Agenda - 02-26-1996 - 5a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

'Y F 108 38 Recreation & Parks Plan may need to be revisited to determine if it should be expanded to become the Recreation&Open Space Plan. The suggestion that a Recreation & Open Space Plan be considered stems, in part, from the work of the Rural Character Study Committee over a number of years. As a result of the work of the Committee, a "Flexible Development" or open space design proposal has been prepared and presented at public hearing which would, if adopted, establish a voluntary basis for subdividers to set aside at least 33% of the development as protected open space. While a variety of development options exist for a subdivider to use, inclusion of"open space" as an eligible expense under an impact fee approach could allow such lands to be credited toward the payment of impact fees, serving as an incentive to provide open space. The utilization of a"Flexible Development" or open space design approach may also provide greater opportunities for parkland dedication. Finally, the suggestion also stems from the fact that the Master Recreation & Parks Plan was adopted in 1988. In recent years (and months), issues have arisen and been discussed at length which give credence to the idea of reviewing the Plan to determine if it needs to be updated. Among these issues are the following: • The relationship between existing and proposed school sites, and proposed parks; • The development of"small area plans" in the northern portions of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and the impact, if any, that proposed park sites in those areas may have on the need for "County" facilities; • The utilization of landfill sites, both existing and proposed, as possible recreation sites; • The discussion of strategies for preserving natural and cultural resources through open space design, including the relationship of these resources to active and passive recreational pursuits; and • The evolution of a Recreation Advisory Board for the Town of Hillsborough and the role the Town will play in the provision of recreational facilities. An updated Master Recreation & Parks Plan, including a long-term capital improvements program for implementation, is the starting point for an impact fee approach. Until that is accomplished, reliance on updated dedication/payment-in-lieu provisions is necessary.