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Photo by Nancy Pierce 3

table of contents a ck n o w l e d g e m e n t s .................................................................................................................................... 6 e x e c u t i v e s u m m a r y .................................................................................................................................... 8 introduction Carolina Thread Trail ....................................................................................................................................... 10 chapter 1: greenway benefits Health ............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Economic ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 Environmental ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Cultural ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 Transportation ................................................................................................................................................ 13 chapter 2: existing conditions Early History ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Demographics ................................................................................................................................................. 14 Economy ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Land Use and Natural Resources ....................................................................................................................... 17 Existing Parks and Trails .................................................................................................................................. 18 Destinations ................................................................................................................................................... 19 Relevant Planning Documents .......................................................................................................................... 20 chapter 3: stakeholder and public outreach Project Timeline ............................................................................................................................................. 23 Planning ......................................................................................................................................................... 23 Public Participation ......................................................................................................................................... 24 Mapping Priority Routes .................................................................................................................................. 25 chapter 4: trail routes Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 27 Carolina Thread Trail Route Descriptions .......................................................................................................... 29 Priority Corridors ............................................................................................................................................ 30 Proposed Trail Route Maps ............................................................................................................................... 30 chapter 5: recommended actions for implementation Union County CTT Master Plan Action Steps ...................................................................................................... 39 4

Table of Contents, continued chapter 6: costs and funding options Costs .............................................................................................................................................................. 41 Funding .......................................................................................................................................................... 42 figures: Employment by Industry, 2009 ........................................................................................................................ 15 tables: 1. Municipal Population Growth between 2000 and 2010 ..................................................................................... 14 2. Union County Historic and Projected Population Growth ................................................................................ 15 3. Unemployment Rates ................................................................................................................................... 16 4. Land Cover Change ....................................................................................................................................... 17 5. Species That Are Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern .................................................................... 18 6. Trail Construction Cost Estimates .................................................................................................................. 42 7. Trail Construction Cost Illustration ............................................................................................................... 42 8. Common Local Conservation Financing Sources in North Carolina .................................................................. 44 9. North Carolina Conservation Trust Fund Grants Awarded in Union County (1997– 2008) ................................... 47 maps: 1. Connection Opportunities ............................................................................................................................. 28 2. Indian Trail .................................................................................................................................................. 31 3. Marshville ................................................................................................................................................... 32 4. Mineral Springs ........................................................................................................................................... 33 5. Monroe ....................................................................................................................................................... 34 6. Stallings ...................................................................................................................................................... 35 7. Waxhaw ....................................................................................................................................................... 36 8. Wesley Chapel .............................................................................................................................................. 37 9. Wingate ....................................................................................................................................................... 38 f o o t n o t e s ..................................................................................................................................................... 48 a p p e n d i c e s : ................................................................................................................................................. 51 5

acknowledgements The following municipalities and groups signed resolutions Carolina Thread Trail Steering Committee Members of support at the outset of this effort to work with neighboring for Union County and Participating Municipalities: communities and with the Carolina Thread Trail to plan, Dryw Blanchard design, and build trails that will connect our communities: Town Administrator, Wingate Town of Hemby Bridge Doug Britt Town of Indian Trail Senior Planner, Monroe Village of Lake Park Vicky Brooks Town of Marshville Town Clerk, Zoning Administrator, Mineral Springs Village of Marvin Anthony Burman Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization Town Council, Marvin Town of Mineral Springs Jim Chaffin City of Monroe Parks and Recreation, Union County Town of Stallings Cheri Clark Town of Waxhaw Village Clerk, Lake Park Town of Wingate Valerie Coffey Town of Weddington Councilwoman, Mineral Springs Union County Board Jordan Cook of Commissioners Town Planner, Weddington Union County League of Women Voters Shelley DeHart Village of Wesley Chapel Planning Director, Indian Trail Nancy Franza Park Committee, Stallings Tracy Frost Parks and Recreation Committee, Stallings Mary Jo Gollnitz Resident, Union County Barry Green Commissioner, Wingate Lynne Hair Town Planner, Stallings 6

Acknowledgements, continued Marnie Holland Thanks also to the following individuals: Parks and Recreation Committee, Wesley Chapel Shelley DeHart Erin Kirkpatrick Steering Committee Chair Commissioner, Waxhaw Marnie Holland Lee Jensen Community Outreach Subcommittee Chair Zoning Administrator, Union County Travis Morehead Nancy Jacobsen Carolina Thread Trail Community Coordinator Resident, Indian Trail Members of the Technical Advisory Team who assisted in collecting and analyzing data, and proposing alternative Severin Jacobsen scenarios for consideration by the public and the Steering Committee: Dryw Blanchard, Doug Britt, Vicky Brooks, Cheri Resident, Indian Trail Clark, Jordan Cook, Tracy Frost, Joshua Langen, Richard Melton, Katie Ross, Bud Stewart, Lisa Thompson, Bill Whitley, Joshua Langen and Ray Williams. Planner, Wesley Chapel Consulting services provided by The Trust for Public Land: Richard Melton Kelley Hart Union County Cooperative Extension Project Manager Brian Olin Bob Heuer Parks, Tree and Greenway Committee, Indian Trail GIS Services Katie Ross John Crotty Planning/GIS, Waxhaw Lead Researcher Bud Stewart Mary Bruce Alford Resident, Waxhaw Conservation Funding Research Lisa Stiwinter Polling services provided by Campaign Research + Strategy Director of Planning, Monroe Lisa Thompson Senior Planner, Marvin Jo Waybright Councilwoman, Lake Park Bill Whitley Parks and Recreation, Union County Ray Williams Resident, Marvin 7

executive summary The culmination of a year-long, community-driven Photo by Nancy Pierce process, this plan articulates a vision for Union County focused on enhancing and ensuring a high quality of life Community involvement has been absolutely essential to for residents, utilizing the county’s unique social, natural, developing this vision and plan. Together, key stakeholders and built assets. Led by the Carolina Thread Trail initiative, have set forth a plan of action to help actualize the Thread in representatives from municipal and county governments as Union County. well as vested organizations and individuals worked together in an intensive planning process to prioritize important destinations and transportation routes within the county. The result of their efforts is a proposed system of greenways and trails linking together many of the existing trails, parks, town centers, historic sites, and natural features that define Union County. The Carolina Thread Trail’s mission is to bring resources to the 15-county region in the south-central piedmont of North Carolina and the north-central portion of South Carolina in order to create an interconnected trail system. The Carolina Thread Trail is indeed regional—the proposed trails in Union County plan provide linkages to Anson, Lancaster, and Mecklenburg counties. As such, the Thread can have significant economic potential for the small businesses within Union County by encouraging regional travel and outdoor recreation. The proposed physical network of trails is both intuitive and creative. While the proposed network of trails spans 100 miles across the county, much of it utilizes existing infrastructure and greenways so as to help realize recreational and transportation potential within Union County. Roughly 40 percent of the proposed conceptual route was derived from preexisting trails and plans, and 60 percent consists of trail routes that are new to the county and its municipalities. Of those new routes, over half would travel along road rights- of-way and a third would follow streams. Chapter 4 includes detailed maps of the proposed trail segments. 8

Executive Summary, continued \\ At each step in the planning process, stakeholders weighed potential costs and funding challenges to make plan implementation feasible. This report includes an overview of the costs associated with trail construction and a comprehensive funding opportunity guide. The guide is a resource not only to help identify potential funding. for trail segments, but also to leverage funding for the ancillary benefits of trails. The 2010 Census confirms that Union County is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina. People move here because of the county’s wonderful rural settings and proximity to Charlotte. Now is the time to take the steps necessary to develop this network of trails and provide recreational, educational, and economic development opportunities, while helping to preserve Union County’s natural assets. Photo by Nancy Pierce The following steps are recommended to implement this plan (see Chapter 5 for details): • Adopt the Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) Master Plan. • Encourage the incorporation of this plan by the county and local governments as an integral part of local comprehensive planning and land use planning efforts. • Build public support. • Develop a minimum of 1.5 miles of greenways each year for the next 10 years and a minimum of 3 miles of greenways each year thereafter. • Strategically pursue trail projects to maximize results and minimize costs. • Ensure that the project list for the CTT Master Plan for Union County is current and relevant. 9

introduction With oversight provided by a Steering Committee carolina thread trail of municipal, county, and interested nongovernmental organizations, residents in Union County, North Carolina, The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of participated in a locally driven process to create a countywide greenways, trails and conserved lands that will reach Greenway Master Plan. This plan is meant to serve as a approximately 2.3 million citizens. It will link people, places, guiding document for Carolina Thread Trail development cities, towns and attractions. The Thread will help preserve within the county and participating cities and towns in our natural areas and will be a place for the exploration of Union County. nature, culture, science and history, for family adventures and The Master Plan includes an introduction to the benefits celebrations of friendship. It will be for young, old, athlete and of greenways and trails, a description of current conditions average. This is a landmark project, and creates a legacy that in Union County, a summary of the planning process under- will give so much, to so many, for so long. taken, an introduction to the Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) and its proposed route, and a description of recommended The scale of The Thread’s connectivity is unparalleled implementation steps. These action steps are intended to and is based on certain guiding principles and core provide ideas for local governments to expeditiously and cost- values: Collaboration, Community Self-Determination, effectively put segments on the ground. Connectivity, Inclusivity, Leverage, and Respect for the Land. The Carolina Thread Trail initiative, which has helped to and Landowners. spur the development of this plan, is an effort to encourage 15 counties in the south-central piedmont of North Carolina • Collaboration and community self-determination. and the north-central portion of South Carolina to create an Collaboration and community self-determination among interconnected trail system that will preserve and increase the Union County communities are almost as important the quality of life within the local communities. This plan as connectivity. The Master Plan aims to encourage a presents a conceptual route for trails throughout the county collaborative process by which trails are conceived and to receive the CTT designation. The range of land types to designed in cooperation with adjoining communities in be incorporated can include the built environment, such as such a way that a regional asset is created out of a series of sidewalks, as well as wildlife habitat, environmentally fragile interrelated local decisions and actions. lands, farmland, and open fields and forests. In general, a greenway is a linear corridor of undeveloped • Connectivity and inclusivity. Creating connections between land preserved for recreational use, transportation, or communities and historical, cultural, and recreational environmental protection. A trail is a linear route on land attractions is important. The Carolina Thread Trail seeks to or water with protected status and public access typically create a region known for its “ribbons of green” connecting for recreation or transportation purposes. For the sake of people to one another and to their heritage. In offering the brevity, the word “trail” will be used throughout this plan to vision of greater community interaction, the program seeks encompass both types of amenities. to build bonds among diverse neighborhoods, as well as afford all residents greater access to our natural surroundings. Through this Master Plan, these goals are established. 10

Introduction, continued • Leverage. The Master Plan’s success depends on generating Carolina Thread Trail designation. Local trails will retain additional investment of outside capital in the region’s their own identities, whether or not they are designated as natural resources. Funding sources at the local, state, and part of the Thread. federal levels are included in Chapter 6. The look and feel of the Carolina Thread Trail may vary from community to community and county to county. • Respect for the land and landowners. During the planning Designation as the Carolina Thread Trail will signify that a process, Union County communities determined the particular trail is part of a plan to create an interconnected locationof theirsegmentsoftheThread byhaving alternative system, a plan created by local communities working together routes to consider that included public lands or property with their neighbors to identify connection points and to owned by private landholders, including developers who build trails that will grow together over time. may want to offer this amenity to their neighborhoods. The broad corridors featured present multiple opportunities and adjustments to the route that can be incorporated as more landowners are engaged. Expert trail builders indicate that trails are built by assimilating parcels over time in this fashion and that eminent domain is very rarely used. Individual residents and community leaders throughout CTT Stock Photo the Carolina Thread Trail mission area have expressed concerns about the use of eminent domain. While the decision to exercise eminent domain is not within the Carolina Thread Trail’s purview, the organization does not support its use for creating trails and greenways. It is highly recommended that local governments adopt this plan with language indicating that they will not utilize eminent domain in the development of their trails. Through an inclusive, collaborative process, each county and the communities within that county decide where their local trail systems will connect and become part of the Thread. However, not all local trails will become part of the Carolina Thread Trail. Analogous to our highway systems, the Thread will develop as a “green interstate” focused on linking local trails and regionally significant attractions. Other trails will continue to exist or be planned but may not receive the 11

chapter 1. greenway benefits Trails not only encourage friends, families, and income to the county’s treasury for FY 2009. Another source of communities to interact with one another and nature, they direct income is “sales tax receipts from tourism spending by also provide a venue for physical activities such as walking, out-of-towners who came to Mecklenburg County primarily jogging, running, horseback riding, skating, and biking. The because of its parks. This value came to more than $4.3 million benefits of these activities are significant and far-reaching. for Mecklenburg County. Beyond the tax money, these factors also bolstered the collective wealth of Mecklenburgers—by health more than $10 million in total property value and by almost $19 million in net income from tourist spending.” A landmark report by the U.S. Surgeon General found that “Americans can substantially improve their health and quality TPL’s study for Mecklenburg County considered other of life by including moderate amounts of physical activity in specific benefits and concluded that “the park system of their daily lives.” It also found that “health benefits appear to Mecklenburg County thus provided the county in 2009 with be proportional to the amount of activity; thus, every increase revenue of $8.3 million, a collective increase of resident wealth in activity adds some benefit.” 1 Several studies have found that of almost $29 million, resident savings of more than $922 access to public green spaces increases physical activity levels. million, and municipal savings of $25 million.”2 A growing body of research suggests that mere contact Union County linear parks are expected not only to bring with the natural world improves psychological health. Green new visitors and tourists to the region and inject new dollars into settings have been shown to relieve feelings of anxiety and the local economy, but also to promote connectivity between improve our ability to cope with stressful situations. In some tourist destinations for visitors, as well as local residents. cases, natural spaces provide therapy for conditions such as attention deficit disorder and improve cognitive function environmental and work performance. In addition, greenways, trails, and parks provide safe places for kids to play, which is vital in the The establishment of trails can restore natural corridors brain development of young children. within already densely populated regions and preserve them in areas soon to be developed. This is particularly Trails also provide safe routes for pedestrians and important in rapidly growing areas like the Charlotte region, bicyclists to travel. This separation from vehicular traffic where substantial growth can be positive from an economic can reduce the number of vehicle-pedestrian- and vehicle- standpoint but can place a very serious strain on the area’s bicyclist-related accidents. natural resources such as water and air quality, open space,. and wildlife habitats. economic If current growth trends continue, treasured natural areas The economic benefits of the Thread to Union County will will disappear as vast tracts of land are developed into urban be numerous. For example, according to an economic impact areas in the next 20 years. It is critical that our communities study completed by The Trust for Public Land (TPL) in 2010 for band together now to help preserve natural areas for the health Mecklenburg County, homes near parks have higher values. and sustainability of future generations. Higher property taxes amounted to almost $4 million in direct 12

Chapter 1. Greenway Benefits, continued Green space created by these natural corridors helps neighborhoods and social centers such as schools, churches, to mitigate storm-water runoff and encourages water table cultural institutions, and other community facilities. It will recharge. It also serves as a natural filter, trapping pollutants help to reinforce the identity of neighborhoods through from urban runoff that erode areas and agricultural lands, in greenway design by incorporating public art, recognizing local order to keep our water supplies healthy. history, and creating landmark open spaces. Tree cover provided by these trails contributes to air As a free, accessible community asset, the Thread will quality by removing substantial amounts of particulate offer opportunities for recreation and exercise to everyone, matter and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trails also including children, youth, and families who might not be encourage nonmotorized means of transportation, which able to afford them elsewhere. The Thread also will offer can significantly reduce air pollutants derived from mobile opportunities for people to experience a sense of community sources, such as automobiles. Reducing overall vehicle- and create stronger social and familial ties. miles traveled (VMT) will help to decrease the amount of pollutants emitted that contribute to ozone formation in By preserving green spaces from development, the the atmosphere. Projects like the Carolina Thread Trail Thread will provide safe places for our children to play outside will enhance the pedestrian environment and facilitate with others from surrounding communities and will create walking and biking, which is a critical component to making awareness of one another, as well as of the natural world. emissions reductions. The net benefits to the community are reduced VMT, which leads to reduced pollutants, thus As a tangible project that links people and places, the. making the air safer to breathe. Thread will encourage communities, leaders, and municipalities to build partnerships. It will provide a framework and “pathway” Trails and conservation corridors help to preserve habitat for future regional initiatives and will encourage communities to for many plants, insects, and animals that are so important act locally while thinking regionally. and unique to this region. Creative interpretation of specific environmental attributes throughout the trail system will transportation educate the casual visitor and inspire continued environmental stewardship.Conservingthenaturalenvironmentthatsurrounds Trails serve as highways for alternate means of us isanimportantpieceof thelegacy thatwewill leavebehind for transportation. As gas prices rise, commuters look for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. transportation alternatives. If given the option, more people would use trails to commute. The Carolina Thread Trail and cultural local Union County trails will give citizens this option. Because the emphasis is on empowering local communities According to a 1990 National Personal Transportation and weaving them together, the Thread could be considered a Survey, more than half of all commuter trips and three out of “civic engagement project dressed in greenway clothes” that four shopping trips are less than five miles in length (ideal will help to build stronger communities in many ways. for bicycling), with 40 percent of all trips being less than two miles. People who would ordinarily drive to these places will The Thread will provide connections for adjoining be presented with another mode of travel, thus helping to keep cars in driveways instead of on the road. 13

chapter 2. existing conditions Union County is located in the southern piedmont region Belk opened his first store, a small bargain shop, in Monroe. of North Carolina, bordering the Charlotte metro region. Today, Belk is the nation’s largest privately held department Fourteen municipalities currently make up the county: to store company.5 After World War II, manufacturing began the west, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Weddington, Marvin, moving into the county. Mineral Springs, Indian Trail, Stallings, Hemby Bridge,. and Lake Park; in the center, Monroe, Fairview, and demographics Unionville; and to the east, Wingate and Marshville. Monroe is the county seat and home to the stately 1886 The population of Union County has grown steadily for Union County Courthouse. the past several decades, and rapidly within the last 10 years. Since 2000, the county’s population has grown by more than early history 77,000 people to a total of 201,992 in 2010—a 62.8 percent increase—four times the growth rate of the state as a whole The Waxhaw Indians were the original inhabitants of over the same time period.6 It is the fastest- growing county the county.3 The earliest European settlers—Scots-Irish and in the state. Table 1 shows the population growth of Union German immigrants along with some descendants of New County municipalities in North Carolina. England settlers—arrived in the mid-eighteenth century. Born The racial and ethnic makeup of the county has changed among the Scots-Irish community in the Waxhaw region in slightly since 2000. As of 2010, the breakdown of race by 1767 was President Andrew Jackson.4 An influx of settlers after percentage of the total population is 79 percent white, 11.7 the Revolutionary War contributed to the population growth percent black, 5.3 percent some other race, 1.9 percent two of the region, culminating in the creation of the county from or more races, 1.6 percent Asian American, and 0.4 percent parts of Anson and Mecklenburg Counties in 1842. American Indian.7 The most significant change has been the increase of people of Latino or Hispanic origin, as a For much of Union County’s history, the economy was percentage of the county’s total population, from 6.2 percent based on agriculture and cotton was the predominant cash in 2000 to 10.4 percent in 2010.8 crop. However, the county was also home to a significant moment in American retail history. In 1888, William Henry . Table 1: Municipal Population Growth between 2000 and 2010 2000 2010 % Change 2000 2010 % Change Fairview 3,017 3,324 10 M onroe 26,228 32,797 25 Hemby Bridge 1,414 1,520 7 Stallings 3,171 10,660 336 Indian Trail 11,749 33,518 185 Unionville 4,797 5,929 24 Lake Park 2,093 3,422 63 Waxhaw 2,625 9,859 276 Marshville 2,360 2,402 2 Weddington 6,696 9,459 41 Marvin 1,039 5,579 437 Wesley Chapel 2,549 7,463 193 Mineral Springs 1,370 2,639 93 Wingate 2,406 3,491 45 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, Table P1.Business Location Profile. 14

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued While Union County still retains its rural character, the economy percent of the total population living in the unincorporated parts of the county is declining—from 69 percent in 1970 The Union County economy has grown rapidly in the to 53 percent in 2000.9 At the same time the population past decade—from the development of new residential is becoming denser, increasing from 198.9 people/square communities and retail centers to the location of new mile (mi2) in 2000 to 314.5 people/mi2 in 2010.10 Much of businesses in the county.16 In 2009, CNN Money ranked the growth is occurring in the areas closest to the Charlotte Union County 10th best in the nation for job growth between metropolitan area. 2000 and 2008 due to a 57.5 percent increase over that time period.17 Much of that growth is tied to the services industry, In step with the population increase in Union County but the region has substantial manufacturing, construction, is the increase in housing units. In 2000, there were 45,727 and trade industries. Figure 1 summarizes employment by total housing units in the county. By 2009 that number industry as a percentage of total workers (80,319 people). increased 54.3 percent to 70,505.11 Over the span of the That 10-year growth is also reflected in other indicators: past decade, in addition to becoming the fastest-growing certified property values soared from $12.8 million in 2005 county in North Carolina, Union County has become the to $21 million in 2009, almost doubling in four years; and eighteenth fastest-growing county in the entire United median household incomes have jumped nearly 32 percent, States.12 As of 2000, the housing stock consisted primarily from $50,622 in 2000 to $66,561 in 2009. of single-family homes and the homeownership rate was 80.5 percent.13 Home building boomed during the past Figure 1: Employment by Industry, 2009 decade, and the county issued 25,479 residential building permits between 2000 and 2007.14 However, permitting has 39% 4% 3% 1% 12% declined the past couple of years due to issues with water infrastructure capacity and the decline of the regional and 8% national housing markets.15 12% Union County is projected to experience substantial population growth well into the future. By 2029, the county 5% 3% is expected to reach a population over three times greater 13% than the population in 2000, as shown in Table 2. Table 2: Union County Historic and Projected Agrucultural, Mining 1% Retail Trade 13% Population Growth Construction 12% Wholesale Trade 5% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 8% Services 39% 2000 2010 2020 2029 Manufacturing 12% Transport, Utilities 4% Public Admin. 3% Other 3% Population 123,738 201,992 304,247 389,098 Growth (%Change) --- 62.8 44.9 27.9 Source: Charlotte Regional Partnership, Union County, Sources: North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management; e: U.S. Census Business Location Profile. Bureau, 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, Table P1. 15

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued Table 3: Unemployment Rates (%) Union Charlotte Regional Monroe County Partnership22 North Carolina 2000 5 .0 4.5 5.3 5.3 2006 4. 3 3.9 4.7 4.7. 2007 4.2 4.7 2008 6.0 4.0 4.9 6.2. 10.6 5.5 6.5 11.1 2009 10.0 10.3 11.9 2010* 10.3 10.9 12.3 Photo by Nancy Pierce Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina; *2010 average through April. Although agriculture employs a fraction of Union County’s workers, the county posted the state’s third-highest shows, the county has fared slightly better than the rest of agricultural sales in 2008 at $454.8 million.18 In 2008, Union its economic development region and the state as a whole. County was first in the state for wheat production and third in the state for soybeans. The county is second in the state Many residents are commuting long distances to work for production of broilers and fourth in turkeys raised. outside the county. Nearly half of all Union County workers Livestock and poultry sales account for over 80 percent of travel outside the county for work, and many are traveling total agricultural sales in the county. Moreover, Tyson Foods along US 74 to Mecklenburg County.23 As of 2000, the and Pilgrim’s Pride, as poultry growers and processing average commute time for Union County workers was 29 plants, employ over 1,500 people. minutes. It is safe to surmise that owing to the rapid growth of the county, residents will continue to experience longer While Union County possesses a substantial and travel times to and from work.24 diversified industrial base, it has seen a decrease in employment over the past 10 years. The number of Despite the economic downturn, there still have been manufacturing workers decreased 27 percent from 2000 growth and development opportunities in the region. Over to 2009.19 Nonetheless, over 100 manufacturing and 1 million square feet of multitenant retail space was under distribution companies call Monroe home.20 Turbomeca construction as of mid-2008, and another 3.1 million Manufacturing Inc., a French-owned firm, recently located square feet were proposed in 17 projects.25 Moreover, an aerospace manufacturing facility in Monroe, and ATI the Union County Partnership for Progress has proposed Allvac has completed a $210 million expansion to its a 5,000-acre site for future business and industrial existing facility. 21 park development.26 The park would be situated east of Marshville and is envisioned as a major industrial and The top employers in the county for 2008 were the commercial hub accessible to interstates (such as the future Union County Schools, Tyson Foods, Union Memorial Monroe bypass), airports, and rail lines.27 Also, the City of Medical Center, ATI Allvac, the county itself, and Walmart. Monroe has received a $2 million grant for completion of However, like the rest of North Carolina, Union County its project to expand and strengthen its airport runway.28 has experienced double-digit unemployment since the. economic downturn in 2009. Nonetheless, as Table 3 16

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued land use and natural resources As of 2003, land cover as a percentage of total county area was as follows: 46.3 percent grass and cropland, 34.8 Union County is in the southern piedmont physiographic percent trees, 18.1 percent urban, and 0.79 percent water. In region.29 It is characterized by gently sloping hills with steeper 1984, urban land cover was only 2.35 percent of the total area areas along drainage ways. The Catawba and Yadkin-Pee Dee of Union County. The significant increase in the population River basins drain all of the land in the county. Elevation of the county over the past 20 years has led to increased ranges from about 275 feet above sea level along the Rocky urbanization. With population projections showing that River in the northeastern part of the county to about 770 feet the county will continue to grow substantially, it is likely in an area southwest of Waxhaw in the southwestern part of this trend in urbanization will persist into the county’s the county. The county has a total area of 645 square miles foreseeable future. (412,881 acres).30 The western side of the county, located just four miles The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has from Charlotte city limits, is densely populated with identified 36 elements of natural diversity—including rare residential housing and big-chain retail and restaurants, plant and animal species, exemplary natural communities, while the east is more rural.31 Overall, a majority—61 and special animal habitats—known to occur, or to have percent—of the land in the county is agricultural and located occurred, in Union County.35 Among these are both federally in unincorporated areas, while 31 percent is utilized for and state endangered species such as Michaux’s sumac, the residential purposes.32 In fact, in 2007, there were 1,107 farms Carolina heelsplitter (a freshwater mussel), and Schweinitz’s in the county covering 178,193 acres.33 Of the land used for sunflower. For example, there are two small populations of the residential purposes, 27.1 percent is located in unincorpo- heelsplitter in Union County, one in Waxhaw Creek, a tributary rated Union County.34 Much of employment and commercial to the Catawba River, and the other in Goose Creek, a tributary uses are located in incorporated communities, while a majority to the Rocky River.36 Table 5 presents a list of those species of the county’s vacant land is in unincorporated areas. currently or historically in Union County that are endangered, Urban development over the last 25 years has impacted threatened, or of special concern at the state level. much of the landscape in the county, as seen in the Table 4. Urban areas have expanded sixfold since 1984. Source water bodies in the county include surface streams, groundwater, and lakes and reservoirs.37 However, Table 4: Land Cover Change (acres) the major sources of drinking water are Lake Twitty (north of Monroe), Lake Lee, and Lake Monroe (both south of 1984 2003 % Change Monroe).38 The county has adopted regulations under the state’s Water Supply Watershed Protection Act to protect Trees 164,307 142,384 -13.3 those water supplies. The restrictions cover Stewart’s Creek, Grass, crops with . which feeds Lake Twitty, and Richardson Creek, which feeds into Lakes Lee and Monroe.39 Other water resources include vegetation, fallow 232,772 189,484 -18.6 the Rocky River in the north and Cane Creek Lake in the Urban 9,619 73,929 668.6 southwest part of the county. Water 2,361 3,260 38.1 Source: American Forests, Carolina Piedmont Green Initiative, Part of the Solution, Analysis Report, Union County. 17

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued Table 5: Species That Are Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern Major G r o u p Common Name State Status Federal Status County Status Invertebrate animal Atlantic pigtoe Endangered Species of concern Current Carolina heelsplitter Endangered Endangered Current Historical Creeper Threatened None Current Current Savannah lilliput Endangered Species of concern Obscure Current Notched rainbow Special concern None Current Historical Carolina creekshell Endangered Species of concern Vascular plant Schweinitz’s sunflower Endangered Endangered Michaux’s sumac Endangered, special concern Endangered Georgia aster Candidate Threatened Vertebrate animal Mole salamander Special concern None Timber rattlesnake Special concern None Special concern Species of concern Carolina darter . (central piedmont population) Special concern None Endangered Species of concern Loggerhead shrike Robust redhorse Source: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (database updated April 23, 2010). existing parks and trails subdivisions owned by homeowners associations. There are many opportunities for greenway development via private Although no state or national parks are within the and public partnerships. borders of Union County, there are 97 separate recreational facilities within county borders—42 of which are owned and The Village of Lake Park has multiple common areas, operated by the public sector, while the remaining facilities ponds, Veteran’s Park, and Russell Park.42 The village is are private or public-private partnerships.40 The county is also home to Fred Kirby Park. The park is a small athletic home to Cane Creek Park, a water-based recreation facility complex for baseball and soccer and includes a paved near Waxhaw that comprises 1,050 acres of land surrounding walking path. The county runs the park. a 350-acre lake. It is home to miles of multipurpose trails and accommodates various recreational activities. The Town of Marshville maintains a 13-acre park north of the downtown.43 A one-acre “Marshville Mini Park” was The Town of Indian Trail is home to one park: the constructed in 2008 and features walking trails, benches, privately owned Edna Love Park, which is located down- picnic tables, and grills. town.41 However, the town is scheduled to open a one-acre event park on May 14, 2011, and has finalized the purchase The Village of Marvin has planned and constructed of 51 acres of land to build its first large community segments of the Marvin Loop, a four-mile walking circuit, park. Indian Trail will actively work with community and Chimney’s Trail, a natural walking and horse trail. organizations, town committees, and residents to develop Marvin has also purchased 28 acres for its first municipal the park. The town also has many trails and parks located in park, which includes plans for picnic areas, community gardens, benches, open fields, and trails. 18

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued The Town of Mineral Springs has developed several miles while Highland Park Playground is a 2-acre pocket park of natural surface trails for its new greenway, mostly utilizing complete with playground equipment and a basketball court.48 volunteer labor. It has acquired nearly 60 acres dedicated to Moreover, Wingate University is developing a two-mile nature conservation that will be open for hiking, mountain biking, and walk through a wooded area of its campus. horseback riding. The town plans to connect at least five new and existing subdivisions to this network of trails and to create destinations trailheads at several locations along major thoroughfares. The town’s vision ultimately calls for the greenway to include a Citizens of Union County currently drive, walk, or bike to branch that connects to the downtown area.44 numerous destinations throughout the community. Whether people are traveling from home to work, to school, or to The City of Monroe currently has 13 municipal park shopping, some of these connections are available by way of facilities within city borders. While over 60 miles of trails the proposed countywide greenway system. Attendees at public and sidewalks are envisioned in the city’s Greenway Master input sessions that were held in 2010 mentioned the following Plan (2005), the Downtown Master Plan (2008) indicates that destinations most frequently: the downtown does not yet have a well-defined pedestrian trail system to provide interconnectivity internally and with Towns, parks, and cultural/recreation/historic places in adjacent neighborhoods.45 Union County: • Waxhaw The Town of Stallings Council approved master plans for • Mineral Springs the Stallings Municipal Park and Fairhaven Park in April • Monroe 2009.46 Currently under way, Phase I includes expansion of • Indian Trail Municipal Park’s property to include wooded park trails and • Cane Creek Park an open playing field. • Jesse Helms Park • Stallings Municipal Park The Town of Waxhaw recently renovated the David G. • Museum of the Waxhaws Barnes Children’s Park located in downtown Waxhaw. Next • JAARS (Museum of the Alphabet) to Barnes Park is the SK8 Skateboard Park. The Harvey Clay Nesbit Park is under construction. In other counties: • Colonel Francis Beatty Park The Village of Wesley Chapel has playgrounds at Wesley • Andrew Jackson State Park Chapel Elementary School and New Town Elementary School. • Mint Hill Park These are the only public recreation facilities currently within municipal limits,47 but the village has acquired 16.5 acres for Water-related: its first park. • Twelve Mile Creek • Cane Creek The Town of Wingate has two parks: Wingate Community • Goose Creek Park and Highland Park Playground. Wingate Community Park • Six Mile Creek is a 20-acre site complete with two baseballfields, a multiuse playing field, walking trails, and a children’s playground, 19

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued identified Waxhaw. Furthermore, in response to the question about the most important cultural, recreational, and natural resources to connect with a trail system, a full 10 percent of those surveyed wanted to see Cane Creek Park connected. This percentage was statistically significant because the question was open ended and responses for Cane Creek Park were unprompted. CTT Stock Photo relevant planning documents . In 2006, Union County adopted a Parks and Recreation Other important public facilities that could be linked up Comprehensive Master Plan update that sets forth strategies by a trail system are Wingate University and South Piedmont for providing adequate parks and recreation facilities Community College in Monroe. through 2015.50 The plan includes the Jesse Helms Park. Site development, the acquisition and development of In June 2010, The Trust for Public Land commissioned a North District Park, and, ultimately, over 120 miles a consulting firm to conduct a survey of Union County of trails. The Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master residents to determine perceptions and attitudes on a Plan calls for the cultivation of partnerships with the number of issues, including the identification of places and school system and private recreational providers for the destinations that could be connected by a system of trails.49 expansion of parks and recreational activities. It also The destinations identified by listening-session participants recommends an increase in funding for the countywide corroborate many of the destinations identified by a cross- program to assist municipalities in park development. section of Union County residents. For example, of the 403 people randomly surveyed, in response to the question of The Town of Indian Trail adopted its first which important towns should be connected, 15 percent Comprehensive Plan in 2005. That document focused said they wanted to see Monroe connected and 11 percent on making Indian Trail more pedestrian friendly and promoting multimodal transportation options.51 In the past several years the town has taken steps to ensure that development involves pedestrian facilities by developing. a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, a Downtown Master Plan, and the Indian Trail Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan. The Master Plan provides an inventory of existing pedes- trian facilities, identifies deficiencies, and recommends improvements. The Master Plan coincides with the. town’s Comprehensive Plan. In 2010, the town adopted. the Park and Greenway Master Plan: A 10-Year Vision Plan 20

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued to ensure the provision of park and recreational oppor- Photo by Nancy Pierce tunities to meet the needs of Indian Trail residents. Finally, the town is currently developing a Bicycle Plan, The City of Monroe adopted its Parks, Recreation, which should be completed by the spring of 2011. Greenways and Open Space Master Plan in 2002 to guide the direction of parks and recreation facility planning through The Town of Marshville adopted its Land Use Plan in 2012.54 Monroe then updated its Land Development Plan. 2004. Among the town’s goals are (1) ensuring that the Both documents plan for the development of pedestrian and park and recreation needs of residents are met and (2) bikeway corridors (greenways) for the city. Subsequently, providing safe and convenient mobility for residents.52 the city adopted the Greenway Master Plan in 2005 to guide the planning and implementation of a greenway/bikeway The Village of Marvin initiated and adopted its Park system for 10 years. and Greenway Master Plan to help ensure responsible growth for parkland and greenways and to provide The Town of Mineral Springs initiated a Vision maximum recreational opportunities for residents.53 Plan in 2006 to address issues of growth.55 One of the The plan reflects the community’s desires for more open results was a land use plan that addresses open space and space and recreation facilities. The document identifies recreational opportunities. One of the goals of the plan is strategies for building a network of parks and greenways to maintain the town’s high quality of life by protecting within the village. open space throughout the community. Recommended actions included establishing standards for natural 21

Chapter 2. Existing Conditions, continued features to be preserved, adopting a greenway plan, and Photos by Nancy Pierce providing parks and open space areas in the town center. The Town of Stallings’s 2008 Pedestrian Plan addresses the recent explosion of growth and traffic in the area.56 The plan seeks, among several goals, to encourage the creation of walkable centers at strategic locations, to improve pedestrian connectivity throughout town and with regional greenways and networks, and to provide more outdoor recreational activities. The Town of Waxhaw’s Comprehensive Plan 2030 indicates that new developments in the town should have greenways.57 In addition, there are private plans for linking the various greenways. The document also notes that the town’s 2003 Future Land Use Plan recommends limiting develop- ment in floodplain areas where trails could be developed. The Village of Wesley Chapel’s 2009 Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan seeks to address the rapid rate of growth and development in the village.58 Surveys of residents made in preparation of the village’s Master Plan indicated strong support for pursuing parks and recreation initiatives—77 percent of respondents favored developing an active park and 84 percent approved of developing greenways in the community. The Parks and Recreation Plan was the end product of that public response. The Town of Wingate is currently in the process. of developing its first comprehensive plan. The town. is concerned with promoting community, develop- ment, walkability, and a small-town character.59 The. plan will provide a framework for future growth and. policy formation. 22

chapter 3. stakeholder and public outreach project timeline May 2010 Initial Steering Committee meeting Community Outreach Subcommittee meeting June 2010 Telephone poll July 2010 Community listening sessions September 2010 Steering Committee meeting Technical Advisory Team meeting October 2010 Technical Advisory Team meeting November 2010 Technical Advisory Team meeting December 2010 Steering Committee meeting Interjurisdictional meeting Technical Advisory Team meeting February 2011 Open houses Online public poll March 2011 Two Steering Committee meetings Photo by Kelley Hart April 2011 Greenway Master Plan to be vetted by . round of public input and brainstormed potential locations for the events. The steering committee also met with the municipal governments representatives of surrounding counties to discuss potential trail connections across county boundaries within the proposed planning . Carolina Thread Trail footprint. At the first meeting in March 2011, committee members briefly discussed their impressions of Steering Committee the open houses. They reviewed the draft route selection factors, evaluated different parts of the study area, discussed the trade- The steering committee, comprising 29 representatives. offs between different segments, and identified top-priority segments for the CTT Master Plan for Union County. At the from municipal and county governments, invested second March meeting, they agreed on a recommended action plan. (Meeting summaries are provided in Appendix A.) organizations, and individuals, supervised the CTT planning Technical Advisory Team (TAT) process in Union County. The committee decided on the The 13 members of the TAT assisted in collecting and process for developing cross-county trail connections and a analyzing data and proposing alternative scenarios for consideration by the public and the steering committee. The TAT preferred C T T route in the county. The committee met five looked at existing and proposed trails and used listening-session results to outline potential corridors for trails and destinations to times over the course of the project. connect. Over multiple meetings during the planning process, At the initial meeting in May 2010, the committee agreed. on the overarching CTT plan goals and opportunities. Members. also discussed the development of an online survey,. planned upcoming listening sessions, and reviewed the roles of the Technical Advisory Team and Community Outreach Subcommittee. At a meeting in September 2010, committee members discussed the results of the public poll and listening sessions, as well as the proposed set of open houses. In December 2010, the committee finalized the open house format for the next 23

Chapter 3. Stakeholder and Public Outreach the TAT reviewed information gathered from the public listening calendars. Union County commissioners were personally invited sessions and created draft conceptual route alternatives that over the phone. A press release was published in the Charlotte reflect public preferences, including connecting popular Observer and the Enquirer Journal and broadcasted on WSOC. destinations. These efforts, in conjunction with emails sent to homeowners’ associations, postings on community calendars, and flyers Community Outreach Subcommittee (COS) distributed throughout Union County communities, helped to The COS was instrumental in advertising for the listening bring substantial numbers to the events. (Public outreach materials are provided in Appendix C.) sessions, open houses, and online survey. Team members reached Union County residents by email, telephone, web public participation postings, flyers for businesses and municipal buildings, and newspaper and radio announcements. The COS and some Round 1 (June–July 2010): Public Poll and Listening Sessions mayoral offices (at the request of the COS) sent out personal The Trust for Public Land commissioned a polling firm to invitations by paperless post to over 1,000 residents on sunshine lists. Event times, dates, and locations were posted on community conduct a telephone poll of 403 people in Union County to determine residents’ general attitudes toward trails and the Photo by Kelley Hart 24

Chapter 3. Stakeholder and Public Outreach outdoors. Sixty-six percent of those surveyed engaged in outdoor selecting important segments and destinations. Two hundred recreational activity within 20 miles of their home with regular eight people responded between January 28 and February 28. frequency (from sometimes to very frequently). Fifty-nine Eighty-seven percent of those who took the online survey did not percent of participants indicated that the creation of, and access attend the open houses. Seventy-one percent said they wanted to to, trails are important and would increase trail use. A majority of see Waxhaw connected and 46 indicated Weddington. Similarly, respondents were willing to fund programs for programs to 70 percent of participants selected Cane Creek Park as an purchase land for conservation purposes. important park to connect by trail. Participants were also asked to identify the most important and least important segments for Survey participants also provided more detailed information Union County. about destinations for connection in a trail system. Fifteen percent said they wanted to see Monroe connected and 11 percent Attractions in the western part of the county (particularly indicated Waxhaw. Ten percent of participants explicitly Waxhaw) dominated the lists of preferred destinations. That may mentioned Cane Creek Park as an important natural or cultural reflect the high percentage of online participants who were from resource to connect by trail. zip code 28173, which encompasses Waxhaw. The choice of preferred destinations and trail segments also indicates that During the week of July 19, 2010, four public input meetings Union County residents would like to connect natural and were held in different parts of Union County: Weddington, cultural destinations in parts of the county where the population Waxhaw, Indian Trail, and Monroe. The meetings drew a total of density is higher. 86 stakeholders and members of the general public. Steering Committee members were present at each meeting and helped mapping priority routes facilitate dialogue among attendees. CTT and TPL provided an introduction to the Thread Trail vision and greenways in general. The Steering Committee reviewed route selection factors Meeting participants answered questions, discussed benefits and weighed the pros and cons of different segments. The and concerns associated with trails, and took part in a charrette- following factorsguidedcommitteemembersintheiranalysisof style workshop in which they drew on maps to indicate where they potential routes: public preference (from open houses and the wished to see trails or destinations. online survey) regarding segments to include and destinations to connect; the readiness of the route and whether there is political Round 2 (February 2011): Open Houses and Online Survey will; existing trails and trail plans; regional access (connecting to In early February 2011, a total of 200 Union County residents othercountiesintheThreadfootprint)orotherregionalbenefits; low costs (for building or maintaining); funding availability for participated in four open houses—Monroe Aquatic Center, design, construction, or maintenance; aesthetics; and likely Wingate Community Center, First Friday in Waxhaw (at the capacity of the proposed right-of-way (e.g., if the terrain or the Woman’s Club), and Extreme Ice Center—to share their opinions right of way permit a suitable width trail). The maps in Chapter 4 about potential CTT routes. Participants were asked to identify the reflect the Steering Committee’s recommendations for the most important and least important segments for Union County. location of the Carolina Thread Trail through Union County. An online survey was made available to collect public input. Survey participants shared written comments in addition to 25

Chapter 3. Stakeholder and Public Outreach Photo by Kelley Hart 26

chapter 4. trail routes overview The proposed trail brings much of the county together. Eight of the 14 municipalities in the county would be After two thorough rounds of detailed public input, the connected by the CTT. More than 28 percent of all county CTT planning process culminated in a proposed system of residents live within a half-mile of the proposed trail route. trails for Union County. The map on page 28 displays the Almost 50 percent of Union County seniors and children entire proposed CTT system in Union County as well as live within this proposed CTT service area, as do 33 percent regional connection opportunities. of low-income households.60 Map 1. Connection Opportunities CTT Stock Photo The conceptual CTT Union County route is the quarter-mile-wide purple line that stretches 100 miles through the county and connects to other CTT sections in the west and northwest to Mecklenburg County, in the east to Anson County, and in the southwest and south to Lancaster County, South Carolina. While the trail itself will be much narrower (likely 6 to 12 feet wide), the conceptual route includes an “opportunity swath” in recognition of the fact that communities determine the exact location of their CTT segments—a process that entails alternatives that may include public lands or property owned by landholders, such as developers who want to offer this amenity to their neighborhoods. This conceptual route includes about 1.7 miles of existing greenways, and it incorporates 34.3 miles of trails that were already proposed by local governments in Union County. So about 34 percent of the proposed Carolina Thread Trail conceptual route was derived from preexisting trails and plans, and 64 percent—64.6 miles—consists of trail routes that are new to the county and its municipalities. Of those new routes, 38 miles would be along road rights-of- way, 21.5 miles along streams and river corridors, 4.3 miles within utility rights-of-way, and another short segment via new trail. 27

Map 1. Connection Opportunities 28

Chapter 4. Trail Routes Carolina Thread Trail Route Descriptions Type Description Miles 7.7 Ro ad right -of -way From the Me cklenbu rg Coun ty line, f ollow Stallings Rd., then the proposed trail to Oak Springs Rd. Take the new A New trail trail to connect to the proposed trail along Crooked Creek. Go south, picking up Wesley Chapel Stouts Rd. until Proposed trail the segment ends at the connection with segment B. Road right-of -way From the Mecklenburg County line, follow Campus Ridge Rd. to Old Monroe Rd., joining the proposed trail along B Proposed tra Old Monroe Rd., which turns into Old Charlotte Hwy. Continue on proposed trail until it ends at segment C (City 9.9 of Monroe proposed trail). C Proposed trail From segment B, follow the proposed trail south through Dickerson Park toward Belk Tonawanda Park. Then follow the proposed trail south along Charlotte Ave., to Main St., then Franklin St. Then head north on Sunset Dr. 8.9 to Quarry Rd., then south along the Richardson Creek proposed trail to Flag Branch, ending at Jesse Helms Park. From segment C in Jesse Helms Park, follow Presson Rd. east to Hwy. 74. Cross the railroad on Edgewood Dr. into the Wingate city limits. Make a right onto Elm St., right on Bivens St., and left onto Wilson St. Follow Wilson—it D Road right-of-way turns into Ansonville Rd. Make a right onto Phifer Rd., which turns into Phifer St., and enter Marshville. From 11.9 there proceed to Elm St., to Union St., to Olive Branch St. connecting Legacy Development. Then take Old Lawyers Rd., ending at the Anson County line. E Proposed trail From the junction with segment F, follow the proposed trail north along Price Mill Creek, ending at segment B. 6.5 F River corridor From the Lancaster County line, follow Twelve Mile Creek east until it eventually joins the proposed trail along 10.0 Proposed trail the creek ending at the segment E junction. Road right-of-way From the junction of segments J and K, take Waxhaw Hwy. to McNeely Rd. Then go to Mineral Springs Greenway G Existing trail along the Bates Branch, continuing until the end at segment F. 3.9 River corridor Proposed trail From segment C, follow Charlotte Ave. to Lancaster Ave. Then go on to Griffith Rd., Victoria Ave., then Crescent H River corridor St. At Richardson Creek, go south along the creek to Griffith Rd. Then on to McManus Rd., to Lathan Rd., to Old 15.4 Road right-of-way Highway Rd., and finally to Lancaster Hwy., ending at segment J. I River corridor From the Lancaster County line, follow Waxhaw Creek north and east ending at segment J. 9.8 From Lancaster County line, follow Providence Rd. north to Harkey Rd., connecting to Cane Creek Park. Then J Road right-of-way take Harkey Rd., to Potter Rd., to Old Waxhaw Monroe Rd., to Robinson Rd., to Western Union School Rd., ending 10.9 at junction with segments G and K. K Road right-of -way From the junction with segments G and J, take Waxhaw Hwy. west, to Main, to Waxhaw Marvin Rd., to Twelve Mile 5.4 River corridor Creek, ending at segment F. 29

priority corridors Photo by Nancy Pierce Stakeholders identified three priority corridors to Road. This segment has priority status because it seeks to develop specific plans. These corridors were singled out to be connect to Cane Creek Park, the most popular destination included in the action plan because, based on the same criteria identified by the public. Also, it utilizes trails already proposed that determined proposed trail routes, they were particularly by a municipality as well as potential routes identified in the urgent, especially important, and likely to get built in the near Local Area Regional Transportation Plan (LARTP). term. These corridors also could appreciably benefit from being highlighted in the plan, or help give momentum to Route from Mecklenburg County to Monroe. From CTT implementation in Union County. Steering Committee the county line, this proposed route follows Campus Ridge members nominated segments for consideration and then Road to Old Monroe Road, joins a proposed trail along Old voted on their top three. Monroe Road, turns into Old Charlotte Hwy., continues on an existing proposed trail, and ends in Monroe. This Stallings to Indian Trail Route. From the Mecklenburg segment has priority status because it cuts across the county, County line, this proposed route follows Stallings Road, providing linear park access to residents near the center of then a proposed trail (in the Stallings Pedestrian Plan) Union County. Also, this trail could potentially be developed to Oak Springs Road. It connects to an Indian Trail– as part of a road expansion/improvement project, which proposed trail that eventually follows Crooked Creek and would help keep costs comparatively low for alignment and heads south, picking up Wesley Chapel Stouts Road. This construction. segment has priority status because these two communities have already adopted pedestrian plans that include proposed trail route maps much of this route. Also, the public input revealed great interest in trails that connect to Mecklenburg County.. The maps on the following pages provide a detailed Indian Trail to Wesley Chapel Route. From Segment F representation of the proposed routes in Union County. at New Town Road, this route follows the proposed trail north The product of extensive public input and community along Price Mill Creek, ending at Segment B on Old Monroe involvement, these maps articulate Union County’s vision for a countywide and regional trail system. 30

Union County - Proposed Carolina Thread TrailUV3143 ¨§¦485 Dr se CreekGoo Indian Trail, NCUV3174 Rock Hill Church Rd namara D Flagstickeek Kid we oose se W Duncan Rd o Garr Shan Mill Hous e L Cr ett Rd lly Ln r Dr G o Hawthorne GoldReCdrewsotodDrDr nbnutryg n Goos MCeocukle re e k Deep woo d se C e Cree k UV51 G Pl ThddeeesUptinicnitoaetndioCwnoistu,hnb¼tuyHt CmnoawoirtleoeyplwirBneoiacdttoieTsehlirrneoeausdtteoTs.rilaTliuhlsectorbGanrtnooeoeaccdotlinyondneeocftipnipoeondrstcbuoenrtriwtiideeosernasreendly BapStistuthCFhurch Rd e reek Duncan Rd C Lawyers R ms Rd oo s W 31 Idlewild Rd Dr G Cre e Rd present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so k Mill Gootshad tfilnaendtuonwinnegrasnadnddetfhineicnogmthmeulnocitayticoannocfotnrtaiinlsueantod be involved in UV3456 Mill Rd yde Park Grove amenities. Stevens H Red Lantern Rd e C eek r nL VU1004 Simp s on Rd Cunningha m No rth Fork MECKLENBURG mn CO. REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX A VU nm HartisRd 1582 Rd tallings Rd Oak Spring Rd tinson No th For k Indian Tr ail Fairview ork N o S nde rbury D r th Fo rk North Fo k r Mos N Rocky River Rd E S E or Beverly Dr Price Rd Fri endshi MatthewsIndependence Union West Faith Church Rd er Cir mn Fri Dr Smith Farm d Map 2. Indian Trail In Blvd Younts Rd aven Ln nifer Cir mn Campus Ridge Rd Stallings dian Blv Co r nm UV3448 p Municipal Woodh VU3468 Trail RdRd d e n St Common Area VUPleasant Plains Rd 1364 Park Gribble Rd Al RPusasrkelClreft Veterans Pro vidence Hills Dr Twelv e Mile Cree Roberts-Hargett Lake P ark Rd Cir Park Ridge Rd ills D r mmo Potter Rd Poplin Rd PriceHou^_se Dr BH nd k House^_ U^_nion vill e Indian Trail Rd W Unionville Indian Trail Rd ron Creek Savannah Ha Fred Came La k ewood Dr Rd Kirby Simfield Churc h Rd Park Dr nm Trail VU1344 Ernest Austin-Deese S Indian Edna Pl yler Rd Sardis Church Rd nm Da ybre Fork Rd Aring ill Ln ^_House Love Park d Secrest Chestnut Ln South £¤74 ak D r Dr COLONEL FRANCIS UV1362 n AW J. BEATTY^_ Davis Mi n Creek Hwy 74 County nm Twelve Mi le C reek UV1008 REGIONAL PARK d Rd Short Cut Union R VU3445 e Pioneer L Br andon Oaks k Haywoo Willis Long Rd Fincher Rd wy e Cree ers Rd VU1345 tree Dr Pk Old Monroe Rd ok d mber Dr Rain Wesley Chapel Stouts Rd Cari Ln Tree Hill R C ro ldersbrook Michelle Dr UV1357 Cha Rd Amanda Dr d Blanchard Cir My R Price Dairy Rdoanok e Church Fo Forest L Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd nm A st Fork wler Fowl er Rd H orses A ntioch Church Rd Twelve Mile Cr e Secrest Rd Bndhoe eenb Wi awn Dr nm UVWay Hayes Rd ilton Rd Special thanks to the following data providers: rook P 1009 ek Union County, Indian trail, and ESRI. Gr n D mn Jame s Ham arts Weddington Matthews Rdllow kwy is mn Map created by the Trust for Public Land Hemby Rd Oaks Tr ± Mine C reek Wesley Chapel Rd F on March 24, 2011Ea av E aircroft Legend 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Cyrus Marion B Ste w Created in ArcMap 9.3.1® in Cre Map Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N Proposed Carolina Thread Trail River id ge Dr L _^Rogers House Old Charlotte TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. Existing Trail Waterbodies Potter Rd Rogers Rd mn Hwy Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. Proposed Trail Cir Inetkerstaten Dr Fox br ding www.tpl.org Parks Highway W Information on this map is provided for purposes of A HLMuonatcijnoagrltoRRooaadd le cDr Monroe_^ c es ChROuatrhcilherorRadd Twelve M il C n E discussion and visualization only. Cox Rd Monroe Connector F or Regional Conservation Area try reystone Dr Beulah Cobb e Airport G r ee k UVw elv MrpioleraCtereeCkenter Dr Airport Rd _^ Destinations 1349k- T mn Schools e ast reek Indian Trail Goldmine Rd County Boundaries Co VU84

k Hwy 205 Union County - Proposed Carolina Thread Trail Ne e k Buck Branch Au gro H ad Cree Marshville, NC Negro HeadCree D Branch Austin G stin rove Church Hamilton Crossroads Rd Pryor R d Rd Wide M e ou th Bra nch Negro Head C nch Bra Old Peachland Rd Phifer Rd Leaf Rd UV205 Buck Forest Lick Branch Traywick Rd Park Dr D re k VU1751 ver Dr Franklin St Clo Buck Branc h Olive Branch St Shady Ln Hasty St Marshville Park Dr Allen Stegall Rd Hallman Thomas St Perry Ln nm College St Edwards Memorial W Phifer St D E Phifer St Ross St ^_Library Dr Unarco Rd Mill St Van Eudy Rd Church St E Union St Negro Head C r e k e W Union St N Elm St Olive Branch Ext E Main St Map 3. Marshville nm ¤£74 E Marshville Blvd Lick Branc h Lick Branch 32 W Marshville Blvd E Hwy 74 Long St Main St Green St Helms Efird Rd Hambrick St W Morgan Pl Old Monroe Dr S Elm St Lakeview Phillips Sanders Rd S White St Negro Head Creek L ick Branch S Forest Hills School Rd Old Hwy 74 Hasty Rd Gre Marshville en Acres Rd Rd re k 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Miles r am ve Legend ± Old Pageland Marshville Rd C M James Rd Landsford Rd Proposed Carolina Thread Trail Bea rdam C e Parks am Conservation Area re Doctor Blair Rd Creek ^_ Destinations ek Beardam Creekmn SchoolsBear dam C Beaverd Marshville River Vance Pierce Rd Creek Waterbodies Interstate Beave d Beaverda Cre Highway Special thanks to the following data providers: Union County, City of Monroe, and ESRI. ek The Union County Carolina Thread Trail connection opportunities are Major Road m depicted with ¼ mile wide lines to illustrate connections between Map created by the Trust for Public Land destinations, but not precise routes. The broadly defined corridors Local Road on March 24, 2011 present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so Other Created in ArcMap 9.3.1® that landowners and the community can continue to be involved in Map Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N fine tuning and defining the location of trails and amenities. Railroad TJPL, TJheATurutrsyt for PubRlicdLand, and The Trust for Public Land Monroe Connector logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. www.tpl.org Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only.

Wo odwinds S ilv Rosehill Dr Karen Ln Dr Union County - Proposed Carolina Thread TrailLn Buggy WhipFarm Creek Rd e er Creek Dr Sandtyn Dr Crestgate Dr e MineralVerrazanoDr Springs, NC e lv Mile Cre kTw Turtlewood Dr Laurel Hill Dr New Town Rd Billy Howey Bloomsberry Ln F ittleCr ee Li ttle Cree k L k The Union County Carolina Thread Trail connection opportunities are ShannonRd Rd depicted with ¼ mile wide lines to illustrate connections between Underwood Creek destinations, but not precise routes. The broadly defined corridors prthesaetfnilnatenmdtuuonlwtiinnpeglerasonapdnpddoertfthHiuneonwicnietoygimeRtsdhmfeourlnoacitdayjtuicosantnmocefontnrttasiinflosureaantoddebafeminienendviotriloevuse.tde,inso Twelve Mile Cr F eek e Little Cre k Roscoe sa nt Springs Rd Andrew 0.5 Miles ± Jackson LegEPexronispdtoinsgedTrCaKiale0rnonilnigntoa0n.1TD2rh5 rea0d.25Trail Howie Mine Church Rd Plea _^Family Farm River Waterbodies Wi Potter Dow ns Dr Machine Branch dleridge Proposed Trail Interstate Parks Highway Jeanne Dr nding Oaks Tr Pleasant Grove Conservation Area Major Road Autumn Bl ^_Campground Local Road ^_ Destinations Other Raymond Austin Rd nm Schools Railroad Rd Green View Dr Porter Dr Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd Sad Mineral Springs Dr Pleasant Grove Rd John Baker aze Ct Tarkill Branc h Map 4. Mineral Springs Grover Rogers Rd Mineral at s ranchB B ates Branch Springs Valley Farm Rd e Sa B Mineral S Potter Rd Monroe Rd 33 G_^Greenway Lee Branch Rd Springs Old Waxhaw Baker Ci Music^_Barn Eubanks SWt axhaw Hwy Collins Rd d ler Rd r Knotty Pine Rd Mcneely Rd lythe Cree Doster Rd n Dr Tom Laney k B F o HighGa p Rd rest Gree Dr Rd Saddlewood Dr UV75 B a tes B ran h Springvie w Twelve Mile Blythe C reek c Cres twood Dr Steeple McNeel Br anc h Chas_^e Creek Deer chool RdMine Rdek DrMassey Rd Blyt ee k y Western Union S mn Howie Cre p l ar Old Waxhaw Monroe Rdhe Cr c Plaxico Dr Providence Rd K Crow Rd Happy Hollow Ln ^_ McNeely B ran h Lee Museum of the Waxhaws Po Old B ates Branc h J Grove C ir Bow Hill Dr Robinson Rd mn Ru s hing Rd amasee Rd Murphy Ln Essaw Rd Blythe Cr eek Special thanks to the following data providers: Union County, Wesley Chapel, and ESRI. Y Map created by the Trust for Public Land Waxhaw F arms Rd on March 24, 2011 Created in ArcMap 9.3.1® Map Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. www.tpl.org Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only.

A Rd ill Rd nm Union County C- iPtyroopfoMsoednrCoaer, oNliCna Thread TrailStaGllrinSibgmbsliethRdFMaarmttheRwdsian Trail Stinson Hartis Henry Baucom Rd o ven Ln r So hFr k Unionville Rd Watson Church Rd For k Price Rd ut Sikes Mill Rd E N rth Fo k Ch urch Rd Chicke npin Creek C mn Love M Independence FNaiorvrtihew Rd Beverly Dr Church Rd ser Cir Fo mn h ing Rdmn Haigler Baucom Rd Mo Secrest Short C Ald mn Mler Ru s onifer Cir Tom Helms Rd d en S ft Cir o Rd Purs Blvd Ind Woodha Faith W Unionville Indian Tr a E Unionville Indian Trail Rd Polk R d Indian North Fork RCd Cre il Rd ck mn Trail Rd t Duncan Rd as Tom Bo Rd Al Lake Park Rd East C J ThomPoplin Rd Concord Hwy k Carl Younts Rd en Roberts-Hargett hi The Union County Carolinai lTChrreeeakd Trail connection opportunities are B House_^ Price _^House Veterans pin Cree yd Rd Park Pennigar Rd depicted with ¼ mile wide lines to illustrate connections between nm Uni^_onville Indian Trail Rd Fred nch destinations, but not precise routes. The broadly defined corridors Rd Kirby ut present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so yler R d Park R Trail Stumplick Bra Chaney that landowners and the community can continue to be involved in Pl re d ek Ch ickenpin CreRd Sincerity Rd H fine tuning and defining the location of trails and aEmLaewnyeitrsies. VU VU1362 Edna 200 S Indian 74 Sardis Church Rdmn Dr Fork Rd B £¤ ±Park South Love Crooke d C Rd R oanoke 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Hillcrest Church Rd Legend VU1008 ek Pioneer Proposed CRairlloaliHnaamTi hread Trail d Rd lton Rd River A £¤Blanchard Cir Rd Wesley Chapel Stouts Rd W aywoo Willis Long Existing Trail Waterbodies Hwy 74 Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd Ln Pk Old Monroe Rd Chamber Dr Proposed Trail Salem RIndterstate Bran don Oaks Proposed Bike Route Highway wy ersbrook Parks New Appendix Myers Major Road 601 Baucom Rd Conservation Area Local Road CORreatkhileror ad _^ Destinations Richardson e mn Schools wle r E mn Secrest Rd Price Dairy Rd City of Monroe Monroe Connector I. ek i reek W indin nm Way Hayes Rd milton Rd Ridge Rd F la g Bra n ch C h cke npin C Old Camde n Rd Carolina Potter Rd mn ircroft Old Charlotte James Ha ts C Tomberlin Rd ch Fa st For k D Village Lake D Fl gBr mn mn VU1009 Fowler Baucom Deese Rd a st B Ea Rd Oakdale r East Fork - Twelve M ile Creek Stew arts Cyrus Marion Hwy Stewa r Cree k an ull BranchThread Map 5. Monroe re ^_Rogers House mn a Austin Chaney Rd r Rogers Rd Maple Hill Rd B Trail g Ln Monroe Regional^_ Morgan Mill Rd Branch N Rocky River Rd g Fla Public 34 E k Airport ^_ Fork - Twelve Mile C ree Deese Rd Lake Rd Twitty VU1349 Airport OliveHBeralmncsh RdPond Rd MeetMicningtyrSeuRmd mary, Jim Parker Rd r W Farm Rolan Roosevelt Blvd Bent wood Ln Fox Cr eek R o n Dr in C Stewarts Goldmine Rd Love Rd Dick lia ms Rd Concord Av StExt Wood ic hard so Le dD Blvd Skyway Dr UVn Cr eek Short Cut ParkAsthWleitlliicamsWil erson Stafford Dr Monroe Ansonville Rd 1751 San Pr i ce Center eek ford Richard son Cr UV84 Ln worth Dr E East Av ardson continued geD Chambwood Rd Watkins RdRd reek ki n reek Rich Cr eek h N ears k Be mn ars Cr S Old Branc D Doster Rd C r Williams Rd Weddington Rd B W Phifemnr St eek r Broome St hite C r i St DMaye St Dickerson Icemorlee St Cr ek id N Secrest Av N Bivens Rd W Emnlm St ow Park & Gym E Willoughby Rd Bear s ki n Creft B obw Mead Camden e Main St Walkup Av N Charlotte Av Park Mason Stitt St Fairley Av N St Winchester Av Ashcraft Av nm^_ E Hwy 74 Wingate im p s Wingate Ag Extensiocn_^hPresson Rd Park New Town Rd W Fran kWlinWSitndsor St E W^_indsor St Curtis on St University reek Jesse _^ E Frannmklin St Helms To d d r ose Park mn n St Sunset 2180 ood Deer Tra rinth Church Rd ck Ln UV Cmn S Westover Dr S Joh St Quarry Rd Sycamore Grove Rd Billy Howey Rd Co Zeb Helms Rd S Br RaysWFiotmrkore Rd Clarence Secrest Rd E Roosevelt Blvd Hwy 74 Ci Dr Beav erd am Cree E Old Fl ag Bran Middle nso Richardson Creek ill a gg S Hayne SPt arker S Maurice St E Sunmnset Dr h mn St nm ittle C F R H Cv t mn Park L L S Rocky River Rd r ak vie Underw Cr ek Fletcher Broome Rd R e Old Pageland Monroe Rd Summerlin Dairy Rd k Andrew e Rd Lancaster A VU UVAr 2139 w D Lak^_e Lee Fork Rosco enningto den Dr Richard C Jackson F^_amily Farm H owey K Porter Dr UVUV75 207 so n reek Special thanks to the following data providers: e n Dr 1150 Medlin Rd nm Union County, City of Monroe, and ESRI. Pleasant Grove Map created by the Trust for Public Land _^Campground hardson C ek on March 24, 2011 Three K nottsRd Ple a sant G haw Lancaster Hwy ic White Store Old MoMnarpoPeroCjMercetaaiotenrds: NihnAAvDricl1Ml9e8a3pRU9.T3dM.1®Zone 17N Monroe Rd re TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land rove Rd Waxhaw Hwy Gri ffith Rd Wolf Pond Rd Pageland Hwy Rd logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. www.tpl.org Old Wax Belmont Church Rd Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only. ^_ ^_

Union County - PUV3r135oposed Carolina Thread Trail Uni Cr eekFou UV3143 Stallings, NC o The Union County Carolina Thread Trail connection opportunities are STEVENS on Rd r Wood DrVU1004G ose mnoitlepwreicdieselirnoeustteos.ilTluhsetrbartoeacdolnyndeecftinioends7c4boertrwideoerns CREEK NATURE W £¤depicted with ¼ Creekly LnoseCr eek PRESERVE G Lawyers Rd destinations, but present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so Sha Kidwel Mill House L n that landowners and the community can continue to be involved in UV3174 nnamara fine tuning and defining the location of trails and amenities. Go Hawthorne Dr Dr Legend 0 0.15 0.3 0.6 Miles ± W MarshallHooks Rd Redwood Dr Crest Dr Gold Proposed Carolina Thread Trail River k Deepwoo d Pl Waterbodies Cr se oose Existing Trail Interstate VU51 Go o ee Highway Mill Grove Rd Proposed Trail Major Road MECKLENBURG Idlewild Rd Mill Rd Local Road CO. REGIONAL Parks Other SPORTS COMPLEX Stevens Railroad Conservation Area Monroe Connector UV_^ Destinations mn S34c5h6ools Stallings County Boundaries ¨§¦485 Red Lantern Rd eekCr G oose Ln mn Map 6. Stallings Cunningha m A n UV mn Hartis Rd 1582 E Independence Blvd Oak Spring Rd Trail Fairview Rd 35 dian Stallings Rd Stinso In o h F ork UV1009 Friendship D E nderbury Dr Campus Ridge Rd UnionMCeCocoukulntnetynyburg rt kor N Nor th F Matthews Indian UnionWe an Buren Av Beverly Dr Faith Church R d Cir A M oser Younts RdV VU3448 r Stallings Smith Farm Trail Rd st Blvd Russell PaCronkifer Cir Secrest Short Cut Rd VU3468 Municipal Rd Cir Park St Poplin UVRoberts-Hargett 1008 l den Town Rd Pleasant Plains Rd Square Creft North Fork Providence lls Dr Hills Dr VU1364 B Gribble Rd PrHicoeus^_e Veterans Hi VU1357 Fred Park Savannah Kirby Came ron Creek Ha mmon d Dr Twel ve Mile Creek L akewoodond Old Monroe Rd Ho_^use U_^nionville Indian Trail Rd Park Indian Trail Rd Simfield Churc h Rd Potter Rd erl Dr and Dr nm Edna P lyler Rd break Dr A rin Rd Church Road Ext U nionville Weddington Matthews Rd S Indian Trail W nm Day Fork Rd g ill Ln ^_ Chestnut Ln Love Park AFait h k Ernest Dr South Austin-Deese Indian Brook Dr Cr o oked N Rocky River Rd COLONEL FRANCIS VU UV1344 House W Sardis Church Rd Hwy 74 REGJI.OBNEAALTTPYARK^_ Mclendon Rd Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd 1362 neer Ln Cree Special thanks to the following data providers: Davi s M e Creek Union County, Indian Trail, City of Monroe, Stallings, and ESRI. in Wesley Chapel Stouts Rd RdMap created by the Trust for Public Land on March 24, 2011 Created in ArcMap 9.3.1® Haywood mn aintree Dr Pio Map Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N UV VU3445 TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land Twelve Mile Cr eek R logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. 1345 Fincher Rd Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. www.tpl.org Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only.

Union County - Proposed Carolina Thread TrailWingard Rd Avanti Dr e Twelve M il re k E re e T New Town Rd w e ve M l Appleg ate Pkwy Silver Creek D r rn Tr Tw lve Mil e Creek Twel veMi le Cre ek Crane Rd Waxhaw, NCYellowho il e C Farm Creek Rd eeC k nm il Billy Howey Rd re ek TwelveM eC nm mn C Ro sehill e Dr rn h Grove Church Rd e restgate Dr Tarkill B a re ek Dr ek c Bonds L o wergat Cuthbertson Rd l lveMile C F Shannon Littl e eek Twe ve Mile Creek S Providence Rd Rd Litt le Cre t Dr UV16 Underwood mn Prince Valian k Cr Tw ^_CuretonTw elv Viking Dr y TwelveMile kee Map 7. Waxhaw elv e Mi le Creek r Byrum Rd Mile T e lve Lit tle C reek Andrew Appendix II. Carolina Thread Trail Public Open House Summary, continuedk S Gra Tw w Jackson Twelve Mi l eCreek Cree Banyan Way C Cr e Famil_^y Farm B anch ek andalwood Dr Howie Mine Church Pleasa ve Mi le CreekLau e Mi le Cr eek F Machine Branc hTwelve Mile C reek nt Grove Rd Tr relwood Ln Rd Win d ing Oaks Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd ^_ Twel Pleasant elve Mi e Cr ek Grove Pine Oak Rd Shopping Campground eek MilKensington Dr Center Ski Trail Ln Grover Rogers Rd Mineral Bts Springs Waxhaw Marvin Rd Tw Gr^_eenway a e Branch nm l e F G Mineral 36 T welve Mile Cree Twelve Springs Mcneely Rd Mu_^sic Barn Nesbit e Cr Park Mccall Rd Collins Rd B ates he r Lancaster County N Broome St k he eek leCr eek Union County Tw Steeple w Chase_^ l Bl yt B lyt r Helms Rd Cr Creek r e lve Mi l e Cree h S Potter Rd Twe ve Mile C re ek VUWaxhaw Hwy 75 Western Union Sch mn T elve Mi KWaxhaw Park _^ Howie Min e Rd Twelve M ileC reek Waxhaw _^ McNeel y B anch ool Rd Librarymn_^ Museum of the Waxhaws Bates B anc J B nm Blythe C reek The Union County Carolina Thread Trail connection opportunities are Sharon Dr M Neel y Bra n chc depicted with ¼ mile wide lines to illustrate connections between destinations, but not precise routes. The broadly defined corridors R n er Waxhaw Farms Rd an h present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so a c that landowners and the community can continue to be involved in fine tuning and defining the location of trails and amenities. aw Crossing Dr Legend Rane Branch Waxh Rd Sims Rd VU1111 John Craig Rd ree ± R ehobeth Rd Waxhaw C k Proposed Carolina Thread Trail WRiaveterrbodieRsichardson King Lancaster Connection Opportunities e k Existing Trail Interstate VU1117 Proposed Trail Highway Bigham Union CoSPupneatcyri,akIlnwtdhiaaonnokTsdratoil,tShCecityfhoolloof wMoionlngrRodead,taSptarollivnigdse,rsa:nd ESRI. Parks Major Road ¤£Conservation Area Local Road Davi Br nc h Rd Waxh Map created by the Trust for Public Land Other S Providence Rd k on March 24, 2011 ^_ D5e21stinations Railroad VU1113 mn Schools s aw Cre e Map Created in ArcMap U9.T3M.1®ZWonaex1h7aNw C r e a Projection: NAD 1983 Waxhaw Davis Rd W xh a TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land County Boundaries aw logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Miles Copyright © 201w1 wTwhe.tpTlr.oursgtNfoer Psubbiltic Land. Creek Rd Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only.

SIX MILE Amanda CREEK GREENWAY Union CountyW- PesrolepyoCsehdapCealr,oNliCna Thread TraileshoeDr East Fork - Twelve Mile Cre ekdon Oaks PkwyUVnm Faircroft s Rd Bra n 1009 Haye B nd F orest Lawn Dr mn p UnionMCeCocoukulntnetynyburg Hors ilPkwy Ct G re Forest v Cr eek East Fork - Twelv M en bro ok ge Rd ineDa is M nm Way Old Charlotte Hwy k mn The UStinrruion County CmairloelwiniadeThlirneeasdtoTrilaliulsctorantneeccotinonneoctpiTpowlonoerswlvtbueOenMtaiwtikil seeeseTCnarrree e Ri d VU1357 Pri e Mill Cr e e depicted with ¼ stry ek c i le C e Hemby Weddington Matthews Rd kk Fo B Rd k Dr destinations, but not precise routes. The broadly defined corridors e present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so that landowners and the community can continue to be involved in W x bridge Dr fine tuning andBdreofminleinygDtrhe location of trails and amenities. r ek VU16 Cyrus Marion^_ nm Rogers House Legend ± Rogers Rd Providence Rd Proposed Carolina Thread Trail River Cir Winding Ln Potter Rd Existing Trail An Huntington Dr Antioch Church Rd Proposed Trail Cox Rd Twelve Mile Cree Parks Waterbodies c e Greystone Dr C obblecree s t Fo i Airport Rd Interstate l Map 8. Wesley Chapel Highway rk - Tw Appendix II. Carolina Thread Trail Public Open House Summary, continued eek Ea Conservation Area Major Road k Twelve Mi e Cr elveM l e Creek Bar _^ Destinations Local Road B eulah Church Rd UV1008 mn Schools Other Wesley Chapel Railroad Fox Run Rd Pl TwelveM Wesley Chapel Rd County Boundaries 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Miles Jim Pa rker Rd Eas For Goldmine Rd Hom est ead il eCreek M ile Cr e k W e Mile Creek Rd E Bearskin Creek Twelve eke C re illow Run Dr VU1349 derwood Rd k - Twelve M ilcleTr Weddington t r VU84 E as tFo rk - Twelv Twelv nmmn Deal Rd Optimist Un e Mi le C e ek N ver tBran w ood Dr 37 Ennis Sto Tw lve Mil e Creekchaven Rd Cul mn Wed g e Ln mn Sanford L Lo Chambwood Rd pernicke l Ln Pu m n ch Cir TwelveMi l e Cre k aceRd e Rd Eagle R d S Twelve Mile Creek Rd Trail Rd Castles ton e Sp Rd on Aer^_o Plantation Lake Dr Lester Davis R Wd Indian ringwooBdilly Howey Rd Weddington Rd n e haven Dr Twelve Mile Cree Willoughby Rd e ill Plyler Rd Wax haw New Town Rd Twelve M il re k B ran ch Appleg ate Pkwy Mully Farm Cr eek Rd eC Silver Creek Dr S Potter Rd Clarence Secrest Rd mn il Underwo odCreek re ek S Rocky River Rd eC C Twelve M R e Dr F ShannonLittle C ek Rd ek L o wergat restgate Dr osehill New Town Rd Dr G Litt le Cre re Underwood C S Providence Rd Twelve Mile C ek F Andrew Special thanks to the following data providers: Jackson Union County, Wesley Chapel, and ESRI. Famil^_y Farm Cuthbertson Rd re reek Rd Map created by the Trust for Public Land Kenningto on March 24, 2011 L ittle Cree Howey Created in ArcMap 9.3.1® Roscoe Map Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N UVTPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. 75 Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. Waxhaw Hwywww.tpl.org Machine Branc h n Dr Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only. _^ ^_

Union County - PrWopinogsaetde,CNaCrolina Thread TrailVURichardson Cre ekRichards on Creek Monroe Ansonville Rd eadow BranchM Clark Stastw Saturn S t Austin Grove Church Rd Austin Branch Wade Rorie Rd Taylor St llips Dr Trull Hinson Rd nch E ood Dr Tucker Phi Mcintyre Rd 1751 Austin Chaney Rd Meadow Bra Win dsong Way Austin Branch Ansonville Rd Rays Fork Bobwhite Cir Old Williams Rd Funderburk Rd DouCir AnnSPmeirtrhySStt Meadow Branch Map 9. Wingate Fo Stglas Burris Berryhill Dr Appendix II. Carolina Thread Trail Public Open House Summary, continued rk Rays S Forest Hills School RdDPhif Pearl Cir er CirPhifer Rd N Main St Maye St Polaris Dr Olde Country Ln anch Bivens St Faculty Dr Haskins Zeb Goodman Rd N Camden St Br Dr Mea dow 38 Cedar St Rays For k Oak Leaf Ln St For k Edgewood Dr D W Elm St nm E WilsonMeadow Branch nm ^_ Wingate Wingate W Wilson St Park University R ays £¤74 St E Hwy 74 Love St College St _^ Presson Rd Diane S Stewart St nm Gwyn St Ag Extension Chaney St Booker St an h c ch Flag Br Todd Cir Neg o Head Creek C Jesse Woodberry Dr Meadow Bran Meadow Branch Old Hwy 74 Helms Park Witmore Rd Lee Pierce Rd Mi ddl e Fork 0 r0.1250.250.5 Miles Independence Legend ± Summerlin Dairy Rd Sycamore Grove Rd Proposed Carolina Thread Trail River Existing Trail Rays Fo Proposed Trail Camden Rd Waterbodies Dr Parks Conservation Area Interstate Special thanks to the following data providers: _^ Destinations Union County, City of Monroe, and ESRI. nm Schools Highway Wingate Map created by the Trust for Public Land The Union County Carolina Thread Trail connection opportunities are Major Road on March 24, 2011 rk depicted with ¼ mile wide lines to illustrate connections between Local Road Created in ArcMap 9.3.1® destinations, but not precise routes. The broadly defined corridors Map Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 17N present multiple opportunities for adjustments for a defined route, so Other TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land that landowners and the community can continue to baemiennviRotilaevyses.dFionrk Railroad s Branch logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. fine tuning and defining the location of trails and MonroeMCaopnlenSepcrtinogr Copyright © 2011 The Trust for Public Land. www.tpl.org Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only.

r ec ommended accthioanp tsefro r5.im p l e m e n tatio n Photo by Nancy Pierce The trail routes for the Union County CTT are proposed, which means it is up to residents, organizations, and local and county governments to help realize the vision they were so instrumental in creating. The action plan is long in scope and vision—the creation of trails will take a sustained and concerted effort over the next 20 years. Yet it also requires a sense of immediacy in order to build on the momentum created by the CTT planning process in the county. Utilizing a variety of organizational and funding opportunities, CTT stakeholders can use these action steps, in conjunction with the Master Plan, as a “green” print to guide the CTT along to fruition. 39

Chapter 5. Recommended Actions for Implementation Union County CTT Master Plan Action Steps Timeframe 1 year Step A c t ions 1–3. years 1 Adopt the CTT Master Plan. 1–2. years Encourage the incorporation of this plan by the county and local governments as an integral part of local comprehensive 20. years planning and land use planning efforts. 1 year–. 2 a. Create greenway-specific recommendations in all future planning efforts when applicable. ongoing b. S pecifically reference this plan in all future planning efforts that impact greenway development. Within. c. County or local jurisdictions shall inform the Carolina Thread Trail and volunteer trail easement program (see 4c. below) of . 10 years any development projects that could have impact on the creation of trails or greenways. Build public support. 3 a. Establish a “Friends of the Carolina Thread Trail” organization. b. Develop a trail identity for Union County (image or concept). Develop a minimum of 1.5 miles of greenways each year for the next 10 years and a minimum of 3 miles of greenways each year thereafter. 4 a. Develop corridor specific plans for the top three priority corridors: the Stallings to Indian Trail route, the Indian Trail to . Wesley Chapel route, and the route from Mecklenburg County to Monroe. b. Leverage volunteers, private and public partnerships, and grant money to help build and open these trails. c. Create a volunteer trail easement program to capture future trail easements from willing landowners prior to development. Strategically pursue trail projects to maximize results and minimize costs. a. Work with local agencies and private landowners to secure trail easements and access to green space for trail connections. b. Pursue funding for trail projects. i. Partner with nonprofits, CTT, and cooperative government agencies on funding applications. ii. Apply for corridor design grants from the CTT that provide funds to conduct detailed corridor design studies on the priority segments highlighted in this plan. iii. Apply for Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) matching funds from the state to help acquire, develop, and build priority greenway segments highlighted in this plan. 5 iv. Apply for a National Recreational Trails Program grant through the state of North Carolina to fund new greenway construction along the priority corridors. v. Coordinate with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Rural Planning Organization for. opportunities to fund and develop the CTT routes. vi. In coordination with CTT and TPL, identify specific greenway projects that could be eligible for NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund and Land and Water Conservation Fund grants and apply accordingly. c. Adopt incentives for private landowners and developments that set aside land for greenway uses. d. Coordinate with other trail development efforts in the region. e. Where grant requirements or construction in conjunction with another project makes construction of a lower-priority trail project possible, pursue funding sources for that trail project regardless of priority. f. Publish a public report documenting the status and ongoing actions of all trail projects at the end of each year. Ensure that the project list for the CTT Master Plan for Union County is current and relevant. a. Review and update the CTT Master Plan as needed, within 10 years, with input from the CTT Steering Committee, local . 6 advocacy groups, and land use agencies. b . Share the updated CTT Master Plan project list with the public and the municipalities. 40

chapter 6. costs and funding options The success of the CTT in Union County is likely Savvy trail planning and design can reduce long- predicated on minimizing the cost of trails and tapping term O&M investments. Cost saving should be a part of into the wealth of funding opportunities available for trail any design plan while still in a preliminary stage. Best projects. This chapter provides an overview of potential practices include: costs and funding options. • Reviewing preliminary site plans by staff responsible costs for trail maintenance so they can offer suggestions and guidance and have their voices heard from the beginning; Land Acquisition Total costs of capital improvement projects include the • Writing an operation and maintenance plan when initial design plans are presented, allowing staff to cost of land acquisition. Avenues of acquisition available to analyze staffing levels, determine the most appropriate municipal governments include donations, purchase, and maintenance standards, develop potential operating developer contributions. Flexibility and creativity will be budgets, and look for ways to involve partners in trail required to minimize acquisition costs, so any one of these maintenance; and methods may be combined when feasible. • Deciding,duringthedesignphase,thelevelofmaintenance Trail Construction the managing agency can afford, thus allowing the designers A variety of factors impact the cost of trail construction: the opportunity to make adjustments in material selection, ancillary facilities, and size of parking lots, as applicable. surface materials, labor, signage, and ancillary items from benches to garbage cans. In turn, the amount of materials and As in the case of land acquisition, there are several labor will depend on intended trail use, the amount of use possible O&M arrangements. For example, a single the trail might receive, and funds available. The three most government agency could provide all O&M for the trail common trail construction materials are granite screening, regardless of where it runs in the county. On the other hand, asphalt, and concrete. The prices of the each material are each government unit with a trail in its corporate limits subject to fluctuation depending on transportation, energy could be responsible for its own O&M within those limits. costs, and other factors related to regional and global supply Another approach could be to contract, through a bidding and demand. process, trail management to a private land management firm. While each option would incur management costs, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) savings could be realized through making extensive use O&M costs vary depending on community expectations of volunteers, establishing an “adopt a trail” program, and special projects undertaken by scouts or other civic- but ultimately entail staffing, management, and security minded groups. costs. With careful planning, the CTT can be maintained in a variety of ways to help reduce the overall costs. 41

Chapter 6. Costs and Funding Options A Cost Illustration Private Based on a corridor study of the Lower Catawba River Land trusts are valuable advisors and facilitators when in York County, South Carolina, the following estimates. pursuing conservation funding opportunities for trail provide a ballpark figure, including labor, for costs involved projects. Land trusts are nonprofit organizations that assist with trail construction. landowners seeking to conserve their land, often through the use of conservation easements or land donations. In Table 6. Trail Construction Cost Estimates Union County, the Catawba Lands Conservancy, which serves as the lead agent for the Carolina Thread Trail, Nature trail $4/ft assists landowners with land conservation and can provide Paved trail $130/linear foot (LF) excellent advice regarding potential funding avenues. The 8-foot sidewalk, curb, and gutter Trust for Public Land, a national conservation organization, 5-foot bike lanes (2 sides) $15.39/LF can also assist private landowners who wish to sell or Stream crossings $21/LF donate their land for public parks, gardens, greenways, or Pedestrian bridge watershed protection. $150–$235/ft $1,200–$1,700 LF Private individuals may donate land or liquid investments, such as cash or stock, to a municipality or Based on these estimates, the following illustration land trust. Donations to municipalities generally support provides a very rough example of the potential cost of a trail the implementation of a capital improvement program segment. A 1-mile trail that traverses a stream and requires discussed in more detail below. Private landowners may a pedestrian bridge could cost between $36,120 and $42,820 also choose to donate their land to a land trust, whereby to construct, including labor but excluding signs and other the trust is responsible for protecting the land and donors ancillary items (e.g., garbage cans). permanently preserve their property and can receive substantial tax benefits. Table 7. Trail Construction Cost Illustration Corporations and businesses are excellent partners Feature Cost per unit Example Total Costs for trail projects. Businesses that rely on natural resources of length length or tourism have a stake in enhancing the recreation and conservation opportunities in Union County. Corporate Nature trail $4/ft 1 mile . $21,120 donations, like individual donations, may be land or liquid (5,280 ft) investments, while corporate sponsorships often take the Stream crossings $150–$235/ft $3,000–$4,700 form of services, personnel volunteers, liquid investments, Pedestrian bridge $1,200–$1,700 LF 20 ft $12,000–$17,000 or land. Public-private partnerships can drive a trail project 10 LF forward: municipalities and corporations can work together for funding. A sponsorship often involves marketing or Total $36,120–$42,820 funding A variety of potential funding sources are available to help pay for the Carolina Thread Trail in Union County, including private, local, state, regional, and federal funding programs. 42

Chapter 6. Costs and Funding Options recognizing the contribution of the corporation, creating positive publicity for the corporation and the project itself. Private foundation grants depend on funding capacity and distribution requirements. While there are many foundations working in North Carolina, it will be necessary to identify foundation missions that align with CTT goals. Two potential examples include the Union County Community Foundation, which has an annual grantmaking program that addresses local needs and improve the. lives of Union County citizens, and the Duke Energy Foundation, which offers grants that support conservation, training, and research around environmental and energy efficiency initiatives. Organizations and individuals can also participate in a fundraiser or a campaign drive. Fundraisers require marketing to rally support and financial backing. Fundraising has the potential to increase public awareness, public education, and financial support needs. Local The options for local public funding are presented in this section for discussion purposes only, and each community adopting this plan will make its own determination on how and when it chooses to fund trail development with public dollars. Generally, there are three primary types of revenue sources available to local governments in North Carolina to pay for trails: discretionary annual spending, creation of dedicated funding streams, and debt financing. The financing options utilized by a community will depend on a variety of factors, such as taxing capacity, budgetary resources, voter preferences, and political will. The local public funding options available to Union County are listed in Table 8 and described below. Photo by Nancy Pierce 43

Chapter 6. Costs and Funding Options Table 8. Common Local Conservation Financing Sources in North Carolina . Metho d Definition Pros Cons General obligation . Loan taken out by a city against the • Allows for immediate purchase of open . • Extra interest costs of borrowing • Funds may be used only for capital bond value of the taxable property space, locking in land at current prices projects and improvements • Distributes the cost of acquisition • Voter approval required Property tax Tax on real property paid for by • Steady source of revenue • Competition for other public purposes commercial and residential . • Relatively easily administered • Overall concern among taxpayers . property owners • Tax burden fairly broadly distributed • Small increases create substantial funding about high rates • Cannot be permanently dedicated Impact fee One-time fee paid by developer to • Nexus between taxing new development . • Projects must be directly linked to . off-set costs of infrastructure caused and protecting remaining open space new development by new development Real estate . Tax that may be imposed on the • Is a familiar tool for land conservation • Unpredictable source of revenue transfer tax privilege of transferring real • Small increases can create substantial . • May have opposition from Realtor property within the jurisdiction funding community • Revenues may not be restricted Local sales tax Tax levied on the retail price of . • Distributes the cost of acquisitions • Unpredictable source of revenue. an item • Small increases create substantial funding Relies on the strength of the local economy • Revenues may not be restricted Bond issues are one option for public financing of At the municipal or county level, another option for local capital improvements. A bond issue provides up- raising capital improvement dollars for trails is creating a front funds that allow for the immediate purchase of land park/recreation impact fee program. Although uncommon or conservation easement and distributes the cost of in North Carolina, impact fees are sometimes used by acquisition over time so that future beneficiaries also share local governments in other states to help defray costs of in the cost to acquire land. A general obligation (GO) bond new roads, water and sewer treatment, schools, parks, and could provide revenue for the county, though it would mean other infrastructure necessitated by new development. adding to Union County’s existing debt.61 Under this type of program, a fee is charged against new development to generate revenue to pay for the particular Alternatively, a local government could choose to type of capital improvement. For example, Chatham contribute to a capital improvement project using existing County, North Carolina, has both a Recreation Impact Fee property tax revenue or request a capital budget increase. and an Education Facilities Impact Fee.63 Note that this The property tax is the largest revenue source for many local option would require special legislation from the General jurisdictions in North Carolina. There is no enabling authority Assembly of North Carolina. by which a portion of the tax may be dedicated for trails, so expenditures depend on the annual appropriations process.62 44

Chapter 6. Costs and Funding Options The county could also levy a land transfer tax (up to The Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF) (est. 1987) 0.4 percent) or a local sales tax (0.25 percent) to be for provides funding to select state agencies for the acquisition operations and maintenance as well as capital projects.64 A of important natural areas to conserve the state’s ecological county may not enact both. Small increases with respect to diversity and cultural heritage, and to inventory the state’s either option can create substantial funding, however, both natural heritage resources.65 A 12-member appointed options can also be unpredictable sources of revenue. Board of Trustees and the Natural Heritage Program award grants. Of every dollar for conservation received from the State Photo by Ray Williams real estate transfer tax, 25 cents goes to the Natural Heritage Trust Fund. Only state agencies may apply for these grants. Most statewide conservation funding comes through The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) (est. four major trust fund programs. Two of the funds—the 1994) provides dollars not only for land acquisition and capital improvements in the state’s park system (65 Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Agricultural percent of fund), but also for local government park and recreation purposes (30 percent of fund) and for increasing Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund—are the public’s access to beaches (5 percent of fund). Local government grants require a dollar-for-dollar match. To typically financed from general state appropriations. The apply for a PARTF grant, local governments must complete an application detailing such aspects of the project as (1) other two—the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and the Parks basic facts and assurances, (2) justification for the project, (3) proof of site control, (4) project costs, (5) sources of and Recreation Trust Fund—are financed by the real estate local matching funds, (6) site plan and location map, (7) legal description of land and statements of value, and (8) transfer tax and personalized license plate sales. The tax environmental review. Local governments can request up to $500,000 in assistance for each application.66 levied is $2 per $1,000 of the value of the property. Of every The North Carolina General Assembly established two dollars generated from the real estate transfer tax, one the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) in 1996 to help finance projects that specifically address dollar goes to conservation, the other to local governments. water pollution problems, including the protection and conservation of watersheds through land acquisition.67 The dollar for conservation is split between the Parks and The Clean Water Management Trust Fund provides grants to add riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, Recreation Trust Fund and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund. educational, and recreational benefits, among other things. In support of a million-acre conservation goal established in 2000, the General Assembly agreed to increase funding 45

Chapter 6. Costs and Funding Options for CWMTF to $100 million per year (up from approximately The Farmland Preservation Trust Fund70 was originally $30 million), beginning in 2003. CWMTF is administered established in 1986, and in 2005, the legislature renamed by a 21-member, independent Board of Trustees and is the program the Agricultural Development and Farmland housed for administrative purposes in the Department of Preservation Trust Fund (ADFPTF). At that time the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). description was broadened to include three grant areas: conservation easements, agricultural agreements, and Eligible grant applicants include (a) a state agency, programs that develop sustainable or viable agriculture. (b) a local government or other political subdivision While this program does not specifically address trail of the state or a combination of such entities, or (c) a acquisition and development, it could possibly be helpful nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is the when linking areas of open space to a proposed greenway. conservation, preservation, and restoration of North The commissioner of agriculture administers the trust Carolina’s environmental and natural resources. No match fund, and a 19-member advisory committee was established is required; however, a match is recommended and trustees to help direct funds and the application process. Revenue is may choose to fund projects at less than 100 percent of the derived from annual allocations from the General Fund.71 application request. CWMTF funds about one-third of the grant requests that it receives.68 Counties are eligible to apply for funding, and match requirements depend on various factors.72 Nonprofit To apply for a CWMTF grant, local governments must conservation organization applicants must match 30 complete an application form that will be evaluated based percent of trust fund monies received from sources other on how well the projects meet the program objectives.69 than ADFPTF. To apply for a grant from ADFPTF, local governments must submit the following: (1) an application, (2) a budget narrative, (3) a contact list for funding sources, and (4) a financial affidavit.73 Union County and its cities and towns have had fairly good success in garnering state funds from North Carolina conservation trust funds. In particular, the State Parks and Recreation Trust Fund has awarded 12 grants in the county over the past decade totaling $4.5 million (see Table 9). Such partnerships are an important component in leveraging funds for parks and conservation. Photo by Nancy Pierce 46

Chapter 6. Costs and Funding Options Table 9. North Carolina Conservation Trust Fund Grants Awarded in Union County (1997–2008) Year Project Amount Fund 1997 Union: Cane Creek Park Cabins $75,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund 2000 Lake Park: Lake Park Community Recreation Project $79,995 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Wingate: Wingate Town Park $250,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund 2002 Weddington: Hunter Farm $24,000 Agricultural Development and Farmland . Preservation Trust Fund 2003 Stallings: Stallings Municipal Park $30,000 Monroe: Parks Williams Athletic Complex $249,202 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Union: Cane Creek Park $250,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Parks and Recreation Trust Fund 2004 Wingate: Wingate Community Building $142,658 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund 2005 Monroe Parks Williams Athletic Complex–Phase II $250,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Union: Jesse Helms Park Land Acquisition and Development $250,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Union: Cane Creek Park Acquisition–Development, $250,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Acquisition, Renovation $34,300 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Stallings: Stallings Municipal Park $100,000 Clean Water Management Trust Fund $307,000 2006 Wingate: WW/Sewer Repair, Ray’s Branch $1,731,000 Clean Water Management Trust Fund 2007 Clean Water Management Trust Fund Mineral Springs: Acq/Greenway Project, $500,000 Wolf and Bates Branches Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Wingate: WW/Sewer Rehabilitation, $4,523,155 Ray’s Branch 2008 Union County TOTAL Federal Appendix D lists various funding programs administered by federal agencies. The programs vary in how funds are delivered and distributed. For example, some program funds are directed to the states, which decide what projects to fund, while other funds are granted by a federal agency through a competitive process. 47

footnotes [1] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Physical Activity and [14] Union County CP, p. 51. Health: A Report of the Surgeon General (Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health [15] Ibid., p. 53. and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National [16] Ibid. Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 1996), p. 3, http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/pdf/sgrfull.pdf. [2] The Trust for Public Land, The Economic Benefits of the Park and Recreation [17] CNN Money, http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/moneymag/0906/ System of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (Washington, DC: The Trust for gallery.bplive_jobgrowth.moneymag/10.html (accessed June 7, 2009). Public Land, Center for City Park Excellence, 2010), pp. 3–4, http://www.tpl. org/content_documents/ccpe_Mecklenburg_county-report1.pdf. [18] North Carolina Division of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Agricultural Statistics Division, Summary of Commodities by County, http:// [3] Union County, 2025 Comprehensive Plan: Planning Board Review Draft www.agr.state.nc.us/stats/codata/index.htm (accessed June 3, 2010). (July 2009), p. 48 (hereinafter Union County CP). [19] The percent decrease was calculated using statistics from the North [4] Because President Jackson was born before the determination of the Carolina Employment and Securities Commission and the Charlotte Regional Carolina borders, there is some disagreement about whether he is a native son Partnership. of Union County or Lancaster County, South Carolina. [20] Charlotte Regional Partnership, Union County, Business Location [5] Belk, History, http://www.belk.com/AST/Misc/Belk_Stores/About_Us/ Profile, http://www.charlotteusa.com/documents/CharlotteUSA_UnionCo_ History.jsp. Business_Location_Profile.pdf (accessed June 3, 2010). [6] U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) [21] Ibid. Summary File, Table PL1, and 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, Table P1. [22] The Charlotte Regional Partnership is an economic development region that consists of Alexander County, Anson County, Cabarrus County, Catawba [7] U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) County, Cleveland County, Gaston County, Iredell County, Lincoln County, Summary File, Table PL1, and 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law Mecklenburg County, Rowan County, Stanly County, and Union County. 94-171) Summary File, Table P1. [23] See U.S. Census Bureau, MCD/County-To-MCD/County Worker Flow [8] Ibid.; U.S. Census Bureau, State and County QuickFacts, http:// Files, http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/commuting/ quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37179.html. files/2kresmcd_NC.xls. [9] Union County CP, p. 50. [24] “One of the most visible side effects of the tremendous growth in Union County is an increase in traffic and its resulting congestion, delays, and [10] North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, County safety concerns.” Union County CP, p. 72. Densities: 2000–2030. [25] Ibid., p. 8. [11] U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, “Annual Estimates of Housing Units for Counties in North Carolina: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009” (June [26]Ibid., p. 9. 2010). [27] Union County Partnership for Progress, 2008–2009 Annual Report, p. 2. [12] U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, “Housing Unit Estimates for the 100 Fastest Growing Counties With 5,000 or More Housing Units in 2009: [28] Union County Chamber of Commerce, Business News 2009, http://www. April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009” (June 2010). unioncountycoc.com/bn-2009.html. [13] U.S. Census Bureau:, State and County QuickFacts. 48

Footnotes, continued [29] Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Union County, [46] Town of Stallings, Park Master Plans, http://www.stallingsnc. North Carolina (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, January org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={D070FC7F-D6AC-46D0-AF2E- 1996), p. 2. B322F0173BFF}. [30] Union County CP, p. 47. [47] Village of Wesley Chapel, Village of Wesley Chapel Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan (Fall 2009), p. 24. [31] CNN Money, http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/moneymag/0906/ gallery.bplive_jobgrowth.moneymag/10.html. [48] Town of Wingate, Parks and Recreation, http://wingate.govoffice.com. [32] Union County CP, p. 52. [49] For more information on the background and methodology of the survey, see Appendix B. [33] North Carolina Division of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Agricultural Statistics Division, Summary of Commodities by County, http:// [50] Union County CP, p. 87. www.agr.state.nc.us/stats/codata/index.htm. [51] Town of Indian Trail, Indian Trail Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan [34] Union County CP, p. 52. (2009), pp. 1–2. [35] North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Heritage Data, http://www. [52] Town of Marshville, Land Use Plan (2004), p. 6. ncnhp.org/Pages/heritagedata.html. [53] Village of Marvin, Park and Greenway Master Plan (2008), pp. 1–3. [54] City of Monroe, Greenway Master Plan (2005), introduction. [36] South Carolina Department of Resources, South Carolina Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Inventory (last updated January 2006). [37] Union County CP, p. 82. [55] Town of Mineral Springs, Vision Plan (2006), Land Use Plan. [38] Ibid. [56] Town of Stallings, Pedestrian Plan (2008), pp. 9, 11–12. [39] North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, [57] Town of Waxhaw, Comprehensive Plan 2030 (working draft, 2008), p. Division of Water Quality, Waterbody Report– Union County, http://portal. 29. As noted in Western Union County ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/csu/classifications. Local Area Regional Transportation Plan (November 2009), private greenways are not regulated or required by the town. [40] Union County CP, p. 87. [58] Village of Wesley Chapel, Village of Wesley Chapel Comprehensive Parks [41] Village of Indian Trail, Comprehensive Plan (2005), pp. 2–11. & Recreation Plan (Fall 2009), pp. 4, 11–12. [42] Village of Lake Park, NC Reference Desk, http://www.lakeparknc.gov/ [59] Wingate 2020: Comprehensive and Downtown Plan, http://wingate2020. Home/VillageReferenceDesk/tabid/78/Default.aspx. squarespace.com/aboutwingate/. [43] Town of Marshville website, http://marshvillenc.govoffice2.com/. [60] Low-income households are defined as households with combined income of less than $35,000 per year. [44] Town of Mineral Springs, http://www.mineralspringsnc.com/Mineral_ Springs_Greenway_Sneak_Peek.htm. Additional information obtained from [61] Union County has capacity under existing debt limits to issue general email correspondence with Vicky Brooks, town clerk, October 12, 2010. obligation bonds for parks and trail purposes. As of FY 2010, Union County had roughly $553 million in debt applicable to the debt limit, $450.2 million [45] City of Monroe, Downtown Master Plan (2008), p. 24. of which is general obligation debt. This leaves about $1.2 billion in remaining 49

Footnotes, continued bonding capacity under legal state debt limits. The county’s general obligation [68] The CWMTF is facing potential budget cuts in the 2011 legislation bond rating is strong at Aa1/AA/AA+ by Moody’s Investors Services, Standard session. & Poors, and Fitch. Union County FY2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. As an illustration, a $10 million bond would add roughly $802,000 [69] More information on application requirements is available on the state to the county’s annual debt service and would cost the average homeowner website, http://www.cwmtf.net/acqbuffers.htm. approximately $6 per year in additional property taxes over the life of the bond; this would add 0.0035 mills to the county’s existing property tax rate. [71] N.C. Gen. Stat. 61 §§ 106 745 to –749. Assumes 20-year bond at 5.0% interest rate; 2010 Total Assessed Valuation (AV) = $22.9 billion; Median home value $179,351 (https://edis.commerce. [72] The ADFPTF is facing potential budget cuts in the 2011 legislation state.nc.us/docs/countyProfile/NC/37179.pdf). Assumptions for bond cost session. calculation include the following: (1) the entire debt amount is issued in the first year and payments are equal until maturity, (2) 20-year maturity [72] Match requirements are as follows: (1) Tier One Enterprise Counties: and 5 percent interest rate, (3) the property tax estimates assume that the (a) with a County Farmland Protection Plan must submit a 0 percent jurisdiction would raise property taxes to pay the debt service on bonds; match, or (b) without a County Farmland Protection Plan must have a 30 however, other revenue streams may be used, (4) the cost per household percent match. (2) Tier Two or Three Enterprise Counties: (a) with a County represents the average annual impact of increased property taxes levied to Farmland Protection Plan must submit a 15 percent match OR (b) without a pay the debt service, (5) the estimates do not take into account growth in the County Farmland Protection Plan must submit a 30 percent match. tax base due to new construction and annexation over the life of the bonds, and ( 6) the jurisdiction’s officials, financial advisors, bond counsel, and [73] More information on application requirements is available on the state underwriters would establish the actual terms of any bond. website, http://ww [62] As an illustration, a one-cent increase in the property tax levy could generate roughly $2.3 million a year at a cost to the average homeowner of approximately $18. Total taxable property = $22.9 billion and median home value = $179,351. https://edis.commerce.state.nc.us/docs/countyProfile/ NC/37179.pdf. [63] For more information visit the County of Chatham’s website, http:// www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=730. [64] The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners estimated that, based on values for 2007, Union County could generate approximately $3.6 million from a $0.25 local sales tax increase. At this tax rate, the average household would pay about $42 per year. The amount for the estimated annual revenue is derived from calculations completed by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, http://www.ncacc.org/documents/ revenueauthority_073107.pdf. [65] N.C. Gen. Stat. 5A §§113-77.6 to -77.9. [66] More information on application requirements is available on the state website, http://www.ncparks.gov/About/grants/partf_forms.php. [67] N.C. Gen. Stat. 18 §113A. 50