State Public Water Supply
section suggests that the minimum elevated storage should be half the average day demand
with the recommended storage ratio of 1 times the average day demand. With the addition
of the second tank, the ratio is 1.57. Accordingly, the elevated storage provides adequate
capacity for system growth.
3.4.2.2 Wastewater System
The Town presently owns and operates a sewer system that it purchased in 1996 from
Carolina Water Services Inc. Since that time the system has been upgraded to comply with
more restrictive State operating requirements and to accomplish an unanticipated amount of
maintenance work which the previous owners had deferred. Maintenance work that was not
anticipated so soon after purchasing the system has included rebuilding of the collection
system lift stations, replacement of the treatment plant blower house, overhaul of the
treatment plant emergency generator and the addition of emergency generators at lift
stations. Conversion of an unused tank at the treatment plant has added to the raw sewage
holding capacity of the plant and increased its operating flexibility. The identification and
correction of leaks into the collection system piping has significantly reduced the infiltration of
stormwater into the system and reduced the volume of water passing through the plant and
being treated, but this is and will continue to be an ongoing problem. The unanticipated
capital maintenance work during the first three years of Town ownership used up much of
the moneys collected for such purposes, and the sewer customer availability charges were
increased in 1999 in order to build up the sewer reserve fund balance. Both the collection
system and the treatment plant are now considered to be in good condition by State
inspectors and by the Town's operating personnel.
The Town of River Bend operates a secondary wastewater treatment plant discharging
' effluent into the Trent River. The plant operates under NPDES Permit No. NCO030406 and
has a design capacity of 330,000 gpd. The plant is reportedly in good condition and has no
violations. A new discharge permit good for three years was received in 2000. It specifies
i that the plant be operated at a secondary treatment level and calls for testing the effluent for
specified pollutants and reporting daily operating and test result data to the State. Any spills
either at the treatment plant or from the collection system must also be reported to the Stale.
The State requires that all treatment plant operations be performed by or under the direction
of operators licensed by the State.
1
The eastern portion of River Bend is presently served by a sewage collection system. The
collection system is a conventional system having 8 inch gravity sewers convey collected
wastewater to a series of seven sewage pumping stations. The pumping stations pump
collected wastewater into a force main which conveyed the sewage to the wastewater
treatment plant. In 1997, there were 650 customers connected to the wastewater system.
Since that time approximately 50 new customers had been connected, making a total of 700
as of the writing of this report. The 1997 average day flow was reported to be 146,000 gpd.
There were approximately 142 residents being served by septic tanks. Based upon this
data, the general system demands are calculated as follows:
Per Capita Consumption:
Per Connection Consumption:
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
83.2 gallons per capita day
225 gallons per customer day
3-15

1
The collection system is reported to be in good condition. Four of the oldest pumping
stations have been rebuilt. The three remaining will be rebuilt this year. Standby power is
provided at the two main lift stations and a portable generator is available to operate the
'
remaining pumping stations in the event of a power outage. The Town has been pursuing
an infiltration inflow reduction program. It is estimated that since 1997 the average flow has
been reduced to approximately 115,000 to 120,000 gpd. This represents a 17% reduction
'
in wastewater volume.
'
3.4.3 Future Conditions
3.4.3.1 Service Population
'
Based upon the analysis previously prepared, the estimated population of the water and
sewer system in 2010 and 2020 are as follows:
Year Population
2010 3,398
2020 3,991
r3.4.3.2
Water and Wastewater System
Based upon this population projection and the system parameters previously analyzed, one
can calculate the expected water and wastewater demands. These are as shown in the
following table:
Water Supply Demand Wastewater
Year ADD MDD Flow ADF
2010 410,820 gpd 698,390 gpd 282,715 gpd
2020 482,511 gpd 828,270 gpd 332,051 gpd
Comparing these demand numbers to the existing water supply and wastewater treatment
plant capacity, one can conclude that there is sufficient capacity available for both water and
wastewater to serve the Town for the twenty year planning period. The Town should keep
abreast of changes in the regulatory environment for both water supply and wastewater
treatment. Changes in this and the subsequent Rules would require that the Town make
improvements to either the water or the wastewater treatment plant. Some Rules that the
Town should follow include the following:
Groundwater Rule: This Rule is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act and will be
promogated in late 2000. The Rule would require that groundwater systems have a certain
period of disinfection prior to being pumped into the distribution system. This may require an
upgrade of the existing water treatment plant.
Disinfection Byproducts Rules: Phase II of the Rules are currently under discussion and the
Rules should be promagated around 2003. This Rule may require that the Town consider
different disinfection strategy to prevent formation of disinfection byproducts.
With respect to the wastewater treatment plant, the wastewater treatment strategy for the
' Neuse River is undergoing quantum changes at this time. The Neuse Nutrient Management
Strategy requires nutrient control on all wastewater treatment plants discharging greater than
IRiver Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000 3-16

500,000 gpd. This limit may be reduced in the future, if so, the Town will have to make
improvements to the wastewater treatment plant to meet the new requirements.
' 3.4.3.3 Water Distribution System
Water Distribution System extensions have recently been completed to all of the existing lots
'
within the developed part of the Town of River Bend. As future development takes place, the
water lines will require extension to provide adequate service. We recommend that the
1
extension of single non -looped water distribution mains be made by use of 8 inch diameter
pipe. If looping is provided, the minimum pipe size should be 6 inches. The estimated cost
of providing additional water distribution is estimated as follows:
Lots, both sides - $900.00 per lot
Lots, single side - $1,800.00 per lot
3.4.3.4 Sewage Collection System
As indicated earlier in the report, sewage collection is provided to existing lots generally
located on the east side of Shoreline Drive and north of Plantation Drive. The area generally
1
bounded by Plantation Drive, Shoreline Drive, and the Trent River is currently unserved. The
residents in this area depend on septic tanks for sewage. (see Figure 4.1 for the location of
'
the existing sewer service area).
A review of the soils map of Craven County indicates that the soil in the undeveloped portion
of River Bend is moderately to poorly drained. With the exception of a small portion of land
on the east side of the undeveloped portion the soil is 'severely' restrictive and therefore not
suitable for conventional septic tank service (see Figure 4.2). Accordingly, it is
recommended that future sewage plans include a central collection system.
'
The collection system may be a conventional gravity or a septic tank effluent style (STEP) or
a vacuum system. A conventional system will require the installation of an 8 inch gravity
sewer collection pipe. The pipe routing generally follows the existing topography. The
gravity sewers terminate at sewage pumping stations at the low end. The collected sewage
is then pumped to the wastewater treatment plant. The general routing and pump station
'
locations for the new development area in the northwest quadrant is shown on Figure 4.1.
In low density developments or in areas of high groundwater, and/or poor soil conditions, a
new conventional collection system may be economical. The use of a STEP system or a
'
vacuum system should be evaluated for the Town and compared in cost to the conventional
C�
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-17
11

L N 1*11 0
ON L
I. ilk R I The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
MIN Coastal Management Program, through the funds
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Acl
of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
..
�� • -
ILI
WV
el
WM
a
t,�� ppiME
PUMATIM' ;- - Figure 4.1
.f Existing Sewer System
g Y
and
■ Proposed Pump Station Location
Town of River Bend
LEGEND N
wE
River Bend ETJ �
New Bern ETJ
Town Limits
Sewer Line
Ridge Line The
Drainage Flow co� pUB�!
■ Proposed Pump Station
i Existing Waste Water Treatment Plant
March 21, 2000

S
Source: Soil Survey of Craven County, NC, US Department of Agriculture,
Soil Conservation Service, 1989.
(�
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through the funds
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act
of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
z
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management,
2�
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
b '�)
F-'WE
Figure 4.2
Suitability of Soils
For Septic Tank Use
Town of River Bend
LEGEND
River Bend ETJ
New Bern ETJ
Town Limits
Moderate Limitations
Slight Limitations
0 Severe Limitations
N
w+E
s
Wooteo
Company
March 21, 2000

I� 1
' gravity system. A STEP system uses standard septic tanks equipped with a small effluent
pump. Cross solids are removed in the septic tank. The 'grey' water is pumped in a small
diameter force main. A vacuum sewer system transports sewage from each service
connection using a central vacuum receiver tank to collect sewer. The collected sewer is
then pumped to the wastewater plant.
' The cost estimated for each system is as shown below:
Conventional Gravity System
Lots both sides- $3,200/lot
Lots one side - $6,300/lot
New Conventional System
' Lots both sides $6,000/lot
Lots one side - $6,500/lot
' 3.4.4 Conclusion
The water supply system and wastewater treatment plant are sized adequately to serve the
' Town for future development. The Town needs to maintain these facilities and make
upgrades that may be required by rule changes.
There are a number of alternatives available to the Town to provide water and sewer service.
' A detailed lot and street layout should be developed. Following this, a good cost estimate
can be prepared to recommend the most appropriate system.
'
3.5 Bicycle and Walking Paths
Existing bicycle/walking paths are located on both sides of Shoreline Drive from Old
Pollocksville Road to the Plantation Drive/Shoreline Drive intersection north of the Trent
'
River. The existing paths are four -foot widened portions of the Shoreline Drive roadway
pavement. Additional bicycle/walking paths and nature trails have been recommended by
the Infrastructure Study Group (see Appendix A-1-2). The Study Group recommendations
'
as well as other proposed paths and trails are delineated in Figure 5, General Paths and
Trails Plan.
'
Most of the recommended paths are within the rights -of -way of existing streets such as
Shoreline Drive, Plantation Drive, Rockledge Road, Pinewood Drive, Pirates Road, and Old
Pollocksville Road. A path utilizing the existing as well as the unopened portion of Efird
'
Boulevard is proposed. Paths are also recommended adjacent to the proposed street
extensions in the northwest quadrant ---Plantation Drive, Tar Landing Drive, and Pinewood
Drive. Nature paths are proposed (1) in wooded area between Pirates Road and Plantation
'
Canal, (2) between Tar Landing Road and Rockledge Road, (3) along the creek between
Old Pollocksville Road and Master Court, (4) between Anchor Way and the Trent River, and
(5) along the creek between Old Pollocksville Road and Plantation Drive extension at the
town's western border. Wherever paths are proposed on private property, the cooperation of
'
the land owner would be paramount before any serious planning is done.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000 3-20

4
The preparation of this map was financed in part
through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through the funds
provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Act
of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Figure 5
:4-- General Paths and Trails Plan
' Town of River Bend
PgHiE
LEGEND
River Bend ETJ
New Bern ETJ
Town Limits
Proposed Paths and Trails
Existing Paths
Proposed Street Extensions
-= Town - Owned Parcels
Wooten
��mFa�y
March 21, 2000

'
In the northwest quadrant, additional meandering pedestrian/bicycle paths that connect with
the paths along street rights -of -way could be included in new subdivision development plans
to meet the Town's recreational and open space requirements. Paths proposed to be
located within the interior of new subdivisions could possibly eliminate the need for some
paths adjacent to streets. The Town currently has recreation space requirements (Article X
of the Subdivision Ordinance). Additional open space requirements for all new residential
subdivisions are recommended below. Open space provided through such requirements
would, in most cases, remain under the ownership and control of the developer or a property
'
owner's association. However, in new developments where a path or trail is shown on the
town's master plan, such open space area would be dedicated to the town.
Detailed Master Paths and Trails Plan. A more detailed master plan for the development
'
of paths and trails should be prepared by the Town of River Bend. Such a plan would
include locational criteria for each type of path or trail (i.e., walking, bicycling, nature, multi-
purpose, roadside, off -road), construction standards and specifications, cross sections,
'
priorities, and coordination with the town's capital improvements programming and
budgeting. The master plan should also address options for acquiring private property for
paths and trails. The cost for the development of a master plan for paths and trails is
'
estimated to range between $15,000.00-$20,000.00.
Recommended Amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance. To ensure that new
subdivision street layouts include bicycle/walking paths as well as usable open space, the
'
following amendments to the town's subdivision ordinance are recommended:
'
Article VI, Section 3. Add a new Section 3 to read as follows:
Section 3. Paths and Trails Within Public Street Rights -of -Way
Whenever a tract to be subdivided includes or adjoins any part of a street that
'
includes a bicycle/walking path as shown on the adopted Paths and Trails Plan, the
Town of River Bend shall initiate negotiations with the developer to include the
construction of the proposed path in conjunction with the street construction. The
cost of construction of the path shall be the responsibility of the Town of River Bend.
However, the Town Council may utilize any in lieu of recreational space dedication
payment made to the Town on behalf of the developer, in accordance with the - - -
provisions of Article X, for construction of the path.
Article VI, Section 4. Add a new Section 4 to read as follows:
'
Section 4. Reservations of Space for Community Facilities
Whenever the tract to be subdivided includes property included in any official Land
Use Plan, Comprehensive Long-term Plan, or other similar official plan, or when the
'
scale of the development indicates the need for such community facilities (for
example, but not by way of limitation, schools, fire stations, sewer lift stations, or
other public facilities), the developer shall reserve such sites for a period of twenty-
four months after preliminary plan approval. If neither the Town of River Bend, the
County of Craven, the State of North Carolina, nor any other entity having the power
of eminent domain has undertaken negotiations to purchase such areas or begun
eminent domain proceedings with respect to such sites within said twenty-four month
'
period, then the reservations shall be deemed to have been rejected and the property
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-22

Isubject to such reservations shall be released therefrom.
I
Article X, Public Facilities. Rename this Article as 'Public Facilities and Usable
Open Space'.
'
Article X, Subsection 1-1. Amend subsection 1-1 to read as follows:
Every person who subdivides land for residential purposes shall be required to
dedicate a portion of such land as set forth is subsection 1-2 of this ordinance for the
'
purpose of providing open space sites, recreational areas or parks, bicycle and
walking paths, nature trails to serve the future residents of the town.
'
Article X, Section 2. Add a new Section 2 to read as follows:
Section 2. Usable Open Space
'
2-1. Except as provided in subsection 2-3, every residential subdivision shall be
developed so that at least fifteen percent of the total area of the subdivision
remains permanently as usable open space.
'
For this an area that:
2-2 purposes of section, usable open space means
(1) Is not encumbered with any substantial structure;
(2) Is not devoted to use as a street (including street right-of-way), parking
'
area, or sidewalk but may include buffer areas and retention ponds.
(3) Is left in its natural or undisturbed state (as of the date development
began), if wooded, except for the cutting of trails for walking or jogging,
or, if not wooded at the time of development, is landscaped for picnic
areas or similar facilities, or is properly vegetated and landscaped with
the objective of creating a wooded area or other area that is consistent
with the objective set forth in subdivision (4) below;
'
(4) Is capable of being used and enjoyed for purposes of informal and
unstructured recreation and relaxation;
(5) Is legally and practicably accessible to the residents of the development
out of which the required open space is taken, or to the public if
dedication of the open space is required pursuant to subsection 2-5; and
(6) Consists of land no more than twenty-five percent of which lies within a
floodway.
'
2-3 Subdivided residential developments of less than five dwelling units are exempt
from the requirements of this section unless the town agrees that it will accept
'
an offer of dedication of such open space, and in that case the offer of
dedication shall be made.
2-4 Except as provided in subsection 2-5, recreation facilities and usable open space
required to be provided by the developer in accordance with this Section shall
'
not be dedicated to the public but shall remain under the ownership and control
of the developer (or his successor) or a homeowners association or similar
'
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000 3-23

organization that satisfies the criteria established in accordance with the
provisions of subsection 2-6. The person or entity identified as having the right
' of ownership and control over such recreational facilities and open space shall
be responsible for the continuing upkeep and proper maintenance of the same.
' 2-5 If any portion of any lot proposed for residential development lies within an area
designated on the officially adopted recreation master plan as a neighborhood
park or part of the bicycle/walking or trails system, the area so designated (not
exceeding fifteen percent of the total lot area) shall be included as part of the
area set aside to satisfy the requirement of subsection 2-4. This area shall be
dedicated to public use.
' If more than fifteen percent of a lot proposed for residential development lies
within an area designated as provided above, the Town may attempt to acquire
or condemn the additional land.
An executed general warranty deed conveying the dedicated land to the Town
of River Bend shall be submitted to the Town Clerk within 30 working days of the
' approval of a subdivision plat.
2-6 Homeowners associations or similar legal entities that, pursuant to subsection
2-4, are responsible for the maintenance and control of common areas, including
' recreational facilities and open space, shall be established in such a manner
that:
I(1) Provision for the establishment of the association or similar entity is made
before any lot in the development is sold or any building occupied;
' (2) The association or similar legal entity has clear legal authority to maintain
and exercise control over such common areas and facilities; and
(3) The association or similar legal entity has the power to compel
' contributions from residents of the development to cover their proportionate
shares of the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of such
common areas and facilities.
Potential Funding Sources. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) monies are
available from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), on a
50-50 state/local match basis, for recreational facilities and areas, including nature, hiking,
'
and bicycling trails. The local match may be from government, private individual, or nonprofit
groups but must be in cash only. In -kind credits are not acceptable as local match. Funding
categories include acquisition only, development only, and acquisition and development.
Applications for grant funds are submitted to NCDENR on an annual basis, normally in late
January. The Town should consider PARTF as a possible funding source for new paths and
trails as well as for improvements recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Town
'
Appearance Study Group (see Appendix A-1-4) for Ritter Field and Channel Run Park.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-24

3.6 Update of Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
In order keep its land development regulations current and to ensure that such regulations
effectively implement the Comprehensive Plan and CAMA Land Use Plan, a comprehensive
update of both the town's zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance is recommended.
Both of these land development regulatory tools were originally adopted in 1981 and have
'
been amended numerous times, but no comprehensive revision has been undertaken.
Several amendments to both the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance are
'
recommended in this Comprehensive Plan.
Since these development regulations were originally prepared, the nature and complexity of
land development has changed significantly. The current regulations lack currency,
'
consistency, clarity and flexibility. Such deficiencies create problems in equitably
administering the regulations and often result in unnecessary delays and overregulation.
The recent addition of a Zoning Administrator to the town staff also provides an opportunity
to place the authority of making day-to-day zoning decisions in the hands of that position
rather than in the hands of appointed boards and elected officials. Consideration should be
given to consolidating the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance, as well as other land
development -oriented ordinances such as the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, into a
'
unified development ordinance (UDO). Updating and consolidating the existing land
development ordinances into an LIDO offers several advantages that include:
'
❑ Combines the zoning and subdivision review and approval processes.
'
❑ Eliminates inconsistencies inherent in separate sets of regulations.
❑ Provides a comprehensive set of land development regulations.
'
❑ Provides an expedited review and approval process.
❑ Provides more town staff discretion and administrative authority.
❑ Provides more detailed administrative guidelines for town staff, Planning Board,
Board of Adjustment, Town Council
❑ Addresses new land use issues and changes brought about by new technology.
The cost of updating the existing zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance would range from
$25,000.00 to $35,000.00. Financial assistance from the Local Planning and Management
Grant Program, which is administered by the NC Division of Coastal Management (DCM), is
available to the Town of River Bend. Such grants require local financial participation that can
range from 33 to 50 percent of the total project cost. Applications for Local Planning and
Management Grants are submitted to DCM on an annual basis, usually in April.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
3-25

m = = = = m = = m m m = = A = = m

Appendix A-1
m = = = m = = m S = m m A = m = M.

f'.
I
11
I
u
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-1 Study Group Reports
A-1

Appendix A-1.1 \
m m r m m m m m m m m m= m m m m m m

IA-1.1 Environment and Waterways Study Group Report
L
I
IRiver Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-2

PUG-20-1999 10:22 RIVER BEND252 638 25BO P.02
{
_!J 1 \ /I �- I
1 CO1V1pREgENSTVE PLANNING REPORT
Iof the
ENVIRONMENT AND WATERWAYS COMMITTEE
' Councilman for Environment and Waterways: John Kirkland
Committee Chairperson: Kay Dentico
River Bend Citizen: John Ackerman
River Bend Citizen: Karl Farber
River Bend Citizen: Carl Wagner
PLANNING TASKS
(1) Review the 1988 Plantation Canal Study
(2) Assess environmental impact on Canal, River and other Waterways
(3) Address impact of water assets on Town quality of life & property values
In the conduct of this study effort members of the committee divided tasks as follows:
Task (1) was performed by Mr Carl Wagner, task (2) by Mr. John Ackerman and task (3) by IVir.
Karl Farber. Each of these members drafted a summary of their individual efforts and those
documents have been provided to the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FACILITATOR. The individual
reports will not be repeated here but the signifince of each is incorporated in the discussion and
recommendation sections of this document.
' DISCUSSION:
It is the view of this committee that the Lakes, Ponds, Canals and ]fiver Front of River Bend are a
major contributor to the initial and lasting appeal of this community. These same waterways also
serve as the primary storm water drainage system for the Town. These waterways must be
maintained in a viable state for navigation of small craft, drainage and for their aesthetic
contribution to the Town's well-being.
Our community shares the common problem of all Neuse River Basin communities: so'
that long term neglect and, at times abuse, of the estuary has degraded water quality to and
a poiyut
' that aquatic plant flourish and threaten natural and normal use and enjoyment of the waterways.
River Bend can not independently change the water quality but it must act in ways that
demonstrate that this community is no longer a polluter. And it must become a leader and example
to other jurisdictions that good stewardship and proper management of water runoff and point
source discharges will over time result in greatly improved water quality.
The waterfront of the community is already largely developed but by encouraging homeowners to
1 establish minimal water edge buffers storm water runoff water quality can be improved. In a
related item home owners must be educated to reduce the application of fertilizer to landscape
features.

AUG-20-1999 10:23 RIVER BEND 252 638 2580 P.03
The rigid use of siltation control will reduce shoaling of waterways and will also improve
The overall water quality.
SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS OF THIS COMMITTEE INCLUDE:
A That it is critical that the Town have a formal waterways management plan following
the dredging of the canal system. The Town Council needs to approve this plan and
commit the annual financial resources necessary to keep the plan current.
B The 1988 Plantation Canal Study is such an important historical document to basic
Planning in River Bend that it. and Mr. Wagner's update, should be included as a Tab in
the "Comprehensive Report"
' C Waterfront buffers need to be encouraged. Waterways
It is recommended that the Waterwa
� y
Advisory Board be tasked with developing appropriate language to describe minimal
waterside buffers for existing homes and future development. This draft document and
recommendation method and time table to be presented to the Town Council for adoption.
D That the Town become a frnwicial spoizsor of the Neuse River Foundation and appoint
the Councilman for Environment and Waterways and the Chair of the Waterways
Advisory Board as the Town's representatives.
1 E That a critical task of the Waterways Advisory Board should be the contin uing effort. to
educate the Town's citizens as to proper use of fertilizer and control of urban runoff.
F That the Town move as quickly as possible to improve the waste water treatment plant
.to "state of the art" condition and remove the effluent discharge from the Trent River.
' G The projects of Public Works Advisory Board (PWAB) and Waterways Advisory
Board (WWAB) impact the others interest very often. It is therefore recommended that the
WWAB be directed to designate a member as liaison to the PWAB.
H The Waterways Advisory Board should continue an active liaison with appropriate state
1 annd private environmental organizations to provide the Town an insight as to developing
environmental issues thus perrnitting the Town to take appropriate and timely action on
such issues.
I The annual report of the chair of the Waterways Advisory Board to the Council
is a criticval part of conveying needs of Environment and Waterways to the entire
Council in an intreactive fashion. Both the Council and WWAB should make
certain this mandate is met.
Kay Dentico
Environment and Waterways Chairperson
TOTAL P.03

[ILE CUP
RECEIVED
' MEMORANDUM MAR 0 8 Im
TO: Waterways Study Group Member TOWN OF M BEN©
c- K I ?, K C.A,uD
FROM: John R. Ackermann
'� 3) CA) T (C/,D
' FAKaM
RE: Considerations for Development of A Vegetated Buffer i3 EN VA
Code, Town of River Bend WAGA)
sc�rcKBua�
DATE: March 8, 1999
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:
In order to be productive and scientifically sound, any
vegetated buffer code enacted by the Town of River Bend must be
sufficiently flexible to provide for alternative interventions
which can be applied on a site -specific or area specific basis.
Simply stated, since individual residential lots, whether
developed or undeveloped, will vary in terms of size, slope,
silviculture (i.e. soil structure), existing vegetation coverage,
nature of surface water runoff and scope of drainage area, the
width, composition (i.e. nature of vegetation), and silvicultural
requirements for the design and construction of new buffers in
the Town must be predicated on these variables. Hence, it is
reasonable to conclude that the language of -the yet to be
enacted vegetated buffer code must be sufficiently broad to
facilitate a multi -faceted construction approach which is geared
to the specific buffer needs of any given lot or combination of
lots.
Since the term, "vegetated buffer," is defined and applied
in a wide range of contexts, for purposes of this proposal,
vegetated buffer is defined as a "naturally vegetated
transitional zone between differing land uses that junction as
a barrier to, and filter of, surface water runoff."
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Research of the literature disclosed that there are no
existing statutes or rules which would require established
waterfront homeowners in residential communities within the
Neuse River Basin to construct vegetated buffers on their lots.
However, the Riparian Area Rule of the Neuse River Nutrient
Sensitive Waters Management Strategy, promulgated by the
' Environmental Management Commission on December 11, 1997,
' IBilI Crowell, Memorandum to Coastal Resources Commission:
Estuarine Shoreline Initiative Raleigh, N.C.: Division of
Coastal Management, State of North Carolina, January 9, 1998),
' P. 1.

prohibits new homeowners from the use of fertilizer whatsoever
in Zone 1 ( i-. e—_first-- 30' of land di rectl y adjacent• -to •waterbbdy )
or Zone 2 (i.e. additional 20' of land on either side of
waterbody).1 Existing homeowners, although not specifically
required by the Rule, are urged to avoid the use of fertilizer
1 of any kind within 50 feet on either side of the waterbody.2
Moreover, the Riparian Area Rule, prohibits developers or new
homeowners from removing existing forest vegetation (i.e. defined
as trees, saplings, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants) from
the first 30 feet of land directly adjacent to a waterbody,
except under certain unusual situations which are specified by
the Rule.3 It is important to note that the aforesaid Rule
applies to the Town of River Bend as the Neuse River Nutrient
Sensitive Waters Managemnt Strategy applies to all municipalities
containing perennial and intermittent waterways within the Neuse
River Basin.
The Waterways Advisory Board and/or Waterways Study Group
should consult with the Town Attorney to determine if there are
any legal obstacles incidental to the proposed vegetated buffer
code.• Since the Town already has legal authority to encroach on
property owners' land for installation of water and sewer lines
via right-of-way easements, it would appear that there would be
case precedents for the proposed code.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
The information contained within this memorandum was
collected from the literature in the field and from telephone
interviews with personnel from various DEHNR agencies, the
North Carolina Coastal Federation, the Sierra Club and the
Conservation Trust for North Carolina. Publications utilized
for the development of this Memorandum have been included in
the annexed References page.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Based on my review of the literature and consultations
with experts in the shoreline stabilization field, there is
absolutely no doubt that the development and enactment of a.
vegetated buffer code by the River Bend Town Council would result
in a significant reduction in the flow of nutrients, other.
pollutants and sediment into our waterways, including a•reduction
1North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources, Divisiohof Water Quality, Guidance Manual
for Protecting and Maintaining Riparian Areas (Raleigh, N.C.:
By. The Department, April 1998, Chapter 4.
2Ibid. 3Ibid., Chapter 2.
-2-
it

in the flow of pollutants from impervious surfaces. Although
additional measures need to be developed to identify, address
and adequately mitigate (1) storm water runoff from impervious
surfaces and (2) point sources of contamination in the Town of
River Bend, the development and maintenance of an effective
' vegetated buffer system is a first line of defense and one of
the most timely and cost effective water protection management
practices that can be put into place at this point in time. It
should be noted that the Riparian Area Rule of the Neuse River
Nutrient Sensitive Waters Stragegy (NSW) already has force and
effect of law, and the provisions of this Rule are being
enforced by the Division of Water Quality-1 Accordingly, our
Councilman for Environment and Waterways, Mr. John Kirkland,
may wish to consider the development of a letter or notice for
distribution to all River Bend waterfront homeowners in order to
apprise them of the applicable requirements and recommendations.
The literature is replete with empirical research findings
which attest to the benefits of vegetated buffers.
Vegetated buffers and wetlands along the shoreline
have been shown to stabilize soil, reduce sediment
runoff (Lee et al., 1989), reduce runoff speed
(Williams and Nicks, 1986), and enhance infiltration.
Buffers have also been shown to reduce bacterial
loads (Castelle et al., 1992)9 nutrient loads
(Gilliam, 1994), pollutant loads (Zirschky et al.,
1989), and viral and bacterial dispersion (Groffman
et al., 1991). Vegetated buffers also provide and
enhance wildlife habitat (Groffman et al., 1991)
and contribute to the overall scenic quality of the
shoreline environment. The multiple benefits/uses
1 of vegetated buffers provide a solid means for
justification of vegetated buffer implementation
along North Carolina's sensitive shorelines.2
jTelephone discussions with Mr. David Hardy of the North
Carolina Extension Service were most productive and timely.
Mr. Hardy is supportive of our efforts to develop a vegetated
buffer code, and he indicated that the Cooperative Extension
Service could be called upon, not only for assistance in the
development of the Code, but also for assistance in the imple-
mentation of the Code. For example, the Cooperative Extension
Service could provide technical expertise as to buffer
1The NSW Rules were adopted by the North Carolina General
Assembly on August 1, 1998.
2Bill Crowell, op. cit., P. 1.
-3-

1 specificat.ion-s f.or._i_ndi.v.i.dual .Lots and._combin.ation of lots
(areas) (i.e. buffer width, silvicultural needs, slope, and
1 suggestions for ground covers and plant communities). In some
instances, intervention on particular lots will not be necessary
since the homeowners have not disturbed the forest vegetation
in the 50-foot riparian area. In other instances, only minor
interventions will be necessary to establish an effective buffer
or to modify an existing buffer. Since most homeowners have
landscaped their property with a combination of woody and
herbaceous plants, it is unlikely that there will be many lots
which require major intervention.
Following consultation with the River Bend Town Attorney
and following further consultation with the N.C. Cooperative
Extension Service and other applicable resources, it is
recommended that a draft vegetated buffer code be developed
for presentation to the River Bend Town Council.
n
i
1
I

��zyl�y
TOWN OF RIVER BEND
_ COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
' WATERWAYS
Impact of BMP and Environmental Respect
on Costs and Property Values
The. Town of River Bend and its citizens should understand and
' appreciate that the development and implementation of stormwater
Best Management Practices (BMP) and an increased respect for our
environment will likely have some impact on the Town's cost of
operation and property values of individual owners.
Best Management Practices (BMP) for handling urban stormwater
have been developed by numerous governmental agencies, research
activities, and communities to deal with the pollution of the
nation's waterways. These Practices include the following:
wet ponds
stormwater wetlands
- infiltration trenches/wells
- sand filters
' _ bioretention areas and rain gardens
level spreaders and riparian buffers
- reinforced.grassy swales
tAn improvement in the quality of the waterways. within the Town
will undoubtedly enhance the value of properties or diminish the
' gradual deterioration of such values. There is no concrete direct
evidence that the condition of our waterways has affected property
values to date, but it has been reported that in some instances,
sales of waterfront property have been adversely impacted by the
1 condition of the waterways.
The construction of or conversion of existing topographical
features to those outlined above will obviously entail some costs
not presently included in the.Town's budget. The implementation of
Storm Water BMP falls generally into two areas; namely, preventive
' measures (nonstructural practices) and control measures (structural
practices). Preventive measures are very cost-effective ways to
manage stormwater runoff. Usually, they require no land area, no
construction and can be implemented with moderate effort by
1 industries, municipalities, developers and private citizens. While
more extensive actions are inherently necessary, there are a number
of inexpensive control measures that can be used to reduce the
' impact of stormwater, including settling, biological uptake of
substances and infiltration. In any event, the Town can expect a
need for some expenditures for maintenance of the facilities,
including but not limited to occasional removal of sediment and
pollutants.
Ci

1
February 16, 1999
Preliminary Draft
Updating the 1988 Plantation Canal Study
Carl Wagner
Given that "draft" already connotes something preliminary, the heading "preliminary draft" seems
redundant, but isn't. It comes about because I have some questions and comments about the
continued existence of problems cited in the 1988 study, and need answers to these before
developing a full draft of the update. So, in this preliminary draft, I'll cite the 1998 study as a
baseline, then present what I think has significantly changed since 1988, then my questions
about the conclusions of the 1988 study, and finally my questions about and additions to the
recommendations of that study.
The Plantation Canal Study Committee of 1988 submitted to the Town Council a total of thirty
recommendations based upon their consideration of the Canal from ten different points of view:
The Historical Canal
The Filling Canal
The Utility Canal
The Polluted Canal
The "No Wake" Canal
The Hurricane Canal
The Covenant Canal
The Wildlife Canal
The "Other Side" Canal
The Miscellaneous Canal
In my view, the efforts of the 1988 Canal Committee were so thoughtful, detailed, and
comprehensive as to leave, with one exception, no significant consideration of the Canal without
comment. Thus, I see our present task as primarily one of updating and as necessary revising
the conclusions and the recommendations of the 1988 study in terms of what has and has not
changed over the past decade, both in the rivers and in River Bend.
I. Here are the changes since 1988 that I see as significant:
In and about the Neuse:
Although the Neuse lies geographically some seven miles downstream from River Bend,
see changes in and about it as relevant to our Canal for two reasons.
First, certainly from windtides and possibly from storm surges and from floodings in the
Piedmont Neuse in the absence of offsetting floodings in the Trent, water from the Neuse
can and does move up the Trent as far as River Bend and sometimes beyond. Thus,
degraded water quality in the Neuse has a direct impact for degraded water quality and
its consequences in Plantation Canal.
Second, although the Basinwide Management Plans (BMP) and Total Maximum Daily
' Load (TMDL) proposals generated by the NC State Division of Water Quality are based
predominantly on water quality in the Neuse, such plans and proposals will inevitably
have significant impact on the Trent and so on Plantation Canal.
Here are the salient changes that I see in and about the Neuse since 1988:
Preliminary Draft
Updating the 1988 Plantation Canal Study

(a) Continued eutrophication of the estuary, attributable mainly to increases in
nitrogen, as manifested in part by the increase in annual algal blooms and in the
'
massive fishkills of 1991 and 1995.
(b) The conclusion of a forum of scientists, convened by the NC State Senate Select
Committee on River Quality and Fishkills, that nitrogen levels in the Neuse were
so high that even a 30% reduction (70% cap) could be forecast to produce just a
detectable improvement — not a full restoration — of river water quality within five
'
years after such a cap was in place.
(c) The passage of General Assembly House Bill 1339, setting the goal of a 30%
reduction in 1991-1995 estuarine nitrogen levels by the year 2001, coupled with
'
the failure to date of the Division of Water Quality to provide either a BMP or
TMDL with any credible likelihood of achieving that goal.
(d) The estimate of one preeminent estuarine scientist (Dr. Hans Paed) that nitrogen
levels in the Neuse were so high that it would require not just a 30% but rather a
45% reduction in nitrogen to reach a major criterion of full restoration of water
1
quality, i.e., zero violations of the NC State limit on chlorophyll -a as the prime
indicator of algal bloom potential.
(e) The successful litigation initiated by the Neuse River Foundation under the Clean
'
Water Act, resulting in the current EPA directive to the state to develop a credible
and effective TMDL.
In and about the Trent:
As background for points (c) and (d) below, I note that the past decade has seen a major
'
increase in knowledge of both the amounts of ammonia nitrogen generated by swine
operations and the degree of atmospheric transport and deposition of this nutrient to
distances of easily 50-100 miles from the source.
Here are the salient changes that I see in and about the Trent and since 1988:
(a) A marked increase in algal blooms, especially in 1998, throughout the length of
the Trent from Trenton down to Marker 8 if not further.
(b) A 30% increase in nitrate nitrogen loading at Trenton between 1985-1988 and
1991-1995.
(c) A quadrupling of the swine populations in Sampson County, directly upwind,
'
relative to prevailing winds, from the drainage area of the Trent.
(d) Correlated with (c), a 100% increase in ammonia nitrogen concentration, and a
'
150% increase in ammonia nitrogen loading, at Trenton between 1985-1988 and
1991-1995.
In and about River Bend, here are the salient changes that I see since 1988:
(a) The occurrence of three hurricanes and associated storm surges, providing
Preliminary Draft
Updating the 1988 Plantation Canal Study
2

11
'
tangible evidence of how the Canal does and does not handle such surges.
(b)
The increase in algal mats and submerged aquatic vegetation that have made the
'
Canal and Harbor unsightly and at times barely navigable, and which at their
peak in 1998 virtually closed the Harbor area to fishing by both people and
ospreys.
(c)
The emergence of the possibility of dredging of the Canal.
II. Here are my questions about continuing existence of the problems cited in the 1988
study:
'
The Filling Canal:
(a)
Canal Mouth Shoaling: The 1988 Report suggested that bottom disturbance
created by effluent from the River Bend Sewage Treatment Plant is a factor in the
shoaling. Has this possibility been explored, or should it be?
(b)
'Tree Fall' in the Canal: as one Canal user, I have not experienced this as a
problem; does it still exist?
'
The Utility Canal:
(a)
Minimizing the Flow of Transient Sand: The 1988 Report suggested the adoption
of local measures to require the use of "sand traps" on major construction sites.
Were such measures ever adopted, or should they be?
(b)
How Good Citizens Contribute to Pollution: The 1988 Report suggested public
education and appropriate legislation, with stiff penalties for violation, to minimize
citizen pollution. Has this suggestion been implemented in any way, or should it
be?
(c)
The Pig Farm: The 1988 Report suggested a formal request for state/federal
inspection and ongoing surveillance of the swine operation just upstream from
'
River Bend. Has this suggestion been implemented, or should it be?
(d)
Other Prospects for Pollution: The 1988 Report suggested exploration of the
potential for pollution of septic tanks, swimming pools, hot tubs, and jacuzzis and
'
the development of appropriate legislation as needed. Has this suggestion been
imp should it be?
'
(e)
The "Streamwatch" Program: The 1988 Report suggested development of
permanent representation in this program. Does the program still exist, and has
the suggestion been implemented, or should it be?
"No
The
Wake" Canal:
(a)
"No Wake" Signage Illegal?. The 1988 Report urged the Town Council to take
determined steps to clarify whether or not the signage was in conformity to NC
Wildlife Commission standards, and to insure that the Canal is policed in the
'
Preliminary Draft
Updating the 1988 Plantation Canal Study
3

'
same degree and with the same attention to enforcement of the law as any other
town thoroughfare. Two questions here: (1) Is wake creation still a problem as
observed by residents alongside the Canal, and (2) was there any Town Council
'
response to the above urging, or should there be?
(b) Education Efforts Required: The 1988 Report also urged the presence of a Police
Officer at the Marina Boat Ramp on weekends, along with the Officer's
distribution of handouts containing simple definitions of the "No Wake" speed
restriction. Was there any Town Council response the above urging, or should
there be?
The Hurricane Canal:
In a preamble to specific concerns, the 1988 Report called for an early study by the
Council to establish a fully workable procedure to evacuate people, to maintain order,
and to meet medical emergencies and physical damage to properties, including boats. It
essentially amplified this call under the topic The Threat of High Water. Did the Council
respond to this call, or should it?
The "Other Side" Canal: The 1988 report described the over 70 acres of privately -owned
wetlands on the Canal's north shore, and urged the Council to review the acquisition of
these wetlands as soon as possible. From conversation with John Kirkland, I think that
' this acquisition has taken place. Is this true?
111. A copy of the 30 recommendations made by the 1988 Committee is appended. For each
of these, I raise the same kind of question as raised for many of the suggestions in
Section II above: has it been done and should it be done?
IV. I have one additional consideration and two associated recommendations to offer.
' The consideration is:
The Neuse River Basin Canal
In every sense, Plantation Canal shares the fate of the the Neuse River Basin, impacted
not only by water flowing downstream in the Trent but also by water flowing upstream
from the Neuse estuary, a substantial portion of which comes from the riverine Neuse.
Thus, whatever degrades water quality in the Neuse River Basin as a whole will degrade
water quality in the Canal, and given elimination of all possible contributions by the Town
to degraded water quality, whatever improves water quality in the Basin will improve
water quality in the Canal.
The recommendations are:
31. That the Town Council designate one or more representatives to attend all
informational and all pre -regulatory hearings that bear on Basinwide water quality
problems and problem solutions, and then take whatever actions it deems
appropriate on the basis of the necessarily shared fates of the Neuse River Basin
and Plantation Canal.
32. That the Town of River Bend become a municipal sponsor of the Neuse
RiverFoundation at the level of at least "Defender", entailing a contribution of
Preliminary Draft
Updating the 1988 Plantation Canal Study
4

$500.00 per year. While not every citizen of the Town will necessarily agree with
every action taken by the NRF, it remains true that the NRF is the sole organization
' devoted exclusively to protection and improvement of water quality in the Neuse
River Basin, and in consequence is the one most worthy of support in its efforts to
remedy the Basinwide problems that inevitably have impact on Plantation Canal.
1
Preliminary Draft
Updating the 1988 Plantation Canal Study
5

. 3Iz91�5
PROPOSED LONG RANGE PLANS FOR THE WATER WAYS ADVISORY BOARD
A. CONTINUING MAINTENANCE
1.
Work closely with public works department.
2.
Develop a maintenance plan to:
a. Maintain navigability
'
b. Mitigate stormwater and impacts
3.
Monitor erosion and runoffs into waterways
4.
Participate in the annual "clean sweep" of waterways and drainoff areas
5.
Monitor and report:
a. Fish kills in the waterways.
6.
b. Speeding boaters.
Maintain recreational and value.
quality
B. EDUCATION
1.
Public education through River Bender, garden club and seminars.
2.
Study and ensure appropriate changes in environmental code pursuant to
'
nutrient reduction in the watershed.
3.
Coordinate and planning of land use infrastructure through parks and
recreation and municipal use.
H,,IMtu.s
C. ENVIRONMENT
1 1. Wetlands protection and mitigation. Develop plat of ownership of wetlands.
2. Study and creation of buffers for storm drainage. Investigate best maintenance
' practices and impacts.
I
I.

Appendix A-1.2
w m = = m m = m= m m= w= m o m

A-1.2 Infrastructure Study Group Report
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-3

1- FILE COPY
IDATE: May 20, 1999
TO: The Citizens of River Bend
FROM: Councilman Al Otto
RE: 1. Report On FEMA Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan
P P
2. Stormwater Comprehensive Master Plan
o of River Bend entered into an Engineering Agreement with Colonial Engineering, Inc.
The T Town g g gr
on January 27, 1999 for the purpose of providing a stormwater drainage master plan of flooding
problems experienced by the Town. In recent hurricanes such as Hurricane Fran and Hurricane
Bertha, the Town experienced significant flooding due to rising tides from the Trent River as well
as water pouring down from the western side of town towards the Trent River through its normal
flow patterns.
' The data in the stormwater master plan is highly technical in nature. The plan was first devoted to
analyzing the existing stormwater drainage problems which served both an aesthetic as well as a
flood control purpose. The only Pond that does not act in a true stormwater control function is Pond
' #2 which is located in the woods between Old Pollocksville Rd. and Masters Court. That pond
appears to have been a borrow pit that was installed several years ago when the River Bend
Subdivision was being constructed prior to it becoming the Town of River Bend. In this particular
instance there is a drainage way passing to the south of Pond #2 from Old Pollocksville Rd. going
down to Pond #3 to the north of Shoreline Drive. Water does not flow thm Pond #2.
An analysis was made of the capability of these ponds to assimilate stormwaters. The original scope
of the project, as defined by guidelines from the FEMA-Hazard Mitigation Program, was to analyze
the 10 and 25 year storm events. Unfortunately, the 25 year storm event is not available from any of
the National Weather Agencies. The main office for this region is located in Asheville, North
Carolina. In its absence, we used 10 year, 50 year, and 100 year data to model reaction of the flood
ponds to these storm events.
In essence, it was determined that the critical pond became Pond #4 which is Lakemere Pond. The
other ponds in the sequence which are Pond #5, and Pond #6 are subject to tidal actions especially
in hurricane type events. These ponds would be submerged and therefore the balancing point is the
capacity of Lakemere to handle water in a storage capacity. Fortunately, this is the largest of the
ponds and has containment capabilities although it can quickly rise and approach the elevations of
the homes surrounding this flood structure. Obviously some hurricanes, such as Hurricane Hugo are
very much more devastating than other hurricanes and in fact many carry tidal elevations higher than
the Federal Insurance Rate Map which identifies the 100 year flood as 9.0'. Sever hurricanes can in
ifact have high tides of 12' which can be compounded even further if hurricanes arrive, (which
unfortunately happens many times) on top of an already natural high tide in the area.
The next evaluation was to determine the ability of the existing driveway culverts and town ditches
along the streets to carry water under normal rainfall conditions. Unfortunately, most of the existing

culverts and ditches are either stopped up, getting that way, or need to be improved and realigned.
The ditches need to be reshaped in order to create a natural flow of water downhill toward the Trent
River. In. areas such as Channel .Run,<Plantation Drive, Rockledge Road, Gatewood- Drive and
Shoreline Drive, to name a few, the range is from stopped up culverts to no ditches where yards have
been made level, or in some cases, a ditch was never installed. This therefore can back up water on
citizen's land therefore not serving as an efficient stormwater drainage system. It is imperative that
' the driveway culverts be placed at the correct elevation so water flows clearly from one drive
to the next and from one property to the next without backing up stormwater flows. Also the
ditches throughout the Town need to be re -installed, reshaped and in some instances installed for the
first time so water flows clearly throughout the Town.
This becomes critical since in a hurricane type event, or even a 50 year flood, the area is subject to
flooding especially during high tides, but it can have the water drain off earlier as the tides lower and
water can run downhill and out of property in the Town of River Bend. Ditching is the stormwater
' system which can give the most relief, on a normal basis to citizens within the Town of River Bend.
L
In essence, the project overview summary allows one to see the corrective actions that must be done
throughout the Town of River Bend. The Town has applied for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant
which it has received and is in the process of implementing corrective actions throughout the Town.
Recommended priorities are as follows:
1. Install a twin culvert (a second culvert) under Shoreline Dr. by Town Hall to help
insure this road does not wash out or blow out in hurricane type events when waters
are leaving the. Town Pond at very high velocities after submergence. It is also
imperative that the height of the road.be increased by at least 18" so emergency
vehicles may come in and out of the area and not trap all of the citizens to the east
of the Town Hall causeway.
2. A new interceptor drainage ditch should be put in behind Masters Court and in the
wooded area by Pond #2 to intercept the sheet flow of water that now passes through
the area, misses the pond, and goes through the residents yards.
3. Improve the drainage problems at Norbury Dr. and Pirates Rd.
4. Realign the drainage ditch along the back lots of Lochbridge Drive.
5. Improve the drainage problems along Teakwood Dr. at Sandpiper and the drainage
therefore into the Trent River.
6. Improve the drainage on Plantation between Gangplank Rd. and Anchor Way.
7. Improve and realign all ditches throughout the Town, culverts under driveways and
reset culverts where they have been put too high by developers.
OA

One other item that bears significant. attention by the Town is the sensitive or critical nature of a
single road into the eastern part. of Town along the Shoreline Drive causeway.at.Town Hall. No
matter what engineering .planning occurs, severe. storms -could. still take out or wash out that
causeway therefore eliminating the possibility of citizens entering and leaving the area as well as
emergency vehicles in and out of this main portion ofTown. At some point in the future, maybe with
the development of the northwest corridor, it is imperative that an alternate road be installed up to
Old Pollocksville Rd. so that citizens and emergency vehicles can always gain entrance in and out
whether Shoreline Dr. is passable or impassable.
The Town of River Bend does have a proposed draft Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance which,
with some modification and discussion will eventually be adopted. That plan needs to dove tail into
the information herein in the Stormwater Drainage Master Plan.
S T ORMWATER COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN
t
The Town of River Bend has several tools available in order to manage stormwater compliance over
the future of the Town. This Stormwater Master Drainage Plan evaluates conditions as they are today
and makes recommendations as specific action to make this stormwater program for the Town
effective and efficient in lieu of the current conditions. A Management Plan as well as the Flood
Damage P; evention Ordinance must be dynamic in nature and will evolve, especially with future
developments, and more specifically the northwest corridor which at the present time has not been
developed.
In implementing the Stormwater Comprehensive Management Plan, the first and most simple
solution is to begin to install .the normal drainage system along the streets that should be in place,
although it has not been maintained. This is a function both of the inattention of the property owners
through their stormwater drainage as well as to the pre -development of the Town prior to the
incorporation of the Town with direction from the Town Council. Once corrective actions have been
implemented then it is important that the maintenance therein occur through the years.
For instance, if the northwest corridor is installed as anticipated through development in the future,
sediment cannot be allowed to run off into the stormwater ponds or into the Trent River. Filling up
the stormwater ponds means they become totally ineffective and in fact, become a health hazard in
the future. Some citizens do not like ditches in front of their homes and have leveled out the ditches
in their yards, or perhaps a ditch was never installed. It is important that ditches be installed to move
stormwater from one area to the next. This can be done with a gently sloping swale which can be
mowed and maintained and will also act as an excellent filter of stormwater passing into the
Plantation Canal and the Trent River. It is highly recommended that these be maintained as grassed
areas in which the filtration will occur while the grass holds the ditches or swales in place. Routine
maintenance must also occur on the ditches and driveway culverts through inspection services on
a regular basis (recommended to be done at least quarterly).

I
The following are recommendations for specific courses of action in the future:
Any new development must adhere to prudent stormwater soil and erosion control
containment devices on each lot.
Where a new subdivision is planned, that subdivision is to contain a flood
containment control structure which captures runoff, allows it to settle out, and then
slowly discharges it safely into ditches which travel to the Trent River.
— No citizen, (future or existing) can alter the stormwater swales once they have been
corrected and installed in front of their properties. Alteration could cause damage to
surrounding properties with impoundments impeding the flow of water downhill.
1
— A new developer must provide finished floor elevations of the dwelling/business to
the Zoning Administrator prior to and after construction.
Each developer is to identify how stormwater will leave the property and through
what manner it is to be protected.
No citizen shall take any action which prohibits the normal flow of stormwaters away
1 from properties in the area.
Each developer is to identify the square footage of the lot and the amount of area
which will be made impervious through additions of driveways, swimming pools,
residences, etc. which will promote higher runoff.
— A Stormwater Drainage Permit shall be issued by the Town once all new
development documents are in place.
— Enforcement actions against property owners who violate the ordinance shall be in
place and shall be subject to revisions from the Town Council from time to time.
— Each new property, regardless of where it is located should fill out a FEMA,
Form 81-31 Elevation Certificate which identifies lot and finished floor elevations.
— The Town shall establish an Inspection Procedure, (with a minimum of quarterly),
to evaluate the condition of the swales of each of the roads and the culverts thereof.
Where needed, culverts should be improved so that no ponding or backing up of
waters occurs as it is leaving the properties from which it has run off.
I/sen
1

i MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 9 1999
TO Al Otto, Chairman
Infrastructure Committee, Comprehensive Planning
FROM: Alec Morris
SUBJECT: ROADS, WALKWAYS & BICYCLE PATHS
I will not be at the February 16`h meeting of the above committee, and so I am submitting a list of
r comments and candidates on roads, walkways and bicycle paths for the committee to ponder and, if viable,
the consultant, Wooten, to study.
ROADS ( I like Roads better than Streets because it sound ess urban.)
1. Keep the recommendations of the 1990 Thoroughfare Plan for minor thoroughfares »nd collector
roads, approved by Town Council, subject to changes discussed in Nos. 4 and 5 beiow; namely
proposed roads in the Northwest Quadrant:
a. Plantation Drive
b. Pinewood Drive
c. Unnamed east -west road north of Plantation (now referenced as Lakemere Drive)
d. Tar Landing (without the section between Gatewood Drive and the north line of River Hills
Subdivision, which is not on the thoroughfare plan.
2. Keep the official right-of-way and pavement widths for new collector and local roads, found in
Subdivision Ordinance, Art. VIII, Sect. 8-4.
3. All local roads will begin and end at an intersection with other roads. There will be no cul-de-sacs in
new subdivisions. This was a decision promulgated by Planning Board.
4. Possibly alter the alignment of Plantation Drive as it nears the Town's west boundary. Currently in
the Thoroughfare Plan, Plantation parallels the north line of River Hills Subdivision, thence land in
the County (McLawhorn?) to the Highway 17 and Rhems-Tuscarora Road intersection. I do not think
this concept is impacted by the Highway 17 Bypass, but until NCDOT begins design, we will not
know. When he was Planning Board Chairman, Mort Jacobs proposed a more Town -controlled
concept by keeping the alignment in the Town. His thought was to run Plantation along a
conveniently located northwest -southeast property line to the Town boundary and thence along the
Town boundary to the Highway 17-Old Pollocksville Road intersection. One can trace this alignment
by means of a property map of the Northwest Quadrant. There is no advantage either way, as to
where an intersection with Highway 17 is located. The important matter is that there be a second
access to Highway 17, regardless of location.
5. The Thoroughfare Plan calls for Tar Landing to run between Old Pollocksville and Highway 17 along
the west line of Piner Estates Subdivision. With the improvement of O.P.R. by the State and the fact
Ithat this section is not inside the Town, elimination of this section may have merit. Traffic on Tar

t
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Landing destined for Highway 17 can use O.P.R. to get to the highway.
6. Efird Blvd. right-of-way is reserved but not built on between Pirates Road and the rear of Christian
Care Center. There is a question of the need to continue reserving the r.o.w. for a future Efird Blvd.,
given that the rears of the duplexes on Mulberry Lane and the residences in Westchester Subdivision
abut Efird. Moreover, Efird would not be needed as a road because of the close proximity of Shoreline
Drive and Pirates Road. The only reason for continuing to reserve the r.o.w. is in the event that
Howell Center ceases to exist and the land is converted to residential development.
BICYCLE AND WALKING PATHS
Bicycle and walking paths are not always synonymous but are being considered the same in this memo.
From the latest questionnaire that was received from Town citizens, the following candidate roads
were preferred:
a. Shoreline Drive from Plantation along the Trent River to Rockledge Road
b. Rockledge Road
c. Plantation Drive where the medians exist
As you know, when the State does the work at no expense to the Town, they merely widen the paved
portion by four feet each side, which is not entirely satisfactory to Town residents. Placing walkways
at the r.o.w. lines, thereby separating road and walkway, is an alternative, but probably at 100 pct.
Powell Bill expense. Plantation Drive is another matter. Near the Harbourwalk condos, large elevation
differences between berm, pavement and median make a walkway at the edge of pavement, or at the
edge of no.w., difficult to achieve. A walkway in the median, meandering to avoid trees and shrubs
should be studied. On plantation between Shoreline and Teakwood, everything is more flat. Standard
walkway can be located either at edge of pavement or edge of r.o.w., although a route through the
median can be considered, also.
2. Old Pollocksville Road between Shoreline and Efird, and along the creek in the Efird woods adjacent
to Shoreline: With talk of rehabilitating the brick pavement and creating a more pedestrian
environment on this portion of Old Pollocksville, a separate path would be attractive. Also to be
considered is a path through the woods along the creek between Old Pollocksville and Master Court,
if the Town acquires this land for recreation and storm water mitigation purposes. Residents of
Christian Care Center would benefit from another strolling venue.
3. In woods between Pirates Road and Plantation Canal: There seems to be plenty of rectangular space
in this permanent wilderness/wetland for a network of walking paths.
4. At mouth of Plantation Canal into Trent River: If this site is approved for placing dredged canal soil,
the basis for canal side and riverside paths is available.
5. Off Anchor Way to Trent River and entrance to Island Lake: Again, there seems to be plenty of
rectangular space in this permanent wilderness/wetland.
6. Off Tar Landing along Trent River, possibly to the end of Rockledge Road: This would be a linear
path through a permanent wetland.
There may be reasons for not considering Nos. 3 through 6 above; disturbing wildlife, danger of snakes,
annoyance of insects, for example.
/sen

The following is a draft recommendation presented to the Steering Committee by Jim Findley:
Town Support to Business Enterprises
River Bend is primarily a residential community that has only several
businesses inside its boundaries. River Bend's long stated policy is to permit a
limited number of commercial enterprises to operate in the Town. Its zoning
laws are very specific in what is permitted and what requires a special exception
to operate. Many perfectly legitimate businesses under current zoning
restrictions would not be permitted in River Bend.
The two most important business to the residents of the community in terms of
life style are the golf course and the marina. They make up the heart of what
River Bend has repeatedly stated it wants to be —a leading golf and waterfront
community.
River Bend's support to these two enterprises has been limited and indirect.
on
Because of its low tax rate, there have not been heavy property taxes placed
either facility. Unlike Craven County, New Bern or other local governments,
River Bend imposes no personal property tax on business inventory. This can
result in considerable savings to businesses that have heavy inventory.
River Bend has not subsidized business operations in the past. The policy of
the Town has been to keep the property tax rate low so that all can benefit,
rather than raise taxes and subsidize a few. This policy has applied equally to
businesses and institutional operations such as the Howell Center.
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Because its ownership the water and sewer system is relatively new, the Town
has not been approached about subsidizing the cost to install water and sewer
to a business operation. Recently, informal requests have been made and the
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Town now needs to consider whether or not it is appropriate to assist
businesses with the installation of water and sewer lines as a means of
encouraging development of desirable commercial enterprises that would be of
benefit to the community.
Recommended Policy:
That the Town take an even hand in its support to business and institutional
development through a policy of low tax rates and user fees. User fees for items
such as water and sewer should not include charges for any other fees and
services the Town may provide. For example, water charges should reflect only
water infrastructure and service charges and not be used to pay any other part of
the Town's expenses.
The Town should avoid being involved in subsidizing installation costs of high
cost items such as water and sewer lines. However, this does not prevent the
Town from cooperating with businesses on a quid pro quo basis when service or
installation costs can be combined with Town projects so that both parties can
reduce their costs. An example would be for the Town and the Golf Course to
share in the cost of installing a sewer line to the clubhouse along with a line for

tertiary treated water from the sewage plant that would be sprayed on the golf
course instead of discharged into the Trent River. In this example, both the
business and the Town would benefit.
The Town should continue its policy of not imposing a personal property tax on
businesses as a means of reducing their costs and encouraging them to operate
in River Bend.
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Appendix A-1.3

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A-1.3 Land Use, Zoning, and Housing Study Group Report
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-4

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Final Draft
Land Use Study Group
Comprehensive Plan
Town of River Bend
Points for Discussion
1. Zoning of Northwest Quadrant of Town
July 14, 1999
The overwhelming view from the 1992 survey of the Town is that the Northwest Quadrant should
be zoned R-20 (single family units with a minimum of 1700 sq ft of heated floor space.) Much of
the view appears to stem from a reaction to the construction in the late 80s and early 90s of smaller
homes and town homes in similar architectural styles in sub -developments. River Bend residents
were stating that they want to see varied and esthetically pleasing home styles, high quality
construction, fewer town homes, and more green space as new development begins.
Several developers and land owners have advised the Town of the economic difficulty in building
homes with the required central water and sewer hook-ups with house density requirements of R-20.
They also point out that the trend throughout the country is to construct larger homes on smaller lots.
The study group believes the development of the Northwest Quadrant should be governed by the
character of the Town, the desires of the majority of the residents, market factors, support
infrastructure and developers' proposals
The study group recommends the Town adopt a flexible policy towards housing requirements in the
undeveloped areas of Town. It prefers to allow the developer to present creative ideas for housing
that fall within guidelines of space, architectural styles and quality levels that need to be developed
by the Town.
Cluster housing patterns would be considered, and where applicable, a minimum of four
architectural styles shuld be used with no more than four homes located in each cluster.
Furthermore, the desired R-20 or R-15 lot size should not be compromised. This can be done with
the total land area of each cluster being equal or greater than the R-15 or R-20 lot size multiplied by
the number of homes in each cluster.
The Planning Board should consider the pros and cons of requiring R-20 minimum floor space on
R-15 lots as a way of recognizing the trend to larger homes on smaller lots.
The study group recommends that developers be encouraged to make creative use of the land by
designing homes and streets that further the image of River Bend as a semi -rural residential
community. Curved streets with bicycle paths and park land separating lots should be encouraged
over grid design patterns. For safety and access reasons, cul-de-sacs should be discouraged.
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2. Water and Sewer Lines
It is Town law that developers must hook all new sub -development homes to central water and
sewer, and the developers must pay all costs involved, including those costs to run the lines to the
' central water system and the sewage treatment plant. Currently, the Town does not know what those
costs might be, nor does it have a policy on how to spread those costs among the several developers
Page 1 of 5

that will building in the Northwest Quadrant.
The study group recommends that the Water Resources department pay for a preliminary
engineering study of how water and sewer lines should be run in the Northwest Quadrant, including
number of lift stations and connections to the central sewage and water treatment facilities. The
study should also include the feasibility and costs of creating a recycled water system for irrigation
1 and outside use. At a minimum, a two meter system should be installed to allow for use of the
central water system for outdoor use without sewage fees connected to usage.
' The study should also explore the best way to fund water and sewer development in the undeveloped
area of Town considering the number of developers and land owners that may be involved. This
study should include a possibility of the Town paying for the initial development costs through a
bond issue and then billing the developers on a fair and equal basis as they hook their houses to the
' central water and sewer system. This study should be completed as soon as possible so that the
proper planning for the development of the area may begin and developers can better predict their
costs. It should included estimates for both R-20 and R-15 population densities.
A projection (development overlay)a should be made of the Northwest Quadrant in order to provide
a planning scenario to assist in the initial planning. This should include sizing information, lift
stations, force mains and gravity flow. This comprehensive plan should enable the Town to take
advantage of economies of scale, and allow examination of costs and other trade-offs.
3. Expansion of the Town's Bike/Walking Paths
Currently, the only bike paths in Town are along Shoreline Drive — which is also the most heavily
traveled street in Town.
While Town parks provide additional greenery, park usage is generally marginal. The Town needs
' to be more creative in how it uses its green space to encourage usage and what it requires from
developers.
For the areas of Town to be developed, the study group recommends that the Town re -write its
donation of park land policy to permit developers to donate the equivalent amount of land for bike
and walking paths throughout the area they are developing instead of donating park land. These
paths should not run next to roads, but rather be designed creatively — perhaps as boundaries
between properties. Ultimately, the bike and walking paths should all be linked to each other via
a long range plan for the undeveloped area. Developers need to be on the initial planning stages for
the bike and walking paths. The Consultant and Town Engineer need to work with the Town's
Planning Board to develop such a plan.
4. Expansion of Bike Paths in the Developed Areas of Town
The study group recommends that a special task force involving representatives from the Public
Works Advisory Board, the Planning Board and citizens at large be formed to explore the expansion
of the current bike and walking paths in the developed areas of River Bend. This should include the
area in Channel Run and along Plantation Drive.
We understand grant money is available and this should be pursued vigorously. The Town should
also work closely with landscape architects and the Town engineer to locate and design the paths.
' The Town engineer should take into consideration storm water drainage easements as possible
Page 2 of 5

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locations of bike paths.
5. High Ground Egress from River Bend
The current egress for most of the Town is via Shoreline Drive. Should something happen to the
strip of Shoreline Drive between Plantation Drive and Pierpointe, the majority of residents would
be prohibited from exiting Town, especially in periods of flooding. A second high land egress from
River Bend needs to be a top priority. Topographically, this egress should be from the northwest
' quadrant of River Bend.
The study group recommends that the consultant for the Comprehensive Plan develop a
topographical map of the Town and recommend the best possible high land egress from the Town.
As soon as this is completed, the Town should proceed in working with the developers and land
owners to design and build an emergency egress. This road would later serve as one of the
thoroughfares for River Bend.
It is most likely that the egress will be located in the Northwest Quadrant. As such, the egress
should be the major thoroughfare for the area and placed on maps for the Town so that developers
can plan around the road. This will also allow interior areas to be developed and opened sooner.
The Town engineer also needs to review the possibility of constructing an emergency road between
' Ritter Field and the Lockbridge area of Town. This may be feasible after the spoilage from dredging
the canals in River Bend is spread on Ritter Field and raises its overall level.
6. Cooperation with the Golf Course on Using Treated Water for Irrigation
The Town will face increasing difficulty in obtaining sewage treatment permits if it continues to
dump treated water into the Trent River. Alternative sources for use of the water need to be
explored by the Town to meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements, and because it is
the right thing to do. One of the most efficient ways would be to have the golf course recycle the
water as part of their irrigation system. This would save the golf course considerable money for
fertilizers since the treated water would be nutrient rich. Any flow of these waters back into the
Trent River would still reduce considerably the total amount of nutrients added to the River.
' The Town would need to improve its treatment process to the tertiary stage using ultraviolet light
to treat bacteria.
The Water Resources Department needs to study and develop costs for implementing such a system
before 2005. The Town needs to obtain the cooperation of the owners of the Golf Course and work
' with State and Federal officials to obtain the necessary permits to build and use such a system. State
grant funds should be pursued since such a program could be a showcase for the area. Recently
announced grants for surrounding communities indicate that State funds are available to assist in this
project. The land use study group considers this a priority project.
7. Burial of Power Lines
Rules and Ordinances for both residential and commercial areas should be carefully reviewed to
make sure that all developers in River Bend understand the Town policy of burying all utility lines
' in areas to be developed.
Page 3 of 5

The Town requested the CP&L provide an estimate for installing underground electrical service for
those areas not having buried cable. The estimate is approximately $320,000 and would require
$2,500 for the preliminary engineering planning. Money has been allotted in the FY 1999-2000
budget to pay for the preliminary study and the Land Use study group recommends that the public
works advisory board proceed with the study.
First priority should be given to a reliable power supply to the sewage treatment plant and
1 emergency services.
The Town should develop a source of funding to bury those lines and explore both incremental
funding and cost sharing with CP&L.
8. Public Access to the Town's Waterways
The Town Council has adopted as one of its goals, public access to the Trent River for recreational
purposes. Currently, no public ramp exists for the residents of River Bend to get to the Trent River.
The ramp located at the Oar House is not a reliable access point since there is no guarantee that it
will continue to be used as an access ramp in the future. A good possibility exists of locating a boat
ramp and parking area on Town land near the sewage treatment plant. CAMA would have to
approve using some of the wetlands area for a boat ramp. Parking would be on a piece of land that
will be used for dumping canal dredgings.
The study group recommends that informal approaches be made to CAMA on the feasibility of the
project and that initial paper work begin. The Waterways Advisory Board should explore grants for
the construction of such a water access.
9. Zoning of Municipally Owned Areas
' Currently, municipal land is zoned in the same category as the land in the surrounding area was
originally designated. Some of it is Institutional, some is R-20 and some is R-15. The Town is
required to obtain a special exception from the Board of Adjustment if it wishes to build a new pump
house, install a sewer lift station or build a garage to house its vehicles.
The study group recommends that non -recreational areas of Town owned by the Town of River
Bend be zoned Municipal and the zoning ordinances should be changed to permit construction of
public utility buildings such as pump houses, lift stations, etc., without having to go through the
special exceptions process and subsequent review by the Board of Adjustment. However, the
approval of all construction on municipally zoned land should be subject to public hearings.
Finally, the Planning Board should favorably consider the zoning of municipally owned recreational
land under a new category entitled "Recreational."
10. Drainage of Northwest Quadrant
Considerable funds have been expended to help the Town obtain a FEMA grant for improving storm
water drainage, particularly during heavy storms or hurricanes. Once the Town receives hoped -for
grant funding, an engineering study will provide guidance for correcting/improving storm water
controls.
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Page 4 of 5

The study group recommends the engineering study go beyond present situations in the already -
developed part of Town. It should include areas not yet developed in the northwest quadrant that
.share the Plantation Canal watershed with today's built-up areas. Such plans will allow future
' integrating of any projected increase in water runoff with current management practices.
The Comprehensive Plan Consultant should work closely with the Town Engineer to help insure the
study addresses the "planning" concerns including the location of a high land exit from River Bend
1 and the recommended locations for lift stations and the laying of major sewer lines.
' 11. Improving Town Identity Along Highway 17
River Bend needs to establish its identity along the. Highway 17 corridor to help identify the
' Springdale subdivision as part of the Town and to show both residents and those traveling along
Highway 17 the attractiveness of River Bend and the pride River Benders have for their town. This
can be done through a series of plantings in the island separating Highway 17 traffic, through the
installation of new signs identifying River Bend, and the design of an attractive planting and
landscaping plan for the commercial area.
' The Community Appearance Commission should begin work on designing the landscaping and
signage and developing budgets for both the installation and maintenance of the plantings.
12. Converting Parts of Pirates Road and Efird Blvd to Four Lanes
The Town needs to prepare for the development of the commercial area and the subsequent increase
in vehicular traffic. With limited turn ins from traffic heading south on Route 17, the most likely
traffic flow will be into Efird Blvd and Pirates Road.
' In coordination with the NC DOT, River Bend should widen the stretches of Efird Blvd and Pirates
Road located in the areas zoned BD and PD-BD from two to four lanes. Preliminary planning
should be done immediately and Town maps should reflect the future widening of the roads. The
' widened stretch of road should be built to handle heavier trucks and more traffic than would
normally travel River Bend streets.
Working with the NCDOT, the Town needs to construct a master plan showing ingress and egress
points from Highway 17, Pirates Road and Efird Blvd. Once determined, the plans should be closely
adhered to by the Zoning Administrator and Planning Board.
All development in the area, including drainage ditches done for construction in the business areas
' should take the wider road into account.
Page 5 of 5

1 13. Progressive Care Facility Should be Encouraged
' The dream of the original developer of the Town was for River Bend to have a
progressive series of living units to permit a person to pass from single family
housing to multiple single unit structures, to one and two bedroom apartments, to
' assisted li
ving units, and finally, to nursing home care. This concept of "progressive care"
has become popular as a means to allow people who need increasing care in
' their elder years to be able to find it without having to move from their family and
friends. Unfortunately, the plan was never completed in River Bend.
Over the last ten years, long time residents of River Bend have sold their single
family homes and town homes to move to communities where progressive care
facilities are available. These are people who would have stayed in the
community had the facilities been available.
River Bend should encourage developers to consider using part of the
undeveloped areas to construct a progressive care facility which would offer both
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unassisted and assisted living care facilities. The Town's Planning Board should
contact successful progressive care facilities to find out how local governments
have worked with them to support the development of this type of facility.
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The Town Council should carefully consider how it might encourage developers
to devote a portion of the northwest quadrant to the development of a progressive
care complex.
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Appendix A-1.4
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A-1.4 Parks, Recreation and Town Appearance Study Group Report
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-5

Members:
Robert Billingsley, Planning Board Chairman
Randy Downing, Parks & Recreation Chairman
Don Dye, Councilman
Charlie Miannay, Citizen
Jack Thye, Community Appearance Commission Chairman
July 27,1999

TOWN OF RIVER BEND
Parks, Recreation
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
and Town Appearance
Study Group
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Parks:
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1) Evaluate the current condition of all Parks and Commons Areas to
determine:
A) Condition and needs.
B) How to remedy current needs.
C) Future needs of the community.
Several examples of what could be done are:
a) Ritter Field: After the dredging project, and Ritter Field is filled
in with the spoils, a Sports Center should be established
consisting of a well turfed soccer field with a walking track
around it.
(Hopefully grant money would be available to assist in the cost)
b) Channel Run _Park: Create a meandering walking path within the
park.
c) North-West Quadrant: Be sure any developer in this area sets
aside enough land for Commons use, including walking/bike
paths. (Do not accept money in lieu of Land)
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Recreation:
1) Determine the needs of the Town by survey of residents or other
means:
' a) Youth needs/programs.
b) Adult needs/programs.
c) Community programs.
d) Holiday activities. (4th of July, Halloween, Christmas)
1 2) Town Hall MeetingRoom: oom: Promote its use for more Club or Group
meetings.

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Planning, page two
1) Entrance on Shoreline: Update and modernize the "River Bend" sign
and surrounding areas. Consider bulkheading the front pond to make it
more attractive. Employ a professional Landscape Architect.
2) Landscaping_ Ongoing budgeted schedule to upgrade and replace
shrubs, trees and flowers in all parks and common areas as needed.
3) Municipal Buildings/Docks/Equipment: Ongoing budgeted schedule of
painting, repairing, cleaning and up -grading.
4) Community Sign_ A small illuminated sign, constructed near the Town
Hall, that would be for posting information, events, meetings, etc.
5) Create a safe walking path from the intersection of Shoreline and
Plantation, east on Plantation, across the bridge by the Quarterdecks.
6) Coordination: Must coordinate all action with land use,
infrastrucrure, waterways and municipal services planning.
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Appendix A-1.5
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A-1.5 Municipal Services and Governance Study Group Report
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-6

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING REPORT
Iof the
Municipal Services and Governance Committee
July 1, 1999
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Members
' Councilman for Administration: Roy Fogle
Finance Administrator. Margaret Boggs
Police Chief. Gurman Kennedy
Town Clerk: Nancy Orr
Planning Board Member: Cassius Williams
River Bend Citizen: Shirley Truslow
River Bend Citizen: Ken Brinson
Planning Responsibility
Municipal Services: Identify what municipal services will be needed in the future including water and
sewer, fire protection, police, and medical services.
' Governance: Review organization of elected officials and their responsibilities to see if suited to meet future
needs.
Review organization of Town Hall to see how best to meet future needs.
IReview adequacy of Town facilities.
IMunicipal Services — Recommended Policy Strategies
1 Town Facilities:
The Committee recommends that the Town Council consider buying the Co -Ban property and
buildings. The town is in dire need of additional office and storage space. Space is required for
1 maintenance and for storage of equipment g and supplies.
IThe Committee members recognize the need to obtain additional storage space and to expand the town
Ihall. The present quarters do not lend themselves to efficiency.

Capital Improvement Program: srx
' The Town should implement a Capital Improvement Program (CIP). A Capital Improvement =s
project is defined as a major, not -recurring expenditure that is planned and budgeted for over a period
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of years until there are sufficient funds to pay for the.project, the planning, engineering, design, etc.
Police and Fire:
The group did not see a need for additional police officers in the next five plus years. Fire and EMS
1 facilities and personnel also seem adequate. The CAMA Plan makes the same assumption.
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Town Maintenance:
The Committee recommends the Town consider the need for the employment of a full time
employee to assist in maintenance and other daily or weekly tasks.
The Town has had to resort to hiring temporary help to accomplish a great deal of the maintenance
similar tasks the past two ears. We need to protect the Town's assets through timely and proper
and si p Y
1 preventive maintenance.
Miscellaneous Recommendations
State and Federal Grants:
It is recommended that Town officials continue to research and fully utilize state and federal funding
sources to provide community facilities and services and in order to keep the town's tax rate as low as .
possible.
Town Employees:
I develop and maintain professional personnel programs to meet the town's needs.
Continue to de p P
IInsure adequate training, facilities, and equipment for all town departments.

Recommendation to the Land Use/Zoning/Housing Committee
Housing:
' The Municipal Services Committee recommends the development of housing policies to
encourage younger, first time buyers to take advantage of the Town's close proximity to the Ben Quinn
school. The Town should take another look at encouraging smaller multi -family housing units for
singles, widows, widowers, etc.
The CAMA report projects an increase of 436 persons by 2005. It is projected that an additional 200
units will be needed through the 10 year planning period and that all additions will be single family
residences. Multi -family housing is being discouraged by current zoning patterns and policies. Although there
is a trend for more retirees moving into this area, it is the consensus of the committee that the population will
tend to get younger because of the short distance to the Ben Quinn school and New Bern High School and
due to the housing market. There may well be a greater influx of younger families buying homes in the town
in the coming years rather than retirees., provided the Town wants to encourage the type of housing that will
attract first time home.buyers.
Commercial Development:
The Committee recommends Town officials take advantage of any development opportunities
1 in appropriately zoned areas to encourage an office complex. This would be a method of locating
Idesirable tax revenue facilities.
A high -end office complex could be a high value, low service demand, low problem type
' ,
development. Retirees who want to continue to use their business experience, might benefit from an
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"incubator" type office complex: shared secretary, bookkeeping, etc. This would fall under the "Office
and Institutional Development" category.
' As the Town grows, the viability of "off -US 17" non-residential uses may also grow. These
iconcepts could be studied or analyzed with a CAMA funded market analysis. A developer could put up
the matching money.
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TOWN GOVERNANCE - Recommended Policy Strategies
k
The Town has a population of approximately 2,700. Some towns half the size of our community. have
opted to.hire:a professionally trained.town administrator...
IRiver Bend has benefited from both a high number and high quality of volunteers who assist in the .
' organization and running of the Town. The changing needs of its citizenry combined with ever-increasing
regulations from federal and state sources have pushed to the limits the ability of the Town to govern itself
' largely from a volunteer base. In the last two years alone the Town has purchased its water and sewer
systems, expanded water to the entire Town, added four positions in the Water Resources Department, started
around -the -clock policing, added one full time and one part time police officer to the force, implemented an
integrated accounting system and expanded the Town support staff by one individual. Grant money which
gr g Y
must be carefully monitored has increased from close to nothing to over 1.5 million dollars. Current grant
projects include canal dredging, storm water drainage mitigation, wetlands enhancement, community oriented
I services COPS and criminal intelligence system (computerized reporting system).
policing servic s (COPS) g
' Since its founding in 1981, the mayor and five elected council members have assumed the executive
as well as the legislative responsibilities to manage the Town. Each elected official is responsible for the
major Town departments and functions --some doubling up on responsibilities.
The Town Governance Study Group believes that the elected officials are now pushing the envelope
of elective management. There is a lack of continuity and the learning curve begins over again with every
two-year election. Despite the other talents they bring to the table, almost no official elected in River Bend
has had prior municipal government experience.
The Town is a multimillion dollar business. Inadequate public management and inefficiencies waste
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precious tax dollars needed to provide valuable services and meet other important needs of the community.
' The Study Group is also concerned that there is no- effective checks and balances system since the
ielected officials serve as the executive and legislative branches and, at times, as the judicial branch.

In 1996 the Town Council voted to eliminate the part time Town Administrative Officer position and
named a councilman to fill the vacancy. This person in the position did not seek reelection and another
' elected official was appointed to the position, having to repeat the learning curve. The current Zoning
Administrator has publicly stated that he will not seek reelection and, although he has offered his service to
the next Zoning Administrator, the learning curve will need to be attacked for a third time in four years.
' Recommendations
The Study Group was unanimous in its evaluation that improvements need to be made in governance to assure
better continuityand increased responsiveness to the public. It was not in agreement
P p gr on the best approach
to take. Those options in order of preference are:
Plan "A" -- The Town needs to employ a Town Administrator for all executive functions including budget
and finances supervision of p the .water resources department, supervision of the police
department, planning and zoning. Advisory committees -would still be involved in.
' recommending to the Council the best way for the' community to handle issues. Once those
issues are decided by the Council, it will be the responsibility of the Town Administrator to
assure their application.
' Plan "B" -- Hire a full or part-time Town planner who would also be the Town's Zoning and Permits
Officer. This would replace the current part-time position held on a voluntary basis by elected
officials.
' Plan "C" -- Have an elected official continue in the function, but pay that person for the services at an
hourly rate for the time spent on these duties.
! Plan "D" -- Hire an outside consulting firm or consultant to provide the planning expertise and zoning
' responsibilities for the Town. The consultant would provide expert advice to the Council,
Planning Board and Board of Adjustment as well as serve as the Town Zoning Officer.
' The first option provides the most comprehensive governance system. The other three options help P g Y P P
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resolve the most pressing issues --zoning administration and Town planning-- but they do not address th .4��
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overall problem of administration that the study group believes needs to be addressed.
Town Governance
A professional manager can ......
1. Provide continuity important to the efficiency and effectiveness of Town government,
2. Bring knowledge and experience to the table that enhances the Council's ability to make informed
choices and decisions,
3. Play an important role in developing technical studies and estimates, and analyzing the impact of
alternative choices,
4. Do a more effective job in implementing Council Policy and other initiatives,
5. Allow the governing body to concern themselves with only policy -making and administrative issues,
6. Be a valued professional advisor to the governing body by researching, developing and submitting
policy proposals with all the "pros" and "cons" (or advantages and disadvantages),
7. Ensure the provision of Town services through better planning, budgeting and professional day-to-day
management. Provides one supervisor for all the Town employees.
8. Eliminate personnel problems that are caused by conflicting instructions on priorities that arise from
the intervening of the members of the Town governing body. This causes confusion, morale problems,
and it weakens or destroys clear accountability for work results, and it short-circuits coordinated plans.
(This would not eliminate contact or communication by the elected officials. The important things that
would affect administrative workloads would be routed through the manager.),
9. Reduce the number of"surprises" that confronts members of the governing body. All members of the
Council can have the same level of information and understanding at the same time,
10. Provide a smooth transition from one elected council to the other,
C

11. Provide for more effective accountability for policy, program, and project implementation, and the
Town work force involved in such. The elected governing body can then be held accountable for the
Town's management and administration.
1 12. Supervise all Town employees. Recommend hiring and dismissal.
' TOWN MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Shared Responsibility for Policy and Administration
(Illustrations of the type of responsibilities of each)
ICouncil Responsibilities
' Determine "purpose", scope of services,
tax level, constitutional issues.
' Pass ordinances, approve new projects
and programs, ratify budget.
Make implementing decisions (e.g. site
' selection), handle complaints, oversee
administration.
' Suggest management changes to
Administrator's: review organizational
performance in Administrator's appraisal.
Administrator's Responsibilities
Advise (what city "can" do may influence
what it "should" do), analyze conditions and
trends.
Make recommendations on all decisions,
formulate budget, determine service
distribution formulae.
Establish practices and procedures and make
decisions for implementing policy.
Control the human, material and informational
resources of organization to support policy
and administrative functions.
Supervise all Town employees.
The Town must debate the pros and cons of hiring a professional Town Administrator. One or
' more public meetings should be held to obtain input and to develop an understanding of issues involved
on this subject. This discussion must address issues other than "Will such action raise taxes?". And, that
issue needs to be fairly considered. This discussion needs to take place without the threat of some
arbitrary deadline date fora decision.
7

Appendix A-2 \
m m w m m m m m m r m m m m m= m

A-2 Priority Ranking Document
J
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-7

Planning Priority Categories & Category Definitions
River Bend Comprehensive Plan - October 1999
Category Definitions:
Category I: CRITICAL:
Timeline: O to 12 months
Category 2: URGENT:
Timeline: 12 to 24 months
Imminent danger to life and/or
property. Planning and
Implementation must begin
Immediately to avoid future
severe damage or injury.
Timely action required to preclude
future expense. Planning should
begin as soon as resources
are available & implementation
started according to completed
and approved plan.
Category 3: NECESSARY: Compliance with new or revised
County/State/Federal regulations
and response to recurring
maintainence and services
requirements of a non -emergency
nature. Planning should assure
financial and other resources are in
place with implementation
proceeding when timing is optimum.
Timeline: O ad infinitum
Category 4: NICE:
Timeline: 0 to 36 months
One time. high visibility and citizen
friendly projects which enhance
River Bend's livability and image.
Planning should proceed to uncover
and apply for State. Federal and
private foundation grants. No
implementation until funds received.

1 Ray t Stark, Consultant
' Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
1 02/16/00
66 Shoreline Drive
New Bern, NC 28562-9554
USA
' Honorable Mr. James Findley
Mayor, Town of River Bend, NC
Town Hall
' 45 Shoreline Drive
New Bern, NC 28562
Dear Jim;
' Becky Osterberg and I have discussed the Long Range Plan data generated by the eighteen respondents (18) who
participated in the excersize. The data leads us to conclude the following:
Northwest Ouadrant.
While the actual development of the NW Quadrant is not critical, it is critical to
commit specific planning ingredients to paper so that the development, when it does
' occur, meets Town objectives. With this in mind, implementation of all five (5) steps
recommended by the Study Group warrants immediate action.
We would categorize this Plan Component as Priority One (1).
'
Bike/Walk Paths
Parks & Recreation
For discussion purposes, we combined these Plan Components. Respondents
considered Parks as more desireable than BikelWalk Paths. We do not feel either
'
component gained sufficient approval to justify a very high priority. However, if River
Bend wants to be considered a desireable, well rounded, competitive community which
is attractive to a younger as well as a retired population, then these Plan Components
'
will have to be addressed. Developers are no longer building communities which do not
include these amenities as a major feature.
We would categorize this Plan Component as Priority Two (2)
'
Stormwater Manazement
Recent experience with storms has made the priority of this Plan Component abundantly
clear to Respondents. Action requirement is urgent. Subject matter experts should
'
determine the precise sequence of events and implement the specific actions as outlined
in the Plan.
We categorize this Plan Component as Priority One (1)
Streets
Respondents viewed this Plan Component as a necessary requirement of good Town
Government with some sense of urgency, but lower on the Priority List.
'
We categorize this Plan Component as Priority Three (3)
Water & Sewer
Most respondents seem to understand the importance of upgrading the Waste Water
'
Treatment Plant to "tertiery capable." There was less urgency on seeking new wells and
the potential use of the Trent River as a potable water source. There seems to be less
clarity on the possibility of spraying treated waste water on the Golf Course. On the

surface, spraying treated waste water on the Golf Course sounds like a good idea. We
suspect, however, that it is fraught with legal as well as environmental "landmines."
(just ask the hog farmers!).
We categorize this Plan Component as Priority Two (2)
'
Underground Electrical Lines
Most respondents viewed placement underground of all electrical lines as a necessary
requirement. Certainly in any new development it should be part of the Town Code. It
does not appear that there is sufficient support to spend Town money on a "retrofit" of
'
existing lines unless the Power Company agrees to significant reimbursement.
We categorize this Plan Component as Priority One (1) for new development and
construction and Priority Three (3) for existing lines.
Waterways
Respondents expressed serious intent with respect to cleaning up and maintaining the
canals. Because of the momentum already underway, coupled with the importance of
'
the waterways, it is essential that a high priority be placed on implementing the
Waterway objectives in the Long Range Plan. Construction of a water access at the
'
Waste Water Treatmnt Plant site was relegated a lower priority.
We would categorize Sub -Components 2, 3, & 4 a Priority One (1) and Sub -Component
1, a Priority Three (3).
Municipal Facilities & Operations
Respondents seemed to recognize that a well run Town gets that way by what happens in
this Plan Component. The "Capital Improvement Program" and the "Employment of a
Town Manager"led the "parade"of respondent's choices. The concensus choices as to
prioritizing the various Sub -Components provide a reasonable sequence.
We categorize this Plan Component as a Priority One (1).
Housin
Commercial Development
Both of these Components seem to rank low on respondent's evaluations.
We suggest these Components be tabled for later evaluation and be revisited after the
' Town has dealt with and achieved other higher priority Components and has had more
time to solidify the identity it desires for itself in the next twenty-five years.
We categorize these Plan Components as Priority Four (4).
Town Appearance
It is frequently the "nice to do" things which make the first impression of a Town
favorable. This is because these are the things which convey how the Town feels about
itself. If visitors, prospective home buyerstbuilders and entrepeneurs don't like the way
the Town looks, then, to them, it really doesn't matter if River Bend has streets that
flood or whether we have a Town Manager, or whether we upgrade our waste water
treatment plant. We will have already turned them off!
Image is important, and by many standards, River Bend is already a little "shabby."
We categorize this Plan Component somewhat higher than many respondents because it
reflects our belief that the Town's appearance is the first indicator of a Town's viability.
We set the Priority at Two (2).
Sincerely,
Ray V. Stark
Becky Osterberg

== m m m r= r= m w m m m = = = m m
A
B I
C
D
E
F
1
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
2
Priority Sorting Document
3
4
5
1 CRIT
2 URG
(3)NEC
(4)NICE
6
Northwest Quadrant
7
Flexible Zoning
2
5
9
1
8
Street plan
3
8
71
0
9
W&S Util
5
5
8
0
10
Bike/Walk Paths
1
5
5
6
11
Stormwater Mgmnt
9
4
5
0
12
13
BikeNValk Paths
14
Funds Task Force
0
4
4
10
Median Use, etc.
0
1
5
11
K19
Stormwater Mgmnt
Draina a Mstr Plan
10
5
0
0
Developer Ordinance Awareness
8
5
0
2
20
Install 2nd culvert and Shoreline @ Town Hall
9
1
0
0
21
Install intercept ditch behind Masters Ct
5
5
1
0
22
improve drain probst Norbury Dr & Pirates Rd
2
4
4
0
23
Realign dr ditch Lochbrid a betw Lots 4&5
4
3
3
0
24
Im ry drain into Trent @ Teakwood/Sandpiper
3
3
4
0
25
Im ry drain/Teakwood & Anchor Way
2
4
4
0
26
Realign ditches and culverts where too high
2
6
1
1
27
Increase culvert size /Seafarers & Channel Run
3
4
1
2
28
29
Streets
301
Emerg Rd Btwn Ritter Fd & Lochbrid e
2
3
5
5
311
Widen Efird & Pirate's Rd.
0
6
7
3
321
Exceptions to'90 Thorofare Plan
1
4
7
3
331
Discourage Cul-de-sacs
1
4
5
7
34
Retain Efird Blvd ROW
1
3
7
4
35
Remove current Plantation Dr Ext
0
3
3
7
36

M M r M M r a M M M r M M M M M M= r
A
B
C
D
E
F
37
Water & Sewer
38
Use Treated Wastewater on golf course
1
6
4
5
39
New well sites & possible use of Trent R.
0
4
9
2
40
Upgr WWH2O Trtmnt Plant to Tertiary
4
10
1
0
41
42
Underground Electrical Lines
43
Locate all power lines underground
3
1
9
4
44
45
Waterways
46
Constr water access at WW Trtmnt Pit
1
3
2
13
47
Dev Town Waterways mgt & maint plan
4
9
5
1
48
Add '98 Plantation Canal Stdy to final plan
2
3
10
2
49
Develop Guidelines for waterfront buffers
1
6
8
3
50
51
Municipal Facilities
& Operations
52
Dev/Implement Cap Improvement Program
7
4
5
0
53
Dev Town Staffing Program w/ann reviews
6
2
4
2
54
Rsrch/Util State/Fed & Priv Fund sources
3
5
81
2
55
Ammend zoning to elim spec rev & appr
1
2
9
3
56
for mun construction
57
Employ Town Admin/Mgr
7
7
1
2
58
59
Housing
60
Encourage constr of progr care facility
1
0
4
10
61
62
Commercial Development
63
Encouage constr of Office Complex
1
3
4
9
64
65
Parks & Recreation
66
Eval needs/dev plans for parks/comm area
1
9
7
1
67
68
Town Appearance
69
Review signage at town entrance
0
3
5
8
70
Upgrade & maintain landscaping
2
3
10
3
711
Audit physical assets & estab town image
2
5
8
5
721
Enforce Town codes re: car/boat/RV storag
71
1
7
2

m= m m m r m w m i m m r m m m m= m
A
B
C
D
E
F
73
Improve Town Appearance
2
2
9
3
74
Dev Standards Manual for Town Maintenan
3
5
5
1
75
Prepare schedule for Town real prop maint
1
7
8
1
76
Lighted Kiosk at Town Hall
0
3
5
10
77
Committee to coordinate all above
2
3
7
5
781
Enhance appearance of Rt 17 Corridor
1
3
8
6

Appendix A-3
r r m m m m m m m m m m i m m m m m m

A-3 Northwest Quadrant Development Scenarios
u
1
11
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-8
11

NW Quadrant Development Scenarios
Town of River Bend
tScenario
1-Mixed densities
Scenario 3-Low and high
density
Acres DU/Acre DU
POP
Acres
DU/Acre
DU
POP
'
125 4 500
1085
0
4
0
0
70 6.5 455
987
70
6.5
455
987
78 2.178 170
369
203
2.178
442
959
Totals 1125
2441
Totals
897
1947
Av. DU/AC 4.12
Av. DU/AC
3.28
IScenario 1A-Mixed densities Scenario 3A-Low and medium density
IAcres DU/Acre DU POP Acres DU/Acre DU POP
95 4 380 825
70
4
280
608
40 6.5 260 564
0
6.5
0
0
138 2.178 301 652
203
2.178
442
959
Totals 941 2041
Totals
722
1567
Av. DU/AC 3.44
Av. DU/AC
2.64
Scenario 2-Low and medium density
Scenario 4-All low density
Acres DU/Acre DU POP
Acres
DU/Acre
DU
POP
160 4 640 1389
0
4
0
0
'
0 6.5 0 0
0
6.5
0
0
113 2.178 246 534
273
2.178
595
1290
Totals 886 1923
Totals
595
1290
Av. DU/AC 3.24
Av. DU/AC
2.17
Legend:
DU = projected additional dwelling units
POP = projected additional population
DU/Acre = dwelling units per gross acre
Av. DU/AC = average dwelling units per gross acre
1 Notes:
Based upon 273 total acres (estimated total undeveloped acreage in the NW quadrant).
Population projections calculated using 2.17 persons per dwelling (1990 Census)
Gross densities based upon 2.178 du/acre for low density, 4.0 du/acre for medium
density,and 6.5 du/acre for high density.
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-9

Scenario 1 includes low density development in the western portion of the NW quadrant;
medium density development in the eastern portion, and high density development in the
central portion
Scenario 1A includes low density development in the central portion of the NW quadrant;
I medium density development in the eastern portion, and high density development in the
western portion
Scenario 2 includes low density development in the western portion of the NW quadrant
and medium density in the eastern portion. No high density development is included in
this scenario.
Scenario 3 includes high density development in the central portion of the NW quadrant
with low density development in the eastern and western portions. No medium density
development is included in this scenario.
Scenario 3A includes medium density development in the central portion of the NW
quadrant with low density development in the eastern and western portions. No high
'
density development is included in this scenario.
Scenario 4 includes low density development throughout the entire NW quadrant. No
medium nor high density development is included in this scenario.
Maximum Dwellings and Population per Acre Generated by Zoning Classification
Zoning DU Population
R20A 2.178 4.7
R15 2.904 6.3,
PDR-SF 4.000 8.7
'
PDR-MF 6.500 14.1
1
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-10

Appendix A-4
r m m m m m� m m i m m m m m m m m m

fl
u
1
A-41988 Plantation Canal Study
' River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000

FILE curt
REPORT
of the
PLANTATION CANAL STUDY COMMITTEE
to the
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF RIVER BEND
NORTH CAROLINA
July, 1988

TO: River Bend Town Council FILE COPY
and Residents of River Bend
FROM: Plantation Canal Study Committee
We are pleased to submit herewith our report of the work undertaken
by the Plantation Canal Study Committee since its inception last
January.
The Committee has worked diligently in broad and diverse avenues
to accumulate, analyze and evaluate a substantial volume of infor-
mation bearing on the past, present and probable future*of the
Canal as a major factor of the River Bend community.
It is our hope that all members of the Council and all citizens
who find interest in the Canal will undertake serious reading and
consideration of the report.
It is our promise that they will conclude such reading with new'
knowledge and insight as to the Canal, not merely as a local
amenity, but also as a waterway of importance to the entire area.
For better or worse, the Canal is here, and -here it will remain --
in one form or another, depending on the quality and degree of
interest, understanding and support it receives from the
community and its officials.
The report that follows is intended to serve as something more.
than a mere compendium of miscellaneous information. To this
' end, we have attempted to translate our findings into action
terms through the inclusion of many recommendations for considera-
tion by the Council and the townspeople.
Respectfully and incerely,
William F. F wl C airman 20 July 1988
Herbert B. Glover, Jr
Richard F. Long
li
Charles F. Maimone
Morgan . Price

CONTENTS
Section
I
Study Notes and Definitions
P.
"a"
Section
II
Foreword
P.
1
Section
III
Background of the Study
P.
2
Section
IV
The Historical Canal
P.
4
Section
V
The Filling Canal
P.
7
Section
VI
The Utility Canal
P.
11
Section
VII
The Polluted Canal
P.
14
Section
VIII
The "No Wake" Canal
P.
21
Section
IX
The Hurricane Canal
P.
24
Section
X
The Covenant Canal
P.
25
Section
XI
The Wildlife Canal
P.
27
Section
XII
The "Other Side" Canal
P.
29
Section
XIII
The Miscellaneous Canal
P.
30
Section
IV
Recommendations to the Council
P.
35
•Section
XV
Acknowledgments
P.
41

SECTION I -- STUDY.NOTES AND DEFINITIONS
-- While the entitlement of the study is toward the "main" body
of the Plantation Canal, the findings in general also apply
to the several "finger" extensions of the "main" waterway
as well as the "Island Lake" which share the chacteristics
of the main Canal.
-- The.developed shoreline of the Canal is referred to, for
convenience, as t-he "south" shore, although variations in
the course obviously produce variations of direction. By
the same token, the undeveloped side is referred to as
the "north" shore.
-- Some citizens object to the term "canal," perhaps in estheti-
cally inspired euphamism. The waterway, however, is by
definition a canal, and the Committee refers to it as such.
' The Canal does have a central "channel," and where that
term is used, the reference is to that aspect of the Canal.
' -- The Canal is a "man made" or "artificial" waterway. At
the present stage of its existence, however, it has adopted
all general characteristics of a natural waterway -- a
backwater of the Trent River. The Committee's references
1 take that factor into consideration.
-- The terms "filling" and "shoaling" both refer, as used here-
in, to the elevation of the Canal bed through accumulations
of sand, silt and other materials. "Filling," however,
is used to describe the generalized distribution of such
' materials, while "shoaling" is intended to describe
individual accumulations at specific locations.
-- The official definition of "no wake" boat speed, as adopted
' by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
(NC Administrative Code, 4/25/85) is as follows: "Idle
speed or a slow speed creating no appreciable wake."
-- "Erosive wake" is intended to describe boat wake sufficient
to produce deleterious erosion of the shoreline, regardless
of boat speed.
i
(a)

'
SECTION II -- FOREWORD
River Bend's waterfronts cannot be challenged as valuable
'
contributors to the community:'s character and quality.
Certainly in the minds of the five citizens who served as
'
members of the Study Committee, these waters have assumed
a new and even greater light in this respect.
1
It has been the Committee's advantage to undertake the
challenge to seek and find*the qualities of these. waters
as amenities to the fundamental life of the town. We
have enjoyed a rare opportunity to see the Canal under
'
conditions deeper and broader than those readily available
to the general public.
It has become our first motive to commend to all citizens
the value of contemplating the town's waters as fully
worthy of their interest and support.
No serious, thoughtful and intelligent contemplation can
escape the finding that we have in our midst an asset of
great value -- delicate, sometimes worrisome; onerous,
'
uncertain or puzzling -- but still always wonderful.
The Committee's investigations have entered many academic
fields, and our resources have been drawn from these as
well as from non-professional sources of long, practical
experience and observation.
'
It seems certain that many of the areas in this report
will be met with doubt -- perhaps controversy.
'
But the Committee has done its homework in the company
of the most authoritative "experts" and we have spent
many hours in discussion, debate and consideration with.
'
them and among ourselves.
The report "tells it like it is" to the best of our
ability tocbtermine "what it is."
The Canal and its associated waters are precious proper-
ties.
We should take care of them.
'
+
(1

III. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
(2
The Canal Study Committee was commissioned by formal action
of the River Bend Town Council at its regular meeting of
20 January 1988.
'
Consisting of five members, the Committee was charged with
the undertaking of a comprehensive investigation of the
'
Canal and its associated waters and the conditions and
influences under which they exist.
The ultimate purpose of the study was directed to providing
'
realistic and objective bases upon which to evaluate these
bodies, not merely as geographic factors, but also upon
their role as social, economic and ecological factors and
municipal assets.
In its discharge of this responsibility, the Committee has
sought to identify all of the various aspects of the
'
Canal alongside the federal, state, regional and local
bodies of authority pertinent to those aspects, and to
communicate with them, as well as with numerous individuals
'
of knowledge and experience.
Not everything in the report can be viewed as unerring
fact. The very nature of the waterbodies themselves defies
the evocation of absolute and invariable fact, for
what may be fact today may be something else another day..
'
In all cases, however, the Committee's ultimate acceptance
of theory and opinion has been conditioned by its
recognition of the sources as well-informed, credible,
'
respectable, authoritative and serious.
Any effort to study a subject so complex calls first for
recognition of these waters as entities beyond simple
definition. They are something more than the sum of
their parts.
'
Throughout its investigations, the Committee discovered
constantly -evolving evidence of the waterways as complex
organisms,as living elements of nature with a life of
■
their own -- a life in delicate balance between relative
wilderness and the intrusions of civilization.
History, geography, law, engineering, hydraulics, geology
and more -- came together with biology, botany,
ornithology, chemistry, bacteriology -- and more --
including basic human nature.
■

'
(3
The resulting accumulation of data, no matter how completely,
accurately and objectively presented, does not make the
"whole story" of our waters.
'
In the end, the findings call for consideration, interpreta-
tion, reason and balance.
The Canal as a Community Asset
Nowhere in this report is there a conclusion stronger than
our finding of the town's waterways as positive values to
the entir,e community.
to that
Nothing in the range of the study has emerged alter
conviction, but in all avenues of our research, reasons
'
have been found to strengthen it.
But obviously, the waterways may present different faces to
different people.
The point, however, remains: our waterways are here -- and
'
permanently. No one can imagine them out of existence.
They must be cared for or they will change from assets into
liabilities for the entire community.
d
FM

IV. THE HISTORICAL CANAL
The Canal, its several branches, its headbasin and the
'
Island Lake are all backwaters of the Trent River.
J. Frank Efird, the principal mover of the River Bend
'
Plantation development, undoubtedly saw the creation of
these waterways in a three -fold sense of necessity to
the ultimate marketable success of the development.
1. They provided an attractive basic amenity
to prospective purchasers, linking the devel-
opment into the maritime qualities of the
'Trent, the Neuse, the Intracoastal Waterway,
Pamlico and Bogue Sounds and the Atlantic.
LJ
2. They created the attraction of a substantial
volume of waterfront and near -waterfront
residential properties marketable at
generally higher prices than inland sites.
3. They performed a vital utility function as
stormwater drainage facilities for a large
portion of the development.
Mr. Efird filed formal application to the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers on 5 December 1972 for excavation of the
watercourses, proposing a route for the main Canal
through a wooded, swampy wetland following the course
of a.natural waterway (Samuel's Creek) northward of
the finally approved course.
It was not until 6 March 1974 that the Corps finally
granted a construction permit. The 'intervening period
was occupied with serious controversy, official and
public. An official declaration of "Public Notice"
issued on 19 April 1973, produced voluminous expressions
of serious concern as to the destruction of wetland,
eventual poor water quality and other factors, all
involving public meetings, on -site sessions and
technical interventions.
The main Canal bed finally approved wa.s under numerous re-
strictions and requirements, including the posting by
Efird of a $ 15,000 security bond to assure the subse-
quent construction and installation of aeration
devices to maintain acceptable water quality and pre-
vent stagnation. The bond requirement was lifted
two years later, when it was determined that water
quality was acceptable.
(4

(5
1
Construction activity was initiated almost immediately
following final approval, using dragline techniques to
dredge the Canal bed behind land mass "plugs" at the
'
Trent River.
Actual dredging was started in the basin area -- then
known as "Hidden Harbour". This area involved some four
'
acres and the entire Canal length was approximately
one mile.
'
Design Factors
The excavation design involved a surface width of approxi-
mately 100 feet, a center channel bottom width of approxi-
mately 50 feet, and a variable depth averaging six feet
at center.
ISpoil Provisions
Dredged material -- i.e., "spoil" -- was required by the
general permit to be distributed on "high ground" along
'
the Canal banks, and some 60 per cent of it was used for
roadbeds throughout the development. Substantial volumes
of mud spoil, produced by rainfall, run-off and leakage
of the "plugs" were put ashore and back -filled with
dry spoil until the mud eventually dried, when it was
used as top dressing for most of the lots in the present
Channel Run area. Approximately 40,000 slash pines were
required to be planted in the Channel Run area to aid in
soil stabilization.
The "Finishing Touch"
1
Once the Trent waters were admitted to the Canal bed, a
final deepening and "smoothing" of a central channel
'
were accomplished by operating two small but powerful
work tugs, provided through the Barbour Boat Works of
New Bern, up and down the length of the Canal. These
powerful vessels, with closed cooling systems, succeeded
'
in reducing high spots, creating a centerline channel
of almost nine feet in depth, and filling lows.
'
The overall project was the largest "dredge and fill"
undertaking on record in North Carolina at the time.
1

Conditions Governing the Canal
The construction permit issued by the Corps of Engineers
included some 33 specific restrictions and requirements,
generally dealing with technical practices during the
construction period.
One, however, remains in full force:
"Item k. -- .that no attempt shall be made by
the permittee (or his heirs or successors) to
forbid' the full and free use by the public of all
navigable waters at or adjacent to the structure or
work'authorized by this permit."
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
.(6

1
' V. THE FILLING CANAL
Probably the most disturbing of the Canal's problems today
in the minds of most observers is its tendency to fill
and shoal.
' It may also be the.most serious.
A time is now in sight at which problems of filling and
' shoaling at various junctures will, in fact, impede the
safe and free navigation of certain vessels. Even now,
spots exist at which some boats, especially under low
water conditions, will go aground.
' The villain, of course, is erosion -- the classic and
natural tendency of soil, silt, sand and all factors of
' the earth's landmass, including gigantic rocks, to yield
to the unceasing encroachment of water, whether in the
form of violent surf at the ocean shore, the demanding
current of a river, the gentle lapping of wavelets --
or simple rainfall.
Measurements made available to the Committee suggest that
the Canal's central channel has filled as much as two
feet at some locations since 1983. Sidewater fill,
to the entire length of the Canal, has been even more
' serious, to the extent that many boat operators, during
low water periods, find it difficult to impossible to
float their craft into the deeper central channel.
' Sources of Erosion
' Bottom fill in this Canal is the product of two major
sources: erosion, both natural and artificial, and
sand/silt fill contributed by the town's stormwater
drainage system.
The process started with the Canal itself, when the
completed bed was opened to the Trent. Both shorelines
were unbulkheaded and "soft" as a result of the
excavation process, and with periodic heavy rainfall,
' flooding and the insistent wake created by many
fast-moving boats, the shores yielded soil elements
into the Canal bottom.
' Certainly an appreciable reduction in siltage is due to
the voluntary bulkheading of the residential shoreline
by conscientious property owners.

(8
The entirely unbulkheaded north shore of the Canal and.the
few still unprotected south shore lots continue to suffer
' from severe undercutting of the vegetation line, and until
the "No Wake" restriction was imposed late in 1985, the
erosive process was aggravated seriously by wake -creating
' watercraft.
Sand shoaling has increased visibly in the recent years of
accelerated construction activity in the Channel Run area,
'
reflecting the large volumes of transient sand used for
landfill and other construction purposes and eventually
washed into the Canal by stormwater drainage.
Filling of the' Canal "fingers" appears to be notably less
severe than in the main body, except at inland terminations
and junctions with the main Canal. This is a direct
reflection of.the absense of erosive wake in the "finger"
extensions.
Canal Mouth Shoaling
'
The mouth of the Canal at the Trent River, along with the
entry channel to the Island Lake illustrate typical
'
waterway junction shoaling. Both situations call for
early investigation and prompt maintenance to assure
safe entry and egress by vessels of more than very shallow
draft. These situations may well become the first
areas of the waterways to present major hindrances to
free navigation.
Some boat operators suspect that bottom disturbance
created by effluent from the River Bend Sewage Treatment
Plant is an additional cause of Canal mouth shoaling.
Some 103,000 gallons of effluent daily are discharged into
the Trent River only a short distance south of the Canal
entry point. It is suspected that this voluminous flow
results in erosive displacement of bottom fill, carrying
it to the Canal mouth. (See also "The Utility Canal.")
'
"Hard Sand" Shoaling
' The Committee brings to the attention of the Council and
the community no factor more vital than the requirement
for early efforts to solve the town's stormwater drainage
' problems. (See also."The Utility Canal.")
t

I
(9
' "Tree Fall" in the Canal
Another aspect of the filling canal is the already evident
tendency of trees and branches to lose their root structure
through erosion and fall into the Canal bed.
' As this report is being compiled, a fallen tree occludes
a substantial area of the Canal near its lower extremity.
This impediment has remained for more than a year, and
' frequently interferes with fully safe navigation, particu-
larly in efforts of large boats in opposing directions
to pass.
The situation also presents another problem: it encourages
accelerated shoaling around the remaining root structure and
the underwater extremities of the fallen tree by impeding
water flow and collecting debris beneath the surface as
well as on the surface.
IA Caution
Periodically, well-intentioned gestures originate among
boat operators to clear fallen trees and trim overhanging
branches from the undeveloped shoreline.
Such prospects, however, present serious problems.
Initially, such efforts may violate various wildlife
preservation regulations. Fish life thrives in the shaded
banks, and removal of such obstacles will result in
its reduction. Disposal of limbs, trunks and roots on
the shoreline will only result in their being carried
off in the next flood surge.
Liability prospects also become involved -- injury,
perhaps fatal, of a participant in the removal, damage
to private vessels.
' Wake Is Still With Us
(See also "The No Wake Canal") Too many boat operators
-- even at speeds substantially reduced -- continue to
' create wake of erosive quality. Many boat operators
continue to see the "No Wake" restriction as being
essentially a safety measure; it is also a vital
'� anti -erosion measure.

' (10
One need only traverse the Canal at a peaceful quarter-hour'
to observe that a slow passage is .it-s own reward and a meaning-
ful contribution to the well-being of. the waterways..
The Ultimate Need
The best scenario contemplates that effective, meaningful and
safe results may first be obtained by identifying the potentially
' worst locations on the Canal through a professional engineering
study.
Almost any discussion of the Canal seems invariably to introduce -
the suggestion of general dredging.
However, in the Committee's search for "expert" opinion, notable
opposition, often spirited, was evident among the scientific/
technical community of informed sources of counsel.
' The first and obvious opposition lies in the mountainous cost
of any such project -- but that may not be the most important
consideration.
' There is, for example, a strong suggestion that the introduction
of a dredging project would evoke a legally -required public
hearing -- even a series,of such hearings which clearly could
produce serious opposition.
Even more importantly might be the ultimate disclosure, based
on engineering studies, that a general dredging project would
be the worst possible scenario for the ultimate welfare of
the Canal.
Provision would be required for the safe removal of all spoil
displaced from the Canal. Stern ecological barriers would be
involved. Dredging would imply the possibly serious damage
to existing bulkheading.
IIntermediate Remedies
' More immediate and highly practical steps, however, can serve
to protect the Canal and preserve -- perhaps improve -- its
present status.
' These include an early professional engineering study dealing
with specific fill locations, ordinances to insure drastic
reduction of silt and sand run-off, a professional stormwater
drainage study, and education and law enforcement measures
directed toward the full and meaningful observance of the
"No Wake" restriction.
+

(11
' VI. THE UTILITY CANAL
One of the major purposes intended for the Canal was that of
' an efficient, low-cost stormwater drainage facility for the
River Bend Plantation development.
It continues to serve this purpose in an economical and
efficient manner.:.
The -Canal receives stormwater directly from a series of more
than a dozen spillways along its course, including the
"finger" extensions, as well as indirectly from run-off on
both sides..
' Both of these sources carry substantial volumes of sand and
silt, and these elements are contributing seriously to the
' shoaling problems of the Canal.
Notable examples are in evidence at the spillways. At one
' site, located off Bowline Rd. between Lots 107 and 108,
a substantial "peninsula" has formed, extending toward the
central channel some visible 40 feet.
' In low water, this situation presents a clear danger to
many vessels.
A "Major Problem"
In the opinion of the Committee, supported by the Neuse
' River Foundation among other authority bodies consulted
by the Committee, stormwater run-off constitutes a major
problem for the Canal, and one that will continue to
' ,•• increase, both in volume and difficulty of correction.
Prior to the marked increase in home construction in the
' Channel Run area, the grass -lined "swales", as laid out
by the developer,functioned reasonably well. Erosion and
Canal fill were less intensive since the tough grassy
growth in the swales served as natural "sand screen,"
' holding back the run-off of sand and silt.
Not only has the process tended to alter the elevations
' of the swales, but also the uncontrolled use of sand
fill in driveway construction and other construction
situations, including long-term storage of transient
sand on building sites, has clearly contributed voluminous-
ly to sand fill in the Canal.
1
I * -

(12
In particular, sand -- as opposed to other "earth" products --
tends to form a substantially harder, more solid accumulation
than silt, which presents a much lighter, sometimes "fluffy"
accumulation. The latter is also far more subject to
broad distribution by current factors in the Canal, while
sand stays where it lands on the Canal bottom.
Among the early preliminaries to a typical construction job
is the deposit of a large volume of sand -- most often
directly in the adjacent swale.
' With rainfall, the transient sand is carried to the swales
-- or worse, over the bulkhead and into the Canal.
' Sand transfer by stormwater is no mystery. The problem is
well and fully known to the construction industry. But all
members of the industry are not conscientious or caring,
since they will be long gone and forgotten by the time the
sand enters the Canal.
Minimizing the Flow of Transient Sand
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) has
taken a leadership role in the control of transient sand on
its projects, whether accomplished by department personnel
' or contractors.
DOT has required, on all large projects, the use of simple
and inexpensive -- but highly effective -- techniques using
economical "sand fences."
River Bend should investigate the adoption of local measures
to require the use of such devices on all local construction
sites. The technique works as well on small sites -- perhaps
even better, because the traps can be more conveniently
maintained. These devices burden contractors with no great
expense and no need for specialized labor.
Even a householder, perhaps top -dressing his lawn, could
' find it easy to install similar arrangements to inhibit
erosion from his yard to the Canal bed.
' The town government might well consider the erection of
similar devices, perhaps along with settling basins, at
Canal -side stormwater drains.
1 .

(13
The state has moved to mandate the use of such devices on'
large operations, but allows local municipalities, under
certain conditions, to implement similar legislation
covering smaller sites.
Unfortunately, even the state controls are sometimes ig-
nored or neglected to the point of ineffectiveness. The
permit -granting agencies are generally short of manpower
to police every construction site. Citizen surveillance
of such sites and reportage of violations is welcome and
productive in such situations.

(14
VVil THE POLLUTED CANAL
To the extent that the Trent River is or becomes polluted, the
Canal will also be polluted.
Probably even somewhat more, since the Canal is one of the
river's pollutive sources.
It is beyond the scope and intention of this report, and
beyond the technical qualifications of the Committee, to under-
take a profound discourse on the complexities and enigmas
of environmental pollution.
There are, however, basic aspects of pollution to which the
Committee's attention has been drawn by virtually all of
the authorities we have consulted, and we include them here
as worthy of the town's concern.
Even leading dictionaries appear controversial in their
varying definitions of "pollution." All, however, convey
the fundamental message that the introduction of various
materials into the soil, the atmosphere or the waters will
produce harmful results now or in the future.
In basic terms, "pure" water consists of two elements -of
hydrogen and one of oxygen -- and nothing else. Thus,
even bottled distilled water ishardly "pure," since it
retains traces , at least, of minerals and, most likely,
some bacteria is introduced in the bottling process. The
production of absolutely "pure" water, as for use in
medical procedures, involves -expensive laboratory processes.
But our Canal is no laboratory.
How Good Citizens Contribute to Pollution
Perhaps the Canal's most common source of local pol.lut.ion is
identified with the virtues of good citizenship, pride of
property and residential beautification -- the great
American compulsion to grow a lush green lawn or an
abundantly productive garden.
As the commercial producers of fertilizers well and fully
know, Americans over -fertilize their lawns, gardens and
shrubbery: the "more is better" syndrome.

1 Fertilizers, by definition, are nutrients. Nutrients pollute
oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, streams -- and canals.
They do this by creating an over -abundance of nitrogen and
other basic vegetable growth stimulants which yield large
volumes of vegetation in the waters --which, in turn, use
up oxygen, which fish and other marine life require for
' survival.
Obviously, some varieties of fish do survive, but they are
not, in general, those of higher game and table quality.
-
In addition to oxygen, maturing fish need "fry" - the
newly -hatched fish varieties which serve as food. But
with no oxygen, the hatching process is inhibited, or newly -
hatched fry'simply die. And the more mature fish leave
the scene for better conditions if they can find them.
1 Insecticides, herbicides and other chemicals used by gardeners
also create pollution through run-off into the water, and
may be damaging not only to fish, but to other forms of
life -- including human life. (Just read the labels!)
Fertilizers and other pollutants find their way into the
Canal in various ways -- spray, drift, run-off, or accidental
spillage.
It seems reasonable to assume that most bf the town's
' contribution to water pollution through the introduction
of chemicals is the result simply of lack of general pub-
lic understanding of the cumulative and long-term effects
of innocent, day-to-day, commonplace actions.
It is difficult to convince even a generally prudent, law-
abiding citizen that "little" accidents or negligences
can and do harm the environment:
--- a waterfront property owner mows his grass
1 and collects the clippings in a catchbag -- and innocent-
ly empties the bag into the water -
--- a boatload of happy voyagers on a Sunday afternoon
cruise toss their foam coffee cups, their plastic sand-
wich wrappers and their beer cans overboard --
' --- an outboard owner mixes his fuels at the dock and carelessly spills the mixture through the dock planks
and into the water.

(16
Certainly there are worse pollutive sources -- an irre-
sponsible boat operator flushes his "head" into the Canal one was known to have dumped several gallons of old oil
into the water because he didn't know what else to do
with it.
But small or large, deliberate or accidental, pollutive
treatment of the Canal ultimately levies its fee. One of
the Committee's consultants pointed out that there is
no such thing as "a little pollution." It's all big and
it's all bad.
Public education and appropriate legislation; with stiff
penalties for violation, are the ultimate routes to
protecting and preserving the environment, especially in
communities such as River Bend, in which the welfare of
the environment is so important because the environment
is so near.
The Pig Farm
The Committee encountered numerous discussions among its
resource consultants of their concerns involving a major
pork -feeding establishment off Rte. 17 south of River
Bend. Here, as many as 40,000 pigs are retained for
fattening. The facility disposes of the excrement from this
porcine population through a system similar to a typical
municipal sewage system.
Waste material is flushed into a large settling facility
where it is treated in the same general manner. However,
state and local authorities expressed universal concern
as to circumstances which may lead to run-off and/or
spillage into the nearby Trent River, not far upstream
from River Bend.
It seems . entirely within the appropriate range of the
' River Bend Town Council to become seriously concerned, and
to relate with the various agencies involved, seeking
full enforcement of pertinent regulations, the introduction
of new and additional regulation, if needed, and supporting
positive measures to eliminate serious pollution of the
Trent and the Canal.
Suggested as a !pecific first step is a formal request for
state/federal inspection and on -going surveillance of this
facility.

(17
1 Other Prospects for Pollution
The potential for fertilizer, herbicide and other pollution origi-
nating among farm and residential properties upstream along the
Trent is inestimable, and as an affected municipality, River Bend
has every right -- and a strong obligation -- to seek from federal
and state agencies all the help it can get to identify the sources
and correct the prospect.
Faulty septic tanks, or those improperly sited, are a source of
great concern to the environmentalist community.
Newly entering their concern is the proliferation of swimming pools,
"Jacuzzi" installations, "hot tubs" and similar facilities which
involve direct drainage into public waters or chemical treatment and
back -flushing.
It is timely for River Bend to investigate the potential of such
facilities as sources of Canal or river pollution, and the
development of appropriate legislation to maintain fully safe
conditions.
1
"Acid Rain" -- in River Bend?
It is no secret that incredible acreages of lakes, streams and
other water bodies of the nation -- notably including North
Carolina -- support virtually no aquatic life.
Most scientific bodies blame airborne pollutants which are
1 chemically transformed in the atmosphere and fall to earth in
the form of "acidic precipitation" or "acid rain."
�r
Yes, River Bend gets its
share.
Only recently, the Environmental
Defense Fund
charged that nitrous
oxides emitted by power
plants, factories and
other industrial
installations,automobiles
and aircraft play a
guilty role in the
destruction of fish and
other wildlife in the
bays and estuaries
of the Atlantic, notably
eradicating the east
coastal fish
spawning grounds.
The impact of nitrogen,
substantially from fertilizer "run-off,"
'
sewage and animal wastes
is nothing new.
I

(18
An overload of nitrogen feeds marine algae which bloom
' into massive growths that block sunlight and deplete
the oxygen supply, smothering fish and crustaceans.
It is estimated that* one -quarter of the nitrogen contamina-
ting Chesapeake Bay is the result of acid rain. Similar
nitrogen levels have been found in studies of the coastal
1 waters of North Carolina.
There is no strong community of doubt among U.S. scientists
that coastal ecosystems are becoming dangerously. polluted
1 by nitrogen, although some are reluctant to blame "acid
rain" as the dominant contributor.
1 Only a few• weeks ago, as this report is in writing, Michael
Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada, called the situation
"a rapidly escalating ecological tragedy."
iHe was, of course, speaking for Canada.
Good scientific evidence is telling us that the American
coast, even into North Carolina, is not being spared at all.
1 The "Streamwatch" Program
Through the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development, Division of Water Resources,
a movement known as "Streamwatch" has gained substantial
followings of public officials and citizens in its efforts
to broaden general interest in, and understanding of,
the ecological and environmental health of the state.
"Streamwatch" encourages the formation of cooperative citizen
groups to "adopt" various waterways as sites for such
activities as hiking, bird -watching, nature study and
fellowship in the out-of-doors, simultaneously undertaking
to observe and report possible sources or incidents of
pollution to appropriate agencies for further investigation.
The organization and its objective surely hold forth the
prospect of beneficial participation for River Benders and
their community, situated as it is in a watery natural
environment.
The Committee strongly supports the development of permanent
representation in the "Streamwatch" movement and involve-
ment in its efforts to enlist widespread citizen interest.

I
1 ' The River Bend Sewage Disposal Facility
The sewage disposal facility of Carolina Water Co. seems well
' within the sphere of appropriate interest of the Canal Study
Committee.
Probably few River Bend residents are much aware of this in-
stallation located behind a substantial screen of forest off
Gull Pointe Circle at the southeastern extremity of the
community.
No doubt fewer still have seen it or inspected its facilities.
i The plant processes some 103,000 gallons of raw sewage daily,
discharging the sanitized, entirely liquid effluent into the
Trent River at a point approximately 150 yards upstream from
Ithe Canal entrance.
In its present extent, the plant is capable of handling about
1 175,000 gallons of sewage per day, thus allowing a liberal
margin of capacity to serve the present population and near
future increases.
Carolina Water has already submitted plans for approval of
a fourth unit to meet the demands of population increases in
the future. The original installation has been enlarged
twice to date.
Raw sewage entering the plant is subjected to a continuous
process effectively separating solid wastes which are shunted
to a holding facility pending further reduction. Residual
solids are pumped into sealed tank trucks which carry the
material to licensed disposal sites remote from River Bend.
1Liquid residues are subjected to a repetitive process of
filtering and settling to remove all solid matter as "sludge"
which is similarly disposed of.
What remains is a clarified water product which is subjected
to final chemical treatments, including chlorination, before
it is discharged into the River.
The liquid effluent is subjected to rigid periodic sampling
and testing in an independent, state -licensed laboratory.
Regular analytical reports are made to the state, including
several major aspects: biological oxygen demand (BOD):
total suspended solids (TSS); ammonium nitrate, phosphates,
fecal colliforms and others.
11
(19

(20
Subject to Severe Penalties
Carolina Water is subject to serious penalties at any time
the laboratory tests indicate failure to meet standards which
are constantly being up -graded to meet new technological
requirements.
' The plant has never been cited for failure to meet current
standards.
Management and operating personnel are well -trained and
conscientious in their dedication to operating the facility
in a fully safe and effective manner.
The Threat of Accidental Failure
The possibility of accidental failure is one all communities
with such purification systems must face. Accordingly, the
1 continued safe and efficient operation of the plant, its
readiness to meet emergencies, and the ultimate dangers in-
volved are matters for the permanent interest of the town
government and the citizens.
Primary responsibility for the operation, of course, lies in
the hands of its ownership by Carolina Water. The company
clearly does a good job.
The fundamental importance of the plant, however, is of a
character that calls for more than indifferent or disinter-
ested attitudes on the part of the Council and the public.
The effluent of the plant does carry various nutrients,
although they are in legally tolerable volume. These
nutrients, at ratios on the high scale of tolerance,
can and do contribute to the ultimate production of
"bloom" in the river.
Fortunately, North Carolina -- now more than ever before --
is taking a strong position to preserve the life of its
waters, from the smallest streams to the vastness of the
coastline, and is constantly investigating new techniques
and up -grading standards of sewage plants.
The Committee found no reason to entertain immediate
apprehensions connected with the location or process of
the sewage plant except, as mentioned in "The Filling
Canal," that the effluent site may contribute to
shoaling of the Canal entrance.

(21
F1
SECTION VIII. THE "NO WAKE" CANAL
1
There can be little doubt among caring River Benders that the
' imposition of a "No 'Wake" restriction upon the Canal by the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has demonstrated
an entirely beneficial effect.
' The rule was ordered in effect as of 15 December 1985 at the
petition of the Town Council supported by a determined
assemblage of citizens who ventured to Raleigh in a bus rented
at .their own expense to express their favor for the ruling
in a formal public hearing conducted by the Commission.
The effort was a controversial one, although the hearing produced
not a single opposing voice.
An earlier effort to gain a wake restriction failed under the
protestations of a large and vehement body of opposition con-
sisting, in main, of non-resident boaters, many of whom, by
their own admission, has never traversed the Canal but had
appeared at a hearing at the behest of other boaters and
of commercial interests which opposed the restriction.
The "Wake" Era
' The relatively few residents of the Canal area prior to the im-
position of the ruling can recall a period of unrestrained
boat speeds producing frequent episodes of heavy wake which ex-
ceeded the bulkheading and ate away the natural shoreline on
both sides of the Canal. Water skiers, Ine.briated boaters,
boisterous and disorderly conduct were weekend and holiday
routines, and some residents opted for out-of-town travel
' •rather than endure a weekend on the Canal.
The period brought serious penalties to the Canal in terms of
erosion, particularly of the north shoreline. There were
periods, often of full days and long into the nights, of
unceasing erosive wake.
' The gross undercutting of the north shoreline, still visible,
damaged the root structure of countless trees and other plant
growth, creating what today is a continuing threat of falling
' trees.
The large volumes of silt eroded from the shore, are now
' the major constituents of the Canal's filling problem.
CJ

k
I(22
It is undeniable that the "No Wake" ruling has produced a favorable
slowing of boat speeds and a healtty reduction in shoreline erosion.
Most boat operators have been fully cooperative, but many -- while
operating at reduced speed -- still fail to understand one or both'of.
two facts: (1) the law calls for virtually NO wake; and (2), even
modest wake is harmful to the shoreline and contributes to the
filling of the Canal.
(The North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission,
in Section
'
.0301, Local Water Safety Regulations,
North Carolina
Administrative Code, formally defines
a "No Wake"
speed
as follows: "Idle speed or a slow speed
creating
no
'
appreciable wake".)
Erosive Wake Continues
It is the firm and unanimous position of the
Committee
that further
efforts must be made to reduce boat wake in
the Canal.
While a few shoreline residents have resorted to advising passing
boaters of excessive wake, most -- either in the satisfaction of
the generally reduced boat speeds or in lack of awareness of the
shoreline damage still continuing -- accept the situation.
It is evident that enforcement personnel of the Wildlife Resources
Commission cannot adequately patrol the Canal. River Bend Police
personnel have been cooperative in helping observers to identify
violators through state registration numbers.
However, in order to prosecute the violator, the
private citizen
must appear before a magistrate and seek the issuance
of a
criminal summons -- and not all magistrates are
always willing
to issue these on the basis of the testimony of
a single
'r
witness.
Thus, private citizens must, in fact, act as their
own law enforce-
ment agents if they are determined to prosecute
violators.
Lack of Official Involvement
'
-- from 15 December 1985 to earl July 1988 To date that is, Y
the River Bend Police Department has not issued
a citation of
'
violation to a single violator of the "No Wake"
restriction.
This lack of involvement is despite the fact that the local
police agency .is fully empowered to enforce the
laws of the
state -- and the "No Wake" restriction is among
them.

1
I
"No Wake" Signage Illegal?
Local enforcement personnel of the Wildlife Commission, on several
occasions, have advised River Bend police personnel and private
citizens that they are hampered in efforts to police the Canal be-
cause some signage is "illegal" in that it does not conform to
Commission standards.
However, from the earliest day of the restriction, signs at the
Trent River and the Yacht Club basin have been in full conformance.
Also, the Commission enforcement personnel have been in full
knowledge of the imposition of the "No Wake" ruling by the
Commission
The Town of River Bend, up to the present time, has never been
officially notified by the Commission that any of its signage was
illegal or non -conforming.
The intermediate signs, which bear the words, "Slow - No Wake -
Idle Speed" were installed by the Town Council essentially as
"reminders" of the restriction, since "official" signage was and remains -- posted at the entrances to the Canal.
The Committee urges the Town Council to take determined steps .to
clarify this situation at once, and to correct the signage if
necessary.
Equally, it urges the Council to assure that the Canal is policed
the same degree and with the same attention to enforcement of the
law as any other town thoroughfare.
(23
in
Education Efforts Required
The Council should also recogn
ize that the observation and enforce-
ment burden can be substantially simplifed and reduced through
a simple and candid educational program conducted by the Police
Department.
The presence of a Police
Officer -- even briefly
-- at the
Marina boat ramp, particularly
on Saturdays and
Sundays, or
the occasional appearance
of a uniformed officer
upon any of
the numerous Canal docks,
would accomplish much
in slowing down
'
violators, especially if
simply printed definitions
of "No Wake"
speed were distributed to
boaters by the officer.
(Sample attached)
Conduct of Boaters
Citizen complaints are heard regularly as to disorderly, noisy
' or boisterous conduct of boat occupants, not to mention "topless"
garb of female occupants. The Committee makes no comment
excepting the hope that boat speeds in such instances are slow
and non -wake creating.
+

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RIVER BEND HOPES YOU HAVE A HAPPY TIME ON
THE WATER!
PLEASE BE SURE YOU HAVE ALL LEGALLY REQUIRED
SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND LIFE PRESERVERS ABOARD.
AND -PLEASE OBSERVE OUR "NO WAKE" RULE.
THE LAW DEFINES "NO WAKE" SPEED AS FOLLOWS:
"Idle speed or a slow speed creating
no appreciable wake."
A conforming passage up or down the Canal takes
only a few extra -- and pleasant -- minutes.
Why risk spoiling your day with a•citation?
RIVER BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT
(23-A

(24
SECTION IX -- THE HURRICANE CANAL
In addition to its other aspects, the Canal also represent an ave
-
nue nue into the heart of the* River Bend community for surge flooding
! in the event of a hurricane.
While River Bend did,not exist at the occurrence of Hurricane
' Ione in 1955, floodwaters at New Bern reached 10.6 feet above.
Mean Sea Level (MSL).
' This is 1.6 feet above River Bend's established 100-year flood
elevation of nine feet. Many Channel Run and Quarterdecks areas
have elevations of between four and seven feet.
' Readers are•'left to draw their own conclusions.
A hurricane with winds from the easterly quadrant could be no
' less than devastating.
These are concerns beyond the scope of the Committee's charge,
' but they call for early study by the Council to establish a
fully workable procedure to evacuate people, to maintain order,
to meet medical emergencies and physical damage to properties,
including boats.
The Threat of High Water_
!
In the years of its existence, River Bend has had several occasions
upon which to visualize the potentials of rising water. The
' simple rise and,fall of non -surging water is but a mild example.
Surge -flooding, implying destructive force, has the potential
to wipe out every structure in the town.
.•The Town government owes residents the duty of causing them
to concern themselves seriously with the prospects. It is
simply not enough to distribute periodic publications,
valuable as such information may be.
The citizens deserve a full -- and entirely candid, even if
' frightening -- expression of hurricane prospects and de-
tailed plans to meet them.
!
+
*1

(25
SECTION X .-- THE COVENANT CANAL
On November 25, 1977, East Federal
Savings and Loan Association
(now First American), as successor
developer of
the area of
River Bend known as the Channel Run
Subdivision,
filed in the
courts of Craven County a document
of covenantal
restrictions
which imposed various controls on
the properties
adjacent to
'
the Canal and inland to Plantation
Drive.
The sub -development incorporates 205 properties, all owners
of which were subject to the covenants.
To the extent to which these documents relate to the Canal,
' it appears *within the scope of the Study Committee's charge
to consider them.
' (As a clarification element, it must be noted that the
original developer, J. Frank Efird, had laid out the area
in substantially different form in his original plans for
' River Bend Plantation. Subsequently, East Federal acquired
the area and materially re -designed its layout prior to
offering properties for sale.)
' The covenants initially grant "control" of the Canal to the
owners of the 205 properties in the subdivision. There-
after, they impose various restrictions on dimensions of
' piers and docks, and finally place upon the same property
owners "responsibility" for its maintenance and repair.
' In the language of the covenants, however, all of these
factors are subject to the existence of superceding/
pre-existing laws and regulations.
Two separate, but ultimately concurring, legal opinions
on the covenants were made available to the Committee,
both identical in conclusion: all•aspects relating to the
Canal were already subject to superceding authority at
' the time the covenants were filed.
One, in addressing the granting of "control" to the property
' owners in the face of its "public water" status from its
very beginning, was termed "absurd."
' The other suggests that the motivation for the filing of
such covenants in the knowledge of pre-existing laws and
regulations may well have been merely to serve as a gesture
' to establish among prospective lot buyers a sense of
authority.
r

(26
Both opinions discussed the status of the Canal asa "public
' utility," citing this circumstance as a clear impediment to
any prospect of endowing or burdening individual property
owners, or any reserved group of property owners, either with
' "control" or "responsibility."
In short, the opinions hold the Canal as a municipal facility.
As such, control over it and responsibility for it are vested
' in the municipality as a whole.
Obviously, waterfront property owners are responsible for the
' maintenance and repair of their own property holdings, such
as bulkheads and docks.

(27
SECTION XI -- THE WILDLIFE CANAL
As of the date of submission of this report, the Plantation
Canal is deemed by area fishermen as the "hot spot" for bass.
This is a new and happy situation. Fish life in the Canal
all but disappeared approximately five years ago, but in
1987, the dependable mullet reappeared. The mullet didn't
do the fishermen much good, since they rarely take a hook --
but they were the harbingers -- and perhaps a highly en-
couraging factor -- in the return of the bass and various
small panfish.
' It would seem unlikely that this year's marked increase in
fishing activity could be unobserved, at least by Canalfront
' residents.
But certainly, many wildlife elements of the Canal have
disappeared, perhaps for good. So it always 'is with the
' encroachment of civilization upon the eco-system which
sustains .an abundance of bird, fish and animal residency.
' But all is not lost, by any means.
Perhaps to a larger extent than ever, the Canal maintains a
faithful and always entertaining community of ducks, now
so accustomed to human neighbors that they mate, lay eggs and
nest in shoreline backyards and will accept food directly
from human fingers.
' A brace of Canadian geese appearsto have adopted the Canal
as a permanent residence.
' Some "new" birds have appeared;some "old" birds have left.
That, the naturalists say, is the way with birds, and
their coming and going need have no further explanation
' than their own desire for change.
The blue heron stalked the shoreline throughout the latter
part of 1987 and into this year -- but at the moment, he
is not to be seen. Perhaps he'll return to haunt the
fish hiding in the shady shallows of the overhung bank.
' We have, in different neighborhoods, birds in plentiful
variety to please any astute watcher -- but the bobwhites
left with the building boom, and probably will not return.
' The North Atlantic Blue Crab was prolific until the latter
months of 1987 when they disappeared -- a factor more
' probably one of changing habitat than of any other circum-
stance.

(28
All of the factors described in this report as "negative"
' to the Canal are inflicting negative. signals on the wildlife
scene -- years of fast-moving, roaring boats, years of
constant construction activity, increased population,
' but already, a decided stabilization is.•developing. With
it, hopes for a resurgance of wildlife may be realistic -
-
as with this spring's s.how of bass.
' Yes -- snakes and rats are still -with us. Citizens should
be mindful that some of the snake varieties recorded in and
1 along the Canal are venomous. Most, fortunately, are
not -- but the bite of any snake, even non -venomous, is no
trifle.
' And while It may be of small comfort to citizens not sympathet-
ic to snakes, they do hold down the rat population effective-
ly.
In particular, the Canal shelters large numbers of turtles,
and they can be seen any fair day sunning themselves along
' the bank. If they are to be handled at all, it should be
with caution. They are of the family Chelydridae -
snappers, with powerful jaws.
' The Canal's wildlife picture is not one of gloom and doom,
but it has its delicacies and -- like all wildlife these
days -- needs all the help it can get from the human side.
' The possibility of alligator existence in the Canal or its
sidewaters has yet to be proven. It would be short-sighted,
however, to dismiss the possibility. Summer, 1988, brought
' news of alligator sighting in the Neuse. North Carolina
is recorded as an "alligator" state. The Wildlife Commission
has observed, tracked and recorded alligators, and issued
'warnings of their presence.
Y
"Old timers" among the fishermen who visit the Canal have
' declared that they have seen alligators here, and at least
one resident claims to have spotted one in the Canal.
Certainly, any resident or visitor who sights an alligator
in the Canal should report it immediately to the local police.
And certainly anyone sighting a "gator" should absent him-
self promptly without disturbance to the alligator.
' Fishing or crabbing in the Canal are subject to the same
regulations as prevail in the Trent River. In other words,
licenses are required.

I.
(29
SFrTTnN XTT __ THE 1,nTHFR STnF11 rANAI
The Committee deemed as well within its sphere of study
the more than 70 acres of wetland on the Canal's north
shore.
This property, privately owned, is zoned as a wildlife pre-
serve/ conservation area.
By its very nature, the area presents many favorable aspects
for the Canal and for the town as a whole, since it creates
a meaningful shield against development, providing a valuable
"open space" for the community.
Under private ownership, however, the property is subject
to an undetermined future which may yield seriously un-
fortunate conditions for the town, the Canal and the broad
general welfare of the River Bend area through the de-
struction of its present character as a wildlife preserve
and fish nursery.
In the past, there existed a possiblity for the acquisition
of this area by the town, but this failed to develop.
The Study Committee, among its recommendations, strongly
urges the incumbent Council to review the possibility of
acquisition as soon as possible as a means of assuring
its permanent control as a natural bulwark.
' For motivation, we have only to visualize it denuded of
trees and plantlife -- and fill in the picture with the
worst scenario. Very likely there are no good ones.
�I

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(30
1 SECTION XIII -- THE MISCELLANEOUS CANAL
Through the Army Corps of Engineers, the Committee
has sought to locate other waterways of the region
bearing characteristics generally similar to those
of the Plantation Canal.
Fairfield Harbour -- While a number of comparable
conditions and circumstances exist, few can be
cited as closely similar to their River Bend counter-
parts.
Essentially, the circumstances reflect a basic
political difference: River Bend is a municipality
while Fairfield Harbour is a private development.
Virtually all factors dealing with F.airfield's
waterways are esentially in the hands of its
managing corporation.
Fairfield encounters many of the same natural prob-
lems familiar to the Plantation Canal -- high and
low water, silting, filling and shoaling, changes
in wildlife habitat and pollution.
Construction of bulkheads, docks, piers and water
excavations are subject to the same official
'
restraints and requirements, and the waterways
are entirely "public," although there appears
to be an effort among some residents to classify
them as "private."
Waterways were originally bulkheaded by the
developing corporation, but bulkhead maintenance
is subject to the expense of the property owner.
General public concern for the condition of the
waterways appears not to be much in either the
conscience or the interest of many property
owners. The attitude seems, broadly, to be that
_ the waterways are the problem of the management.

(31
Pine Knoll Shores -- In this municipality with
water frontage on Bogue Sound and the Atlantic,
"
virtually all local factors involving the water-
fronts and waterways are subject to a specific
town code and the cooperative management of the
town government acting in concert with a property
owners association.
rThere
exists a tangible attitude of privatization
in both bodies, especially on the Bogue Sound
waters where federal influences are less dominant.
Overall, Pine Knoll Shores presents a situation in
which wholesome and meaningful steps have been
taken to preserve and protect the waterways. Some,
however, if only attitudinal, may be at odds with
superceding agencies.
--
High -Low Water Levels
The familiar and remarkable variations of waterlevels
in the Canal -- as in the Trent and the Neuse --
originate as remotely as the Pamlico Sound.
iIn
the concensus among authorities, the Barrier Reefs
or "Outer Banks" -- create an effective "tidal dam,"
a situation unique to the southern Atlantic Coastal
shore in marked contrast to the drastic tidal
influences of the northern Atlantic coastline except-
ing certain similarities which are influenced by
'
the presence of Long Island along the Connecticut
coastline.
A northeasterly wind "backs up" water on Pamlico,
i where it is retained by the Outer Banks and the
off -set position of the Shackelfords.
The back-up is reflected in a "hold back" process
in the flow of water from the Neuse -- and its
tributaries, including the Trent.
The result is high water.
Conversely, a southwesterly on the Pamlico Sound
clears the waters, allowing the Neuse to run freely,
and low water results.
Lunar tide influences on Pamlico Sound are minimal.

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(32
1
IMost observers agree that the 1988 spring has been
generous in its allowance -- to date -- of reasonably
"normal" water levels in the Neuse and Trent'-- and
the Canal -- in contrast to the 1987 season, when many
boats berthed at River Bend docks found it frequently
impossible to float off into the central channel
1 freeway.
The "experts" allow that isolated variations may
1 occur in the general pattern resulting from inter-
vening windage and other circumstances..
They, do not occur frequently.
The Nature of the Canal Bed
I Observation of the Canal bed discloses a generalized
layer of light, relatively unstable sedimentation.
This is "new" fill, which is thoroughly capable of
movement, under propeller disturbance for example,
to places remote from its origin before it settles
to the bottom and stabilizes.
A notable volume of sedimentation is produced by
annual leaf fall and subsequent decomposition.
' Leaf decomposition, however, is probably not of
substantive influence in silt -fill, since the de-
composition process itself ultimately tends to
reduce leaf debris to liquid form.
' "Brown Water" Concerns
Citizens frequently voice concerns in connection with
the brownish coloration of the Canal water. The
Canal, along with its foster parents, the Trent and
1
the Neuse, are all so-called "brownwater" vessels.
The coloration is natural and generally harmless,
a reflection of the "dyeing" qualities of various
forms of vegetation. A water sample taken from any
undisturbed point and viewed through clear glass
will be "clear" -- although colored. Disturbance of
I
bottom silt, of course, will show up as suspended
sediment which will, in moments, settle to the
bottom of the container.
'
All of which is exactly what sediment does in the
Canal.

(33
Citizen Efforts
Questions arise frequently as to the prospect of
efforts of individual citizens or groups of volun-
teers to undertake well-intentioned projects to
"improve" the Canal.
Typical is the desire of waterfront property
owners to deepen the Canal bed alongside docks
or piers or in slip areas, either personally or
with the assistance of a contractor.
All such projects -- even the removal of a single
shovelful of spoil -- require appropriate permits.
Also frequently heard are plans to remove stump
remnants from the sides of the Canal bed. These
also require permits.
Often the permit -issuing agencies will not allow
such efforts.
Property owners are well-advised to seek proper
permits for all such plans. The penalties can
be stiff.
There have been proposals to "trim" branches pro-
truding
over
the
north shoreline. But cutting
back the
overhang
would deprive fish life of an
ideal, shady
and
cool refuge and it appears
certain
that
any
undertaking to "improve" the
Canal in
such
a way
would encounter swift
reaction
from
the
Wildlife Resources Commission.
11

1
Flotsam and Jetsam
i
The appearance of logs, branches, roots and other floating ob-
stacles in the Canal is commonplace and sometimes presents dangers
to watercraft.
The sources are varied. Certainly, much of this type of debris
'enters the Canal from the Trent, and certainly much is floated
out of the north shore wetland.
'Episodic high water conditions also carry off firewood, as stacked
in a. typical Canal -side backyard -- or scrap lumber strewn around
a construction site.
The situations are probably nearly impossible to eliminate.
Conscientious homeowners along the Canal, however can -- and do --
relieve the problem by carefully fishing out such obstacles and
disposing of them in a manner to prevent their re -floating.
Similarly, boat operators can help by removing such obstacles as they
can with safety.
'Unfortunately, throughout the nation, including the Plantation
Canal, we encounter the variety of low mentality which causes some
people to dispose of debris, including non -biodegradable plastics,
by merely tossing them into the waters -- coffee containers, beer
bottles, food wrappers and other such materials ad nauseam.
The busy home construction era of 1987-88 produced for our observation
'numerous homebuilders, all respectable professionals, who dumped
tons of sand into the Canal and carelessly allowed large sheets of
wrapping materials, including plastics, to escape from their
�construction sites and waft into the Canal.
Specific local laws and their strict enforcement -- supported by
educational efforts-- will help to eliminate such problems.
(34
1

SECTION XIV -- RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNCIL
(The following recommendation are numbered essentially for
identification. All are deemed of high priorit.y.) .
1. Appoint a permanent Canal Commission
The factors involved in proper maintenance of the
Canal are too many and too complex to expect their
permanent surveillance by the Town Council alone.
' A permanent Commission composed of seriously interest-
ed citizens, serving with stated terms with provision
for experience carry-over, would provide on -going
input 'to guide the Council in countless meaningful
aspects.
Such a body would also serve the Council as an
effective communications link with federal, state
and other agencies and the public.
A permanent Commission would act as a catalyst to
observe, analyze and define the needs of the Canal.
2. Undertake a professional engineering study of all River Bend
waterways.
Such a study may be within economic reach through the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It would provide
practical identification and.evaluation of the Canal's
' requirements for continuing viability as a safely
navigable waterway. Such a study is particularly
pertinent as a first step to the elimination of
spot shoaling.which now threatens sections of the
Canal.
3. Institute appropriate ordinances and policies to minimize
filling and shoaling.
' Such legislation should include controls to minimize
the introduction of sand and silt fill from con-
struction sites, storm sewer spills through the
mandatory application of so-called "sand fencing"
' and other modern techniques.
(35

(36
4. Initiate the development of a specific waterway "Code" of
ordinances and regulations pertinent to the Canal and
its associated waterways.
Such'a codification would serve to focus direct
attention of the general public, including property
owners, contractors, boat operators, fishermen,
visitors, prospective property purchasers and others
' on all laws governing the waterfront. It would
also serve as a clear signal of the town's overall
committment to the waterways and eliminate doubt,
' confusion and "grey" interpretations of situations
which existing ordinances may encounter in
specific application to marine situations.
5. Undertake immediate steps to assure that "No Wake" si na e
is in full compliance with requirements of the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
(Recent confusion in this aspect•has thwarted the
full and effective enforcement of the "No Wake"
restriction.)
6. Provide standing orders to the River Bend Police Department
to patrol the waterways in the same context as public
land thoroughfares and to enforce all appropriate laws
and regulation upon the waterways.
As of the preparation date of this report, not
' a single citation for violations of waterway
regulations has been issued, at any time, by
the local Police Department. It is clear that
budget restraints prohibit regular observation
of the waterways by the Wildlife Resources
Commission enforcement staff. It is clearly
the duty of the Council and of the Police
Department to serve the public in the Canal
as well as on the streets.
' 7. Initiate a public information program to inform the
general public throughout the area of the vital
importance of maintaining "no wake" boat speeds in
' the town's waterways.
Broader general public understanding of the threat
of erosive wake to the ultimate welfare of the
' Canal will engender voluntary compliance with the
"No Wake" restriction and reduce the burden of
enforcement.
1

8. Take early steps
to investigate the prospects
for acquisition
by the town of
the so-called "Wildlife Preserve."
Acquisition
of this property by the
town would assure
permanent
control and eliminate the
possibilities of
'
acquisition
by other parties whose
interests would
probably
not coincide with those of
River Bend
'
residents
and property owners. The
for themselves.
merits of municipal
ownership
speak
1
11
1
. I
9. Investigate the potential of swimming pools, "Jacuzzi" de-
vices, hot tubs and similar facilities as sources of
pollution through the introduction into town waterways
of chemical or "grey water" pollution.
Waterfront communities throughout the country are
adopting controls on such devices as a means of
avoiding public water contamination by overflow,
spillage, back -flushing and collapse.
10. Enact specific measures to prohibit the discharge of chemicals
petroleum -based and other fuels, oils, lubricants and
boat toilet waste into public waterways.
While existing ordinances may address such situations,
they should be reviewed in specific reference to
their application to waterway situations.
11.•Specifically ban "live -aboard" situations on boats moored
in any town waterway.
Such a restriction would defend the community from
potential "live -aboard" invasions which have plagued
waterfront communities.
12. Require any public moorage (i.e., River Bend Yacht Club
and Marina) to provide land -based toilet racllltles
or the use of personnel aboard vessels in overnight
moorage. In par, icu ar, such a restriction shoul e
adopted for vessels without Coast Guard -approved of et
facilities aboard.
(37

(3.8
0 . Specifically ban dumping of any form of refuse in the Canal
and other waters.
While existing regulations may address such
dumping, specific designation of waterway
dumping would serve to reinforce the overall
attitude of the Council and the public to
protect the waterways.
14. Include comprehensive consideration for the welfare of
' the Canal in all "long range" plan s-- the Land Use
Plan being a case in point.
15.
With advice and counsel from appropriate federal and
or state agencies, investigate the prospect of in-
stalling water monitoring stations in the waterways
to measure and provide permanent records of water
temperatures, dissolved oxygen content, bacteria and
nutrient levels.
1
16.
Establish -- perhaps with assistance from the Corps of
Engineers -- a suitable "controlling depth" factor
in the Canal and Island Lake and post it prominently
at entrances to the Canal and Lake.
17.
Post appropriate signage at entrances of the Canal and
Lake identifying those waters as in the limits of
the Town of River Bend.
18.
With cooperation from the River Bend Yacht Club, post
a sign bearing the official definition of "no wake"
speed.
19.
Undertake immediate steps to control gunfire in the so-
called "Wildlife Preserve."
(This may well be a life -and -death matter.
The danger of serious injury -- or death -- to
River Bend residents is plain and clear.)
20.
Arrange with Carolina Water Service to receive copies of
all laboratory examinations of sewer plant effluent.
At the present time, the town entrusts the
viability of its drinking water to a commercial
'
corporation. The town should have ready access
to all laboratory reports.

(59
21. Through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
and other appropriate bodies, undertake to promulgate and
' encourage fish life in the town's waters.
' 22. Similarly, seek to support and encourage increase of
birdlife in River Bend, particularly in the so-called
"Wildlife Preserve.
(Proliferation of fish and bird viability
in the area are measures of benefit to human
life. The presence of healthyfish and birds
' in the community is a comforting message:
that the condition of our waters and woodlands
is, healthy. )
' 23. Promote the use of the Canal and its associated waters
as a recreational site.
' Apart from the utilization of the Canal by
the boating community, it could be a site for
many other activities of general public interest
and service.
A holiday "Christmas Parade" of decorated boats
' could be an occasion for town -wide celebration.
A non -denominational "blessing of the fleet,"
' adopted from the European tradition, could be
an occasion for festivities not only for boaters,
but by the entire community.
' Manufacturers of fishing and boating supplies
frequently offer, without cost, demonstrations
of various equipment and casting lessons.
The Canal Basin would be an excellent site for
an annual inspection of boating safety factors,
furnished at no cost by the Coast'Guard Auxiliary.)
24. Prohibit the construction of additional "boat ramps" on
1 the Canal and its associated waters.
These facilities serve to generate the introduction
' of sand and other fill materials into the water.
25. Require the construction of -bulkheads prior to domestic
construction on all remaining undeveloped properties on
the waterfronts.

(40
I
26. Take' steps to bring the town in close association with the
state "Streamwatch" Program. Close involvement in this.
program will yield important benefits to the Canal and
the community.
27. Investigate the promulgation of ordinances requiring water-
front property owners to maintain bulkheads and docks in
good condition.
28. Specifically seek federal and/or state assistance in
assuring that the so-called "Pig Farm" on Rte.17 is
properly equipped and managed to prevent the introduction
of any pollutive substances into the Trent River.
29. The Committee seriously urges all members of the Council
to adopt broader and deeper interest and concern in
the town's waterways. In the same spirit, the Council
should encourage and support measures to develop
and spread similarly deeper interest and concern on
the part of the general public.
30. Take early steps to eliminate the navigational hazard
created by a fallen tree which occludes a substantial
portion of the Canal width near its Trent River mouth
(See P. 9, "Tree Fall in the Canal." Steps should be
included to assure conformity with federal and state
requirements.

(4.1
SECTION XV -- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I
The Committee met in public session on numerous occasions to con-
solidate information gathered by its members as individuals or
teams under assignments of explorations determined as most likely
to produce the most valuable and accurate input.
In all cases, our task was met with full and often extensive
support and cooperation from every individual and agency contacted.
Their interest in the research project and the scholarly, practical
and experienced counsel we received are acknowledged with sincere
thanks.
The Neuse River Foundation, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Yaggy, RIver Bend
Dr. Jamie King, Professor of Biology, Craven Community College
Mr. J. Frank Efird
Mr. Charles W. Hollis, Chief, Regulatory Branch, Wilmington
District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Personnel of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, GA
Mr. Perry Sumner M.A., District Biologist, North Carolina
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
' M
Mr.
Mr.
' Mr.
U.S.
Mr.
1
Wildlife Service
R.R. Rivenbark,Barbour Boat Works, New Bern
Charles Jones,North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
James Mercer, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
Preston Pate, North Carolina Division of Coastal Management
C.H. Hamm,.Craven County Health Department
James Mulligan, North Carolina Division of Environmental
Control
Barry Adams, North Carolina Division of Environmental
Control
James Earl Morris II, District Technician, Craven Soil
and Water District
James Mead, "Streamwatch" Coordinator, North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
Stephen Conrad, North Carolina Division of Land Resources
W.E. Austin, North Carolina Division of Soil and Water
Conservation
Environmental Protection Agency, Atlanta, GA
J. Trevor Clements, Environmental Modeling Supervisor,
Water Quality Section, North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
--- and numerous "old timers," watermen, fishermen and
veteran nature observers and Trent River folk

Appendix A-5

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River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
A-5 History of the Town
A-12

II�
1
1
History of the Town of River Bend
Farmland
The roots of what we now know as the Town of River Bend start near the turn of the century.
This robust tobacco plantation of 1,200 acres was owned by the Odd Fellows, a fraternal
group of black tenant farmers collectively working and farming together raising the golden
leaf, which was the backbone of Eastern North Carolina's economy. During the recession of
1914, this hardy, proud group was forced to sell its land to the "company store" for supplies
and debt. The W.S. Clark Company was a leading supplier of farm supplies and general
merchandise to the farming community. During the first half of the century the Clark
Company obtained nearly 70 farms, large and small, through barter and exchange for debt.
During the 1960s with the beginning of the decline of small tenant farms, large tracts with
high tobacco allotments became inefficient for absentee owners. The Clark family, at this
point, was beginning to age and die out. It was timely for them to convert their low
production large tracts into cash and move on into newer fields.
In 1964, Frank Efird and family moved to New Bern from Salisbury, NC. Shortly after, the
Efird Company was organized to build single family homes --many for the retirees who came
to the area. Mr. Efird began his search for a large tract of land with water and soil conditions
' that could be developed into a total living planned community. The Odd Fellows farm was
purchased in October 1967 for $486,000, and thus, was the beginning of a 25-year
development plan for River Bend Plantation.
' River Bend Plantation
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The first family moved to River Bend Plantation in July 1969.
Gradually at first, and then with increasing speed, the Efird concept was successfully
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marketed throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Primarily, the message was delivered to
groups of people nearing or at retirement age. The response was excellent and, as demand
grew, new sections of the project were opened. For those desiring a life style without yard
and house maintenance, there were the Quarterdecks. For those wishing a single family
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home and a separate lot, single family homes were available. In addition to retirees, many
working and military families settled in River Bend. A convenience store and gas station, the
`Bread and Bait', opened for business.
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The picturesque barn was converted to a riding academy and the present marina was
created by making a navigable channel almost one mile long to the Trent River.
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The barn and riding ring accommodated local and non-resident boarders. The caboose,
originally a security officer's quarters, was functional as a unique playhouse. The tack shop,
subsequently destroyed by fire, served as a community center. All newcomers made their
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River Bend "debut" to a most active welcoming committee working out of these quarters.
Community fund raising activities were centered around the tack shop to the point that
enlargement and improvement were under consideration.
Plantation Drive, in section three, was a dirt road esplanade with crepe myrtle planted in the
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November 15, 2000
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middle. Channel Run's development, again, was a drawing board concept.
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A most valuable asset was the citizenry, and collectively, their combined efforts to utilize the
community association as a vehicle made River Bend one big happy place to live.
In the same vein, two distinctive cooperative projects that will survive, as others have faded,
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are the time capsule and the Rhems volunteer fire department. The Rhems fire department
merits special reference in consideration of the River Benders who participated in the
conception and ultimate realization of this valuable adjunct. Talented neighbors
quarterbacked the necessary paper work, piloted actions through a maze of bureaucracy,
and co -signed loans as collateral to underwrite seed money for the original construction.
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They were also very much in evidence as coolie labor since the contracted construction work
covered only major and specialized building.
The community had fun working together and they also had a great time playing together. A
series of neighborhood progressive dinner parties about over -ran volunteered home facilities
and seventy-five couples at one attendance finally dictated a limited turnout.
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Town of River Bend
From its beginning, River Bend has been a politically active community. In 1977, after much
discussion of the matter, some members of the River Bend Community Association met to
discuss the possibility of incorporating the Town. A great deal of time and effort went into the
project and it was decided to take a straw vote of the residents to see if they would support
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the idea. Such a vote was held and the residents decided against incorporation.
Early in 1980 the idea was revived and the Committee for Incorporation of River Bend was
formed. Many residents were opposed to incorporation and formed a Concerned Citizens
Committee.
At the November 4, 1980 referendum, 522 River Bender voters —out of a total of 710
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registered to vote —went to the polls. There were two items on the ballot -yes" or "no" on
incorporation and the selection of a mayor and three councilmen who would assume office if
the "yes" votes prevailed. The voters approved incorporation by a vote of 298 "for" versus
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224 "against." In terms of percentages the vote was split 57.1% for.and 42.9% against. .
Prior to incorporation there were no viable means of taking care of our roads. Everybody
owned them and nobody owned them. They no longer met standards so the state highway
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department would not assume responsibility for them in their present condition. The school
buses would not use our roads because they were not under municipal. control.. In the
absence of an approved road system, it was not possible to obtain VA or FHA loans for new
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home construction or State funds.to repair the streets.
River Bend had no zoning ordinances. There were various sets of restrictive covenants but
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they did not address many of the problems being faced, nor could they be enforced.
Police protection was another concern of the residents. Coverage was provided on a rather
limited basis by the county sheriffs department. Given the size of the county and the small
'
staff available at the time plus.the diverse duties imposed upon the department, response to
problems in River Bend was not acceptable to the residents. It was felt that a local police
'
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department with only River Bend to be concerned with would be better suited to our needs.
Incorporation was the way to get such service.
The City of River Bend Plantation (the name was changed in April 1981 to the Town of River
Bend) was in business! And what a start it was. The Town had no money except for a
donation of $423.09 from the organizing committee. However, the Community Association
came to.the rescue with a donation of $1,500. A yard sale at the Barn brought in. a further
donation of $925.32. These moneys helped keep operations going until some tax income
could be received. In May of that year, the first tax bills covering the period from February to
June were sent out. Much work at the County tax offices checking assessments preceded
the mailing of the tax bills.
On July 25, 1981 River Bend celebrated its incorporation with a festival and picnic in what is
now the Town Park. Governor Jim Hunt and a number of State legislators were present. A
time capsule noting the event was buried near the gazebo in the park.
1981 also saw the establishment of the River Bend Police department -one officer. The
Community Watch organization was created -and continues to remain active in the Town.
As the Town grew it became apparent Council responsibilities were too much for three
people to handle. Early in 1982 the Council was increased to five members, following the
example of the majority of small North Carolina communities. _
It was decided to proceed with the development of a Land Use Plan, which would offer
guidance for the future development of River Bend. This was accomplished with a State
grant plus a minor contribution by the Town. Street and traffic signs were installed
throughout the Town and development of the Plantation Landing project got under way.
Additional Quarterdeck town houses were constructed and more and more single family.
homes were built.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated a flood study in River Bend
in late 1982. The report, which was finally issued early in 1986, established flood level
criteria for the Town, and became fully effective on August 19, 1986. River Bend was the
first community in Craven County to have this work done.
In 1997 the Town purchased the privately owned water and sewer system from the private
contractor who originally installed and ran the operation. It is planned that the water system
will be expanded to the entire Town in 1998.
Today, River Bend is a model of a small Town operating efficiently with one of the lowest tax
bases in the State of North Carolina. In 1995 River Bend was named the safest community
of its size in the state.
(Special thanks to the Historian Committee who drafted the original version in 1988)
Source: Town of River Bend Website (www.ci.river-bend.nc.us)
River Bend Comprehensive Plan
November 15, 2000
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