Orange County NC Website
114 <br /> Development Proposal will not save various farms . <br /> With the realization that this is not the final <br /> word, but, will have to be refined over time, he <br /> noted that he was glad to see something going <br /> forward. In the future, he would like to be able <br /> to say that he had done something toward <br /> preservation. <br /> Jobsis stated that one thing that rarely gets <br /> discussed is that it is an option of the County <br /> to consider raising bond money if they truly <br /> value open space. It is hard for farmers to <br /> maintain enough income on farming to keep the <br /> farm going. It has been individuals who have <br /> been holding that open space for the County, <br /> paying taxes, and dealing with all the <br /> inconveniences to keep the open space . The <br /> problem gets to be that people want it always at <br /> someone else' s expense. Those issues should be <br /> addressed more honestly and openly. If people <br /> really wanted this, they could start sharing in <br /> the cost of having it . It is there now because a <br /> few individuals are paying the costs to have the <br /> open space. She felt this should be studied very <br /> carefully. <br /> Brown stated that she has maintained a farm for <br /> twenty-six years . There are six farms on Smith <br /> Level Road, and she felt they were still there <br /> because of five-acre zoning. She noted there <br /> were concerns six years ago about five-acre <br /> zoning, but everyone is now pleased. She stated <br /> that there are a lot of people in Orange County <br /> who wish to remain in farming, and it would be <br /> easier if the zoning were better. She continued <br /> that she felt this plan does not provide that . <br /> Thus, her interest in having "phased-in- <br /> mandatory" . <br /> Howie expressed appreciation for the opinions <br /> both Jobsis and Brown, but felt that the majority <br /> are saying that farming is going away. She <br /> continued that she felt this was an excellent <br /> first start because of, a report by Stancil at the <br /> last meeting that only 116 open space had been <br /> dedicated in a review of previous development . At <br /> least this requires 33% and this is a long way <br /> from anything previously dedicated. In response <br /> to a remark by Katz, Howie agreed that it was <br /> determined that there was no way to monitor the <br /> exact amount but emphasized again that she felt <br /> this was an excellent place to start, noting <br /> the report that was to be made in a year. <br />