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Judson Edeburn, a representative of Duke University, spoke in support of this proposal. He <br />indicated that Duke University has identified parcels that have no research value. This is one of those <br />parcels and they would like to sell this parcel. <br />Mark O'Neal, with Picket Sprouse Real Estate, spoke in support of this proposal. He indicated that <br />Duke University was not aware of the original rezoning of this parcel which occurred in 1984 and were <br />consequently unaware of the restrictions that were being placed upon this land. Its only use as it is currently <br />zoned is for a public facility. This parcel is unmarketable. Duke University believes that the 1984 rezoning <br />of this parcel was done in error and would like to see that error corrected at this time. He expressed <br />concern about the delay that would be caused by tabling this item. <br />In response to a question, Planner David Stancil mentioned that the Board of Commissioners have <br />several options for when to review this. It does not necessarily mean a long delay if it is tabled at this <br />meeting. <br />In response to a question, Mr. O'Neal stated that Duke has been aware of the PID designation for <br />approximately one year. It is currently being advertised as "residential - contingent on the rezoning". He <br />will make that clear to any potential buyer. He also mentioned that Duke contends that they were not <br />properly notified of the original rezoning. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis commented that it was incomprehensible to him that Duke University would <br />be unaware of the original rezoning. These matters are extensively advertised in several local papers. <br />County Attorney Gledhill stated that as far as he is aware all affected parties were notified and <br />normal procedures were followed. <br />Will Endres, a 12 year resident of Orange County, spoke in opposition to this rezoning request. He <br />stated that he has been a naturalist and herbalist for the past 23 years and is an expert at assessing the <br />overall environmental health of a tract of land. This is a unique area that is critical to the water supply of our <br />community. This land needs to be protected in its natural state for the health of our community. <br />Wayne Cash, President of the Eno River Association, spoke in opposition to this proposal. The <br />Eno River Association has recently received funds to study the Upper Eno. This study should take between <br />9 months to a year to complete. He asked that no action be taken until the study is completed. <br />Ben Lloyd, an adjoining landowner, spoke in support of moving this from Public Interest District. He <br />did mention, however, that his property is a dairy farm and occasionally they spread manure on the fields. <br />He wants to make sure that if this land is developed for residential uses, that the new homeowners are <br />aware that they occasionally will have to deal with the smell associated with the spreading of manure. <br />Hervey McIver, of Hillsborough, spoke in opposition to this amendment. He mentioned that this land <br />is extremely close to the Eno river. Development of this property would jeopardize the water quality and <br />harm everyone. The wildlife corridor for both McGowan Creek and the Eno are located in this area. Finally, <br />he mentioned that Steve Hall indicated that he did not believe that anyone visited this site for the Natural <br />Area Section of the Inventory. <br />In response to a question, David Stancil mentioned that not all of Duke's property was zoned in this <br />manner. <br />S.A.M. Brooks asked if any local governments or water providers were approached about the <br />possibility of their purchasing this land. Mr. O'Neil replied that Orange-Alamance was approached, <br />however, they did not have the funds for this type of a purchase. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown, to table the