Bolin Creek Greenway expansion a hot topic for outdoor lovers in Carrboro

You can weigh in on what the next phase of the Bolin Creek Greenway in Carrboro will look like.

There are three options: The Creekside Trail Alignment, the Upland Forest Alignment and the Bolin Connector Alignment.

The public engagement period lasts through October, but folks are already divided on the best path forward for the popular recreation area.

The Town Council is presenting the three options for the next phase of the Bolin Creek Greenway, but many local folks say the best options like putting the bike path on the railroad tracks aren't even be considered.

Ecologist Michael Paul has always loved the water and is deeply vested in what the town does next.

"This is the fuel that fuels the stream." said Paul. "From the time I was little my mom used to say she couldn't she was always watching out for me near water because I was always trying to get in," said Paul.

Paul knows Bolin Creek like the back of his hand because it's practically in his backyard. He's concerned about installing a paved trail next to the creek.

"Any pollutants or things that collect on that surface will enter the stream," Paul said.

He says a paved trail will also increase stormwater in the stream, increasing erosion.

"Any infrastructure you put in a flood plain is subject to destruction because water is a very powerful force," Paul said.

Tom Cors, President of the non-profit Friends of Bolin Creek, said the city is omitting alternatives like the Sewelle School Road Route and converting the railroad tracks to a paved bike path.

"We are wondering why the town would want to violate science, violate its own law and cost further generations more money - and further impair the creek?" Cors said.

Cors said a paved path would violate a North Carolina law called the Jordan Lake Rules, designed to protect water quality in Jordan Lake.

"Thou shall not put an impervious surface next to a creek if there's a practical alternative," said Cors.

Carrboro Mayor Damon Seils said the town will not violate that rule and that for now, it's just a concept plan.

"Every alignment is going to present challenges and every alignment is going to present a lot of really great opportunities," said Seils. "We just have to figure out which one makes the most sense."

Folks on the trail seem to be as divided as the town over the best option for Bolin Creek.

"I would say leave things the way they are," said Cameron Carol.

"For the good of the community, I think that there should definitely be a paved greenway," said runner Elyse Keese.

If you want your voice to be heard, you can fill out the survey here.