Public Hearing Dec. 6 on US 70 Bypass Plan

The Town of Clayton will hold a public hearing Dec. 6 on the proposed "US 70 Corridor Plan" which sets out guidelines for future development that would allow the area to maintain its charm and beauty.

The hearing will be part of the Town Council's regularly scheduled meeting which begins at 7:30 pm.

Consultants from the Wooten Company presented the plan and the Corridor Map to the Council for study this week. If approved, it will serve as a policy guide for future land use and land development decision-making along the highway corridor.

"The plan articulates development goals and objectives for the corridor against which short-term decisions regarding zoning, subdivision, utilities, stormwater management, transportation, capital improvements, and open space/recreational planning can be measured," the document states. "A particular focus of the plan is implementation of best management practices, land use controls, and development strategies that will increase immediate and preserve future opportunities for economic development while protecting the visual quality of viewsheds along the highway corridor and water quality within streams and water bodies."

Here's a brief look at some elements of the plan:

* Sub Area 1 – US 70 / US 70 Business - Light Industrial business type uses

* Sub Area 2 – US 70 Business to Little Creek Church Road - Light Industrial and low-density residential uses to the north, and low-density residential uses to the south.

* Sub Area 3 – Little Creek Church Road to Ranch Road - Medium and low-density residential uses to the northwest, with conservation of wetlands and streams, plus greenway development: low-density residential uses to the northeast and southeast; medium and high-density residential uses to the southwest, as well as recreational, office, institutional and commercial uses.

* Sub Area 4 – Ranch Road to Barber Mill Road - Low-density residential uses to the northwest; Low and medium-density residential uses to the northeast, with environmental protection restraints; Medium and high-density residential uses to the southeast, with commercial development; Low and medium-density residential uses to the southwest.

* Sub Area 5 – Barber Mill Road to the JCMH/42 West Small Area Boundary - Low, medium and high-density residential uses to the northwest; low-density residential uses to the northeast; Low and medium-density residential uses to the southeast and southwest.

The plan also calls for planting small flowering trees, evergreen trees, deciduous trees, native grasses and flowers along the highway.

The plan is available for review at the Planning and Inspections Department in Room GS 202 of the Clayton Center. A PDF of the plan is available for viewing by clicking here.

The 10.7-mile stretch of road has been disignated a "NC Scenic Byway" and is considered one of the state's most attractive roadways. It was a finalist in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' "America's Transportation Awards" competition shortly after it opened.