Minutes 10-13-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Discussion and questions about the EDDs Eno EDD (slide 19): Craig Benedict said development interest in this area is growing. He said there are a lot of mobile home parks in this area. Commissioner Price said this area has been scheduled for development for decades and asked what will happen if Durham says no. Craig Benedict said low water use projects that run on septic systems could be considered. He said such projects would have to meet all applicable standards. He said there are conversations taking place with Durham. Commissioner Price asked what will happen if Durham says no to putting in water and sewer. Craig Benedict said Durham is not saying no, they are saying the cost of$6 million is too high. Commissioner Price asked if Durham does say no, regardless of the reason, what is Orange County's plan for this area. Craig Benedict said Durham agrees that there is still potential, and the City could possibly annex part of this if desired. He said Durham says the current engineering plan for this area is too costly at $6 million. Commissioner Price asked what would happen if Durham is completely out of the picture. She asked if projects would simply have to rely on septic. Craig Benedict said Hillsborough would not be a viable partner for this area. He said Durham is the best partner, and no one is giving up on this district yet. He added that it may be several years out before fruition. Hillsborough EDD (slide 20): Craig Benedict said putting water and sewer under the 1-40 interstate could take eighteen months. He said this length of time is an impediment to attracting development. Commissioner Jacobs said the BOCC had a discussion about developing an internal policy for extending water and sewer for economic development purposes. He asked if there was an update on this policy. Craig Benedict said the existing zoning policies lock in how land can be used. He said he can offer a report about what those uses can be. Commissioner Jacobs said he recalled a conversation addressing the concern that Hillsborough will annex land. He said it is important that Hillsborough not use County economic development infrastructure monies to replicate the model of Waterstone, which has too much residential. He asked if there is a formula to apply economic development funds to insure that those funds are used for economic development, and not residential development. Craig Benedict said discussions with Hillsborough about land use have started and that jointly adopted land uses are in place. He said these are generalized land use categories and do not include percentages for non-residential versus residential development. Bonnie Hammersley said staff would work on an internal policy and bring it back for the Board's consideration. Commissioner Jacobs said he remembered him bringing this up last spring and talking about having an internal policy. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the 18-month timeframe of putting water and sewer under the interstate could be reduced, and if the County could act proactively toward this end. Craig Benedict said these discussions have begun with Department of Transportation (DOT).