The Town of Carrboro recently issued a survey to the broader community asking for feedback on a trio of potential designs for extending the Bolin Creek Greenway.
The local government launched the measure on June 23, providing an opportunity for learn about the town’s exploration of continuing the project last updated in 2009. The current Carrboro Town Council discussed picking up the Bolin Creek Greenway project again during a work session in February before authorizing town staff to craft and implement a public engagement plan in March.
The Bolin Creek Greenway Conceptual Master Plan, which was passed in 2009, suggests Phases 3 and 4 of the paved network to run through part of the Carolina North Forest and the PH Craig Tract, which is privately owned and borders a rail line. The options now being considered by the town government essentially combine the two phases, proposing options that run through both pieces of land and each start at Estes Drive Extension to extend north toward Homestead Road. Public engagement and discussion on these future phases were held a different points between 2013 and 2018, according to the town’s website, before Carrboro’s elected officials decided to delay any decisions until options were found for “resolving community conflict in an environmental context.”
That community conflict has surfaced again regarding the project. Since the town council voted to explore options for Phases 3 and 4, several community members have shared both opposition and support to any sort of paved path near Bolin Creek — including during the public comment portion of the council’s June 27 meeting.
The three alignment options — which the town says have not been updated to best reflect the current natural landscape since that 2009 plan — are defined by their placement and goals for the theoretical paths. The Creekside Alignment runs alongside Bolin Creek for around two miles and was the recommended option in the Conceptual Master Plan. Carrboro describes it as the “most successful” in serving the most neighborhoods in the corridor, while opponents to the project have cited concerns of long-term health of the creek and fears of flood damage. Their preferences favor the Upland Forest Alignment, which runs out of the floodplain and uses existing trail corridors that sometimes run parallel to train tracks near Seawell School Road. Additionally, there is the Bolin Connector Alignment, which would help Carrboro complete its “complete streets” concept of accommodating all modes of transportation but makes less cost-effective trail connections.
The three proposed options for extending the Bolin Creek Greenway in Carrboro, overlaid through part of the Carolina North Forest. (Photo via Town of Carrboro.)
Current trails through the Carolina North Forest are largely unpaved. Carrboro’s Bolin Creek Greenway project aims to create a network of paved paths to be accessible for all community members. (Photo via the Town of Carrboro.)
Those who wish to respond to the town’s survey have the opportunity to share feedback on the three alignment options for Carrboro’s greenway extension. The form also asks users to share their preferred activities along the path, how often they currently use Bolin Creek Greenway trails, their thoughts on the current environmental settings around Bolin Creek, and where in the community they live.
In addition to the survey, town staff say they plan to gather feedback from Carrboro community members in-person too. The release said staff will be bringing project information, maps, and surveys to events like Carrboro Farmers Market, Fourth of July festivities, the Latin American Festival, and the Carrboro Music Festival. Additionally, staff will host pop-up stations and drop-by events in “less formal settings” for people to share their thoughts.
The initial public engagement process will continue through early October, according to the project’s webpage. The Town Council will review public input and additional public comment can be shared ahead of any final vote on the alignment of a greenway extension.
To take the survey, or learn more about the Bolin Creek Greenway’s latest extension updates, visit the Town of Carrboro website.
Photo via the Town of Carrboro.
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I’m so eager for the town to finally finish this greenway! As someone who bikes, walks, and pushes a stroller in Carrboro multiple times a week, I couldn’t ask for a better option than the creekside alignment given the current conditions in Carrboro. I thought this blog post did a good job of explaining the background of each of the alignment options: https://triangleblogblog.com/2023/06/29/deep-dive-the-three-alignments-for-carrboros-bolin-creek-greenway/
Unlike the folks who commented on the process back in 2009, I’m new to trail running, and I’ve only run in Carolina North Forest a handful of times. With that said, it’s obvious from even that little experience that the creekside path is the best option for current cyclists and runners who enjoy the existing system of trails.
I’m also a parent with young children, and I’ve tried going on a stroller walk along the creek exactly once. The trail is so over-loved by decades of unmanaged use that even my jogging stroller with 20” wheels and wide tires can’t navigate several parts of the easement trail. I really look forward to being able to use that trail with my kids, and not just alone when running.
For anybody who is still on the fence, I highly encourage you to look at the Carrboro Linear Parks project. There’s a bunch of primary sources on the website and a great FAQ.