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13 <br /> Cecil Griffin stated that higher density is needed to lower the costs <br /> of governmental services. He asked why the two acre minimum lot size <br /> requirement should just apply to the Rural Buffer rather than the entire <br /> county. He indicated he felt it was illogical to expect that two acres is <br /> sufficient for wildlife and a rural environment. <br /> Mr. Griffin noted that on two occasions the Orange County Planning <br /> Board had recommended a one acre minimum lot size and the Board of County <br /> Commissioners voted for a two acre minimum lot size. He asked why the <br /> Planning Board is not recommending one acre now. <br /> Spence Dickinson indicated he felt that everyone will not be <br /> represented no matter whether the minimum lot size requirement would be one <br /> acre or two acres. He felt that those lands owned by Duke University should <br /> not be developed as many of those lands had been donated in order that it <br /> would be preserved. He indicated that development costs are high and create <br /> many problems. <br /> Hezekiah Dodson stated he was a former sanitarian and that 40, 000 <br /> square feet was sufficient for a septic system as well as an alternative <br /> system. He also stated he was concerned that the municipality would tell <br /> those citizens living in the watershed that public water and sewer would not <br /> be provided to taxpayers. He stated that public water and sewer is the best <br /> way to protect the watershed. <br /> James Austin indicated opposition to the two acre minimum lot size <br /> requirement. <br /> Ben Lloyd stated that he was on the Board of County Commissioners <br /> when the two acre minimum lot size requirement was adopted. He indicated <br /> IPthat he now felt the two acre minimum lot size was a mistake which would <br /> make affordable housing unavailable. Lloyd wondered if those responsible <br /> for the study would be affected by the two acre minimum lot size requirement <br /> and asked that the minimum lot size requirement be changed back to one acre. <br /> Marilyn Herview indicated she favored the two acre minimum lot size <br /> and felt it was important to protect the rural setting of the area. <br /> Larry Reid expressed concern that the study is not yet complete. He <br /> stated that he felt the information was desperately needed as to how many of <br /> the 19, 000 two acre lots would perk. <br /> Mark O'Neil expressed opposition to the two acre minimum lot size. <br /> Perhaps there is some type of transition that could be done from one acre to <br /> two acres. <br /> R. D. Smith , Chapel Hill Town Council Member, stated that as a member <br /> of the Affordable Housing Task Force, he felt that the two acre minimum lot <br /> size is a crucial issue in providing affordable housing. He indicated the <br /> Affordable Housing Task Force had decided to wait for a decision as to the <br /> two acre or one acre minimum lot size. He continued that it was a waste of <br /> his time if decisions were going to be made that would not allow for <br /> affordable housing. He stated that zoning should not create more <br /> nonconformities but eliminate nonconformities. <br /> He noted that many of those persons speaking tonight were having severe <br />