Orange County NC Website
000 <br /> The proposed policy statement could serve as a fundamental organizing concept <br /> against which to evaluate proposed programs and policies in the areas of land use <br /> planning, environmental protection, economic development, housing, <br /> transportation, solid waste management, health and social services, and public <br /> safety. Proposed programs and policies could, in turn, include proposed actions <br /> and strategies such as the following. <br /> * Acknowledge environmental constraints so as to live within physical and <br /> biological limits. <br /> * Reduce the exposure of people and property to natural hazards. <br /> * Reduce air and water pollution and the consumption of nonrenewable <br /> resources. <br /> * Promote a sense of place by preserving cultural resources and maintaining <br /> a visually pleasing community. <br /> * Promote safety through land use patterns and community strategies that <br /> lessen opportunities for crime. <br /> * Share a concern and provide equal opportunity for all citizens. <br /> * Seek to eradicate poverty and insure a dignified life for all residents. <br /> * Strive to create spatial patterns and living environments in which all <br /> individuals and groups are treated fairly. <br /> * Provide housing opportunities for all residents. <br /> * Include planning processes and decision structures that encourage public <br /> participation and the involvement of a variety of community groups. <br /> If adopted, the proposed policy statement would be incorporated into the Board <br /> of Commissioners' Policy ManuaL It would thus be applicable to all County <br /> departments and agencies. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: There is no statutory or local ordinance public hearing requirement <br /> applicable to the proposed policy.Neither is there a requirement that the <br /> policy be referred to the Planning board for recommendation. Thus, the <br /> Board of Commissioners may adopt the policy following conclusion of the <br /> hearing or it may postpone a decision to one of its regular meetings. <br />