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116 <br /> would also require a lot of assistance from the <br /> Planning Staff and expressed concern that there <br /> was not sufficient Staff or knowledge of open <br /> space development design. She asked that the <br /> Planning Staff address her concern of educating <br /> developers and property owners to the fact that <br /> developing property with 50% or more open space <br /> is more profitable. She suggested that two or <br /> three times a year an educational session be held <br /> for developers and property owners desiring to <br /> subdivide property. She expressed support for <br /> more open space than even 50% and that it should <br /> be calculated from the buildable land only. <br /> Waddell informed the Board that there had been <br /> some training sessions for staff on conservation <br /> easements and suggested that training be expanded <br /> to include various aspects of open space <br /> development. Collins agreed with the idea of <br /> workshops and noted that GIS could be used to <br /> help property owners in the subdivision process. <br /> Brown referred to Arendt's book, "Open Space by <br /> Design" and the statements that someone in the <br /> Planning Department can help a developer or <br /> property owner with an open space design plan or <br /> will designers in the community be recommended. <br /> Collins responded that there are Planning staff <br /> who are very capable of preparing open space <br /> designs. However, the Planning Department cannot <br /> recommended outside designers. Collins continued <br /> that the way to address that concern is through <br /> education and workshops as suggested by Brown. <br /> Brown asked that the education process be <br /> included as a component of the proposal. <br /> Barrows noted her long involvement in the Rural <br /> Character Study and expressed support for 33% to <br /> 50% but that it remain optional at least in the <br /> phasing stage. She continued that there should be <br /> heavy incentives to make it optional and heavy <br /> disincentives not to have open space. She felt it <br /> should be calculated from total tract size. <br /> Katz noted that he was very impressed with <br /> Arendt's presentation and felt it was a very <br /> logical process. He expressed agreement with <br /> Brown noting that Arendt was describing a process <br /> for overcoming the fear that people have about <br /> the loss of money by providing open space <br /> development. Katz continued that he felt there <br /> is a massive market for open space development. <br /> There should be a minimum of 50% open space <br />