Hoke County CBAH Site - Moore Tract

Location: Raeford, Hoke County

CDC Partner: Blue Springs-Hoke County CDC (BSHC)

Land Trust Partner: Sandhills Area Land Trust (SALT)

Site Description:
This tract is located outside the city limits of Raeford in a rapidly growing section of Hoke County. The property has diverse ecological habitats—the northern and more elevated part of the property is covered in pine forest and is suitable for development, while the southern and lower portion of the property has an extensive stream system that should be protected for its conservation value.

Challenge: The site, located in a rapidly growing part of Hoke County is facing severe development pressures. However, the site does not have access to a centralized sewer system, making a higher density, clustered development unlikely. Although both the CDC and Sandhills Area Land Trust would like to see the stream system protected, a minimum number of housing lots are needed to make this a financially viable project.

Solution: A site plan developed by Randall Arendt (below) and further modified by local landscape architect, Vince Zucchino, would protect the southern portion of the property and the stream system, thereby ensuring high water quality.

Development will be limited to the northern portion of the property where the soils and terrain are much more suitable for development. A centralized septic area will allow the homes to be clustered while still having adequate wastewater disposal. Much of the pine forest in the northern portion of the property will be preserved, ensuring that residents have wooded lots and a high-quality neighborhood. Pathways and trails will also be created from the residential portion of the property to the conservation area.

Sandhills Area Land Trust hopes to secure funding from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to permanently protect the stream system and help lower the cost of housing on the property.