Agenda-03-08-2018 11-d - Orange County Planning Board - Appointments

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Page 3 of 3 Scott Neal Other Comments: This application was current on:11/14/2017 Date Printed:11/14/2017 Boards/Commissions appointments: What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed? It is the responsibility of the planning board to ensure that laws governing the land use in the county are upheld, and to suggest, wherever feasible, courses of action that provide balanced, fair, and harmonious development in our communities that will yield long-term positive benefits to its residents. What role should the Planning Board take in guiding and regulating growth? First and foremost, we have an advisory role...both to our elected officials and fellow volunteers serving on other related boards but also to property owners looking to responsibly utilize their assets. The planning board should not be considered a hindrance to growth but as a facilitator to ensure both property owners are treated fairly and equitably while ensuring the needs and desires of the community at large are balanced. What do you consider to be be the most important issues facing Orange County related to growth? Orange County has for many years maintained a status of being a highly desirable location to live and work. Its temperate climate, abundance of scerenic attractions coupled with good schools, and well paying jobs and cultural diversity has enticed visitors to make their visit more long term. That being said, much of Orange County looks and feels like a different place than the county I grew up in. Long cherished open spaces have given way to subdivisions, and multi- story buildings are beginning to tower up from city centers. Chapel Hill no longer embraces its village feel residents took so much pride in 30 years ago. The rising values of land have long since driven many long time residents away from the city centers and that pressure is now being felt in the outlying areas as well. On the other hand, communities must grow to survive. I believe probably the biggest challenge currently is how to allow for growth without destroying the very essence of what makes Orange County unique and so desirable to so many folks. How would you, as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities? The commissioners 2016-17 Goals and Priorities have significant focus on decentralization of resources through the development of Community Centers. The board has also expressed concerns regarding affordable housing and meeting transportation needs. All of these issues become more challenging with each passing year as the county continues to see an increase in population. As a planning board member I think it would be an interesting challenge to explore ways to encourage development that can address all of these concerns. 35