Community Corner
Official: 129 Talcottville Road Will be Developed With Conservation in Mind
He says the land could actually get better with development.
One topic that came up at Thursday's Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing on the proposed Plan of Conservation and Development was commercial property near some of the town's natural resources.
The town's economic development coordinator is maintaining that it could all work out for one prominent parcel.
Last month, the Town Council voted to market the 10-acre parcel at 129 Talcottville Rd. (Route 83) while working around a conservation easement granted along the Hockanum River and a hiking trail system. The land was seized in lieu of back taxes and the town's general policy is to get such property off its books.
The property sits behind the commercially zoned Taco Bell and Blockbuster parcels. A narrow strip abuts Route 83 just to the north of Taco Bell's parking lot and an easement has been granted for access within the shared Taco Bell-Blockbuster driveway.
Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately estimated that 60 percent of the land is either on the Taco Bell parking lot or behind it. The fast food joint is currently under renovation, but the parking lot of not effected, Gately said.
About 6 of the acres have conservation issues from wildlife to being part of the flood plane. The topography includes a steep slope on some parts of the land.
Densely populated subdivisions sit across the river.
Residents who live near the property have demanded to be kept in the loop regarding any possible development and a recent patch unscientific poll suggested the land could be a candidate for some type of wildlife protection status.
Gately has said the conservation easement is etched in stone.
"Any one purchasing the property must develop it with the easement in mind," he said.
Gately also said development could improve the area along the trail and river.
"We would work with the developer to improve the trail access and the riverbank," he said, emphasizing his seriousness. "It could enhance the trail system and that would be one of the conditions."
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