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

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196 p.5-29 (Housing Trends) Overall: clarify whether/which data are for unincorporated vs all of Orange County p.5-32, lines 43-44 (Devetopmenf Constraints) "Natural development constraints that would once prohibit development from occurring can now be overcome through new building materials and engineering designs. In response..." The fact that these constraints can be overcome does not affect the wisdom of building in areas with natural constraints (presumably you are talking about areas with steep slopes, poorly draining soils?? Hard to know...) For example, better onsite wastewater systems technologies may enable development to take place on lands with natural constraints. These poor soils maybe highly erosive as well and therefore highly susceptible to producing sedimentation during the construction phase and after. Also, we disagree that the County's adoption of the programs mentioned was "in response" to these changing technologies. The county has simply been more proactive than other counties in overseeing the development it has been faced with and especially in focusing its enforcement efforts in areas that have natural constraints and are more susceptible to damage. The County has been less proactive about restricting development from encroaching upon sensitive areas at the landscape scale (as documented in the earlier section Environmental Trends on the losses of sensitive lands and habitats) in the first place. While Orange County is certainly at the forefront in environmental protection efforts in the state, a great deal more needs to be done if we are to provide for current and future growth without further compromising environmental quality and affordability. p.5-35, line I 1 (Orange County Land Use Needs) Add "walkable" to the list of characteristics of sustainable land use: "These zoning changes should reflect the objectives that promote sustainability including walkable mixed-use development patterns, transportation linkages, economic development, and diversity in housing opportunities." p.5-36, Objective LU 1-3 The suitability of the overall site for the uses and intensity proposed need to be evaluated as well. This criterion can result in more appropriate development in the short term and will inform future land-use planning efforts as well. That is, if a lot of developments are being proposed in an area the reviews show are problematic, zoning changes or TDRs should be examined for that area. This "checklist" should go beyond on-site considerations, e.g., to consider what schools, transportation, supporting commercial activity, etc are nearby to support the development. p.5-37, Objective LU2-3 Require higher density and all nonresidential developments to do stormwater BMPs or equivalent protective measures REGARDLESS of where in the county they are located. (EDDs are not Transition Areas.) p.5-38, Objective LU2-4 The evaluation is described as PREVENTING NEGATNE types of development, but certain kinds .of development in crossroad nodes may be beneficial, and opportunities to realize such types of development should be identified and implemented. For example, locally owned markets selling basic goods in such areas could generate income and jobs and reduce VMT for area residents. Because of their inherent accessibility and higher traffic, the potential for such areas to help balance the county tax base should not be overlooked. The Village Project a PO Box 585 ~ Carrboro NC 27510 ~ 914-942-6114 m www thevillageproject.cam 6