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31 <br /> Page 3 of 3 Scott Neal <br /> What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to <br /> accomplish if appointed? <br /> It is the responsibility of the planning board to ensure that laws governing the land use in the <br /> county are upheld, and to suggest, wherever feasible, courses of action that provide balanced, <br /> fair, and harmonious development in our communities that will yield long-term positive benefits <br /> to its residents. <br /> What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related <br /> to growth? <br /> Orange County has for many years maintained a status of being a highly desirable location to <br /> live and work. Its temperate climate, abundance of scerenic attractions coupled with good <br /> schools, and well paying jobs and cultural diversity has enticed visitors to make their visit more <br /> long term. That being said, much of Orange County looks and feels like a different place than <br /> the county I grew up in. Long cherished open spaces have given way to subdivisions, and multi- <br /> story buildings are beginning to tower up from city centers. Chapel Hill no longer embraces its <br /> village feel residents took so much pride in 30 years ago. The rising values of land have long <br /> since driven many long time residents away from the city centers and that pressure is now being <br /> felt in the outlying areas as well. <br /> On the other hand, communities must grow to survive. I believe probably the biggest challenge <br /> currently is how to allow for growth without destroying the very essence of what makes Orange <br /> County unique and so desirable to so many folks. <br /> What role should the Planning Board take in guiding and regulating growth? <br /> First and foremost, we have an advisory role...both to our elected officials and fellow volunteers <br /> serving on other related boards but also to property owners looking to responsibly utilize their <br /> assets. The planning board should not be considered a hindrance to growth but as a facilitator to <br /> ensure both property owners are treated fairly and equitably while ensuring the needs and <br /> desires of the community at large are balanced. <br /> How would you, as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of <br /> the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities? <br /> The commissioners 2016-17 Goals and Priorities have significant focus on decentralization of resources through the <br /> development of Community Centers.The board has also expressed concerns regarding affordable housing and <br /> meeting transportation needs.All of these issues become more challenging with each passing year as the county <br /> continues to see an increase in population.As a planning board member I think it would be an interesting challenge to <br /> explore ways to encourage development that can address all of these concerns. <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Other Comments: <br /> This application was current on: 11/14/2017 Date Printed: 11/14/2017 <br />