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STRATEGIC GROWTH AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM <br />Final (8.7.2009 <br />Recommendations were developed for presentation to an SGRC Working Group (see <br />below for composition of the Working Group.) <br />Planning Department staff and Consultants then examined the second set of program <br />design issues, associated primarily with awarding of Conservation Points and Growth <br />Area Development Intensity Bonuses. Consultants conducted analyses using GIS <br />(Geographic Information Systems) to evaluate the distribution of Conservation Points <br />under different points awarding formulas, and the resulting possible impacts on <br />average sales price of Conservation Points (CPS). Consultants also conducted <br />interviews and focus group sessions with developers to gain insight into the monetary <br />value of Development Intensity Bonuses. (See section 2.2.2, Economic Analysis.) <br />Together with Staff and the County Attorney, recommendations were developed for <br />each remaining program design issue with an eye towards: <br />• simplicity and ease of understanding, <br />• fitting within the legal framework outlined by the County Attorney, <br />• reflecting County policy objectives for preservation and growth, and <br />• balancing the monetary value of CPS and Development Intensity Bonuses so they <br />were in reasonable enough proximity to each other to allow a market to function. <br />The recommendations on the second set of design issues were then presented to the <br />SGRC Working Group at its second meeting for their feedback. <br />Working Group. An SGRC Working Group was formed to review and comment on Staff <br />and Consultants' initial program and administrative design recommendations. The <br />Working Group consisted of representatives of several existing Advisory Boards, plus key <br />staff from the Planning and Environment and Resource Conservation departments, the <br />County Attorney, and the Consultants. These Advisory Boards were invited to nominate <br />one or two members to participate in the Working Group: <br />• Planning Board <br />• Economic Development Commission <br />• Agricultural Preservation Board <br />• Historic Preservation Board <br />■ Commission for the Environment <br />■ Affordable Housing Advisory Board <br />The first Working Group meeting was held on April 23, 2007. Staff and Consultants <br />presented initial recommendations on designation of Growth and Conservation Areas <br />and Eligibility Criteria. <br />The Working Group expressed strong interest in the next set of issues scheduled for <br />discussion, those related to Conservation Points awarding and Growth Area <br />Development Intensity Bonuses and Design Guidelines. (See section 2.2.3 for those <br />issues and recommendations.) <br />A second SGRC Working Group meeting was held on October 1, 2007. Staff and <br />Consultants presented initial recommendations on methodologies for awarding of <br />Conservation Points and Growth Area Development Intensity Bonuses. <br />ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA <br />