HPC agenda 022499 - Laserfiche WebLink

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lob an historic sites archaeologist should evaluate the structures and do some preliminary research in County archives to ascertain the structures ' antiquity a forester and a botanist should ascertain the locations of the most sensitive flora and that worthy (like the oaks) of every preservation effort materials recovery site planners should work with these specialists to mitigate danger to these Orange County historic and environmental resources . I do not imagine that this would take so very long; now, while ground cover is minimal, is an excellent time to do the historic sites survey. At least from the forestry perspective, it is also not a bad time to plan to avoid the Tract ' s large hardwoods . This course of action offers considerable benefits to the County. Two of Shaping Orange County ' s Future ' s subcommittees--environment and quality of life--have already recommended to the SOCF group as a whole that future County development focus, where possible, on historic and natural themes . The SOCF has already adopted a values statement that endorses this recommendation. This offers a good-faith opportunity to show how our cultural and natural resources can be used to retain the distinctive character of Orange County; in the case of the Greene Tract, the Northwest , Area Plan could profitably incorporate these features . It has been many years since the Greene Tract was purchased ; if the Tract were purchased today, relatively stringent historic and environmental value assessments such as those I suggest would be required . Rather than seeing it as a liability, such studies should be seen as a means of honoring earlier Orange County residents, and enhancing protecting beautiful natural resources, quality of life of its current inhabitants . Thank you in advance for your consideration of this matter . Sincerely, oe Carole L . Crumley Professor crumley@unc . edu