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Much dialogue is needed during these upcoming months. The University is also a <br /> major stakeholders and needs to be included in the dialogue. <br /> Chancellor Hardin commented on the issue of the University helping to pay <br /> for infrastructure. He stated that all of the concerned parties need to go to <br /> the General Assembly together and ask for the infrastructure. At the present <br /> time the University is involving the community as well as units of government in <br /> an ongoing dialogue concerning the future plans for the Horace Williams Airport <br /> property. The University wants to grow responsibly. He indicated that the <br /> Legislature needs to be included in the current conversation between the <br /> university and local elected officials. <br /> Stick Williams indicated that Duke Power is developing a good relationship <br /> with the university and local governments. He commented that a county vision <br /> will be difficult to accomplish because often the most vocal citizens direct what <br /> happens regardless of what appears to be the best course of action. He asked <br /> that we remember that the University is the reason most of us are in this <br /> community. It is a state resource and having a veto power over one of the <br /> engines that causes the state to grow could be disastrous. <br /> Chancellor Hardin indicated that the passage of the $300 million dollar <br /> bond is critical to the future of the university as well as local community <br /> colleges, state parks and water and sewer. <br /> Neil Pedersen stated that communities need to cease being in reaction mode <br /> about building schools and future housing development. <br /> Commissioner Gordon stated that the Transportation Advisory Committee is <br /> attempting to develop a multiemodal approach including bikeways and pedestrian <br /> pathways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is not responsive to local <br /> requests. Commissioner Rose agreed that DOT is unresponsive and asked what could <br /> be done. <br /> Dr. DeGrove suggested contacting the Governor. <br /> Rep. Joe Hackney indicated that DOT is attempting to be more responsive. <br /> The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) is planning for light rail. DOT has <br /> historically been a highway agency. This is changing, however, it will not <br /> change swiftly. The TTA is working toward this end. <br /> Dr. DeGrove stated that Greenways and Open Space must be purchased. <br /> Affordable housing and the purchase of environmentally sensitive land is <br /> necessary for the health of a community. This will require matching funds from <br /> the state. The Nature Conservancy is in a position to gather information on <br /> where the public stands on these issues. People will vote to purchase the land <br /> if they understand what is at stake. <br /> David Godschalk indicated that the lack of consensus between the <br /> rural/urban residents prevents many necessary solutions from being implemented <br /> including greenways. A process must be implemented which would allow consensus <br /> between rural/urban residents to be reached. A comprehensive plan for the county <br /> needs to be in place so that each proposed development does not lead to a major <br /> 4 <br />