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66 Town of Aurora Key Issues & opportunities “Opportunities” represent existing “Issues” represent either existing strengths or assets in the Town needs or gaps in the Town that limits that can be further leveraged and future development or the Town from supports the potential for new achieving the plan’s vision statement development, business creation, or and goals. achieving the plan’s vision statement and goals. Solar Farm Siting on Less Productive or Vulnerability in Flood-Prone Areas: Vacant Lands: The County’s solar suitability Approximately 1,456 acres near the creek’s analysis identified 29 parcels suitable for floodplain are at high risk of flooding, yet solar. Directing large-scale renewable energy Aurora does not participate in FEMA’s projects away from prime farmland helps Community Rating System (CRS), missing out the Town meet green-energy goals while on opportunities for reduced flood insurance minimizing loss of productive acreage. rates and enhanced flood mitigation. Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Nutrient Runoff and Stream Protection: Initiatives: Aurora is already Bronze CSC Although waterways like Cazenovia Creek certified, and the Town should continue to provide vital ecosystem services, not all support actions that would lead to silver riparian corridors have protective setbacks certification. This would in turn position the or are recognized for conservation, risking Town well to pursue additional grants and erosion and reduced water quality. programs—such as flood resilience projects, green energy development, and farmland Incremental Loss of Tree Canopy on Private preservation—that address both climate Lands: While Aurora enjoys an overall high adaptation and agricultural needs. tree-cover percentage, ongoing residential development and clearing for utility Targeted Preservation of Key Farmland & installations can gradually reduce forest Wildlife Corridors: With prime farmland, continuity, impacting habitat corridors and forested areas, wetlands often adjacent, long-term ecological health. Aurora can prioritize key parcels to conserve via easements, purchase-of-development- rights (PDR), or public-private partnerships, strengthening critical habitat connectivity.