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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
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allowing more flexibility in development design. This results in faster permitting, and
provides an incentive for development near planned high-density areas, as defined in the
2035 Land Use Plan. Stream buffers, required open space in subdivisions along with
clustered development, landscape buffers between different land uses, park lands, and
greenways will limit the impacts to open space. A public open space requirement is part of
the UDO, as described in Section 6. While open space, such as forests, will still be lost to
development, the impacts will be minimized by these efforts.
7.4
Wetlands
Impacts to wetlands will be minimized by stream buffers, floodplain development
limitations, and other development controls as well as State and Federal regulations. As
described in Section 4.4, the majority of wetlands are located in riparian areas. While some
wetland loss still occurs with permitting, the Town requires that all Federal and State
wetland permits be obtained prior to final site approval. Overall SCI to wetlands in the
Planning Area will be minimized by limiting or prohibiting construction and fill within 50
feet of the stream, as required by the stream buffer regulations in the UDO.
7.5
Prime or Unique Agricultural Land
The Town has no active farms, so impacts to agricultural land will be minimal. Agricultural
land is allowed as a land use within the very low-density residential zoning category.
However, as development occurs, prime farmland soils with potential for farming will be
lost. The Town encourages development within its Town Center and Activity Center
Districts by allowing more flexibility in development design. This results in faster
permitting, and provides an incentive for development near planned high-density areas
defined on the Land Use Plan. By encouraging development in these areas, preservation of
prime farmland soils is promoted.
7.6
Public Lands and Scenic, Recreational, and State Natural
Areas
With the continued implementation of the Town’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 2035
Land Use Plan, and UDO, scenic areas, open space, and parks will be a high priority for the
Town, providing mitigation for losses of open space as the Town grows. These planned
greenways and additions to the park system will provide recreational opportunities and
wildlife habitat. Lands adjacent to Lake Crabtree are also planned for preservation,
protecting large areas of scenic and recreational areas.
7.7
Areas of Archaeological or Historical Value
The Town has three properties on the NRHP: the Morrisville Christian Church, the
Williamson Page house, and the James M. Pugh House; the Town has taken steps to
preserve these sites. The Town has proactively relocated the James M. Pugh House, as well
as two historic tobacco barns, to prevent potential impact. Other historical areas may be
impacted directly by future projects, but indirect impacts are unlikely. Other measures that
will mitigate impacts include the Town’s Historic Crossroads Village zoning district, which
will further protect areas of historical value. The Town Center Plan, developed in 2007,