Orange County NC Website
the values that the task force identified as follows: <br />1) sustainable renewable use of resources and environmental stewardship through <br />joint planning, cooperation, and action; <br />2} towns which are friendly and accessible, centers of education, culture, and civic life; <br />3) places where individuals and neighborhoods thrive along with businesses and <br />institutions that serve their needs; <br />4} rural areas which retain natural visual and economic resources by maintaining the <br />integrity of forests, streams, and open space through voluntary incentives, thus <br />preserving the land's continuing potential for agriculture and other uses; <br />5} the development of children and youth as well as adult citizens in various phases of <br />their lives, by providing excellent elementary and secondary education, cultural <br />experiences and life-long learning opportunities; <br />6) a strong commitment to the well-being of all individuals, young and old, of any race <br />or ethnicity, and with any disability by providing for basic physical and social needs; <br />7) governance that provides necessary public services efficiently, proactively <br />establishes collaborative ties within the region and state, encourages civic <br />participation, and is fully representative of all the County's citizens, responsive to <br />their needs, consistent and fair, socially just in decision making, and accountable for <br />the promises made on behalf of citizens; <br />8) a shared sense of community -civil, collaborative, vibrant, friendly, caring, and both <br />diverse and inclusive where citizens feel responsible to and for one another, where <br />involvement in community life is both encouraged and anticipated, where the <br />contributions of all are welcome and respected. <br />Norm Gustaveson made reference to the recommendations and asked that the Board of <br />County Commissioners read the recommendations very carefully and look at the issues which are <br />identified in the report. He said that in looking at the governmental structure, the concern was the <br />issue that somehow all parts of the County should be represented an the County Board of <br />Commissioners. A second big question is the interlocal and regional planning. The idea of a <br />growth management board may be one of the best ways to keep track of growth in the County. He <br />said that it is hoped that two-thirds of the future growth will be placed in those places that already <br />have water and sewer. The report suggests an evaluation of a growth management budget. He <br />said that the big question was the importance of being sure the open space in Orange County was <br />not lost. <br />Carl Shy talked about transportation and environmental water issues and a diverse <br />economy. He said that the vehicle miles traveled were expected to double by the year 2030. The <br />major way to reduce the number of vehicle miles is to place incentives ar restrictions on the use of <br />cars. The report has several suggestions to be sure that the vehicle miles do not double in the <br />next thirty years. These include park and ride lots, public transportation nodes, low emission <br />vehicles, etc. Regarding water quality, the committee hopes to drive growth away from <br />watersheds. The task force hopes that incentives will be used to encourage people to use less <br />water. The conservation of water will reduce the cast of new reservoirs and water supply. <br />Regarding the economy, the main recommendation is that the task force thought the County could <br />be more progressive in encouraging new businesses to come to Orange County. In general, the <br />County and Towns could support the startup of businesses through a variety of means and make <br />developing regulations more flexible to accommodate new businesses. <br />Peggy Pollitzer said that the task force wants to encourage both public and private <br />initiatives to make affordable housing a reality in Orange County. This would include governments, <br />non-profits, and for-profit corporations to take an interest and make a real effort to provide a wide <br />range of affordable housing. The task force also recommends asking UNC to develop affordable <br />housing for its students, staff, and faculty in proportion to their increases. Regarding Human <br />Service Priorities, she said that it would require significant effort to promote healthy behaviors on <br />the part of the citizens. The task force also recommends adequately funding and providing <br />