Minutes 02-23-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County is committed to finding ways to support individuals involved in entrepreneurial start-ups, and to retain those knowledge-based firms. For example, a portion of the new quarter cent sales tax proceeds for economic development is earmarked for incubator support. However, too often, entrepreneurial start-ups such as those that emerge out of the University of North Carolina (UNC) eventually relocate to the Research Triangle Park area. On November 30, 2011, Orange County Economic Development staff spent the day with Hillsborough Commissioner Eric Hallman, visited the very successful "Durham Underground" incubator at the American Tobacco campus in Durham, and met with the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED). The purpose was to begin discussing ideas regarding how Orange County can form its own innovation center. Part of Orange County's research into incubators has included a dialog with a respected UNC department chair that has conducted an analysis of the area's real estate market and suggested an incubator development strategy. While the UNC report includes recommendations on the use of existing County-owned buildings to house innovation centers, and specifically in Chapel Hill, Orange County has not developed nor endorsed a recommendation at this time which proposes use of any specific County-owned buildings. County staff is currently discussing how to financially assist individual incubator start-up tenants rather than propose any ownership or specific County-owned and operated building which could house an innovation center. County Economic Development staff certainly looks forward to further talks with Town Commissioner Hallman and others who can help Orange County visualize a strategy that can lead to a Hillsborough-based innovation center. Steve Brantley said that about two years ago Orange County worked with UNC on a study about trying to get designated business districts. Last summer Orange County contracted with UNC again and the consultant looked at incubators coming out of UNC because most are leaving Orange County and going to RTP and Durham. He said that the consultant found that though they have business space for rent/purchase in the county/towns, it is very expensive. Frank Clifton said that the County had an opportunity to buy the building that was housing the Child Support Services department, and this operation was recently moved over to the County office building. This building was purchased by a music publishing group that is going to open up a business there for recording. There will be an announcement in the near future regarding this new business. d) Request for Proposals (RFP) for Train Station Property Transit-Oriented Development The Town of Hillsborough owns a 20-acre tract of land located just south of downtown that is adjacent to the rail line. It is best known for being the location of the Collins Fields that are used by the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) baseball/softball programs. Several attempts at grant funding for a station with associated access and utility costs have been unsuccessful. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has stated that Hillsborough and Lexington are the state's top two priorities for new rail stations. The Town intends to include $30,000 in the upcoming FY13 Budget to provide a 20% match to partner with NCDOT to conduct the environmental assessment that will be required if federal funding is used to support the station.