Board recommends preliminary plat for Womble Tract roadway extensions; two new rights-of-way proposed

The Town of Pittsboro Planning Board on June 16 recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve a preliminary plat establishing roadway extensions on the Womble Tract, a measure the board approved unanimously.

Planning staff explained that the preliminary plat creates two public street rights-of-way: Old Providence Road, a proposed 70-foot-wide public street, and Oakland Avenue, a variable-width public right-of-way on the south side of the tract. The roadway layout is consistent with a prior Womble Tract rezoning that the board reviewed in earlier months, staff said. At this preliminary stage no utilities are proposed, and the plan includes required buffers where two streams and a floodplain are present.

Staff noted the plan includes street trees on both sides of the new roads, and provisions for sidewalks and a multiuse path. Parks and recreation maps show a proposed greenway on nearby Chatham Parkway; staff said the greenway and some multiuse-path elements are not triggered until lots are created and the subdivision returns for lot-level review.

Teresa presented the staff analysis and said town departments including public safety, engineering and planning have reviewed the plat and recommended that the Planning Board forward the preliminary plat to the Board of Commissioners with a recommendation of approval. A motion to recommend approval was made, seconded and passed unanimously.

The board's recommendation will be sent to the Board of Commissioners. Staff said more detailed standards and utilities will be evaluated when lots and construction plans are submitted.