Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
A r <br /> 194 <br /> GOAL 4: ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF GROWTH WHILE PROTECTING RURAL <br /> CHARACTER <br /> Growth management is often misunderstood and thought of as <br /> a concept that means "no growth". However, all cities and <br /> counties practice growth management in some fashion. If <br /> growth management is balanced with landowners'objectives and <br /> a long-term vision of the future, it can discourage poorly- ;. ' . <br /> planned urban expansion, as well as subdivision sprawl along <br /> rural roadsides. <br /> ACTION STRATEGIES <br /> Strategies recommended for managing growth to protect rural <br /> character include the following: <br /> 1. Create Flexible Development options that manage growth by encouraging the creation of open space <br /> developments that enhance efficient service provision and discouraging environmentally destructive and <br /> costly forms of"rural sprawl" such as new lots created in "cookie cutter" fashion along rural roadways. <br /> 2. Link rural character preservation efforts to other County goals and programs. Specifically, acknowledge <br /> that protecting rural character may also enhance watershed protection,the creation of agricultural districts, <br /> future transit corridor creation, and more cost-efficient infrastructure and services for Waal and urban <br /> residents. <br /> 3. Recognize long-term land stewardship efforts by rural landowners,and communicate their needs and rights <br /> to the county's urban officials. <br /> 4. Continue to pursue cooperative planning efforts between urban and rural areas to insure rural involvement <br /> in planning for areas likely to experience future urban expansion. These efforts should be guided by past <br /> efforts such as the Orange County-Chapel Hill Carrboro Joint Planning Area and the New Hope Corridor <br /> Master Open Space Plan. Long-term planning efforts are also recommended in the future with the Town <br /> of Mebane and the City of Durtiam. <br /> 5. Promote"grassroots"planning efforts in rural areas,such as the F.fland Area Study,the Pantry Area Study, <br /> and other similar community plans. The importance of citizen involvement in creating a"vision" for their <br /> community should be stressed. <br /> 6. In canjaMUM with other cu»my and/or Research Triangle communities, pursue a vision of growth <br /> management which recognizes that the region is bound together geographically, economically, culturally, <br /> and in gnhty of life. The proposed "Shaping Orange County's Future" initiative is an example of such <br /> a study. <br /> 7. Following 'imokmentSm of RaMe Develop®M options, prepare an animal report for the Board of <br /> Commissioners and Planning Hoard evahumg the impact of such options on the management of growth <br /> in rural areas and the need for additional development strategies. <br /> Goals &Action Strategles 6 <br />