2012-112 AMS - Clarion Associates LLC - Southern Master Plan Clarion Associates LLC

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,5 -r LAsu&5�� This group of professionals understands the conditions, character, and values of this community, an understanding acquired through direct and extensive work here. We are very familiar with the last Master Plan prepared for this site in 2006 and as Orange County citizens we are proud of the Seymour Senior Center and the Southern Human Services Center on this site and the success of those facilities. But this project also needs some "out of the box" thinking, and needs a fresh perspective to a complement the local knowledge and expertise. We understand the paramount importance of public engagement and building a broad base of ownership and consensus for the new Master Plan. We understand the importance of drawing the connections between the unique natural characteristics of this site, the services that Orange County currently provides and will provide on this site, transportation and mobility issues, and relationship to adjacent and nearby properties. Key considerations will include the interests of nearby residential neighborhoods, traffic movements on Homestead Road, and the evolution of Carolina North. Highlights of our team's strengths include the following: National / North Carolina Experience Preparing Plans and Implementation Strategies: Team members have assisted local governments. throughout North Carolina and the nation in successfully preparing plans and growth management strategies that focus on development opportunities while keeping a close eye on conservation of existing community character. Familiarity and Experience Working in and around Orange County: We understand the planning and development context of Orange County, and are very familiar with this Homestead Road Area. We understand the culture and values of Orange County. Public Participation: Our team members are highly skilled facilitators, experienced in working with citizens, staff, and elected officials to gain consensus on issues and developing land use approaches that represent the values and desires of the community. We understand the need for a robust citizen engagement process with special outreach to key stakeholder individuals and organizations. Focus on Sustainability: Clarion is a national leader in the emerging field of sustainable community planning practices. Our approach to this effort will include incorporating long -term thinking about the needs of the future, focusing on measures that will help this Homestead Road site continue to develop in a responsible and resilient manner. Focus on Service Delivery: We understand the challenging fiscal picture that Orange County and all local governments are facing, and the need to create cost - efficient service delivery systems to address growing demands for services. This highly strategic location represents a great opportunity for Orange County to expand enhance its delivery of needed services to Southern Orange County. Senior Level Professionals Committed to Project: All of our key team members are seasoned professionals with many years of experience in planning, all of whom will be directly involved in this project from start to finish. The workloads of these three firms are all conducive to an immediate start on this project and commitment through to timely completion. We have addressed similar issues in similar settings, and have extensive local government planning experience. We can bring experience, local knowledge, and value to this process. At the end of this proposal we offer a summary that highlights the ways in which this team and this proposal address the criteria identified by the County. We are excited about the prospect of this opportunity to work with Orange County and thank you for the opportunity to submit this response to your Request for Proposals. Please contact us if you have questions or need further information. Very truly yours, ,:; e", S U J J.., - Roger Waldon, FAICP Principal, Clarion Associates