Cary, NC Open Space and Historic Resources Plan: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:55, 19 April 2008

Type: Policy

Status: Adopted on 8/23/01

Source File: http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/openspace/openspacehome.htm

Description:

Overview
Think "open space" and perhaps you'll envision forests, meadows, fields, wetlands, floodplains and other areas that remain relatively undisturbed by people. Farmland is managed open space that helps preserve our rural heritage while contributing to the region's economy and quality of life. Open space protects our water supply, lessens flood hazards, promotes diversity of plants and wildlife, and preserves an interconnected system of natural and cultural resources.

Preservation of our finite natural resources has been a top priority for the Town of Cary. The Land Use Plan adopted in 1996 called for development of a "natural resources plan" to guide preservation of significant natural areas and historic sites. The Growth Management Plan that the Town Council adopted in January 2000 restated the importance of creating such a plan.

Preservation of finite natural resources is a top priority for the Town of Cary. In particular, open space protects our water supply, lessens flood hazards, promotes diversity of plants and wildlife, and preserves an interconnected system of natural resources.

In fiscal year 2002, the Town Council approved spending $11.2 million for open space preservation within Cary's planning jurisdiction - an unprecedented proposal for a local government in North Carolina. Beginning in fiscal year 2003, the council approved setting aside $1 million annually from utility rate revenues to support open space acquisition.

The Open Space and Historic Resources Plan was adopted on August 23, 2001. The Plan sets forth a program to identify, acquire, preserve and manage natural resources, historic sites, and other areas that are important to the citizens of Cary environmentally or culturally. Protecting historic rural landscapes and connecting open spaces to greenway trail corridors are other important goals. Through the plan, the Town will prioritize resources, establish long-term goals, and develop a thorough implementation plan.

The Open Space and Historic Resources Plan received awards in May and June 2002 from the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association and from Capital Area Preservation.

Community Involvement
The Town of Cary wants citizen input on open space preservation. It welcomes suggestions from homeowners associations, neighborhood groups, environmental organizations, preservation groups, and other conservation-related non-profit organizations. This feedback will be incorporated into the plan and help the Town Council decide on acquisition priorities.

The Town has begun implementing the Open Space and Historic Resources Plan. Town staff is evaluating significant resource properties identified in the plan and developing recommendations for preservation or acquisition. Decisions will be based on:

citizen input
ecological and historic significance
proximity to an existing or planned park or greenway corridor
threat of loss from development
cost and manageability of the land

Open space will be acquired through different means (see Preservation Toolbox). Some examples of acquisition methods include:

outright purchase by the Town of Cary
negotiation of a conservation easement or other agreement between the Town and the property owner
land dedication requirements, such as the Town's stream buffer rules
donation or bargain sale by property owners for federal and state tax incentives
cooperative arrangements with other governmental agencies

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Type''': Policy
-'''Status''': Ongoing
+'''Status''': Adopted on 8/23/01
-'''Source File''': http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/bicycleplan/bicycleplanoverview.htm
+'''Source File''': http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/openspace/openspacehome.htm
 '''Description''':
 '''Overview'''<br>
-Cary's [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/engineering/transportationplan/tableofcontents.pdf Comprehensive Transportation Plan] calls for a safe, convenient and efficient system with different means of transportation. Chapter 4, the [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/engineering/transportationplan/chapter4.pdf Bicycle Element], establishes a bicycle plan for Cary. It identifies a system of bikeways and connections to greenways within and beyond Cary. See a [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/bicycleplan/bicycleplanmap.htm map] with route descriptions and safety tips.
+Think "open space" and perhaps you'll envision forests, meadows, fields, wetlands, floodplains and other areas that remain relatively undisturbed by people. Farmland is managed open space that helps preserve our rural heritage while contributing to the region's economy and quality of life. Open space protects our water supply, lessens flood hazards, promotes diversity of plants and wildlife, and preserves an interconnected system of natural and cultural resources.
-Watch a [http://www.humantransport.org/bicycledriving/library/movies/cary128kbps.wmv video about bicycling] in Cary
+Preservation of our finite natural resources has been a top priority for the Town of Cary. The [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/gmpcont.htm Land Use Plan] adopted in 1996 called for development of a "natural resources plan" to guide preservation of significant natural areas and historic sites. The [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/GrowthManagementPlan/gmpfinalcolor.pdf Growth Management Plan] that the Town Council adopted in January 2000 restated the importance of creating such a plan.
-'''Safety'''<br>
+Preservation of finite natural resources is a top priority for the Town of Cary. In particular, open space protects our water supply, lessens flood hazards, promotes diversity of plants and wildlife, and preserves an interconnected system of natural resources.
-Cary police offer safety clinics and bicycle “rodeo” obstacle courses for children that address:
-* Safety helmet importance and proper fitting
-* Bicycle maintenance and safety checks
-* Obstacle courses focusing on hand signals, sign identification, rules of the road
-Bicycle rodeos are open to any group of children on request.
+In fiscal year 2002, the Town Council approved spending $11.2 million for open space preservation within Cary's planning jurisdiction - an unprecedented proposal for a local government in North Carolina. Beginning in fiscal year 2003, the council approved setting aside $1 million annually from utility rate revenues to support open space acquisition.
-Get tips on [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/bicycleplan/bicyclemaptips.pdf bicycle safety] (1,100 KB) for people of all ages.
+The Open Space and Historic Resources Plan was adopted on August 23, 2001. The Plan sets forth a program to identify, acquire, preserve and manage natural resources, historic sites, and other areas that are important to the citizens of Cary environmentally or culturally. Protecting historic rural landscapes and connecting open spaces to greenway trail corridors are other important goals. Through the plan, the Town will prioritize resources, establish long-term goals, and develop a thorough implementation plan.
-The Town’s bicycle education video helps you learn how to maneuver safely and efficiently through Cary. Find copies at local bike shops and the downtown Cary Library. (Spanish version available December 2004)
+The Open Space and Historic Resources Plan received [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/openspace/openspaceawards.htm awards] in May and June 2002 from the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association and from Capital Area Preservation.
-'''Recognition'''<br>
+'''Community Involvement'''<br>
-Cary was among the first 14 cities in the country to be named a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The certification is good for two years.
+The Town of Cary wants citizen input on open space preservation. It welcomes suggestions from homeowners associations, neighborhood groups, environmental organizations, preservation groups, and other conservation-related non-profit organizations. This feedback will be incorporated into the plan and help the Town Council decide on acquisition priorities.
-'''Implementing the Bicycle Plan'''<br>
+The Town has begun implementing the Open Space and Historic Resources Plan. Town staff is evaluating significant resource properties identified in the plan and developing recommendations for preservation or acquisition. Decisions will be based on:
-To make bicycling more efficient, safe, fun and practical, implementation will include the following:
+* citizen input
+* ecological and historic significance
+* proximity to an existing or planned park or greenway corridor
+* threat of loss from development
+* cost and manageability of the land
-'''Bicycle map''' - A map of Cary bicycle routes that will help citizens choose routes according to their own bicycling needs, preferences, experiences, and abilities.
+Open space will be acquired through different means (see [http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/openspace/thepreservationtoolbox.pdf Preservation Toolbox]). Some examples of acquisition methods include:
+* outright purchase by the Town of Cary
-'''Bike lane striping''' - Approximately 10 miles of roads striped to designate a bike lane
+* negotiation of a conservation easement or other agreement between the Town and the property owner
+* land dedication requirements, such as the Town's stream buffer rules
-'''Route signage''' - About 300 distinctive "Cary Bike Route" signs to identify selected routes.
+* donation or bargain sale by property owners for federal and state tax incentives
+* cooperative arrangements with other governmental agencies
-'''Education and encouragement''' - An education program and other measures to encourage bicycling in Cary.
-[http://www.townofcary.org/depts/dsdept/P&Z/bicycleplan/bicycleplanbackground.htm Learn more about these aspects of the plan.]
-'''The Vision behind the Plan'''<br>
-Establish Cary as a Bicycle Friendly Community, with an interconnected transportation network that allows for the needs of the commuting cyclist as well as the needs of the casual or recreational cyclist.
-'''Goals and Recommendations'''
-* Create a network of bicycle routes that will serve every planned and existing activity center in Cary
-* Improve the road network to better accommodate bicycles through wider outside lanes, bike-sensitive traffic signals and a bikeway maintenance program
-* Promote bicycling as an efficient and healthy transportation alternative by providing facilities for bicycles, including places at important destinations to park them
-'''Why it's a Good Idea to Register Your Bicycle'''<br>
-The serial number and description help Cary police identify the owners of bikes they retrieve that had been lost or stolen. To register your bicycle, please fill out the registration form and return it to the Police Department.
 [[Category:City Governments]]
-[[Category:Foot-Powered Transportation]]
+[[Category:Land Use]]
 [[Category:North Carolina]]
+[[Category:Open Space]]
 [[Category:Policies]]
-[[Category:Transportation]]

Cary, NC Open Space and Historic Resources Plan: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:55, 19 April 2008

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