2024-11-22 Donna Thompson (2) Testimony

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Urban Expansion Reserve Allows for a mix of high density,medium density,low density,industrial-commercial mix,and/or natural designations in areas where growth may be desirable,but where specific settlement and infrastructure have not yet been determined.p.32 This should be deleted!Mixing housing,industrial,and natural uses can result in severe impacts on safety,health,and natural resources. Priority Actions 9.d Amend the Zoning Code and Subdivision Code to establish Clustered Rural Subdivision PUD.p.60 The meaning of"Clustered Rural Subdivision PUD"should be explained. Objective 10 Support the active use of Productive Agricultural lands. Policies p.62 A policy to support small-scale agriculture should be added 10.5 Support the development of small-scale visitor accommodations that directly promote the agriculture industry,health and wellness industry,or are near points of interest.p.62 Only accommodations that directly promote agriculture should be allowed.More transparency is needed in reference to the"health and wellness industry"and why they are in this section or remove it.Those industries are not an integral part of AG land use.They are a bi-product of good farming practices. 10.6 Any subdivision or farm labor housing complex developed on Productive Agricultural Lands should be clustered to minimize impact.p. 62 Define clustered,subdivisions should not be developed on these lands. There is no proof carbon sequestration will be effective,it is expensive,obtrusive,and the entire premise of global warming from CO2 level increase is unfounded.Earthquakes,eruptions,floods,and other events release carbon stored underground.CO2 only makes up 0.04%of our atmosphere and is necessary for photosynthesis. Priority Actions 10.b Conduct a study to review a maximum developed area consideration for properties designated as Productive Agricultural lands.p.62 This should be deleted.Private property AG land should not be considered for anything other than what the property owner desires.It should not be considered for"maximum development'. 10.c Create and adopt a County Agricultural Tourism program p 62 The plan has no merit.Private land owners don't want to be disturbed.It is also a liability with livestock and trespassing. 10.g Amend the Zoning Code to require Plan Approval for commercial open area recreational uses in the County Agricultural District.p 62 Zoning should NOT be amended in AG land,it is important for sustainability. Section 2:Transportation Access and Mobility Table 18:Transportation Key Trends Investment in Electric Vehicles is counter productive to the environment.Electric Vehicles add a huge strain on the electric grid.They are very costly to own both in price of car,maintenance,and electric bill.The companies that make EV use fossil fuels.The new gas driven cars are much lower in emissions and cheaper to buy.Lastly,the batteries in EVs are dangerous during car accidents and toxic to the environment. Table 20:Transportation Opportunities Continuing,Comprehensive,and Cooperative Planning p 68 Traffic plans submitted to planning commissions and County Council typically include many pages dealing with vehicular traffic and very few pages on bicycles,walking, wheelchairs,etc.Requirements should be changed so alternative modes receive at least equal consideration,safe bike lanes should be a high priority to cut down emissions. Objective 14 Reduce vehicle miles traveled(VMT).p.78 The Planning Department can create easier and safer methods of travel but have no right to dictate how many miles people drive.The people's right to travel shall not be impeded.Delete this section. Developers should not be granted relief from requirements for sidewalks,bike lanes,etc. Priority Actions p.78 The County traffic lights should be set to staggered operating hours for both public and private sectors,to lessen traffic congestion and improve safety. Drinking Water p 89 The County,In cooperation with State and Federal government,should support people on catchment with information about system design,construction,operation, troubleshooting,and repair,including readily accessible information and assistance for safeguarding health.Wastewater p 89 Federal government should be removed.This could be a simple information packet that supports off grid lifestyles. Alternatives to sewers and septic systems should be considered,such as toilets that use little or no water,and water recycling. Table 25:Public Utility Opportunities