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n <br /> Re: Farmland Preservation Program: Goals for 1996-97 Fiscal Year <br /> December 1, 1995 <br /> Page Two <br /> o Develop a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)program for Orange County based on a market- <br /> driven system. While the parameters for sending areas (from which rights are transferred) can <br /> be determined by factors such as prime farmland soils, distance from urban areas, etc., receiving <br /> areas (to which rights are sent to provide density bonuses) should consider mixed residential, <br /> commercial, and industrial uses, as well as mass transit capabilities. Designating receiving areas <br /> is a zoning function. We request that the Board of Commissioners establish a receiving <br /> area(s) for the purpose of initiating a TDR program. <br /> o Revise the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance. Specifically, retool the <br /> Agricultural Districts to create more incentives for farmers to participate. We request that the <br /> Board of Commissioners consider reductions in property taxes for farmers through <br /> state or local legislation. <br /> o Re-evaluate a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, including alternative sources of <br /> funding. We request that the Board of Commissioners pursue enabling legislation, if <br /> needed, for use-value taxation penalty payments to be placed in a PDR Fund. <br /> o Continue studying the feasibility of establishing a Orange County Land Trust that would accept <br /> voluntary easements and gifts of agricultural and conservation lands. <br /> o Conduct a Comprehensive Survey of Orange County Agriculture Status and Trends. This survey <br /> will serve to update the 1981 report To Preserve Our Farms. The survey will help the farming <br /> community, the public, and county government determine appropriate strategies for preserving <br /> agriculture. A graduate student from the Department of City and Regional Planning at the <br /> University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill has volunteered to develop a survey methodology as a <br /> masters thesis project. <br /> o Conduct a statistical survey that demonstrates "Preservation of Farmland Pays". This study will <br /> show how costs of providing residential services far outweigh the costs of preserving farmland. <br /> We appreciate the opportunity to communicate our goals and priorities in advance of your retreat on <br /> December 9. We look forward to speaking with you and answering any questions you may have during <br /> our allotted time on that day. <br /> /db <br />