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Home My WebLink About20210553 Ver 1_U-5896 Final CIA_20211011 STIP U-5896 Guilford County COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PLANNER, FIRM: Diana Young-Paiva Three Oaks Engineering DIVISION: 7 Existing No. of Lanes: I-85 Business: 4-lane divided Existing Median: Yes NCDOT PROJECT MANAGER: Laura Sutton, PE WBS: 44674.1.1 Proposed No. of Lanes: 4 Addition of Median(s): No DOCUMENT TYPE: NEPA SEPA Existing control of access: No Control Partial Control Limited Control Full Control Proposed control of access: No Control Partial Control Limited Control Full Control CS PROJECT REVIEWER Herman Huang PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Reconstruct the Interchange at U.S. 29 – 70 / I-85 Business and South Main Street (S.R. 1009) in High Point. Community Context North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Project U-5896 proposes to reconstruct the US 29/US 70/I-85 Business interchange at South Main Street/US 311 (SR 1009) in the City of High Point, Guilford County. A separate NCDOT project, STIP B-5353, is located within the project study area. STIP Project B-5353 proposes to replace Bridge Number 147 on US 29/US 70/I-85 over South Main Street. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document was completed for STIP Project B-5353 in August 2017. NCDOT intends to purchase right of way and construct the two projects jointly. STIP Project U-5896 would replace the existing shared two-directional ramps located in each of the four quadrants of the interchange with a diamond interchange. The project proposes a four-lane median divided typical section for South Main Street, with bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides, and with turn lanes and traffic signals at the ramp intersections. A temporary bridge would be built approximately 80 feet to the east of the existing bridge to allow maintenance of traffic in the project corridor during construction. The City of High Point Market is known as the host city for High Point Market, the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world. High Point Market draws more than 85,000 visitors to High Point twice a year. As one of the main thoroughfares through High Point, South Main Street serves as a gateway to the downtown area for local residents and visitors. The surrounding area is comprised primarily of commercial development, with single-family and multi-family neighborhoods nearby. STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 2 STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 3 Notable Characteristics  The municipally-owned Blair Park Golf Course, a potential Section 4(f) resource, is located at 1901 South Main Street within the potential project footprint.  Sidewalks are located along the north side of South Main Street throughout the DCIA, and along portions of the south side of South Main Street. Local plans recommend sidewalks on both sides of South Main Street and the City of High Point has requested that the bridge span for I-85 Business be wide enough to also accommodate bike lanes. Local plans also recommend a future greenway/shared use path along Richland Creek, crossing I- 85 Business in the vicinity of the existing Richland Creek culvert that is proposed to be retained.  Eight pedestrians were observed walking throughout the DCIA during the field visit.  The Hi Tran transit system’s South Main Route 11 operates along South Main Street through the DCIA.  I-85 Business is a controlled access highway within the DCIA. Businesses located along South Main Street have driveway access to South Main Street. In addition, several businesses located in the northeast, southeast and southwest quadrants also have driveway access to the existing shared two-directional ramps that connect South Main Street to I-85 Business.  Development within the DCIA is primarily commercial, including strip retail development, automobile related businesses, motels, light industrial development, and furniture showrooms.  I-85 Business is a heavily used route that experiences a high call volume for emergency responders. High Point Fire Station #6 is located near the project, just off South Main Street, approximately 1,500 feet east of I- 85 Business.  Community resources located within the DCIA include the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, First Pentecostal Holiness Church, and Southside Mission, a non-denominational ministry that provides free hot meals three days a week, serving homeless and low-income populations living nearby.  Census data indicates a notable presence of minority and low-income populations meeting the criteria for Environmental Justice (EJ) and populations protected by Title VI and related statutes within the Demographic Study Area (DSA), and minority and low-income communities were observed within the DCIA during the field visit and were noted by local planners.  Census data indicates the presence of populations representing three primary language groups within the DSA that exceed the US Department of Justice Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Safe Harbor threshold, including Spanish, Other Indo-European, and Asian/Pacific. Potential Project Impacts  Additional right-of-way needs may require acquisition of a small portion of Blair Park Golf Course, a potential Section 4(f) resource.  The project will have a minor temporary impact on existing sidewalks, but long term will provide benefits through the provision of 4-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of South Main Street, which is consistent with local plans.  The project may have a temporary impact on pedestrian activity during construction; however, long term, the project will have a positive impact on pedestrians by providing a safer walkable environment.  The project may have a temporary impact on transit riders if the project requires temporary relocation of bus stops during construction. The project may also have minor temporary impacts on bus service due to construction-related delays.  The project may have minor temporary impacts on access during construction. Although the project will require the relocation of some businesses, the remaining businesses would retain driveway access. Impacts related to relocation will be mitigated through the right-of-way acquisition process.  The onsite detour proposed by the project would have lesser impacts on emergency response compared to an off-site detour, and is preferred by Guilford County. However, the County requests coordination prior to construction to assist with planning for construction-related delays.  The project would have a minor impact on user access to the Boys and Girls Club and some users may have to follow a less direct route to reach the Boys and Girls Club; however, access would be retained. The project would have a high degree of impact on vulnerable populations served by the Southside Mission if a suitable nearby facility is not available for relocation.  Notably adverse community impacts are anticipated with this project and these effects appear to affect EJ populations notably more than the general population and have higher adverse effects on the EJ population than on the general population; thus, impacts to minority and low-income populations appear to be STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 4 disproportionately high and adverse. Benefits and burdens resulting from the project are not anticipated to be equitably distributed throughout the community. Disparate impacts are anticipated under Title VI. Findings and Recommendations  The NCDOT Project Manager should continue to coordinate with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the City of High Point to determine the classification of, and level of impacts to the Blair Park Golf Course as a potential Section 4(f) resource.  Should sidewalk and bicycle lane designs change notably during the final design phase of the project, the NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and the City of High Point to evaluate the inclusion of bicycle/pedestrian facilities in the final designs.  The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and Work Zone Safety to evaluate the necessary level of pedestrian access accommodation during construction.  The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with High Point Transit System officials to evaluate the necessary level of bus rider access accommodation during construction.  The NCDOT Project Manager should ensure that access to properties, including businesses, is maintained throughout the construction period.  The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with Guilford County Emergency Services and the City of High Point Fire Chief prior to construction regarding potential construction-related delays for emergency responders.  The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Community Studies regarding suitable level of coordination that should be undertaken as part of relocation assistance with the Southside Mission that serves the nearby EJ populations. This will also address EJ and disparate impact concerns. Public involvement and outreach activities must ensure full and fair participation of all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process.  Because notable Spanish, Indo-European, and Asian/Pacific-language-speaking populations requiring language assistance are located within the DCIA, the NCDOT Project Manager should consult with NCDOT Public Involvement to determine appropriate measures assuring meaningful public involvement to satisfy the requirements of Executive Order 12898. Indirect and Cumulative Effects Statement  The project will not alter travel patterns, reduce travel time, affect access to properties in the area, or open areas for development or redevelopment. Due to its minimal transportation impact-causing activities, this project will neither influence nearby land uses nor stimulate growth. Therefore, a detailed indirect and cumulative effects study will not be necessary. COMMUNITY CONTEXT MAP STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 6 DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY AREA STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 7 COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS, IMPACTS & RECOMMENDATIONS Community Resource Presence RECREATIONAL RESOURCE(S) OR ACTIVITY Presence Are there any recreational resources, areas, or observed activities in the Direct Community Impact Area? If Federally-funded, are these potential 4(f) resources? Blair Park Golf Course, a potential Section 4(f) resource, is located at 1901 South Main Street within the potential project footprint. The golf course is an 18-hole public golf course with tennis courts, owned by the City of High Point. The course was originally constructed as a nine-hole course in 1931 and later expanded in the mid-1940s to an 18-hole course. A semi-circle driveway at the front of the club house ties to South Main Street, while additional access is via Nathan Hunt Drive. YES, SEPA Parks & Recreation YES, NEPA potential 4(f); adjacent to/accessed from the project corridor YES, NEPA potential 4(f); present in DCIA but not adjacent to or accessed from the project corridor NO Impacts Additional right-of-way needs near the Greenview Terrace intersection with South Main Street may require acquisition of a small portion of the potential Section 4(f) resource. The project would not impact the operation of the potential Section 4(f) resource but would require a sliver of right of way along the South Main Street frontage. YES, SEPA Impact YES, potential NEPA impact NO Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should continue to coordinate with FHWA and the City of High Point to determine the classification of, and level of impacts to the Blair Park Golf Course as a potential Section 4(f) resource. YES NO SECTION 6(F) LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND RESOURCES Presence Are there any areas protected under Section 6(f) in the Direct Community Impact Area? YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to impact identified Section 6(f) Land & Water Conservation Fund Resources? YES NO Recommendation YES NO FARMLAND SOILS Presence Are there any farmland soils within the project footprint? YES, SEPA YES, NEPA (FPPA) NO, not present Not applicable - urbanized area Impacts Is the project likely to have a notable impact on identified farmland soils? YES, SEPA conversion YES, NEPA does not exceed FPPA threshold YES, NEPA exceeds FPPA threshold NO Recommendation YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 8 VOLUNTARY & ENHANCED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS [VAD/EVAD] Presence Is there a Voluntary Agricultural District or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District in the project footprint? YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to impact designated Voluntary Agricultural Districts or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts? YES NO Recommendation YES NO AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES AND ACTIVITY Presence Are there any active agricultural operations located in the Direct Community Impact Area? Is there any documented activity related to goods movement in the Direct Community Impact Area (e.g. farm or logging trucks, tractors, or other agricultural equipment)? YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to impact identified agricultural operations? YES NO Recommendation YES NO BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND/OR GREENWAY FACILITIES AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION Presence Are there existing bicycle, pedestrian, greenway or other active transport facilities located in the Direct Community Impact Area? Are there future plans for bicycle, pedestrian, greenway or active transport facilities to be located in the Direct Community Impact Area? Sidewalks are located along the north side of South Main Street throughout the DCIA, and along the south side of South Main Street from Nathan Hunt Drive to NW Cloverleaf Place (RMP- 4022 and RMP-4021) the existing I-85 Business two-way ramp in the southwest quadrant of the interchange. The City of High Point Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan (2017) identifies South Main Street as a proposed Enhanced Corridor which includes a recommendation for sidewalks on both sides. The CE for STIP Project B-5353 (2017) states that it is anticipated that the City’s Bicycle Master Plan under development will recommend Main Street as a bicycle facility, and that the City therefore requested that the B-5353 designs for the bridge span be wide enough to accommodate future bike lanes on South Main Street. At the time of this document (August 2018), the bicycle master plan is still under development. A planned shared-use path/greenway intersects the southwest edge of the DCIA along Richland Creek. The conceptual greenway alignment crosses I-85 Business in the vicinity of the existing culvert under I-85 Business that is proposed to be retained by this project. The alignment is conceptual, and no ROW has been purchased. YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to result in impacts to bicycle, pedestrian, and/or greenway facilities? The project designs, which include 4-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of South Main Street throughout the extent of the project, are consistent with local plans. While the existing sidewalks would be impacted YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 9 during construction, the net impact is positive in that expanded sidewalk facilities and new bicycle lanes will be provided. The project will not have an impact on the planned shared-use path/greenway in that the project designs do not preclude future development of a path/greenway. Recommendation Should sidewalk and bicycle lane designs change notably during the final design phase of the project, the NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and the City of High Point to evaluate the inclusion of bicycle/pedestrian facilities in the final designs. YES NO BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY Presence Were bicyclists, pedestrians or worn paths observed in the Direct Community Impact Area? Eight pedestrians were observed walking throughout the DCIA during the field visit. YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to result in impacts to bicycle or pedestrian activity? The project may have a temporary impact on pedestrian activity during construction. Long term, the project will have a positive impact on pedestrians by providing consistent 5-foot sidewalks along both sides of South Main Street, which should provide a safer walkable environment for pedestrians. YES NO Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and Work Zone Safety to evaluate the necessary level of pedestrian access accommodation during construction. YES NO TRANSIT ROUTES, FACILITIES, AND/OR ACTIVITY Presence Are transit routes present in the Direct Community Impact Area? Were buses, transit stops or route signs observed on the site visit? Were any riders observed using or known to use these facilities? Were any of these riders special users? High Point Transit System, owned and operated by the City of High Point, provides fixed route bus service, paratransit service, and door to door demand responsive service for the elderly. Hi Tran’s South Main Route 11 operates along South Main through the DCIA. Based on field visit observations, a bus stop located in front of the Fast Fuels service station serves a homeless population living in the surrounding area, as well as residents of the nearby East Gate condominiums. During a discussion with a bus rider who was waiting at the stop, the rider noted that many mothers with young children use the stop, adding that a bus shelter is needed to serve that population. YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to result in impacts to transit routes, facilities, and/or activity? The project may have a temporary impact on transit riders if the project requires temporary relocation of bus stops during construction. The project may also have minor temporary impacts on bus service due to construction-related delays. YES NO Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with High Point Transit System officials to evaluate the necessary level of bus rider access accommodation during construction. YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 10 LOCAL AREA PLANS, GOALS, AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY Presence Are there any local area plans, goals, or zoning initiatives specifically affecting the Direct Community Impact Area (e.g. comprehensive plan; corridor or thoroughfare plan; small area plan; long-range growth plan; health impact assessment; etc.)? Has recent development activity occurred in the Direct Community Impact Area and/or are there known plans for public or private development activity in the Direct Community Impact Area? The City of High Point Planning Administrator indicated that there are two plans that pertain to this area, the City of High Point Core City Plan (2007) and the City of High Point Land Use Plan (2000). The Planning Administrator reported that the project is consistent with these local plans, and that there are no known plans for development in the vicinity of the project. YES NO Impacts Is the project consistent or not consistent with existing plans, regulations, and policies at the local, regional, or state level? CONSISTENT NOT CONSISTENT Recommendation YES NO DRIVEWAYS AND CROSS STREETS Presence Are there any driveways or intersections located along the project corridor? I-85 Business is a controlled access highway within the project area. All the businesses located along South Main Street have driveway access to South Main Street. In addition, several businesses located in the northeast, southeast and southwest quadrants also have driveway access to the existing shared two-directional ramps. YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to result in access or accessibility impacts to driveways and cross streets? Although the project will require the relocation of some businesses (see below), the remaining businesses would retain driveway access either to South Main Street or to SW Cloverleaf Place. The existing I-85 Business shared two- directional ramps in the southeast quadrant of the interchange would be converted to a dead end road. The project may have minor temporary impacts on access during construction, but access would be maintained. YES NO Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should ensure that access to properties is maintained throughout the construction period. YES NO BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES AND TRANSPORTATION ACTIVITY Presence Are any specific business and/or economic resources present in the Direct Community Impact Area (e.g. business parks or districts, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, etc.)? Is there any documented activity related to goods movement in the Direct Community Impact Area (e.g. tractor- trailers, or industrial traffic)? There are small businesses located all along South Main Street including a small strip shopping center east of the interchange that includes a number of vacancies. The DCIA also includes two furniture showrooms: Furniture Land South, a large retail showroom at 2200 S Main Street; and, Southern Furniture Company, a warehouse/showroom at 205 Model Farm Road that is occupied only during the High Point Market. The DCIA also includes a handful of industrial businesses that are part of a larger industrial district, a vacant restaurant/former dinner theater, and two motels, the vacant Knights Inn/ Budget Inn in the northwest quadrant, and Motel 6 in the southeast quadrant within the existing I-85 business ramp. Presumably, the industrial businesses and the furniture showrooms rely on tractor-trailer truck access. YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 11 Impacts Is the project likely to result in impacts to business and economic resources? The project would require the relocation of several businesses located within or adjacent to the existing shared two-directional ramps in the northeast, southeast, and southwest quadrants of the interchange, and along South Main Street near the eastern project terminus. Impacts related to relocation will be mitigated through the right-of-way acquisition process. Access to remaining businesses would be maintained throughout the construction period. Should project construction result in traffic delays, the existing road network provides alternate connections for area businesses to I-85 Business by way of two nearby interchanges: Brentwood Street, approximately 0.8 miles to the north, and Surrett Drive (SR 4053), approximately 0.6 miles to the south. YES NO Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should ensure that access to businesses is maintained throughout the construction period. YES NO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES (EMS) OPERATIONS Presence Did the EMS local official note any emergency services operations within the Direct Community Impact Area that may be affected by the project, such as stations or corridors that are primary response routes? High Point Fire Station # 6 is located just off South Main Street, approximately 1,500 feet east of I-85 Business. The Guilford County Emergency Services representative interviewed for this report indicated that I-85 Business is a heavily used route with high call volume for emergency services. YES NO NO RESPONSE Impacts As checked on Local EMS Input Form The Guilford County Emergency Services representative indicated an offsite detour would result in substantial impact, but that impacts would be less under the current designs, which propose construction of a temporary bridge allowing maintenance of traffic in the corridor during construction. The onsite detour proposed by the project is preferred by the County. However, to assist with planning for construction-related delays, coordination prior to construction is requested. YES NO NO RESPONSE Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with Guilford County Emergency Services and the City of High Point Fire Chief prior to construction regarding potential construction-related delays for emergency responders. YES NO SCHOOL BUS ROUTES Presence Did the local school transportation official note any school bus routes within the Direct Community Impact Area that may be affected by the project? YES NO NO RESPONSE Impacts As checked on Local Schools Input Form YES NO NO RESPONSE Recommendation YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 12 COMMUNITY RESOURCES Presence Are there any notable community resources located in the Direct Community Impact Area, including places of worship; private and/or public schools; adult education and/or training facilities; daycares; cemeteries; private or public social service agencies; government facilities; other important destinations or resources for local residents? The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club is located within the DCIA at 121 SW Cloverleaf Place, the existing I-85 Business shared two-directional ramps in the southeast quadrant of the interchange. The facility includes two ball fields and a free-play area. The Boys and Girls Club is a private, not for profit organization that provides a variety of programs for kids and teens during out-of-school hours. Southside Mission is a non-denominational ministry that is part of His Laboring Few Ministries, based in nearby Thomasville. Southside Mission is located in a rented building on South Main Street between Model Farm Road and the shared two-directional ramps in the northeast quadrant of the interchange. According to Pastor Steve Ervin with His Laboring Few Ministries, the primary objective of Southside Mission is to feed the hungry. Volunteers serve hot meals three afternoons each week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 p.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m. Between 50-75 meals are served each day of operation. The program is supported entirely through donations. The pastor reported that people served by the Mission include those living in nearby homeless camps (in the wooded area by the vacant motel in the northwest quadrant of the interchange) and low income families with children living nearby, on both sides of the interchange. The location of the facility is important to the Mission’s outreach, as ninety percent of the people they serve live within walking distance and walk to reach the Mission, although some do use public transportation. Pastor Ervin noted that His Laboring Few Ministries had challenges finding an available property to lease in the area, and that it took three years to complete the City’s permitting process to be able to open for operation. Additional information about Southside Mission is found in Appendix E. The First Pentecostal Holiness Church is located at 100 Kenilworth Drive in the DCIA. The church owns property with structures on both sides of Kenilworth Drive. YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to impact identified community resources, either directly or by affecting user access? The project would have a minor impact on user access to the Boys and Girls Club, in that SW Cloverleaf Place would be converted to a dead end road with a connection to South Main Street, but would no longer tie directly to I-85 Business. Some users may have to follow a less direct route to reach the Boys and Girls Club; however, access would be retained. The project would require that Southside Mission be relocated. Although impacts to the facility related to relocation will be mitigated through the right-of- way acquisition process, it is not known if suitable nearby property is available for relocation. Based on the initial difficulty reported by His Laboring Few Ministries with finding a location for the Mission within the area, it may be difficult to find an affordable replacement location nearby. Due to the importance of location for the Mission’s outreach, the project would have a high degree of impact on vulnerable populations served by this community resource if a suitable nearby facility is not available for relocation. YES NO Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Community Studies regarding suitable level of coordination that should be undertaken as part of relocation assistance with the Southside Mission that serves nearby homeless and low-income populations. This will also address EJ and disparate impact concerns. Public involvement and outreach activities must ensure full and fair participation of all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process. YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 13 COMMUNITY COHESION Presence Were any specific signs or indicators of community cohesion observed / found within the Direct Community Impact Area? YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to alter the overall functioning of an identifiable district (e.g. interactions between, or isolation of, persons and groups; or change in the physical makeup of the community)? Is the project likely to disrupt connections between neighborhoods and commercial, recreational, institutional and employment facilities and/or areas? YES NO Recommendation YES NO COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY Presence Are there any existing or perceived crime or safety issues in the Direct Community Impact Area, including unsafe bicycle or pedestrian facilities, inadequate lighting and/or isolated or poorly connected areas? YES NO Impact Is the project likely to change any existing or perceived crime or safety issues? YES NO Recommendation YES NO AREA/COMMUNITY CONCERNS Presence Are there any known community concerns or controversy relative to the project? If concerns were voiced during Public Involvement activities, please attach the relevant comment sheets or meeting comment summary in the Appendix. YES NO Impacts Is the project likely to be incompatible with or not address community concerns? YES NO Recommendation YES NO OTHER IMPACTS Are there any other potential impacts associated with the project? YES NO Recommendation YES NO RECURRING EFFECTS Impacts Is the project likely to result in recurring effects on any populations and communities within the Direct Community Impact Area? YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 14 Recommendation YES NO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (EJ) AND TITLE VI POPULATIONS Presence Are there any populations living in the Demographic Study Area that meet the criteria for Environmental Justice and/or Title VI? If so, note which groups are present (check all that apply): Minority Low-Income Title VI (non-EJ) Census data indicates a notable presence of minority and low-income populations meeting the criteria for Environmental Justice within the Demographic Study Area (DSA), and minority and low-income communities were observed within the DCIA during the field visit and were noted by local planners. During the field visit, minority populations were observed throughout the western DCIA, and Spanish language signage on South Main Street east of I-85 Business indicates the presence of Spanish-language speakers who may also represent minority populations. Based on field visit observations, there is a transient homeless population living on private property in the wooded area north of South Main Street behind the Fast Fuels service station and possibly in the vacant motel on the same property in the northwest quadrant of the interchange. The boarded up motel appears to have squatters living there. In addition, the pastor for His Laboring Few Ministries which operates the Southside Mission reported that low income populations served by the Southside Mission live near the project on both sides of I-85 Business. As described below, each of the five Census Tract (CT) Block Group (BG)s that comprise the DSA have notable minority and low-income populations: CT 142 BG 2- 57% of the population is minority and 49.9% are living below the poverty level CT 142 BG 3- 91.7% of the population is minority and 68.9% are living below the poverty level CT 143 BG 4- 72.8% of the population is minority and 41.9% of the population is considered Near Poor CT 145.01 BG 1- 52.0% of the population is minority and 30.0% of the population is living below the poverty level CT 145.02 BG 2- 80.9% of the population is minority and 37.2% of the population is living below the poverty level Not present according to Census data and observation/local input Present; Census data indicates presence but there is no observation/local input to confirm Present; Census data does not indicate presence but communities were observed Present according to Census and communities were observed Impacts Is the project likely to have a disproportionately high and adverse impact, including denial of benefits, on identified Environmental Justice and/or Title VI populations in the Direct Community Impact Area? If Southside Mission cannot find a suitable nearby location to relocate to, that is reachable by walking, bicycling or public transportation, then there will be a notable adverse impact to the homeless, addicts and low income populations served by the Mission. The EJ populations living within the DCIA that are served by the Mission will bear a burden, but not realize the benefits of the project. Notably adverse community impacts are anticipated with this project and these effects appear to affect EJ populations notably more than the general population and have higher adverse effects on the EJ population than on the general population; thus, impacts to minority and low-income populations appear to be disproportionately high and adverse. Benefits and burdens resulting from the project are not anticipated to be equitably distributed throughout the community. Disparate impacts are anticipated under Title VI. No impacts; no EJ or Title VI population present No impacts; EJ and/or Title VI population present Community Impacts; no EJ or Title VI population present Impacts; EJ and/or Title VI population present; “No” finding Impacts; EJ and/or Title VI population present; “Yes” finding STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 15 Recommendation The NCDOT Project Manager should coordinate with NCDOT Community Studies regarding suitable level of coordination that should be undertaken as part of relocation assistance with the Southside Mission that serves the nearby EJ populations. This will also address EJ and disparate impact concerns. Public involvement and outreach activities must ensure full and fair participation of all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process. YES NO LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY [LEP] OR LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE [LA] POPULATIONS Presence Are there any populations living in the Demographic Study Area that meet the criteria for Limited English Proficiency? Are there any populations within the Demographic Study Area that do not meet the LEP threshold but do meet the criteria for Language Assistance? Census data indicates the presence of populations representing three primary language groups within the DSA that exceed the US Department of Justice Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Safe Harbor threshold. Of those within the DSA who speak English less than very well, Spanish is the primary language for 9.6% of the DSA population. Other Indo-European is the primary language group for 11.9% of the DSA population, with Urdu the primary language spoken within that group. Asian/Pacific languages are spoken by 5.8% of the DSA population with Laotian and Vietnamese the primary languages within that language group. A laundromat and a hair salon located within the DCIA along South Main Street, east of I-85 Business, have Spanish-language signage, which indicates the likely presence of Spanish-speakers nearby. NCDOT provided Spanish language translation of vital documents at the public meeting that was held July 31, 2018. Of the approximately twenty people who attended the meeting, none requested translation assistance. No LEP or LA No LEP, but LA population is present LEP population present [and LA population present] Recommendation Because notable Spanish, Indo-European, and Asian/Pacific-language-speaking populations requiring language assistance are located within the DCIA, the NCDOT Project Manager should consult with NCDOT Public Involvement to determine appropriate measures assuring meaningful public involvement to satisfy the requirements of Executive Order 12898. YES NO ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS NOTABLE POPULATION GROWTH OR DECLINE Presence Has the DSA experienced notable population growth or decline in recent years? If the average annualized DSA population growth is higher than 1.5%, note the growth in the county and how it compares. Decline Greater than 1.5% annual growth (in DSA) YES NO STIP PROJECTS Presence Are there any reasonably foreseeable STIP projects within 3 miles of this project and/or that have the potential to affect or be affected by this project? STIP Project B-5353 proposes to replace Bridge Number 147 on US 29/US 70/I-85 over South Main Street. YES NO TRAFFIC GENERATING FACILITY OR NODE YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 16 Presence Is there a node or facility that generates a notable level of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in the Direct Community Impact Area? ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE(S) THAT UTILIZE A TEMPORARY ON-SITE DETOUR YES NO (N/A) EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION WORK SCHEDULES YES NO OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS YES NO STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 17 SOURCES Beeson, Bryan. ESV Support Services Coordinator, Guilford County EMS, Phone (336) 641-4180 (Appendix C Local Official Input Forms). 08/09/2018 Blair Park Golf Course http://www.blairparkgc.com/ accessed 08/09/2018 City of High Point, High Point Core City Plan, Master Plan, February 8, 2007. https://www.highpointnc.gov/241/Publications accessed 08/13/2018. City of High Point, Land Use Plan, 2000. https://www.highpointnc.gov/241/Publications accessed 08/13/2018 City of High Point, Pedestrian Plan, March 2017. https://www.highpointnc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7931/Pedestrian- Plan-2017?bidId= accessed 08/09/2018. City of High Point, High Point Bikeway, Greenway, and Trails Master Plan, 2010. https://www.highpointnc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7313/High-Point-Bikeway-Greenway-and-Trails-Master-Plan-with- map?bidId= accessed 08/09/2018. City of High Point, Hi Tran Routes & Schedule. https://www.highpointnc.gov accessed 08/09/2018. Ervin, Steve. Pastor, His Laboring Few Ministries, Phone (336) 475-2455 (Appendix E Additional Information). 09/06/2018 Glanti, Heidi. Planning Administrator, City of High Point, Phone (336) 883-3329 (Appendix C Local Official Input Forms). 08/13/2018. High Point Market http://www.highpointmarket.org/about-market accessed 08/09/2018. McSweeney, Beatrice. TIMS Coordinator, Guilford County Schools, Phone (336) 370-8920 (Appendix C Local Official Input Forms). 08/20/2018. Minnesota Population Center. National Historical Geographic Information System: Version 11.0 [Database]. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota. 2016. http://doi.org/10.18128/D050.V11.0. Census 2000/Census 2010 Time Series Tables Geographically Standardized. North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (CGIA). Digital GIS Wild and Scenic Rivers data set. Geospatial data downloaded from http://data.nconemap.com/ on 11/06/2014. NCDOT, GIS Unit. GIS Data Layers for Integrated Statewide Road Network Data, Statewide Primary & Secondary Road Routes, NCDOT Bike Routes, Airports, and NCDOT Rail Track. Geospatial data downloaded from https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/gis/pages/gis-data-layers.aspx on 08/24/2015. U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010. U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015). United States Department of the Interior (USDOI), National Park Service (NPS), Land and Water Conservation Fund. http://projects.invw.org/data/lwcf/grants-nc.html website accessed 08/09/2018. APPENDIX ITEMS A. Summary of Demographics Used in Tabular Form B. Site Photographs C. Local Official Input Forms D. Health Indicators Table E. Additional Information STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 18 APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF DEMOGRAPHICS USED IN TABULAR FORM Minority Race #%#%CT142, BG2 839 358 42.7% 481 57.3%CT142, BG3 988 82 8.3% 906 91.7%CT143, BG4 669 182 27.2% 487 72.8%CT145.01, BG1 694 333 48.0% 361 52.0%CT145.02, BG2 2,398 459 19.1% 1,939 80.9%DSA5,588 1,414 25.3% 4,174 74.7%Guilford County 506,763 265,781 52.4% 240,982 47.6%* Minority population includes all races that are Non-White and Hispanic populations that are also White.Geography Total PopulationWhite, Non-Hispanic Minority Population*Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015), Table B03002, "Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race."#%#%#%#%#%#%#%#%CT142, BG2 839 377 44.9% 462 55.1% - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0% 462 55.1%CT142, BG3 988 254 25.7% 399 40.4% - 0.0% 241 24.4% - 0.0% 39 3.9% 55 5.6% 734 74.3%CT143, BG4 669 215 32.1% 186 27.8% - 0.0% 113 16.9% - 0.0% 124 18.5% 31 4.6% 454 67.9%CT145.01, BG1 694 460 66.3% 110 15.9% 23 3.3% 2 0.3% - 0.0% 46 6.6% 53 7.6% 234 33.7%CT145.02, BG2 2,398 564 23.5% 1,012 42.2% - 0.0% 701 29.2% - 0.0% 27 1.1% 94 3.9% 1,834 76.5%DSA 5,588 1,870 33.5% 2,169 38.8% 23 0.4% 1,057 18.9% - 0.0% 236 4.2% 233 4.2% 3,718 66.5%Guilford County 506,763 287,617 56.8% 169,138 33.4% 2,328 0.5% 22,445 4.4% 281 0.1% 13,986 2.8% 10,968 2.2% 219,146 43.2%Native Hawaiian/Pacific IslanderTotal Non-WhiteSome Other RaceTwo or More RacesGeographyTotal PopulationWhiteBlack or African AmericanAmerican Indian and Alaska Native AloneAsianSource: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015), Table B02001, "Race." STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 19 Hispanic or Latino Population Poverty #%#% # %CT142, BG2 839 419 49.9% 63 7.5% 236 28.1%CT142, BG3 983 677 68.9% 243 24.7% 65 6.6%CT143, BG4 649 78 12.0% 25 3.9% 272 41.9%CT145.01, BG1 694 208 30.0% 120 17.3% 149 21.5%CT145.02, BG2 2,398 892 37.2% 403 16.8% 450 18.8%DSA 5,563 2,274 40.9% 854 15.4% 1,172 21.1%Guilford County 492,038 86,808 17.6% 38,484 7.8% 53,813 10.9%Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015), Table C17002, "Ratio of Income to Poverty Level in the Past 12 Months."PovertyTotal Population for whom Poverty Status is DeterminedBelow Poverty LevelVery Poor: Under 50% of Poverty Level Near Poor: Between 100% and 149% of Poverty Level#%#% # %CT142, BG2 839 419 49.9% 63 7.5% 236 28.1%CT142, BG3 983 677 68.9% 243 24.7% 65 6.6%CT143, BG4 649 78 12.0% 25 3.9% 272 41.9%CT145.01, BG1 694 208 30.0% 120 17.3% 149 21.5%CT145.02, BG2 2,398 892 37.2% 403 16.8% 450 18.8%DSA 5,563 2,274 40.9% 854 15.4% 1,172 21.1%Guilford County 492,038 86,808 17.6% 38,484 7.8% 53,813 10.9%Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015), Table C17002, "Ratio of Income to Poverty Level in the Past 12 Months."PovertyTotal Population for whom Poverty Status is DeterminedBelow Poverty LevelVery Poor: Under 50% of Poverty Level Near Poor: Between 100% and 149% of Poverty Level STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 20 Zero-Car Households Limited English Proficiency #%#%#%CT142, BG2 234 - 0.0% 124 53.0% 110 47.0%CT142, BG3 322 82 25.5% 111 34.5% 129 40.1%CT143, BG4 300 40 13.3% 130 43.3% 130 43.3%CT145.01, BG1 299 39 13.0% 173 57.9% 87 29.1%CT145.02, BG2 815 72 8.8% 412 50.6% 331 40.6%DSA1,970 233 11.8% 950 48.2% 787 39.9%Guilford County 199,540 14,214 7.1% 73,168 36.7% 112,158 56.2%GeographyTotal HouseholdsNo Vehicle Available One Vehicle AvailableTwo or More Vehicles AvailableSource: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015), Table B25044, "Tenure by Vehicles Available."#%#%#%#%CT142, BG2 532 5 0.9% - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0%CT142, BG3 659 83 12.6% 49 7.4% 72 10.9% 22 3.3%CT143, BG4 597 104 17.4% 40 6.7% 81 13.6% - 0.0%CT145.01, BG1 556 113 20.3% - 0.0% - 0.0% - 0.0%CT145.02, BG2 1,507 65 4.3% 371 24.6% 72 4.8% - 0.0%DSA 3,851 370 9.6% 460 11.9% 225 5.8% 22 0.6%Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2011-2015), Table B16004, "Age by Language Spoken at Home by Ability to Speak English for the Population 5 Years and Over."GeographyTotal Adult Population, 18 years and olderPrimary Language Group of Persons Who Speak English Less than Very WellSpanish Other Indo-Euro Asian/Pacific Other STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 21 Population Change, 2000 to 2010 Census 2000 Population Census 2010 Population Difference Percent Change Annualized Growth Rate 782 769 (13) -1.7% -0.2% 1,026 1,002 (24) -2.3% -0.2% 721 697 (24) -3.3% -0.3% 764 683 (81) -10.6% -1.1% 1,220 2,019 799 65.5% 5.2% 4,513 5,170 657 14.6% 1.4% 421,048 488,406 67,358 16.0% 1.5% 8,049,313 9,535,483 1,486,170 18.5% 1.7% Source: Minnesota Population Center. National Historical Geographic Information System: Version 11.0 [Database]. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota. 2016. http://doi.org/10.18128/D050.V11.0. Census 2000/Census 2010 Time Series Tables Geographically Standardized DSA Guilford County North Carolina Geography 2010 CT 142, BG 2 CT 142, BG 3 CT 143, BG 4 CT 145.02, BG 2 CT 145.01, BG 1 STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 22 APPENDIX B: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Figure 1: I-85 Business Bridge over South Main Street, Facing East Figure 2: Two-Directional Shared Ramps in Southwest Quadrant Figure 3: Two-Directional Shared Ramps in Northwest Quadrant Figure 4: I-85 Business Bridge over South Main Street, Facing West Figure 5: Two-Directional Shared Ramps in Northeast Quadrant Figure 6: Pedestrians and Hi Tran Bus Riders STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 23 APPENDIX C: LOCAL OFFICIAL INPUT FORMS LOCAL EMS Name: Title: Agency: Phone: Email: Bryan Beeson ESV Support Service Coordinator Guilford County EMS 336-641-4180 Click here to enter text. FIRST CONTACT DATE METHOD(S) RESULT 08/09/2018 ☐ Email ☒ Phone ☐ In-person ☐ Form returned on (date) ☒ Interview on (date) ☐ No response Comments: LOCAL PLANNER Name: Title: Agency: Phone: Email: Heidi Galanti Planning Administrator City of High Point 336-883-3329 Click here to enter text. FIRST CONTACT DATE METHOD(S) RESULT 08/13/2018 ☐ Email ☒ Phone ☐ In-person ☐ Form returned on (date) ☒ Interview on (date) ☐ No response Comments: LOCAL SCHOOLS Name: Title: Agency: Phone: Email: Beatrice McSweeney TIMS Coordinator Guilford County Schools 336-370-8920 Click here to enter text. FIRST CONTACT DATE METHOD(S) RESULT 08/20/2018 ☐ Email ☒ Phone ☐ In-person ☐ Form returned on (date) ☒ Interview on (date) ☐ No response Comments: STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 24 Local EMS Input Form Three Oaks Engineering conducted an interview with Bryan Beeson, ESV Support Service Coordinator, Guilford County EMS on 08/09/2018. During the interview, a description of the combined STIP Projects U-5896 and B- 5353 was provided, including the fact that the current designs call for a temporary bridge to be built east of the existing bridge to allow traffic to be maintained within the corridor throughout construction. Mr. Beeson said that based on current designs which do not rely on an offsite detour, that he had no changes to the comments that he provided in 2013 for the STIP Project B-5353 CIA, which are shown below, in the copy of the Local EMS Input Form for the B-5353 CIA. STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 25 Local Planner Input Form STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 26 STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 27 STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 28 STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 29 Local Schools Input Form Three Oaks Engineering conducted an interview with Beatrice McSweeney, TIMS Coordinator at Guilford County Schools Transportation Department. During the interview, a description of the combined STIP Projects U-5896 and B-5353 was provided, including the fact that the current designs call for a temporary bridge to be built east of the existing bridge to allow traffic to be maintained within the corridor throughout construction. Ms. McSweeney was reminded of the input form that she had previously in 2013 for the B-5353 CIA, where she indicated that the school system does not allow buses on either I-85 Business or US 311 (South Main Street). Ms. McSweeney confirmed that the information provided in 2013 is still accurate- Guilford County school buses do not use I-85 Business or South Main Street. STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 30 APPENDIX D: HEALTH INDICATORS TABLE CHARACTERISTIC SMALLEST DATA LEVEL U‐5896 DSA GUILFORD COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA DATA SOURCE NOTES Number of Pedestrian or Bicyclist Crashes in DCIA (Ped/Bike) DCIA (8/4) http://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?useExisting=1Count the number of crashes within the DCIA from 2007‐2015 using NCDOT’s Bicyclist and Pedestrian Crash Map. Average Pedestrian Crash Rate City 4.25 2.77 http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/pbcat_nc/ Crashes per 10,000 residents, avg. of 2008‐2012 crash totals, 2010 pop Average Bicyclist Crash Rate City 1.41 1.03 http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/pbcat_nc/ Crashes per 10,000 residents, avg. of 2008‐2012 crash totals, 2010 pop Physical Inactivity County 24% 25% http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/north‐carolina/2014/overview Percent of adults aged 20+ reporting no leisure‐time physical activity, 2010 Access to exercise opportunities County 88% 65% http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/north‐carolina/2014/overview Percentage of individuals who reside in a census block within a half mile of a park or (urban) one mile of a rec. facility or (rural) three miles of a rec. facility, 2010 & 2012 STIP U-5896  Guilford County  COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT  September 2018  page 31 APPENDIX E: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Southside Mission Background Information Steve Ervin, Pastor, His Laboring Few Ministries 812 Martin Luther King Drive, Thomasville, NC 27360 (336) 475-2818 Three Oaks Engineering conducted a telephone interview with Steve Ervin, Pastor of His Laboring Few Ministries on September 6, 2018. Southside Mission, located at 2113 S Main Street in High Point is operated by His Laboring Few Ministries. The following information about Southside Mission was obtained during the interview. His Laboring Few and Southside Mission are non-denominational ministries, operated by volunteers, and completely funded through donations. The Main base of operations for His Laboring Few Ministries, which includes kitchen facilities and a small clothing cupboard is in Thomasville, NC. The primary purpose of Southside Mission is to feed the hungry, and that purpose is addressed by serving hot meals free of charge to anyone, three days a week. The Mission opens at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and closes after the last meal has been served, usually by 6:00-7:00 p.m. The operations do not include a food pantry or assistance with clothing. Between 50-75 meals are served each day of operation. The people served by the Mission include those living in nearby homeless camps (in the wooded area by the vacant motel in the northwest quadrant of the interchange) and low income families living on both sides of the interchange. Ninety percent of the people they serve are within walking distance and walk to reach the Mission, although some do use public transportation. The community served includes individuals and families. His Laboring Few Ministries intentionally maintains a low profile for Southside Mission, to keep the focus on feeding the hungry rather than promoting the ministry. People learn about Southside Mission primarily through word of mouth. The facility has tables and chairs for dining, and room to serve the meals, but there is no kitchen. The meals are prepared in Thomasville, and brought to Southside Mission by volunteers. A few local restaurants will sometimes donate meals, and occasionally the mission will be open on Saturdays for special events. The building is leased from an individual through a property management company. The property owner provides a small amount of subsidy on the rent as a charitable contribution. The building is a former bar that was redeveloped specifically for use by the Mission. It took His Laboring Few Ministries some time to find an available property to lease, and three years to complete the City’s permitting process to open. Pastor Steve mentioned that he had heard talk that the NCDOT project would impact the Southside Mission building and that they would possibly have to relocate, but he had not received any information from the property management company or the property owner himself. He did not have ideas about other potential nearby buildings to relocate to and said they would welcome any relocation assistance that NCDOT could provide.