Draft report - Vision Committee 1995

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MMnA 7 ALTERNATIVE VISION STATEMENT 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. Defining a "vision" has in many ways, been like trying to define beauty; it is largely in the eye of the beholder. One person may envision preserving all that is natural and unspoiled in the area leaving little opportunity for future development. Another may view those same natural settings and visualize quiet neighborhoods nestled into the landscape with meandering lanes, parks, trails, small farming patches, and maybe even a country store. Still others may see the beauty of the area in its prime location and accessibility. Contiguous undeveloped tracts could be developed into a village with a wide variety of housing, some commercial and employment opportunities, convenient local services, recreational, and educational facilities. And if designed properly, this village could produce a much healthier tax base for the County as a whole. Each of these visions for the Stoney Creek area is based on reality, plus a sincere desire to "do right" by the residents already here and those yet to come. However, any of the visions, if zealously pursued to the extreme, will preclude the possibility for other equally valid visions to take place. Therefore, we must attempt to define our "vision" as one of compromise, creativity, flexibility, and fairness. 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