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2 <br /> 0 <br /> Property owners in the narrow strip of the Orange County EDD requested <br /> that the application of the perimeter buffer in that area be reconsidered due <br /> to the extent of development constraints it creates. <br /> On August 28, 1995, a proposal to eliminate the buffer requirement <br /> between two adjacent EDDs was presented for public hearing. On <br /> October 2, 1995,the Board of Commissioners tabled the item. There has <br /> been no further Board action. <br /> The previous discussion on the issue of the perimeter buffer by the Board of <br /> Commissioners and the Planning Board indicates concern for creating a <br /> desirable entranceway into Hillsborough. The Design Manual includes <br /> other standards that relate more directly to this concern. The perimeter <br /> buffer was created for a specific purpose not directly related to <br /> entranceway issues. <br /> The issue of the perimeter buffer was raised again by affected property <br /> owners during the recent development of a proposed site plan for the <br /> State Employees Credit Union. The Planning Staff recommends that it be <br /> reconsidered in the context of its purpose for separating incompatible uses <br /> rather than in the context of entranceway design. <br /> Public Hearing Comments <br /> The proposed amendment was presented for public hearing on May 27, <br /> 1997. There were several questions and points of clarification from <br /> Board members. One citizen spoke in favor of the proposed amendment. <br /> The Planning Board considered the proposed amendment on July 2, 1997 <br /> and recommended approval. The vote was unanimous. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that the Board of Commissioners <br /> close the public hearing and approve the proposed amendment per <br /> the Planning Board recommendation. <br /> If the Board of Commissioners does not recommend approval of the <br /> amendment as proposed,the Administration recommends approval <br /> of an alternative to reduce the perimeter buffer between jurisdictions <br /> from 100 feet to 25 feet. This could be followed by a subsequent <br /> amendment to reduce the perimeter buffer between jurisdictions to <br /> zero, but require a 25-foot setback along Old NC 86. In this way, <br /> additional building setbacks would apply not only north of Cates <br /> Creek, but also along the entirety of Old NC 86 within the EDD. <br /> This could address entranceway design issues raised in the previous <br /> public hearing. <br />