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Much dialogue is needed during these upcoming months. The University is also a <br />major stakeholders and needs to be included in the dialogue. <br />Chancellor Hardin commented on the issue of the University helping to pay <br />for infrastructure. He stated that all of the concerned parties need to go to <br />the General Assembly together and ask for the infrastructure. At the present <br />time the University is involving the community as well as units of government in <br />an ongoing dialogue concerning the future plans for the Horace Williams Airport <br />property. The University wants to grow responsibly. He indicated that the <br />Legislature needs to be included in the current conversation between the <br />university and local elected officials. <br />Stick Williams indicated that Duke Power is developing a good relationship <br />with the university and local governments. He commented that a county vision <br />will be difficult to accomplish because often the most vocal citizens direct what <br />happens regardless of what appears to be the best course of action. He asked <br />that we remember that the University is the reason most of us are in this <br />community. It is a state resource and having a veto power over one of the <br />engines that causes the state to grow could be disastrous. <br />Chancellor Hardin indicated that the passage of the $300 million dollar <br />bond is critical to the future of the university as well as local community <br />colleges, state parks and water and sewer. <br />Neil Pedersen stated that communities need to cease being in reaction mode <br />about building schools and future housing develapment. <br />Commissioner Gordon stated that the Transportation Advisory Committee is <br />attempting to develop a multi-modal approach including bikeways and pedestrian <br />pathways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is not responsive to local <br />requests. Commissioner Rose agreed that DOT is unresponsive and asked what could <br />be done. <br />Dr. DeGrove suggested contacting the Governor. <br />Rep. Joe Hackney indicated that DOT is attempting to be mare responsive. <br />The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) is planning for light rail. DOT has <br />historically been a highway agency. This is changing, however, it will not <br />change swiftly. The TTA is working toward this end. <br />Dr. DeGrove stated that Greenways and Open Space must be purchased. <br />Affordable housing and the purchase of environmentally sensitive land is <br />necessary for the health of a community. This will require matching funds from <br />the state. The Nature Conservancy is in a position to gather information on <br />where the public stands on these issues. People will vote to purchase the land <br />if they understand what is at stake. <br />David Godschalk indicated that the lack of consensus between the <br />rural/urban residents prevents many necessary solutions from being implemented <br />including greenways. A process must be implemented which would allow consensus <br />between rural/urban residents to be reached. A comprehensive plan for the county <br />needs to be in place so that each proposed development does not lead to a major <br />4 <br />