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conducting computer simulations to demonstrate the effectiveness of possible solutions; and 4) the new urbanism approaches are an integrated design concept where features such as the adequacy of schools, roads, mass transportation systems, watershed protection, and successful commercial enterprise viability are designed simultaneously and on a case by case basis. He noted that most of the Board of Aldermen are more concerned about getting it done rather than getting it done right. He said that the citizens are asking for the County Commissioners' involvement to protect the vision of the Northern Transition area, to ensure well planned smart growth, and to ensure the protection of existing neighborhoods. Kim Fahs, resident of the Northern Transition area for 12 years, said that she has seen some good things happen in the area and some bad. She read from the small area plan as follows: "One of the attractions of the study area is the beauty of the land itself, with its open fields, wooded streams, and rolling hills. If development leads to the destruction or alteration of these features, they cannot be reconstructed." Neighbors of the Transition Zone have joined together to form a group called HOTZ, Home Owners of the Transition Zone. She distributed a mission statement to the County Commissioners. They have also joined with the Friends of Bolin Creek. The neighbors were initially alarmed at the proposed text amendments to the village mixed use land ordinances, which Winmore developers had proposed to Carrboro. They are still concerned that a six-year community wide study plan would be prodded and tweaked for this particular developer and could potentially alter the heart and soul of the study plan. The Board of Aldermen passed almost all of the changes. She feels that democracy demands that the citizens get their chance to talk. She is asking that a public hearing be scheduled as soon as possible on these text amendments. She feels that the spirit of the joint agreement allows that each governing body have a voice on all aspects of the development process. They respectfully disagree with Craig Benedict that once it is annexed, you do not have a voice. The protection of Bolin Creek, the school over-crowding, and traffic congestion are key issues here. The proper placement of a dense mixed use neighborhood is also an issue. She made reference to the study co-authored by Professor Burke and said that he did not think that Winmore was in the best location. She urged the County Commissioners to consider public hearings on any and all future issues related to development in the Northern Transition Zone. Nancy Salmon said that her particular concern is the issue of the possible annexation of this area before the rezoning and development application is considered. She agrees that village mixed use developments should ultimately be annexed to Carrboro, but if the annexation occurs first there are really serious consequences. If annexation occurs first, it would be possible for the developer to come in with a proposal with buffers significantly less than those required for the Northern Transition area. She asked that the County Commissioners use whatever power they have to have the developers abide by any buffers that are outlined specifically in the land use ordinances for Bolin Creek. Elizabeth Pungello read a prepared statement. She is a homeowner in the Northern Transition Zone. In summary she said that the debate about Winmore was not about affordable housing. This community is pro affordable housing. She said that the community supported the Rogers Road neighborhood when it was proposed. This is a true affordable housing community. They are also pro environment. She quoted the Winmore developers as follows: "The ultimate goal of sustainable development is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In order to do this, we must protect the areas that clean our air (trees) and provide our water (creeks). This is why she is against Winmore in its proposed location. She agrees with many of the green building ideas that the developers have proposed. She wants Winmore to be in a place that makes sense, not in a sensitive environmental area. The issue is not that they do not want this near their neighborhood, but that this particular land needs to be preserved. Betsy Pedersen, a member of the HOTZ steering committee, said that she speaks for her husband and several neighbors who were unable to attend. She said that they are opposed to the Winmore development on the proposed site. They do not want the Bolin Creek flood plain, natural area, and wildlife disturbed. The students at Smith Middle School use Bolin Creek for ecological studies. Ten of the students addressed the Carrboro Board of Aldermen two weeks ago with their concerns about the well being of the creek. The students circulated petitions in support of preservation of the creek area and collected over 370 signatures of registered voters. The HOTZ also asks that the County Commissioners exercise their elected powers, caution, and wise deliberation before allowing this development to move forward. Brian Boyce talked about the power of the County Commissioners. The area where the developers want to put this development is now forestland. Personally, he feels Winmore is a disaster in the making. It is clear to him that absence guidance from the County Commissioners, Winmore is a done deal.