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41 <br /> There is a high likelihood that there were others who also were confused about the <br /> procedure for participating, and that there were additional people who did not get a chance <br /> to be heard. We are asking that there be another meeting held—one that is more widely <br /> publicized and competently organized, with clear directions for participation—so that more <br /> voices can be taken into consideration before the BOCC receives the FAQ and comments <br /> presented by the Planning Department. <br /> It has come to the public's attention that there has been a request from the county for an <br /> outside, impartial evaluation of the Orange County Planning Department to be conducted. <br /> We applaud this decision. It is our hope that ALL OF THE MATERIAL AND <br /> COMMENTS which were submitted regarding the application for rezoning for RTLP and <br /> Efland Station, as well as that pertaining to the adoption of the Buckhorn Area Plan, will be <br /> made available for this evaluation. <br /> There is a need for a new, more creative approach to land use planning in Orange County— <br /> perhaps with new personnel leading the Planning Department and the Economic <br /> Development Unit. There is a resource in Orange County that could be utilized to aid in <br /> identifying broader options than those that have been proposed to date by the Planning <br /> Department and Economic Development Unit. The UNC School of Government has <br /> expertise in assisting communities to identify what they want in the way of development, as <br /> well as experience in then locating applicants. The School could be asked by the BOCC to <br /> survey Northern Orange residents' development needs and then find applicants that <br /> meet those needs. It would be a shame not to take advantage of the School's experience in <br /> aiding communities to identify and locate smart, sustainable development—development <br /> that serves the people of Northern Orange County rather than the profit margin of industrial <br /> developers. It is the hope of A Voice for Orange members that the BAP, as it stands, will be <br /> abandoned, and that a fresh study will be conducted with the aid of the UNC School of <br /> Government. <br /> Respectfully, <br /> Andrea T. Riley <br />