20160658_20170403 - Kinston PCN resubittal cover letter_20170609

April 3, 2017
Garcy Ward
Environmental Senior Specialist
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
943 Washington Square Mall
Washington, NC 27889
RE: I<inston Riverwalk Phase 1
Garcy:
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STEiIV'��T
Thank you for taking time to meet with all of us about the Kinston Riverwalk project and providing us the
opportunity to discuss the true impacts of the Kinston Riverwalk greenway on the riparian buffer. Based upon
our discussions at the meeting we respectfully resubmit the attached revised PCN on behalf of the North
Carolina Department of Transportation.
Design and construction of the Riverwalk Greenway was intended to enhance the scenic "Riverwalk" experience
beyond the dilapidated 4-foot-wide sidewalk. Alignment options were limited dues to existing mature trees,
structures and the Veteran Memorial shown in the photos. To minimize impacts to the existing environment it
was determined that the alignment following the 4-foot-wide sidewalk route that was already in place. As we
explained and displayed on the exhibits and photos, the pre-construction condition was a 4-foot-wide sidewalk
was surrounded by grass shoulders. During construction of the 10-foot-wide greenway trail, no woody
vegetation was removed, all grassed areas disturbed has been reseeded and grass has been established. The
exhibits that we provided at our meeting shows that the only true modification to the conditions prior to
construction was the increase in impervious surface from a 4-foot-wide sidewalk to a 10-foot-wide greenway.
Total increase of allowable impervious surface was 2,911 square feet as shown in the attached exhibits.
Considering that greenway trails are a permissible use within the Neuse River riparian buffer we would request
approval of the PCN as submitted now. If this is not the correct interpretation of the riparian buffer rules and
mitigation would be required, please let us know. Understandably proper protocol was not followed, it was not
intentional, it was a result of miscommunication and multiple project managers throughout the history of
project period. Some plantings have been made by the DOT in an effort to offset any impacts that have been
made.
Attached are the photos and exhibits presented at the March 29t" meeting. If you have any questions, please let
me know.
Sincerely,
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Ed Lynch, AICP
Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Manager
421 Fayetteville Street Raleigh, NC 919. 380. 8750
Suite 400 27601 919. 380. 8752