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<br /> The rationale for this shift in priorities is based on Orange County's long-term use of its
<br /> Comprehensive Plan to guide land use decisions.While the Historic Preservation Element is but one part
<br /> of that Plan, it will provide a framework within which the Board of Commissioners, the Historic
<br /> Preservation Commission, and the Planning Board can work to preserve the county's rural character and
<br /> heritage. In that sense, the process and product produced from the project could serve as a prototype for
<br /> other rural counties threatened with the loss of historic, architectural, and archaeological resources from
<br /> growth and development. It is an overall program approach to preservation rather than piecemeal
<br /> initiatives which may gain some immediate benefits but provide limited long-term results.
<br /> Specifically, Phase IV, the phase for which grant funds have been awarded, will contain three major
<br /> elements:
<br /> 1. A summary of the inventory of historic, architectural, and archaeological resources;
<br /> 2. A statement of goals and objectives for protecting and preserving those resources; and
<br /> 3. A program of implementation techniques for accomplishing the goals and objectives.
<br /> Element One will summarize the results of the inventories,including local development history,and unique
<br /> or distinctive aspects of the architectural, and the historic and prehistoric archaeological resources.
<br /> Attention will also be given to analyzing population, economic, and land uses changes to identify threats
<br /> and opportunities for preservation.
<br /> Element Two will seek to identify specific goals and objectives, including action recommendations,
<br /> completion dates, and task responsibilities as well as solicit community input through a series of public
<br /> hearings on preservation goals.
<br /> Element Three will focus on the full range of techniques available for achieving preservation goals,
<br /> including evaluation, National Register nominations,and local designation, legal and regulatory protection,
<br /> financial incentives, easements, and public education and awareness. Specific attention will be given to on-
<br /> going local initiatives and interests such as the creation of local historic districts for Cedar Grove, Oaks,
<br /> and Ray-Kenion, and the preparation of preliminary design guidelines; the identification of sites and/or
<br /> structures for assistance in National Register nomination; the creation of a local historic landmark
<br /> designation program, including preliminary design guidelines for the principal architectural styles found
<br /> in the county; pursuit of a purchase of development rights program for farmland protection combined with
<br /> rural historic landscape designation; and the use of rural character strategies such as conservation and
<br /> preservation easements, and cluster design techniques to preserve historic resources, open space, and
<br /> farmland.
<br /> As an example of the initiatives referred to above, cluster design techniques are not new, but, primarily
<br /> as a result of the work of Randall Arendt, their use in preserving sensitive environmental lands, farmland,
<br /> and historic sites has received national attention. Orange County is working with Mr. Arendt, the N.C.
<br /> Association of County Commissioners, and the N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
<br /> Resources to produce a design guidebook for three North Carolina counties under the auspices of the
<br /> Albemarle-Pamili co Estuarine Study. Serving as a model for other counties, the guidebook will focus on
<br /> the use of cluster development techniques to preserve important resources while allowing development to
<br /> occur. Orange County thus wishes to coordinate its efforts on the preparation of a Historic Preservation
<br /> Element with those on a Rural Character Design Guidebook so that these compatible initiatives benefit
<br /> from each other. The timing of both projects is also such that they will run concurrently.
<br /> Because of these initiatives, the progressive attitude of its governing and advisory
<br /> boards, and the experience of its staff Orange County feels it is uniquely positioned to provide what will
<br /> serve as a model for other jurisdictions.Because of the nature of the project, Orange County does feel that
<br /> a consultant,with staff assistance,will be required.A general outline of the Historic Preservation Element
<br /> is provided below.
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