U-3613 B

N. C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
LYNDo TIPPETT
SECRETARY
November 29, 2004
o r=3C???d? D
Q
MEMORANDUM NUV 2 9 2004
TO: John Hennessy, Supervisor DENR WATER QUALITY
Wetlands/401 Certification Unit, DWQ WETIANDSANDSTORMWATERBRWH
FROM: Steve Gurganus, AICP, Community Planner
Public Involvement and Community Studies Unit, OHE
SUBJECT: Final ICE Report for TIP No. U-3613B, Project No. 82220901,
WBS No. 34961.1.1, FA Project MA-STP-1708 (1), Greenville -
SR 1708 (Fire Tower Rd.) from west of NC 11-903
MESSAGE:
Attached is the final Indirect and Cumulative Effects report for TIP No. U-3613B in Pitt
County. Please let me know if we may be of further assistance.
Attachment
SG/ jrh
cc: Chris Underwood, Natural Systems Permit Specialist, PDEA
Lindsey Riddick, Natural Systems Unit Head, PDEA (no report)
Behshad Norowzi, Northeast Unit Supervisor, Statewide Planning
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
1583 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1583
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US
LOCATION:
CENTURY CENTER COMPLEX
BUILDING A
1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH INC
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
TIP U3613-B ?J U 2 9 2004
W BS # 34961.1 'ENR - WATER QUALITY
?NDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
SR 1708 (Fire Tower Road) from NC 11-903 (Memorial Drive)
to SR 1709 (Corey Road) in Pitt County, North Carolina
Prepared for the North Carolina Department of Transportation
Office of Human Environment
FINAL DOCUMENT - November 2004

Prepared by The Louis Berger Group, Inc.
1513 Walnut Street, Suite 250
Cary, NC 27511
919-467-3885

'
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 1-3
1 2.0 Introduction 4
2.1 Project Description and Background 5
t 2.2 Purpose and Need 5-6
3.0 ICE Study Area Boundary and Time Horizon
3.1 Study Area Boundary 6
Figure 1: ICE Study Area Boundary
Figure 2: Demographic Study Area Boundary
3.2 Time Horizon 7
' 4.0 Indirect and Cumulative Effects Study Area Characteristics
4.1 Population Trends 7-8
Table 1: Population Growth 1990 to 2000
Table 2: Demographic Study Area Population Growth
Table 3: Pitt County Population and Density Projections
4.2 Employment Characteristics
' Table 4: Pitt County Major Employers 8-11
Table 5: Pitt County Employment by Sector 1993 to 2003
Table 6: Pitt County Commuting - 2000
' 4.3 Local Plans and Regulations
4.3.1 Existing Land Use and Infrastructure 11-13
' Figure 3: Land Use Map
Figure 4: Fire Tower Road Parcel Map
4.3.2 Local Plans and Regulations 13-15
4.4 Regional Location Influences and Implications 15
4.5 Identification of Current and Proposed Transportation Plans 15-16
5.0 Notable Features
' 5.1 Water Resources 17
6.0 Impact-Causing Activities
6.1 Project-Related Activities
6.2 Recent/Proposed Development Activity 17-18
18-19
7.0 Potential Indirect and Cumulative Effects 19-20
8.0 Analysis of Indirect and Cumulative Effects 20-22
' Table 7: Potential for Land Use Change, 2004 to 2025
9.0 Evaluation of Analysis Results 22
t 10.0 Photographs 23
11.0 Sources 24
' Appendix
City of Greenville, 2004 Greenway Master Plan - Project 29 Description and Map
Pitt County Notable Features
I
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis 1

1 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
' This report is an assessment of the potential indirect and cumulative effects that may occur as a
result of TIP U3613-B (widening of Fire Tower Road from NC 11 to Corey Road), and other
past, present, and future development activities in the geographic region surrounding the
' project. The focus of this analysis is on growth effects, land use change, and any associated
impacts to water quality related to the 2.65-mile widening project.
' Fire Tower Road serves as one of the few east-west corridors through Greenville and as such is
over capacity and has a higher overall accident rate than the average for similar roads in the
state. Growth along the Fire Tower Road corridor over the past ten years has been brisk with
many new residential and complementary retail/commercial uses being constructed. The
purpose of the widening project is to alleviate congestion and improve safety.
' An Indirect and Cumulative Effects (ICE) study area was developed to serve as a basis from
which to gather and analyze specific demographic, land use, and environmental data and to
further identify areas that may experience induced development. The ICE study area is
generally bounded to the north and east by Tar River sub-basin 03-03-05; to the west by Neuse
River sub-basin 03-04-071 and to the south by Worthington Road and Pocosin Road.
Existing Conditions
' • Population Growth - Population growth in Greenville, Winterville, Pitt County, and the
demographic study area has outpaced that of North Carolina. Much of the growth in
the area can be traced to the presence of East Carolina University and the growth of the
health care industry, specifically Pitt County Memorial Hospital and ECU's Brody
School of Medicine. Between 1990 and 2000, the demographic study area grew by over
83 percent. Projections show that growth in Pitt County will remain strong over the next
' 20 years. Growth in the demographic study area can be attributed to the presence of
water and sewer infrastructure; the desire of homeowners to "move away" from the city
core and "move up" to newer, larger homes; and the presence of developable lands.
During the same time period, the Town of Winterville doubled in size from 1.192 to
2.452 square miles and grew by 1,722 residents, 54 percent as a result of annexation and
46 percent urban growth.
• Regional Influences - The Greenville/Pitt County area has recently emerged as the
commercial, cultural, educational, retail, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina.
ECU, located in Greenville, is the third largest university in the State. Pitt Community
College, located within the ICE study area at the intersection of Fire Tower Road and
NC 11, is the sixth largest in the North Carolina Community College System.
' • Employment Characteristics - Health care, education, retail and manufacturing
constitute the largest employment sectors in Pitt County. Pitt County's unemployment
rate of 6.7 percent is consistent with that of the state. According to the 2000 Census, 86
percent of the employed residents of Pitt County work in their home county.
• Land Use - Existing land use along the Fire Tower Road corridor and within the ICE
study area is a mix of commercial, office and institutional, residential, agricultural, and
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County
1
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

I
vacant land. The 2.65-mile project corridor is located in an already heavily-developed
portion of Greenville that has swiftly transitioned from rural to suburban in character.
• Recent/Proposed Development Plans - The "Forlines Road" area (see Figure 1) located
in the western portion of the ICE study area between the location of the proposed
Southwest Bypass and NC 11, is targeted by city planners as the next development "hot
spot" and at build-out is projected to be home to 8,000 new residential units housing an
additional 21,360 citizens. The 109-acre "Paramore Tract" located in the northeast corner
of Old Tar Road/Evans Road and Fire Tower Road, was recently rezoned to medium-
density residential and plans for up to 400 homes with a projected population of up to
1,067 residents were recently approved by the City of Greenville. In addition, there are
at least five new subdivisions under construction that when complete will add over 425
homes to the ICE study area.
• Local Plans - The widening of Fire Tower Road does not conflict with any local plans or
regulations. The Chamber of Commerce and the three governmental bodies (Greenville,
Winterville, and Pitt County) have all endorsed the widening plan. Greenville's
Horizon Plan encourages infill development, development adjacent to the existing city
limits, and discourages "leap frog" development. In addition, the plan allows greater
residential densities in areas that are, or soon will be, served by water and sewer. The
Greenville Utilities Commission has excess water and sewer capacity to serve future
needs. The Town of Winterville does not have a Comprehensive or Growth
Management Plan to guide growth and development, but rather relies on its zoning and
subdivision codes to guide development. However, the Winterville Board of Aldermen
recently developed a proactive strategy to encourage industrial and commercial
development that will compliment the existing residential areas in Winterville.
• Local Regulations - The City of Greenville has an erosion and sedimentation control
ordinance which requires a permit for any land-disturbing activity greater than 5,000
square feet. The City of Greenville is currently in the process of developing stormwater
rules in accordance with NDPES Phase II regulations. The entire ICE study area is
governed by Neuse River Riparian buffer rules which stipulate protection of a 50-foot
wide buffer on the banks of waterways.
• Current and Proposed Transportation Plans - Other transportation improvement
projects within the ICE study area (TIP and city initiated) include: U3613-A - Fire Tower
Road extension (construction of a multi-lane highway on new location between NC 11
and Davenport Farm Road); U2817 - Evans Street/Old Tar Road widening (widening of
existing Evans Street/Old Tar Road from Main Street in Winterville to Greenville
Boulevard in Greenville); Thomas Langston Road extension (construction of four-lane,
median-divided thoroughfare on new location); and R-2250 - Greenville Southwest
Bypass (construction of a four-lane, divided facility on new location from NC 11 to the
Greenville Bypass). Of the four projects, the Southwest Bypass will have the strongest
influence on development. Just the knowledge that the bypass is to be constructed has
been sufficient to induce growth as future residents choose to locate in an area with
improved access to Greenville employment centers and US 264 and I-95 to the west.
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 2
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

• Notable Features - Swift Creek, located west of the project limits but within the ICE
study area, is classified as a 303(d) impaired stream. No High Quality Waters, Water
' Supply Watersheds, nor Outstanding Resource Waters are located within the ICE study
area.
Potential for Indirect and Cumulative Effects
While the widening of Fire Tower Road (U3613-B) is expected to reduce east-west travel times,
provide increased capacity, and accommodate growth that has already occurred along the Fire
Tower Road corridor, the project taken by itself is not likely to induce substantial development
or land use change. However, it is anticipated that the widening of Fire Tower Road from the
' CSX rail line west to NC 11, when combined with the presence of water/sewer infrastructure
and aggressive marketing by the Pitt County Development Commission and local real estate
' brokers, will result in a moderate to strong stimulus for land use change along this portion of
the corridor. Over time as the number and size of developable parcels along Fire Tower Road
are reduced and access to NC 11 is improved, it is anticipated that infill and redevelopment of
' valuable, under-developed parcels (such as the two mobile home parks) will occur within the
ICE study area.
' The U3613-B project is a minor component of a series of proposed road projects and anticipated
private development projects that, when considered together, constitute a cumulative impact on
the ICE study area. However, it is anticipated that NPDES Phase II rules, Neuse River buffers,
' City of Greenville subdivision and site plan ordinances, and the soon-to-be implemented City of
Greenville stormwater regulations will support appropriate land development and in turn
' minimize development-related water quality impacts. As such, no further study or analysis is
warranted at this time; however, additional analysis should be undertaken in the future as
planning for the R-2250 Greenville Southwest Bypass project progresses.

11

TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this analysis is to assess the potential indirect and cumulative effects that may
result from the proposed widening of Fire Tower Road from Memorial Drive to Corey Road,
TIP U3613-13, and other past, present, and future development activities in the geographic
region surrounding the project.
View of Fire Tower Road east towards Coreil Road.
' The Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ) defines indirect effects as "impacts
on the environment, which are caused by
' the action and are later in time or farther
removed in distance, but are still reasonably
foreseeable." Examples of indirect effects
include induced commercial and residential
development which in turn leads to
increased population and changing travel
' patterns which can impact air quality, water

I quality, or other important characteristics of

' the community. Cumulative effects are
I those that result from the incremental
impact of the action when added to other
past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
future actions regardless of what agency
(public or private sector) or person
undertakes such actions. For example, the
development of a single office park or
residential subdivision may be small;
however, when several projects are built
within close proximity, the once small impact to the environment can become large as there will
be increases in the amount of impervious surfaces, stormwater runoff, etc.
The analysis of indirect and cumulative effects associated with this project focuses on resultant
I' impacts to downstream water quality and was conducted utilizing guidelines established in the
following documents:
• "Draft Internal Policy: Cumulative Impacts and the 401 Water Quality Certification and Isolated
Wetland Programs," Division of Water Quality, October 3, 2002;
"NCDOTINCDENR NEPAISEPA1401 Eight-Step ICI Assessment Process," The Louis Berger
Group, January 2004;
• Guidance for Assessing Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects in North
Carolina, The Louis Berger Group, November 2001; and
• "A Guidebook for Evaluating the Indirect Land Use and Growth Impacts of Highway Improvements,
ECONorthwest and Portland University, April 2001.
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County
4
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
I

1

11
2.1 Project Description and Background
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen SR 1708 (Fire
Tower Road) to a multi-lane facility from NC 11-903 (Memorial Drive) to SR 1709 (Corey Road)
in Pitt County, a distance of approximately 2.65 miles. The TIP number for this widening project
is U3613-B. TIP U3613 was originally divided into three sections:
• A - Davenport Farm Road to NC 11-903 (Memorial Drive);
• B - NC 11-903 (Memorial Drive) to SR 1700 (Old Tar Road); and
• C - SR 1700 (Old Tar Road) to SR 1709 (Corey Road).
Section A is unfunded and is scheduled for post year construction; therefore, NCDOT combined
sections B and C into one project - U3613-B.
The proposed improvement is to be constructed on 100 feet of right-of-way and includes typical
sections of five-lanes with curb-and-gutter and 10-foot berm as well as a four-lane, curb-and-
gutter divided section with a 16-foot raised grassed median. No control of access other than the
median section is proposed. The proposed design speed of the project is 50 mph. In addition,
the NCDOT Roadway Design Unit has agreed to include 14-foot wide outside lanes and
sidewalks within the typical design along the entire length of the project to accommodate
bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The project ties into the existing five-lane curb and gutter section
just east of Corey Road (SR 1709).
It is noted in the Environmental Assessment that NCDOT recommended that the entire
widening be constructed as a four-lane divided facility; however, in response to citizen and
local business-owner comments, NCDOT agreed to construct a five-lane, undivided facility
from NC 11-903 (Memorial Drive) to the western entrance of Baywood Drive and from SR 1700
' (Old Tar Road) to Winding Branch Drive in order to provide adequate access to the dense
residential and commercial development along Fire Tower Road in these areas.
' 2.2 Purpose and Need

The purpose of this project, as noted in the November 2000, U-3613 Environmental Assessment
(EA), and affirmed in the October 2001 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), is to alleviate
congestion and improve safety along Fire Tower Road (an existing three-lane, two-way
roadway on 60 feet of right-of-way). The proposed improvements will provide additional travel
lanes which will alleviate current and future capacity deficiencies along the facility.
According to the EA, between 20,000 and 24,000 vehicles per day travel along Fire Tower Road
in the project vicinity. By the year 2020, the ADT is projected to increase to 30,000 to 32,000
vehicles per day. It is anticipated that this project will relieve congestion resulting from growth
along this corridor. Fire Tower Road is handling ever-increasing traffic volumes due to the
proliferation of single and multi-family residential units and businesses such as Sam's Club,
Lowe's, the Carmike Cinemas, and various shops and restaurants that have located in the area.
In addition, safety will be enhanced as a result of the widened pavement and additional
through and turn lanes. Fire Tower Road has a 45 percent higher overall accident rate than the
statewide average (381.41 versus 262.91, respectively) for a two-lane urban secondary route.
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 5
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

H

I1

Fire Tower Road is classified as a major thoroughfare in the Greenville Thoroughfare Plan (see
Section 4.2) and as a minor urban arterial in the North Carolina Statewide Functional
Classification System. In addition, Fire Tower Road connects with the busy thoroughfares of
Memorial Drive and Arlington Boulevard and serves as one of the few east-west travel
corridors in Greenville.
3.0 ICE STUDY AREA BOUNDARY AND TIME HORIZON
3.1 ICE and Demographic Study Area Boundaries (See Figure 1)
According to the NCDOT ICI Guidance document, a study area is defined as the broad
geographic limits within which the proposed project would likely have an influence. When
estimating the direct effects of proposed transportation projects, study areas are often
delineated using a set distance, such as from the centerline or right-of-way limits. However, as
indirect and cumulative effects can occur at a distance in time or space removed from the
project, wider limits must be set.
The ICE study area for the U3613-B project (see Figure 1) was developed to serve as a basis from
which to gather and analyze specific demographic, socio-economic, land use, and
environmental data and to further identify any potential indirect and cumulative effects of the
widening of Fire Tower Road. The ICE study area is generally bounded to the north and east by
Tar River sub-basin 03-03-05; to the west by Neuse River sub-basin 03-04-07; and to the south by
Worthington Road and Pocosin Road. The area between the western boundary of 03-04-07 and
NC 11 was included in the study area as it includes the proposed Greenville Southwest Bypass
(TIP R-2250) and is in an area targeted by the City of Greenville as the next "hot spot" for
development. This 4.1-square mile area, deemed the "Forlines Road" area, is being developed
as a new "suburban enclave" with upper-end homes and a probable future buildout of up to
8,000 new housing units and 21,360 residents. The area east of the eastern boundary
(McLawhorn Road to Charles Road to Bells Fork) was considered for inclusion in the ICE study
area but was eliminated from consideration after a study of parcel data revealed that a great
percentage of the land is held by either the City of Greenville or Pitt County and/or is already
residentially developed.
The methods used to identify the study area included an analysis of county, municipal and
census tract boundaries; Neuse and Tar-Pamlico river sub-basin boundaries; commuting and
travel patterns; existing and future land use patterns; Pitt County, City of Greenville, and Town
of Winterville parcel data; and current and proposed transportation projects within the general
geographic area of the U3613-B project. In addition, interviews and discussions were held with
local planning officials and NCDOT Office of Human Environment staff to validate the
proposed ICE study area boundary.
The demographic study area (see Figure 2) was developed based on the ICE study area and
includes the eight 2000 Census block groups that are totally or partially included in the ICE
study area: Census Tract 5, Block Group 2; Census Tract 6, Block Groups 1 and 2; Census Tract
13, Block Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4; and Census Tract 16, Block Group 2.
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 6
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
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3.2 Time Horizon
To coincide with the City of Greenville Horizons 2025 Comprehensive Plan, a time horizon of
2004 to 2025 was set for this analysis.
4.0 ICE STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS
4.1 Population Trends
Population growth in Greenville, Winterville, Pitt County, and the demographic study area has
outpaced that of North Carolina. Much of the growth can be traced to the growth of the health
care industry, specifically Pitt County Memorial Hospital, ECU's Brody School of Medicine, and
the pharmaceutical companies that reside within the area. As noted in Table 1, Greenville grew
by 30.6 percent between 1990 and 2000, becoming the 1311' largest municipality in North
Carolina. It is important to note that 71.3 percent of Greenville's population growth was a result
of annexation while the remaining 28.7 percent was urban growth. During the 1990 to 2000
time period, the City of Greenville expanded by 6.646 square miles from 18.93 to 25.576 square
miles. Much of this annexation took place in the rapidly growing southern and western
portions of Greenville. During the same time period, the Town of Winterville doubled in size
from 1.192 to 2.452 square miles and grew by 1,722 residents, 54 percent as a result of
annexation and 46 percent urban growth.
Table 1: Population Growth 1990 to 2000
Percent
Populate-' - F---reuse in

0

The 83.3 percent population increase in the
demographic study area (see Table 2 and Figure 2)
can be attributed to the large amount of residential
construction that took place in the mid to late 1990s.
According to Neil Holthouser, City of Greenville
Senior Planner, this area experienced rapid
population growth due to the presence of water and
sewer infrastructure; the desire of homeowners to
,'move away" from the city core and "move up" to
newer, larger homes; and the presence of
developable lands.
New home construction w1t1iin ICE Study Area.
Demographic Study Area 14,186 26,006 83.30% 11,820
City of Greenville 46,305 60,476 30.6% 14,171
Town of Winterville 3,069 4,791 56.1% 1,722
Pitt County 107,924 133,813 24% 25,889
('..,,-.:11„T4CA TAT/A 1r17ti01 AT/A TAT/A
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 7
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
Source: United States Bureau of the Census, 1990 and 2000.
Note: The Greenville AISA was not designated until 1993.

Table 2: Demographic Study Area Population Growth
Percent Population
Geography 1990 2000 Increase Increase
Census Tract 5, BG 2 2,909 6,536 124.60%0 3,627
Census Tract 6, BG 1 ' 2,268 2,831 24.80% 563
Census Tract 6, BG 2 1,030 3,417 231.70% 2,387
Census Tract 13, BG 1 1,235 - 1,864 50.90% 629
Census Tract 13, BG 2 790 865 9.50% 75
Census Tract 13, BG 3 1,869 2,386` 27.60%0 517
Census Tract 13, BG 4 2,268 5,231 130.60% 2,963
Census Tract 16, BG 2 - 1,817 2,876 58.30% 1,059
Total DSA Population 14,186 26,006 83.30% 11,820
Source: United States Bureau of the Census, 1990 and 2000.
As noted in Table 3, growth in Pitt County is expected to remain strong over the next 20 years;
however, it is projected to lag somewhat behind the state. Between 2000 and 2025, Pitt County
is expected to grow by 37.9 percent while the state should experience an increase of 45.5 percent
with the majority of the growth fueled by Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford, Union, Johnston,
Forsyth, Cabarrus, Durham, and New Hanover Counties.
Table 3: Pitt County Population and Density Projections
Percent Percent
Population Population
Change Change
Geography 2000 2015 2025 2000-2015 2000-2025
133,813 164,048 184,658
Pitt County 205.22 251.77 283.40 22.60% 37.90%
North 8,046,807 10,194,993 11,711,250
Carolina 165.20 209.30 240.42 26.60% 45.50%
' Source: North Carolina State Data Center.
While the population continues to grow, so does the population density. In 2000 in Pitt County
' there were 205.22 persons per square mile. By the year 2025, density in Pitt County is expected
to reach 283.40 persons per square mile, an increase of 38 percent. There were 165.20 persons
' per square mile in North Carolina in the year 2000. By the year 2025, density in North Carolina
is expected to reach 240.42 persons per square mile for an increase of 45.5 percent.
' 4.2 Employment Characteristics
To fully comprehend the characteristics of the ICE study area it is important to have an
1 understanding of the major employers, employment by sector, unemployment rates, and
commuting patterns.
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
8

fl

fable 4: Pitt County Major Employers
E" loyff Product Employment
Pitt County Memorial Hospital Health Care 5,026
East Carolina University Education 4,184
Pitt County Public Schools Education 2,600
DSM Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals 1,200
NACCO Materials Lift Truck Mfg. 1,100
Pitt County Government Government 975
Pitt Community College Education 815
Collins & Aikman Knit Fabric Mfg. 700
City of Greenville Government 652
ASMO Greenville Small Motor Mfg. 550
Physicians East Health Care 500
Wal-Mart Retail 400
Overton's Sports Center, Inc. Retail 300
' Source: Pitt County Development Commission.
Of the major employers listed in Table 4, Pitt Community College and Wal-Mart are located
within the ICE Study Area.
' Employment by Sector: According to the Employment Security Commission, the health care,
education, retail and manufacturing sectors constituted the largest insured employment in Pitt
County in 2003 (see Table 5). At 20,404 insured employees, the health care and educational
services sectors comprise 31.9 percent of Pitt County employment. Between 1993 and 2003, Pitt
' County insured employment grew by 12,409 for an increase of 24.1 percent. The sectors with
the largest real change in employment were health care with an increase of 3,850 jobs, the
accommodation and food service sector with an increase of 1,965 jobs, administrative with an
' increase of 1,962 jobs, and retail with an increase of 1,565 jobs. Sectors that experienced declines
between 1993 and 2003 include mining, transportation, and manufacturing. The manufacturing
sector in Pitt County, much like other North Carolina areas, experienced a substantial decrease
' in employment losing 1,073 jobs over the ten-year period. The manufacturing outlook for 2004
and beyond does not look bright as Rubbermaid and TRW, both located in Greenville, plan to
eliminate a total of 400 jobs by the end of 2004.
Unemployment Rate. • An important determinant of the overall economic well-being of an area
'
is the unemployment rate. Since 1990, the unemployment rate in Pitt County has varied
between a low of 4.1 percent in 1990 and a high of 6.7 percent in 2003. The Pitt County
unemployment rates are consistent with that of the State - in 1990 unemployment in North
' Carolina stood at 4.2 percent and in 2003 the rate was 6.5 percent. The increase in the
unemployment rates in both Pitt County and the State of North Carolina can be attributed to an
economic slow-down as well as job elimination in key industries.
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 9
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

Ti

i

able 5: Pitt County Employment by Sector 1993 to ZUU3
Percent
1993 2003 Change in Change in
Pitt County Pitt County Employment Employment
Sector Employment Employment 1993 to 2003 1993 to 2043
Government ` 2,684 2,947 263 9.80%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing &
Hunting 818 845 27 3.3%
Mining 45 0 -45 -100.0%
Utilities 388 490 102 26.3%
Construction 2;814 3,038 224 7.9%
Manufacturing 9,107 8,034 -1,073 -13.4%
Wholesale Trade 1,518 1,988 470 30.9%
Retail Trade 6,619 8,184 1,565 23.6%
Transportation and Warehousing" 1,141 807 -334 -41.4%
Information 766 1,098 332 43.3%
Finance and Insurance 1,287 1,678 391 30.4%
Real Estate and Rental and
Leasing 427 634 207 48.4%
Professional and Technical
Services 938 1,422 484 51.6%
Management of Companies and
Enterprises 201 560 359 178.6%
Administrative and Waste
Services 1,521 3,483 1,962 128.9%
Educational Services 7,553 9,046 1,493 19.8%
Health Care and Social Assistance 7,508 11,358 3,850 51.3%
Arts, Entertainment, and
Recreation 555 674 119 21.4%
Accommodation and Food
Services 4,254 6,219 1,965 46.2%
Other Services 1,296 1,344 48 3.7%
Total 51,440 63,849 12,409 24.1%
Source: Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information.
Commuting: According to the 2000 Census, 86 percent of the employed residents of Pitt County
' worked in their home county (See Table 6). Of the 8,896 employed residents that worked
outside of the County, the majority commuted to jobs in Lenoir County to the south and
' Beaufort County to the east. While commutes for Pitt County workers vary from less than five
minutes to more than 90 minutes, the mean travel time in 2000 was 20.7 minutes, supporting the
fact that the majority of the residents work and live in Pitt County. Of the in-commuters to Pitt
' County, the majority came from the surrounding counties of Beaufort, Greene, Martin, and
Lenoir.
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 10
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

Table 6: Pitt

-2000
Out
Commuters
as Percent Persons
' Employed Out
Residents Commuters

1

?7

Of Working
Employed in
Residents Countrt
14%
Ixt
Commuters Non-
as Percent Commuting
of Persons Workers
in Working in Living in Net Commuting
Commuters County County Commuting Ratio
11,993 18% 54,411 3,097 1.049
Out Commuters: The total number of workers residing in the county who leave the county to work.
In Commuters: The total number of workers who work in the county but reside outside of the county.
Net Commuting: The difference between persons working in the county and employed residents of the
county as well as the difference between in commuters and out commuters.
Commuting Ratio: The ratio of persons working in the county to employed residents of the county. A
value of one implies zero net commuting; a value of greater than one corresponds to net in commuting;
and a value of less than one, to net out commuting.
Source: North Carolina State Data Center, North Carolina Commuting to Work, 2000 Census.
4.3 Local Plans and Regulations
4.3.1 Existing Land Use and Infrastructure
As noted in the Environmental Assessment and verified through field visits, the land use along
Fire Tower Road and within the ICE study area is a mix of commercial, office and institutional,
residential, agricultural, and vacant land (see Figure 3). The 2.65-mile project corridor is located
in an already heavily-developed portion of Greenville. While there are several
vacant/agricultural parcels located along Fire Tower Road (see Figure 4) the area has swiftly
transitioned from rural to suburban in character. The portion of the ICE study area west of NC
11 is predominantly in agricultural usage but is targeted for future medium to high-density
residential usage.
According to conversations with local planners and real estate professionals, several of the
vacant/agricultural parcels that are located along Fire Tower Road have either recently been
purchased for development, are being aggressively marketed for development, or are currently
under development. Figure 4 displays a 2003 aerial photo which has been overlaid with parcel
data. The annotations on the map refer to key parcels that are either currently under
development or have been identified for development.
Parcel 1- Paramore Tract -109 acres, to be developed into 400 home single-family subdivision;
Parcel 2 - Sheffield Subdivision - Continuation of existing Sheffield subdivision; one area
currently under construction; two parcels remain to be platted;
Parcel 3 - SDC Properties - 60 acres, currently marketed for commercial/light industrial usage;
existing water and sewer;
Parcel 4 - Keel Property -15.71 acres, currently marketed for commercial/light industrial usage;
existing water and sewer; and
Parcel 5 - Dudley's Grant Townhome Community - Townhome community currently under
construction; 16 units complete; additional parcels to be platted.
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 11
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

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I' Land Use by Intersection
Western ICE Study Area Boundary to NC 11: The area is predominantly vacant with scattered
' residential uses. Pitt Community College is located on the west side of NC 11 at the Fire Tower
Road intersection. Also included in this portion of the ICE study area is the aforementioned
Forlines Road area.
NC 11 to the CSX Rail Line: The existing land uses are larger heavy commercial uses such as
' US Cellular, Southern States, and Carolina Builders;
however, also included in this area are a Trade Mart
gas station, a restaurant, Wal-Mart/Sam's Club,
t Carmike Cinemas, Peace Presbyterian Church,
Braxton Farm Market, and the Boys and Girls Club of
' Greenville. Most of the development in this portion
of the study area is located south of Fire Tower Road
while much of the area north of Fire Tower Road is

I
v
vacant and owned by SDC Properties. SDC
Properties owns approximately 60 acres north of Fire
Tower Road that are currently being marketed for
commercial/light industrial uses.
View from Carolina Builders looking west onto Fire Tower .: ? w,
Road.
CSX Rail Line to Old Tar Road: Along this portion of Fire Tower Road, the character begins to
transition from heavy industrial/commercial to residential and office. Adjacent to the rail line,
' on the north side of Fire Tower Road, is Cal Maine Foods Inc., Temple Free Will Baptist Church,
medical offices, a child care center, and a bank. On the southern side of Fire Tower Road is the
Baywood Drive single-family residential subdivision, the Cornerstone single-family
' subdivision, strip shopping centers, and a bank.
Old Tar Road to Corey Road: The predominant land use along this portion of Fire Tower Road
' is residential, varying in intensity from medium to high-density (according to the Draft
Greenville Horizons Comprehensive Plan, medium is defined as five to nine units per acre
' while high is ten or more units per acre). In the southeast corner of the intersection of Old Tar
Road and Fire Tower Road there is a small retail lighting establishment. In the northeast corner
is the 109 acre Paramore Tract. This tract was recently purchased by Clark Land Development,
' rezoned to medium-density residential, and subdivision plans for construction of up to 400
homes (with a projected population of up to 1,068 residents) have been approved by the City of
Greenville. Also on the north side is the Sheffield single-family subdivision with new phases
' currently under construction and signs posted for additional homesites. The Treetops
townhome community, Dudley's Grant townhome community (currently under construction),
Greystone Mobile Home Park, Evans Mobile Home Park, the NC Forest Service Office and
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 12
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis y

L
Tower, a mini-storage facility, Whitebridge Apartment complex, and the Covenant United
Methodist Church are located on the south side of Fire Tower Road.
Water/Sewer Availability and Infrastructure
Water and sewer is provided along the entire extent of Fire Tower Road from the Corey Drive
intersection to the NC 11 intersection. According to the Greenville Utilities Commission, the
City of Greenville's water supply comes from the Tar River as well as a limited number of deep
water wells. The water treatment plant has a capacity of 22.5 mgd with an average daily use of
10.4 mgd. In addition, the Greenville wastewater treatment plant has a capacity of 17.5 mgd
with a current average treatment of 9.5 mgd. According to the City of Greenville Planning
Department and in accordance with the Horizons Comprehensive Plan, water and sewer lines
are being installed as development occurs west of NC 11 to the western ICE study area
boundary.
4.3.2 Local Plans and Regulations
' This portion of the analysis will detail local plans and regulations that are typically used as
guides in the siting and development of future residential and commercial growth. A review of
the pertinent local plans will assist with the assessment of potential project-related induced
growth. As the ICE study area straddles the City of Greenville and the Town of Winterville,
land use and development plans for both municipalities were explored.
' The Town of Winterville does not have a Comprehensive or Growth Management Plan to guide
growth and development, but rather relies on its zoning and subdivision codes to guide
' development. However, the Winterville Board of Aldermen recently developed a proactive
strategy to encourage industrial and commercial development that will compliment the existing
residential areas in Winterville.
' Local plans and regulations applicable to the U3613-B project include the Draft Greenville
Horizons Comprehensive Plan; The City of Greenville Greenway Master Plan; Neuse River Basin
' Riparian Buffer Rules; City of Greenville Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance; and
City of Greenville Stormwater Rules/NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations.
• Draft Greenville Horizons Comprehensive Plan: The City of Greenville is currently in the
' process of updating the 1997 Horizons Comprehensive Plan. The goal of the Comprehensive
Plan is to provide a land use form that optimizes resources by allocating land for its most
' suitable use; avoids conflicting land uses; preserves the City's character, and provides open
space, vistas, and agricultural areas. Pertinent Horizons strategies include:
1. Encourage infill development, development adjacent to the existing city limits, and
' discourage "leap frog" development;
2. Locate industrial development adjacent to and/or with direct access to major
thoroughfares;
' 3. Concentrate commercial development within well-defined nodes;
4. Accommodate greater residential densities in areas that are, or will be, served by water
and sewer services;
1
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 13
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

5. Locate agricultural and low-density residential in areas without public water and
sewer;
6. Encourage commercial development at the intersections of major roads;
7. Concentrate higher intensity uses in employment and focus areas;
' 8. Continue to annex land and extend the ETJ when and where feasible;
9. Encourage cluster development to protect sensitive natural areas; and
10. Reduce soil erosion, runoff, and sedimentation to reduce adverse effects on surface and
subsurface water quality, natural river systems, and private property.
• 2004 City of Greenville Greenway Master Plan: The Greenway Master Plan (GMP) was
' developed to facilitate implementation of greenway development in Greenville. Project 29
in the GMP is located within the ICE Study Area on Fire Tower Road from Fork Swamp to
Charles Boulevard (See Appendix). The project is set for future implementation with a time
horizon of 15 years in the future. This greenway section is a concrete sidewalk that will
connect to several other greenway trails. The GMP notes that there is "an opportunity to
' build sidewalks on both sides of Fire Tower Road during the anticipated Fire Tower Road
widening project."
' • Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Rules: The ICE study area is wholly included in Neuse
sub-basin 03-04-09 but is bordered by Tar-Pamlico basin 03-03-05 and Neuse basin 03-04-07.
The buffer rules require that up to 50 feet in width (first 30 feet undisturbed with additional
' 20 feet vegetated) of riparian areas be protected and maintained on the banks of waterways
in the basin. The rules do not apply to portions of the riparian buffer where a use is existing
' and ongoing as of 7/22/97. These buffers remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and other pollutants
from rainwater that flows into the basins' waterways, thus protecting the waterways from
surrounding land uses.
' • City of Greenville Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, 1998: The purpose of
this ordinance is to regulate land-disturbing activity, control accelerated erosion and
sedimentation, and prevent the pollution of waterways. The general requirements of the
ordinance state that "no person shall initiate any land disturbing activity which uncovers
more than one acre without having an erosion control plan and land disturbing permit ...no
' person shall initiate any land-disturbing activity greater than 5,000 square feet without a
land disturbing permit." In addition, persons conducting land-disturbing activity must also
' provide stormwater outlet protection so that post-construction peak runoff rates are no
greater than those existing on the site prior to construction. The ten-year storm is used to
determine runoff rates.
• City of Greenville and NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations: In 2002, the City
established a stormwater utility. The mission of the utility is to meet federal and state
' mandates for water quality protection and reduce the risk of flooding. In addition,
Greenville is impacted by NPDES Phase II rules and as such is required to implement
programs and practices to control polluted stormwater runoff. Greenville will be required
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 14
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

F

1

0

to implement stormwater discharge management controls known as BMPs (Best
Management Practices). According to the Public Works Director, the City is in the process
of developing stormwater rules. It is anticipated that the draft rules will be available in Fall
2004.
4.4 Regional Location Influences and Implications (See Figure 1)
The Greenville/Pitt County area has recently emerged as the commercial, cultural, educational,
retail, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina. Much of the growth and development can be
traced to the presence of East Carolina University, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Brody
School of Medicine, a diverse array of large-employer industries, a large concentration of small
businesses, and the eleventh-largest retail presence in the state. East Carolina University, the
third-largest university in the state with a student enrollment of 21,756 (projected to reach
27,000 by the year 2008), is a center of recreational activities, theatrical performances, and
cultural life in the area. ECU's sports events are popular with people from all over the state.
ECU's Dowdy-Ficken Stadium seats 43,000 for football games and Minges Coliseum seats 8,000
for basketball games. In addition, Pitt Community College (located within the ICE study area at
the intersection of Fire Tower Road and Memorial Drive) with an enrollment of 5,174 students is
the sixth-largest in the North Carolina Community College System. Pitt Community College
enrollment is projected to reach 7,000 students by 2007.
The creation of the Brody School of Medicine at ECU stimulated the emergence of University
Health Systems as a regional health care referral center serving a 29-county area. Pitt County
Memorial Hospital, eastern North Carolina's only Level 1 Trauma Center, has 731 beds, more
than 400 physicians and over 5,000 employees.
The Pitt-Greenville airport, located north of the Tar River and downtown Greenville, is served
by US Airways Express with daily scheduled flights to Charlotte and is home to more than 75
corporate aircrafts. Greenville is a rapidly growing retail center. Retail sales have grown an
average of 10 percent annually for over a decade. There are 21 major shopping centers with
over 429 retail establishments with 2,777,590 square feet of leaseable space located in Pitt
County.
4.5 Identification of Current and Proposed Transportation Plans
Neither Pitt County nor Greenville has an adopted transportation plan. The Greenville Area
MPO is currently in the process of developing a thoroughfare plan with an anticipated approval
date of Fall 2004. Pitt County, the City of Greenville, and the Town of Winterville have
endorsed the widening of Fire Tower Road from Corey Drive to Memorial Drive (U-3613B). In
addition, the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber ranked the U3613-B project "Priority #2" and
noted that improvements would "serve as a major east-west traffic carrier in the fast growing
urban area to the south."
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 15
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
' In addition to the U3613-B project, the following 2004-2010 TIP projects are located within the
ICE study area:
' • U3613-A (Fire Tower Road extension): This project proposes to construct a multi-lane
highway on new location between NC 11-903 (Memorial Drive) and SR 1128 (Davenport
' Farm Road). Right-of-way acquisition and construction for this project are scheduled for
post year. This project will provide additional east-west travel and provide access to the
future Southwest Bypass and the developing Forlines Road area.
' • U2817 - (Evans Street/Old Tar Road widening project): This project proposes to widen the
existing Evans Street/Old Tar Road from Main Street in Winterville to Greenville Boulevard
in Greenville. Right-of-way and construction are scheduled for post year. It is not
anticipated that this widening will stimulate additional development in the area; however, it
will rather serve to connect the growing residential areas of Greenville and Winterville to
Greenville Boulevard and downtown. In addition, this improvement will provide an
alternative north/south route to the heavily traveled and congested Memorial Drive.
• R2250 (Greenville Southwest Bypass): This project proposes to construct a four-lane
' divided facility on new location from NC 11 to the Greenville bypass. Right-of-way
acquisition is scheduled to begin in FY 06-07 with construction scheduled for post year. The
proposed bypass, located within the western portion of the ICE study area, will have a
strong influence on development. The bypass is to be located within the "Forlines Road"
area which is already experiencing residential development, and as previously noted, is
anticipated to be the next strong development location in Greenville. In a 7/23/04 interview,
Neil Holthouser, City of Greenville Senior Planner, stated that people are interested in
moving to this portion of Greenville in anticipation that the bypass will reduce commute
' times to the medical and educational employment areas as well as reduce travel time to I-95.
When completed, the Southwest Bypass will serve as a regional facility providing access
from the Global Transpark to the Tidewater area of Virginia.
• B3502 (Bridge #169 Replacement): This project was constructed in 2001 and entailed the
replacement of Bridge #169 which carries SR 1708 (Fire Tower Road) over Fork Swamp.
' City of Greenville 2004 Bond Referendum Projects
In order to meet the transportation needs of Greenville (outside of NCDOT TIP projects), City of
Greenville staff identified three high-priority projects that are proposed to improve vehicular
and pedestrian travel. Of the three projects, only the Thomas Langston Road Extension is
located within the ICE study area. This project provides for the extension of Thomas Langston
' Road from Memorial Drive to Evans Street at Regency Boulevard. This includes the
construction of approximately 6,000 feet of four-lane, median-divided thoroughfare with
sidewalks, widened outside lanes for bicycle use, and associated landscaping. While not
' anticipated to stimulate development, the project will provide an alternative east/west route
between Memorial Drive and Evans Street and should serve to reduce traffic congestion on
Greenville Boulevard, Evans Street, Memorial Drive, and Fire Tower Road. The project is
' anticipated to be complete by FY2007-2008.
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 16
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

5.0 NOTABLE FEATURES
The U3613-B project lies within the Coastal Plain physiographic province. The topography in
1 this section of Pitt County is characterized as nearly level to sloping. Soils within this portion of
Pitt County are suitable for development. Based on a review of the existing environmental
' documentation an inventory of notable features was assembled. A table indicating the name,
status, and location of these notable features is located in the appendix.
5.1 Water Resources
• The U3613-B project and the ICE study area are located in the Neuse River Basin, sub-basin
03-04-09.
• The proposed project crosses Fork Swamp and two unnamed tributaries.
• Fork Swamp is a tributary to Swift Creek and is classified as C Sw NSW. The C
classification denotes waters suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing,
wildlife, secondary recreation and agriculture. The supplemental classifications of Sw
(swamp waters) and NSW (nutrient sensitive water) denote waters that have low velocities
and waters that require limitation on nutrient inputs.
• Fork Swamp and its unnamed tributaries are jurisdictional surface waters under Section 404
of the Clean Water Act. As impacts to the jurisdictional surface waters are anticipated, both
Section 401 and Section 404 permits are required.
• No High Quality Waters, Water Supply Watersheds (WS-I or WS-II), or outstanding
resource waters are located within the ICE study area.
1 • No jurisdictional wetlands are located within the ICE study area.
• As noted on Figure 1, Swift Creek, west of the project limits but within the ICE study area, is
classified as a 303(d) impaired stream.
' 6.0 IMPACT-CAUSING ACTIVITIES
Impact-causing activities in the ICE study area may result from the widening project itself as
well as other past, present, and future planned projects that may be unrelated to the proposed
' project. These projects may include other transportation projects; private development projects
(residential, commercial, or industrial); as well as changes in local development regulations.
' 6.1 Project-Related Activities
As noted in the DOT ICI Guidance document, a transportation project may involve a number of
impact-causing activities such as construction impacts, induced growth, changes in traffic
patterns, access alteration, and conversion of land from its existing use to transportation use.
Construction-related impacts can be minimized to the greatest extent possible through the use
' of avoidance and best management practices. However, cumulative impacts to water quality
could result from nutrient or sediment-loaded stormwater runoff.
As the Fire Tower Road project is a widening on existing location which will enhance east-west
travel through Greenville, impact-causing activities include increased capacity and induced
growth/probable new development on the widened corridor.
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 17
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
• Increased Capacity - According to interviews with local citizens and City of Greenville
planning staff, once Fire Tower Road is widened it will become a preferred route for east-
west travel through Greenville as many people will choose to travel Fire Tower Road rather
than the heavily congested Greenville Boulevard. Dr. Mark Coffin, a resident of Winterville,
noted in a 7/23/04 interview that he would prefer to travel Fire Tower Road once widened as
opposed to Greenville Boulevard as Fire Tower Road has fewer traffic signals and the
increased number of lanes will make for a faster trip across town.
• New Development/Induced Growth - As noted in other sections of the report, the portion
of Fire Tower Road between Corey Drive and Old Tar/Evans Road has experienced a
substantial amount of residential and corresponding retail/restaurant development over the
past ten years, so the road widening in and of itself will not spur additional development in
this portion of the project. However, the widening of Fire Tower Road from the CSX rail line
' west to NC 11 when combined with the presence of water/sewer infrastructure and
aggressive marketing by the Pitt County Development Commission and local real estate
brokers should make this area attractive to commercial and/or light industrial development.
' 6.2 Recent/Proposed Development Activity
Recent Development Activity

1

At the present time, within the ICE study area, there
are at least five new subdivisions under construction
that when complete will add over 425 new homes to
the area. Three of the subdivisions are being built
north of Fire Tower Road between US 11 and Corey
Road, while the remaining subdivisions are being
constructed in the Thomas Langston Road area
northwest of US 11. In addition to residential
development, the Fire Tower Crossing retail center
with approximately 32,400 square feet of leasable
space opened on Fire Tower Road within the ICE
study area in 2003.
Fire Tower Road at Firetower Crossing Shopping Center
Proposed Development Activity
One of the largest tracts on Fire Tower Road (the 109 acre Paramore Tract located in the
northeast quadrant of Fire Tower Road and Evans/Old Tar Road) was recently purchased by
Clark Land Development, rezoned from agricultural to medium density residential, and
subdivision plans for up to 400 new homes were recently approved by the City of Greenville.
By far the largest area of potential development activity within the ICE study area is the
Forlines Road area. The majority of this area is currently outside of the city limits of Greenville
but resides within the Ell. As development occurs, water and sewer lines will be extended to
serve the area. The Forlines Road area (generally bounded by the proposed Southwest Bypass
TIP 03613-B Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 18
' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

r

to the west and NC 11 to the east) is projected to be home to 8,000 housing units and
approximately 21,360 residents at build-out. Given the number of housing units, it is anticipated
that complementary commercial development such as restaurants, grocery stores, and other
retail establishments will also locate within this area. In an effort to be proactive in siting
educational facilities within fast growing areas, the Pitt County School System built South
Central High School on Forlines Road in 2002. As a sign of the growth in the area, when the
school opened enrollment stood at 485 students yet within two years enrollment has increased
by 135 percent to 1,140 students.
7.0 POTENTIAL INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
TIP U3613-B, taken by itself, is not likely to induce substantial development or land use change.
In a 7/23/04 interview, Ron Svejkovsy, City of Greenville Transportation Planner, noted that the
construction of the Southwest Bypass (R-2250) will have more of an effect on future
development within Greenville and Pitt County than the Fire Tower Road widening project.
Local land use and transportation planners are in agreement that development will continue in
the Fire Tower Road area with or without the widening project. It is possible that induced
growth as a result of the U3613-B project could occur near the intersection of NC 11 and Fire
Tower Road. As the area is currently zoned for commercial/light industrial uses, has ample
vacant parcels with existing water/sewer infrastructure, and is being aggressively marketed by
the Pitt County Development Commission and local real estate brokers, it is an attractive area
for commercial and/or light industrial development. Over time as the number and size of
developable parcels are reduced and access to NC 11 and carrying capacity are improved, the
presence of water/sewer infrastructure may encourage infill and redevelopment of valuable,
under-developed parcels (such as the two mobile home parks) within the ICE study area.
TIP Project U3613-B is a minor component of a series of proposed road projects and anticipated
private development projects that, when considered together, constitute a cumulative impact on
the study area. The construction of R-2250 (the Southwest Bypass), the U3613-A (Fire Tower
Road extension), and the development of up to 8,000 housing units (and probable commercial
and complementary land uses) in the Forlines Road area will add a substantial number of
people and impervious surface to lands that are currently in agricultural and low-density
residential use. The knowledge that the Southwest Bypass is to be constructed has been
sufficient to induce growth as future residents choose to locate in an area with improved access
to the downtown and medical center employment areas as well as improved access to US 264
and I-95 to the west.
The NCDOT ICI Guidance document provides a process for assessing potential indirect and
cumulative effects of transportation projects to determine if more detailed analysis is warranted.
The following is an evaluation of the factors that may indicate a need for additional analysis of
the widening of Fire Tower Road, U3613-B.
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 19
1 Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis

• Is there an explicit economic development purpose? (NO) While the widening of Fire
Tower Road may stimulate some economic development within the ICE study area, there is
1 no explicit economic development purpose related to this project.
• Does the proposed project conflict with local plans? (NO)The project is consistent with
local land use plans detailed in section 4.3.2 of this report, is noted in the Draft Greenville
Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan, and is endorsed by the City of Greenville, the Town of
Winterville, Pitt County, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.
' • Is the proposed project planned to serve a specific land development? (NO) TIP U3613-B
is not meant to serve a specific development within the ICE study area.
• Is the proposed project likely to stimulate land development having complementary
functions? (MAYBE) The Fire Tower Road project is located in an urbanizing area of Pitt
County. Water and sewer infrastructure is in place along the entire extent of Fire Tower
Road and is either in place or is planned for the Forlines Road area. As noted in section 4.3.1,
1 there is adequate water and sewer capacity for expansion. Given the limited number of
sizable vacant/agricultural parcels available for residential development, it is anticipated
' that infill and redevelopment activities will occur. The pressure for complementary land
development should increase once the Southwest Bypass, TIP U3613-A, and the
development within the Forlines Road area are constructed.
' • Is the proposed project likely to influence intraregional land development location
decisions? (NO) There is a strong real estate development market in the area and while it
has slowed somewhat from the frenetic pace of the late 1990s it is anticipated that
development pressures will remain strong. Local officials have acknowledged that the Fire
Tower Road area will continue to experience growth with or without the widening project.
Therefore, it is not anticipated that the U3613-B project will cause shifts in development.
' • Are notable features present within the ICE study area? (YES) According to a review of
the environmental documentation, there are no historic architectural, archaeological, Section
1 4(f), or Section 6(f) resources within the ICE study area. There are four Federally-Protected
Species and seven Federal Species of Concern listed for Pitt County; however, according to
the November 2000 Environmental Assessment none of these species are located within the
ICE study area. Swift Creek, a 303(d) impaired stream, is located outside of the project
corridor, west of NC 11 in the western portion of the ICE study area.
• Will notable features be impacted as a result of this project? (NO) Fork Swamp and two
' unnamed tributaries will be the only surface water resources directly impacted by the
proposed widening project. Fork Swamp is a tributary to Swift Creek, which is listed as a
1 303(d) impaired stream. As NCDOT will adhere to BMP practices during construction it is
not anticipated that the widening of Fire Tower Road will have an indirect effect on Swift
Creek.
8.0 ANALYSIS OF INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
' The NCDOT/NCDENR ICI Guidance document, as well as the Oregon Guidebook, contains some
of the most current methodologies for assessing indirect and cumulative impacts. While the
NCDOT ICI Guidance provides various analytic tools as well as the overall framework for
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assessing whether a project has a high, moderate, or low "potential" for indirect and cumulative
impacts, the Oregon Guidebook includes additional techniques and quantitative methodologies
for assessing factors such as time savings, forecasted growth, available land supply, and
property value changes and their role in the potential effects from a transportation project. The
following table combines tools from both documents in an analysis of the potential for land use
change during the time horizon of this project, 2004 to 2025, as a result of the Fire Tower Road
widening project, U3613-B.
Table 7: Potential for Land Use Change, 2004 to 2025
Change Relationship
in between
Change in Property Forecasted Supply and ` Infirastructure Market for Public
Rating Accessibility Values Growth Demand Availabil *t Development Policy
<10 Year
Supply of No Public
Travel Time > 3% Land plus Water/Sewer Policy,
> > 50%o Annual Issues in the Available Very Strong Weak
Very Strong 10 minutes Increase Growth Area Now Market Enforcement
Weak
20 to 2 to 3% <10 Year Not Available Policy,
5 to 10 50% Annual Supply of Easily Strong Weak
Strong minutes Increase Growth Land Provided Market Enforcement
Moderate
1 to 2% Not Available Weak to Policy,
Weak to 2 to 5 0 to 20% Annual 10 to 20 Can be Moderate Occasional
Moderate minutes _ Increase Growth Year Supply Provided Market Enforcement
Strong
<1% Not Available Policy,
None to Very Less than 2 No Annual >20 and Difficult Weak Strong
Weak minutes change Growth Year Supply to Provide Market Enforcement
Source: NCDOT ICI Guidance Document, the Oregon Guidebook, NC State Data Center, City of Greenville, and
Pitt County.
As noted in Table 7 above, there will be a moderate to strong stimulus for land use change as
result of the provision of additional lanes and increased east-west mobility through Greenville.
Local planners are forecasting, and local residents are anticipating, a travel time savings as a
result of the widening project.
Local planners indicated that property values vary along the Fire Tower Road project area. As
the real estate development market is strong, land is continuing to develop along and
surrounding the project corridor. The widening project will improve access to properties along
the corridor and may make parcels without Fire Tower Road frontage more attractive. TIP
U3613-B may increase the light industrial/commercial property values along the western
portion of the project corridor. It is reasonable to surmise that the project may also decrease the
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residential property values of the single-family homes that directly abut Fire Tower Road.
Water and sewer infrastructure/capacity is available along the entirety of Fire Tower Road and
planners have indicated that to accommodate the projected growth, service is currently, or soon
will be, provided to the Forlines Road area west of Fire Tower Road.
It is projected that between 2000 and 2025, Pitt County will grow by 37.9 percent. However, this
figure was developed by the State Data Center, is conservative, and does not include the
projected 21,360 additional residents to be housed in the Forlines Road area at buildout.' As in
most urbanizing areas, the health of the employment sector has a direct effect on the growth of
the community. As employment in Greenville/Pitt County centers around education and health
care, the area is somewhat sheltered from economic downturns. After two site visits and several
interviews with local staff, it was surmised that a substantial amount of development has and is
currently taking place in the ICE study area. While growth is not expected to remain at the
frenetic pace of the late 1990's it will remain steady, and as a result a strong development
market will continue. In addition, once the Horizons Plan is adopted, growth management
policies designed to steer and promote growth in Greenville will be in place. The area is, and
should continue to be, the cultural, recreational, and shopping hub of Eastern North Carolina.
9.0 EVALUATION OF ANALYSIS RESULTS
Indirect Effects
The widening and improvement of Fire Tower Road between NC 11 and Corey Drive will
reduce congestion and provide an alternative east-west access through Greenville. With respect
to estimating the indirect impacts associated with this widening project, the research and
analysis indicate that growth is already occurring and will continue to occur within the ICE
study area irrespective of the widening project. Any indirect impacts within the ICE study area
would predominantly be in the form of induced growth near the NC 11 intersection and
possible redevelopment of under-developed properties.
Cumulative Effects
TIP Project U3613-B is a minor component of a series of proposed road projects (the Southwest
Bypass and the U3613-A Fire Tower Road extension) and anticipated private development
projects (Forlines Road and Paramore Tract developments) that, when considered together,
constitute a cumulative impact on the study area. It is anticipated that NPDES Phase II rules,
Neuse River buffers, City of Greenville subdivision and site plan ordinances, and the soon-to-
be-implemented City of Greenville stormwater regulations will support appropriate land
development and in turn minimize development-related impacts on water quality.
' No further study or analysis is recommended at this time; however, additional analysis should
be undertaken in the future as planning for the R-2250 Greenville Southwest Bypass project
progresses.
' 1 Please note that State Data Center utilizes an Adjusted Migration technique to project population. This technique
does not take into account land-use based population and housing unit growth but rather focuses on migration, birth
' rates, death rates, and institutional effects.
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' Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
10.0 PHOTOGRAPHS
New subdivision abutting Fire Tower Road
'r s JL
?qpC Eab\ R]?LLi YrBf?.'Y AYNS?
West towards NC 11 on Fire Tower Road
View of Paramore Tract from Evans Road/Fire
Tower Road Intersection
TIP 03613-8 Fire Tower Road - Pitt County 23
Indirect and Cumulative Effects Analysis
Project Terminus at NC 11
11.0 SOURCES
' Academic Program FTE Projection Research Report, Pitt County Community College, Planning and Research
Division, May 2003.
1 City of Greenville website, www.ci.greenville.nc.us, 7/21/04.
Dr. Mark Coffin, Winterville resident, personal interview, 7/23/04.
Greenville Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, www.greenvillenc.org, 7/21/04.
' Horizons, City of Greenville Draft Comprehensive Plan, 2004.
' Kittrell and Armstrong, Real Estate Brokers, phone interview, 252-355-0088, September 2, 2004.
Neil Holthauser, City of Greenville Planning Department, personal interview, 7/23/04.
' NCDENR Division of Water Quality website, www.h2o.enr.state.nc.us, 8/19/04.
NCDENR Division of Water Quality, Draft Internal Policy - Cumulative Impacts and the 401 Water Quality
' Certification and Isolated Wetland Programs, version 1.6, October 3, 2002.
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program website, www,ncsl2arks.net/nhp/elements2.fm/ September 7,
' 2004.
North Carolina State Data Center, www.demog.state.nc.us, 7/21/04.
North Carolina Employment Security Commission, www.esc.state.nc.us, 7/21/04.
Pitt County Development Commission, www.locateincarolina.com, 7/21/04.
Pitt County website, www.co.pitt.nc.us, 7/21/04.
' Ronald Svejkovsky, Transportation Planner, City. of Greenville. Public Works Department, personal
interview, 7/23/04.
' States Urban Areas Show Growth from '03, newsobserver.com, July 15, 2004.
1 Strategies for Distinction - University Directions 2004-2009, East Carolina University, Department of
Institutional Planning Research and Effectiveness.
' The Louis Berger Group, NCDOTINCDENR Indirect and Cumulative Impact Assessment Guidance: Integrated
NEPAISEPAI401 Eight-Step ICI Assessment Process, January 21, 2004.
Tom Tysinger, PE, City of Greenville Public Works Director, personal interview, 7/23/04.
Town of Winterville website, www.wintervillenc.com, 7/21/04.
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APPENDIX

I City of Greenville, 2004 Greenway Master Plan - Project 29 Description and Map
Pitt County Notable Features

11

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GR V LLE
7GREENWAYS
29. Fire Tower
Priority Area E
North Terminus: Charles Blvd/Fire Tower Rd intersection (east)
South Terminus: Fire Tower Rd/Fork Swamp crossing (west)
Length: 1.8 miles
Trail Type: Type 5 (sidewalk)
Greenway Function: Transportation and recreation
Surface Type: Concrete sidewalk
Greenway Routing:
• Follows along either side of Fire Tower Rd from Charles Blvd to Fork
Swamp
• Connects multiple trail segments.
Opportunities:
• Connector to several trail systems
• Ability to build sidewalks on both sides of Fire Tower Rd during the
anticipated Fire Tower Rd widening project (No. U-3613)
Constraints:
• The need to build sidewalks (cost issue)
• Road crossings (safety and cost issue)
Associated Costs:
• $180,000 for 1.8 miles of new sidewalks.
Page 78 2004 Greenway Master Plan
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LE 2004 Greenway Master Plan Page 79

Appendix ll - Notable Features
Federal) Protected Species for Pitt County
Scientific name Common Name Status
Elliptio steinstansama ar spinymussel Endangered
Haliaeetus leuocephalus Bald eagle reatened
Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker Endangered
Vichechus manatus West Indian Manatee Endangered
Endangered.- a species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
' Threatened-a species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant
portion of its range.
1

Federal Species of Concern for Pitt County
Scientific name Common Name NC Status Habitat
mmodramus henslowii Henslow's sparrow SR No
Heterodon simus Southern hognose snake SR/PSC No
Lythrurus matutinus Pinewoods shiner SR Yes
Fusconaia masoni tlanaitc pigtoe /PE No
Lampsilis medialis Yellow lampmussel /PE No
Procambarus medialis Tar River crayfish W3 Yes
Oxypolis ternata Savanna cowbane W1 No
ofieldia labra Carolina asphodel C No
"T""-A Threatened species is one which is likely to become endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its
range.
"C" -A Candidate species is one which is very rare in North Carolina, generally with 1-20 populations in the state, generally substantially reduced in
numbers by habitat destruction, direct exploitation or disease. The species is also either rare throughout its range or disjunct in North Carolina from a
main range in a different part of the country or the world.
"SR""-A Significantly Rare species is one which is very rare in North Carolina, generally with 1-20 populations in the state, generally substantially
reduced in numbers by habitat destruction, direct exploitation or disease. The species is generally more common elsewhere in its range, occurring
peripherally in North Carolina.
"Wi"--A Watch Category I species is a rare species whose status in North Carolina is relatively well known and which appears to be relatively secure at
' this time.
"W3""-A Watch Category 3 species Is a species which is poorly known in North Carolina, but is not necessarily considered to be declining.
' "Ip- -denotes a species which has been formally proposed for listing as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern, but has not yet completed the
listing process.
* - Historic record - the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago.

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Impaired Waterways
Stream Name Location Classification Sub basin Year Listed Miles
Pitt County Source to Palmetto
Swift Creek Swamp 303 (d) 30409 1998 2.6
1