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35 <br /> creation, measurement, tracking, and effects of airborne materials. I have also <br /> participated in management and direction of large programs focused on increasing <br /> economic opportunity, and the operation of commercial businesses. I believe that I have <br /> a reasonably good understanding of the issues whereof I speak. <br /> As a result, I am convinced that the current press of the County to find expanded <br /> economic development to move away from a dependence on property taxes is laudable, <br /> and I congratulate the County for the progress made in that regard. However, I strongly <br /> disagree that an EDE-2 zoning within the EDD is appropriate. <br /> The current movement towards completion of the Eno EDD reminds me of <br /> another piece of American culture, a paradox called "The Road to Abilene". A group of <br /> individuals, none of whom really wants to take the long, hot trip, individually agree with <br /> the suggestion that they should go to that city, only because they each believe that the rest <br /> of the group really does want to go, and that they themselves are the only one that doesn't <br /> want to. Not wanting to be contrary,they do not demur, and off the group goes on a very <br /> uncomfortable trip in which none of them sees value. In the case of the EDD, there is no <br /> demonstrated value inherent in the project, but there has been so much footwork done by <br /> so many for so long that there must be a pony in there somewhere. Perhaps Durham <br /> County and the City of Durham really do want to go to Abilene, though a majority of <br /> Orange County/Eno Township residents do not. I have been there and there is no <br /> compelling reason to return. <br /> As a resident of Orange County with a home in immediate proximity to the EDD <br /> now being considered, I must object; my concerns are real and have not been adequately <br /> addressed. <br /> May I recommend that the decision-making process for land use/rezoning changes <br /> include the following? <br /> 1. Disallow the granting of an EDE-2 or any rezoning/land use <br /> designation in the proposed Eno EDD (or any) location, unless and <br /> until factual safety and economic impact information is made available <br /> to the citizens, the Planning Committee and to the Board of <br /> Commissioners for any location that allows increased heavy-vehicle <br /> traffic volume, dissemination of fugitive dust or toxic materials within <br /> reasonable distances from, or via transportation through, adjacent <br /> residential areas. <br /> 2. Advise and involve the residents at potential risk (physical or <br /> economic) that proposals have been submitted or are being discussed <br /> between their proponents and the County much earlier in the process <br /> than is done currently. A great deal of time, resources, and angst could <br /> be prevented if all of the affected populations could be included before <br /> the County has expended effort to move a project forward against the <br /> will of affected constituents. <br /> 3. Place in the County Codes/regulations a process that requires a special <br /> use permit review of any proposals that have the potential to <br /> negatively impact the health, tax rates, personal property value, or <br /> quality of life for County residents; that review would include sworn <br /> testimony by independent, qualified experts in appropriate fields who <br /> 3 <br />