Agenda - 10-07-2008- 7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~~ Comments from the ®range County Comprehensive Plan Coalition on the Land Use, Transportation, Economic Development and Housing Elements May 5, 2008 The coalition's comments axe based on the March 5, 2008 draft update. These comments are guided by two of our preferred outcomes. First, we want the plan to place a priority on the creation of new compact, walkable, mixed-use, transit-supportive growth and development within the county's planning jurisdiction. Second, we want the plan to make affirmative commitments to providing public sector infrastructure investments to stimulate such development. Coalition members believe that compact, mixed-use developments are critical to promoting economic pxospefity, social equity and environmental health. The coalition's comments focus on four plan elements because compact, mixed-use developments succeed when these planning elements complement each other and sensible implementing ordinances axe adopted. We believe our recommendations enhance the positive linkages between these elements. The comments fall into four categorti.es. The first three comprise our most constructive criticism. These are: 1. Objectives the coalition recommends be added to the plan 2. Goal statements and objectives for which the coalition recommends major changes 3. Goal statements and objectives that the coalition recommends be removed from the plan The final category addresses those goal statements and objectives which the coalition endorses either as written or with minor changes (for the purposes of clarification and specificity). Coalition members have worked together since August 2007 in order to present a common voice for diverse stakeholders regarding the county's future. We present these comments in the hopes they will have a meaningful impact on the plan that is adopted. After all, the updated plan will be the key policy document to guide the county's growth and prospefity. We axe disappointed, however, that the second draft was not available for review much earlier in the process. Releasing the draft less than two weeks before the public hearing presents formidable challenges fox concerned stakeholders to prepare thoughtful responses to such an important document. Fox instance, had the second draft been available sooner (at least 30 days in advance of the May 19 public hearing), the coalition would have had time to modify our comments. Still, we trust these comments will be useful to the planning board and ultimately the county conunissioners in their efforts to craft a plan update that will promote sustainability anal bewidely- suppoxted in the community. . Allan Rosen The Village Project Board of Directors For the Orange County Comprehensive Plan Coalition Upd~.iCecl; ~11 /~.I~ItIB 'I: ra.npc~rcahcu.i .E?li~m.ent