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~~~ general area of University Station which are in this category; other areas around these tracts are forested or vacant. This raises a question about whether or not a development on this particular site would have a detrimental impact on productive agricultural uses or managed forestland. . Other than Strayhorn Hills, all the area around this tract is low-density, vacant land or land used for residential purposes. Collins noted that comments had been received from the Soil Conservation Service which indicated that the soils on this site are generally Georgeville classification which present no major problems for building site development. The County Attorney has indicated what Collins felt was the major concern regarding this proposal which is the County Policy prohibiting the extension of public water and sewer into areas other than those that are approved transition areas. The Attorney also indicated that unless there is assurance that a public water supply would be available, then perhaps the entire 575 acre tract should be considered rather than just the 100 acres that is presently proposed. The applicant has received a letter from the Town of Hillsborough indicating that they agree, in principal, to serve this project with water and sewer. The Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment for the following reasons: 1. Although the opinions of the County Attorney are sound, alternatives .for the development of the total site (575 acres) exist. a. If the proposed amendment is approved and the availability of public water is assured, the designated Transition Area (91 acres) may be developed utilizing public water and sewer and the remaining 484 acres (excluding open spaces) developed utilizing individual wells and septic tanks. (An option is a community low-pressure ground absorption system if the Alternative Systems Report provides a positive recommendation.) b. The proposed Water-Sewer Policy may be amended to address "master planned developments" of a certain size, where components. of the Comprehensive Plan are implemented, and the character of the area in which the development is located is preserved. Such a policy would allow the majority of a site to be retained in a low-density plan or zoning category while eliminating the long-term potential for septic tank failures. The applicant is aware that unless the Water/Sewer Policy is amended or the use of individual wells and septic tanks is sought, the only option available is submission of a request to include the total tract (575 acres) in a Transition Area. 2. Seven (7) of the eleven location standards for application of the Transition Area designation have been complied with, and the remaining standards appear to be met, considering specific site features and/or market conditions.