Draft report - Vision Committee 1995

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D�3aff� REPORT OF THE STONEY CREEK SMALL AREA PLAN VISION SUBCO EE Existing land use patterns in the Stoney Creek area reflect the nature of its rural heritage. Expanses of agricultural active and inactive) and forest land are interspersed with residential development of varying scales, most of which occurs on lots exceeding one acre in size and served by single wells and septic systems. An expanding municipality on the area's periphery and its location between two interstate highways enhance its attractiveness for development and contribute to pressures for change. Development of a "vision" for the Stoney Creek Small Area Plan has considered the natural, cultural, and visual resources of the area in the context of diverse viewpoints expressed during the planning process. Two key themes have been prominent and seem central to development of the plan. These are, first, that it is important to retain elements of the present rural character for the area so far as it is economically feasible for property owners, and second, that property owners should receive fair value for their land should they choose to sell or develop it in some way. The Stoney Creek Small Area Plan should serve to guide future changes in the Stoney Creek Basin area while recognizing its rural heritage, cultural, historical and natural resources, and the rights of individual property owners. In this regard, the goals of the Orange County Rural Character Study seem particularly relevant in defining the vision for the area. Specifically, they focus on balancing development with agricultural preservation, protection of natural, cultural, and visual resources and managed growth, while maintaining flexibility for landowners." Elements of the plan should address the following: • Development of mechanisms which will encourage preservation of rural landscapes including as much of forested and agricultural land - and active farming - as economically feasible for the landowner. • Continued identification, evaluation and inventory of significant cultural and historical features and the development of criteria and incentives for encouraging their preservation. • Continued identification, evaluation and inventory of natural _terrain features and sensitive ecological areas and the development of criteria and incentives for assuring their protection. • Recognition of the generations of land stewardship by rural landowners and the protection of their property rights and land values by providing a variety of development options which will allow for flexibility and creativity in design.