Agenda - 08-30-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 ,1 , - the protection of visual resources - the enhancement of growth management The primary focus of the Committee's work was to consider strategies for the Rural Buffer first, before proceeding with consideration of the remainder of rural Orange County. This project was provided assistance and professional guidance by consultant Lane Kendig and County staff. During most of 1988 and early 1989, the Committee went through a lengthy period of "education and reconnaissance" -- discussing planning and open space concepts with both consultant and rural residents; examining issues of importance in the County; and meeting on a great number of occasions with citizen groups - organized first by field of interest and later by geographic area. Some of these meetings met resistance from Rural Buffer residents, who initially espoused a "leave us alone" policy. Even so, these early meetings were to prove helpful to the Committee as it proceeded to draft a strategy with the help of some of the same citizens who spoke in opposition. On October 10, 1989, Kendig presented his preliminary recommendations to the Committee and County Planning Board. His - recommendations called for the consideration of a number of possible zoning districts - including one for the Rural Buffer designed to promote the clustering of development through a sliding scale of open space provision for different development options. A series of goal- setting sessions on the part of the Committee ensued in early 1990 as the Committee continued considering a strategy for the Rural Buffer. At the same time, meetings with Rural Landowners Associations and civic groups around the County were initiated. Particular time and effort was devoted to meetings with Rural Buffer residents, and a number of community meetings were held between February and May 1990. These sessions with rural residents enabled the committee to begin to tailor their strategies to respond to the expressed needs of the rural residents. Believing that citizen involvement was paramount to producing a successful strategy, landowner's associations and rural residents played a significant role in the Committee's deliberations. The Committee was very cognizant of the balancing act that they would need to take in regard to the often - competing interests of land conservation and private property rights. While many rural residents were involved in helping to inform the committee of rural needs, the task force was very aware of the need to protect the integrity of the Rural Buffer concept through its actions. 2