HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL_U-5723_CCR_04_22_2015
STIP # U-5723 Union County
COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PLANNER: Diana Young-Paiva,
Three Oaks Engineering
DIVISION: 10 ROUTE: US 74
PDEA ENGINEER:
Zahid Baloch
WBS: 46300.1.S1 AADTV: US 74: 55,000
US 601: 13,000
PDEA GROUP
LEADER: John Conforti PROJECT
DESCRIPTION: Construction of improvements to the existing US
74/US 601 interchange
CS PROJECT
COORDINATOR: Elizabeth Shay
CS SUPER
APPROVAL:
Existing No. of Lanes:
US 74: six-lane divided with turn lanes
US 601: two-lane undivided north of US 74,
transitioning to four-lane south of US 74
Widening
Existing Median: US 74: Yes Addition of
Median(s)
Record of Community Outreach or Public Involvement Activity
Community Context
STIP Project U-5723 is an interchange improvement for US 74 and US 601 in Monroe, which is the
county seat of Union County. Monroe is located in the southern North Carolina Piedmont, less than 25
miles from the financial hub of downtown Charlotte, and approximately 12 miles from the South Carolina
border. US 74 serves as the primary east-west corridor for the fast-growing Union County, and is an
important commuter route between Monroe and Charlotte. US 601 (Skyway Drive) serves as a
north/south gateway to Monroe; the project interchange is located approximately one mile north of the
historic downtown area.
The US 74 corridor provides an important intra-state connection between the western mountain region of
North Carolina and the Port of Wilmington at the coast. NCDOT currently identifies US 74 as a Strategic
Corridor, but will likely move the designation to the Monroe Bypass once construction is complete. The
Monroe Bypass is a planned parallel toll road that will be built to the north of US 74.
The land use fronting US 74 within the Direct Community Impact Area (DCIA) is dominated by
commercial strip development consisting of offices, small individual retail businesses, shopping centers,
fast food restaurants, and automobile-related businesses. The residential development within the DCIA
is found mostly at the perimeter, at a distance greater than one parcel from US 74 and US 601 (Skyway
Drive). The neighborhood in the southwestern quadrant of the DCIA, bounded by US 74, Concord
Avenue, and Kerr Street, is a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-family apartments,
which are home to a low-income and Hispanic minority community. The residential development within
the northwest quadrant of the DCIA is primarily made up of small- to medium-sized apartments that are
home to a mix of low- to moderate-income populations. In the northeast quadrant of the DCIA, the
residential development is rural/suburban in nature, made up of single-family homes. There are no
residences in the southeast quadrant of the DCIA.
Within the DCIA, US 74 includes two interchanges and three intersections:
1. Temple Street, located near the western terminus of the project, is a local two-lane street that
intersects the westbound lanes of US 74
2. The US 74 and Concord Avenue interchange is located near the western terminus of the project,
approximately 475 feet east of Temple Street
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3. The US 74 and US 601 (Skyway Drive) interchange is the focus of this project
4. Miller Street is a local two-lane street that intersects the eastbound lanes of US 74, located east
of US 601 (Skyway Drive)
5. Stafford Street (SR 1624), located at the eastern terminus of the project study area, intersects US
74 with a four-way signalized intersection; north of US 74, the road consists of 3 lanes, including
one southbound left turn lane; south of US 74, the road consists of four lanes, including one
northbound left turn lane.
US 74 and US 601 (Skyway Drive) are oriented toward automobile travel. Pedestrian accessibility is
restricted by a scarcity of pedestrian facilities. The facilities that do exist include: the two southernmost
blocks of US 601, which have existing sidewalks and curb cuts/ramps, but no crosswalks; short
unconnected stretches of sidewalk along US 74 between US 601 (Skyway Drive) and Stafford Street (SR
1624); and curb cuts/ramps at Stafford Street, which on the south side are unconnected to sidewalks.
There are no existing bicycle facilities within the DCIA.
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TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 4
Notable Community Characteristics, Concerns
Census data indicates a notable presence of minority and low-income populations meeting the
criteria for Environmental Justice within the Demographic Study Area (DSA) and minority and
low-income communities were observed within the DCIA during the site visit. The
neighborhood in the southwest quadrant of the DCIA, bounded by US 74, Concord Avenue,
and Kerr Street, is a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-family apartments,
which are home to a low-income and Hispanic minority community. The residential
development within the northwest quadrant of the DCIA is primarily made up of small to
medium sized apartments that are home to a mix of low- to moderate-income populations.
Census data indicates a Spanish language population that meets or exceeds the US
Department of Justice Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Safe Harbor threshold within the
DSA.
Although the population in the DSA grew at an average annualized rate of 1.5% from 2000 to
2010, no physical indicators of recent growth in the DCIA were observed during the site visit.
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) draft Comprehensive
Transportation Plan (CTP), expected to be adopted by mid-2015, identifies the US 74 and US
601 (Skyway Drive) interchange, and all legs of the interchange, as needing improvement.
The draft CTP also identifies US 74 and US 601 (Skyway Drive) as on-road bicycle facilities in
need of improvement. It also recommends sidewalks for US 74, Concord Avenue, and US
601 (Skyway Drive) north of US 74 and recommends improvements to the existing sidewalks
on US 601 south of US 74.
Within the DCIA, the existing pedestrian facilities on US 74 are limited, consisting primarily of
short unconnected sections of sidewalks and curb ramps within the easternmost and
westernmost areas of the study area.
During the site visit, two pedestrians were observed crossing US 601 (Skyway Drive) at Pedro
Street, walking from the grocery store in the Monroe Plaza Shopping Center to the
neighborhoods west of US 601 (Skyway Drive). In addition, two pedestrians were observed
walking on the narrow shoulder of the Concord Avenue bridge over US 74.
The City of Monroe Greenway/Bikeway Master Plan proposes bike lanes for US 601 (Skyway
Drive) through the project intersection.
The density of existing driveway access is notable; there are approximately 32 driveways
within the project study area.
During the site visit, a notable number of tractor trailers, including intermodal trailers, were
observed travelling through the project study area on US 74 and on the exit/entrance ramps
for US 601 (Skyway Drive).
The project corridor is heavily used by Union County school buses. Currently, 37 school
buses travel the corridor, making 55 trips each school day.
The City of Monroe Assistant Fire Chief reported that the project interchange is crucial to
operations for Fire Station 5, which is located on US 601 North approximately 1.7 miles north
of the project. The Assistant Chief noted that the interchange is critical to reaching parts of
the response district of Station 5 and crucial for Station 5 being able to receive additional
resources for aid in the event of an emergency. The interchange is equally important to EMS
and police responses.
Potential Community Impacts
While minority and low-income communities are present in the DCIA, no notably adverse
community impacts are anticipated with the project; thus, impacts to minority and low-income
populations do not appear to be disproportionately high and adverse. Benefits and burdens
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 5
resulting from the project are anticipated to be equitably distributed throughout the community.
Long term, mobility should improve because proposed interchange improvements will allow
traffic to move through the interchange more efficiently.
Nearby roads may experience temporary congestion from additional vehicles, including tractor
trailers and intermodal trailers, if the project requires a detour route during construction. The
City of Monroe Fire Department and Union County Schools have expressed concern related to
congestion on nearby roads if a detour is required during construction.
The Union County Schools TIMS Coordinator indicated that the project will have a high impact
on school transportation and that increased travel time due to construction-related delays may
necessitate adding buses. The Coordinator also noted that nearby roads that might potentially
be used for detour routes are narrow and would be difficult for school buses to maneuver.
The City of Monroe Assistant Fire Chief indicated that the project will have a high impact on
emergency response. He stated that if the design requires a detour, available roads and
streets will be insufficient for the volume of traffic carried by US 74 and US 601 (Skyway
Drive), and delays for emergency responses will be increased.
The project may have minor right of way impacts on residential properties located along the
ramp from US 601 South (Skyway Drive) to US 74 West. The project may also have minor,
permanent impacts on access to these properties, as well as temporary impacts during
construction. The residences located on Fifth Street, which intersects this same ramp, may
have temporary impacts to access during construction.
The project may have minor right of way impacts on business properties located near the
interchange and there may also be minor, permanent changes to access. In addition, there
may be temporary access impact to the businesses throughout the DCIA during construction.
The project may have minor, temporary impacts on access to two churches located adjacent
to two US 74 exit ramps: Next Dimension Ministries is located in a small commercial/retail
building next to the US 74 West exit ramp for Concord Avenue; Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church
is located next to the US 74 West exit ramp for US 601 North (Skyway Drive).
During construction, the project may have minor, temporary impacts on pedestrian mobility
between the Monroe Plaza Shopping Center on the east side of US 601 (Skyway Drive),
including the grocery store, and the neighborhoods located on the west side of US 601
(Skyway Drive).
Long-term, the project will have positive impacts on pedestrian and bicycle mobility if the
project design accommodates planned pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The
Comprehensive Transportation Plan recommends sidewalks for US 74, Concord Avenue, and
US 601 (Skyway Drive) north of US 74, and recommends improvements to the existing
sidewalks on US 601 (Skyway Drive) south of US 74. The City of Monroe Greenway/Bikeway
Master Plan proposes bike lanes for US 601 (Skyway Drive) through the project intersection.
Options/Recommendations
Because Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations within the DSA exceed the U.S.
Department of Justice Safe Harbor threshold, written translations of vital documents should be
provided for Spanish populations, in addition to other measures assuring meaningful language
access, as determined by NCDOT Public Involvement to satisfy the requirements of Executive
Order 13166.
Because school buses operate within the study area it is recommended that the NCDOT
Project Planning Engineer coordinate with Union County Public schools prior to any planned
closures or construction that would result in delays to school bus transportation.
It is recommended that the NCDOT Project Planning Engineer coordinate with the City of
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 6
Monroe Fire Department, Police Department, and Emergency Management prior to any
construction that may result in substantial delays for emergency vehicles.
It is recommended that the NCDOT Project Planning Engineer coordinate with the Monroe
Department of Parks and Recreation, Monroe Planning Department, the CRTPO planning
staff, and the NCDOT Division of Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation to evaluate the inclusion
of planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the project design.
It is recommended that the NCDOT Project Planning Engineer ensure that pedestrian mobility
along US 601 (Skyway Drive), and across US 601 (Skyway Drive) is maintained during
construction.
The project will not alter traffic capacity or travel patterns, reduce travel time, affect access to, or
exposure of adjacent parcels, or create new transportation or land use nodes. Due to its minimal
transportation impact causing activities this project will neither influence nearby land uses nor stimulate
growth. Therefore, a detailed indirect and cumulative effects study will not be necessary.
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 7
COMMUNITY CONTEXT MAP
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 8
DEMOGRAPHIC STUDY AREA
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 9
REGULATORY APPLICATIONS INVENTORY & SCREENING
AMERICAN INDIAN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ACT [AIRFA]
Is the project located in a county claimed as “territory” by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians?
YES
NO
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE [EJ]
Presence: Are there any populations living in the Demographic Study Area that meet the criteria for Environmental Justice? If
so, for which EJ group(s) has the criteria been met (check all that apply): Minority Low-Income
Census data indicates a notable presence of minority and low-income populations meeting
the criteria for Environmental Justice within the DSA and minority and low-income
communities were observed within the DCIA during the site visit.
The small neighborhood in the southwest quadrant of the DCIA, bounded by US 74, Concord
Avenue, and Kerr Street, is a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-family
apartments, which are home to a low-income Hispanic community. During the site visit, a
Mexican grocery store and Spanish-language church that appear to serve this community
were observed nearby on Concord Avenue, just outside the DCIA.
The residential development within the northwest quadrant of the DCIA is primarily made up
of small- to medium-sized apartments that are home to a mix of low-income populations and
moderate-income populations.
The criteria for Environmental Justice populations are met in all of the four block groups with
the DSA:
Census Tract 204.01, Block Group 2, based on near poor population (16.4% vs. 7.2%
for Union County)
Census Tract 204.04, Block Group 2, based on minority population (57.8% vs. 25.4%
for Union County), population below poverty level (36.3% vs. 9.7% for Union County),
and near poor population (16.4% vs. 7.2% for Union County).
Census Tract 204.04, Block Group 3, based on minority population (84.6% vs. 25.4%
for Union County), population below poverty level (32.4% vs. 9.7% for Union County),
and near poor population (34.9% vs. 7.2% for Union County)
Census Tract 204.04, Block Group 4, based on minority population (96.7% vs. 25.4%
for Union County), population below poverty level (55.5% vs. 9.7% for Union County),
and near poor population (12.3% vs. 7.2% for Union County)
YES
NO
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY [LEP]
Are there any populations living in the Demographic Study Area that meet the criteria for Limited English Proficiency?
Census data indicates a Spanish language population that meets or exceeds the US
Department of Justice LEP Safe Harbor threshold within the DSA.
There are 914 persons within the DSA (18.9 % of the DSA population) whose primary
language is Spanish and who speak English less than very well. This Spanish language
population is spread throughout the DSA as shown by the block group summary below:
CT204.01 BG2 221 persons (11.8% of the block group)
CT204.04 BG2 164 persons (11.6% of the block group)
CT204.04 BG3 380 persons (53.1% of the block group)
CT204.04 BG4 149 persons (17.5% of the block group)
YES
NO
POTENTIAL SECTION 4(F) PUBLIC RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
Are there any properties or areas that may be impacted by the project that are or may be protected under Section 4(f)?
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 10
National Trails System Are there any trails designated as part of the National Trails System (NTS) – that are also
within the boundaries of a National Park – located in the vicinity of the project?
YES
NO
SECTION 6(F) LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND RESOURCES
Are there any areas protected under Section 6(f) in vicinity of the project?
YES
NO
WILD & SCENIC OR NATIONAL RIVER INVENTORY [NRI] RIVERS
Is there a water body in the project area that is designated al Wild and Scenic River, or listed on the National River Inventory?
YES
NO
North Carolina Natural & Scenic Rivers Is the water body designated as a NC Natural & Scenic River?
YES
NO
FARMLAND PROTECTION POLICY ACT [FPPA] SOILS
Are there any farmland soils eligible for protection under the US Farmland Protection Policy Act [FPPA] that may be notably
impacted by the project? (See Appendix for NRCS Farmland Soils Screening)
YES
NO
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
Are there any active agricultural operations located in the Direct Community Impact Area?
YES
NO
VOLUNTARY & ENHANCED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURE DISTRICTS [VAD/EVAD]
Is there a Voluntary Agricultural District or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District in the vicinity of the project?
YES
NO
COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS & NOTABLE FEATURES
NOTABLE GROWTH RATE
Has the population living around the project area experienced notable growth or decline in recent years?
Decline 0.6% – 1% annual growth Greater than 1% annual growth (in DSA)
Although the population in the DSA grew at an average annualized rate of 1.5% from 2000 to
2010, no physical indicators of recent growth in the DCIA were observed during the site visit.
YES
NO
LOCAL AREA PLANS/GOALS
Are there any local area plans, goals, or zoning initiatives specifically affecting the Direct Community Impact Area (e.g. bicycle,
pedestrian, greenway, or transit plan; long range growth plan; thoroughfare plan; etc.)?
Thoroughfare Plan- This plan for the CRTPO, which is responsible for long-range
transportation planning for the Charlotte region, includes the City of Monroe. The plan
classifies US 74 and US 601 (Skyway Drive) as major thoroughfares. Concord Avenue is
classified as a major thoroughfare south of US 74, and as a minor thoroughfare north of US
74.
Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) - This plan for the CRTPO is under development
and expected to be completed mid-2015. Elements of the draft CTP maps that are relevant
to this project include:
Highway Map Inset N
Identifies the US 74/US 601 (Skyway Drive) interchange and the US 74/Concord
Avenue interchange as being in need of improvement
Concord Avenue is identified as a Major Thoroughfare needing improvement
US 601 (Skyway Drive) is shown as a Major Thoroughfare in need of improvement
south of US 74, and as a Major Expressway needing improvement north of US 74
US 74 is shown as a Major Expressway in need of improvement between US 601
(Skyway Drive) and the eastern project terminus, and as an Existing Boulevard
between US 601 (Skyway Drive) and the western project terminus
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 11
Bicycle Map Inset N
Identifies US 74, US 601 (Skyway Drive), and Concord Avenue as On-road, Needs
Improvement
Pedestrian Map Inset N
Recommends sidewalks for US 74, Concord Avenue, and US 601 (Skyway Drive)
north of US 74
Recommends improvements to the existing sidewalks on US 601 (Skyway Drive)
south of US 74
Monroe Land Development Plan- The City of Monroe Planning Director reported that the
Monroe Land Development Plan is currently being updated. The Zoning Map for the existing
Land Development Plan shows that the US 74 corridor within the study area is zoned to
support a commercial corridor. Most of the land within the DCIA is zoned for general
business; however, some parcels that do not directly border US 74 are zoned for office
transitional and high-density or multi-family residential. The residential development in the
northeast quadrant is zoned residential low-density.
Concord Area Master Plan- The City of Monroe Planning Director indicated that a small area
plan for the area that includes the DCIA, called the Concord Area Master Plan, will be
completed in Spring 2015. The draft plan includes a vision plan for hotel development on the
south side of US 74 in both the southeast and southwest quadrants of the US 601 (Skyway
Drive) interchange.
City of Monroe Greenway/Bikeway Master Plan- The Monroe Parks Department is in the
process of updating the City’s greenway plan. A draft of the update is anticipated to be
completed in May 2015. The current master plan shows that bike lanes are proposed for US
601 (Skyway Drive) through the project intersection.
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 12
KNOWN PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT & NEARBY STIP PROJECTS
Are there any known plans for development activity in the vicinity of the project?
The City of Monroe advertised a Request for Proposals in December 2014 for design of an
intersection improvement project on Secrest Short Cut Road at US 74. This City project is
located approximately 600 feet west of the DCIA boundary, and includes the addition of an
additional southbound turn lane.
The NCDOT Monroe Bypass toll road project (R-3329, R-2559) will extend nearly 20 miles
from US 74 near I-485 in Mecklenburg County to US 74 between the towns of Wingate and
Marshville (east of Monroe) in Union County. The proposed alignment approximately one to
two miles north of, and parallel to US 74, is intended to provide for high-speed regional travel
while maintaining access along existing US 74. A Final Supplemental Final Environmental
Impact Statement and Record of Decision were issued in May 2014. Final design and right
of way acquisition are ongoing; however, the construction date for the project is uncertain
due to ongoing legal challenges against the project.
The December 4, 2014, draft 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
contains two projects near the study area.
U-2549 (Monroe Northern Loop), US 74 to SR 1751 (Walkup Avenue) at SR 1763
(Bivens Road), is a 4.7 mile project to construct a two-lane loop road on new
location. The project is located approximately 0.5 miles north of the DCIA. Right of
way acquisition is scheduled to begin in FY 2024; project construction is currently
unfunded.
U-5764 (US 74) is a 2.8-mile road widening project from Hanover Drive to SR 1007
(Rocky River Road). The southern terminus of U-5764 is located approximately 0.8
miles north of the DCIA. Right of way acquisition is scheduled to begin in FY 2021,
followed by construction in FY 2023.
YES
NO
BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND/OR GREENWAY FACILITIES
Are bicycle, pedestrian, or greenway facilities located in the area?
Existing pedestrian facilities within the DCIA are limited. On Skyway Drive, south of US 74,
there are sidewalks with ramps on both sides of the road between King Street and the DCIA
boundary, but no crosswalks. Along US 74, there are no sidewalks between Concord
Avenue and US 601 (Skyway Drive), while there are several short, unconnected sections of
sidewalks and curb ramps located along other portions of the highway. There are no existing
bicycle or greenway facilities.
YES
NO
BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY
Were bicyclists or pedestrians observed in the area?
During the site visit, two pedestrians were observed crossing US 601 (Skyway Drive) at
Pedro Street, walking from the grocery store in the Monroe Plaza Shopping Center to the
neighborhoods west of US 601 (Skyway Drive). In addition, two pedestrians were observed
walking on the narrow shoulder of the Concord Avenue bridge over US 74.
YES
NO
TRANSIT ACTIVITY
Were bus routes observed in the area on the site visit? Were any special users observed using these facilities?
YES
NO
COMMUNITY COHESION
Were any specific signs or indicators of community cohesion observed /found?
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 13
WATER SUPPLY/WATERSHED
Is the project area located in a water supply/watershed district? If so, what is the designation?
WS-I WS-II WS-III WS-IV
Protected Critical
The project is within the Stewards Creek (Lake Twitty) WS-III water supply watershed protected area.
YES
NO
NOTABLE WATER RESOURCE
Are there any other notable traits of, or issues regarding, waters in the area? Check all that apply:
303(d) Impaired Outstanding Resource Waters High Quality Waters Trout Waters
Applicable Basinwide Management Plan
The project is within the EEP Targeted Local Watershed (TLW) 03040105070050 (Yadkin
River Basin).
YES
NO
FEMA BUYOUT PROPERTIES
Are there any FEMA Buyout Properties in the vicinity of the project?
YES
NO
ACCESS
Are there any driveways or intersections located in the direct impact area?
How is Right-of-Way in the project area held? No Control Partial Control Limited Control Full Control
There are numerous driveways and intersections in the DCIA as described below.
US 74 is a six-lane divided highway. The grassy median at the western terminus of the DCIA
quickly transitions to a Jersey barrier that stretches approximately one-half mile eastward.
Just east of US 601 (Skyway Drive), the Jersey barrier transitions back to a grassy median
with a median crossover located east of Miller Street.
Control of access along the south side of US 74 (eastbound lanes) ranges from Limited
Control to Partial Control with the following access points:
Beginning at the western terminus of the DCIA, there is one driveway for a tire business
located adjacent to the exit ramp to Concord Avenue, and three business driveways
located along the exit ramp. Concord Avenue (a two-lane road) crosses US 74 on a
bridge; the interchange with US 74 is partial diamond with shared two-directional ramps.
Limited Control of Access is maintained for approximately one-half mile between the
Concord Avenue ramp and the ramps between US 601 North (Skyway Drive) and US 74
East; the roadway includes mountable curb and gutter without a sidewalk.
US 601 (Skyway Drive) is a two-lane road that transitions to four lanes at the bridge
over US 74; the interchange is the focus of the project. There is Partial Control of
Access between US 601 (Skyway Drive) and the eastern terminus of the DCIA at
Stafford Street (SR 1624), which is a four-way signalized intersection. There is one T-
intersection with a two-lane local street (Miller Street) and there are sixteen driveways
for retail and commercial businesses along this stretch of the project, a distance of
approximately one-third mile. The roadway includes mountable curb and gutter without
a sidewalk, except for an approximately fifty-foot section, where a sidewalk is located in
front of a newly constructed car wash; the roadway also includes pedestrian curb
cuts/ramps located at Miller Street and Stafford Street that are not connected to a
sidewalk.
Along the north side of US 74 (westbound lanes) control of access ranges from No Control to
Partial Control.
Between Stafford Street (SR 1624), the eastern terminus of the DCIA, and the ramps
to/from US 601 North (Skyway Drive), there are five driveways for restaurants, a grocery
store and a motorcycle dealership. The roadway includes mountable curb and gutter
and is predominantly without a sidewalk, except for two short sections where sidewalks
are located in front of two non-adjacent restaurants.
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 14
The shared two-directional ramps between US 601 South (Skyway Drive) and US 74
West also utilize a portion of E East Avenue (SR 1623), and includes an intersection
with a narrow two-lane local road (Fifth Street) that provides access to three residences
and one business via four driveways (two for the same office building, and two for
residential properties).
Between the ramp from US 601 South (Skyway Drive) and the shared two-directional
ramps to/from Concord Avenue North, there is one driveway for an office building.
Between Concord Avenue and the western terminus of the DCIA, there are five
driveways: three for two automotive businesses, one for a restaurant, and one for a
small retail/office center. There is one T-intersection with a two-lane local street
(Temple Street). The roadway includes mountable curb and gutter without a sidewalk,
except for a short sidewalk section in front of the small retail/office center adjacent to the
Temple Street intersection; there are unconnected curb cuts at this same intersection.
CEMETERY
Is there a cemetery located in the project area?
YES
NO
OTHER RECREATIONAL RESOURCE(S) OR ACTIVITY
Is there any other recreational resource or observed activity in the project area (that is not a potential 4(f))?
Hatley’s Family Skating Center is located at 1705 Concord Avenue.
Skyway Lanes Bowling Alley is located at 1901 Skyway Drive.
YES
NO
TRAFFIC GENERATING FACILITY OR NODE
Is there a node or facility that generates a notable level of vehicular or pedestrian traffic located in the project area?
The Monroe Plaza Shopping Center, Union Village Shopping Center, and other businesses
and restaurants located within the project study area generate a notable level of vehicular
traffic. The Monroe Plaza Shopping Center, which includes a grocery store, also appears to
generate pedestrian traffic from the neighborhood located across US 601 South (Skyway
Drive).
YES
NO
SPECIAL USERS
Are there any documented special users in the project area (e.g. tractor trailers, logging trucks, tractors or other agricultural
equipment, or industrial traffic)?
According to the City of Monroe Assistant Fire Chief, the project interchange is crucial to
operations for Fire Station 5, which is located on US 601 North approximately 1.7 miles north
of the project. The Assistant Chief noted that the interchange is critical to reaching parts of
the response district of Station 5 and crucial for Station 5 being able to receive additional
resources for aid in the event of an emergency. The interchange is equally important to EMS
and police responses.
During the site visit, a notable number of tractor trailers, including intermodal trailers, were
observed travelling through the project study area on US 74 and on the exit/entrance ramps
for US 601 (Skyway Drive).
Union County school buses operate within the project study area. Currently, 37 buses make
55 trips through the project each school day.
YES
NO
AIRPORT
Is the project located within 1 mile of an airport?
YES
NO
AREA/COMMUNITY CONTROVERSY
Are there any known community concerns or controversy relative to the project?
YES
NO
MARINAS/ MARINE REPAIR OPERATIONS
Are there any marinas or marine repair operations in vicinity of the project?
YES
NO
OTHER NEARBY SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESOURCES
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 15
Are there any other notable socio-economic resources located in the project area?
Four churches are located within the DCIA: Next Dimension Ministries is located in a small
commercial/retail building next to the US 74 West exit ramp for Concord Avenue; Mt. Olive
A.M.E. Zion Church is located next to the US 74 West exit ramp for US 601 North (Skyway
Drive); King of Glory Christian Ministries is located on East Myers Street in the southeast
quadrant of the DCIA; and Christ Kingdom Restoration Ministries is located in the Monroe
Plaza Shopping Center.
The Council on Aging in Union County is located in the DCIA on Skyway Drive. The focus of
this non-profit agency is assisting older adults with maintaining independent living.
The Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) of Union County is located on Pedro
Street in the DCIA. CDSA is a regional early intervention center for infants and toddlers with
developmental disabilities or delays. It offers evaluation, treatment, service coordination, and
consultation services.
YES NO
POTENTIAL COMMUNITY IMPACTS
MOBILITY AND ACCESS
Are there any mobility or access effects likely to be associated with this project (e.g. barrier effect, multi-modal accommodation,
available detours, non-motorist access to properties and facilities)?
Long term, mobility should improve because proposed interchange improvements will allow
traffic to move through the interchange more efficiently.
Nearby roads may experience temporary congestion from additional vehicles, including
tractor trailers and intermodal trailers, if the project requires a detour route during
construction. The City of Monroe Fire Department and Union County Schools have
expressed concern related to congestion on nearby roads if a detour is required during
construction.
The Union County Schools TIMS Coordinator indicated that the project will have a high
impact on school transportation, and that increased travel time due to construction-related
delays may necessitate adding buses. The Coordinator also noted that nearby roads that
might potentially be used for detour routes are narrow and would be difficult for school buses
to maneuver. If the designs require road closures during construction, the impact would be
greatest during the months of August through June.
The City of Monroe Assistant Fire Chief indicated that the project will have a high impact on
emergency response. He stated that if the design requires a detour, available roads and
streets will be insufficient for the volumes of traffic carried by US 74 and US 601 (Skyway
Drive), and delays for emergency responses will be increased.
The project may have minor permanent impacts on access to the residential properties
located along the ramp from US 601 South (Skyway Drive) to US 74 West as well as
temporary impacts during construction. During construction, the project may also have
temporary impacts to access to the residences located on Fifth Street, which intersects this
same ramp.
During construction, the project may have minor, temporary impacts on pedestrian mobility
between the Monroe Plaza Shopping Center on the east side of US 601 (Skyway Drive),
including the grocery store, and the neighborhoods located on the west side of US 601
(Skyway Drive).
YES
NO
COMMUNITY COHESION
Is the project likely to alter the overall functioning of an identifiable district (e.g. interactions between, or isolation of, persons and
groups; or change in the physical makeup of the community)?
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 16
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Is the project likely to interact with any existing area crime issues (e.g. lighting, isolated areas)?
YES
NO
SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Are there any notable socio-economic resources that may be impacted (e.g. churches, schools, employment centers, community
facilities, historic districts or buildings, named neighborhoods, or other traffic/ pedestrian generators, etc.)?
The project may have minor, temporary impacts on access to two churches located adjacent
to two US 74 exit ramps: Next Dimension Ministries is located in a small commercial/retail
building next to the US 74 West exit ramp for Concord Avenue; Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church
is located next to the US 74 West exit ramp for US 601 North (Skyway Drive).
YES
NO
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Are there any direct effects on area businesses or economic conditions likely to result from this project, including agricultural
operations (e.g. business visibility)?
The project may have minor right of way impacts on business properties located near the
interchange; there may also be minor permanent changes to access. In addition, there may
be temporary access impacts to businesses throughout the DCIA during construction.
YES
NO
LOCAL LAND USE, CHARACTER & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Will the project have long term aesthetic effects (e.g. visual changes to the structure itself and/or on adjacent view-sheds) or
change the existing character of the facility?
YES
NO
OTHER
Are there any other potential impacts associated with the project?
The project may have minor right of way impacts on residential properties located along the
ramp from US 601 South (Skyway Drive) to US 74 West.
Long-term, the project will have positive impacts on pedestrian and bicycle mobility if the
project design accommodates planned pedestrian and bicycle improvements. The
Comprehensive Transportation Plan recommends sidewalks for US 74, Concord Avenue,
and US 601 (Skyway Drive) north of US 74, and recommends improvements to the existing
sidewalks on US 601 (Skyway Drive) south of US 74. The City of Monroe
Greenway/Bikeway Master Plan proposes bike lanes for US 601 (Skyway Drive) through the
project intersection.
YES
NO
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Is the project likely to have a disproportionately high and adverse impact on identified Environmental Justice populations in the
project area?
YES
NO
Indirect and Cumulative Effects [Transportation Impact Causing Activities (TICAs)]
*A confirmed TICA requires completion of the ICE screening tool. Absence of TICA(s) requires inclusion of the standard language ICE paragraph.
TRAVEL TIMES
Will the project result in travel time savings of more than one minute?
YES
NO
TRAVEL PATTERNS
Will the project permanently alter or affect the adjacent transportation network (i.e. new road connections)?
YES
NO
PROPERTY ACCESS
Will the project provide new or expanded access to properties?
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 17
PROPERTY EXPOSURE
Will the project permanently increase exposure (i.e. Average Daily Traffic volume) to any properties in the area?
YES
NO
ACTIVITY CENTERS
Will the project open areas for concentrated, moderate to high intensity land development or redevelopment?
YES
NO
RECOMMENDATIONS
AVOIDANCE
Alter the project so an impact does not occur.
YES
NO
MINIMIZATION
Modify the project to reduce the severity of an impact.
YES
NO
MITIGATION
Undertake an action to alleviate or offset an impact or to replace an appropriated resource.
YES
NO
ENHANCEMENT
Add a desirable or attractive feature to the project to make it fit more harmoniously into the community.
YES
NO
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Provide opportunities for early and continuing communication between the community and project staff.
Because Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations within the DSA exceed the U.S.
Department of Justice Safe Harbor threshold, written translations of vital documents should
be provided for Spanish populations, in addition to other measures assuring meaningful
language access, as determined by NCDOT Public Involvement to satisfy the requirements
of Executive Order 13166.
YES
NO
FURTHER DOCUMENTATION
The nature of potential impacts warrant additional analysis (i.e. completion of the ICE screening tool).
YES
NO
OTHER
Any other recommendations based on potential impacts discovered.
Because school buses operate within the study area, and because impacts related to road
closures would be greatest during the school year, it is recommended that the NCDOT
Project Planning Engineer coordinate with Union County Public schools prior to any planned
closures or construction that would result in delays to school bus transportation.
It is recommended that the NCDOT Project Planning Engineer coordinate with the City of
Monroe Fire Department, Police Department, and Emergency Management prior to any
construction that may result in substantial delays for emergency vehicles.
It is recommended that the NCDOT Project Planning Engineer coordinate with the Monroe
Department of Parks and Recreation, Monroe Planning Department, the CRTPO planning
staff, and the NCDOT Division of Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation to evaluate the
inclusion of planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the project design.
It is recommended that the NCDOT Project Planning Engineer ensure that pedestrian
mobility along US 601 (Skyway Drive), and across US 601 (Skyway Drive) is maintained
during construction.
YES
NO
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 18
SOURCES
Benton, Mandy, TIMS Coordinator, Union County Public Schools. E-mail mailto:mandy.benton@ucps.k12.nc.us
(Local Schools Input Form, Appendix C). 12/17/2014.
Charlotte, City of. Charlotte Area Transit System Schedules, 2014.
http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/cats/Pages/default.aspx. Website accessed 12/22/2014.
Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization. Draft Comprehensive Transportation Plan Maps,
October 14, 2014. http://www.crtpo.org/plans-programs/comprehensive-transportation-plan . Website accessed
01/14/2015.
Monroe, City of, 2014. Intersection Improvements Design RFP, December 15, 2014.
http://www.monroenc.org/events/intersection-improvements-design-rfp/. Website accessed 12/29/2014.
Monroe, City of, 2014. City of Monroe, North Carolina, Code of Ordinances. Published by American Legal
Publishing Corporation.
http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/North%20Carolina/monroe/titlexvlandusage/chapter156zoningcode?f=te
mplates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:monroe_nc$anc=JD_Chapter156 Website accessed 03/31/2015.
Monroe, City of, 2005. Greenway/Bikeway Master Plan, April, 2005.
Monroe, City of, 2009. Official City of Monroe Zoning Map.
North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (CGIA). Digital GIS Wild and Scenic Rivers data
set. Geospatial data downloaded from http://data.nconemap.com/ on 11/06/2014.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Division of Water Quality (now
Division of Water Resources). North Carolina 2012 Clean Water Act Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters.
Geospatial data downloaded from http://data.nconemap.com/ on 11/06/2014.
North Carolina DENR, Division of Water Resources. Water Supply Watersheds. Geospatial data downloaded
from http://data.nconemap.com/ on 11/06/2014.
North Carolina DENR, Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP). EEP Watershed Priority Map.
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/eep/priorities-map Website accessed 01/09/2015.
North Carolina DENR. High Quality and Outstanding Resource Water Management Zones. Geospatial data
downloaded from http://data.nconemap.com/ on 11/06/2014.
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), 2014. Comprehensive Transportation Plans interactive
map. https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Pages/Comprehensive-Transportation-
Plans.aspx?county=orange. Website accessed 12/17/2014.
NCDOT, 2014. Draft 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program, December 4, 2014.
https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Pages/Draft-STIP.aspx . Website accessed 12/17/2014.
NCDOT, 2014. High Profile Projects & Studies, Monroe Bypass.
http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/monroeconnector/. Website accessed 12/31/2014.
NCDOT, 2014. NCDOT P3.0 Projects GIS map.
http://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=defb244d156a4722a0cd56d2a4c97df2.
Website accessed 12/17/2014.
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 19
NCDOT, 2008. Strategic Highway Corridors Vision Plan Division 10, 06/10/2008.
https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/TPB%20%20Strategic%20Highway%20Corridors/SHC%20Vision%2
0Plan-Division10.pdf. Website accessed 12/17/2014.
NCDOT, GIS Unit. GIS Data Layers for Integrated Statewide Road Network Data, Statewide Primary &
Secondary Road Routes, NCDOT Bike Routes, Airports, and NCDOT Rail Track. Geospatial data downloaded
from https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/gis/pages/gis-data-layers.aspx on 11/06/2014.
NCDOT Transportation Planning Branch, 2014. Traffic Forecast for U-2753, No Build, 11/20/2014.
Smith, Danny, Assistant Chief, Fire Department, City of Monroe. Email dsmith@monroenc.org (Local EMS
Input Form, Appendix C). 01/02/2015/
Union County Planning Department. Union County 2025 Transportation Plan/Comprehensive Plan Update.
http://www.unioncountyonevoice.com/ . Website accessed 12/17/2014.
Union County Transportation Department. http://www.co.union.nc.us/Divisions/Transportation.aspx. Website
accessed 12/22/2014.
U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010.
U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2008-2012).
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - National Geospatial
Center of Excellence. USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO). http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/
Website accessed 01/09/2015.
United States Department of the Interior (USDOI), National Park Service (NPS), Land and Water Conservation
Fund. http://waso-lwcf.ncrc.nps.gov/public/index.cfm. Website accessed 02/01/2015.
USDOI NPS, Nationwide Rivers Inventory. Lower 48 NRI GIS Data. Geospatial data downloaded from
http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/nri/index.html on 11/11/2014.
APPENDIX ITEMS
A. Demographics Used in Tabular Form
B. Site Photographs
C. Local Input Forms
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 20
APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF DEMOGRAPHICS USED IN TABULAR FORM
Population
Geography 2000 Geography 2010 2000 2010 Difference % Change
Annualized
Growth
Rate
CT 204.01, BG 2 CT 204.01, BG 2 2,226 2,64441818.8% 1.7%
CT 204.02, BG 1 CT 204.04, BG 4 1,415 1,468533.7% 0.4%
CT 204.02, BG 2 CT 204.04, BG 3 1,104 1,088-16-1.4% ‐0.1%
CT 204.02, BG 3 CT 204.04, BG 2 1,541 2,07253134.5% 3.0%
DSA Aggregate 6,286 7,272 98615.7% 1.5%
Union County 123,677201,29277,61562.8% 5.0%
North Carolina 8,049,3139,535,4831,486,17018.50% 1.7%
Source: US Census Bureau, Census 2010 and Census 2000, Summary File 1 100% Data, Table P1
and P001 "Total Population"
LEP
Total
Adult
Pop
Primary Language Group of Persons Who Speak English Less than
Very Well
Spanish Other Indo-
Euro Asian/Pacific Other
# % # % # % # %
CT 204.01, BG 2 1,867 221 11.8%0 0.0% 46 2.5% 0 0.0%
CT 204.04, BG 4 1,414 164 11.6%0 0.0% 12 0.8% 0 0.0%
CT 204.04, BG 3 715 380 53.1%0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
CT 204.04, BG 2 850 149 17.5%0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%
DSA 4,846 914 18.9%0 0.0% 58 1.2% 0 0.0%
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2008-2012), Table
B16004, "Age by Language Spoken at Home for the Population 5+ Yrs"
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 21
Minority
Population Total Population White, Non-Hispanic Minority Population*
# % # %
CT 204.01, BG 2 2,363 1,65470.0%709 30.0%
CT 204.04, BG 2 1,553 65542.2%898 57.8%
CT 204.04, BG 3 1,211 18615.4%1,025 84.6%
CT 204.04, BG 4 1,595 523.3%1,543 96.7%
DSA 6,722 2,54737.9%4,175 62.1%
Union County 201,617 150,32574.6%51,292 25.4%
* Minority population includes all races that are non-white and Hispanic populations that are also White.
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2008-2012), Table B03002, "Hispanic or
Latino Origin by Race."
Poverty Total
Population
Below Poverty Level Very Poor: Under 50%
of Poverty Level
Near Poor: Between
100% and 150% of
Poverty Level
# % # % # %
CT 204.01, BG 2 2,351 2018.5%893.8% 38616.4%
CT 204.04, BG 2 1,551 56336.3%895.7% 25516.4%
CT 204.04, BG 3 1,211 39232.4%554.5% 42334.9%
CT 204.04, BG 4 1,585 88055.5%1137.1% 19512.3%
DSA 6,698 2,03630.4%3465.2% 1,25918.8%
Union County 199,539 19,3569.7%6,4083.2% 14,4037.2%
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2008-2012), Table C17002 "Ratio
of Income to Poverty Level in the Past 12 Months "
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TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 23
APPENDIX B: SITE PHOTOS
Figure 1:
Concord Avenue ramps near western terminus showing
business driveway access ramps to/from US 74
Figure 2:
US 74 W, showing driveway access at end of ramp from
US 601
Figure 3:
Traffic from US 601 merging onto US 74 W
Figure 4:
Traffic from Concord Avenue stopped and queued, waiting to
merge onto US 74 W
Figure 5:
Looking east, showing driveway access at end of US 601 ramp
onto US 74 W
Figure 6:
Looking east at businesses along US 74, taken from
US 601 bridge
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 24
Figure 7:
Truck on ramp from US 601 and East Avenue to US 74 W,
showing residential driveway access on ramp
Figure 8:
US 74 E showing driveway access at end of ramp from
US 601 N
Figure 9:
Pedestrians crossing US 601 from Monroe Plaza Shopping
Center going to neighborhood at King Street
Figure 10:
Monroe Plaza Shopping Center
Figure 11:
Example of unconnected sidewalk segments on US 74, shown
at Miller Street and US 74 E
Figure 12:
Eastern terminus of the project study area at Stafford Street
and US 74
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 25
APPENDIX C: LOCAL INPUT FORMS
UNION COUNTY SCHOOLS
NC Department of Transportation Community Studies Group, Human Environment Section
Local Schools Input Form for
STIP Project U-5723 COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Using the project map below, please respond to the following questions by typing your answers in the space
provided. Then save (Using the Save As… command) this file with a new file name for your records and e-
mail the new file back to diana.young-paiva@threeoaksengineering.com or to edshay@ncdot.gov. If you
would prefer to complete a hard copy of this form, please send all sheets to the following address or fax
number below:
Elizabeth Shay
NCDOT Human Environment Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC, 27699-1583
Phone: (919) 707-6067
Fax: (919) 212-5785
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 26
Project Description: Construction of improvements to existing US 74, US 601 interchange
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 27
Please rate the overall impact of this project on school transportation services:
No Impact
Low Impact
Moderate Impact
High Impact
Check all that apply & provide a detailed explanation of your response in the field provided.
How many School Buses use the project corridor each day? (total # of daily buses, total # daily of
trips)
Currently 37 Buses 55 Trips
Based on your knowledge of the project area, do you have any concerns with the condition/capacity
of potential detour routes, or the location of resources along these routes?
Detour not attached; however, adjacent streets in the area are narrow and sometimes hard to
maneuver.
Are there any future time periods or events that you know of where a road closure would be of
particular concern?
Road closure during August – June would be a higher impact. June – August would be best scenario
Is there anyone else you feel should be contacted regarding this project (i.e. local officials or
stakeholders)?
City of Monroe, Emergency personnel (fire, police, EMT)
Are road names referenced by the names locals would use?
Yes
If there any other concerns you have regarding the potential impact of this project on school
transportation services, or any additional comments? Please be as specific as possible.
Increase in route and travel time will be necessary potentially adding buses to the fleet.
Form Completed by (Include Title): Mandy Benton TIMS Coordinator
Date: 12/17/14
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 28
CITY OF MONROE FIRE DEPARTMENT
NC Department of Transportation Community Studies Group, Human Environment Section
Local EMS Input Form for
STIP Project U-5723 COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Using the project map below, please respond to the following questions by typing your answers in the space
provided. Then save (Using the Save As… command) this file with a new file name for your records and e-
mail the new file back to diana.young-paiva@threeoaksengineering.com or to edshay@ncdot.gov. If you
would prefer to complete a hard copy of this form, please send all sheets to the following address or fax
number below:
Elizabeth Shay
NCDOT Human Environment Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC, 27699-1583
Phone: (919) 707-6067
Fax: (919) 212-5785
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 29
Project Description: Construction of improvements to existing US 74, US 601 interchange
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 30
Please rate the overall impact of this project on Emergency Response Services:
No Impact
Low Impact
Moderate Impact
x High Impact
Check all that apply & provide a detailed explanation of your response in the field provided.
If there are concerns please specify. Be as specific as possible. (e.g. location in a high call volume
area, closure could affect response to schools, weight restrictions, expected new development in the
area, coordination with partner agency required to facilitate service)
This interchange is crucial to operations from our Station 5. The interchange area is critical to
reaching parts of the response district of Station 5. It is also crucial for Station 5 being able to receive
additional resources for aid in the event of an emergency. This same condition applies to EMS and
police responses.
Based on your knowledge of the project area, do you have any concerns with the condition/capacity
of potential detour routes, or the location of resources along these routes?
In the event of the need to detour traffic completely away from this interchange there will be
significant impact due to the volume of traffic. Available roads and streets will be insufficient for the
volumes and delays for emergency responses will be increased.
Are there any future time periods or events that you know of where a road closure would be of
particular concern?
no
Is there anyone else you feel should be contacted regarding this project (i.e. local officials or
stakeholders)?
Yes, City Engineering for Monroe (jloyd@monroenc.org) and Chief of Police
(bgilliard@monroenc.org).
Are road names referenced by the names locals would use?
yes
If there any other concerns you have regarding the potential impact of this project on EMS services,
or any additional comments? Please be as specific as possible.
To hear directly from EMS you should contact Operations Director Tim Adams.
(tim.adams@carolinashealthcare.org)
Form Completed by (Include Title): Danny J. Smith, Assistant Chief
Date: 02 Jan. 2015
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 31
CITY OF MONROE PLANNING
NC Department of Transportation Community Studies Group, Human Environment Section
Local Planner Input Form for
STIP Project U-5723 COMMUNITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Using the project map below, please respond to the following questions by typing your answers in the space
provided. Then save (Using the Save As… command) this file with a new file name for your records and e-
mail the new file back to diana.young-paiva@threeoaksengineering.com or to edshay@ncdot.gov. If you
would prefer to complete a hard copy of this form, please send all sheets to the following address or fax
number below:
Elizabeth Shay
NCDOT Human Environment Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC, 27699-1583
Phone: (919) 707-6067
Fax: (919) 212-5785
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 32
Project Description: Construction of improvements to existing US 74, US 601 interchange
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 33
Please rate the overall impact of this project on local Planning objectives:
No Impact
Low Impact
Moderate Impact
High Impact
Without knowing what the proposed designs are, it is not possible to judge the potential impact.
Check all that apply & provide a detailed explanation of your response in the field provided.
Are there any known plans for development in the vicinity of the project?
Based on your knowledge of the project area, do you have any concerns with the condition/capacity
of potential detour routes, or the location of resources along these routes?
The greatest concern would be the impacts on Concord Avenue and the Concord Avenue/US 74
interchange.
Are there any future time periods or events that you know of where a road closure would be of
particular concern?
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 City’s Greenway Plan shows planned bicycle routes/greenways along US 601 Skyway Drive,
crossing US 74, and along Concord Avenue, crossing US 64.
Are there any other adopted plans for growth that could directly affect this project?
Are you aware of any special populations/ communities (e.g. minority, low-income, Limited English
Proficiency) existing around the project?
There is a low-income, Spanish-speaking population living in an area roughly bounded by the rear of
properties adjacent to US 74 E on the north and east sides, Concord Avenue to the west, and Kerr
Street to the south.
Are there any FEMA buyout properties in the vicinity of the project?
Does the project lie within a VAD or EVAD District?
Is there anyone else you feel should be contacted regarding this project (i.e. local officials or
stakeholders)?
Are road names referenced by the names locals would use?
US 601 is called Skyway Drive in the area near the project.
TIP U-5723 Union County COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS REPORT April, 2015 page 34
Are there any additional comments you have for this project?
There are several plans that are currently in the process of being updated:
The CRTPO Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Monroe Land Use Plan is currently being
updated. Draft maps are on the CRTPO website but NCDOT hasn’t yet adopted the plan.
An update of the Land Use Plan is underway. In addition, an Area Plan for the area that includes the
US 74/US 601 interchange will be completed Spring 2015. The plan, called the Concord Area
Master Plan, addresses land use, aesthetics, transportation, streetscapes and greenspace. The
draft plan includes a vision plan for hotel development on the south side of US 74 in both the
southeast and southwest quadrants of the US 601 (Skyway Drive) interchange.
In addition, the Parks Department is in the process of updating the Greenway Plan. The current plan
shows proposed greenways along US 601 (Skyway Drive) and Concord Avenue crossing US 74.
Form Completed by (Include Title): Personal interview with Lisa Stiwinter, Planning Director for the
City of Monroe.
Date: 01/09/2015