20160041_Study_20150529

INDIRECT & CUMULATIVE EFFECTS SCREENING REPORT
Access 540
STIP Project R-2635D
New Interchange on Triangle Expressway / Toll NC 540 at
Old Holly Springs-Apex Road (SR 1153)
Wake County
Submitted by: HNTB North Carolina, P.C.
Date: July 2014

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Description
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Project
R-2635D (referred to herein is the conversion of the grade separation at Old Holly
Springs-Apex Road (SR 1153) and Triangle Expressway / Toll NC 540 to an interchange, with the addition of
auxiliary lanes along the Triangle Expressway between US 1 and the NC 55 Bypass. At the time of this report, the
final configuration of the interchange had not been determined. Several interchange concepts are being
considered, including diverging diamond, braided diamond, single trumpet, and partial cloverleaf. Located in
southwestern Wake County, Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is currently a two-lane undivided roadway with a grade-
separated crossing and no direct access to Triangle Expressway. Due to the current lack of direct access, as well as
forecasted growth of traffic as a result of continuing residential growth and the planned mixed-use Veridea
development utilizing Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, NCDOT proposes to provide an additional interchange on the
Triangle Expressway for vehicles to obtain direct access to and from Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. The purpose of
the proposed project is to provide improved access and enhanced roadway linkage in response to planned and
anticipated growth in southern Apex.
Community Context
Land use throughout the Future Land Use Study Area (FLUSA) is mostly rural in nature, consisting of large areas of
vacant, wooded land with scattered large-lot residential parcels as well as a few parcels with agricultural uses.
Higher-density residential areas are located in the southern portion of the FLUSA, as this portion begins to include
northern Holly Springs and its residential subdivisions and retail centers. The land area adjacent to and just south
of the Triangle Expressway consists of the privately owned Highway 55 C&D Landfill as well as the Wake County
owned Feltonsville Landfill and the South Wake Landfill. Wake County also owns the Firearms Education and
Training Center that is located approximately one mile south of the existing grade separation along Old Holly
Springs-Apex Road. In the northeast section of the FLUSA, just north of the Triangle Expressway, is the information
technology services provider EMC Corporation facility. A sizeable portion of the existing land in the FLUSA is
owned by and planned for the Veridea mixed-use development. However, most of the Veridea property is
currently vacant and wooded, with little infrastructure present. The bulk of the western portion of the FLUSA is
comprised of a segment of the Harris Game Land with a few residential parcels. A time horizon of 2035, the design
year for the Access 540 project, was used in this study as the period across which the potential for indirect and
cumulative effects was assessed. Establishing 2035 as the time horizon is also generally consistent with the
planning horizon established by existing plans of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO),
the Town of Apex, and the Town of Holly Springs.

Wake County has grown steadily over the past two decades. According to the US Census Bureau, the population of
Wake County grew by 48.3 percent (4.1 percent annually) from 1990 to 2000, and by 43.5 percent (3.7 percent
annually) from 2000 to 2010 (US Census Bureau, www.census.gov, accessed June 2014). In comparison, the

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population of North Carolina grew 21.4 percent from 1990 to 2000, and by 18.5 percent from 2000 to 2010. Much
diverse economy which supports a base of highly educated
workers who are employed by technology and information companies, bio-medical companies, universities, the
healthcare industry and government in the Triangle area. Other factors contributing to the population growth
include people migrating to the Triangle in search of employment, workers retiring to the area, the generally
moderate climate of the region, the cultural resources, and the centralized location and proximity to the North
Carolina mountains and coast.
According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (NCOSBM), the population in Wake
County is expected to increase at a rate of 1.8 percent annually between 2013 and 2033 (NCOSBM,
www.osbm.state.nc.us, accessed June 2014). This growth rate is much higher than the projected trend for
population growth statewide between 2013 and 2033 (0.9 percent).
The Apex planner expects the annual population growth rate across all of Wake County to align with the projected
annual rate of 1.8 percent predicted by NCOSBM over the next 20 years, but anticipates growth in the Apex area to
be notably The Town of Holly Springs planner also anticipates much higher
annual growth in the Holly Springs area.
Notable Features
Site visits, interviews with local officials, and GIS data obtained from Wake County, NCDOT, NC OneMap, Wake
County, the Town of Apex, and the Town of Holly Springs were used to inventory human and environmental
features within the FLUSA. The following is a description of the notable features within the FLUSA in relation to
the Access 540 project:
The FLUSA is located within the Cape Fear River Basin and contains a total of three named streams as well

as several unnamed tributaries. Old Holly Springs-Apex Road only crosses one stream within the FLUSA,
Little Branch, approximately 1.1 miles south of the current grade separation with the Triangle Expressway.

NC One Map GIS data reveals that North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Ecosystem Enhancement Program designated targeted local watersheds are present throughout the
entire FLUSA (HUC Code: 03030004020010, 03020201120010).

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) wetlands are located sparsely throughout the FLUSA and appear to be

concentrated within the southern and western sections of the FLUSA in the vicinity of Little Branch and
Big Branch.

At the western end of the FLUSA, a portion (950 acres) of the 12,300-acre Harris Game Land (formerly

Shearon Harris Game Land) extends northeast into the FLUSA.

Duke Energy owns and operates the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, located approximately 20 miles

southwest of Raleigh in New Hill. The FLUSA is approximately five miles northeast of the plant.

There is one existing park within the FLUSA Feltonsville Park, located near the eastern boundary of the

FLUSA just off of Old Smithfield Road. Within the southeast section of the FLUSA is the planned future
Holly Springs North Main Athletic Complex.

Results of the ICE Screening Tool Matrix
The purpose of this report is to assess the likelihood of possible indirect effects on land use decisions as a result of
the Access 540 project, as considered in combination with other projects and development actions occurring in the
area through 2035. A FLUSA was delineated as the area that could potentially be indirectly affected as a result of
the project in combination with other actions.

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Despite the apparent large amount of available land, a sizeable portion of that land is owned by the developers of
Veridea, a proposed approximately 1,000-acre mixed-use development in the Town of Apex
consisting of commercial, industrial and residential land uses. The extent of potential indirect land use effects as a
result of the Access 540 project will be largely dependent upon several key variables, including: the future local
economy and market for development, public infrastructure expansion projects, the completion of other
transportation improvements in the area, local land use policies, and the construction of the Veridea project,
which would have an important impact on the population and job market within the FLUSA of the project.
Based on the ratings within the Indirect Effects Screening Matrix, the result Possible Indirect Scenario
Assessment, as there is a moderate concern for indirect and cumulative effects as a result of the Access 540
project. However, the alternatives being considered for the Access 540 project are all in the same general location
and would offer similar levels of access. Therefore, it is not anticipated that indirect and cumulative effects would
notably vary by alternative. Based on the site-specific nature of the Access 540 project, the recommendation of
the report is that a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not warranted.
Summary of Findings
Due to relatively economical housing prices when compared to surrounding areas, expected continued moderate
to brisk population growth, anticipated growth of local jobs in the area, planned extension of existing
transportation facilities (specifically Jessie Drive and Old Smithfield Road), and the desire by local municipalities to
expand water and sewer service throughout the FLUSA, the local market for development is relatively robust at
present. Land use throughout the FLUSA is mixed, consisting of large sections of wooded tracts with scattered
residences and sparse agricultural uses, and residential, commercial, and industrial pockets. Commercial
development is largely concentrated near the southern tip of the FLUSA, which is the northern portion of Holly
Springs, and includes residential and commercial development along NC 55 Bypass and NC 55 (North Main
Street/East Williams Street). Future land use plans for Apex and Holly Springs recognize the potential for future
growth in the project area and have incorporated both the Access 540 project as well as the Veridea project,
indicating a desire of rezoning the land within the FLUSA as primarily mixed-use with specific pockets of industrial
uses.
The FLUSA is poised to undergo growth by 2035, and Apex and Holly Springs have worked to develop and
implement land use and infrastructure plans to accommodate this growth. These plans include comprehensive
plans that address growth, land use, and transportation; specific small area plans; and comprehensive
transportation plans. In some cases local ordinances for environmental protection exceed state and federal
requirements or exist where there are no state or federal requirements, such as riparian buffer rules. In Apex these
include Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Mitigation Plan and the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) which requires riparian buffers of 50-ft on intermittent streams and riparian
buffers of 100-ft on perennial streams within th Also, in addition to Phase II requirements,
the Town requires peak flow attenuation for the 10-yr storm which is above and beyond the State minimum of
typically a 2-yr or 5-yr storm. In Holly Springs these include the Natural Resources
Implementation Program and Cape Fear River Basin Riparian Buffers of a 30-foot buffer on both sides of all
perennial and intermittent streams. The proposed action has the potential for moderate indirect and cumulative
effects because the project creates a new transportation and land use node that will reduce travel times, change
travel patterns, increase access and expose properties to greater traffic volumes. However, the proposed project is
consistent with surrounding development
Comprehensive planning efforts by Apex and Holly Springs have put the policies and procedures in place that show
the vision and intent to develop in the FLUSA, to provide the adequate infrastructure to support this growth, and
to protect the natural and human environment during the growth. Apex and Holly Springs have each developed an
individual Secondary and Cumulative Impacts (SCI) Master Mitigation Plan in cooperation with the North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) to provide a holistic review of the environmental
impacts and identified mitigation programs associated with planned infrastructure projects deemed necessary by
their Town Councils.
The Access 540 project is not expected to have a notable indirect effect on land use in the FLUSA. Direct natural
environmental impacts by the project would be addressed by avoidance, minimization, and mitigation, consistent

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with programmatic agreements with environmental resource and regulatory agencies during the permitting
processes. Future development would be required to follow federal, state and local regulations for the protection
of water quality. Although Veridea will be developing their own environmental enhancement plan, local planners
have indicated that the plan is intended to provide equal watershed protection.
The cumulative effect of this project when considered in the context of other past, present, and future actions, and
the resulting impact on the notable human and natural features, should be minimal. Forecasted development
would be the predominant contributor to cumulative effects. Development is already occurring in the FLUSA and
that development is anticipated to continue.

BASE SCREENING INFORMATION
Existing Conditions
The Access 540 project is the conversion of the grade separation at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road (SR 1153) and the
Triangle Expressway / Toll NC 540 to an interchange, with the addition of auxiliary lanes along the Triangle
Expressway between US 1 and the NC 55 Bypass. At the time of this report, the final configuration of the
interchange had not yet been determined. Several interchange concepts are being considered, including diverging
diamond, braided diamond, single trumpet, and partial cloverleaf. Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is currently a two-
lane undivided roadway with a grade-separated crossing and no direct access to Triangle Expressway. Due to the
current lack of direct access, as well as forecasted growth of traffic as a result of continuing residential growth and
the planned mixed-use Veridea development utilizing Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, NCDOT proposes to provide an
additional interchange on Triangle Expressway for vehicles to obtain direct access to and from Old Holly Springs-
Apex Road.

Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is a 3.6-mile south-north facility having its southern terminus located at Holly Springs
New Hill Road (SR 1152) in Holly Springs, traveling to its northern terminus where it becomes Tingen Road
(continuing SR 1153) in Apex. For residents residing in the southern section of the FLUSA, they must first travel
southeast to access NC 55 Bypass or west to access US 1 before they can then travel north on these facilities to
reach Apex or access the Triangle Expressway via US 1. For residents of the northern section of the FLUSA, they
must first travel north into Apex, then west along Salem Street (SR 1011), before they can access the Triangle
Expressway, as there is no access to US 1 from Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. Also of note, Old Holly Springs-Apex
Road currently provides an alternate route for local residents to travel between Holly Springs and Apex when they
elect to avoid the more congested facilities of NC 55 Bypass, NC 55, and US 1. A project vicinity map is shown on
Figure 1 in Appendix A.

The purpose of the proposed project is to provide improved access and enhanced roadway linkage in response to
planned and anticipated growth in southern Apex and northwestern Holly Springs.
Proposed Modifications
The Access 540 project includes the construction of a new interchange with auxiliary lanes on the Triangle
Expressway at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road near the towns of Apex and Holly Springs in Wake County. The 2012-
2018 NCDOT STIP indicates that STIP R-2635, which is the construction of the interchange and
auxiliary lanes, is currently programmed for right of way in FY 2015 and construction in FY 2015.
Major Connecting Routes
Old Holly Springs-Apex Road has a grade separation, but no direct access, with the Triangle Expressway. The
Triangle Expressway is a 18.8-mile, six-lane toll facility that opened in phases beginning in December 2011 with the
around the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area from I-40 to the NC 55 Bypass in Holly Springs. North of the
Triangle Expressway, Old Holly Springs-Apex Road travels north, crossing but no direct access with US 1, into Apex.
South of the Triangle Expressway, Old Holly Springs-Apex Road travels south towards Holly Springs where it
terminates at Holly Springs New Hill Road.

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Future Land Use Study Area
The FLUSA is the area surrounding a proposed highway project that could possibly be indirectly affected by the
actions of others as a result of the completion of the project and other reasonably foreseeable projects. The
FLUSA generally extends approximately one to two miles from the project corridor. The FLUSA encompasses all of
the areas examined for potential increases in development pressure as a result of project construction and other
reasonably foreseeable projects in the area. The FLUSA for the project can generally be described as having its
northern boundary as US 1, its eastern boundary as NC 55, its southern boundary as Holly Springs New Hill Road,
and its western boundary at Friendship Road. The area outlined in red on Figure 2, located in Appendix A, has
been identified as the FLUSA.
Time Horizon
This report analyzes growth trends and potential development through the year 2035. Establishing 2035 as the
horizon year is consistent with the design year for the Access 540 project, and is generally consistent with the
planning horizon used for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) 2040 Metropolitan
Transportation Plan (April 2013), the Town of Apex Peak Plan 2030: The Apex Comprehensive Plan (July 2013), the
Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan (November 2009) which generally goes out to a
2015+ horizon, and population projections provided by the NCOSBM.
Other Transportation Projects
This section provides a description of major transportation and infrastructure projects within the FLUSA, or in
relative proximity, that are either underway at present or reasonably likely to occur in the foreseeable future (e.g.,
funded or being planned with a definite funding stream). This includes other NCDOT projects, local transportation
projects included in the CAMPO 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Town of Apex Peak Plan 2030: The
Apex Comprehensive Plan, and the Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan. These projects
are shown on Figure 2.
NCDOT Projects
Complete 540 is a proposed new location multilane highway project to complete the I-540/NC 540 loop around the
greater Raleigh area. The project consists of three separate STIP projects: R-2721 (NC 55 Bypass to US 401), R-
2828 (US 401 to I-40), and R-2829 (I-40 to US 264/US 64 Bypass). STIP Project R-2721 (which is the first leg of the
Complete 540 extension) would tie into the current terminus of the Triangle Expressway at the NC 55 Bypass and
continue east to US 401. Although the project is currently programmed for planning and environmental studies
only, the project website indicates that right-of-way acquisition and construction are scheduled to begin in 2017
and 2018, respectively, based on the availability of project funding (www.ncdot.gov/projects/complete540/,
accessed January 2014). The project is identified by CAMPO, Apex, and Holly Springs in their transportation plans
as a priority, large-scale project for the region.
CAMPO 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan
The CAMPO, serving the municipalities of Angier, Apex, Butner, Cary, Creedmoor, Clayton, Franklinton, Fuquay-
Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Louisburg, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell,
Youngsville, and Zebulon within Wake, Johnston, Granville, Harnett, and Franklin counties, is the federally required
transportation planning agency charged with conducting a comprehensive, continuing, and cooperative
transportation planning process for the region. The 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) addresses all
surface transportation modes, including highways, railways, public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure, as well as connections to aviation. The time horizon for the LRTP is through 2035, and projects
located or having portions within the FLUSA include the following:
Project identifiers F5, F6, and F3 represent the three phases of the completion of the outer loop around

Raleigh, known as Complete 540. Project F5 includes the section from the NC 55 Bypass to US 401;
project F6 includes the section from US 401 to I-40; project F3 includes the section from I-40 to the US 64
Bypass.

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Project A218a is identified in the MTP as the proposed widening of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road from two

to four lanes from Holly Springs Road to Jessie Drive. The MTP incorporates the proposed interchange
addition at Triangle Expressway (R-2635D) into the widening of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road.
Project A218b is identified as the proposed widening from two to four lanes and new location extension

of Jessie Drive from NC 55 to Old Holly Springs-Apex Road.
Project A218c is identified as the widening of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road from two to three lanes from

Tingen Road to Jessie Drive.
Project A426 is the proposed widening of NC 55 (Main Street) in Holly Springs from two to four lanes from

Holly Springs Road to Bobbitt Road.
Project A163a is the proposed widening of Holly Springs Road from two to four lanes from Sunset Lake

Road to Old Holly Springs-Apex Road.
Project A449 is identified as the proposed new location extension of Perry Road from Apex Peakway to

the NC 55 Bypass. A new interchange on US 1 at Perry Road is also planned.
Project F110 is identified as the widening of US 1 from four to six lanes from US 64 to NC 540.

Apex Transportation Plan: 2011 Plan Update
This Plan identifies the realignment of the Old Holly Springs-Apex Road intersection with the planned future Jessie
Drive extension. The Plan also indicates an interchange to be constructed on Old Holly Springs-Apex Road at the
Triangle Expressway. In addition, the Plan identifies the planned future extension of Old Smithfield Road as well as
the realignment of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road with the Old Smithfield Road extension. While the Plan states that
there is no particular implementation schedule or dedicated funds for the application of the Plan, it does state that
completion of the Plan will largely rely on development-driven projects, which would include those such as
Veridea.
Holly Springs Comprehensive Transportation Plan
This Plan recommends the widening of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road (with the inclusion of a bike lane) south of NC
540 with an interchange to be constructed on Old Holly Springs-Apex Road at the Triangle Expressway. In addition,
the Plan recommends a new location connection between Old Holly Springs-Apex Road and the NC 55 Bypass (Old
Smithfield Road) and the realignment of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road with the future extension. Also
recommended is the widening of Woods Creek Road and the new location extension of Woodfield Dead End Road.
The Plan states that it does not represent a financially constrained scenario and that, although many of the
projects contained within will not be completed within the short or mid-term timeframes, their inclusion in the
Plan allows decision makers the flexibility to adjust the local transportation priorities on an annual basis.
Wake County Transportation Plan
This Plan identifies the widening of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road with an interchange to be constructed on Old
Holly Springs-Apex Road at the Triangle Expressway. In addition, the Plan identifies a new location connection
between Old Holly Springs-Apex Road and the NC 55 Bypass (Old Smithfield Road). Also identified are the new
location extension of Jessie Drive, the widening of Woods Creek Road, and the new location extension of
Woodfield Dead End Road.

Population Trends & Projections
Wake County has grown steadily over the past two decades. According to the US Census Bureau, the population of
Wake County grew by 48.3 percent (4.1 percent annually) from 1990 to 2000, and by 43.5 percent (3.7 percent
annually) from 2000 to 2010 (US Census Bureau, www.census.gov, accessed January 2014). In comparison, the
State grew 21.4 percent from 1990 to 2000, and by 18.5 percent from 2000 to 2010. Much of Wake
growth can be attributed to its base of highly educated workers and the technology and information companies
relocating to the Triangle area in search of these highly educated workers. Other factors contributing to the
population growth include people migrating to the Triangle in search of employment, workers retiring to the area,

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the generally moderate climate of the region, the cultural resources, and the centralized location and proximity to
the North Carolina mountains and coast.
According to the NCOSBM, the annual population growth rate is expected to increase in Wake County over the
next two decades (NCOSBM, www.osbm.state.nc.us, accessed January 2014). Wake
expected to increase at a rate of 1.8 percent annually between 2013 and 2033. This growth rate is much higher
than the projected trend for population growth statewide between 2013 and 2033 (0.9 percent).
The Apex planner expects the annual population growth rate across all of Wake County to align with the projected
annual rate of 1.8 percent predicted by NCOSBM over the next 20 years, but anticipates growth in the Apex area
will be substantially higher than the NCOSBM (Appendix B). The planner notes that the residential
market is currently very strong in Apex, citing that in 2013 the Town received nineteen Master Subdivision Plan
submissions, an increase of 272 percent over the previous year. Also, a total of 742 housing units were approved
in 2013 with 811 submitted for review and potential approval for 2014. The Town of Holly Springs planner also
anticipates much higher annual growth in the Holly Springs area of the FLUSA. The planner cites that over the next
few years the Town expects new home building permits to exceed the current average of 400 per year, and also
notes that apartment construction has placed or will place almost 500 new apartments in Holly Springs by 2015.
Population growth rates are not anticipated to be immediately affected as a direct result of the construction of the
Access 540 project. The population in the FLUSA is anticipated to gradually increase with the construction of the
Veridea development; however, as of the time of this report, no definitive timeline had been established for start of
construction. No site plans or subdivision plans for Veridea have been submitted to the Town of Apex. According to
the Veridea developer, the start date for construction is unknown but thought initial utility construction could begin
in the second quarter of 2015. The traffic impact analysis for Veridea assumed build out would occur by 2035, and
discussions with the developer have confirmed that this sounds reasonable. The Apex planner notes that the Town
identifies a future Regional Mixed-Use Node for Veridea and a combination of industrial employment, office
employment, commercial services, and a range of medium to high-density residential pockets within the FLUSA and
surrounding area. The planner commented that the goal for Veridea is to create a semi-urban, mixed-use center that
serves regional needs and attracts a dense, walkable development form. This semi-urban area would utilize access to
and from the Triangle Expressway, having some residents living in the Veridea area commuting out and people living
outside of the Veridea commuting in for jobs or to visit the developmentamenities. As such, residential and
commercial development is anticipated to occur in the Access 540 project area, consequently increasing the
population growth rate in the FLUSA.
Job Trends & Projections
As noted in the Town of Apex Peak Plan 2030: The Apex Comprehensive Plan, the largest employers in Wake
County are the State of North Carolina and Wake County Public School System. Other large employers include:
IBM Corporation, North Carolina State University, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, GlaxoSmithKline, Rex Healthcare,
SAS Institute, and Wake County Government. These translate into considerable employment sectors of public
administration, education, professional and technical services, and information. Data from the North Carolina
Department of Commerce - Division of Employment Security (DES) indicates that Wake County gained jobs at an
annual rate of 1.9 percent between 2002 and 2012. The DES also produces labor projections for the Workforce
Development Boards (WDB) in North Carolina. The DES predicts a 2.0 percent annual increase in jobs between
2010 and 2020 in the two-county Capital Area WDB (Wake County and Johnston County). Job projections beyond
the year 2020 were not available at the time of this assessment. The Apex planner notes that local employment
centers include downtown Apex, Pinnacle Park, Beaver Creek Commons, EMC Corporation, the Lufkin Road
industrial area, and individual Wake County Public Schools within the Tagrees with
the DES estimate, and adds that the Town is unaware of any planned employer relocations at this time. The Town
of Holly Springs planner agrees with the DES estimate, but adds that the Town feels job growth in the FLUSA area
will increase in the next six years with additional retail development under construction in and around the areas of
Holly Springs Towne Center and Holly Springs Business Park.
Other than temporary construction jobs, job growth rates are not anticipated to increase as a direct result of the
Access 540 project. While the project will increase or provide a new level of traffic exposure and access for
properties in the FLUSA, the majority of land is owned by the Veridea development project. When Veridea

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construction begins (as early as the second quarter of 2015 according to the Veridea developer), their plan calls for
retail and commercial development within the FLUSA area, which will result in job growth. Employment growth
may be slightly higher in the southern portion of the FLUSA area (northern Holly Springs) due to the anticipated
continued residential and retail growth in that area.
Notable Environmental Features
Below is a description of both the notable natural and human environmental features located within the FLUSA.
The features in this section are identified using GIS data from NCDOT, the Town of Apex, Wake County, NC One
Map, NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), ESRI, site visit observations,
and interviews with local planners. These features are shown on Figure 2.
Land use throughout the FLUSA is mostly rural in nature, consisting of large areas of vacant, wooded land with
scattered large-lot residential parcels as well as a few parcels with agricultural uses. Higher-density residential
areas are located in the southern portion of the FLUSA, as this portion begins to include northern Holly Springs and
its residential subdivisions and retail centers. The land area adjacent to and just south of the Triangle Expressway
consists of the privately owned Highway 55 C&D Landfill as well as the Wake County owned Feltonsville Landfill.
Wake County also owns the Firearms Education and Training Center that is located approximately one mile south
of the existing grade separation along Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. In the northeast section of the FLUSA, just
north of the Triangle Expressway, is the IT-services provider EMC Corporation facility. A sizeable portion of the
existing land in the FLUSA is owned by and planned for the Veridea mixed-use development. However, most of the
Veridea property is currently vacant and wooded, with little infrastructure present. The bulk of the western
portion of the FLUSA is comprised of a segment of the Harris Game Land, with a few residential parcels.
Natural Environment Features
The FLUSA is located within the Cape Fear River Basin and contains a total of three named streams (Big Branch,
Little Branch, and White Oak Creek), as well as several unnamed tributaries to these streams, that traverse within
this basin. Old Holly Springs-Apex Road crosses only one stream within the FLUSA, Little Branch, approximately 1.1
miles south of the current grade separation with the Triangle Expressway. These streams are classified by the
NCDWR as Class C. Accordingly, they are designated for secondary recreation, fishing, wildlife, fish consumption,
aquatic life propagation, survival and maintenance of biological integrity, and agriculture. There are no listed
303(d) impaired water bodies or Wild and Scenic Rivers within the FLUSA.

NC One Map GIS data (www.nconemap.com, accessed January 2014) reveals that North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) designated targeted local
watersheds (HU Code: 03030004020010, 03020201120010) are present in all of the FLUSA. A targeted local
watershed is one that exhibits both the need and opportunity for wetland, stream, and riparian buffer restoration,
and receives priority for planning and restoration project funds.

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) wetlands are located sparsely throughout the FLUSA and appear to be
concentrated along the southern and western sections of the FLUSA in the vicinity of Little Branch and Big Branch.
Jurisdictional determinations for wetlands and streams for the Access 540 project are documented in the Natural
Resources Technical Report (NCDOT, December 2013)

At the western end of the FLUSA, a portion (950 acres) of the 12,300-acre Harris Game Land (formerly Shearon
Harris Game Land) extends northeast into the FLUSA.
Human Environment Features
The Apex Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space Master Plan calls for a proposed multi-use path in the
vicinity of the northeast section of the FLUSA; however, there is no timeline for construction of this path. The
central location between Apex and Holly Springs and the current low traffic volume of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road
make the facility appealing to bicyclists and, as a result, it has been observed on site visits to experience moderate
bicycle traffic. The Apex Plan, as well as the Holly Springs Comprehensive Transportation Plan, notes a desire for
the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities with future improvements to Old Holly Springs-Apex Road.

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Appendix C contains maps of the Apex Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space Master Plan as well as the
Holly Springs Future Greenway Development Plan.

There is one existing park within the FLUSA Feltonsville Park, located near the eastern boundary of the FLUSA
just off of Old Smithfield Road. Feltonsville Park is currently owned and maintained by Wake County. Within the
southeast section of the FLUSA there is the planned future Holly Springs North Main Athletic Complex. In 2013 the
Town purchased the 42-acre property, located between Main Street and the NC 55 Bypass.

Within the FLUSA there is one place of worship. Along the eastern boundary of the FLUSA on NC 55/East Williams
Street there is the Calvary Deliverance Church of the Apostolic Faith.

Adjacent to, but not within, the FLUSA is the Town of Apex #4 Fire Station and the Apex South EMS facility located
on NC 55/East Williams Street approximately ¾ mile south of the US 1 interchange.

Duke Energy owns and operates the 900-megawatt Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, located approximately 20
miles southwest of Raleigh in New Hill (http://nuclear.duke-energy.com/2013/05/03/plant-spotlight-harris-
nuclear-plant/ , accessed January 2014). The plant can produce enough electricity to power more than a half
million homes. Harris Lake was built on 4,100 acres of land to provide water that is pumped into the plant for
cooling. The lake is regularly used for boating, swimming, and fishing. Almost 700 acres of land around the plant
are leased to Harris Lake County Park, 500 acres are designated as a forestry research tract and more than 14,000
acres are part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Game Lands Program.
property, including Harris Lake, is an important community resource, providing outdoor recreation areas for the
public and wildlife habitats. The FLUSA is approximately five miles northeast of the plant and is located within the
-mile plume exposure pathway zone.

ANALYTICAL SCREENING INFORMATION
Transportation Impact Causing Activities
Travel Time Savings
By constructing a new interchange on the Triangle Expressway at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, motorists within
the FLUSA would have a direct access point to the Triangle Expressway. Direct access to the Triangle Expressway
would eliminate the need to travel into Apex or Holly Springs to access the Triangle Expressway, while additionally
enhancing mobility between Apex and Holly Springs. In addition, local traffic may be inclined to use the Triangle
Expressway following construction of the project as opposed to traveling on other routes in the FLUSA. When
travel times are considered with the Access 540 project in comparison to a no-build scenario in the horizon year of
2035, an average travel time savings of eight minutes is assumed.
Exposure to Traffic
Given that there is currently no direct or convenient access to the Triangle Expressway within the immediate area
of the project, the proposed interchange would create new exposure for existing properties as well as those
planned for the Veridea development. The Access 540 project would service anticipated increases in traffic along
Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. The project is also expected to directly affect the level of traffic exposure for
properties in the FLUSA, as the new access point to the Triangle Expressway would provide greater ease of mobility

in the area surrounding the project.
Change in Travel Patterns
Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is currently used primarily by local residents in the area. The completion of the
Access 540 project is not anticipated to immediately alter travel patterns by the few residents residing in close
proximity to the project area. However, if the planned Veridea development project is constructed, travel patterns
in the FLUSA could change as more vehicles utilize Old Holly Springs-Apex Road to access the Triangle Expressway,
as well as an increased number of vehicles from the Triangle Expressway that would utilize the interchange to

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
9

access the planned retail centers and residential areas within Veridea. The planned extensions of Jessie Drive and
Old Smithfield Road, as well as the proposed additional new interchange on US 1 at Perry Road, would also
contribute to changes in future travel patterns by residents within the FLUSA, as these projects would provide
additional access to the land area that is planned for the Veridea development. The Apex planner anticipates a
modest increase in traffic along Old Holly Springs-Apex Road as a result of the Access 540 project, as vehicles
would access the Triangle Expressway at the location of the new interchange instead of traveling to the NC 55
Bypass interchange to access the Triangle Expressway.
Transportation/Land Use Node
The towns of Apex and Holly Springs, in their future land use plans, both foresee a change in development patterns
in the FLUSA in conjunction with the Veridea project. The Apex planner also anticipates that local traffic may be
more inclined to use the Triangle Expressway after the interchange at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is added, which
may potentially increase development pressure for highway commercial oriented businesses targeting commuter
traffic (e.g., restaurant, gas station, etc.). However, a sizable portion of the land in the FLUSA is planned for
development by the Veridea mixed-use project, and the types of development in this portion of the FLUSA would
be shaped by the developers in conjunction with zoning established by Apex.
Water & Sewer Service in the Area
Residents in the majority of the FLUSA currently do not receive water or sewer service. Instead, they rely on
private or shared wells for water and private septic systems. Those residents who do receive water and/or sewer
are serviced by Apex or Holly Springs. While neither municipality has immediate plans to expand service within the
FLUSA, their comprehensive plans are cognizant of the potential future growth in their respective jurisdictions.

As noted in the Town of Apex Peak Plan 2030: The Apex Comprehensive Plan,
Lake. The water treatment plant co-owned and co-operated with the Town of Cary has a current capacity of 40
million gallons per day (MGD) of which Apex has a 9.2 MGD capacity share and currently uses approximately 4.0
MGD. The Plan states that, according to Tthe plant will be expanded to 56 MGD with
capacity, Apex should have ample supply to meet projected water demand of a population up to 65,000 through
2025. -2013, over 993 million gallons of
wastewater were treated, with an average of 2.72 MGD. Completion of the Western Wake Regional Water
Reclamation Facility (WRF)
The proposed facility will provide the capacity needed for future development on the western side of town and,
when combined with the existing Town of Apex Middle Creek Water Reclamation Facility, will support a population
of 75,000 through 2030. When it comes into service, the facility is anticipated to increase the region's wastewater
treatment capacity by 18 MGD, although initially it is expected to receive around half that volume. In addition,
upgrades to existing pump stations, such as the one at Kelly Road, will provide additional service for existing and
future development. However, as Apex continues to grow, additional wastewater pump stations and
infrastructure will be needed to meet demand.

As noted in the Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Holly Springs can
currently supply 4.2 MGD of potable water to its residents and businesses. As stated in the 2013 Annual Drinking
Water Report, the Town purchased 2.0 MGD of drinking water from Harnett County. The Town is allocated 3.0
MGD of water capacity from Harnett County, with an expanded capacity of up to 10 MGD of water if needed.
Harnett County is currently the Town's largest water supplier, and the Town has partnered with Harnett County to
meet the future needs of up to 61,900 residents in 2030 as well. The Town is directly interconnected with several
water sources besides Harnett County, including Raleigh, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and Apex. The Town is also
allocated 1.2 MGD from the City of Raleigh; however, the Town does not currently utilize this resource. The Town
of Holly Springs also holds a 1.0 MGD allocation for water from Jordan Lake, but does not currently receive water
from this source. Two pump stations, one on the Harnett County transmission main and one on the City of Raleigh
capable of storing a total of 2.5 million gallons of water. The Town plans to prolong the life of its potable water
supply source through the use of reclaimed water from the Utley Creek WRF.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
10

The Town of Holly Springs owns and operates its wastewater collection and treatment system, which includes
approximately 168 miles of pipe and 12 sewer lift stations that convey flows to a central Holly Springs Utley Creek
WRF. All new development must tie into the
The Town-owned and operated WRF facility has a total
treatment capacity of 6.0 MGD, and currently treats approximately 1.8 MG of wastewater per day. The 6.0 MGD
WRF will serve an estimated population of up to approximately 75,000 (depending on the mix of residential and
non-residential users). As growth occurs outside the tributary areas of the treatment plant and existing pumping
stations, regional pumping stations are planned to serve those areas. Proposed pump stations will be initiated and
funded by private development, with the possibility of some Town participation for oversizing to meet larger basin
needs. The Town plans to limit discharge from the WRF through the use of reclaimed water from the Utley Creek
WRF.
Development Regulations
The Town of Apex notes in its Town of Apex Peak Plan 2030: The Apex Comprehensive Plan a desire to adopt
zoning for the Town that coincides with the land use areas depicted on the 2030 Future Land Use Map (Appendix
C). The Town desires to establish land use regulations which allow for a flexible range of development options
while still accounting for the needs of the Town, though at the same time expand existing land use policies and
regulations to adjust for changes in land use patterns and demands. Specifically, the Town identifies several goals.
Some of these goals include: balanced growth supporting a greater diversity of uses in Apex; infrastructure that
helps achieve land use and growth management objectives; a diversified economy that encourages entrepreneurs,
supports existing businesses, and attracts new employers; walkable, mixed-use developments and pedestrian-
oriented streets that encourage active lifestyles; employment centers in Apex; transition between new
development and existing development; and a well-connected pedestrian and bicycle network. The Apex planner
-foot buffers on intermittent streams and
100-foot buffers on perennial streams within the FLUSA area for the Access 540 project. Phase II stormwater
regulations apply within the FLUSA area. In addition to these Phase II requirements the Town requires peak flow
attenuation for the 10-year storm, which is above and beyond the State minimum. The Apex planner also points
out that new development projects must set aside a certain percentage of the site as resource conservation area
which prohibits development, disturbance, and construction activity in perpetuity. Additionally, the Town
categorically excludes development within environmentally sensitive areas including riparian buffers and
floodplains. Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Mitigation
Plan, generally exceed state and/or federal requirements. The planner notes that no specific land within the
FLUSA has been set aside at this point.
Within the northern section of the FLUSA in the vicinity north of Triangle Expressway, the Plan and local planners
indicate a desire to attract a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial land uses within the Veridea
development.
As noted in the Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan, the Town states that it has the
opportunity to proactively lay the framework for future growth and development while retaining and enhancing its
unique character. The Town has a desire to adopt zoning for the Town that coincides with the land use areas
depicted on the Future Land Use Map (Appendix C). Specifically, the Town identifies several goals, which
include: actively balance commercial, industrial, and residential development with conservation when promoting
land use decisions that will enable the Town to develop a sustainable balanced tax base; coordinate future
development efforts on a regional basis; balance land use decisions with their potential impact on the regional
transportation network; guide the development of regional commercial areas so they are contained and their
access is managed to protect the character of the remainder of the community; establish a series of pedestrian
friendly neighborhoods that will enable the T;
and ensure adequate infrastructure to serve industry. As well, the Town, through the Natural Resources
Implementation Program section of the Plan, states to continue to develop programs and regulations that meet or
exceed state minimum standards. The area of the Town located within the FLUSA is in the Cape Fear River Basin,
where the Town requires a 30-foot buffer on both sides of all perennial and intermittent streams.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
11

Within the southern section of the FLUSA, the Holly Springs Plan and map note the anticipated continuing growth
of the northern and western Holly Springs areas both in terms of residential land uses as well as commercial and
business park
Available Land
There are approximately 6,900 acres of land contained within the FLUSA. Approximately 350 acres (5.1 percent)
are covered by the road network and existing rights-of-way. Approximately 375 acres (5.4 percent) are covered by
streams and creeks (with a 50-foot total buffer measured 25 feet from the center of the stream towards each
bank), surface waters, and NWI wetlands. Other lands that are protected from development activities (i.e., game
lands) that do not overlap with water bodies or NWI wetlands total approximately 825 acres (12.0 percent). Lands
designated for landfill areas total approximately 800 acres (11.6 percent).
It was assumed that any parcel without a structure, with a structure valued at less than $10,000, or with a single
1,450 acres (21.0
percent).
After subtracting these areas from the total land area, there are approximately 3,100 acres in the FLUSA (or 44.9
percent) that is considered available for development. It is important to note that approximately 1,000 acres of
this total is committed to the Veridea development.
Market for Development
Apex envisions in its Town of Apex Peak Plan 2030: The Apex Comprehensive Plan that by 2030 there will be a
number of mixed-use developments in town that offer distinct living, working, and shopping options. Land
suitable for industrial and office development would be preserved, resulting in attracting employers that offer jobs
for -educated workforce. Fewer people would commute to other places such as Research Triangle
Park (RTP) and downtown Raleigh for work. In addition, there would be a variety of housing options, including
townhomes and apartments, to accommodate population. Older residents would be able to
age-in-place in close proximity to downtown services and amenities. Existing neighborhoods would be
complemented by new single-family developments of similar character and scale. The more rural portions would
remain largely undeveloped and critical open spaces protected.
Within the FLUSA, the Plan makes specific mention to identify and reserve at least one industrial/business park
parcel over 50 acres near an NC 540 interchange for a potential major employer relocation, taking advantage of
the attractiveness of the confluence of three limited-access highways. The Plan also recommends the Town to
continue dialogue with the developer of Veridea, who has assembled acreage roughly bounded by NC 540, NC 55,
and US 1. Veridea is an extensively planned and anticipated development in Apex. This approximately 1,000-acre
-use development was approved by the Apex Town Council in 2011 as a sustainable
development conditional zoning district. The total authorized development consists of 8,000 residential units, 3.5
million square feet of retail uses and 12 million square feet of office and industrial uses. The Access 540 project, in
conjunction with other transportation and infrastructure projects, would service this development. The Town of
Apex has indicated a future Regional Mixed Use node in the vicinity of the proposed interchange.

It should be noted that build out levels of Veridea are tied to several transportation projects being in place. For
example, no more than 15 percent build-out of any single land use can occur until either the interchange at US
1/Perry Road or the interchange at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road/Triangle Expressway is open to traffic. No more
than 50 percent build out of any single land use can occur until both interchanges are open to traffic.

The Town recognizes that it has experienced exceptional growth over the past two decades. From a population of
just 4,968 in 1990, to a 2012 population estimate of 45,523 residents, the Town has evolved from a small, rural
community to a thriving suburban destination in the Triangle. According to the State Office of Budget and
Management, Apex is now the 22nd largest municipality in North Carolina. In many communities economic
stagnation over the past several years resulted in declining home values, widespread foreclosures, limited
consumption, and high unemployment. High growth areas were hit especially hard. While Apex can be considered

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
12

a high growth community with an average compounded annual growth rate of approximately five percent over the
last ten years, the Town weathered the difficult economic downturn with encouraging resiliency. As stated in the
Plan, approximately 3,725 housing units 2004, with nearly 20 percent of
those homes being built between 2008 and 2010.

As noted in the Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan, the Town seeks to continue to
accommodate its past -. The Town has
experienced exceptional growth in the past two decades, growing from a population base of 908 residents in 1990
to approximately 22,000 in 2010. Most people moving to the Town are drawn to this small-town atmosphere, but
with the proximity and ease of accessibility to job centers and other activities and cultural features of neighboring
cities. The Town recognizes it has the opportunity, over the next several years, to experience future growth and
development while retaining and enhancing its unique character. The Town identifies the area in its jurisdiction
within the FLUSA as planned for future areas of mixed-use, residential, business park, industrial (land fill), and
regional center land uses. Given that the land available for development is rural in nature, development
opportunities would be ideal with the extension of water and sewer service and future transportation
infrastructure improvements to this far western area of the Town. As such the Town offers a desirable future
market for continued residential growth.

INDIRECT SCREENING MATRIX
Based on the existing conditions information presented in the previous sections, the potential for indirect effects
on local land use as a result of the Access 540 project was assessed. The following section presents the
methodology and results of the indirect effects screening matrix.
Methodology
The indirect and cumulative effects (ICE) impact categories listed on the Indirect Screening Matrix (Table 1)
represent a set of variables that have been shown to influence land development decisions in numerous areas
statewide and nationally. Each impact variable in the ICE screening matrix has been assessed individually in a
manner that is exclusive of all other impact variables. The information used to rate the level of concern for each
impact variable, from a high concern for potential indirect effects as a result of the Access 540 project, to less
concern for potential indirect effects as a result of the project, has been documented in detail in the Base
Screening Information and Analytical Screening Information sections of this report. Results are then tabulated for
the whole table for all impact variables to determine the overall potential for indirect effects as a result of the
Access 540 project.

Table 1: Indirect Effects Screening Matrix STIP R-2635D
Forecasted Forecasted Notable
Scope of Change in Available Water/Sewer Market for
Population Employment Public PolicyEnvironmental Result
ProjectTravel TimeLandAvailabilityDevelopment
GrowthGrowthFeatures
Rating
> 10 minute > 3% annual Substantial # of All services Less stringent; Targeted or
Major New 5000+ Acres of Development
travel time population New Jobs existing / no growth Threatened
More
LocationLandactivity abundant
savingsgrowthExpectedavailablemanagementResource
Concern
XXX
Possible Indirect
XXX
Scenario Assessment
XXX
Less
No service More stringent; Features
Very Limited No travel time No population No new Jobs or Limited Land Development
Concern
available now or growth incorporated in
Scopesavingsgrowth or declineJob LosesAvaialbleactivity lacking
in futuremanagementlocal protection

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
13

Matrix Results
Table 1 shows the results of the indirect effects screening matrix for the Access 540 project. Based on review of
available data and plans, site visit observations, and interviews with local officials, the categories in the screening
matrix indicate an overall moderate level of concern for indirect effects as a direct result of the Access 540 project.
Based on the ratings within the Indirect Effects Screening Matrix, the result Possible Indirect Scenario
Assessment However, the alternatives being considered for the Access 540 project are all in the same general
location and would offer similar levels of access. Therefore, it is not anticipated that indirect and cumulative
effects would notably vary by alternative. Based on the site-specific nature of the Access 540 project, the
recommendation of the report is that a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not warranted.
A summary of ratings for the level of concern for each potential ICE impact variable, as they relate to the proposed
Access 540 project, is provided below:
Scope of Project
The scope of the Access 540 project includes the proposed interchange and auxiliary lanes. All improvements
would occur on existing roadways and mostly within existing rights-of-way. Due to the limited scope of the
project, this category was rated moderately low.
Change in Travel Time
By constructing a new interchange on the Triangle Expressway at Old Holly Springs-Apex Road, motorists within
the FLUSA would have a direct access point to the Triangle Expressway. Direct access to the Triangle Expressway
would eliminate the need to travel into Apex or Holly Springs to access the Triangle Expressway, while additionally
enhancing mobility between Apex and Holly Springs. In addition, local traffic may be inclined to use the Triangle
Expressway following construction of the project as opposed to traveling on other routes in the FLUSA. When
travel times are considered with the Access 540 project in comparison to a no-build scenario in the horizon year of
2035, an average travel time savings of eight minutes is assumed. Therefore, the resulting overall change in travel
time was rated at the moderately high level.
Forecasted Population Growth
According to population projections provided by the NCOSBM, the population of Wake County is expected to
increase at an annual rate of 1.8 percent through 2033. The Apex and Holly Springs planners feel that their
respective jurisdictions will grow at an annual rate higher than that projected by NCOSBM. However, the
expected growth in the FLUSA area is anticipated due to the already planned Veridea development project. Thus,
no appreciable population growth is expected as a direct result of the Access 540 project. Incorporating these
interpretations, the level of concern for this impact variable was rated at the moderate level.
Forecasted Employment Growth
In accordance with NCDOT guidance on assessing projected employment growth, a growth rate of one to two
percent is generally considered to be moderate, and a growth rate that is greater than three percent annually is
considered to be high. The DES projects a 2.0 percent annual increase in jobs between 2010 and 2020 in the two-
county Capital Area WDB. Job projections beyond the year 2020 were not available at the time of this assessment.
The Apex planner anticipates that the annual job growth rate in the FLUSA will be slightly higher than that
projected by DES over the next 20 years, with the anticipation of new jobs created in conjunction with
retail and commercial development as well as new industrial activities locating within the FLUSA. The Holly Springs
retail development under construction. The forecasted employment growth rate was thus rated at the moderately
high level.
Available Land
It is estimated that approximately 3,100 acres of land within the FLUSA is available for development.
Approximately 1,000 of these acres are owned and planned for the Veridea mixed-use development. Most of the
Veridea properties have been zoned by Apex for development, with the remaining land expected to be rezoned to
development classifications in the near future. As such, this category was rated moderate.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
14

Water & Sewer Availability
Water and sewer service are currently unavailable throughout most of the FLUSA. While neither municipality has
immediate plans to expand service in proximity to the direct project area within the FLUSA, their comprehensive
plans are cognizant of the potential future growth in their respective jurisdictions-most notably in anticipation of
the Veridea mixed-use development project. Based on the expectation both
plans and anticipated expansion of water and sewer service within the FLUSA, this category was
rated moderate.
Market for Development
Local officials do not anticipate immediate development to occur as a direct result of the Access 540 project and
expect the FLUSA to remain a predominantly rural area for the near future. This is due in large part to the fact that
a sizeable portion of land available for development within the FLUSA is currently owned by the Veridea
developers, and change of land use would not occur until construction begins. However, highway-oriented
development may occur within and further south of the FLUSA in parcels not owned by Veridea, due to the ease of
access provided by the new interchange. Based on these aspects, the level of concern for this impact variable as a
result of the Access 540 project was rated at the moderate level.
Public Policy
There are comprehensive land use plans and transportation plans in place for the Town of Apex and the Town of
Holly Springs to guide land use decisions and regulate development as well as handle future transportation
expansion in the FLUSA. Apex and Holly Springs have worked to develop and implement land use and
infrastructure plans to accommodate this growth. These plans include a comprehensive plan that addressed
growth, land use, and transportation; specific small area plans; and a comprehensive transportation plan. In some
Secondary and Cumulative
Impacts Master Mitigation PlanNatural Resources Implementation Program,
exceed state and federal requirements. Both Apex and Holly Springs have developed a Secondary and Cumulative
Impacts (SCI) Master Mitigation Plan in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (NC DENR) to provide a holistic review of the environmental impacts and identified mitigation
programs associated with planned infrastructure projects deemed necessary by their Town Councils. Based upon
the relatively strong growth management in place extensive coordination with the Veridea
plans for its section of the FLUSA, the level of concern for local
growth management was rated at moderately low indicating more stringent growth management.
Notable Environmental Features
Few large-scale areas or numbers of natural environmental features are located within or adjacent to the FLUSA,
but those present include streams, NWI wetlands, NCWRC game land, and NCDENR EEP designated targeted local
watersheds. Land use throughout the FLUSA is mostly rural in nature with large wooded parcels. The FLUSA is
located within the Cape Fear River Basin and contains a total of three named streams that traverse within this
basin. Old Holly Springs-Apex Road crosses only one stream within the FLUSA, Little Branch. As detailed in the
5.4 percent of the total FLUSA land area is comprised of
hydrologic resources and associated regulatory buffers, while an additional 12.0 percent contains land being
designated as game land. There are municipal development restrictions in place, as well as preservation and
conservation plans within the Veridea master plan, to protect many of these resources. As a result of these local
protections, the level of concern for this impact variable was rated at the moderately low level.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS
Indirect Summary Statement
Based on the results of the Indirect Effects Screening Matrix, the need for a Land Use Scenario Assessment was
identified as Possibles there is a moderate concern for indirect and cumulative effects as a result of the Access
540 project. Despite the apparent large amount of available land, a sizeable portion of that land is owned by the
developers of Veridea, a proposed approximately 1,000-acre mixed-

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
15

Apex consisting of commercial, industrial and residential land uses. The extent of potential indirect land use
effects as a result of the Access 540 project will be largely dependent upon several key variables, including: the
future local economy and market for development, public infrastructure expansion projects, the completion of
other transportation improvements in the area, and the construction of the mixed-use Veridea development which
would have an important impact on the population and job market within the FLUSA of the project. However, the
alternatives being considered for the Access 540 project are all in the same general location and would offer
similar levels of access. Therefore, it is not anticipated that indirect and cumulative effects would notably vary by
alternative. Based on the site-specific nature of the Access 540 project, the recommendation of the report is that a
Land Use Scenario Assessment is not warranted.
Water Quality Effects Summary Statement
Qualitative analyses of the probable development patterns in the FLUSA, based on the information and data
available at the time of this report, suggest that the Access 540 project would, itself, have little effect on water
quality or future stormwater runoff in the watersheds encompassed by the project. However, when the planned
Veridea development project begins construction the increase in vehicular traffic utilizing the interchange to
access onto or off of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road would increase and, when adding in additional impervious
surface from buildings and parking, there would be additional stormwater runoff. However, water quality
concerns should be avoided and/or mitigated through compliance with regulations covering watershed protection,
floodplain protection, stream and river buffers and stormwater management. Although Veridea will be developing
their own environmental enhancement plan, local planners have indicated that the plan is intended to provide
equal watershed protection. The environmental enhancement plan will have to be approved by the Town Council.
Cumulative Effects Summary Statement
The Access 540 project is the proposed new interchange on the Triangle Expressway at Old Holly Springs-Apex
Road. Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is currently a two-lane undivided roadway with a grade-separated crossing and
no direct access to the Triangle Expressway. Due to the current lack of direct access, as well as forecasted growth
of traffic as a result of continuing residential growth and the planned mixed-use Veridea development utilizing Old
Holly Springs-Apex Road, NCDOT proposes to provide an additional interchange on the Triangle Expressway for
vehicles to obtain direct access to and from Old Holly Springs-Apex Road. The purpose of the proposed project is
to provide improved access and enhanced roadway linkage in response to planned and anticipated growth in
southern Apex.
Due to relatively economical housing prices when compared to surrounding areas, expected continued moderate
to brisk population growth, anticipated growth of local jobs in the area, planned extension of existing
transportation facilities (specifically Jessie Drive and Old Smithfield Road), and the desire by local municipalities to
expand water and sewer service throughout the FLUSA, the local market for development is relatively robust at
present. Land use throughout the FLUSA is mixed, consisting of large sections of wooded tracts with scattered
residences and sparse agricultural uses, and commercial and industrial pockets. Commercial development is
largely concentrated near the southern tip of the FLUSA, which is the northern portion of Holly Springs, and
includes residential and commercial development along the NC 55 Bypass and NC 55 (North Main Street/East
Williams Street). Future land use plans of Apex and Holly Springs recognize the potential for future growth in the
project area and have incorporated both the Access 540 project as well as the Veridea project, indicating a desire
of rezoning the land within the FLUSA as primarily mixed-use with specific pockets of industrial uses.
The FLUSA is poised to undergo considerable growth by 2035, and Apex and Holly Springs have worked to develop
and implement land use and infrastructure plans to accommodate this growth. These plans include a
comprehensive plan that addressed growth, land use, and transportation-specific small area plans; and a
comprehensive transportation plan. In some cases local ordinances for environmental protection, such as the
Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Mitigation PlanNatural
Resources Implementation Program, exceed state and federal requirements. The proposed action has the potential
for moderate indirect and cumulative effects because the project creates a new transportation link and a land use
node that will reduce travel times, change travel patterns, and expose properties to greater traffic volumes;
however, the proposed project is consistent with surrounding development, long planned by both municipalities.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
16

Comprehensive planning efforts by Apex and Holly Springs have put the policies and procedures in place that show
the vision and intent to develop in the FLUSA, to provide the adequate infrastructure to support this growth, and
to protect the natural and human environment during the growth. Both Apex and Holly Springs have developed a
Secondary and Cumulative Impacts (SCI) Master Mitigation Plan in cooperation with the North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR) to provide a holistic review of the environmental
impacts and identified mitigation programs associated with planned infrastructure projects deemed necessary by
their Town Councils.
The Access 540 project is not expected to have a notable indirect effect on land use in the FLUSA. Direct natural
environmental impacts by the project would be addressed by avoidance, minimization, and mitigation, consistent
with programmatic agreements with environmental resource and regulatory agencies during the permitting
processes. Future development would be required to follow federal, state and local regulations for the protection
of water quality. Although Veridea will be developing their own environmental enhancement plan, local planners
have indicated that the plan is intended to provide equal watershed protection.
The cumulative effect of this project when considered in the context of other past, present, and future actions, and
the resulting impact on the notable human and natural features, should be minimal. Forecast development would
be the predominant contributor to cumulative effects. Development is already occurring in the FLUSA and that
development is anticipated to continue.

CONCLUSIONS & NEXT STEPS
Based on present conditions in the FLUSA, as assessed in this report, no immediate actions from NCDOT, Wake
County, the Town of Apex, or the Town of Holly Springs are currently anticipated. However, continued outreach to
community leaders and elected officials is recommended as the project progresses.
Based on the findings of the assessment in this report, and the site-specific nature of the Access 540 project,
further ICE analysis in the form of a Land Use Scenario Assessment is not necessary.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
17

SOURCES
Town of Apex, www.apexnc.org/

Town of Apex Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources, www.apexnc.org/services/parks-recreation-cultural-
resources, accessed March 2014.

Town of Apex Peak Plan, www.apexnc.org/peakplan, accessed March 2014.

Town of Apex Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Mitigation Plan, www.apexnc.org/services/public-
works/environmental-programs-division/sci-master-mitigation-plan, accessed April 2014.

Clapp, Gina, Stephanie Sudano, Jenny Mizelle, Heather Keefer, Kendra Parrish, Town of Holly Springs,
Questionnaire dated March 3, 2014

Google Maps Satellite Imagery, http://maps.google.com/, accessed January 2014.

Town of Holly Springs, Comprehensive Transportation Plan, www.hollyspringsnc.us/index.aspx?NID=629, accessed
April 2014.

Town of Holly Springs, Comprehensive Plan, www.hollyspringsnc.us/index.aspx?nid=327, accessed March 2014.

Town of Holly Springs, Parks and Recreation, www.hollyspringsnc.us/index.aspx?nid=214, accessed March 2014.

Huegerich, Reed, Town of Apex Senior Planner, Questionnaire dated January 14, 2014.

Jordan Lake Regional Water Supply Partnership, www.jordanlakepartnership.org/, accessed July 2014.

Lankford, Keith, Planner III, Wake County, Questionnaire dated February 24, 2014.

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources,
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq, accessed February 2014.

North Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation, www.ncparks.gov/About/system_main.php, accessed
February 2014.

North Carolina Department of Transportation, www.ncdot.gov

North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, www.osbm.nc.gov/ncosbm/budget/index.shtm, accessed
June 2014.

North Carolina OneMap, www.nconemap.com/, accessed January 2014.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, www.ncwildlife.org/, accessed February 2014.

United States Census Bureau, www.census.gov/, accessed January 2014.

Veridea, www.veridea-nc.com/, accessed February 2014.

Wake County, www.wakegov.com/Pages/default.aspx

Wake County GIS, www.wakegov.com/gis/services/Pages/data.aspx, accessed January 2014.

Wake County Transportation Plan, www.wakegov.com/planning/transport/pages/transportplans.aspx, accessed
March 2014.

Wake County Voluntary Agricultural District Program, www.wakegov.com/swcd/agriculture/Pages/voluntary.aspx,
accessed March 2014.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Water Technology, www.water-technology.net/projects/western-wake/, accessed July 2014.

APPENDICES
A - Figures
B - Interview Records
C Apex and Holly Springs Maps

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Appendix A: Figure 1 Vicinity Map

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Appendix A: Figure 2 FLUSA Notable Features

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Appendix B: Interview Records
STIP Project R-2635D
New Interchange on Triangle Expressway/NC 540
At Old Holly Springs-Apex Road
Wake County

Indirect and Cumulative Effects Screening Report (sICE)

INTERVIEWEE: Reed Huegerich, Senior Planner Transportation, Town of Apex
DATE/TIME: January 14, 2014 @ 10:00
PLACE: Town of Apex

1) How familiar are you with the project study area?

I am very familiar with the project study area.

2) We have collected several plans and ordinances available on-line:

Peak Plan 2030: Apex Comprehensive Plan (July 2013)
Apex Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space Master Plan (June and December 2013)
Apex Unified Development Ordinance (August 2000, March 2013)

http://www.apexnc.org/services/planning/documents-plans-maps

Are there any relevant plans/ordinances we are missing, or are any of the plans/ordinances listed
above currently being updated?

No. The above documents are updated routinely so pl
ensure that you have the most recent versions.

3) Currently, we are using NC One Map and NCDOT GIS data for the assessment. Is there any
newer mapping or local GIS data available? (We are particularly interested in land use, zoning,
protected areas, community facilities, etc.)

The Town of Apex maintains local GIS data regarding Zoning and Future Land Use. Please contact Will
Brown, GIS Specialist, for information on available data and ways to access the files.

Will Brown, GISP
GIS Specialist, Town of Apex
[e-mail]
[phone]

4) What kinds of farms / agricultural operations, if any, are located in the project area? What
types of crops are grown?

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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There are 4 parcels located within the area shown on the map below that are classified as farms by Wake
County: REID 0107812 (Agricultural Farm), REID 0107809 (Floriculture Farm), REID 0150491
(Floriculture Farm), and REID 0124454 (Floriculture Farm).

5) Are there any FEMA buyout properties in the study area? If so, where are these properties
located? Who owns the properties (e.g. city, county, state, etc.)? Do you have mapping or GIS
data that shows their location?

There are no FEMA buyout properties in the area shown on the map below.

6) Are there any proposed local transportation projects in (or near) the study area?

There are no current or proposed local transportation projects within the area shown on the map below.
The Town will be constructing a sidewalk along the west side of Tingen Road from Apex Elementary
School to Apex Peakway in 2015 or 2016. This project is located north of the area shown on the map
below.

7) Are there any adopted plans for either pedestrian, greenway, bicycle, or transit facilities in the
area? Please provide a description of how the plan applies to the project area, the title of the plan,
its year of adoption, and the current status of its implementation.

The Town of Apex Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Equestrian Plan, a component of the Apex Transportation
-wide shared use path along Old Holly Springs Apex Road as well as along a
future road (Jessie Drive) that will extend from NC 55 to Old Holly Springs Apex Road. There is no
timetable for the construction of the paths or for the construction of Jessie Drive; however, any plans for
an interchange at this location should include accommodations for these paths.

8) Have we missed any important community facilities or other notable features including
community landmarks, historic structures/districts, threatened and endangered species, parks,
etc. in the study area on the draft figure (attached at the end of this questionnaire)?

The Wake County Inventory of Historic Structures shows a surveyed property at 1414 East Williams
Street (REID: 0211514) although the house has been demolished.

9) Do you anticipate impacts to any particular communities or facilities? Impacts may be related
to stability, cohesion, aesthetics, noise, access, safety, etc.

Closure of Old Holly Springs Apex Road for construction of the interchange would have an impact on
access for people traveling through the study area, especially those traveling by bicycle or by other
nonmotorized travel modes. Care should be taken to avoid closing this route during construction.

10) Are road names referenced by the names locals use?

NC 540 is often referred to as I-540 (incorrectly), Western Wake Freeway (or Parkway), and Triangle
Expressway. Old Holly Springs Apex Rd is sometimes referred to as Old Apex Holly Springs Rd
(incorrectly) or Tingen Rd (incorrectly).

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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11) What are the current traffic patterns? Any problem areas in terms of congestion? Concerns
with current lack of access to Triangle Expressway?

The facility with the greatest volume of motor vehicle traffic in or adjacent to the study area is NC 55 (East
Williams Street). As of 2011, approximately 44,000 vehicles use the section of NC 55 immediately south
of US 1. These vehicles predominantly either continue on NC 55 north of US 1 (annual average daily
traffic of 29,000 vehicles) or turn north onto US 1 (annual average daily traffic of 47,000 vehicles). Also
as of 2011, approximately 2,500 vehicles per day drive on Old Holly Springs Apex Road. Considering the
growth of Apex and the surrounding communities it is likely that the traffic volumes on all of these roads
mentioned have increased since 2011.

The most recent data available to the Town of Apex (September 2013) show an average weekday traffic
of approximately 9,500 vehicles on NC 540 within the area shown on the map below.

The interchange of NC 55 at US 1 is routinely congested during the morning and afternoon peak hours.
Various legs of the 2 intersections serving the interchange may experience levels of service F during the
peak hours.

12) Do you expect traffic patterns to change following construction of the project? If so, how?

I would anticipate a moderate increase in traffic along Old Holly Springs Apex Road utilizing the
interchange to access NC 540. Motorists may choose to access NC 540 at this location instead of at the
interchange with NC 55 which carries more traffic.

13) Where are the major employment centers? Are there any planned employer relocations (into
or out of the area)?

Major employment centers include downtown Apex, Pinnacle Park, Beaver Creek Commons, EMC
Corporation, Lufkin Road industrial area, and each individual Wake County Public School, among others.
The only employment center within the DCIA shown on the map below is EMC Corporation,
approximately 1 mile east-northeast of the proposed interchange.

We are unaware of any planned employer relocations at this time.

14) What are the commuting patterns? Do most residents near the project area work within the
Town or commute outside of the Town?

There are 2 dominant commuting patterns in this area: Apex-to-Raleigh (via US 1) and Apex-to-RTP (via
NC 55 or NC 540). Most of the residents in this area commute to work outside of Apex.

15) Where is growth (residential and non-residential) occurring in your jurisdiction? Are any
major developments under construction near to project (within 1 2 miles)?

Much of the new residential growth in Apex is occurring outside of the historic footprint of the town.
Several residential developments are under construction in the southwestern and eastern areas of Apex.
Additionally several other residential projects are under review in the northwestern portions of Apex.
Commercial growth is occurring along US 64 and NC 55.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Several residential projects are under construction within 2 miles of the interchange project including
Salem Village (single-family), Pemberly (single-family), and Columns at Broadstone (multi-family).

16) Are there any known plans for development in the vicinity of the project?

Veridea is a major, mixed-use development planned in this vicinity. The Town of Apex approved a
rezoning of approximately 1,011 acres of land on May 10, 2011, to Sustainable Development -
Conditional Zoning for Veridea; however, there are no current plans for development.

17) Is any redevelopment taking place? If so, where?

There is some redevelopment taking place in Apex, specifically in and around the historic downtown.
Redevelopment projects include Magnolia Planned Unit Development (replacing single-family homes with
a mixed-use project), 300 North Salem Street (renovation of historic
Fuel Center (converting a parking lot to a gas station).

18) How would you characterize the residential market? Commercial market? Industrial market?

The residential market is currently very strong. In 2013 the Town of Apex received 19 Master Subdivision
Plan submissions, an increase of 272% over the previous year. A total of 742 housing units were
approved in 2013 with 811 submitted for review and potential approval for 2014.

The commercial market is not as strong as the residential market; however, it is still steady. The Town
received 43 nonresidential projects in 2013 which is higher than any other year from 1994-2007. In Apex,
nonresidential development typically trails residential development by approximately 2 years so we
anticipate an increase in nonresidential development following the surge in residential development
experienced over the last 3 years.

The industrial market is less easy to predict; however, the Town recently approved several new projects
as well as a large expansion of an existing industrial site.

19) How would you describe the local commitment to development (pro-growth vs. anti-growth)?
Is the political climate stable or unstable?

The political climate in Apex is stable, although 2 of the 5 members of the Apex Town Council are in their
st
1 term. The Town has generally been supportive of growth. The Town would like to encourage more
nonresidential growth in order to achieve a more balanced ratio of nonresidential to residential tax base.

20) What are the general development goals for this area? How does the Town envision this area
in relation to the NC 540 corridor?

The Apex 2030 Land Use Map shows a future Regional Mixed Use node for Veridea and a combination
of Industrial Employment, Office Employment, Commercial Services, High Density Residential,
Medium/High Density Residential, and Medium Density Residential in the area. The goal for Veridea is to
create a semi-urban, mixed-use center that serves regional needs and attracts a dense, walkable
development form. Other areas nearby would accommodate Office Employment and Industrial
Employment.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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This semi-urban area would rely heavily on access to and from NC 540 with some residents living in the
area commuting out and people living outside of the area commuting in for jobs or to visit the area
amenities.

21) Are there any development moratoria? What about development incentives?

There are currently no development moratoria. Any development incentives are determined by the Apex
Town Council.

22) What are the major constraints to development in the area?

Like elsewhere in Apex, the land around this project has a number of perennial and intermittent streams,
including Big Branch approximately ½ mile east of the interchange. Additionally there are multiple
wetland sites within the study area. The presence of streams and wetlands is not unique to this area.

23) Are you aware of any minority communities/populations within or near the study area? Do
you anticipate impacts to these communities/populations?

The Feltonville area near East Williams Street at Old Smithfield Road has both minority and low-income
households. This area is located approximate 1.5 miles east of the proposed interchange.

24) Are you aware of any other special populations / communities (e.g. low-income, Limited
English Proficiency) existing in the study area?

The Feltonville area near East Williams Street at Old Smithfield Road has both minority and low-income
households. This area is located approximate 1.5 miles east of the proposed interchange.

25) What areas in the study area, if any, are served by water and sewer services?

At this time there are no areas within the area shown on the map below that are served by Town water
and sewer services.

26) What is the existing capacity of the water and sewer systems? How much of the capacity is
being used currently? When would you anticipate reaching full capacity for both the water and
sewer systems?

Completion of Phase 1 of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility (sewer plant) is scheduled for
September 2014; combined with the existing Town of Apex Middle Creek Water Reclamation Facility will
support a population of 75,000 through 2030.

Completion of the Water Treatment Plant Expansion (planned to begin in 2014) should support an Apex
population of 65,000 through 2025.

27) Are there any planned upgrades to capacity (plant or conveyance capacity) for water and or
sewer services? If so, are the upgrades funded?

Completion of Phase 1 of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility (sewer plant) is scheduled for
September 2014. Expansion of the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant is scheduled to begin in 2014. The
expansion will increase capacity from 40 million gallons per day to 56 million gallons per day.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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28) Are there any planned water or sewer line extensions? If so, where would the new lines be?
Is there funding for these extensions?

Yes. Future lines have been identified on a Master plan Level. Please contact Steve Miller, Public Works
Engineering Projects Coordinator, for more information about future utility lines.

Steve Miller, ORC, GISP
Public Works Engineering Projects Coordinator, Town of Apex
[phone]
[e-mail]

The Town has not identified funding for improvements in this study area at this time; however, the Town
did coordinate with the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to install utility casings under NC 540 for future
utility lines during construction of the Western Wake Freeway.

29) Are there any riparian buffer regulations or other land use controls (other than zoning)?

Yes. The Town of Apex Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires 50-ft buffers on intermittent
streams and 100-ft buffers on perennial streams within this study area.

30) Are there any local stormwater runoff management programs? Phase II stormwater
regulations?

Yes. Phase II stormwater regulations apply within this study area. In addition to Phase II requirements,
the Town requires peak flow attenuation for the 10-yr storm which is above and beyond the State
minimum.

31) Is any land protected from development?

Land in Apex is routinely protected from development. New development projects must set aside a
certain percentage of the site as resource conservation area which prohibits development, disturbance,
and construction activity in perpetuity. Additionally, the Town categorically excludes development within
environmentally sensitive areas including riparian buffers and floodplains. No specific land within the
DCIA shown on the map below has been set aside to this point.

32) Based on North Carolina Division of Employment Security data, it is anticipated that the two-
county Capital Area Workforce Development Board (Wake County and Johnston County) will
experience an annual employment growth rate of approximately 2.0% between 2010 and 2020. Is
this estimate satisfactory in your opinion? Would you expect the annual population growth in the
study area to be the same, less, or more than the WDB area as a whole?

The estimated growth rate of approximately 2.0% appears to be insufficient. Apex experienced
population growth rates of 2.3%, 3.0%, and 5.1% in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively. Considering the
number of projects recently approved and currently under review I would anticipate that the population
growth in Apex would substantially exceed that of the WDB area as a whole. Therefore, I would
anticipate an employment growth rate in Apex that exceeds that of the WDB area as a whole as well.

33) Based on data published by the North Carolina Office of Budget and Management, it is
anticipated that Wake County will experience an annual population growth rate of approximately

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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1.8% through 2033. Would you expect the annual population growth in the Town of Apex portion
of the study area to be the same, lower, or higher than the County as a whole?

Apex experienced population growth rates of 2.3%, 3.0%, and 5.1% in 2011, 2012, and 2013,
respectively. Considering the number of projects recently approved and currently under review I would
anticipate that the population growth in Apex would substantially exceed that of the WDB area as a whole
over the next few years. As land in and around Apex becomes developed, the population growth in the

WDB may shift to other more rural areas, especially in the later years of the timeframe above.

34) Do you anticipate this project (STIP Project R-2635D) will affect land use or development
patterns in the area? If yes, what kinds of effects are expected and where do you anticipate they
would occur?

The interchange may have a moderate impact on development in the area. The addition of the
interchange makes the properties within the study area slightly more desirable due to increased access to
a regional road. Additionally, the properties immediately surrounding the interchange may be more likely
to serve a highway-related use than if the project were not constructed. Generally, however,
the vicinity of the interchange should be the largest factor in the nature of future development in the area.

35) Are you aware of any community concerns or controversy relative to this project?

The Town of Apex has not received any negative feedback on the construction of an interchange in this
location.

36) Are there any additional comments you would like to make?

This interchange is shown as a proposed interchange on the Apex Transportation Plan, the Holly Springs
Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 2040
Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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STIP Project R-2635D
New Interchange on Triangle Expressway/NC 540
At Old Holly Springs-Apex Road
Wake County

Indirect and Cumulative Effects Screening Report (sICE)

INTERVIEWEE: Town of Holly Springs- Gina Clapp, Stephanie Sudano, Jenny
Mizelle, Heather Keefer, Kendra Parrish
DATE/TIME: March 3, 2014
PLACE: Returned by E-mail

1) How familiar are you with the project study area?
Vision Holly Springs.

Town of Holly Springs Comments on the STIP R-2635D Veridea Interchange on February 7,

2014 a copy of these comments has been included at the end of this SICE for your information.

2) We have collected several plans and ordinances available on-line:

Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan
Beyond the Green: A Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the Town of Holly Springs, NC
Long-Range Wastewater Plan
Long-Range Water Plan

http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/index.aspx?NID=213

Are there any relevant plans/ordinances we are missing, or are any of the plans/ordinances listed above
currently being updated?

Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Development Procedures Manual (DPM)
Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP)
Holly Springs Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Mitigation Plan (SCIMMP) Contact
Heather Keefer [e-mail] to request this docume
site. Note: This document includes all environmental ordinances, Chapter 8 of the Town Code of
Ordinances found on Municode except for the most recent version of
regulations, 7.06, D of Unified Development Ordinance
Engineering Design & Construction Standards

3) Currently, we are using NC One Map and NCDOT GIS data for the assessment. Is there any newer
mapping or local GIS data available? (We are particularly interested in land use, zoning, protected areas,
community facilities, etc.)

Riparian Stream Buffer Layers are available in GIS format contact
[e-mail] to request this information.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Zoning, Future Land Use, Planning Jurisdiction, Town properties, etc. are all maintained by the
Town of Holly Springs Department of Planning & Zoning, please contact
[e-mail] for this information.
Existing water/sewer lines, future water/sewer lines, greenways, sidewalks, and future
transportation information are all maintained by the Town of Holly Springs Department of
Engineering, please contact [e-mail] for this information.

4) What kinds of farms / agricultural operations, if any, are located in the project area? What types of
crops are grown?

Although we are not familiar with the operations, there are some limited farm/agricultural uses within the
project area along Old Holly Springs-Apex Road and at the end of Woodfield Dead End Road.

5) Are there any FEMA buyout properties in the study area? If so, where are these properties located?
Who owns the properties (e.g. city, county, state, etc.)? Do you have mapping or GIS data that shows
their location?

There are no known FEMA buy out properties in this area.

6) Are there any proposed local transportation projects in (or near) the study area?

Per the approved 2011 CTP the cross section of the OHSA Rd. is 86 ft. back of curb on a 109 ft.
right-of-way. The Cross Section includes bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

7) Are there any adopted plans for either pedestrian, greenway, bicycle, or transit facilities in the area?
Please provide a description of how the plan applies to the project area, the title of the plan, its year of
adoption, and the current status of its implementation.
Per the approved 2011 CTP the cross section provides roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian
facilities. As development occurs this cross section will need to be constructed. Any bridge
structures for R-2635 shall provide this clearance.
Per 2011 CTP fig. 4.2 a pedestrian underpass or overpass shall be provided at this interchange.
Per 2011 CTP Fig. 5.2 Holly Springs shall have access to Veridea Rail Location and
accommodated by I-540 design.

8) Have we missed any important community facilities or other notable features including community
landmarks, historic structures/districts, threatened and endangered species, parks, etc. in the study area
on the draft figure (attached at the end of this questionnaire)?

The Wake County Southwest Wake Landfill is not noted on the map which is the majority of the land
between NC 55 Bypass and Old Holly Springs- Apex Road above the transmission line. Also as a part of
the Southwest Wake Landfill is the INGENCO methane conversion power plant.

Also, Beyond the Green calls for two future parks within the study area as well as a greenway along the
creek to the east of Old Holly Springs-Apex Road.

9) Do you anticipate impacts to any particular communities or facilities? Impacts may be related to
stability, cohesion, aesthetics, noise, access, safety, etc.

The interchange will benefit access and increase safety, however as with any transportation
improvement there will be an increase to noise and the natural environment.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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10) Are road names referenced by the names locals use?

Yes
NC55 Bypass is also called GB Alford Hwy. and NC 55 changes from E. Williams Street to N.
Main Street heading south at Sunset Lake Road,

11) What are the current traffic patterns? Any problem areas in terms of congestion? Concerns with
current lack of access to Triangle Expressway (NC 540)?

NC 55 Bypass has become very congested (LOS E at traditional intersections) since the opening
of I-540. This additional interchange will provide a parallel facility to aid in better transportation
distribution.

12) Do you expect traffic patterns to change following construction of the project? If so, how?

We anticipate current users of the NC 55 bypass to move west and use this parallel facility.

13) Where are the major employment centers? Are there any planned employer relocations (into or out
of the area)?

Holly Springs Business Park
Holly Springs Towne Center
14) What are the commuting patterns? Do most residents near the project area work within the Town or
commute outside of the Town?

Most residents commute out from Holly Springs north to Apex to RTP. Primarily northbound in
the AM and southbound in the PM.

15) Where is growth (residential and non-residential) occurring in your jurisdiction? Are any major
developments under construction near to project (within 1 2 miles)?

Within 2 miles of this proposed interchange are the following active developments:

Residential: Forest Springs, Twelve Oaks, New Hill Place Apartments
Non-Residential: Holly Springs Towne Center, Holly Springs Business Park, N. Main Athletic Complex

16) Are there any known plans for development in the vicinity of the project?

The South Wake Landfill will be expanding greatly. The Stephenson Property at the corner of Old Holly
Springs Road and Woods Creek Road is under contract, but no plans have been submitted to the Town
yet.

17) Is any redevelopment taking place? If so, where?

None known.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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18) How would you characterize the residential market? Commercial market? Industrial market?

Residential market is active. We expect new home building permits to exceed our average of 400/year for
the next few years. Recent apartment construction has placed or will place almost 500 new apartments in
Holly Springs by 2015. The commercial market is characterized by retailers and service providers eager
to serve the current and projected population. SW Wake County is experiencing population growth and
the private sector is aggressively pursuing development opportunities. Industrial development is slowly
rising after several years of inactivity. There are some expansions and relocations in the Holly Springs
Business Park and an increased level of interest.

19) How would you describe the local commitment to development (pro-growth vs. anti-growth)? Is the
political climate stable or unstable?

The Town of Holly Springs has a history of a stable political climate. Town elections are held every other
year with the next election planned for November 2015. Due to ample public water and wastewater
capacities, the Town is poised to continue to accept petitions for new development.

20) What are the general development goals for this area? How does the Town envision this area in
relation to the NC 540 corridor?

Vision Holly Springs: Town of Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan has the parcels along Old Holly
Springs-
calling for higher density development including a mix of residential and commercial uses. Parcels
immed
hi-tech clean industries and bio-tech companies as well as office and flex-space facilities.

21) Are there any development moratoria? What about development incentives?

The Town of Holly Springs does not have any development moratoria at this time. Development
incentives are on a case by case basis for significant economic development projects.

22) What are the major constraints to development in the area?

None. Perhaps the timing of the extension of water/sewer which will occur as development begins in this
area.

23) Are you aware of any minority communities/populations within or near the study area? Do you
anticipate impacts to these communities/populations?

None known.

24) Are you aware of any other special populations / communities (e.g. low-income, Limited English
Proficiency) existing in the study area?

None known.

25) What areas in the study area, if any, are served by water and sewer services?

There is a 2 in. water service line up to the intersection of Old Holly Springs Apex Rd. and Woods
Creek Rd.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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26) What is the existing capacity of the water and sewer systems? How much of the capacity is being
used currently? When would you anticipate reaching full capacity for both the water and sewer systems?

Water
The Town owns 10 MGD capacity of the Harnett County water treatment plants. Also, a 2 MGD
Jordan Lake Allocation.
on a high use day.
Plans are in place to accommodate a population of 61,900 in 2030 with some upgrades.

Sewer
The existing capacity of the waste water system is 6 MGD at the Water Reclamation Facility
(WRF).
Approximately 1.4 MGD is being discharged from the Utley Creek WRF. The facility is currently
operating under a discharge permit that allows 2.4 MGD until the discharge has been relocated.
Reaching full capacity is anticipated in 20 years to 30 years.

Reclaimed Water
The existing capacity of the reclaimed water system is 1.5 MGD
In 2012 approximately 0.16 MGD was used with a peak daily use of 0.55 MGD.
In 2013 a study identified the potential for annual average daily reclaimed water demands to grow
to 0.9 MGD by 2030 and by 1.2 MGD by 2060.

27) Are there any planned upgrades to capacity (plant or conveyance capacity) for water and or sewer
services? If so, are the upgrades funded?

Water
Upgrades to meet the anticipated 2030 needs would result in the future capital improvement
projects, the Town has looked into potential options to meet the future need but no projects have
been planned to date.

Sewer
The Town has received a permit to expand the existing Water Reclamation Facility from a 6 MGD
facility to a 8 MGD facility. .
Upgrades have not been funded to date

Reclaimed Water
No expansions are planned.

28) Are there any planned water or sewer line extensions? If so, where would the new lines be? Is there
funding for these extensions?

Extensions of the Water and Sewer Lines will be in accordance with the current Long Range
Water and Long Range Wastewater Capital Improvement Plans
The Town plans on constructing a regional pump station and force main in accordance with the
current Long Range Wastewater Capital Improvement Plans. Funding has not been allocated for
the regional pump station to date. The Town routinely upgrades existing infrastructure as needed.
Some of these projects are funded.

29) Are there any riparian buffer regulations or other land use controls (other than zoning)?

Yes the Town has the following Town Mandated Riparian Buffers, UDO Section 7.06, D.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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Cape Fear River Basin Riparian Buffer: 30-foot buffer on both sides of all perennial and
intermittent streams.
Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer: 100-foot zoned buffer on both sides of all perennial
streams.
Bass Lake Watershed Buffer: 100-foot undisturbed buffer on both sides of all perennial
streams tributary to Bass Lake.
Additional information can be found on the

30) Are there any local stormwater runoff management programs? Phase II stormwater regulations?

Yes, the Town is a NPDES Phase II Stormwater Community.

can be found on the Environmental Services

31) Is any land protected from development?

Riparian Buffer Rules.
The Town restricts development in both the Town and FEMA designated floodplains. No
residential development is permitted in the floodplain.

Streams and Wetlands are protected by the Clean Water Act and required to go through the

applicable federal and state approval processes.

32) Based on North Carolina Division of Employment Security data, it is anticipated that the two-county
Capital Area Workforce Development Board (Wake County and Johnston County) will experience an
annual employment growth rate of approximately 2.0% annual increase in jobs between 2010 and 2020.
Is this estimate satisfactory in your opinion? Would you expect the annual population growth in the study
area to be the same, less, or more than the WDB area as a whole?

The estimate seems satisfactory. We believe job growth in the FLUSA will substantially increase in the
next six years with additional retail development under construction. Additionally several sports-related
enterprises will be opening in the coming years spurring additional employment. We expect the annual
population growth in the study area to be greater than the WDB area as a whole.

33) Based on data published by the North Carolina Office of Budget and Management, it is anticipated
that Wake County will experience an annual population growth rate of approximately 1.8% through 2033.
Would you expect the annual population growth in the Town of Holly Springs portion of the FLUSA to be
the same, lower, or higher than the County as a whole?
The Town of Holly Springs is continuing to see an annual increase in the number of residential building
permits. It is anticipated that Holly Springs will see an annual growth rate between 3 6% annually. The
estimated July 1, 2013 population in Holly Springs was 28,020 and the forecasted 2030 population is
45,781.

34) Do you anticipate this project (STIP R-2635D) will affect land use or development patterns in the
area? If yes, what kinds of effects are expected and where do you anticipate they would occur?

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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With the construction of the interchange, development pressure will increase in this area, however, it is

35) Are you aware of any community concerns or controversy relative to this project?

None known.

36) Are there any additional comments you would like to make?

Not at this time.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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STIP Project R-2635D
New Interchange on Triangle Expressway/NC 540
At Old Holly Springs-Apex Road
Wake County

Indirect and Cumulative Effects Screening Report (sICE)

INTERVIEWEE: Keith A. Lankford, AICP, CZOWake County Planner III
DATE/TIME: February 24, 2014
PLACE: Wake County

1) How familiar are you with the project study area?

I am pretty familiar with this proposed project having participated in several discussions and also having
completed the Local Planer Input form for the Community Impact Assessment for this project.

2) We have collected plans and ordinances in relation to the project area available on-line:

Wake County Land Use Plan www.wakegov.com/planning/growth/Pages/lup.aspx
Southwest Area Land Use Plan www.wakegov.com/planning/growth/Pages/swalup.aspx

Are there any relevant plans/ordinances we are missing, or are any of the plans/ordinances listed above
currently being updated?

Extraterri
jurisdiction,
however, there is some Wake County zoning jurisdiction approximately one mile to the southwest, as well
as the nearby landfill to the southeast. Therefore, I am providing a link to the Wake County Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO):

http://www.wakegov.com/planning/zoning/Documents/adoptedordinance.pdf

Given the jurisdictional layout, the plans and ordinances of the municipalities are the more relevant
documents (I know that you are coordinating with themespecially Apex). We also recently transitioned
some of our jurisdictional lands in this area to Holly Springs as corporate limits and designated other
lands as their future urban service area. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)
may also have comments or plans relevant to this project. The link to their website is:

http://www.campo-nc.us/

3) Currently, we are using Wake County, NC One Map, and NCDOT GIS data for the assessment. Is
there any newer mapping or local GIS data available? (We are particularly interested in land use, zoning,
protected areas, community facilities, etc.)

These are the appropriate GIS sources.

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
38

4) What kinds of farms / agricultural operations, if any, are located in the project area? What types of
crops are grown?

Former cropland has been converted to pine stand, mixed with hardwoods.

5) Are there any FEMA buyout properties in the study area? If so, where are these properties located?
Who owns the properties (e.g. city, county, state, etc.)? Do you have mapping or GIS data that shows
their location?

We are not aware of any FEMA buyout prope
Services staff has provided this generalized comment:

FEMA crossings will require a no-rise certification or a LOMA if there is an impact to any floodplain.
Wake County (and/or the Town of Apex in this case) will need to sign off on any needed MT-2 form to
FEMA. If this road project crosses a stream or drainage feature, then please provide drainage area and
culvert or bridge design details for the 100-year storm including backwater elevations (Apex may have
different requirements).
Please contact Betsy Pearce if you have any other questions about this item or when you are ready to
proceed:

Betsy Pearce, CFM, CPSWQ
Environmental Engineer / Consultant
Cape Fear Watershed Manager
Wake County Environmental Services
336 Fayetteville St / PO Box 550
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-856-7541 Office
919-856-2747 Fax
919-868-6414 Mobile
[e-mail]

6) Are there any proposed local transportation projects in (or near) the study area?

Wake County is not aware of any specific road projects within this immediate area; however, we
anticipate that Apex will require the Veridea development to make substantial road improvements
throughout this area to accommodate the extra traffic generated by their development. We would expect
that Apex has (or will) require the Veridea developer to conduct a Traffic Impact Analysis for their review
and approval. We also believe that NCDOT may have some bridge replacement projects within this
general area.

7) Are there any adopted plans for either pedestrian, greenway, bicycle, or transit facilities in the area?
Please provide a description of how the plan applies to the project area, the title of the plan, its year of
adoption, and the current status of its implementation.
The 2003 Wake County Transportation Plan indicates that Old Holly Springs-Apex Road is proposed to
be widened to a 36-foot two-lane road (18-foot lanes with a center turn lane at intersections and
driveways as needed) within an 80-foot right-of-way. The wider 18-foot lanes are intended to
accommodate mixed bicycle and motor vehicle traffic, but NCDOT has been unwilling to allow widenings
to the plan-sectional profile. There are some greenway trails planned for this general
area by the Town of Apex, the Town of Holly Springs, and a little further to the east, by Wake County.
The most notable trail is an Apex trail that is shown on the Wake County 2003 Consolidated Open Space
Plan (our Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan was closely coordinated with the neighboring

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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jurisdictions when it was being developed in 2003). That trail is shown as paralleling Old Holly Springs-
Apex Road and NC-540 within the northeastern quadrant of that intersection. There is also a Town of
Holly Springs trail shown near the southern boundary of the property located at the southwestern
quadrant of the intersection. You may want to coordinate with the towns directly to see what their current
plans are for this area. It should also be noted that our Transportation Plan shows a re-alignment of the
Old Holly Springs-Apex Road and Woods Creek Road intersection. Currently, Old Holly Springs-Apex
Road heads southwestward and makes a right angle turn back to the southeast, with the road that
continues straight ahead (i.e.to the southwest) becoming Woods Creek Road. The Transportation Plan
removes that T-intersection and shows Old Holly Springs-Apex running in a new alignment, basically
north-south, with Woods Creek Road T-ing into it at a right angle from almost due west.

8) Have we missed any important community facilities or other notable features including community
landmarks, historic structures/districts, threatened and endangered species, parks, etc. in the study area
on the draft figure (attached at the end of this questionnaire)?

We are not aware of any other community facilities (fire stations, EMS stations, law enforcement stations,
schools) within the immediate area around the proposed interchange. There is a house (PIN
0740386384) that is listed as being of local historic interest (but not eligible for the national register)
located approximately 0.6 miles to the northeast of the proposed interchange. There may be other
houses of possible age eligibility in this area, but we are not aware of any specific site. We are not aware
of any specific threatened or endangered plant or animal populations or habitats in this area. The best
sources of information on these issues are the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.

9) Do you anticipate impacts to any particular communities or facilities? Impacts may be related to
stability, cohesion, aesthetics, noise, access, safety, etc.

We do not anticipate any direct impacts on any of the community facilities noted above as they are
somewhat distant from the proposed interchange. However, we would anticipate increased demands on
emergency service facilities and the school system resulting from the indirect and cumulative impacts of
the Veridea development that appears to, at least in part, be necessitating the interchange, as well as
subsequent development that may result from that development and better access to this area that would
result from the construction of the interchange, With regards to existing residential uses, this area is a
fairly sparsely populated , rural area. Whether or not sound walls are installed in proximity to the
proposed Veridea development will be determined by NCDOT and that developer. The proposed
interchange may help relieve some traffic burden from the NC 55 and its Bypass.

10) Are road names referenced by the names locals use?

Yes. Whenever more specific details are available regarding lane (or road closures) we would like for our
GIS to review it in closer detail to evaluate the impacts upon emergency response times, so that we can
coordinate accordingly between the various fire and EMS stations.

11) What are the current traffic patterns? Any problem areas in terms of congestion? Concerns with
current lack of access to Triangle Expressway?

As noted above the area around the proposed interchange is primarily within the zoning jurisdiction of the
towns of Apex and Holly Springs, so the towns may have more detailed information regarding the traffic
patterns in this area. It is our understanding that Old Holly Springs-Apex Road and some of the other
secondary roads in this portion of the county may function as alternatives to the busier NC 55, its Bypass
and NC 540
imagine that the traffic volumes are relatively low with no congestion problems. Yes, area residents may

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
40

have to travel out of their way to access the Triangle Expressway, so the proposed interchange will
address this issue for those area residents.
12) Do you expect traffic patterns to change following construction of the project? If so, how?

It is difficult to say, and we would strongly recommend that a detail study be performed to help determine
the long-range impacts on the secondary roads within this greater area that may result from construction
of the proposed interchange. Our biggest concern is ensuring that the construction of this interchange
unless
does not greatly increase the traffic demand on the secondary roads within this area those roads
receive proper roadway improvements. We would relay our observations of the drastic increase in traffic
(nearly doubling within a few years) that had occurred on Smithfield Road in the Knightdale area after the
US 64/264 Bypass was constructed. Smithfield Road remained a two-lane country road with no
design capacity of that roadway. The drastic increase in traffic resulted from an abundance of commuters
from southeastern Wake County and Johnston County using Smithfield Road as a cut through to access
US 64/264 Bypass as they commuted to and from employment centers in central and western Wake
County, Raleigh and RTP. The LOS of Smithfield Road is at a failed condition during peak hours and the
number of accidents have increase too (generally rear end and left turn collisions). Please ensure that
the indirect, cumulative and secondary effects of this proposed interchange are evaluated and proper
improvements made to ensure that none of the secondary roads in this greater area experience the kind
of problems that Smithfield Road has experienced (we acknowledge that the relative area here in
southwestern Wake and Harnett County is probably less populated than the area around and south of
Smithfield Road).

It should be noted that a lot of these secondary roads in this portion of the county are used by
recreational bicyclists, so any proposed road improvements should include accommodations for bicyclists.

13) Where are the major employment centers? Are there any planned employer relocations (into or out
of the area)?

Both Holly Springs and Wake County have taken steps to create major business parks or employer
opportunities within this greater area. Holly Springs has created a certified economic development site in
this general area with roads and public utilities available to an area in excess of hundred acres. Wake
County has modified our Land Use Plan to the south and southwest as being appropriate for mixed uses
and business park development. It is our understanding that Apex, likewise, is seeking employment-
generating businesses in this general area and that the planned Veridea development will include such
uses.

14) How would you characterize the commuting patterns?

While this general area is somewhat sparsely populated and rural in nature, we believe that some of the
secondary roads in this area are used by area residents commuting to work as alternatives to NC 55, its
bypass and NC 540. It appears that the volumes on these roads are relatively low, although we could not
locate any AADT information for the last few years for these roads. It is presumed that commuters on
these secondary roadsincluding Old Holly Springs-Apex Roadare heading to and from employment
centers in Apex, Cary, Raleigh, and the RTP area. Some may be accessing US 1 or US 64 or NC 540
further to the north of the proposed interchange. We do not have any detailed information regarding the
commuting patterns in this area. As noted above the towns of Holly Spring and Apex may have better,
more detailed information or understanding of the commuting patterns in this greater area. As noted in
answer # 12 above, please ensure that a detailed study is performed to ensure that any ripple effects of
the accessibility to NC 540 via this proposed interchange does not generate increases in traffic volumes
that are not pro-actively accommodated for via improvements to the affected secondary roads.

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15) Where is growth (residential and non-residential) occurring in your jurisdiction? Are any major
developments under construction near to project (within 1 2 miles)?

jurisdiction (ETJ), but there is some Wake County jurisdiction further to the south. Holly Springs also has
some jurisdiction within this general area. Wake County is not aware of any pending development within
our jurisdiction. It is my understanding that the area around the proposed project is the site of the
proposed mixed-use Veridea development, which some early plans described as being more than 1,000
acres in size with "10 million square feet of office development, 3.5 million square feet of mixed-use retail
and commercial space, and 8,000 residential units". It would be our expectation that most parties
proposing
to the proposed interchange would most likely seek annexation by either Holly Springs or Apex so that
ater and sewer systems.

16) Are there any known plans for development in the vicinity of the project?

jurisdiction (ETJ), but there is some Wake County jurisdiction further to the south. Wake County is not
aware of any pending development within our jurisdiction. It is my understanding that the area around the
proposed project is the site of the proposed mixed-use Veridea development, which some early plans
described as being more than 1,000 acres in size with "10 million square feet of office development, 3.5
million square feet of mixed-use retail and commercial space, and 8,000 residential units".

17) Is any redevelopment taking place? If so, where?

We are not aware of any redevelopment projects within this immediate area.

18) How would you characterize the residential market? Commercial market? Industrial market?

Both Apex and Holly Springs are fast growing communities and may therefore be considered to be hot
residential markets. The commercial market is also growing at a nice rate as the commercial uses are
following, or even occurring in anticipation of, the residential growth. Regarding the industrial market, it is
our understanding that both towns want employment-generating businesses in this area (see the answer
to # 13 above).
19) How would you describe the local commitment to development (pro-growth vs. anti-growth)? Is the
political climate stable or unstable?

Pro-growth and stable.

20) What are the general development goals for this area? How does the County envision this area in
relation to the NC 540 corridor?

r
being appropriate for mixed uses and busines
southwest of the proposed interchange is within the 5-mile safety zone around the Shearon Harris nuclear
plant and as such the Wake County plan proposes low-density residential uses in that area, and much of
our jurisdiction in that area is zoned Residential-80 (or just under two acres minimum lot size).

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
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21) Are there any development moratoria? What about development incentives?

No moratoria. See the answer to # 13 above regarding development incentives.
22) What are the major constraints to development in the area?

There are some environmental constraints that would need to be addressed during development. A big
ing jurisdiction is that
development within those areas must rely upon individual wells and septic systems because the county
does not have public water and sewer. There are issues with a lot of soils in this area having a high clay
content which is problematic for the installation of septic systems. This lack of public utilities was a factor
in our comment in answer # 15 above that our expectation is that a lot of developers of land within the
xation by the towns in order to connect to
their public water and sewer systems.

23) Are you aware of any minority communities/populations within or near the study area? Do you
anticipate impacts to these communities/populations?

As noted above the area near the proposed interchange is sparsely populated and rural in nature.
Beyond the study area, on the eastern side of NC 55, is the Feltonsville African American community. In
theory, large-scale development in the area around the proposed interchange may increase pressure for
may
redevelopment of their community, which have the effect of pricing some of the existing residents
out. There is also the Friendship African American community located on the northern side of US 1, near
Friendship Road. It is our understanding that it would be somewhat problematic (topographically) for the
towns to provide public sewer to this area, so it may not be subject to as much redevelopment pressure
as the Feltonsonville community.

24) Are you aware of any other special populations / communities (e.g. low-income, Limited English
Proficiency) existing in the study area?

As noted above the area near the proposed interchange is sparsely populated and rural in nature.
However, Wake County (and the municipalities therein) has a significant Hispanic population and
therefore we advise that all notices/signs be presented in English and Spanish.

25) Is any land protected from development?

Properties in all four quadrants of the proposed interchange are listed in our GIS Open Space layer as
Shearon Harris Game Lands (but are all now shown as being owned by Veridea Holdings LLC)

26) Based on North Carolina Division of Employment Security data, it is anticipated that the two-county
Capital Area Workforce Development Board (Wake County and Johnston County) will experience an
annual employment growth rate of approximately 2.0% between 2010 and 2020. Is this estimate
satisfactory in your opinion? Would you expect the annual population growth in the study area to be the
same, less, or more than the WDB area as a whole?

This figure may be a little low for the WDB as a whole. We would anticipate that the growth rate for the
Apex and Holly Springs communities surrounding the study area to be faster than the overall WDB.
These towns are exhibiting some of the faster growth rates in Wake County.

27) Based on data published by the North Carolina Office of Budget and Management, it is anticipated
that Wake County will experience an annual population growth rate of approximately 1.8% through 2033.
Would you expect the annual population growth in the County portion of the study area to be the same,
lower, or higher than the County as a whole?

STIP R-2635D sICE Report Wake County
43

We would expect that the population growth rate for the area surrounding the proposed interchange to be
higher than the rest of the county, with Apex and Holly Springs having experienced approximately 5%
growth rates over the last few years.

28) Do you anticipate this project (STIP Project R-2635D) will affect land use or development patterns in
the area? If yes, what kinds of effects are expected and where do you anticipate they would occur?

It is our understanding that at least part of the reason for the proposed interchange is to accommodate
the traffic that will result from the proposed Veridea development, therefore much of the land use impact
is already captured with that proposed 1,000-acre development. As noted elsewhere in our responses,
the Veridea development and the improved access to NC 540 via this interchange may result in
subsequent, secondary development throughout this general area of the county, We would anticipate
that road improvements would be need to secondary roads in this area (especially to Old Holly Springs-
Apex Road), and that there may be a need for additional capacity for emergency services and schools.
The Veridea project is proposed for lands around the proposed interchange, and based upon the
information that we have seen would extend northward to US 1 and eastward to NC 55. The employment
center development that was mentioned in answer # 13 above is to the southwest of the proposed
interchange, on the southern side of US 1. Residential development in the Holly Springs area would
probably be further to the south of the proposed interchange and Veridea property. We would defer you
to the town staffs for Apex and Holly Springs for formal statements of their plans and expectations for
these areas.

29) Are you aware of any community concerns or controversy relative to this project?

No, we are not aware of any community concerns regarding this project (however it is unclear if the
general community is aware of this proposed interchange at this time). We would recommend that
community meetings be held (as NCDOT normally does) before the project proceeds much further.

30) Are there any additional comments you would like to make?

No. Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this project.

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Appendix C: Apex Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space Master Plan

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Appendix C: Holly Springs Future Greenway Development Plan

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Appendix C: Apex Peak Plan 2030 Future Land Use Map

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Appendix C: Holly Springs Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map

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