Orange County NC Website
95 - <br /> objective. He stated that the County has hired a <br /> world class expert to try and tell what must be done <br /> to achieve that objective. The growth pressures in <br /> the Triangle Area at this time are tremendous and to <br /> start out erring on the side of not achieving the <br /> objectives means you will not achieve those <br /> objectives. What you will do will be to establish a <br /> precedent stating that open space is 33% including <br /> whatever primary conservation areas there are. The <br /> results will be urban sprawl and in three years it <br /> will be too late to remedy the situation. There is <br /> conflicting information about the open space that <br /> already exists. He encouraged the Board to take a <br /> stand and 33% is not it. <br /> Katz stated he would have to vote against the motion <br /> in good conscience because he did not believe it was <br /> going to have any positive effect and the only <br /> purpose of passing this would be to "pat ourselves <br /> on the back and say we passed Flexible Development" . <br /> Howie stated that she felt "the longer we wait, the <br /> more we err" . She continued that the project of <br /> University Station has now come in and been approved <br /> in pieces and no open space. This will keep <br /> happening. If this Board recommends to the <br /> Commissioners and they approve something more than <br /> the public will accept, nothing will be <br /> accomplished. She continued that she would rather <br /> have 33% and know that was acceptable. To go with <br /> too much and have it rejected will waste another <br /> year and allow for more urban sprawl to occur. <br /> Hoecke stated that "If the time to act is now, then <br /> 33% will give us more open space than we have now <br /> or will have under current regulations" . <br /> Collins suggested that if the Planning Board <br /> approves 33%, they may wish to include a <br /> recommendation for an annual report. This would <br /> provide for evaluation every year. If, at the end of <br /> the first year, the Planning Board doesn't feel that <br /> it has worked, then tell the Board of Commissioners. <br /> Reid stated that he felt Issue #3 would address the <br /> concern of an annual report. <br /> VOTE: 7 in favor. <br /> 4 opposed. <br /> MOTION: Barrows moved that an annual report be prepared by <br /> the Planning Staff for reassessment of the entire <br /> open space/flexible development proposal. Seconded <br /> by Reid. <br />