• On June 21, 2023, Council received the report, referring it to the Stormwater Management Utility Advisory Board and the Manager for review and developing a public engagement plan, and for staff to establish an updated flood policy.
• On September 26, 2023, the Stormwater Advisory Board heard presentations about the report from Working Group Co-Chair John Morris and staff. The staff presentation is available online. The meeting recording will be available on the Town calendar.
• On October 24, 2023, the Stormwater Advisory Board discussed several recommendations in the report. The meeting recording is available online.
• On November 28, 2023, staff provided the Stormwater Advisory Board with background information for each recommendation. With this document, the Board went discussed several recommendations. The meeting recording be available online.
• On January 23, 2024, the Stormwater Advisory Board approved the document to move to Council.
• Staff are working on incorporating the recommendations where appropriate.

Thirteenth (and Final) Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: May 22, 2023 6:00-7:30 PM
• Location: Online only

The Booker Creek Working Group met to discuss their final report to Town Council. Members voted to approve the final report with the addition of language about environmental justice in the introduction.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda
• Draft report
• Meeting Recording
  
• Meeting Notes
  
• Chat Transcript
  

Twelfth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 9/12/22 6:00-7:30 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss their progress with the draft report to Council after taking a summer recess. The full agenda and draft of the report are available online.

Members attended and participated in this meeting remotely, through internet access, and did not physically attend. There was be time for attendees to ask questions.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Draft Report of Recommendations
• Recording
  
• Notes
• Chat Transcript

Eleventh Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 6/27/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss possible recommendations, the report template, and the next steps for writing the report.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Draft Recommendation: Standards for Approving Major Stormwater projects
• Recording
  
• Notes
• Chat Transcript
  
• Presentation
  
  • Overview of Criteria for Prioritizing Projects in the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study

Tenth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 6/6/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss discuss equity, managing stormwater runoff, and a tentative recommendation to Council. Members attended and participated in this meeting remotely, through internet access, and did not physically attend. The Town did not provide a physical location for viewing the meeting. There was time for attendees to ask questions.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Recording
• Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Presentations
  • Environmental Justice and Booker Creek
    
  • Overview of the Land Use Management Ordinance and Stormwater

Town Council Work Session

• Date: 5/25/22 6:30 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

 The chairs of the Working Group provided an update to Council about the group's work. The update included a list of tentative recommendations for the Stormwater program.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Recording
• Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Presentations: Coming Soon

Ninth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 4/25/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss the Town of Cary's stormwater initiatives, a recommendation to protect bottomland forests, and the next steps for the Working Group. There was time for attendees to ask questions.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda
• Recommendations for protecting bottomland forests
• Milestone dates 
• Presentations: Town of Cary
  • The Path to the Community Rating System
  • Cary's Adaptive Stormwater Journey
  • Adaptive Stormwater 5.1.18
• Meeting Notes
  
• Chat Transcript
  
• Recording
  

Eighth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 4/4/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss flood damage reductions, the Booker Creek watershed boundaries, and potential recommendations. There was time for attendees to ask questions.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda, Tentative Recommendations, and Schedule
• Meeting slide deck
• Support and Recommendations from the Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance
• Booker Creek Watershed Map: Coming Soon
• Meeting Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Recording
  

Seventh Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 3/14/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group will met virtually to discuss (1) a green infrastructure grant program and (2) a process for drafting recommendations to Town Council. 

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Presentation
• Meeting Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Recording

Sixth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 2/21/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss stream functions and ecology.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Presentations: Coming Soon
  • Will Harman: Hierarchy of stream functions and restoration
  • Jeanette Bench: Booker Creek Native Habitat Restoration Project
  • Allison Weakley: Town of Chapel Hill Stream Data
• Meeting Notes
• Chat Transcript
  
• Recording

Fifth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 1/31/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss the agenda below. Working Group members Antonia Sebastian and Pamela Schultz presented information and resources that relate to flooding.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Presentations: Coming Soon
  
  • Antonia Sebastian - Flood Hydrology 101: An (Academic) Engineering Crash Course
  • Pamela Schultz - Summary of Lower Booker Creek Flood Data
• Meetings Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Recording
  

Fourth Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 1/10/22 6:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss the agenda below.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Presentations
  
  • Chapel Hill Stormwater Presentation
  • Michael Dupree's Presentation
    • APWA Presentation: Durham Soil & Water Conservation District
    • Chapel Hill Pilot Program Proposal
    • A. Reference Reach Data Spreadsheet
    • B. Cross Sectional Area Calculation Template (August 2017)
    • Stream Channel Worksheet (Fillable)
    • Graphic: Determining Entrenchment Ratio
      • 
• Meeting Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Recording
• Resources discussed during the meeting
  • FEMA’s BRIC grant
    • The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant is administered by FEMA and supports states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The first round of applications was due in January, 2021.
    • More information about the Town’s flood-resilience applications will be available in this section soon.
  • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Input
    • ARPA is the American Rescue Plan Act passed into law in March 2021 to help towns and cities recover from the pandemic. The Town of Chapel Hill will receive a total of $10,668,497.
    • How do you think the Town should spend this money? Fill out the survey to let us know!
  • Local Green Infrastructure Case Study
    • During the meeting, Louie Rivers mentioned their research paper titled, “Green infrastructure site selection in the Walnut Creek wetland community: A case study from southeast Raleigh, North Carolina.””
  • Possible Green Infrastructure sites in the Northside Neighborhood
    • During the Spring 2021 semester, Stormwater intern Carson Mays worked with Alisha Goldstein on a project to identify green infrastructure opportunities in the Northside Neighborhood. The project is titled, “Planning Green Infrastructure in Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Using green infrastructure to address social vulnerability to extreme heat and impervious surface coverage.”
  • Town Surveys
    • The Trash Tracker survey invites the community to submit locations of trash around Town. Stormwater staff use this data to coordinate litter cleanups.
    • The Tree Planting Database invites the community to follow the progress of the tree planting program and to submit recommendations for future planting locations.
  • Stormwater Volunteer opportunities and upcoming events
    • Want to host a litter cleanup? The Stormwater Office is here to help! We can provide supplies, help you choose a location, and coordinate trash pickup after your event. Email Sammy at sbauer@townofchapelhill.org for more information.
    • Storm drain markers remind folks to keep pollution out of the storm drain. Even grass clippings, loose leaves, and pet waste can pollute Jordan Lake and drinking water sources. Help us get the word out by marking local storm drains and distributing door hangers! For more information, check out Stormwater’s Public Education and Participation page or email Sammy at sbauer@townofchapelhill.org.
    • The first annual Orange County Creek Week will be March 12-19, 2022. The goal of Creek Week is to provide opportunities for folks to nurture their connections with our local waterways. Chapel Hill Stormwater is partnering with the Town of Carrboro, the Town of Hillsborough, UNC, OWASA, and Orange County Soil & Water to provide a host of events and resources to celebrate our creeks. Want to get involved? Reach out to Sammy at sbauer@townfochapelhill.org.

Third Working Group Meeting (virtual meeting)

• Date: 12/6/21 6:30 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

 The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss the agenda below.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Mission Statement Resources: Including the draft mission statement, the Mayor's framing comments, Council feedback, and the group norms.
• Presentations
  • General meeting slides
  • Leslie Vanden Herik: Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District
  • David Kroening: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
• Meeting Notes, including public comment
• Chat Transcript
• Recording

Town Council Work Session

• Date: 10/20/21 6:30 PM
• Location: Online only

Meeting Details

 The Chapel Hill Town Council met virtually to conduct a meeting to cover the items on the agenda below. Town Council members attended and participated in this meeting remotely, through internet access, and did not physically attend. The Town did not provide a physical location for viewing the meeting.

Members of the public were able to live stream the meeting and view it over the Town’s cable television channel access at https://chapelhill.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx - and on Chapel Hill Gov-TV (townofchapelhill.org/GovTV).

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Recording
• Notes: Coming Soon

Second Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 10/18/21 6:00-7:30 PM
• Location: Online Only
  

Meeting Details

 The Booker Creek Working Group met virtually to discuss the agenda below.

Meeting Resources

• Agenda
• Draft Mission Statement
• Presentation
• Meeting Notes
• Chat Transcript
• Public Comments: Coming Soon
• Recording

First Working Group Meeting (Virtual Meeting)

• Date: 10/07/2021 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 
• Location: Online Only

The Working Group was composed of members of the public with diverse expertise and experiences.

Facilitator

• Maggie Chotas - Dispute Settlement Center

Voting Members

• John Morris (Co-Chair)- Water Resources
• Doug Frederick - Forester
• Antonia Sebastian - Hydrologist

• Shugong Wang - Stormwater Management Utility Advisory Board
• Pamela Schultz (Co-Chair)- Stormwater Management Utility Advisory Board
• Jeanette Bench (Vice Chair)- Parks, Greenways and Recreation Commission
• Tom Henkel- Environmental Stewardship Advisory Board (formerly Judy Gaitens-Arneson until May 2023 and Noel Myers until October 2022)

• Chad Pickens - Business Owner with flooding property
• Miguel Rojas Sotelo - Homeowner in Booker Creek watershed with flooding property

• Michael Dupree - Expert Content Resource
• Louie Rivers - Environmental Justice

Non-Voting Support

• Amy Ryan - Council Liaison 
• Loryn Clark - Deputy Town Manager
• Lance Norris - Public Works Director
• Chris Roberts - Manager of Engineering & Infrastructure
• Sue Burke - Stormwater Engineer
• Alisha Goldstein - Engineer III (Former)
• Sammy Bauer - Community Education Coordinator
• Morgan Flynt - Stormwater Outreach Intern
• John Richardson - Community Resiliency Officer
• Tom Murray - Consultant from WK Dickson

Tackling flooding in a developed town is complicated. Here are some resources that group members develop recommendations.

Mayor Hemminger's Framing Questions

• Where is it flooding in our community and by how much? (in layman's terms - 6 inches, etc) how many homes, streets & businesses?
• What ideas can help reduce flooding during big storm events - and by how much?
• How to get the community engaged on their own properties with stormwater reduction
• How long do you think it will take to come back with short term & long term ideas?
• Who is not at the table and what expertise are you still needing?
• What role do our existing bottomland forests play in mitigating large stormwater events?

Resources to Assist with Drafting Recommendations

• Report Materials
  • Draft report template - Created by facilitator, Maggie Chotas
  • Draft recommendations, as of October 27, 2022
    
  • Draft recommendations, as of September 2022
    
• Town Council Petitions
  
  • Stormwater Storage Basin Project Petition - From June 28, 2021, signed by Council members Amy Ryan, Karen Stegman, and Hongbin Gu and Mayor Pam Hemminger.
  • Stormwater Ordinance Update Petition - Signed by Council members Hongbin Gu, Tai Huynh, Michael Parker, Amy Ryan, and Karen Stegman

Get to Know the Stormwater Program

• The What We Do page includes information about
  • current services,
  • billing,
  • the Town's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit,
  • Stormwater Management Plans, and
  • program history.
• The Master Plan Executive Summary (2014) gives an overview of the Stormwater program, including program goals, functions, and strategic initiative.
• The current Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP, pronounced "swamp") provides a lot of information about the Town's water quality programs. The SWMP is required for the Town's NPDES permit which is part of the federal Clean Water Act. NC DEQ audited the Town's NPDES program in June 2021. The Stormwater office will submit a new SWMP to DEQ for review at the beginning of December 2021.
• Town staff Council presentation about Stormwater Regulations: Engineer Mary Beth Meumann provided an overview about Town Stormwater regulations and how they could change in the future to address climate change. The presentation includes descriptions of green infrastructure and low impact development.
• Town staff responses to Public Concern about Flood Storage Projects. During the summer and fall of 2021, community members sent the Town questions and concerns about the Lower Booker Creek (LBC) subwatershed study and its corresponding flood storage projects. This staff response provides more context of the LBC report and responds to several themes that arose in the public comments.

Technical Resources

• NC Wildlife's Green Growth Toolbox: The Green Growth Toolbox is a technical assistance tool designed to help communities conserve high quality habitats as communities and developers continue to build new homes, workplaces, and shopping centers.
  • Training webinars: Webinars are free and last an hour and 15 minutes
  • November 9 and 23, 2021: Introduction to Green Growth Toolbox
  • December 14, 2021 and January 11, 2022: Introduction to Conservation Data for Green Growth
  • February 8, 2022: In-Depth Conservation Data for Green Growth
  • February 22, 2022: Greening Planning
• NC Stormwater's WOW Webinar Series:
  • Statewide Action Plan for Nature-based Stormwater Strategies in North Carolina: November 17, 2021
• Historical Flooding Perspective: Town of Chapel Hill Response to a Petition from Federal Realty Investment Trust Requesting Town Assistance with Drainage Improvements to Mitigate the Potential for Flooding at the Eastgate Shopping Center (2001)

Resources from Working Group Discussions

Member Feedback

Starting with the December (2021) meeting, group members have been sending in key takeaways from each discussion. This member feedback will be updated one week after each meeting.

The most recent version was updated on February 10, 2022.

Resources from the Fourth Meeting on January 10, 2022

• FEMA’s BRIC grant
  • The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant is administered by FEMA and supports states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The first round of applications was due in January, 2021.
  • More information about the Town’s flood-resilience applications will be available in this section soon.
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Community Input
  • ARPA is the American Rescue Plan Act passed into law in March 2021 to help towns and cities recover from the pandemic. The Town of Chapel Hill will receive a total of $10,668,497.
  • How do you think the Town should spend this money? Fill out the survey to let us know!
• Local Green Infrastructure Case Study
  • During the meeting, Louie Rivers mentioned their research paper titled, “Green infrastructure site selection in the Walnut Creek wetland community: A case study from southeast Raleigh, North Carolina.””
• Possible Green Infrastructure sites in the Northside Neighborhood
  • During the Spring 2021 semester, Stormwater intern Carson Mays worked with Alisha Goldstein on a project to identify green infrastructure opportunities in the Northside Neighborhood. The project is titled, “Planning Green Infrastructure in Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Using green infrastructure to address social vulnerability to extreme heat and impervious surface coverage.”
• Town Surveys
  • The Trash Tracker survey invites the community to submit locations of trash around Town. Stormwater staff use this data to coordinate litter cleanups.
  • The Tree Planting Database invites the community to follow the progress of the tree planting program and to submit recommendations for future planting locations.
• Stormwater Volunteer opportunities and upcoming events
  • Want to host a litter cleanup? The Stormwater Office is here to help! We can provide supplies, help you choose a location, and coordinate trash pickup after your event. Email Sammy at sbauer@townofchapelhill.org for more information.
  • Storm drain markers remind folks to keep pollution out of the storm drain. Even grass clippings, loose leaves, and pet waste can pollute Jordan Lake and drinking water sources. Help us get the word out by marking local storm drains and distributing door hangers! For more information, check out Stormwater’s Public Education and Participation page or email Sammy at sbauer@townofchapelhill.org.
  • The first annual Orange County Creek Week will be March 12-19, 2022. The goal of Creek Week is to provide opportunities for folks to nurture their connections with our local waterways. Chapel Hill Stormwater is partnering with the Town of Carrboro, the Town of Hillsborough, UNC, OWASA, and Orange County Soil & Water to provide a host of events and resources to celebrate our creeks. Want to get involved? Reach out to Sammy at sbauer@townfochapelhill.org.

In 2015, the Stormwater Division of the Public Works Department began to study watersheds within Town limits. The goal of these studies is to recommend and prioritize projects that will control existing flooding, stabilize streams, and improve overall water quality.

The Booker Creek Watershed has a drainage area of approximately 6.3 square miles and includes 5 subwatersheds:

• Lower Booker Creek,
• Booker Headwaters,
• Crow Branch,
• Cedar Fork, and
• Eastwood Lake.

The Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study identified $22 million in needed capital projects to improve flooding and water quality. The Council approved using the 2015 Stormwater bonds of $5.9 million for the top priority projects identified in the report.

The Town completed constructing the first project identified by the Lower Booker Creek study in 2021. Formerly called Elliott Flood Storage, the Booker Creek Basin Park is located between Eastgate Crossing Shopping Center and South Elliott Road.

In September 2021, Council withdrew support of the remaining flood storage projects and approved creation of the Booker Creek Working Group.

Booker Creek Watershed Proposed Flood Storage Projects

Date: 09/13/2021 6:00 PM

Location: Online Only, See additional information below.

This community information meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the flood storage projects identified in the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study and share your questions or comments. There will be time for attendees to ask questions about the studies and the proposed projects.

AGENDA

• Opening remarks – Mayor Hemminger
• Introductions
• Study Presentation
• Presentation by Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance
• Q&A - a summary will be presented at a Council work session on October 20, 2021 (dependent on the number of questions received)

 Some important information for attendees.

1. No decisions will be made at this meeting.  There will be additional opportunities to provide input before any final decisions are made.
2. There will be time for questions from attendees.  We ask that you keep your questions brief so that all who have questions can ask them.
3. The Town Council will hold a public work session on October 20, 2021 for staff to provide an update of the subwatershed studies and a compilation of questions received by the Town from residents and prepared responses (dependent on the number of questions received). Next steps will be discussed.
4. Public input and comments regarding the project may also be submitted to:  stormwater@townofchapelhill.org.  Please include “Booker Creek” in the subject line.

MEETING RECORDING

A recording of the meeting is available online.

PRESENTATIONS

Tom Murray of WK Dickson gave a presentation about the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study.

The Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance gave a presentation about Stormwater Mitigation and Green Infrastructure. Presenters included Dr. Edward Marshall, Dr. Douglas Frederick, Mr. John Morris, and Mr. Michael Dupree.

CHAT AND Q&A TRANSCRIPT

Questions and comments made in the chat and Q&A feature are available in the Chat and Q&A Transcript.

SPOKEN COMMENTS TRANSCRIPT

Comments and questions asked verbally during the meeting are available in the Spoken Comments Transcript.

Staff Responses to Community Feedback (New!)

Town staff responses to Public Concern about Flood Storage Projects. During the summer and fall of 2021, community members sent the Town questions and concerns about the Lower Booker Creek (LBC) subwatershed study and its corresponding flood storage projects. This staff response provides more context of the LBC report and responds to several themes that arose in the public comments.

Community Information Meeting Comments

On Monday, September 13, the Town held a community information meeting to invite residents to ask questions and make comments about the flood storage projects and subwatershed studies. Answers to those questions will be on this website soon.

A transcript of the chat and Q&A is available online. A transcript of the spoken comments is also available.

Booker Creek Watershed Petition

The Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance (BCNPA) organized a public petition against the construction of the flood storage devices recommended through the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study.

The petition is available online. The BCNPA also compiled public comments to Council, many of which are also available below.

Public Comments to Council and Staff

Below are comments received via email to Town Council, the Mayor, and staff. Comments will be updated a minimum of weekly on Mondays depending on the volume of the emails. Names and addresses are removed to respect the privacy of the commenters.

June 6, 2021

Having learned of the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study of September 2018 just a few weeks ago, we and many of our neighbors are very concerned about the immediate environmental impacts of the proposed Red Bud Storage Area, which threatens the destruction of many old and large trees on or immediately adjacent to our properties, and which is literally in some of our backyards. 

Because I am a retired economist with a background in public finance, the element of the Study that I find most striking, and to which I can speak with some expertise, is its failure to address basic issues about whether it is worth spending public monies on the identified flood control improvements.  The narrow question that the Study addresses is:  What publicly financed construction expenditures would best mitigate flooding in the Lower Booker Creek area?  While that question is suitable for the purposes of engineers seeking technical solutions to a problem, the Town Council needs to ask the broader question, Are the benefits of the proposed flood control improvements sufficient to justify their costs?  In particular, the Study does not consider and/or quantify:

1. the up-front costs that the Town would incur to purchase easements or to restore habitats that are damaged by the improvements;

2.  the continuing costs that the Town would incur to maintain flood-reduction facilities that are designed to provide services for decades;

3.  the costs of improvement-related environmental degradation that is not sufficiently mitigated;

4.  the value of the benefits of flood mitigation to businesses and residents, as measured by the extent to which the proposed construction expenditures would reduce the costs of flood damage; nor

5.  the actions that can be taken by flood-prone businesses and residents to mitigate the costs of flooding, which might be cheaper than the engineering solutions provided by the Study.

In short, the Study does not provide the cost and benefit information that the Town Council needs to determine whether it would be reasonable to spend public finds on the proposed flood improvements.  The Study promises that the proposed flood control improvements will reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of flooding; but it does not promise that these improvements will prevent flooding, nor does it demonstrate that these improvements will reduce the costs of flooding by more than the costs of the improvements, nor does it consider alternative actions that may be less costly than the ones proposed.

June 7, 2021

As your constituent and a Chapel Hill homeowner, I recently became aware of Red Bud Storage Area Project, which is the next priority of the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study. After reading the W. K. Dickson report (September 2018), I have some major concerns about the project.

One of the reasons why my husband and I were attracted to Chapel Hill and particularly our neighborhood, is because of the forested areas and the wildlife in our backyard. If the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Project, is implemented, we would lose between 40 and 56 acres of tree canopy, and potential wildlife habitat. In my own backyard, which abuts to the Red Bud Storage Area, we have deer, hawks, owls, various birds, and other little critters. Other proposed areas of the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Project house wildlife, and they will also have their habitat destroyed. The proposal of cutting down trees and replacing them with larger water storage areas will increase soil erosion. Trees function by retaining water and topsoil, and extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – all needed for mitigating climate change.

Implementing the above plan will cost over $22 million, and close to $1 million for the smaller Red Bud Storage Area Project. The study does not have any plans or budgeted funds for the maintenance of soil erosion or silting of storage facilities, which will inevitably occur. It also excludes the capital costs of easements and habitat restoration.

The report states that implementing the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study might reduce peak 25-year flood flows by 14%. The Red Bud Storage Project will cut, by about one-half of one percent, the total peak flows of the Lower Booker Creek drainage area.  

I appreciate that the town is trying to address flooding issues. However, losing more forest and wildlife habitat, creating more soil erosion and potentially more water that isn’t retained by the forests, and only potentially reducing peak 25-year flood flows by a small percentage are issues to address when spending a large amount of taxpayer money. I strongly encourage the town to aggressively search for alternatives solutions to flooding that support our core environmental values.

In closing, I would like to invite you to tour the Red Bud Storage Area and my neck of the woods so that you have a better understanding of the proposed project. My husband and I would be happy to be your tour guides. Just give me a call or email me.

July 7, 2021

We would like to voice our strong concern about the Town’s proposed Piney Mountain Stormwater Basin Project. The project area is a beautiful, long-lived, and storied forest, one of the few that still exists in Chapel Hill. It is rich in natural North Carolinian wildlife and a sanctuary for biodiversity.

Beyond the interest of preservation, it also serves as an important ecosystem for the people living in the neighborhood. We recall a time when a friend visited us from China: instead of exploring the town and experiencing the great shops and vibrant bustle of downtown Chapel Hill, he spent the entire day in the forest, breathing in the fresh air and serenity. He was astonished by the freshness and crispness of the forest air and when he was done, he remarked jokingly that he was trying to store as much of the forest as he could in his lungs to take back to China!

We understand that the town needs to address the stormwater problem of the Booker Creek Basin. We encourage you to consider the alternatives and weigh your decision heavily on its environmental impact – replacing a beautiful ancient forest with an empty basin with overgrown grass, invasive species, and processed sludge would contribute more to the loss of history and wildlife than to the success of Chapel Hill and our neighborhood. Your decision would leave lasting consequences on the people living in the greater neighborhood for years to come. Please help to preserve the ecosystem and the beauty of Chapel Hill. A basin can be built, drained, destroyed, and rebuilt, but when a forest is gone, it is gone forever.

July 28, 2021

I live on Priestly Creek Dr. On July 9th I learned that Chapel Hill has an approved plan to form a stormwater basin in the open wooded area between Priestly Creek and Old Forest Creek, called the Piney Mountain Road project.  As I understand this would mean cutting down over 70% of the trees and excavating tons of dirt in the 5.5-acre woods to make a basin to slow down water during a potential 25-year storm event, with the aim to alleviate potential 25-year flooding of commercial areas downstream in Chapel Hill (Eastgate toward University Mall). This would change the nature of our neighborhood and destroy the wonderful tree canopy and habitat for wildlife that is currently here. I am concerned that the price of these storm water basins and the cost of losing this and other similar wooded areas to form these basins is not justified by the small benefit of slowed water in a 25-year storm (less than 1% from the storm basin in our open area). Storm water management is a big problem, and the city deserves my support as they try to solve this problem, but it is not clear that this is an appropriate or effective solution. 

A committee in our neighborhood was formed in response to our learning of the stormwater plans to gather information and after careful work we ask that the city step back and consider eco- and biodiversity-friendly alternatives and do a “Best Practices” assessment of more effective alternatives. I understand that there is now a pause in action on stormwater storage basin plans.  In this pause, I hope it is considered that these plans involve significant deforestation and appear to run counter to the city's climate mitigation plans that include the preservation of tree canopy and the maintenance of healthy streams and habitat for wildlife.  There appears to have been no real cost/benefit analysis of the stormwater basin plans that considered wider goals and objectives in our beautiful city.  My request is that the city study and implement alternatives for stormwater management that are consistent with the Chapel Hill Climate Change Plan.  Some of these alternatives are suggested in the Dickson report and I would like to know how the city plans to implement these more ecologically sound remedies.   Further, other cities in North Carolina and other states have implemented "Best Practice" alternatives and these should be studied and considered.   I do hope that you will work collaboratively with Chapel Hill citizens that are affected by and have the potential to help with these solutions to stormwater issues.  Community engagement in solving our most pressing problems will almost certainly increase the efficacy of any solution.  

July 29, 2021

This message is to express my concerns regarding the Piney Mountain Road (#3) proposal in the WK Dickson Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study (Sept 2018).  The report clearly addresses an ongoing and urgent need in CH to reduce flooding of both residential and commercial establishments.  I visited the park installation in the Eastgate area and agree that a deeper bowl holds more water.  At the Eastgate site, the installation seems reasonable, but is that model seems poorly suited for a residential neighborhood.  Several features strike me as inappropriate for a neighborhood setting where children, many of whom play unsupervised as the get older, and residents are frequent visitors. 

·      The constructed concrete block banks are quite steep and present a danger of falls by children or walkers in the area.  This would present a huge liability for the town.

·      While the main stream at Eastgate has a flow of water, the side areas that hold water are stagnant with murky water filled with thick algae. Not only is this a fertile breeding ground of mosquitoes, but presents a drowning danger for children in the area – the water is opaque and the depth cannot be judged.

·      The overall bareness of the ‘park’ is acceptable in a commercial area with large apartments, businesses, and surrounded by parking lots.  This type of area is not compatible with a heavily forested neighborhood, especially when 5+ acres of land will need to be cleared of mature forest to create the area.

With respect to the Piney Mountain Road project I have the following questions and concerns:

·      The proposed project (cost estimate is almost $2M dollars) will have a 1% reduction of a total of 14% reduction of flow for the entire project.  What is the differential between the reduced flow by creating a basin lacking mature trees versus 5+ acres of a mature hardwood forest that absorbs and transpires 1,000s of gallons of water every day? It is counterintuitive to remove trees and forest growth to reduce flooding.  As a PhD in biology, this proposal is at odds with everything I have learned about ecology, water runoff, and land conservation. It has been noted that this plan does not follow the Best Management Practices of the EPA Stormwater Administration.

·      Has the actual cost been properly assessed with inclusion of the spoil site?  The cost estimate for this project is high, but it is noted in the report the cost will likely be much higher if a local spoil site not available for the trees and soil removed. (See estimates in Section 8 on page 185.)  The estimate used is $715/linear foot but is noted that cost may be as high as $910/LF – plus an additional 30% for design, easement acquisition, surveying, legal and administrative costs. It is hard to imagine that there is a conveniently located spoil site near this part of town.

·      Without maintenance costs built into this plan – how long will it last?  Booker Creek is known to have a significant silting problem due to upstream construction which seems to be increasing.  This project will significantly increase the downstream silting during construction and going forward by the absence of the natural vegetation that captures much of the silt from upstream.  Without planned maintenance (dredging), how long will it take this area to ‘silt in’ and mitigate the effectiveness of the project?

·      Will the success versus cost of each stage of this project be evaluated before moving to the next stage?  What is the cost to benefit of the Eastgate project and how has the success of that and other similar projects been evaluated?

·      How does this plan reconcile with the 2007 “ Town of Chapel Hill Climate Action Response Plan”? What is the impact of removing 5+ acres of forested trees on atmospheric carbon? How is this balanced against the daily uptake of carbon by this forested area?  

·      The study recommends potential green infrastructure retrofits for neighborhoods which could include green street features such as grass swales, grass medians, bioretention bump outs, inlet treatment, residential rain gardens, and disconnection of downspouts. While individual retrofits will not have a significant impact on flooding, the cumulative impact of these practices throughout a community and watershed can be significant.  Has the town explored these recommendations or alternative approaches? Currently, the town has information on its web site regarding rain garden construction but it is left to the homeowner to have the initiative to seek out this information and bear the entire cost of such projects.  Perhaps an incentive program implemented and promoted by the town would result in significant runoff reductions.  Will are privileged to live in an area with so many innovative experts at our local institutions.  How have these resources been utilized in planning this project?

·      The rich biodiversity of this area is mentioned in the report, and it’s disruption will be significant. What is the plan by the town to mitigate the displacement of the many deer, foxes and, presumably, coyotes that live in this area other than to force them into the surrounding neighborhoods? Obviously, many other animal and plants will be adversely affected, but these mammals cause property damage and present danger to children and small pets.

·      Is the town willing to initiate this project knowing that the homeowners whose property will be impacted through easement acquisition are adamantly opposed to this project, as are most of the surrounding neighborhood members?  Although the report states efforts to get input from citizens, none of the homeowners whose property will be impacted were aware of this project. In fact, no one in the neighborhood was aware of it.

·      A note- I am surprised that lay language used in a technical report. There is no attempt to define the appropriate terminology of 2 yr, 4 yr, 25 yr, 100 yr floods. The use of misleading terminology in a technical report is unacceptable at any level and suggests a lack of knowledge by the authors.  I do hope that the annual exceedance probability is understood clearly by the town decision makers who have read and acted upon this report.

o   From the USGS.gov website: “The term "100-year flood" is used in an attempt to simplify the definition of a flood that statistically has a 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year. Likewise, the term "100-year storm" is used to define a rainfall event that statistically has this same 1-percent chance of occurring. In other words, over the course of 1 million years, these events would be expected to occur 10,000 times. But, just because it rained 10 inches in one day last year doesn't mean it can't rain 10 inches in one day again this year.

Recurrence intervals and probabilities of occurrences

What is an Annual Exceedance Probability?

The USGS and other agencies often refer to the percent chance of occurrence as an Annual Exceedance Probability or AEP. An AEP is always a fraction of one. So a 0.2 AEP flood has a 20% chance of occurring in any given year, and this corresponds to a 5-year recurrence-interval flood. Recurrence-interval terminology tends to be more understandable for flood intensity comparisons. However, AEP terminology reminds the observer that a rare flood does not reduce the chances of another rare flood within a short time period.”

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/100-year-flood?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects

Thank you for considering these concerns.  As a 30+ yr resident of Chapel Hill and a 20+ yr resident of Old Forest Creek, I deeply value and appreciate the high standards that Chapel Hill has set in all aspects of life (education, health, equal rights and opportunities, and preservation of natural resources, including climate change measures).  I hope that you will strive to continue to meet those standards as you seek stormwater and drainage solutions in our town.

August 3, 2021

Thank you each for your service to our town, in which I know you must balance many competing priorities and hear from a variety of constituents before decisively taking action.  I’m writing today to you to discuss my concerns with regard to the Piney Mountain Road(#3) proposal in the WK Dickson Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study (Sept 2018).

I live in one of the affected neighborhoods (on Mendel Drive, in Old Forest Creek) and am writing to demand that this project be permanently halted. I know that there is a temporary hold on the project until further meetings “sometime in the fall”. Because of the deeply disappointing way the town proceeded with the Aura project despite robust community opposition, I want to do everything I can to ensure that my voice is counted and my valid concerns are taken seriously. 

After carefully reading the report and discussing matters with many other similarly concerned members of the neighborhood, I have many strong reservations, the most pressing of which are noted below:

Inaccurate Financial Cost Projections

·       The report mentions that the necessary relocation of the dirt and debris, likely far from the site, will require additional funds. What is the plan for the acquisition of these funds? 

·       Similar projects have run far over budget, essentially negating the validity of any cost-benefit analysis that may have been done (to my knowledge, a true cost-benefit analysis was not ever done for this site, in any case).  This is not a responsible use of the taxpayer money.

·       No funds have been allocated for monitoring or maintenance. Is this because these activities are not planned? The basin will not be effective at retaining water and could become dangerous to the neighborhood if it is not properly maintained.

·       The costs associated with this project could better be reallocated for green approaches (including initiatives to install rain gardens, gutter disconnects with rain barrels, grass swales, etc. many of which were mentioned in the report).

Inaccurate Science

·       Mature, established forests retain water – removal of these forests may be counterproductive, and planting of new trees in other sites will not fix the problem. As a Biologist myself (and a Biology teacher at UNC), I can attest that based on a plethora of well-done scientific studies, we know that it takes time for a full ecological system to become established in order for it to effectively function in water management. Water management is an ecosystem service that we benefit from. Without an ecosystem, there can be no ecosystem service. Therefore, this project may actually be counterproductive to the town’s goals. It is doubtless counterproductive to the commitments the town has recently made about green initiatives and community engagement.

·       Before proceeding with these ecologically destructive and financially costly approaches, I would like to see data (not modeled projections) from either Chapel Hill or similar climates demonstrating that these approaches will actually be effective at mitigating flooding. We know that the costs (ecological, social, recreational, fiscal) are real, so it would be good to have data to show that the benefits are real as well.

·       IWhat kind of scientific monitoring is being done down at the Elliot road site that was already completed? Do we have any preliminary data to show that this basin is actually working as hoped?  Silt depositions in stormwater basins are a major issue – we know this from what has happened at Lake Ellen (and many other sites). What is the long-term plan to ensure that the Bolin Creek Basin doesn’t simply become a repository for silt and algae, thus leaving us with all of the cost and none of the benefit for this project?

In closing, as an active member of this community, I am invested in the long-term health of this town and am aware that stormwater is a critical concern and that the flooding is devastating to local businesses. I don’t see this as an “either or” situation. From reading the report, doing my own research and discussing the matter with environmental engineers, I am confident that there are some “win-win” green alternatives. I would like the town to partner with its residents on these “green” alternatives. This is why I am asking you to recommend that the town permanently stop construction on unproven and potentially ineffective impoundments that will destroy much of what makes Chapel Hill such a vibrant and healthy community.

Thank you for taking the time to engage on this matter and for your service to our town in general. I know that you have been in touch with Edward Marshall about touring the site later this month, but I would hope that the voices of the many experts, scientists, and citizens will also compel you to take action to permanently stop this project.

August 4, 2021

I’m writing to you to discuss my concerns with regard to the Piney Mountain Road (#3) proposal in the WK Dickson Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study (Sept 2018).

We live in one of the affected neighborhoods and are writing to express our firm desire that this project be permanently halted. We are aware that there is a temporary hold on the project until further meetings but want to ensure that our voices are counted and our concerns are noted. My key question, has the town explored any of the green alternatives that are proposed in the report?

Some of our concerns are as follows:

·      The town did not engage with our neighborhoods to solicit our feedback on this or to seek our collaboration on green alternatives.

·      The report does not mention funding for maintenance to ensure that the impoundment remains effective and safe, nor funding for monitoring it.

·      Mature, established forests retain water – removal of these forests may be counterproductive, and planting of new trees in other sites will not fix the problem – it takes time for a full ecological system to become established in order for it to effectively function in water management.

·      Before proceeding with these ecologically destructive and financially costly approaches, we would like to see data (not modeled projections) from 

In closing, as active members of this community, we are invested in the long-term health of the town and are aware that stormwater is a critical concern. We would like the town to partner with residents on “green” alternatives, and to stop construction on unproven and potentially ineffective impoundments. 

Thank you for taking the time to engage on this matter and for your service to our town in general.

August 4, 2021

My husband and I live in the Old Forest Creek neighborhood and we both work in the environmental field. My husband is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University and I am an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC.

We are writing to convey our deep distress about the Town’s current, unproven and misguided effort to attempt to find a solution to downstream flooding by forming a stormwater basin in the wooded area between Priestly Creek and Old Forest Creek neighborhoods. The area you are seeking to destroy is a gem and a resource for the people of Chapel Hill: six acres of mature 80+ year old bottomland forest, a wildlife refuge and a pristine, healthy stream would be demolished. We want to express our fervent opposition to this project.

Even though we recognize the need for a solid and responsible plan to control flooding downstream of our neighborhoods, this is not it! There are alternatives that are economical and would not destroy this priceless bottomland ecosystem. We do not find the current proposal to be well thought out, cost-effective, workable or environmentally sound.  It is also questionable whether State and Federal permits could be obtained, given the impacts to the perennial stream and jurisdictional wetlands, especially for all sites proposed by Dickson. There also could be regulatory issues with disturbing riparian habitats in watersheds above Jordan Lake.

We request that the Town place an immediate moratorium on these WK Dickson storm water basin projects that would entail the destruction of over 60 acres of bottomland forests. We prefer to see the Town of Chapel Hill be a model for solving their storm water management objectives and in preserving these exceptional bottomland forests and streams for the many ecological services they provide.

As you know, this particular basin project would involve cutting down 70 percent of the trees of the mature bottomland hardwood forest and excavating and disposing of thousands of cubic yards of soil, thus destroying the delicate forest and stream eco systems and converting the area into an open, parched and ecologically simplified grassland. Even the Dickson report acknowledges that all of this destruction would only yield a less than 1% improvement in downstream flooding. And once this beautiful forest is destroyed, it cannot be brought back in our lifetime. Indeed, the already constructed similar projects on Elliot and on Homestead roads are of questionable value, have not been maintained anda re now unsightly parched grasslands full of tangled exotics.

Instead of obliterating such irreplaceable treasures, we ask the mayor and Town Council to protect such forested bottomlands for their exceptional value for water quality, flood reduction, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, aesthetics and recreational enjoyment.

Notably, even though this project was approved and prioritized for construction in 2022, the WK Dickson work is inaccurate and deficient, and provides no responsible plan to control flooding downstream of our neighborhood. For example:

·      The study does not follow Best Management Practices of the Environmental Protection Agency Stormwater Administration

·      There was no cost-benefit analysis done

·      No environmental or ecological impact analysis was performed

·      No maintenance plan was proposed

·      There was no plan or cost estimate for hauling away and disposing of thousands of cubic yards of soil that would have to be excavated from the site

·      There was zero neighborhood outreach, even though WK Dickson promised to inform residents about the project and about public information meetings. Instead, the news that this project was approved and slated for construction came as a complete surprise to all of those living in the neighborhoods where the environmental damage would occur. This intentional or unintentional lack of communication is unacceptable.

  It is also important to note that the Town Council has historically approved major development in the Booker Creek flood plain with little consideration of future flooding consequences. In fact, Town decision makers continue to approve intense development in those flood plains. For example, the council recently approved significant development that will be built on the University Place mall property. Other neighborhoods shouldn’t be penalized for the past and current indiscriminate approvals for development in the flood plain that is worsening flooding damage. We feel strongly that neighborhoods should not have to pay the price for the Town’s past and current indiscriminate approvals and unwise decisions.

We would like to see the Town of Chapel Hill be a model for solving their storm water management objectives and at the same time, preserving these exceptional bottomland forests and streams for the many ecological services they provide. We are fortunate to have so many people in our neighborhoods who are long-time, noted experts on flooding, hydrology, forestry and plant and animal ecology. We want to partner with you to create a Chapel Hill that is climate resilient, biodiverse and protected from future flooding. By partnering with Town officials, we can find better alternatives for storm water management that are more effective, less costly and not so environmentally destructive. 

 We hope you will take our comments seriously and take advantage of this opportunity to reach your objectives, protect the environment and serve as a model for cooperation with Chapel Hill residents.

August 6, 2021

I am a resident of Priestly Creek and was informed by our association about the proposed Booker Creek Development plan, this will affect my neighbors on the uneven side of my street who have the creek running behind their property.

I hope there are alternative plans than cutting down trees , disturb the wildlife that we enjoy and remove the privacy (some have the creek just below their deck on stilts) of our neighbors.

I understand that after heavy rainfall, the creek has to absorb the rain that runs from Lake Ellen to Eastwood Lake.

This area cannot be compared with the adjustments on Elliott Road next to that building of 6-7 floors.

Aren't there alternative plans? 

Can another culvert be added under the Piney Mountain Bridge? 

I have also noticed that across from our street  (Priestly / Piney Mountain)  is a canyon of about 25 meters deep.

Isn’t there a possibility to bypass some of that water to the canyon after it slopes behind the Crow Hollow Private Street?  

We all hope that there are 2nd and 3rd professional opinions available and offered to our neighborhood. For instance, a normal clean-up of the creek and added rocks, but no mayor cutting.

Is it possible to see monitors at the creek on heavy rainy days for real time observation during a period instead of relying on the data of the USGS station?

I think it is only fair that the affected residents are interviewed personally, that they are invited on a walk along the creek with an engineer and be explained what is about to happen.   No amount of improvement is going to get them excited since this is a private area and I doubt they would like to see more people walking in their "back yard".

Our association meets regularly and we will compare notes of the answers and acknowledges of this letter-writing campaign.  Most residents will write and some more than once to stress concerns.  Every single house along the creek deserves an assurance.

August 7, 2021

I’m writing today to express my deep displeasure at hearing the town’s proposed Booker Creek Watershed Project.  This deforestation will denude a wonderful walking trail that my friends and family use daily.  It is a cherished part of the Lake Forest neighborhood and the surrounding Booker Creek area…. And for what? A modest 14% gain in overflow during a 25 year storm event?  By definition, an event that will occur 4 times a century should not destroy the daily joy and happiness derived from this amazing area.  I’m confident that our neighborhood of high-end tax payers will not sit idly by while one of our treasures is turned into a waste basin.  We strongly encourage you to reconsider this proposal and vote to forego this project.

 August 10, 2021

I was very disturbed to hear of the deforestation proposed in the Booker Creek Watershed Project Priority List (6 very large stormwater storage basins, all of which include the removal of at least 70% of the mature forest habitat on a total of 48 acres of town owned land). One of these projects is in our neighborhood along the Booker Creek Trail between Booker Creek Road and the bridge (encompasses 11 acres and stipulates the mass deforestation of the mature forest followed by the excavation and removal of approx. 3,000 large truckloads of soil).

I do not feel this engineering solution properly considers the environmental impact or the high cost ($22M plus) for the small return of potentially reducing the rate of water flow by 14% in a 25-year rain event. In addition to the deforestation that will take place, these basins will cause extensive destruction of an existing robust ecosystem, both of which are contrary to Town’s recently passed Climate Action Plan.

I urge the Council to consider flood mitigation measures that would not require the destruction of forest habitat. We would be open to green infrastructure projects on our property to help with the downstream flooding.

 August 9, 2021

 August 9, 2021

August 9, 2021

Good afternoon, I am part of a concerned group of Booker Creek neighbors and users of the path.  I have become aware of the 6 very large stormwater storage basins that have been approved for the Booker Creek Watershed Project.

August 9, 2021

 August 10, 2021

August 14, 2021

First off, I want to thank you for your public service on behalf of all Chapel Hill residents. I am a long time member of the Chapel Hill community (22 years and counting) and am writing in regard to the Piney Mountain Road (#3) proposal in the WK Dickson Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study (Sept 2018). I live in the old Forrest Creek neighborhood (on Mendel Drive) and while I would not be directly impacted by this project, for the reasons enumerated below, I strongly oppose this project and hope that the town, working with the folks in the affected neighborhoods, can develop a more reasonable and prudent alternative to alleviate the flooding issues that affect the downstream areas of Booker Creek.

Let me start by conceding that the flooding of the Booker Creek basin is a clear problem, and I support thoughtful, creative solutions that do not have a substantial detrimental environmental impact in general, or more specifically do not negatively impact the affected neighborhoods. My understanding is that the Piney Mountain Road Storm Basin aspect of this project would provide less than a 1% reduction in downstream Booker Creek flooding, yet would be monetarily, aesthetically, and environmentally costly. It would remove over five acres of trees and countless tons of earth from a natural area between the Old Forest Creek Drive and Priestly Creek Drive sections of our neighborhood and in their place leave a barren storm basin. As a proud member of an environmentally responsible town, I know that Chapel Hill recognizes climatic change as an existential threat and is committed to acting as best we can to mitigate our impact on this problem. Unfortunately, while minimally addressing an immediate problem (i.e. downstream flooding), this project would have a substantial long-term negative environmental impact and would destroy a forested bottomland, irrevocably reducing biodiversity, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, aesthetics and recreational enjoyment.

I respectively request that you permanently stop this project in its tracks and work with the local residents to find a more environmentally responsible and effective approach to this problem.

August 15, 2021

We oppose taking down trees along the Booker Creek Trail Forest as part of a flood control project, as proposed:   http://bookercreekplan.org/lower-booker-creek/ .  Please keep the trees.

August 17, 2021

We would like to request that the town council reconsider the addition of the 6 storm basins. While we are not experts in the field of watersheds, it does seem that the removal of so many mature trees will remove nature’s way of water management. The trees absorb so much of the extra water that the few times we do have flooding, any ponding of water is soon gone.

 We are only familiar with the Booker Creek Trail, which I have walked most days in the past 20 plus years. One of the aspects that make it especially enjoyable is the shade offered by the trees. And while after a great storm, there is some water ponding in the woods, the walkways have never been flooded.

 This seems a great expenditure of money for something that will bring very little return.

 We appreciate your help on this and for all that you do to keep our lovely town running smoothly.

 August 18, 2021

One would hope that you good folks would see the folly of the planned storm water clearance along the Lower Booker Creek Trail.  Please do reconsider this idea.

August 18, 2021

I am writing in regards to the project in the town’s Stormwater Plan for the Booker Creek Watershed.

I am very concerned that once again, our neighborhoods and our planet are being made to pay a large and harmful price to fix a problem created by poor planning. In the past the town and developers did not properly consider the environmental impacts of what they were doing.  Ruining ecosystems and getting rid of mature forest is certainly not a solution by any stretch of the imagination.

If our tax dollars are to be spent on preventing places like the Eastgate shopping center from flooding, then the goal should be to alter the currently already paved areas of town to mitigate the flooding that these very areas caused. I would rather see Eastgate float away than give up more of the natural areas in our town. We should not be getting rid of green spaces and mature biodiverse areas that make our neighborhoods so special and that we should be protecting at any cost especially in these times when climate change is wrecking havoc with our planet.

Since we moved to Chapel Hill in 2013, we have witnessed an incredible amount of development and growth of the town that has in many many instances come at the cost of losing tree canopy and green spaces.  Often this has been on private land, but the plan for the Booker Creek Watershed involves public, town-owned land and you, as our elected officials should be defending these places unconditionally.  We are already handing our children a planet that has been ravaged by humanity.  As my high schoolers say, we have to now only be one-issue voters because if we do not treat our planet responsibly and undo damage we have done we won’t be here to vote on anything else.

Use our money and our will to change the places we have already damaged.  Do not do more harm.

August 18, 2021

August 19, 2021

August 19, 2021

My family supports the request of the Booker Creek Neighborhood Preservation Alliance that the Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager, and Stormwater Advisory Board, cancel all neighborhood stormwater basin projects, and instead partner with our Alliance of neighborhoods and Experts to identify and study alternatives that will protect the biodiversity and integrity of our neighborhood watershed, and be economically responsible, while supporting the Town’s climate and stormwater mitigation plans.

August 28, 2021

I was extremely dismayed when I found out about the proposed plan for stormwater remediation on Booker Creek.  I am a birder and a naturalist and I cannot imagine what devastation this plan would cause to our beautiful greenways along the creek.  It’s really much bigger than the devastation to the trail.  This plan would affect the mature bottomland hardwood forest along the entire Booker Creek watershed.  From what I’ve gleaned from the report, some 50 acres of forest would be culled along with removing and scraping out rich topsoil and a very fragile ecosystem of life.  This would eliminate most of the bird life along with the habitat for our native animals -  the foxes, deer, river otters, turtles, etc.  And for what end?  To try to solve a problem that was created when Eastgate was built?  With the huge outlay of tax payer monies this project would demand, why not spend it by working with what we have and create a river park through the parking lot of Eastgate so that water flows in a more natural way and people could come and picnic and shop and enjoy nature?  I would be heartbroken to lose this jewel in our town and can’t help but think that there are better solutions to this problem.

I acknowledge the problem.  And I see that it must be very hard for all of you to make these hard decisions for the town.  But, I think that instead of accepting an engineering solution to the problem, that we as a town work together toward a greener and more environmentally friendly solution that is in line with Chapel Hill’s values, it’s climate action plan and our place in the world’s growing climate emergency.

I have joined the group that has organized around this effort to come up with greener solutions.  I am no expert, but I do know that to have a healthy and thriving ecosystem, we need our trees and our wildlife and everything that is supported by this natural ecosystem if we have a chance of maintaining the desirable Chapel Hill that we have all come to love.  People don’t move here for concrete buildings.  They move here for the total feel of the area and that includes our trees and green spaces.   I have lived here for 22 years and I am very saddened by the recent development and paving over of our town.  We are talking about land that the town owns here - not privately owned land.  Let’s make a choice together to save it.

August 21, 2021

As a resident of Chapel Hill’s  Old Forest Creek for 30 years, I strongly urge you to find a more effective, less expensive alternative to the current plan to create a 5 acre stormwater basin in the Booker Creek area.  Such a plan would destroy 80+ year old hardwood trees, wipe out wildlife habitat relied upon by many beautiful, diverse species of flora and fauna, and destroy beautiful acreage enjoyed by the residents of my neighborhood. Furthermore, the current plan would contribute to the overall negative impact of climate change.  I sincerely hope and trust that you can find a better solution, not only cost-saving, but more effective, to reduce flooding potential caused, it would seem, by overbuilding.

August 22, 2021

Recent news sources and neighborhood groups have brought to the attention of the residents of Chapel Hill the Town’s intent to decimate the lower Booker Creek Trail with the "Booker Creek Basin project”. This project, will remove 70% of the mature bottom land forest along the bucolic lower Booker Creek pathway, create a heat island in an area already poorly shaded, and will create foul looking, smelling and mosquito magnet ponds. In fact, the trees and the roots are ALREADY the BEST flood control that exists. Even the EPA recognizes this: https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-trees-help-reduce-runoff

This project is antithetical to the town’s “Climate Action Plan” (specifically—increase the tree canopy—how does removing 50 acres of tree canopy achieve this)? UNC’s DataDriven Enviro Lab is just starting a project to map the heat islands in Chapel Hill—are you TRYING to give them new heat island data? The ends don’t justify the means. 

Although I understand the project is currently on hold, I am very disappointed in the direct the town is taking on this project. There needs to be far more neighborhood and environmental studies completed before this massive destruction of natural resources that makes this town a great place to live is approved.

August 23, 2021

I am a long time resident of Lake Forest and walk along the Booker Creek trails regularly.  I am very concerned about the 11 acre storm storage basin being proposed by clearcutting this forested area at an exorbitant cost to taxpayers! (I understand it could be as much as $3.6 million!).

Many volunteers, led by Jeanette Bench, over the past several years have worked hard to improve the area by removing invasive weeds and planting native plants to beautify the area.  Clear cutting trees would destroy the natural habitat for our plants and wildlife, not to mention eliminate the wonderful shade for walking!  I hope you and Town Council will put a stop to any further plans!  Please do not allow this!

August 23, 2021

I am a long time resident of Chapel Hill since 1999 and live on Markham Drive near the trail that extends from Booker Creek to Franklin Street.  I am alarmed at the prospect of destroying this.  I am concerned about the effects on climate change and wildlife as well as the destruction of a trail that for walking and biking that is a way of life for those in our neighborhood.  It is certainly felt the severe consequences do not justify the perceived benefits of this plan.  Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

August 23, 2021

I've lived in Chapel Hill for 25 years and raised my kids here. The proposed storm control project has several aspect which make it unwarranted. 1) It will destroy animal habitats and much vegetation, 2)These efforts don't stop the flooding risk they just move it elsewhere, 3) It is expensive.

August 23, 2021

I have lived two doors from the Tadley Road access to Booker Creek trail for 24 years. The 11-acre stormwater storage basin proposed for the trail would disrupt a beautiful ecosystem, destroy a rich wildlife habitat, and degrade the appeal of this venerable neighborhood greenway. (I often drive by the first completed basin, at the end of Elliott Road, and am always struck by its barren quality, which noticeably undermines the appeal of the brand-new apartment complex beside it.)

Especially given that there has been no consultation with the affected communities, no cost-benefit analysis, no environmental-impact assessment, no maintenance plan proposed, and no ecologically sustainable alternatives explored—does any of this seem reasonable?—I strongly oppose moving forward with all currently planned stormwater basin projects. I would instead ask that the mayor, the town council, the town manager, and the stormwater advisory board join forces with Booker Creek’s alliance of neighborhoods to reconceptualize stormwater mitigation strategies in ways that meaningfully address issues of biodiversity, spending, residential quality of life, and home values.

August 23, 2021

I am a resident of Chapel Hill and live (nearly) on the lake (actually, at the mouth of the lake). I am also a scientist with a PhD in forest ecology. I am writing about the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study. Having recently focused my professional work on community and ecosystem climate resilience, this study was of special interest to me.  Our forests provide frontline protection to a changing climate -- both to mitigate it and adapt to it. They also buffer against storm surges. The Lower Booker Creek proposal to excavate six stormwater drainage basins by destroying the forest is short sighted and ill-conceived. It makes neither ecological sense in the short term, nor hydrological and climatological sense in the long term.

I personally believe that Eastwood Lake or the large field next to Sunrise Dental (across from Starbuck’s in Eastgate) would make much more sense for drainage basins and community recreation.

August 23, 2021

It is with sincere appreciation that I thank you for caring for our beautiful Booker Creek. It is also with fear and dismay that I ask you NOT to take this disastrous course. Once taken, we can never again get back the important health and environment assets that the proposal threatens to destroy. My husband and I depend on these benefits. It is why we chose to live in Chapel Hill.

August 23, 2021

I became aware of the proposed Booker Creek Stormwater Basin Project earlier today. I had not heard of this project before now and certainly not about any of the details regarding the plans or impact. I have now reviewed some of the plans (awaiting the engineering report), but in sum I am writing to say this is a very bad idea - the negative impact on many aspects of the community, specifically related to environmental changes, greatly outweighs any perceived positive results from this project. I have lived in Chapel Hill much of my life, and I have been very disturbed by the negative impact of various projects approved by the town of Chapel Hill in recent years. I am against this project and I hope this does not move forward.

August 24, 2021

I am a resident of Chapel Hill for more than 20 years. It's sad to see we lose so much forest due to development every year. The Lower Booker Creak Subwatershed project is creating another bigger problem trying to solve one problem. I support the following petition and hope you will hear our voice.

Please save our town's forests by rejecting the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study's six proposed stormwater drainage basins.

We do not support spending $19 million of taxpayer money to clearcut 45 acres of mature Chapel Hill forest without a clear cost/benefit analysis, environmental/ecological assessment, climate study, and community impact analysis.

We realize it is important to build our community's climate resilience capacity, but we should do so by following the best practices from the EPA stormwater administration.

WK Dickson's current proposal would result in acres of lost habitat for local wildlife, non-native plantings, holding ponds with increased mosquitoes, and local heat islands that raise our neighborhoods' temperatures by 10-20 degrees.

August 24, 2021

It has come to my attention that a plan has been proposed to mitigate flooding of Booker Creek through the creation of storage reservoirs, which will require excavation of extensive amounts of soil and destruction of mature forest in the town. I urge you to pause this action and to consider alternative flood mitigation strategies that do not require destruction of mature ecosystems. Additionally, I hope ongoing action regarding this plan will be widely communicated, as part of this project is literally in my back yard and will have a profound effect on my quality of life and property value.

August 24, 2021

As you projected,  the basin would stretch from Booker Creek Rd. to Daley Rd. and across the bridge to Tadley/Markham.  The costs would be devastating in terms of plant and wildlife habitat, taxpayer dollars ($3.6M for this project alone), not to mention the loss of our lovely shaded walking path.

We cannot allow some of the only remaining forest in Chapel Hill to be clear cut. Losing forest may cause severe future  flooding. Please consider other green options.

August 24, 2021

-The destruction of a beautiful wildlife habitat that provides homes for a multitude of land and water flora and fauna and a tree cover canopy that helps to reduce carbon emissions and cools the surrounding areas.

-This project's adherence to Chapel HIll's own Climate Action and Response Plan, which specifies that actions the town proposes to take include enhancing green infrastructure, finding nature-based solutions, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, and protecting water quality, natural, and agricultural resources. I urge the town to work with organizations and experts such as the Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance to find alternatives that will protect the natural gift that is Booker Creek in a way that is economical, practical, and takes care of the environment. 

-In regards to the Daley Road Project, whether Markham/Tadley or Daley/Booker Creek is used as a construction entrance/exit, the removal of that much topsoil necessitates heavy construction equipment in a residential area with no sidewalks, which has heavy foot and bike traffic. As we live at the corner of Markham/Tadley across from the trail entrance, I see many, many walkers/bikers/baby strollers/kids use those roads all day from sunup to evening every day to access the Lower Booker Creek trail from other neighborhoods. My own kids and others use the trail and surrounding roads to get to Estes and Ephesus elementary schools, Phillips Middle, and East High School every day. I worry about their safety navigating streets with a constant influx of construction vehicles where there are no sidewalks. 

-My own kids and others use the forest as a playground, and especially as Covid has kept them home from school and away from crowded places to play, it has been a welcome respite of natural play areas, of which there are so few in Chapel Hill. The neighborhood kids use the trails and forest as their playscape - building forts, sailing boats down the creeks, hiking on the trails., using their imagination.... I would hate for this natural play resource to be taken away from them and future children in the area.

My opposition to the plan is not a NIMBY issue, but is grounded in my daily observation of the Lower Booker Creek Trail and the surrounding forest are enjoyed by all its users, and we are stewards of the other living creatures who live in the forest and its waters.

August 24, 2021

I was extremely saddened to hear about the proposed clear cut of the Booker Creek forest as well as other important mature green spaces in the area in order to create storage basins to curb downstream flooding.  

August 24, 2021

I request that the Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager, and Stormwater Advisory Board, cancel all neighborhood stormwater basin projects, and instead partner with our Alliance of neighborhoods and experts to identify and study alternatives that will protect the biodiversity and integrity of our neighborhood watershed, and be economically responsible, while supporting the Town’s climate and stormwater mitigation plans

August 24, 2021

I am writing to express my dismay about the planned deforestation along the Booker Creek Greenway.  The greenway area is a significant resource for the people of the area and the wildlife that it supports.  Aside from providing an opportunity for people to escape the cityscape, the greenway provides a break from the heat, the connection of neighorhoods that would otherwise be disconnected, and provides residents access to significantly increased bus opportunities.  

Further, the notion that there was an appropriate outreach to people who will be impacted is simply untrue.  There was no publicity or outreach to any of the neighborhoods.  

The current plan will have a significant impact on the lives of people in this area.  I strongly urge you to reconsider whether there are better alternatives to address the runoff issues.

August 24, 2021

Please do not destroy this or really any other wild places in Chapel Hill.  We need to preserve the environment, make Chapel Hill a place one wants to live.  There has been so much development in the last few years; please don’t let Chapel Hill become ruined.

August 24, 2021

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed Booker Creek Watershed project that involves clearing so much of the forest area in order to create a drainage pond for overflow from Eastwood Lake.

Removal of the old growth of the forest sounds like a drastic solution with immediate environmental impact to the tree cover. Are there no other feasible options?

I have been living in the Booker Creek subdivision for over 20 years  and my whole family considers the Booker Creek Trail to be one of the hidden gems of the area, where we can cycle or walk, and enjoy the trees and all the wildlife that they support.

With all the increased focus on Climate Change and the need for more trees to capture more carbon, I hope that there are alternate solutions to the overflow problem without removing such old growth.  Chapel Hill really values its university, its schools and its natural greenery, so I do hope there can be other solutions worked out with the help of experts.

 August 24, 2021

I am writing with some alarm after finding out the current plans for the Booker Trail in and across Chapel Hill. I live within the Booker Trail catchment near the Daley Road site. The Booker trail and surrounding forests provide many neighborhoods a sense of community, which has been critical during COVID. These areas are a site of play for our children, shaded flat areas for older residents to exercise and children to safely learn to bikes. They are also pedestrian walkways between neighborhoods and also to Franklin St shops, that decrease local traffic. The Booker Trail forests also provide a critical buffer against Franklin Street noise.  The Booker trail both improved house prices but also the quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods.

I fully agree something must be done to minimize flooding Eastgate housing. However, I am concerned that the current proposal will minimize downstream flooding to the detriment of hundreds of homes across the town. Can you please explain to me i) what other options were considered and ii) why they were not considered. Moreover, can you please specific if and how the current plan gives back to the Booker communities?

August 25, 2021

The Booker Creek area offers wonderful opportunities for both carbon-free transportation and to commune with the natural world: to lose these diminishes the quality of life in Chapel Hill.  Our community deserves enhanced climate resilience, and am saddened that millions of taxpayer funding could be utilized to clearcut 45 acres of Chapel Hill's natural resources.

August 25, 2021

I want to sign the petition to prevent the project to deteriorate Booker Creek trail and the forest surrounding it, this would be a massacre for all the bio diversity in the area and a deserter for our community.   Booker creek is the only pedestrian access to the Eastgate shopping center, you cannot destroy our neighbhood that way. I firmly oppose this project.

August 25, 2021

Please consider alternate solutions to dealing with storm/flood watershed than the currently adopted water basin plan of Booker Creek.  There are solutions that PRESEVE natural habitat while providing capacity for periodic, natural flooding.

        Also, please consider no longer approving development of commercial and residential spaces on known floodplain (ie Eastgate Shopping Plaza).

August 25, 2021

I am writing about the Booker Creek Watershed Project. I was surprised to hear about this project from my neighbors as I have lived here since 2009 and walk regularly on this trail. I never saw any signs about the project nor did I hear about the project from the city via mail, email or websites. The project website (http://bookercreekplan.org/lower-booker-creek/) claims:

"the WK Dickson team conducted an expansive public outreach process. The public outreach allowed residents and business owners the opportunity to engage with team members, provide feedback on specific drainage issues, and learn about managing stormwater within Booker Creek. The community was able to give feedback through survey questionnaires, public forums, a project website, community events, and direct emails to the project team."

I am opposed to this project and the clear cutting of the Booker Creek trail forest. This plan is antithetical to the town's "Climate action plan" to "increase tree canopy".

August 25, 2021

I am a 27-year-tenured property owner in the Booker Creek area of Chapel Hill. I was upset and discouraged to learn recently of Chapel Hill's proposed solutions to storm water management. The proposed solutions seem to ignore a growing body of scientific, climate, and green infrastructure research and municipal experience by proposing to clear cut old growth forest along the Booker Creek trail to manage stormwater and 25-year flood water scenarios. Trees absorb water, CO2, heat, and retain soil. Removing old growth trees to manage flooding seems like a cruel joke.  Old-growth public forests should be caretaken and should be central to any storm-water management solution.

I ask the town of Chapel Hill to rethink some or all of these proposals. I ask the town to review a panoply of "best practices" already implemented in other cities across the US and countries such as the Netherlands. I want to make sure forests are here to benefit our communities and our natural ecosystems. I urge the Town Council to follow best practices for storm water management. The proposals before the town now seem ill-conceived, short-sighted, costly, and they impair the natural ecosystems that Chapel Hill residents consider essential to the character of our town.

August 25, 2021

Please save our town's forests by rejecting the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study's six proposed stormwater drainage basins.

We do not support spending $19 million of taxpayer money to clearcut 45 acres of mature Chapel Hill forest without a clear cost/benefit analysis, environmental/ecological assessment, climate study, and community impact analysis.

We realize it is important to build our community's climate resilience capacity, but we should do so by following the best practices from the EPA stormwater administration.

WK Dickson's current proposal would result in acres of lost habitat for local wildlife, non-native plantings, holding ponds with increased mosquitoes, and local heat islands that raise our neighborhoods' temperatures by 10-20 degrees, degradation of the neighborhood, loss of property values, loss of tree canopy.

August 25, 2021

Please consider other options besides deforesting a poster child for wetland habitats so developers can build more.  There is already a big catch basin right there called East Lake.  Why not make it deeper?  I’m rather appalled at the cost for the various “catch basins” proposed at a cost of over $20 Million.  Not only do I not want my tax dollars used for this, I don’t like subsidizing developments I don’t approve of, like Glenn Lennox commercial properties, Aura at MLK and Estes, the Rosemary Street development where we’re paying millions for a land swap/parking garage so the developer has more area to develop, etc.  I’m not against development.  I’m just against most of what has been approved over the last 15 years or so.  We can do better.  We need better planning that is followed.  Not past planning that is ignored because it doesn’t fit the developer’s plans.  

August 25, 2021

August 26, 2021

Please save our town's forests by rejecting the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study's six proposed stormwater drainage basins.

I also do not support spending $19 million of taxpayer money to clearcut 45 acres of mature Chapel Hill forest without a clear cost/benefit analysis, environmental/ecological assessment, climate study, and community impact analysis.

I too realize it is important to build our community's climate resilience capacity, but we should do so by following the best practices from the EPA stormwater administration.

WK Dickson's current proposal would result in acres of lost habitat for local wildlife, non-native plantings, holding ponds with increased mosquitoes, and local heat islands that raise our neighborhoods' temperatures by 10-20 degrees.

Our community requires a solution that reduces flooding while considering the broader ecological context of Booker Creek and Chapel Hill.

This is an area not only enjoyed by the many local residents and their families but home to divers  wildlife as well. I purchased my home last year in large part to be close to  nature and the beauty of the surroundings.  Please don’t allow this habitat  to be ruined.

August 26, 2021

I have lived in Chapel Hill for 39 years; 15+ years at my current address.  I am concerned that poorly planned prior development projects have created real problems in terms of our watershed management. I understand that a long-lasting solution will require funding and compromises.   In order to have the necessary information for good governance and the ability to plan adequately for the future of our community, it seems reasonable to request further cost/benefit analysis, environmental/ecological assessments, climate study, and community impact analysis before moving forward with proposed plans to spend $19 Million of taxpayer money to clearcut 45 acres of mature Chapel Hill forest.

August 26, 2021

These chosen greenways for the basins are irreplaceable.  The life they hold will be forever lost if these stormwater basins are allowed.  I do understand the issue of flooding and well remember the 2018 floods that impacted Eastgate.  But construction is continually approved that is built in these creeks’ ( Bolin and Booker) floodplains.  The plans for Eastgate included a portion of Booker Creek.  That was in the ‘80s?  And back then Chapel Hill was slow growth in its philosophy.  And now, protection of suboptimal locales from flooding means that surrounding neighborhoods must sacrifice their surrounding flora and fauna.  But these neighborhoods did not approve those projects.

I support a collaboration between the Town council and other towns such as Ann Arbor who seem to have more thoughtfully addressed comparable problems with much better solutions. The current proposal is draconian at best and will gut precious habitat after habitat in order to protect property whose purpose is solely commerce.  And money doesn’t breathe, has no consciousness. It is inanimate unlike these six vibrant life-filled areas.

August 26, 2021

Our family lives on Lakeshore Lane.  Our house backs up to the Booker Creek trail.  This affords us a wonderful view of the trail, which is almost constantly in action - year around, from dawn to dusk - by a wide range of two and four legged users (on foot, on bike, with the use of wheel chair) from across Chapel Hill. The trail helps bring our wider neighborhood together, making it one of the most successful neighborhoods that is not exclusively single-family homes (a laudable priority for the town).

It’s our understanding that the town is considering clear-cutting the forest that draws many to the trail, replacing it with a large stormwater basin.  From what we've learned, it does not appear that either an environmental or community impact assessment has taken place.  Our family is writing to ask that the town not move forward with this plan until those two important steps take place and that any eventual project take into account the learnings from those assessments.

August 28 2021

I am writing today to support the cancellation of all the neighborhood stormwater basin projects and instead partner with our Alliance of neighborhoods and experts to identify and study alternatives that will protect the biodiversity and integrity of our neighborhood watershed and be economically responsible while supporting the Town's climate and stormwater mitigation plans.

I was born in Chapel Hill and went to UNC.  I left, came back, left again, and am back again for the last time at age 62.  This is my home and one of the reasons I love it is for its trees and opportunities to view wildlife and birds.  There has got to be a better way to preserve these aspects of the place I love.

August 28, 2021

I’m a recent transplant to Chapel Hill and purchased property on Frances Street.  Purchase my property because of the forest and it’s quiet and the proximity to trails like Booker Creek. I share these sentiments with my fellow neighbors. I am in love with the forest, the deer that visit our yards and all of the beautiful wildlife. One of my favorite walking areas is Booker Creek.

I was recently made aware of plans to create storm water basins at the end of our street and through Booker Creek. I would like to voice my complete opposition to these plans. Our neighbors are now aware about these plans and are also shocked and in opposition to the town’s plans.

August 28, 2021

I write to you as a Chapel Hill resident and daily user of the Booker Creek Trail to protest the plans to create a holding pond within an area bound by Daley Road, Tadley Drive/Markham Drive, and Booker Creek Road. I should note that as someone who lives near the corner of Springview Trail and Honeysuckle, over the years I have been well aware of the tendency for parts of the Booker Creek neighborhood to flood and understand the need to take steps to mitigate the problem. Nonetheless, I strongly oppose the proposed plan for the stormwater drainage pond in the trail area, which will destroy a good deal of bottomland forest along the trail. At the very least, the town should undertake a clear cost/benefit analysis, environmental/ecological assessment, climate study, and community impact analysis before destroying 45 acres of mature forest land that is heavily used by hikers, bird watchers, and bikers.  I hope that you will take the time to assess the repercussions of the current plan carefully and search for a better way to manage the increased stormwater runoff.

 August 28, 2021

I am writing to you to protest the Town's plan to build storage basins in the Booker Creek watershed to control flooding at Eastgate and elsewhere. I ask that the town immediately abandon this plan and put another one in its place that is more ecologically responsible. I believe that it is possible for the Town to do this at less cost and with greater effectiveness than what is promised by the current plan.

Our home is in the Booker Creek watershed, and is a very short distance away from the location planned for the Piney Mountain basin. We walk in the area that would be destroyed by the plan and know well how beautiful it is

I believe that the destruction of the forest along Booker Creek will have a significant impact on the value of my property. Not only will it turn beauty into an eyesore, it will make my neighborhood hotter and mosquito-infested. Once the plan has been implemented, it will be impossible to reverse its environmental impacts. At a time where we need to be doing all that we can do to counter climate change, it is frankly irresponsible to contemplate anything like what this plan envisions. The study on which the plan is based itself does not even promise to reduce flooding. It merely says (without providing adequate backing analysis) that it could potentially reduce peak flows down the creek.

I request that you join your colleagues on the Town Council to do the following:

• Abandon this plan forthwith.
• Allow the presenters from the Booker Creek Neighborhood Preservation Alliance to speak at the special Town Council meeting on September 13th. They have the expertise, experience, and community approach that Chapel Hill needs to address the issue of flooding along Booker Creek.
• Adopt the recommendations of the BC Neighborhood Preservation Alliance for production of a new plan that will preserve the beauty along Booker Creek while addressing the community's need to control flooding.

 August 29, 2021

I own property near lower Booker Creek. I am concerned about and oppose the proposed storm water basin project, which would destroy natural and recreational space: part of what makes Chapel Hill special. We need Booker Creek to help maintain local climate - let's not make a heat island. Destroying this green space moves in the wrong direction as the world struggles with climate change.  It would also likely have a negative effect on property values in the neighborhood. 

August 29, 2021

While I understand the need for preparations for the 25 year storm in this time of climate uncertainty, I believe the proposed project should be reconsidered. Surely there are ways to mitigate flooding, avoid creating higher heat zones in our town, and retain the natural habitats and scenic walkways that create a truly civilized respite from urban crowds and pandemic isolation.

August 29, 2021

Surely there is a better solution for storm water management than the loss of acres of woodland and habitat in Chapel Hill planned for by sacrificing the Booker Creek greenway. Please please please find a more ecologically sensible solution to this problem which was inadequately addressed over a decade ago. Our beloved town in disappearing in ill-considered decisions and development. I know you love and care about our town - please make decisions for the continuing quality of an overall, balanced, eco-sensitive environment here. 

August 29, 2021

The proposals made by WK Dickson for flood water mitigation for the Booker Creek watershed are what one would expect from an engineering company that makes its money from construction projects, e.g. digging storage basins, removing earth, removing trees, enlarging trenches and culverts, installing pipes, etc.

Unfortunately the WK Dickson study only considers the direct consequences of stormwater flow. It does not consider what existing ecology does to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff. Thus the value of many acres of fully forested full grown trees is completely ignored in the study findings. Each large tree can syphon up as much as 200 gallons of water every day and thus removing thousands of trees is likely to have a net negative impact on the volume of stormwater runoff compared to the temporary storage of this amount of water in basins dug where the trees were previously.

Additionally trees have a major cooling effect on their surroundings which is critically important given our warming climate. Trees also provide a natural habitat for a great deal of local flora and fauna. And, please do not forget that trees produce a great deal of the oxygen we need to live. Please consider these points before irreversibly chopping down another swath of ecologically exceptionally valuable assets of the Town.

The Town plan to implement the findings of the WK Dickson “Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study of September 2018 are fundamentally flawed and need to be revised based on evaluation of their full climate, ecological and economic impact.

August 29, 2021

I love the Booker Creek watershed bottomland and the ecosystem it provides for our community. This ecosystem provides us with an enlarged sense of freedom as our citizens can escape the asphalt and artificial areas of our urban life. We receive physical and mental health benefits from walking in this rich ecosystem. Finally,  by being drawn into its beauty, we leave our houses and meet people we would not meet if the natural beauty of the watershed were not there. Our sense of unity in our community is strengthened.

I urge you to find an ecologically sound way to store excess water from Eastgate rather than clear-cutting through important ecological systems to create stormwater drains. I support green solutions that create a better path forward.  Let us be leaders in preserving natural harmony while also taking care of the rainwater!

Reference: http://bcneighbors.org/bookercreekflyer.pdf

August 30, 2021

I am writing as a 78 year old homeowner in the Booker Creek and Summerfield Crossing neighborhoods. I am a long-time user of the Booker Creek Trail and adjacent neighborhoods as a source of daily exercise and solace.  My son, Rob McDonald, now an environmentalist with The Nature Conservancy, learned to love and respect the environment around him as he grew up here. I am appalled to think of the deforestation of the area to accommodate current flood control plans.  Please take a pause, develop alternative plans and support all approved actions with thorough and impartial environmental impact studies

August 30, 2021

I am VERY concerned about the construction of a large retaining pond as proposed.  Booker Creek is a large subdivision with MANY children.  The Booker Creek apartments house many children.  Such a retaining pond will be an extremely dangerous “drawing card” for children.  It will also devalue all the property and homes near that pond.  If such a pond is the ONLY solution to the water issues, it needs to be in the area where there are NO houses near the creek such as the area along the creek as it flows toward Eastgate Shopping Center.

August 30, 2021

A number of local citizens comprising Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance (http://bcneighbors.org/ ) drew upon the expertise of six highly qualified scientists to prepare a response to the proposal to clear cut 45 acres of old forest land to create storm water drainage basins in the Booker Creek Watershed. They have presented the results of their review of the proposal and ideas for a better approach to managing storm water to the Chapel Hill Stormwater Advisory Board (http://bcneighbors.org/BCNPA_SAB_slides_8-24-2021.pdf ) and prepared a report including examples of storm water mitigation in other locales as well as a report from the Residents and Expert Panel (http://bcneighbors.org/BCNPA_experts_panel_report.pdf ).  I have reviewed both and am fully behind everything they have stated. http://bcneighbors.org/.

August 31, 2021

I have recently become aware of the plan to turn a large chunk of the Booker Creek greenway into a retention pond.  My understanding is that this will be accomplished by cutting down a large number of trees and surrounding shrubbery. The Booker Creek greenway is the only greenspace left in Booker Creek and surrounding neighborhoods. 

While a member of the Town Council, I was the founding chair of the Chapel Hill Stormwater management committee in the early 90’s.  It was very clear to the committee that stormwater and flooding issues were caused by increasing impervious surfaces both upstream and downstream of the greenway. Friends and people I barely know have asked me why this Town Council as well as the previous council have been on a campaign to pave over every parcel of greenspace in town. 

As noted above, impervious surfaces bring on flooding.  If the Council is really interested in dealing with stormwater you have to make new projects mitigate existing stormwater problems not just hide behind the attitude that we can’t make the new guy pay for existing problems.  Learn how play hard ball.

Finally, it would be a disgrace to flood the area where hundreds of volunteers spent thousands of hours clearing out invasive plant species so our natural foliage would thrive. I read somewhere that the council is concerned with climate change. Does cutting down trees at the recommendation of a consultant show that commitment?   I don’t think you want that on you conscience. Or as Joni Mitchell sang: They paved paradise to put up a parking lot.

August 31, 2021

I am a senior at UNC and I am from Chapel Hill. I am writing you to encourage you to stop the Booker Creek Watershed project. Not only is it bad for the environment, it takes away a beautiful forest from the residents of Chapel Hill. These beautiful green spaces that our town offers are a large part of the reason I have chosen to stay in the area. If that is taken away, I am much more likely to leave this town after graduation. The nature our town hosts is a huge part of what makes it unique and special. I urge you to protect the Booker Creek forest and trail.

September 1, 2021

I am a Junior at Chapel Hill High School. I have recently been made aware of the proposed spending of $19 million to cut 45 acres of Chapel Hill's forest in the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed without cost/benefit analysis and environmental assessment. The spending of $19 million without a clear idea of the impacts is an irresponsible act that can be very damaging to the town. To start, mature woods like those proposed to be cut down make our town unique and make it appealing to live here. Naturally Wooded areas are rare in today's society and preserving which ones are left has unparalleled benefits. It provides places for families to take a walk or for a kid to watch the birds with his friends. When involving precious gems like these woods, it's best to know the effects of your actions and to be completely certain of their effects.

September 2, 2021

I am writing to express my concern about the proposal to build a stormwater basin in Booker Creek Trail. Please preserve the existing trail for all to enjoy.

September 2, 2021

I understand that the project involves the removal of a total of 50 acres of trees at a taxpayer cost of $22M with only a minimal remediation of the problem. The areas affected contain one of Chapel Hill’s last pristine natural environments which is biodiverse and irreplaceable. It is our understanding that the destruction of this natural area would result in minimal remediation of the flooding downstream, at great cost to the town and to the environment. We should be planting trees and restoring vital ecosystems, not removing and destroying them.

We hope that the town will consider all the implications of and alternatives to this project before great damage is done to our beautiful town green spaces.

September 3, 2021

Please reconsider the current plans for mitigating stormwater runnoff in Booker Creek an protect the tree canopy. I'm willing to pay higher taxes to protect the trees. Let's have a broader discussion of this issue and get input from people who are affected and planners and engineering experts who might have more imaginative long term solutions.

September 3, 2021

The catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Ida this week have again reminded us about the deadly impact of climate change and the danger of inadequate and short-sighted planning as proposed by the Town of Chapel Hill’s storage basin plan for Booker Creek. As a resident of the town for over 40 years, I am writing to you to protest the Town's plan to build storage basins in the Booker Creek watershed to control flooding at Eastgate and elsewhere. I ask that the town immediately abandon this plan and put another one in its place that is more ecologically responsible. I believe that it is possible for the Town to do this at less cost and with greater effectiveness than what is promised by the current plan.

Our home is in the Booker Creek watershed.  It is a very short distance away from the location planned for the Booker Creek basin. We walk and bike on a daily basis in the area that would be destroyed by the plan and know well how beautiful it is.

I believe that the destruction of the forest along Booker Creek will have a significant impact on the value of our property and the livability of our neighborhood. Not only will it turn beauty into an eyesore, it will make my neighborhood hotter and mosquito-infested. Once the plan has been implemented, it will be impossible to reverse its environmental impacts. At a time where we need to be doing all that we can do to counter climate change, it is frankly irresponsible to contemplate anything like what this plan envisions. The study on which the plan is based itself does not even promise to reduce flooding. It merely says (without providing adequate backing analysis) that it could potentially reduce peak flows down the creek.

I request that you join your colleagues on the Town Council to do the following:

• Abandon this plan forthwith.
• Allow the presenters from the Booker Creek Neighborhood Preservation Alliance to speak at the special Town Council meeting on September 13th. They have the expertise, experience and community approach that Chapel Hill needs to address the issue of flooding along Booker Creek.
• Adopt the recommendations of the BC Neighborhood Preservation Alliance for production of a new plan that will preserve the beauty along Booker Creek while addressing the community's need to control flooding.

September 4, 2021

We are sandwiched between the attack on natural buffer zone from 15-501 from the bike path and this destructive approach to flood control.  Additionally, the pollution from the UNC coal plant is a major threat for this low lying area.

Enough is enough of this environmental injustice. These costs are too high.

'-45 acres of forest and $19M in tax dollars, with only an estimated 11-14% downstream stormwater mitigation;

'-Removal of 70% of the 45 acres of mature bottomland forest;

'-Excavation and removal of 15,000+ truckloads of nutrient-rich topsoil and natural stream ecosystem;

'-Loss of plant, bird, and wildlife habitat,

'-Creation of heat islands, open ponds, and non-native grassland savannas that breed mosquitos and raise the surrounding temperatures by 10-20 degrees.

September 4, 2021

I realize it is important to build Chapel Hills residence for natural disasters, but cutting down 70% of Booker Creek Trails trees has no clear benefit. This will not help at all. It will result in loss of wildlife habitats, native plants and trees, our natural filter. Please don't do this. 

September 4, 2021

I am writing because of my concern for the proposed Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed drainage project and the loss of trees associated with the construction of multiple drainage basins.

I have lived in Chapel Hill and Carrboro for more than 35 years and am very familiar with the flooding problems at Eastgate and in that part of Booker Creek. However, I would strongly encourage the council to consider other alternatives to alleviating the drainage problem that do not require the clear cutting of so many trees. Just in the past few years I've witnessed thousands of trees removed from our town as apartments and parking lots have multiplied exponentially.

I am certain that you are all aware of the benefits of trees to our environment as a mediation device against climate change and for the aesthetic beauty they bring to our town.

I am urging you to support a drainage project for Lower Booker Creek that does not involved the clear cutting of so many trees and can incorporate trees and vegetation into mediating the flooding in that area.

September 5, 2021

I am strongly opposed to the proposed Proposed Booker Creek and Red Bud Lane Stormwater Basin Project.

I am a Chapel Hill resident for over 15 years and I’m also a professor at Duke University with a background in GIS, design, and STEM. I believe the proposal is flawed in many ways. 

My main objection concerns the removal of trees. 

My second concern relates to a flawed planning process, which lacks any environmental analysis, ecological assessment, climate study, community impact assessments, or cost-benefit analysis.

Trees are a natural flood prevention barrier. Indeed most flood prevention programs to mitigate climate change involve planting trees, not cutting them down. 

There is no reason this proposal should cut down any trees. That must be changed. No proposal that cuts down trees especially at this scale is acceptable. Moreover, the engineering study does not follow best practices from the EPA Stormwater Administration or other city best practices.

Second, there is no alternative environmental or economic impact study. I suspect this is  because the engineering firm doesn’t want to  consider alternatives because there’s no financial incentive. However it would be much cheaper to buy the houses that are downstream in the floodplain — these are not particular expensive houses and much less expensive than the entire project currently.

Specifically, No environmental analysis, ecological assessment, climate study or community impact assessments were done. And   No cost-benefit analysis was done.

In short, this plan seems really misguided. Forests and trees prevent floods. There should be no support for any proposal that cuts down trees. This is a proposal that if followed would represent a spectacular blunder for the town.

I request that the Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager, and Stormwater Advisory Board, cancel all neighborhood stormwater basin projects, and instead partner with our Alliance of neighborhoods and experts to identify and study alternatives that will preserve the trees and forests, protect the biodiversity and integrity of our neighborhood watershed, and be economically responsible, while supporting the Town’s climate and stormwater mitigation plans.

September 6, 2021

I write to share my hopes that the town council can find a more sustainable method of solving the flooding issues around Booker Creek and avoid the clear cutting proposed.

Many towns around the country have implemented more green and sustainable methods and Chapel Hill should as well!

I’m addition to being important for our climate, this is a local Treasure, one used by most residents regularly.

September 6, 2021

I am writing to ask that you find other options for mitigating downstream flooding than by putting a stormwater drainage basin along the Booker Creek Trail.  While I do not live in the immediate neighborhood, I go to the trail often from my home in Colony Woods.  It is a place, not duplicated elsewhere in the town and goes far to make Chapel Hill special.  So many of us enjoy it and would really suffer to see its character changed.

September 6, 2021

I hear that the Council is considering some action that will destroy the Booker Creek walkway by removing the trees.  We have lived in Chapel Hill since 1972, and on Tadley Dr since 1979.  We take advantage of the greenway at least once, sometimes more, per day.  We are NEVER alone on these walks, meeting many human and animal friends.  Removing the trees will destroy the natural setting that we enjoy so much.

We've seen the many years of flooding in this town.  But we hope you can find other ways to fix the problem.Tree removal reminds me of the sorts of problems New Orleans (and other coastal areas) have experienced when they have decreased marshlands and swamps and other NATURAL protective areas.

September 7, 2021

I am writing in support of the Booker Creek Neighborhoods Preservation Alliance team, which is advocating to save the trees and biodiversity of the area around Booker Creek. Please find alternative, earth-friendly, human-enhancing ways to lower the flood risks in our community. Thank you.

September 7, 2021

Please add my voice to those urging you to leave the Booker Creek Trail that runs from E. Franklin Street through to Booker Creek Road just the way it is at present.  This pleasant stretch of greenery, nature, and off-street walkway is exactly what EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS!  I myself often include it as part of my daily 4-5 miles walk.

Knowing what we know about climate change, please consider the consequences of your proposed actions—-consequences that cannot be undone.  I urge you to “keep hands off” this beautiful, peaceful, well-used, people-friendly space.

September 7, 2021

I greatly appreciate your consideration of my thoughts about the current stormwater management based upon my experience living in Chapel Hill for 30 years, observations in the first stormwater basin adjacent to Elliott Road where the temperature reached 122 degrees on an average summer afternoon, and consideration of Booker Creek Townhouse Apartments.

Attachment: "Stormwater basin 122 degrees no shade"

September 8, 2021

We live next to each other and we have recently been informed that the town has plans to destroy Booker Creek. We signed the Booker Creek Watershed Petition already. We live in a cul de sac so we took some chalk and basically started to protest against climate change and keeping Booker Creek. But it started from a corner of the road to the entire road, and soon we even got someone to join us. We just wanted to share the message that Chapel Hill is supposed to be tree-friendly, and we are using that to make people come and live here. But while doing that, our trees are being killed and we are making more apartments and buildings. We wanted to start by saving Booker Creek. I am sure you are doing all you can, and we thank you for that. 

 Recently, we also started an organization, #PlantATree. We held a speech in a park and raised a lot of money. We planted two trees, Gloria and Eileen, which can be found in E.C. Leonard Park of Coker Hills. Enclosed is some of our work. Thank you for your time in reading this. We appreciate it.

September 8, 2021

I was very disheartened to learn about the proposed destruction of the Booker Creek Forest. I love running and biking and find that the Booker Creek Trail is very relaxing and aesthetically pleasing.  The trees sequester carbon, which is important for capturing C02 that is emitted in the environment.  I believe that trees also make our air cleaner and provide a wildlife habitat for animals.  Having greenway trails allow kids to learn about nature and learn about the value of our natural environment.  

I urge you all to conserve Booker Creek Forest.  

September 8, 2021

Hi, I am a resident of Booker Creek, and have walked countless times along the Booker Creek Trail. It is a local treasure and is highly used I am completely opposed to the flood mitigation plan that will destroy 70% of the forest near the trail. The forest provides us with a lovely walk in the woods, away from traffic, and is a way to get to Franklin St. without driving. It is a great neighborhood asset and is often cited as such in real estate listings.

Please rethink this plan and come up with a better way to protect Eastgate, one which does not protect Eastgate at my neighborhood’s expense.

September 8, 2021

I have been a resident of Chapel Hill for many many years. I live in the Lake Forest/ Booker Creek area. I am writing as I heard there is a proposed idea of cutting the trees and making storm water retention in the area of the trails. I was stunned to hear such a lovely, peaceful walking trail and woods would even be considered.

I and many many others use this trail daily. Many of my walks or bikes rides to Eastgate are to buy food, go to restaurants or other retail shops. I do this so I don’t have to drive and find parking in a busy shopping area. It’s a great option to reduce driving and enjoy a walk or bike trip and be productive with errands and promote good exercise. I as well as many others, also use this trail to go to the library, University Place or other shops accessible from this trail. 

This walking trail is used by many many people for similar reasons for exercise or seeing other people. It is a godsend during this pandemic. It shocks me that removing the trees etc would even be an option.  Volunteers have spent endless hours making the trails even better, walkable and trimming trees to add more beauty and tranquility to the trails.

Please please for the sake of natural preservation, exercise, reducing car traffic,  and helping the mental health of all who use the trail, please remove any possible change to that beloved area.

September 8, 2021

Please reconsider your plans for the Booker Creek watershed projects.

We need more forested areas to combat climate change, not fewer. Cooling, reducing CO2, preventing erosion and mitigating flood damage are the obvious reasons to preserve the trees, but the Booker Creek area also provides a corridor for wildlife to move between habitats as well as a cool, shady place to walk in the summer and enjoy nature that is easy to access from many areas of town. There is always someone walking on the trail; the Chapel Hill community loves this area and uses it frequently. Please preserve it.

September 8, 2021

I urge you to pause the plans to turn this watershed into  a storm runoff basin. While I fully appreciate the importance of protecting our neighbors from flooding, I don’t believe that due diligence has been done in considering alternatives. This action would be irreversible and out of line with other town priorities.

September 9, 2021

I would like to note my lack of support for the proposed clearcut storm water plan for Booker Creek trail. This area has been a valuable asset to the community and an oasis from the seemingly unbridled urbanization of Chapel Hill. The trail has some issues but the plan as I see it is a "solution" with way too may negatives for the community. Mark me as opposed.

September 9, 2021

Tall trees and their roots hold water, and are good for the environment. Cutting them seems like a counter productive solution, not to mention the $ cost of this ‘basin”, which might not do the job in the end. We NEED nature and green spaces.

September 9, 2021

I’ve been contacted by a few neighbors, bringing my attention to the intention of clear cutting 11 acres of forest along the Booker Creek Trail and next to Booker Creek apartments.

I can’t begin to tell you how much the thought of this breaks my heart and frustrates me that the town would even consider this. Our house backs up to the trail and we are well aware of the watershed issues in the area. We watched the river of Florence flooding through our windows. However, implementing a plan that favors the commercial real estate down the street at the expense of residents of low-income apartments, a community that relies on this shaded and natural park, and extensive wildlife and native plants is unacceptable.

My understanding is that this is being accepted without an environmental or community impact assessment, and is a plan that specifically goes against current EPA recommendations. It will create a heat island for one of Chapel Hill’s few low-income housing areas - the apartments my husband grew up in and the woods he traversed as a kid! Those woods are where we take our kids and dogs to explore nature - my kids love when we go “off trail” by the bridge.

And then there’s the wildlife. If you were a resident, you would be very familiar with the barred owls, red shouldered hawks, and pileated woodpeckers that call that area home. The calls of the owls and hawks are one of the most magical parts of this neighborhood and those woods. Please don’t take away their home and this magic.

Those woods are also full of native plant species, which supports native insects and then the native birds. The town has even put up a sign saying that this is the “Booker Creek Bird Friendly Habitat”. And you will cut this down?

This is not a long-term solution. We need the trees to hold the soil in place. We need the beauty of nature - not an eyesore like the one now in place off Fordham Blvd.

Please, please, pause these plans and review other options with the community that will keep our shade, our wildlife habitats, and our community.

September 9, 2021

I am a long time resident in Chapel Hill. Developer built houses next door with no regard to water issue created by Mac mansions on tiny plot, flooding our property. Trees had to be cut down to fit the houses on lot. I am afraid same mentality would be happening to large development, such as Booker Creek watershed, thoughtlessly executed in large scale, wreaking havoc in entire neighborhood.

September 9, 2021

I am concerned that the current storm water plan for the Booker Creek watershed, including artificial ponds in what is now the Booker Creek Greenway, does not adequately weigh the costs and benefits of that plan, and does not consider, or at least, present for consideration, alternatives.

It would be sad to lose the forest there along the walkway, and I would be concerned that a large body of standing water might increase the load of mosquitoes in that area. Some dedicated volunteers have spent many hours working to remove invasive plants in the area and planting native plants, some of which would be lost under the proposed plan.

September 9, 2021

Thank you for the work you do for all of us.  I would like to ask for your help in preserving the Booker Creek green space and trail.

Current development practices in our town are radically reducing green spaces.  We need to preserve green space for a multitude of reasons ( mitigate flooding and urban heat) and to rethink increasing population density without corresponding increases in forested spaces.  If we lose all our trees we lose our health and sense of harmony with the natural world.  Please rebalance development priorities to include and preserve existing green spaces.

September 9, 2021

I greatly appreciate your consideration of my thoughts about the current stormwater management based upon my experience living in Chapel Hill for 30 years, observations in the first stormwater basin adjacent to Elliott Road where the temperature reached 122 degrees on an average summer afternoon, and consideration of Booker Creek Townhouse Apartments.

September 10, 2021

Please do not destroy Booker Creek by making it a watershed. It is a lifeline for so many people, pets and animals in our area and beyond. People of all ages, stages and ethnicities connect here to each other and to nature. The trail is wheelchair, baby stroller, bike, trike, skate, scooter and pedestrian friendly. It is the perfect length for babies and seniors who welcome some shade in the summer and protection in the winter. Deer and birds remind us daily that we need to respect each other and share habitats. With all the new construction nearby, we need this oasis both mentally and physically. More people will find respite here from the noise, technology and stressors that progress often harbors. No other greenway in town attracts so many people with diverse physical abilities. The length of the trail is ideal for young and old. Plus the creek and woods make Booker Creek a “priceless gem” in a village “like no other.” Let’s please work together to protect a cherished natural friend and keep love of neighbor from becoming extinct.

September 10, 2021

I am a resident of the Lake Forest neighborhood and am writing in support of the Booker Creek Stormwater Basin plan. I regularly use the Booker Creek greenway for biking and running. I am also an ecologist and work in natural resource management, but the views expressed here are my own.

I appreciate the Town's 4-year process of studying the watershed and seeking stakeholder input along the way. I also appreciate the comprehensive watershed study and the conscientious use of greenspace to help provide for flood attenuation. I recognize that a clearcut in the short term, to fix the hydrology, is necessary. However, if the plan is to keep the area as greenspace, and let natural vegetation grow back in (similar to the Booker Creek Basin park, which I see as progressive), then this seems like a good solution.

In North Carolina, we have had two 1-in-500 year storm events over a 2-year period (Hurricanes Matthew and Florence). This worsening problem likely will not be solved with green roofs and rain gardens. I am never enthusiastic about cutting down trees, but the problem of climate change requires us to plan at large temporal scales. In this case, I support the creation of a new forest that will mature over the next 50 years, while more immediately containing floodwaters and protecting our vulnerable communities in the floodplain. 

September 10, 2021

• The preservation of our natural areas for wildlife, recreation and safe access to work, school and shopping
• Climate change and what will happen if we lose our forests
• Leadership for green infrastructure initiatives

 September 11, 2021

 September 13, 2021

I am a long-time homeowner in the Elkin Hills neighborhood, and have been gardening for most of that time.  I am concerned with both exacerbating climate change as well as reduction of stormwater runoff.  Please save our town's forests by rejecting the Lower Booker Creek Subwatershed Study's six proposed stormwater drainage basins.

September 13, 2021

My family lives on Sedgefield Drive in Chapel Hill in the Booker Creek neighborhood. We purchased our house in 2017, with the nearby Booker Creek Greenway being a significant reason for why we chose to live in the neighborhood. My husband and I have two boys, now ages 6 and 3, and we have used the greenway near-daily for the 4 years we have lived in our home.

Clear-cutting the trees along our greenway would be devastating for us, our children, and our neighborhood. Please consider other solutions to flooding and water storage that do not involve cutting down the forest.

Both of my boys were early to ride a two wheeler bicycle, I think largely because of our access to a beautiful place to learn. Here they are yesterday on our way to the Chapel Hill Library — a bike ride that’s possible in the heat because of the shade the tree canopy along the greenway affords.

September 13, 2021

I am a 27-year resident of Lakeshore Lane and the Lake Forest and Booker Creek Community. I fully support the Booker Creek Neighborhood recommendation to address this storm water and climate problem with an integrated set of green solutions that preserve old growth forests, engage behavioral change of the citizenry, and avoid the folly of clearcutting and using concrete diversion paths -- and then trying to remediate the clear-cutting damage done in the proposed costly projects with a 15-year regrowth rehabilitation.

Trees and green space are part of Chapel Hill’s lifestyle and brand. Arguably, a significant part of Chapel Hill land values is braided with its green space. The proposed projects masquerade as green, but they seem grey at best.  They destroy old growth forests that are the home to pileated woodpeckers, owls, herons, and many other species. The project, though well intended, seems to ignore data, climate science, and ecological science.

I request the Booker Creek and other projects be paused and reconceived. Use data to drive an integrative, citizen-involved, green approach that can be lower cost, more effective, and preserve the Chapel Hill lifestyle that is central to our citizenry and our lifestyle. Look to Durham, Ann Arbor, Portland, Netherlands, and other role model communities. What would Greta Thunberg say?  We can do this together. We can do better than these proposed projects.

September 14, 2021

Thank you for Monday night’s Town Hall.  It was a very powerful meeting that showed our community’s passion around our forests and natural areas.  The comments section was especially powerful.   I especially appreciated the diversity of voices most of all.

As I commented in the chat, enclosed is the petition as of earlier today.  This version is not numbered, but contains 739 signatures.  Please add these comments to the website and to the comments that the council will go through during their upcoming working session.  At this moment, we have 760 signatures.

As you will remember from Friday’s version, the signatures come from neighborhoods across Chapel Hill -  All the way from Stagecoach road near Southpoint to Southern Village; from Lake Hogan Farms to Meadowmont, to Ephesus to Jones Ferry rd., and of course along the Booker Creek watershed from Parkside to Willow drive.  I am impressed how wide ranging the reach has been.  It has also spanned age groups from high school students to college students to young families to folks who have lived here over 40 years.  And, as the comments during the meeting showed you, it also spans ethnic groups.   It’s obvious that our forests and green spaces are very important to all Chapel Hillians.

September 14, 2021

Last night’s Zoom meeting was encouraging and hopeful. I want the Booker Creek Preservation Alliance to have their chance to come up with an alternative solution: please give them their 12 months.

What a relief that so many citizens came from several neighborhoods! And the love of nature that rang through all comments.

As I read through the Dickson reports, I discovered a project designed to improve the Booker Creek Rd drainage, at the entrance to the Trail ( along the targeted Daley site).  It was implemented. Now let me tell you my experience of that improvement.

****About 3 years ago the Town’s engineers decide to replace a storm water drainage pipe on Booker Creek Rd ( at this time I had no knowledge of the Dickson Basin design). The pipe opened to the drainage channel that flows along the Booker Creek Trail. It was perhaps a 8-10” pipe. What do you think the engineers decided?  Without telling anyone who lived on that road…they decided to install 2 giant culverts: each 3-4 feet across and 4 feet high.

The concrete culverts sat roadside for weeks.  4-5 healthy, mature trees were cut down, and the channel on the other side of the road, was dredged.  Afterwards, someone was hired to try to seed grass and left behind a 6-8 saplings, of which, 2 or 3 died. Everyone got their cut from an overblown project. Incidentally, traffic was diverted for months.

We now have standing water in the drainage channel where we had none before…promoting mosquitoes. But no one who worked on this project, whether on paper or the site, lives here. So the consequences don’t impact them or the council members.  And despite the heaviest rains, the channel and the culverts are never full. The stormwater stream stops in a day or two, leaving standing water, because the now much bigger channel has so much plant material choking the flow.****

It was gratifying at the end of the Zoom meeting to listen to a man who spoke of his crawl space having flooded several times (I believe near the Willow site).  His tone was not angry or self-pitying.  His last words were, “ If this ( clearcutting and dredging the stream banks) is your solution, then I’ll live with a flooded crawl space!”

Finally, one of the last speakers mentioned he measured the temperature of the Lower Basin Park on a summer’s day: he said 120 F. Then he walked to the Lower Booker Creek Trail, under the canopy and measured 88 F.  Heat islands indeed!

September 14, 2021

I'm a relative newcomer to Chapel Hill. I've been here for 5 years or so, and in that time I've come to love the natural spaces around town. I'd just like to add my voice to the many others that would prefer to work out a more sustainable floodwater prevention program for the Booker Creek area. 

September 14, 2021