Agenda - 09-09-2013 - C2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 To: Orange County Commissioners From: Ronald Keizer, Owner USA Dutch, Inc. USA Dutch, Inc. is pleased to submit a request to rezone 2 parcels of property to I -1 for the purpose of expanding our existing operation at 3604 Southern Drive in Efland. These parcels are east of our existing operation and share a common property line. Both parcels are undeveloped, with heavy vegetation along the southern boundary line adjacent to the Interstate. USA Dutch has been in operation since 1993 at the aforementioned address. We chose this area because of its proximity to our original location in the County's Commercial Industrial Transition Activity Node. Our business has had the good fortune to grow over the last few years. Since the beginning of 2009, we have increased our sales from $1.8 million to $3.9 million per year, and increased our workforce from 17 employees to 26. To accommodate further growth, we would like to expand our facilities by approximately 30,000 square feet. If our business continues to grow as planned, we would anticipate adding 15 -20 employees over the next 5 -10 years. If the rezoning is approved, we plan to re- combine these 2 parcels with our existing property in support of our proposed company expansion. We have been informed by Planning staff of the development criteria associated with the property, specifically setbacks, required land use buffers, etc., as well as the process to obtain approval of the expansion request with the submittal of a professionally prepared site plan. As we understand the situation from Planning staff, our property is located in an area where the County is interested in promoting additional commercial and industrial development. In reviewing your adopted Comprehensive Plan, we believe the request will comply with several goals /policies including: 1. Economic Development Overarching Goal: Viable and sustainable economic development that contributes to both property and sales tax revenues, and enhances high - quality employment opportunities for County residents. 2. Obiective LU -1.1: Coordinate the location of higher intensity / high density residential and non - residential development with existing or planned locations of public transportation, commercial and community services, and adequate supporting infrastructure (i.e., water and sewer, high -speed internet access, streets, and sidewalks), while avoiding areas with protected natural and cultural resources. This could be achieved by increasing allowable densities and creating new mixed -use zoning districts where adequate public services are available.