Residents, tribal members press commissioners for archaeological study and road protections at proposed Riverbend subdivision

Scores of residents and tribal descendants told the Board of Commissioners during the Oct. 20 public comment period they feared the proposed Riverbend Estates at Laurel Ridge could disturb archaeological sites and burial grounds associated with the Mitcham/Sissapaha village and other cultural landscapes along the Haw River.

Dr. Krista Cavalier Keck (S39), who identified herself as an Occaneechi Band of Saponi Nation member, asked commissioners not to approve any phase of the subdivision without “a comprehensive archaeological survey of the entire development footprint extending until 2056,” saying the Mitcham work shows the village is part of a wider network of camps, trails and burial places. Archaeologist Aiden Paul (S43), who is a PhD student at UNC–Chapel Hill, told the board that surface reconnaissance is not a substitute for a formal Phase I survey and estimated that an appropriate shovel‑test program for the parcels could be completed with a small crew in about a month.

Neighbors also focused on road access across private Rock Rest Road: multiple speakers including Rock Rest residents and owners argued that portions of the proposed plat relied on a private easement and that construction and future traffic could change the character and safety of the narrow gravel lanes. Attorney Nick Robinson (S5), representing the applicant, described plan changes submitted after planning‑board review that keep certain gravel stretches unpaved, add signage to discourage use of private easements, and limit Lot 26–28 access so they tie to the paved internal road rather than the private Rock Rest section. Planning staff (S21) noted the application must meet the county’s objective subdivision standards and that the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment had been peer‑reviewed and returned as complete; several commissioners nonetheless agreed to defer final action to allow more time for staff, the applicant and neighbors to explore mitigations.

"A thorough archaeological survey on the ground should be conducted before any further land disturbance occurs," the county’s Environmental Review Advisory Committee had previously recommended, and several public commenters asked the board to follow that advice. The board directed staff to continue discussions with the applicant and stakeholders and tabled final plat action to the next appropriate meeting to allow follow‑up on mitigation, access refinements, and any additional archaeological steps.