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76 Town of Aurora Goal 3: Preserve Rural Character and Open Spaces This goal focuses on protecting Aurora’s rural identity and agricultural heritage through thoughtful land-use and community policies. Key actions include prohibiting flag lots and cul-de-sac developments in favor of connected, conservation-style subdivisions; strengthening support for local farmers through the Right-to- Farm Law, agricultural district programs, and incentives for beginner farmers; and mapping and promoting the Town’s rural and historic assets for residents and visitors alike. These measures are designed not only to protect farmland and scenic landscapes, but also to integrate with broader goals outlined in other parts of the Plan—such as land conservation, stormwater management, and tree preservation—to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to open-space protection. By connecting these efforts, Aurora can safeguard farmland, conserve natural corridors, and highlight cultural landmarks while maintaining a development pattern that aligns with the Town’s rural character. The overall intent is to reinforce Aurora’s identity as a community that values its farmland, forests, waterways, and history, while adopting land-use practices that ensure these assets are preserved and celebrated for future generations. Recommendation 3.1 - Discourage Flag Lots & Cul-de-Sac Developments: Amend subdivision regulations to discourage new flag lots and cul-de-sacs. Require connected or conservation-style layouts Recommendation 3.2 - Continue Right-to-Farm Law, Promote the Agricultural District Program & Incentivize Beginner Farmers: Provide property tax abatements or small grants for underutilized farmland when leased to small-scale or beginning farmers, promote farmers participation in the Agricultural District program, and explore partnership with Providence Farm Collective’s style incubator farms. Recommendation 3.3 - Map & Promote Rural Heritage Assets: Produce and distribute brochures or an interactive online map highlighting the Cazenovia Creek corridor, scenic drives, and heritage sites throughout the Town. Goal 4: Invest in Smart, Sustainable Infrastructure This goal provides a roadmap for strengthening Aurora’s infrastructure in ways that are both sustainable and resilient. Central to this goal is the adoption of a municipal capital facilities plan that prioritizes upgrades to public buildings and critical infrastructure, while incorporating climate-resilient standards such as culvert improvements, drainage management, and expanded EV charging options. This goal also establishes clear standards for emerging technologies like battery energy storage systems, ensuring they are safely and appropriately sited—encouraging placement in industrial zones while protecting residential and conservation areas. By integrating battery storage into both zoning and emergency preparation plans, Aurora positions itself to enhance energy resilience and support community hubs during crises. Importantly, these infrastructure investments are designed to work in tandem with other priorities of the Comprehensive Plan, including open-space preservation, farmland protection, and conservation-focused development. By aligning capital improvements with environmental and land-use goals, the Town can modernize infrastructure without compromising the rural character and ecological assets that define Aurora. The overall intent is to future-proof Aurora’s infrastructure—delivering safe, efficient, and climate-smart facilities that meet community needs while reinforcing the Town’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes and heritage. Recommendation 4.1 - Adopt a Municipal Capital Facilities Plan: Develop a 5–10-year plan prioritizing upgrades to government buildings and facilities, with an emphasis on the Town of Aurora Library and Highway Barn. Recommendation 4.2 - Comprehensive Capital Improvements & Resiliency Planning: Incorporate climate resilience standards in the capital facilities plan (i.e. culvert upgrades, drainage channels, public EV charger,) Recommendation 4.3 - Support, Where Feasible, the Expansion of EV Infrastructure: Install publicly available EV charging stations at libraries, parks, municipal parking lots, and offer incentives for commercial sites to add chargers.