Agenda - 05-28-1996 - C2(a) - Laserfiche WebLink

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+ 21 • Continued identification, evaluation and inventory of natural terrain features, visual resources, and sensitive ecological areas and the development of criteria and incentives for encouraging their protection. • Recognition of the generations of land stewardship by rural landowners and the protection of their property rights and land values by providing a variety of development options which will allow for flexibility and creativity in design. • Protection of the character of existing neighborhoods from abrupt changes in density or land use by providing densityl transitions. Also, provision should be made to direct growth that is not rural in character toward more urbanized areas where it can take advantage of existing infrastructure. We recognize and acknowledge that we have a responsibility to balance all aspects of the character of this area including its rural heritage, rights of landowners, and likelihood of future change. The Stoney Creek Basin Land Use Plan should, therefore, seek to preserve important elements of rural character and special natural- features, while still allowing for quality development of rural and country suburban neighborhoods; concurrent with this development should be a recognition of the need for affordable housing and opportunities for active and passive recreation through the provision of a community park. Finally, the plan should not preclude the possibility of some very limite , internally oriented, commercial and service locations compatible with preserving rural character and consistent with "Flexible Development" options that may be available for the area. This must all be done without unfair or unreasonable financial restrictions or burdens either for the landowners who may desire to develop their property, or for the taxpaying citizens of the area who may have to pay for any negative effects or excess costs for public infrastructure of ill-planned development. Property Value/Property Rights Several areas of concern related to property rights, property values, and flexibility of development were identified and discussed extensively by Planning Group. `A third draft of the plan text was distributed in late April for Planning Group review. Several members called and suggested changes,but there was not time for an additional meeting to discuss them. Thus,suggested revisions have not been incorporated in the text,but are referenced in footnotes as appropriate. A member suggested that "density"be preceded by"gradual'to better convey the intent of the Planning Group. 7 rea !'!lx> '1 :::.................. 71 3':: .::.................. . :: ` ?<: 9J1'tef . :::::::.: _ ......::::::::. .:. ::::: .:.