McKJETHAN POND S' reservation MILITARY MOTT LAKE [ionTO FAYITTFnUi Spring! CRAHA14S POND o 2 | M s McKISTHA# ( pom /~- $5*05/ haetei\ I, • v RESERVATION MILITARY 35*05: '? MOTT JS WifS J3o? s to ?A*rn?y%ia 5tv« gyfitiW? st <>. iOijCffiS ?ON!> w v 3.£50' grmiams peso rx. / / I — j\jr \ i $o***Y Grow . : v.„ r .X \ 8 f V V X i I 1 / i ^r Af»b» \ \ ' /^V SK.\ V , /■ \ -ilESSiS^l I 1 \ c»«fd \ r ~s I %s. 1 \ J The preparation of this report was financed in part through an urban planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the provision of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, as amended. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Purpose . ] Part I Background Information . 2 Location . 3 Planning Area. 3 History. 7 Soils. 8 Topography . 8 Climate.11 Wildlife. 11 Population.14 Population Size and Distribution . 14 Population Projections.14 Population Composition.17 Education.21 Economy.21 Economic Background . 21 Labor Force. 21 Retail Sales.25 Income.25 Economic Summary.30 Utilities.32 Part II Existing Land Use Analysis.37 Residential Land Use.38 Commercial Land Use.41 Industrial Land Use.43 Institutional Land Use.43 Natural and Undeveloped Land Use.44 Historical Land Use.44 Recreational Land Use.45 Roads and Highways.45 Part III Goals and Objectives.47 Part IV Land Use Plan. 50 Growth Policies.51 Land Classification System . 51 Land Use Recommendations.53 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Page Residential Development . 53 Commercial Development.54 Industrial Development.54 Recreational Development.54 Part V Implementation.55 Part VI Environmental Assessment Statement . 60 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from State Library of North Carolina https://archive.org/details/landuseplanhokecOOdoug FIGURES AND TABLES Figures Page 1 Regional Setting Map . 4 2 Transportation System . 5 3 Hoke County Townships . 6 4 Soil Associations Map. 9 5 Topography.10 6 Significant and Endangered Wildlife Species ... 13 7 Minority Population . 19 8 Existing and Proposed Sewer Systems . 34 9 Existing and Proposed Water Systems . 36 10 Existing Land Use.39 11 Substandard Housing . 40 12 Land Use Plan.52 Tables Page 1 Comparative Growth of Hoke County and Adjoining Counties . 15 2 Hoke County Population Projections . 16 3 Population Composition . 18 4 Age by Sex.20 5 Educational Facilities and Colleges . 22 6 Years of School Completed . 23 7 Economic Profile . 24 8 Occupations of Workers . 26 9 Annual Retail Sales . 28 10 Per Capita Income.29 11 Income Analysis.31 12 Proportion and Extent of Substandard Housing ... 42 PURPOSE A land development plan is designed to be a useful tool in helping shape the character and design of future growth in a given place. In such a plan the cultural, social, and economic characteristics of a community are examined to determine more about the people who reside there. The employment base and training of the available labor force are studied to learn more about the type of employers likely to be attracted to such a community. The soil characteristics and the lay of the land along with the road and highway systems are studied to deter¬ mine where the county is best prepared to handle various types of growth and development This document, then, takes the mentioned elements, plus many others, and combines them into a land use plan that recommends the most appro¬ priate uses of land within the planning area. If implemented, this land use plan should not only encourage growth in Hoke County, but encourage growth and development that will make the county a more desirable place in which to work and reside. Failure to follow the recommendations of this plan, however, can lead to needless inefficiency, waste, and destruction of the physical and natural resources of the county. * PART I BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2 LOCATION Hoke County is located in southeast North Carolina and is surrounded by Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Robeson, and Scotland Counties. (Refer to Figure 1.) It is approximately fifty miles from Raleigh, the state capital (population 228,453)*, seventy five miles from Charlotte (population 409,370)*, ten miles from Fayetteville (population 212,042)*, and five miles from Southern Pines, a well-known golf resort (population 5,970). The county is linked to these regional communities by a good transportation network. (Refer to Figure 2.) U.S. Highway 401 traverses Hoke County from Laurinburg through Raeford to Fayetteville, while U. S. 501 extends through the western tip of the county. State Route 211 links the county with Aberdeen to the north and Lumberton to the south. State route 20 connects Raeford with Interstate 95. In addition to the highway connection, Hoke County is linked to the region by the Laurinburg and Southern Railroad and the Rockfish Rail¬ road. The Raeford Municipal Airport, equipped with a paved and lighted runway 3,800 feet long, completes the transportation network in Hoke County. The transportation system along with the county's proximity to Fayetteville and Fort Bragg Military Reservation makes it a likely candidate for growth and development in the immediate future. PLANNING AREA The planning area described in this study includes all of Hoke County except the Fort Bragg Military Reservation, Raeford, and Raeford's extraterritorial jourisdiction area. The planning area consists of eight townships including Allendale, Antioch, Blue Springs, Little River, McLauchlin, Quewhiffle, Raeford, and Stonewall. (Refer to Figure 3.) *Population figures for Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville include the Standard Metropolitan Areas. Source of Population Figures: U.S. Bureau of the Census, North Carolina General Social and Economic Characteristics, (Washington, D.C., 1970). 3 . N AfOJii-a jr W . _ ? 4b /j^y . "* t -\ "jajL •• ajp«®s^" .^T^co^a,, ... k, nu j J-.M'S:, 'A IT, , s / I Op aJrT 11 I , * BllnSIMMBSf!4Sr •ftPSk*"***"'** : ■» \ Ciiiri.nfos; 8 Tt? f _.. WS - w &.-l| t T ’Jrsa, JtfT / fc— .J^&J . 1 .■■V,,f.'®' '}?«»>» <**■ pH**, i /\ n.8rrft ,i-S#> ^ Vy** \ ^ ,/^u j AS* R u is _ w ■%:*« § &ftt»ahun> Mel y% u h*t ! f iftvvd ,;f?si( if a ri **| tti3 t'V"T/ “*A-J^S 3s — ^s,- . X 'y&m** X (irt•£/ (fig '“ s p % s w yf/c I j i \ f5cKv?s*f x''^ r ^rS^- * «{, CateRne Beads !rM * r J Lif ‘ S \ X*,! „ ! «[»••■ Mmoelxr*S> fH. Sv"yi»\#^ S-;::::^ X | .*»* / W SifOlifl* BWt* v ’'fJ»f Spring UtwM^J ;* ?F w nwingw n gmttit . .®. i« 3$ m' riMSM -11 ’ jjf ' i ** /f ^ssu&BO?! G*t*OfXm Met . ‘i/ ^Eifc: c * r * r *- >*«%* » *»«i SMITH \ X 3 e« { .h ‘X 8 «t<* . "moxfo Cr s»»s«effi»fc '"V 4{„ « .. REGIONAL SETTING PAGE 4 SCALE IN MILES FIGURE 1 \ THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE OEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM LEGEND AIRPORT HIGHWAYS RAILROAD LINES PROPOSED HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT AREA HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA MILES THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED FEBRUARY, 1976 figure 2 page 5 CAMP MACKALl msutary *ESE*VAtlON THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WA PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. 0 UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION TOWNSHIP LINES THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS F1NANCEO IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED PAGE 6 HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA FIGURE 3 HISTORY Recorded history of the area which comprises present day Hoke County began over 200 years ago with the influx of settlers from Scotland. These people who had lost their fight for freedom against the English in 1746 sought political refuge and peace in the Carolinas. Unfortunately their migration coincided with the growth of American hostilities against England. The Scotchmen,as a whole, sided with the English during the American Revolution, a stand which antagonized the American patriots. The Revolutionary War reached even the Hoke County area with two skirmishes being fought between the Whigs (American patriots) and the Tories (English sympathizers). The Battle of McPhaul's Mill ended in a victory for the patriots, while the Battle of Piney Bottom (an area not included in the Fort Bragg Military Reservation) appears less decisive. Following the Revolutionary War period, work resumed on developing the area. Plank roads were constructed, churches built, and a society based on agriculture and slavery was forged. The War Between the States was felt in the area comprising Hoke County as General W. T. Sherman, commander of the Union Troops, laid waste to the area. The Union Army camped on the grounds of the Bethel Presbyterian Church from March 9-11, 1865 and engaged in battle with the Confederate troops at the Gree Spring Monroe Place approximately eight miles north of Raeford. Many years were required to erase the destruc¬ tion and bitterness in the Hoke County area resulting from the war. As reconstruction in the South progressed through the Twentieth Century, the area comprising present day Hoke County was neglected by its parent counties. Roads were in bad repair, the school system was inadequate, and great distances were involved in reaching the county seats. Finally, in 1911, Hoke County was officially created with Raeford designated as the county seat. Only three years after its creation, Hoke County lost approximately one-third of its territory in the creation of Fort Bragg Military Reservation. This Fort remains one of the largest in the United States today and continues to have an economic impact on Hoke County, both positive and negative. The creation of the Fort means a sizeable tax loss for the county, but soldiers residing in the county contribute to the local economy. The Hoke County area has a proud history of hard work and stubborn pride. Such a tradition combined with positive planning practices will guarantee a high quality living and working environment for future generations to enjoy. Sources of Information: Interview with Robert Gatlin; Bill Sharpe, A New Geography of North Carolina , (Sharpe Publishing Company, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., 1965). 7 ; SOILS A major consideration of this plan is the soil characteristics of Hoke County. Soil limitations are a key factor in determining appropriate land uses for various areas of the county. Man-made land uses, for example, require well drained land chat is not subject to excessive flooding. According to information provided by the United States Soil Conservation Service, much of south-western Hoke County and other portions of the county contain soil associations that have severe development limitations. These soil associations include the following: McColl Loam . McColl loam occupies depressed flat areas and is very high in organic matter. Natural drainage is poor in this soil. Plummer Sandy Loam Association . The Plummer sandy loam occupies broad tableland areas intermediate in elevation between the Portsmouth and Norfolk soils. Its drainage is deficient. Portsmouth Sandy Loam Association . The Portsmouth sandy loan, like the McColl soils, occupies depressed flat areas and is very high in organic matter. When artffically drained, it is well suited for crop production. Swamp Association . Swampy soil is the area along practically every stream in the county that is subject to overflow and swampy conditions during much of the year. Due to the unique qualities of these soil associations, development should be avoided in the areas containing them. Figure 4 is presented to give generalized information about the location of the described soil types. More detailed information concerning their exact locations can be obtained through the local soil conservation service office in Raeford. TOPOGRAPHY Hoke County, with an elevation ranging from 200 to 450 feet above sea level, is located in both the Sandhills and Flatwoods physiographic regions of North Carolina. The Sandhills region, encompassing the northern part of the county, is characterized as having hilly terrain with porous, light-colored sandy soils. The Flatwoods region, which includes southern Hoke County, is a level to mildly undulating plain. Much of the area is poorly drained and swampy. An unexplained natural feature of the Flatwoods is the "Carolina Bays." These bays are shallow elliptical depressions containing very rich soil. (Refer to Figure 5.) 8 . THIS MAP WAS PREPARED FROM A.S.C. IN THE COMP REHENS I VE-MAIEfi. MD__SE MAYES, SUDDERTH AND ETHEREDC-E, IF t % * \ *1 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION ?C . ■ HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA SOIL ASSOCIATIONS WITH SEVERE DEVELOPMENT LIMITATIONS LEGEND PORTSMOUTH SANDY LOAM ASSOCIATION PLUMMER SANDY LOAM ASSOCIATION MC COLL LOAM ASSOCIATION SWAMP ASSOCIATION MILES THE PREPARATION OP THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED PAGE 9 FEBRUARY, 1976 FIGURE 4 - \ 'b \ THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7 . TOPOGRAPHY HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA LEGEND swamp/wetlands CONTOUR LINES THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 70l OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED PAGE 10 FEBRUARY, 1976 FIGURE 5 CLIMATE The climate in Hoke County is characterized as being humid and subtropical with long, hot summers and relatively mild winters. Transitional seasons tend to be drawn-out and quite pleasant. The county has a 230 day growing season and an average mean temperature of 61.9 degrees. The 50.47 inches of average annual percipitation in Hoke County is well distributed throughout the year. August has the greatest amount of rainfall with 5.6 inches annually, and November has the least with 2.5 inches. Snowfall is light with less than four inches per year. The prevailing wind direction in Hoke County is from the south-west with the highest mean speed occurring in the month of March and the lowest mean speed occurring in August. The strongest sustained winds that have occurred on an average of once every fifty years in Hoke County is eighty miles per hour. Building and structures located in Hoke County should be designed to withstand wind velocities of at least this speed. WILDLIFE Throughout much of America's history, development has occurred with absolute disregard for the existing wildlife in natural areas. Wildlife and natural resources are often cleared to make way for "progress." The result of this wasteful policy is that much of our wildlife heritage is permanently lost and many species are in danger of becomming extinct. Development of the human environment can occur in harmony with nature if positive planning practices are observed. With this goal in mind, certain areas of Hoke County containing endangered wildlife species are described. (Refer to Figure 6 for locations.) A natural area north of Raeford straddling Rockfish Creek is the habitat of the wild turkey. This bird, although once plentiful through¬ out the southwestern region of the United States,is now in danger of becoming extinct. Efforts should be made to preserve its natural habitat area from unnecessary development. Swampy areas in southern and southwestern Hoke County may contain alligators according to the Corps of Army Engineers. Although their numbers are increasing as a result of government protection, alligators are still listed on the endangered species list. Efforts should be made to protect the swampy habitats of the alligators. The Lumber River, which is being considered for designation as a wild and scenic river, is a habitat for various warm-water fish. This natural heritage, if properly managed, can offer a healthy environment for the fish and offer recreational pleasure for mankind at the same time. Efforts should be made to protect the Lumber River from pollution and destruction. 11 Other endangered wildlife found in Hoke County includes the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker and various forms of flora. As development occurs in Hoke County, an effort should be made to locate construction where it will have the least amount of negative impact on the remaining wildlife. 12 c. CAMP mackau msutary reservation THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 71 HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA MILES FEBRUARY, 1976 FIGURE 6 SIGNIFICANT AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT OF HOUSING ANO URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNOER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 70l OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 954 AS AMENDED PAGE 13 ’SOURCE: UiS. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 1 ENVIRONMENTAL RECONNAISSANCE INVENTORY OF THE STATE OF (WASHINGTON, NOV. 1972) LEGEND WILD TURKEY ALLIGATOR SELECTED WARM-WATER FISH HABITAT (LUMBER RIVER HAS BEEN PROPOSED AS A WILD ANDSCENIC RIVER) RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER FOUND THROUGHOUT COUNTY •;< POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Population Size and Distribution For the past several decades, the population of Hoke County has grown at a fluctuating rate, with the addition of approximately 600+ people per decade. This growth rate has been substantially lower than that experienced in all adjoining counties except Robeson which registered a 4.8 percent population loss between 1960 and 1970. (Refer to Table 1.) While the County has experienced a moderate overall growth rate in recent years, the populations of all the townships within the county except McLauchlin, Quewhiffle, and Raeford Townships have experienced a decline. (Refer to Table 2.) Growth in Raeford Township has been dramatic with the percent increase fluctuating from ten percent to thirty-six percent for the decade. McLauchlin Township's population increase, although less dramatic, has been growing at an accelerating rate since 1950. As the population size continues to decline in Allendale, Antioch, Blue Springs, and Stonewall Townships, an increasingly larger amount of Hoke County's population is concentrated in Raeford, Quewhiffle, and McLauchlin Townships. As of 1970, fully forty-five percent of the county's population resided in Raeford Township with twelve percent in McLauchlin Township, and an additional sixteen percent of the population in Quewhiffle Township. Population Projections In order to effectively plan for Hoke County's future growth and development, it is necessary to know approximately how many people are being planned for. Projections are the most useful method of approximating the future population size of the county. Projections basically consist of continuing historical population trends into the future. Actual population growth rarely occurs at rates consistent with past trends, however, so population figures may vary from the projected amounts. The following projections, then, should not be accepted as absolute amounts. They should rather be used only as advisory information. It is likely that the population size will continue to decline in much of the county, with growth concentrated around the Town of Raeford, and in the area adjacent to the Cumberland County line. (Refer to Table 2.) The over¬ all effect of this change should result in a slight population increase in Hoke County, however, various sources consider a minor population loss a likely possibility. Allendale, Antioch, Blue Springs, and Stonewall Townships will continue to lose their population due to the severe limitations of the soil, inaccessibility of the areas, and lack of employment opportunities. Quewhiffle Township may experience continued growth due to good highway access, good soil characteristics and proximity to both the Southern Pines area and Raeford. It is expected that Raeford Township will continue to experience substantial growth resulting from the population increase in the Town of Raeford. Raeford has the advantage of being well located geographically, having good transportation linkages, having few topographic limitations for construction, having a good system of public utilities, and having an active town 14 COMPARATIVE GROWTH OF HOKE COUNTY AND ADJOINING COUNTIES L0 o CJ CL) VO •r— cdcd LO CD o CO CO CD -t~> E r— • • • • • • to n3 o CVJ CO CD CD •r* -c E e o o + + + + 1 + O) s- +-> ^ Li- a f0 e rtS .e <_> CD CM r^. 00 CM CD O CO CD CM e O CD o 00 CD o cd c\ ft ft ft rc ft •r— t— CD CM CD CD *3" CO +-> r— p— ^J* CO 00 CM e • O'-" r^- O CD CD o CM rr o o co CM CO CD CD CO D- CD CO CM CD co CM a CD CD a A A * A L0 I— i— CD *d- o CD CO rs r— LO *3- CO CM L0 *> E • a> O O • Q 0) CD LO CM JZ « o r— r— f— r— r^ 4-> E CO C\J CM CD CM LO r— O CD A A A A A A <+- 4-> r— LO P". co CD o o co r— CO CM CD CM E E *r- ns -E aj oo E E IS *o CD -- e rC •a +-> r— 4-> E c: • • e E +J o fO d) L0 r— a O +j E <_) E E o -Q o E o rs f0 o o o O nr o nr 2 : or oo 00 15 HOKE COUNTY POPULATIONS PROJECTIONS * o o o CM * o on on o On o co on CM CO CO CO f". 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In addition, there are few soil or topographic limitations for development. The area population has been increasing at an accelerating rate since 1950. Projection based on accelerating rate of population increase. « government. This combination should encourage continued growth in the area. It is expected that McLauchlin Township will continue to grow at an accelerating rate due to a continued influx of Fort Bragg/Fayettevilie commutors and retirees. The rapid growth of mobile home parks in the area adjacent to the Cumberland County line is attracting many military people who want inexpensive housing and country living. The Rockfish community on the other hand, is providing large lot, single-family housing that appeals to retirement age people and Fayetteville business¬ men who want country living with the advantages of a nearby city. Growth and development in Hoke County occurring as a result of population increases will be concentrated around the Town of Raeford, the Rockfish community, and along U.S. 401 near the Cumberland County line. Population Composition Hoke County's population is of tri-racial composition with approximately 1,754 Indians, 7,270 blacks, and 7,412 whites residing in the county. A very high percentage of these 16,436 residents (54%) is made up of minority race persons. These groups are concentrated in Allendale, Antioch, Blue Springs, Quewhiffle, and Stonewall Townships with additional concentrations in the area adjacent to the Town of Raeford. (Refer to Table 3 and Figure 7.) In addition to race, it is important to review the age and sex of the residents as well. (Refer to Table 4.) There is a fairly equal number of males and females in Hoke County, with a rather even distribution of age group size. The age groups with the largest number of individuals are these containing people under the age of twenty-five. The age groups containing the smallest number of individuals include people over the age of fifty. A likely explanation for this condition is that most of the individuals under the age of twenty-five reside with their parents and are not yet employed. The slight decline in the age group size from twenty-five through fifty years of age may result from out¬ migration for employment opportunities. The smaller numbers of individuals in the age groups over fifty is the result of increased susceptability to death. It is interesting to note that eighty-one percent of Hoke County's population is composed of individuals less than fifty years of age. This means that the population of the county is primarily composed of people in or approaching their most productive years. 17 * Table 3 POPULATION COMPOSITION Total Persons White B1 ack Indian % Minori ty Hoke County 16,436 7,412 7,270 1,754 54% Allendale Twp. 537 43 323 171 91% Antioch Twp. 1,514 382 497 635 74% Blue Springs Twp. 1,113 196 696 221 82% McLauchlin Twp. 1,938 1,117 729 92 42% Quewhiffle Twp. 2,607 1 ,094 1,349 164 58% Raeford Twp. 7,409 4,057 3,119 233 38% Stonewall Twp. 1,318 523 557 238 60% Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Fifth Count Summary Tapes, (Washington, D.C. 1970). 18 . N THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7 MINORITY POPULATION LEGEND CONCENTRATIONS OF MINORITY PERSONS TOWNSHIPS WITH CONCENTRATION OF MINORITY PERSONS HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA MILES FEBRUARY, 1976 FIGURE 7 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF i95A AS AMEND EC PAGE 19 Table 4 AGE BY SEX i960 1970 Age in Years Male Female Total Male Female Total Change Under 5 1,228 1,220 2,448 849 803 1,652 - 32.5 5-9 1,157 1,119 2,276 1,012 896 1,908 - 16.1 10-14 2,156 1,166 2,156 1,303 1,064 2,367 9.8 15-19 754 745 1,499 960 915 1,875 25.0 20-24 456 537 993 596 644 1,240 24.9 25-29 449 515 964 498 492 990 2.7 30-34 443 455 898 433 436 869 - 3.2 35-39 471 488 959 391 438 829 - 13.6 40-44 404 432 836 419 401 820 - 1.9 45-49 390 398 788 407 411 818 3.8 50-54 310 324 634 377 408 785 23.8 55-59 250 264 514 306 346 652 26.8 60-64 190 225 415 253 265 518 24.8 65-69 202 209 411 178 215 393 - 4.4 70-74 126 156 282 135 163 298 5.7 75-79 76 82 158 85 114 199 25.9 80-84 41 43 84 44 73 117 39.2 85+ 15 26 41 45 61 106 158.5 All ages 8,128 8,228 16,356 8,291 8,145 16,436 .5 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, North Characteristics, (Washington, D. Carolina General C., 1960 and 1970) Population • 20 EDUCATION Although Hoke County has an adequate educational system, the level of formal schooling is quite low with nearly forty-six percent of the citizens twenty-five years of age and older having eight or fewer years of training. The state as a whole has a much better level of educational attainment. (Refer to Table 6.) There are several reasons why Hoke County's residents have less formal education than the State average. Employment opportunities in Hoke County are concentrated in agricultural and manufacturing jobs. Traditionally, such work has depended on untrained and unskilled labor. There are few employment opportunities for highly trained and educated pepple in Hoke County. The result is that as citizens of the county achieve higher levels of education they are forced to move and work where the opportunities for employment exist. With the loss of the college graduates, the educational attainment statistics of Hoke County are reduced to below the State average. ECONOMY The economy of Hoke County is one of the major factors effecting how the area will develop. By analyzing the economic conditions and potential, predictions can be made concerning the future of the area. More realistic plans, based on such probabilities, can be written to guide the county's development needs. Economic Background The economic history of Hoke County reflects independence, hard work and prosperity. The early economy, which was originally based on the plantation system, prospered because of a conducive climate, gently rolling topography, and good soil conditions in the northern and eastern portions of the county. This agricultural economy has been diversified by industries attracted to the Raeford area since 1948. These industries include turkey processing and textile manufacturing plants. The Town of Raeford, with its population concentration and indus¬ trial plants has been the economic center of Hoke County since its conception. The area contains abundant developable land and easy access to public utilities. It will continue to be the economic center in Hoke County for many years to come. Labor Force Hoke County's labor force has fluctuated in size over the past several years. While the number of manufacturing jobs has grown steadily, the number of agricultural positions has decreased. (Refer to Table 7.) The overall effect of this change in the labor force is a 21 ' * Table 5 EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES & COLLEGES Public Elementary Schools in County . 6 Public High Schools in County . 1 Private Schools . 0 Total Student Enrollment . 4,857* Pupil to Teacher Ratio. 22-1 Colleges and Universities Within 30 Mile Radius of Hoke County Campbell College, Buies Creek Fayetteville State College, Fayetteville Heritage Bible College, Dunn Methodist College, Fayetteville Pembroke State University, Pembroke Sandhills Community College, Southern Pines Business Colleges Within 30 Mile Radius of Hoke County Fayetteville Technical Institute, Fayetteville LaFayette College, Fayetteville LaSalle Extension University, Fayetteville Sanford Business College, Sanford Womick-Selenia Business College, Lumberton * Projection by North Carolina Department of Public Education, Statistical Service Center, (Raleigh, N.C., 1974). 22 Table 6 YEARS OF SCHOOL COMPLETED Hoke County State of North Carolina Total Number of Persons 25 years and over 7,389 2,646,272 No. School Years Completed 212 51,799 Elementary: 1 - 7 Years 2,414 698,067 8 Years 759 233,367 High School: 1 - 3 Years 1 ,828 645,089 7 Years 1,452 572,928 College: 1 - 3 Years 398 221 ,396 4 Yrs. or More 326 223,626 Median School Years Completed 9.45 10.6 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, General Social and Economic Characteristics, (Washington, 1970). 23 ECONOMIC PROFILE 03 +-> S- C 13 CU O o o o " i, LO cn CO C\J r-. CO r^» ZJ O O r— •r- Ql S- E CD LU < cn cr ■i— +-> s- cr Z3 O) O o o O +-> E CM r"» lo LO o >*i *3" CO CTi CO 03 O #» r\ •s r\ 4- CM (XI CM CO i !• 03 LU CU 4-J 03 +-> CO 03 CO CO <3- O LO • • co +-> sr: CD O cu o o CU O' O nr o o CO co LO cr 03 •r- CU i— (J •r- S_ > o o O o o •1- Li_ CO o CO C_> co r— CO ZZ r» s_ 03 O 4-> IS O 1— CO CO rs 4-> • o cr • cu 2Z E >> A O jz r— CD Q. •i — E CU LU f— 03 4- or O — =3 «% 03 L0 CU CU S- +J Z3 03 CQ E •r~ r* -t-> 03 LO cr LU •r— ■— CU o U s_ s- 03 o C_> Lt_ xz S- 4-> o S- _Q O 03 rr 4— 03 O cr •i — cr r— o o •i — S- lo 03 LO C_> •r— E x: E +-> O i- o o zr >> +-> r\ •r— zr s- o ♦ Z5 C- — O 03 CU cu r-. CO LO CO or cr cu >, i- E +-> cu >■>•.- no O S~ E i— 13 CU au > E CU O U OO z S- o i— CM CO (3 r^. r-^ CU cn cn cn cn >- ■— i— <— i— CU o s- Z5 o oo 24 net gain of 890 new jobs during the four year period ending in 1973. There is a fairly equal distribution of males and females in Hoke County's labor force. According to the 1970 Census, fifty-seven percent of the workers (3,949 people) are males, while forty-three percent (3,033 people) are females. The greatest number of individuals in the Hoke County labor force are employed in manufacturing and craftsmen jobs, with the number of farm employees, the traditional main occupation in the county, far down the list in terms of numbers. (Refer to Table 8.) This reflects the fact that a shift has occurred in the labor force from farming to manu¬ facturing in recent years. Retail Sales The annual retail sales of Hoke County, gives an indication of the county's economic growth and provides the basis for future forecasts and projections. (Refer to Table 9.) In 1970-1971, the annual retail sales were $16,839,000, and for the year ending 1974-1975, the sales were $28,747,462. This reflects a seventy-one percent increase in retail sales during the five year period. Of all the surrounding counties, none surpassed the retail sales growth of Hoke County during the same period. Although Hoke County's growth in retail sales has been impressive in recent years, a comparison of 1975 gross retail sales figures lists Hoke County behind all the surrounding counties. Hoke County's small retail sales figures can be attributed to several factors including a small popula¬ tion size and close proximity to Fayetteville. Since the large market areas of Fayetteville are so accessible to Hoke residents, much of their shopping is done out of the county. This condition, coupled with the small population should continue to keep the retail sales figures for Hoke County behind that of its neighbors. Income During the time period from 1958 to 1970, per capita income in Hoke County increased by 104 percent to a figure of $2,097. This rise, how¬ ever, was appreciably less than the state's 125 percent increase to a per capita income of $3,208. (Refer to Table 10.) Based on available information, Hoke County, with one exception when the county experienced a two percent loss in per capita income, has retained a moderate increase in per capita income. By 1970, surpassed by only Robeson County, Hoke recorded the highest increase in per capita income, with a fifty-eight and nine tenths percent increase. 25 Table 8 OCCUPATIONS OF WORKERS Number of Occupation Workers Professional, technical, and kindred workers Engineers- 31 Physicians, dentists, and related practitioners- 17 Health workers, except practitioners - 84 Teachers, elementary and secondary schools - 117 Technicians, except health - 31 Other professional workers--- 189 TOTAL- 529 Managers and administrators, except farm Salaried: Manufacturing -- 44 Retail trade - 54 Other industries- 115 Self- Employed: Retail trade - 87 Other industries- 20 TOTAL- 320 Sales workers Retail trade--- 203 Other than retail trade- 43 TOTAL- 246 Clerical and kindred workers - 471 Craftsmen, foremen, and kindred workers - Automobile mechanics, including body repairmen - 61 Mechanics and repairmen, except automobile - 223 Metal craftsmen, except mechanics - 20 Construction craftsmen--- 171 Other craftsmen- 240 TOTAL- 715 Operatives, except transport Durable goods manufacturing - 147 Nondurable goods manufacturing - 1,175 Nonmanufacturing industries - 227 TOTAL- 1,549 Transport equipment operatives- 156 Laborers, except farm Construction laborers - 54 Freight, stock, and material handlers - 102 Other laborers, except farm- 212 TOTAL- 368 26 . Table 8 Continued OCCUPATIONS OF WORKERS Number of Occupation Workers Farmers and farm managers - 199 Farm laborers and farm foremen- 352 Service Workers, except private household Cleaning service workers - 225 Food service workers- 139 Health service workers - 93 Personal service workers - 18 Protective service workers - 61 TOTAL---.. 588 Private household workers -— 244 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, North Carolina General Social and Economic Characteristics, (Washington, D.C., 1970). 27 4 ANNUAL RETAIL SALES (includes both taxable and non-taxable sales) LO r-* cu cn CDi— c rd I .c: o o a cn LD cr> i n-. cn 'vj- cn r— I CO cn CO r^. cn i CM r^. cn CM r^» cn i r— r>. cn r>. cn i o cn +-> e 13 o cd 6^ c>^ LO cn oo r>. CO o o CO CM cn CO CO r^- LO LO LO LO TO C fC3 CO c O CM CM LO r— o •1— CD co cn co LO CO +-> o cn r— LO LO o cu i^» o ^1" cn r— r— cn oo o O CM i — r^. CD r— r— O 'M’ o CD CO cn CO CO CM o CM r— CM CO LO X CD r— r— CM co rd 0\ 1— cn • r— CL) ^ CO LO r d r^. cn TO r— LO O f— r— CD CM r— c (- LO CO r^- CD CD co 03 « cn CD LO CD CO +J n 0S #1 •N c\ 0S CU co CO cn CO CO I-". CO +-> D CO LO LO CM CO r-» co rd cn LO LO CO CM CM +-> D 0S #» #1 0% 0S 00 C CO CM CO CM CD CM cn CM o 1— CO CM M — « LO r— r— CM LO O • 0\ CD 00 CO r— •|— • CO 00 >> r— ^ T3 -C r-'- CD o o CD CO CO c cn o CO co l— r-^ *3- o • rd Cv. CO CM LO LO CM CM r— c a; CO CO CM CM CD 1- i — o — 0\ 0S 0% * 0\ 0S o •1— CO CD LO CO 1— 'M' 00 -a CO = CM CM r— cn cn r"» LO •i— CO LO r— r— <+- > a. 0% o •i— D CD Q O |- CO %- TO X CD D rd f0 1— CO CO to O O o o o o O D cu cu o O o o o o o O CO 50 o O o o o o o d: ro *r- 0\ 0S *% * •N 0% * 4-> CO C\J CO CM CO cn TO 53 r>. r— LO i"- CM CD r— O so ca cn CO o CM O r-» C0 4-> rd 0S * 0\ 0% TO cn cn o CM LO cn TO CO CO 1- o co CD CU cu CO cu 13 03 S- CO o o O o o o O O 03 CU CD o O o o o O O > o o o o o O O to CU >, #» #% 0% #N cu QO D) cn cn |- CM r— CO LO s- CO CO CO CD cn CM CD =3 M- CO co CD 00 O co CD cn cn O CU 0S 0S 0K 0 \ r» •r— r— CO LO CM CD CO +-> rd ,— cn CO LO LO LO CO OO CO r— CD CM CU E <— CM cn +-> -r- r— r— S- rd i rd +-> o CL CU r^. cu ad cn o rd CO C • CO •r— CO CD O i — s- • S_ TO o fC3 LC CD c s- cu 03 T3 n3 >- |— +-> co co O • • S- +J o «T3 CU CU cu cu to f- .c: • • CO cu -Q co s- CU 4-> +-> D o =3 03 o o C_> o o o nr CD or 21 OC OO oo 28 Table 10 PER CAPITA INCOME Area 1958 1962 % Chg. 1966 °/o Chg. 1970 % Chg. Hoke $1 ,027 $1,002 - 2.4 $1,320 +31.7 $2,097 +58.9 Cumberland 1 ,669 1,908 +14.3 2,210 +15.8 3,084 +39.5 Harnett 1 ,106 1,416 +28.0 1,630 +15.1 2,373 +45.6 Moore 1 ,220 1,521 +24.7 2,348 +54.4 3,240 +38.0 Robeson 898 1,105 +23.0 1,320 +19.5 2,398 +81.7 Scotland 1 ,215 1,310 + 7.8 1,835 +40.0 2,558 +39.4 No. Carolina 1 ,420 1,732 +22.0 2,277 +31.5 3,208 +41.0 Source: N.C. Dept, of Revenue, Division of Tax Research 29 In comparison with surrounding counties, Hoke County has a large percentage of families with incomes below the poverty level. (Refer to Table 11.) There are approximately 907 families, or twenty-six percent of all families with incomes below the poverty level.* The poverty rate in Raeford is much lower with only forty-eight, or five and eight-tenths percent of the families with below poverty level incomes. Although Hoke County has a larger percentage of families with incomes below the poverty level, it has a relatively small percentage of families receiving public assistance. Only 14.2 percent of the families with incomes below the poverty level receive public assistance. This low incidence of families receiving public assistance can, in part, be attributed to the fact that there still exists, to a large degree, a communal society in Hoke County. Such a society can be characterized as one in which there is great community cooperation, self-help and improvement, and close family ties. Thus, these families with low incomes are subsidized by contributions from friends and relatives. The median family income in Hoke County in 1970 was $6,844. Compared with surrounding counties and the state, this average falls at the mid point, with an equal number of counties having incomes below and above this figure. For the same period, the median family income in the Town of Raeford was substantially higher than the county and the state, with a recorded figure of $10,470. Economic Summary The above information is intended to present a reasonably complete view of just how the economy of the county stands at the present time. While it must be conceded that some factors have changed since the data was gathered, the general picture itself has not changed to any extent. However, since the picture is only that of the present economy, it is necessary -- in order to formulate plans -- to determine expected economic levels. The following summary is a compilation of the aforestated inter¬ related segments of the economy, and an attempt to accurately project the general economic picture into the future. * Poverty level contributions were carried out by the U.S. Bureau of the Census and are adjusted by such factors as family size, number of children under eighteen, and farm and non-farm residents. 30 .v ij INCOME ANALYSIS to a) a) •r- O i— E •i— 03 E +-» 03 Lu CD to E *i— *i— to cn CM 00 o 4- > to • • • • • O •1 — co CO CO ■M E CU CU o o CU T- Q0 i — CJ -Q E e "O CU E E 03 2 O I— I— cu aj > «— co a> <— _i C to CU >, 4- *r- 4-> Or- i. •i— QJ ^ E > 03 O Ll_ Cl. a) r— -E ra 4-> •!— o S o LO CM CO CO CO co co o U1 • • • • • • • r— o CO o LO 1 — CO o 2 r— CU CU _J to CD LO co 1 o CD o o •i— CU +-> cn LO cn o r— E E A 0S •I— o cu r^. CM CM E CJ > 03 E O U_ t—■ Cu * E >■) CU t _ CO ra «— E f— CM •r— *i— O r— CO co co -O E CJ CU 03 E co CO CO U_ i—» •be- to co- to- 03 CU CO r-^ O E +-> E 00 C'. cn CU •!- o o CO o CM Cu Cl O A 0 % 0 % * 03 E CO CM CM CO O • to- to- -GO- to- XJ e OS 4-> S- cu -M +J CU CU E -Q E CU E E E E JkC o O E 03 o o o CJ DC DC O t— CJ o E E •r— 03 CJ cu 00 CM LO CM JZ JE tj- O r— CM +-> 4-> r— LO CM • E «% rs 4- E O CO r— 1— O 03 de r— •|— CM 4- -O a r— CU to 03 E E x: to 1 cu E CU XI CU E 4-> CJ O o LO o LO to cu r^. CO • « -Q sz co o CU cu +-> 0% 0% A m E cu o LO o o 4- 1— to to to CJ X O tO E CU •r— E to 03 cu cu CU r— E E CM 00 CO 00 X> O E CO cn LO o •o O CQ CO co LO CM •i— E n E *r- to CM CM CM CO cu to to to to cu cu +-> JE JE 03 1— 4-> 4-> to • • X) 03 CU CU E E +-> E •i— O •1— S i— CJ E O O E ED 1— E i —< X3 03 XJ E E CJ E • • E O 03 03 CU O CO r— JE •r— CJ 4- CU -*-> +-> X> E CU JQ o E CU E 03 O u O de: O DC cc to ED -K to 31 Characteristics, (Washington, D.C., 1970). (a) In the labor force, the total civilian work force is expected to increase, as it has in the past. A general decrease will presumably continue to occur in agricultural employment, as indicated in the past. The number of jobs in manufacturing and industrial activities is predicted to continually increase, at a very slow rate. The following projections, based on past employment trends, are furnished to give an idea of the future employment pictures of Hoke County. Employment Projections Year Total Employment Mfg. Employment 1970 6,480 2,420 1975 6,933 2,831 1980 7,418 3,312 1985 7,937 3,875 1990 8,492 4,533 Source: Division of Community Assistance (b) Retail sales are expected to .increase moderately in both Raeford and Hoke County. This prediction is based, in part, on Raeford's population and economic growth -- which renders it the "economic hub" of the county; and population gains in McLauchlin Township. UTILITIES Electric Power Electricity is furnished to Hoke County by the Lumbee River Electrical Membership Corporation and the Carolina Power and Light Company. The Lumbee River Electrical Membership Corporation serves most of the rural areas, with Carolina Power and Light Company serving Raeford, Dundarrach, McCain, and Ashley Heights. Natural Gas Natural gas is supplied to Hoke County by the North Carolina Natural Gas Corporation which has a trunk line extending through McCain, Raeford, and southeastern portions of the county. 32 , Telephone Telephone service is provided to Hoke County by the Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company. Cable Television Raeford and adjacent areas have access to cable by the North Carolina T.V. Corporation of St. Pauls, television furnished North Carolina. Sewer System Due to the rural character of Hoke County, Raeford has the only municipal sewage system in the County. (Refer to Figure 8.) Those persons in the county residing outside of Raeford must depend on septic tanks or other means of private sewage disposal. This is not a problem as long as development occurs at a density of one house per acre, but health problems may occur from the sewage resulting in higher density areas. The greatest population concentration in the county, the Town of Raeford, is served by a well designed sewage system that receives secondary treatment in a six-year old treatment plant. This plant which was designed for 3,000, 000 gallons of waste water per day, has a reserve capacity of 500,000 gallons per day. This is enough reserve to handle additional growth, including the proposed sewer expansion project in the north Raeford area. With the probable approval of a federal grant through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, sewer lines may be extended to much of the densely populated north Raeford area. This area, composed of low income, minority individuals, poses an immediate health threat to the county since residents must rely on private sewage disposal systems. Efforts should be made to service the entire area with an adequate public sewer system. The Water and Sewer Plan for Hoke County, North Carolina , prepared by Mayes, Sudderth and Etheredge, Incorporated in 1968 recommends as a long range goal, creating a sewer service area in the Rockfish Community. The study indicates that by 1990 the population size will require such a system in that area. The previously mentioned water and sewer plan did not account for the rapid growth of mobile home parks that have sprung up in recent years along U. S. Highway 401. This growth, coupled with new commercial interests in the area, makes public sewer systems a necessary consideration. 33 I ( THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WA PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. Of UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 1 I . EXISTING AND PROPOSED SEWER SYSTEM LEGEND EXISTING SANITARY SEWER SERVICE AREA PROPOSED SANITARY SEWER SERVICE AREA (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ) PROPOSED SANITARY SEWER SERVICE AREA (long range, 1990 as proposed by wat er AND SFWFR PLAN FOR HOK E -COUNTY i N ■ Lj > SOURCE: DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA R O « « S ° MILES FEBRUARY, 1976 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED PAGE 34 FIGURE 8 Another area that should be considered for possible servicing by sewers is the Hi11 crest area east of Raeford. This area has experienced much growth and may need to have sewers in the not so distant future. It is recommended that a detailed survey be made of sanitary conditions in the developing areas so that the extension of public sewers may coincide with the need and federal requirements. Water System Whether dependent upon private or public water systems, residents of Hoke County rely on ground water wells for their domestic and indus¬ trial water needs. According to a 1972 study by Moore, Gardner, and Associates, Inc., and a 1968 water and sewer plan prepared by Mayes, Sudderth, and Etheredge, Inc., water in sufficient quantity and quality is available through ground water sources to meet the growing water needs in the county. The well system, coupled with a possible water intake system in Rockfish Creek should provide required water supplies without the construction of a reservoir. The Water and Sewer Plan recommends that as additional water is needed, new wells should be dug with increased distances separating them. The existing public water systems are centered around Raeford and the Rockfish Community. (Refer to Figure 9.) Raeford's municipal water system, which serves the incorporated areas of the town, is dependent on a seventeen well system. These wells, ranging in depth from 150 feet to 200 feet, produce from 150 to 250 gallons of water per minute. The Raeford water system has just been modernized with construc¬ tion of a new treatment plant and a 1,800,000 gallon storage tank. In addition to Raeford's water system, the north Raeford area, the Hi 11 crest area, and the Rockfish community are furnished water by non-profit water associations. Remaining portions of the county are dependent upon private systems for their water needs. The previously mentioned water and sewer plan recommends creating a water service area south of the Rockfish Community with long-range proposals for water service areas adjacent to U.S. route 401 near the Cumberland County line, adjacent to U.S. 401 southwest of Raeford, a service area connecting Dundarrach and Rockfish, and a service area connecting Raeford anu the South Hoke Community. The water and sewer plan, however, did not anticipate the growth of mobile home parks in the area adjacent to Cumberland County and the growth of the area near the municipal airport. These areas may need to be provided public water in the near future. It is recommended that a detailed survey be made of the water quality in the developing areas so that public water systems may be provided as they are needed. 35 G \ -b \ A vj % THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7< ■ EXISTING AND PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA MILES FEBRUARY, 1976 FIGURE 9 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENOED PAGE 36 LEGEND ■ EXISTING WATER SERVICE AREA PROPOSED WATER SERVICE AREA (5 YEAR IMPROVEMENT) ■ PROPOSED WATER SERVICE AREA (LONG RANGE, 1990 ) SOURCE! DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PART II EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS 37 This section of the plan is designed to review the existing con¬ ditions and land uses within Hoke County. Such a review is important to get a better understanding of where the county is and where it is going. With this knowledge, it is then possible to make recommendations that will help guide Hoke County in accomplishing efficient and suitable new development. The major concentrations of existing land uses are graphically presented in Figure 10. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE The greatest amount of developed land within Hoke County is composed of residential use that is concentrated at crossroad intersections. These crossroad communities particularly in the southern and western portions of the county have remained stable in size for several decades. Only in the northeastern areas of Hoke County has residential growth of any consequence occurred. The small residential communities located south and west of Raeford are composed of low and moderate income minority groups. Many blacks reside in the Pine Hill, Montrose, Buffalo Springs, and Bowmore communities, while small concentrations of Lumbee Indians reside in the South Hoke School community and Burlington crossroads. Much of the housing is in substandard and dilapidated condition with little work being done to improve the conditions. (Refer to Figure 11.) Much abandoned housing can be observed throughout this area of the county, reflecting the perennial population decline that is occurring there. The population loss in this area is the result of a combination of factors including the migration from small farms to urban areas, the isolation resulting from distance and poor highway linkages, and poor soil characteristics. Without some form of public assistance, housing conditions in the south¬ western portion of Hoke County will continue to deteriorate. Much residential development has occurred in the northeastern portion of Hoke County in recent years. This growth has been in the form of mobile homes in the area adjacent to U.S. Route 401 east of Raeford. Several large mobile home parks have been established to handle the in¬ creasing demand of Army personnel and Fayetteville commuters. The access to Fort Bragg and Cumberland County by way of U.S. 401 and the avail¬ ability of land with good topographic conditions have contributed to this residential growth. The Rockfish community is experiencing residential growth in the form of large lot single family residential homes. Several new houses have been constructed in the area immediately to the southwest of Rockfish with additional areas being subdivided. The growth in the Rockfish area is attributable to its location and transportation linkages. Rockfish lies just across the Cumberland County line and is linked to U.S. Route 401 by a good secondary road. Residents of the Rockfish community are primarily composed of Fayetteville commutors and retired 38 ■ THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WA< PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7 -*1 ! EXISTING LAND USE LEGEND RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONAL historical/recreational SOURCE: DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE LAND USE SURVEY, SEPTEMBER, 1975 HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA FEBRUARY, 1976 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE OEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED PAGE 39 FIGURE 10 ■ c CAMP MACKAIL MIUTARY RESERVATION 0 A <■ THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WA! PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION ^ ■ HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA SOURCE: DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE LAND USE SURVEY, SEPTEMBER 1975 SUBSTANDARD HOUSING LEGEND ' • . SUBSTANDARD HOUSING mm AREAS OF CONCENTRATED SUBSTANDARD HOUSING FEBRUARY, 1976 THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 701 OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 1954 AS AMENDED PAGE 40 FIGURE 11 Army personnel who want the advantages of country living with the opportunities afforded by a large metropolitan area. Two undesirable housing conditions exist in the county--a high percentage of substandard housing and mobile homes on random lots. Hoke County, as a whole, has a high percentage of substandard housing with several townships having severe housing problems. Forty-four percent of the county's housing is characterized as being substandard, but in Allendale, Antioch, Blue Springs, and Stonewall Townships, the percent of substandard units is 73.1%, 62.5%, 66.7%, and 57.7% respec¬ tively. (Refer to Table 12.) In addition the North Raeford area contains a concentration of approximately 400 houses on small lots without access to sanitary sewers. Approximately 75% of these houses are classed as substandard by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. To com¬ pound the housing problem, there are no standard rental units available to low and moderate income persons in Hoke County outside the Raeford town limits. The county is currently involved in the process of securing Federal Community Development money to rehabilitate substandard houses and expand Raeford's sewer system into the North Raeford area. Although this money will help, additional amounts will be needed to upgrade the condition of Hoke County's housing. A continuing effort should be made to secure needed funding to rehabilitate substandard housing in Hoke County. A large number of mobile homes have been located on individual lots throughout the county. Arranged in this manner, mobile homes adversely effect property values, destroy the natural environment and pose a threat to the health of the area residents. Future mobile homes should be located in approved mobile home parks where public services and utilities are provided or where an approved private system is pro¬ vided. Usually this means inspection by the county health department. In addition to examining the type, location, and condition of housing it is important to examine the housing characteristics as well. Within Hoke County there are approximately 4,314 dwelling units with forty-five percent being owner occupied. According to the 1970 Census, sixty-five percent of the owner occupied housing is owned by whites, while only thirty-five percent is owned by blacks. The median value of owner occupied housing ($9,500) was twenty-six percent lower than the State figure ($12,800). Much of Hoke County's housing stock is in substandard condition and poses a threat to the general welfare of area residents. Citizens of Hoke County and elected officials should dedicate their efforts toward the improvement of existing housing conditions throughout the county. Housing rehabilitation, then, should be the number one priority of the county. COMMERCIAL LAND USE Hoke County is basically a sparsely populated rural area with Raeford being the only incorporated town of significant size. Because the population 41 ■ TABLE 12 PROPORTION & EXTENT OF SUBSTANDARD HOUSING Total Units Number of Substandard Units % of Units that are Substandard County 4,314 1,907 44.2% Allendale Township 138 101 73.1% Antioch Township 360 225 62.5% Blue Springs Township 289 198 66.7% McLauchlin Township 554 239 43.1% Quewhiffle Township 579 256 44.2% Raeford Township 2,060 697 33.8% Stonewall Township 334 193 57.7% Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, North Carolina Detailed Housing Characteristics, (Washington D.C., 1970). ♦ 42 concentration occurs in centrally located Raeford, most of the county's commercial land use is located there. Throughout much of the county, commercial land use consists of small service station/grocery stores located at country crossroad communities. However, along U.S. Highway 401 near the Cumberland County line there is some commercial develop¬ ment. In this area there is a motel, a couple of truck stops, a few small grocery stores, and a couple of gas stations. These establishments coincide with extensive mobile home park expansion in the area. The Rockfish community contains several small stores and filling stations to serve its growing population. A liquid fertilizer and farm equipment sales development is also located at nearby Dundarrach. Commercial land use in those areas of the county experiencing a population decline will continue to consist of small combination service station/grocery stores. Additional commercial development, however, can be anticipated in Raeford, along U.S. 401 near the Cumberland County line, and adjacent to the Rockfish community. INDUSTRIAL LAND USE Because the city of Raeford has the only real population concentration in the county, a sanitary sewer system, and because it has good rail and highway transportation linkages, industrial development has occurred adjacent to the town. The only industrial land use existing outside the Raeford area consists of the Hadley Peoples Textile Plant in the Rockfish community. Hoke County's industries consist of nonpolluting textile and pro¬ cessing plants of which Burlington Industries (1,350 employees), Knit-Away, Inc. (700 employees), and Raeford Turkey Farms, Inc. (500 employees) are the largest. Little industrial land use can be expected to develop outside the Raeford area in the next several years, because of the small population, size, inadequate utility systems, and poor transportation linkages. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USE Institutional land uses in Hoke County are comprised of churches, community centers, volunteer fire departments, schools, governmental offices, a tuberculosis sanitarium, and a correctional institution. The greatest amount of institutional land uses is concentrated in the city of Raeford with occassional volunteer fire department structures, community centers, and churches scattered throughout the county. The McCain Tuberculosis Sanitarium and adjoining correctional institution, consisting of many acres of land in northwestern Hoke County on Highway 211, is by far the largest institutional land use in the county. This state owned and operated facility provides services to the population of the entire State of North Carolina. 43 ' Existing institutional facilities adequately serve most of the county's needs; however, portions of Hoke County have inadequate fire protection. Much of Blue Springs, Allendale, and Antioch Town¬ ships are not protected by any fire department. Volunteers man eight fire districts throughout much of the county, but no facilities are provided for fire fighting in southwestern Hoke County. Efforts should be made to extend this essential service to the area for the safety of its residents. NATURAL AND UNDEVELOPED LAND USE Much of Hoke County consists of large amounts of vacant and un¬ developed land. These areas include farmland, forests, streams and rivers, bodies of water, and swamps. Much of the undeveloped land, particularly along the streams and rivers and in the southwestern areas of the county, are environmentally sensitive and should be preserved. The forested swamplands along the Lumber River and in the southern townships are not suitable for develop¬ ment, but are valuable in their virgin state. Rare plant and animal life is supported in these areas. The natural area immediately north¬ west of Raeford should be preserved since it serves as a habitat for an endangered species, the wild turkeys. Hoke County is fortunate to have such valuable natural resources within its boundaries, but residents must face the important task of conservation if such areas are to survive. HISTORICAL LAND USE Although the history of Hoke County spans a relatively short time period, the area has been settled for over two hundred years. During this period many events of historical significance have occurred and many buildings of historical importance have been constructed in the area. One of the most historic sites in Hoke County, McPhaul's Mill, today remains as nothing more than a swampy, wooded area marked by a crumbling monument. This area contained a tavern dating back to the 1760's, a grist mill, and a good horse racing track. The site was the center of social and cultural events throughout the region. Such well known figures from history as General LaFayette and Governor Burke were entertained there. Near the site the Whigs and Tories fought the Battle of McPhaul's Mill during the Revolutionary War. Because of its historical significance the McPhaul's Mill site should be protected as a historic park. McNeil's Mill located adjacent to NcNeil's Lake is a lasting reminant of the old water driven grist mills of days gone by. Efforts should be made to restore the historic old mill for future generations to enjoy. 44 , . Several beautiful old churches may be found in Hoke County. Two of the most attractive and historic are the Antioch and Bethel Presby¬ terian Churches. The Bethel Church, whose grounds served as a campground for General W. T. Sherman and his troops on March 9-11, 1865, was organized in 1776. The Antioch Church was organized in 1833 with the present building being erected in 1882. Both buildings are well pre¬ served examples of early architecture in the county and should be pre¬ served as historic structures. Two one-room school houses remain in Hoke County and should be preserved as a reminder of the area's educational heritage. The weather-beaten, dilapidated Pine Forest School still stands on U.S. 401 near the Cumberland County line. The Glen Echo School, originally located in the Wayside community, now serves as a Boy Scout Clubhouse on the Raeford Elementary School grounds. Several old houses including the McDermitt house and J. P. Smith house on Turnpike Road, the McNeil house on U.S. 401, and the Kerr Stevens home should be protected from development. These houses are fine examples of early architecture and contribute to the quality of life in Hoke County. Hoke County has lost the Edinbourough Medical College, but a historic marker located along the U.S. 401 bypass describes the school. Hoke County is rich in historical heritage, although many sites and structures have been lost through neglect and development. A concerted effort should be made to preserve the remaining structures for the enjoyment of future generations. RECREATIONAL LAND USE Few recreational facilities exist in Hoke County outside of the Raeford area. A boat launch site is provided for public access to the Lumber River adjacent to U.S. Route 401 and a privately owned golf course is operated at Arabia. These facilities in combination with playground apparatus at school sites serve as the recreational land uses in Hoke County. Additional facilities should be provided to meet the recreational needs of county residents. ROADS AND HIGHWAYS The road and highway system evolves as a major land use in Hoke County. This system serves nearly all portions of the county with well maintained, hard surfaced roads. The few remaining gravel roads are well maintained and exist in the sparcely populated southwestern area of the county. 45 . The most heavily traveled route in the county is two-lane U.S. Route 401 which has an average daily traffic count of 5,300 vehicles at certain intersections, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The increasing traffic demands on this highway by the growing number of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg commuters threatens to exceed its capabilities. The Department of Transportation has pro¬ posed, as a long range goal, to upgrade U.S. 401 into a four lane highway from the Raeford bypass to Seventy-first High School. (Refer to Figure 2.) The only immediate improvements actually scheduled, however, include the construction of a third lane for turning at a couple of intersections. The increasingly crowded conditions on U.S. Highway 401 from Raeford to the Cumberland County line represents an immediate threat to the health and safety of its users. Efforts should be made to relieve the traffic congestion through a short term program of highway widening. 46 , PART III GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 47 In our personal lives, day-to-day actions are directed by certain attitudes and perspectives that guide us from where we are today to where we are going. These goals and objectives, although usually unwritten and unspoken, nevertheless have a profound effect upon our lives. Likewise a community's goals, for its future, greatly effect the way it develops. Even though our lives are so greatly effected by our personal goals and objectives, there is little need to express them in written form since few people other than oneself are effected by them. In the case of a county, however, everyone's life is directly effected by the community goals and objectives. Decisions made today not only effect our lives, but effect the lives of future generations as well. County goals, then, should be written and should guide daily decisions made by the community leaders. The following goals and objectives have been developed to help Hoke County grow into a manner that is orderly and in keeping with the wishes of its residents. GOAL: TO ACHIEVE CONSTRUCTIVE, WELL-PLANNED DEVELOPMENT IN HOKE COUNTY THAT IS MOST SUITABLE FOR THE LAND AND COMPATABLE WITH EXISTING USES. Objective : 7. Encourage the. de.vel.opme.nt and Implementation oh kound planning principles. GOAL: TO PROVIDE FOR A VARIETY OF ATTRACTIVE, ECONOMICALLY VIABLE, COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SERVE CONSUMER NEEDS. Objective : 1. Encourage the. development oh attractive convenience type chopping areas throughout the county. GOAL: TO STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY'S ECONOMIC BASE THROUGH THE ENCOURAGE¬ MENT OF NONPOLLUTING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN AREAS WITH SUITABLE LOCATION AND QUALITIES. GOAL: TO ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL , AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. Objectives : 1. Encourage the preservation oh historic kites In the county. 1. Encourage the development oh recreation areas with a variety oh recreational h^cllltles In the county. 3. Encourage the growth and development oh the community center hacllltles and pro grans In the county. 48 GOAL: TO PROTECT ANV PROMOTE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ANV PRIME AGRICULTURAL LANVS. Objectives : 1. Prevent the needless dest/iuctlon owildlife and natural vegetation by development along the nlvets, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetland a/ieas. 2. Prevent the unnecessa/iy despoliation oi pKlme agnlcultunal lands by development. 3. Encownage the development ofi good conservation practices ^on. ojieas with notarial beauty and wildlife. 49 . PART IV LAND USE PLAN 50 The following land use plan is a written and graphic description of a recommended twenty-five year development pattern for Hoke County, based on information provided in the preceeding sections of this study. The plan attempts to portray orderly and systematic growth by considering various elements that influence efficient land use. Such elements in¬ cluding compatibility of land uses, topographic and geographic limitations, environmentally sensitive areas, capabilities of public utilities and services, areas of historic significance, and existing land uses were considered. The plan, which is the culmination of an intensive study is a useful tool to guide the development of efficient land use in Hoke County. The plan is graphically presented in Figure 12. GROWTH POLICIES In conformance with Federal guidelines, the following policies are proposed as criteria to guide future land development decisions in Hoke County. 1. Existing concentrations of developed land, such as urban areas, should act as focal points for continued residential, commercial, and industrial development. 2. Rural parts of the county should be protected from undesirable forms of urban development and be retained for such uses as agriculture, forestry, and protection of wildlife. 3. Medium to high density development of all types should occur only where public utilities and facilities are available or where private systems are determined to be satisfactory. In deter¬ mining the adequacy of private systems, the county should consider the possibility that these systems may become part of the public system at some future time. 4. Historical sites and cultural features should be protected by encouraging preservation and proper relationships between land uses. 5. The county should provide amenities as needed by setting aside land for future recreational development. 6. County growth should be approached with the thought of energy conservation. Thus, growth should be clustered as much as possible. 7. Valuable natural resources, such as prime agricultural land, forests, and environmentally sensitive or natural areas should be protected from development. LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM This land use plan relies heavily upon the five classes of land out¬ lined in the proposed North Carolina Land Classification System. These classes include the following: 51 o \ < CAMP MAOCAtl MILITARY RESERVATION < THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 7t - LAND USE PLAN LEGEND DEVELOPED TRANSITION COMMUNITY RURAL CONSERVATION SOURCE: DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE HOKE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH AN URBAN PLANNING GRANT FROM THE DEPT. OF HOUSING ANO URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION ?Ol OF THE HOUSING ACT OF 954 AS AMENDED PAGE 52 FIGURE 12 1. Developed Land . Developed lands are areas with a minimum gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile. At a minimum, these lands contain existing public services in¬ cluding water and sewer systems, educational systems, and road systems--all of which are able to support the present population and its accompanying land uses including commercial, industrial, and institutional. 2. Transition Land . Transition lands are areas which have an existing gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile, but do not qualify as Developed because they lack the necessary minimum public services. This class includes areas that lack the minimum gross population density of 2,000 people per square mile but have all the necessary public services in place. Finally, the Transition class includes areas required to handle the estimated population growth in the county at a minimum gross density of 2,000 people per square mile. 3. Community . The Community class includes areas where low density development is grouped in existing settlements or will occur in such settlements during the following twenty-five year period and which will not require extensive public services now or in the future. 4. RuralI . The Rural classification identifies lands whose highest use is for agriculture, forestry, water supply, and similar uses based on their natural resource potential. 5. Conservation . The Conservation class identifies fragile, hazard, and unique land areas which should be maintained essentially in a natural state free from any type of development. LAND USE RECOMMENDATIONS Residential Development Residential development should occur in the portions of Hoke County designated as Developed, Transition, and to a minor extent Community lands. The area best suited for residential development is contained in and around the town of Raeford. This area meets all the requirements for quality housing in a safe and healthful environment. Residential development in the Rockfish community and along U.S. Route 401 near the Cumberland County line is anticipated. This form of development in these areas is desirable provided public services are extended when required. Construction of limited amounts of housing on large lots in Community areas is anticipated and should be encouraged. Caution should be exercised to preserve the Community land areas from intensive residential development, however. All but the con¬ struction of an occasional farm house should be avoided in the Rural land areas. 53 . Commercial Development Commercial development should be concentrated in the Developed land areas, with certain convenience type facilities located in the Transition and Community sections. Extensive commercial development requires both a concentrated population and access to public utilities. Since only the Raeford area meets both these requirements new commercial development should be concentrated in this portion of the county. Development of small, convenience type commercial interests, such as service stations/stores should be encouraged in areas of the county designated Transition and Community. Industrial Development Industrial development should also be concentrated in the Developed land areas. Industrial development requires a concentrated population from which to draw employees, access to public utilities, and good trans¬ portation linkages. The primary area to handle industrial development in Hoke County is the area adjacent to the City of Raeford. Recreational Development Although recreational development is an appropriate use in each of the land classes, certain parts of the Conservation land along the streams are ideally suited for park areas. Such areas could prove as an attrac¬ tive background for hiking and picnicing while providing such additional activities as fishing, swimming, and boating. The many natural areas of Hoke County provide a wide range of possible locations for future recreational development. 54 PART V IMPLEMENTATION 55 This section discusses various techniques which may be used by Hoke County to aide in accomplishing the recommendations made in this plan. CODES Housing, building, plumbing, electrical, and fire codes are an important part of any planning program. Properly enforced, they insure adequate health, sanitation, and safety standards for community living. The State of North Carolina has adopted such codes and encourages counties to adopt and enforce them. SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS Subdivision regulations can insure that proper design standards are met and necessary improvements provided as new areas are developed. New home owners are assured that sanitary systems will function properly, that promised paving, storm drainage, curbing, and other improvements will be properly installed, and that accurate markers will be provided for property line surveys. The chief benefit of such regulations is that pre-construction review grants decision makers the opportunity to correct possible problems with the proposed development before it is actually constructed. It is suggested that Hoke County prepare and adopt subdivision regulations for enforcement in the county. ZONING Zoning regulations are particularly important in shaping land development. A zoning ordinance protects existing development, helps to insure that new land uses are properly located with respect to one another, provides that sufficient land is available for each type of use, and guarantees that density of development is compatible with the natural and man-made environment. It is suggested that Hoke County prepare and adopt such a county zoning ordinance. BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT Once growth control ordinances and codes are adopted, the county should establish a building inspection department to assure enforcement. When the department is established by ordinance and a building inspector(s) employed, the inspector(s) should attend training sessions offered periodically by the Institute of Government. 56 « ■ . A building inspection department will be crucial to most community development programs, as the building inspector would investigate the structural condition of housing units and determine the adequacy of the unit according to adopted ordinances and codes. Once an inspection is made, the course of action necessary to correct problems can be ascertained. HOUSING IMPROVEMENT In addition to controlling new and existing residential land use through zoning, subdivision, and housing codes, there are forms of housing assistance programs available to help needy persons provide adequate shelter for themselves and their families. Avenues available for considera¬ tion include mortgage assistance and the new Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program. Through this program, HUD will provide housing assistance payments on behalf of eligible lower-income families (i.e. families whose income does not exceed 80% of the median income for the locality) occupying newly constructed, substantially relocated or existing housing. This payment will make up the difference between the approved rent for the unit and the amount the family is required to pay which is not less than 15% nor more than 25% of the family's adjusted income. Housing projects may be owned by private owners, both profit- motivated and non-profit, and by public housing agencies. Other housing improvement measures that may be used include funds through the Community Development Act of 1974 and local clean-up, fix-up campaigns. SOIL SURVEY A detailed soils analysis is being prepared for Hoke County. As it is completed, the Planning Board and Building Inspector should use it as a guide in determining the suitability of land parcels for uses that are proposed. HOKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Particular care should be taken to insure the participation of the Hoke County Health Department in the enforcement of the zoning and subdivision regulations. In particular, their opinion on the adequacy of proposed sewerage disposal systems will be important to overall land use decisions. 57 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES The Division of Environmental Management should be consulted in determining whether existing and proposed land uses are meeting or would meet established federal and state wastewater and clean air regulations. Opinions from these agencies will be helpful in making land use manage¬ ment decisions. 201 FACILITIES PLANNING The municipalities of the county should continue to improve their wastewater collection and treatment systems through participa¬ tion in 201 Facilities Planning. This will help insure a safe and healthful living environment in urbanizing parts of the county. 208 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANNING The Planning Board and County Commissioners should keep informed of the developments and importance to the county of 208 planning. Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act provides for areawide management planning in areas which, as a result of urban-industrial concentrations and other factors, have substantial water quality control problems. Through 208, such areas are provided funding to plan for the establishment of a comprehensive management program controlling municipal and industrial wastewater, storm and sewer runoff, non-point source pollutants, and land use as it relates to water quality. GENERAL REVENUE SHARING The federal government is returning a certain percentage of the county's tax funds to the county for use as the county sees fit, subject to certain restrictions. These funds can be utilized for many forms of community development projects. Careful consideration should be given the use of these funds in order to discourage the spending of general revenue sharing funds for items and projects which can be financed readily by other means. 58 , RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT The U.S. Congress has recently passed an act giving highest priority to the revitalization and development of rural areas (Public Law 92-419, August, 1972). This act has many provisions which could assist Hoke County in implementing the land development plan, such as loans and grants for community facilities construction, industries, and housing. The county should become familiar with the act and seek financial assistance wherever possible. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION In an effort to make the plan an effective tool for community growth, citizen participation should be encouraged. This should be a continuing process in which community goals and objectives are constantly reviewed and updated. PLANNING BOARD The Planning Board is the key element in the preparation, administration, and implementation of planning documents. Questions relating to the implementation of this Hoke County Land Use Plan should be submitted to the Planning Board for review and comment. USE VALUE ASSESSMENT FOR FARM AND FOREST LAND The current statute permitting farm and forest land to be assessed at its present use value rather than market value should be utilized by owners of such lands. This law provides needed tax relief to the owners of such land in or near developing areas as well as helping to slow down the rate of conversion of these lands to urban uses. 59 * PART VI ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STATEMENT 60 ) During the past several years, considerable legislation on the federal, state, and local governmental levels has been passed to assure that an environment of high quality will be maintained as development occurs. This plan has been designed with the intent of maximizing environmental protection. The following discussion outlines the general impacts the plan will have on the environment if it is carefully implemented. Abstract This study defines a pattern of orderly and systematic growth for Hoke County based upon an analysis of physical, economic, and social conditions, local traditions and desires, and basic urban planning prin¬ ciples . Environmental Effects Beneficial Effects: 1. Preservation of open space, flood plains, and stream banks, and prime agricultural land. 2. High density development and activities generating large volumes of traffic are located adjacent to existing arterial transportation routes. 3. More efficient use of land is being encouraged. 4. Encouragement of good visual aesthetics and overall community appearance. 5. Upgrading of the blighted residential areas is being encouraged. 6. Provision of public water and sewer services is advocated for all residential development occurring at urban densities near Raeford. Development will be allowed only at very low densities in areas not serviceable by public utilities. This will minimize potential dangers to ground or surface water and will militate against ill-planned developments occurring in excess of the environment's capacity to assimilate urban type development. 7. Adverse environmental impacts such as excess noise, pollution, and odors are being considered and minimized where possible through the recommended use of buffers and separation of incompatible types of land uses. 61 * ■ Adverse Effects 1. As new development occurs, some natural vegetation will be destroyed. There will also be some increases in storm water run-off as well as increased quantities of sewer effluent and solid waste. 2. As additional development occurs, some open space and agricultural land will be consumed. 3. Construction of new utility lines and roads will cause some short term adverse environmental impacts such as dust, sedimentation, and destruction of natural vegetation. Unavoidable Adverse Environmental Effects Effects of development which cannot be avoided entirely will be the loss of natural vegetation, increases in storm run-off and waste products, and the loss of some agricultural land. Alternatives Growth occurring without a land use plan could result in excessive destruction of limited natural resources and environmentally sensitive areas. Alternative arrangements of land use were considered prior to arriving at those recommended in the Land Use Plan. The recommended arrangement was felt to be preferable from an environmental standpoint because: A. Development is compact. B. Development is limited to those areas best suited for urban land uses. C. Industrial uses are suggested in areas where they can be isolated from incompatible land uses. Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of the Environment and Maintenance of Long-Term Productivity - This plan proposed orderly and systematic growth which will encourage efficient land use and protection of natural features. Although some farm land and unused vacant areas will be built-up in coming years, the urban development will be efficiently planned and constructed, leaving undisturbed the rural character of much of the planning area. 62 . Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources The conversion of agricultural and wooded lands to urban uses cannot be reversed; however, a compact form of growth will minimize as much as possible the effects of the loss of the above lands in the planning area. Applicable Federal, State, and Local Codes Federal: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 Environmental Quality Act of 1970 Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 Executive Order 11514, March, 1970, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality Executive Order 11593, May, 1971, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment Rural Development Act of 1972 State: Water Use Act of 1967 Planning and Regulation of Development, Chapter 160A, Article 19 Soil Conservation District Law of 1937 Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 North Carolina Environmental Policy Act of 1971 "Rules and Regulations Governing the Control of Air Pollution," January 21, 1972 "Rules and Regulations, Classifications, and Water Quality Standards Applicable to the Surface Waters of North Carolina" October 13, 1970 "Rules and Regulations Providing for the Protection of Public Water Supplies," August 26, 1965; amended September 19, 1968 "Rules and Regulations Governing the Disposal of Sewage from any Residence, Place of Business or Place of Public Assembly in North Carolina," August 26, 1971; January 8, 1974 63 Local: Zoning Ordinance (Plan recommends the adoption of a County Zoning Ordinance.) Subdivision Regulations (Plan recommends the adoption of Subdivision Regulations for the County.) Building and Housing Codes Mitigation Measures The adoption and use of the plan by public and private groups and participation by the citizenry will mitigate adverse environmental effects. Continued enforcement and updating of all planning reports will also assist the county in this regard. Problems and Objectives Raised by Other Agencies There have been no problems or objectives raised by other agencies or organizations at this time. 64 Prepared for Hoke County, North Carolina T. B. Lester, County Manager Board of County Commissioners Ralph Barnhart, Chairman John Balfour James Hunt Neill McPhatter Thomas McBryde County Planning Board Charles Morrison, Chairman Julian Barnes Shelby Calloway S. Brown Hendrix Sarah Leach Robert Taylor L. G. Simpson, County Planner Prepared by NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND ECONOMIC RESOURCES George W. Little, Secretary . Division of Community Assistance Robert S. Ewing, Director Local Planning and Management Services Section Billy Ray Hall, Chief South Central Field Office Lee Downie, Chief Planner James Dougherty, Planner-in-charge Thomas Rucker, Draftsman Frances Collier, Secretary Louise Ratley, Secretary