Orange County NC Website
20 <br /> The Plan — Intersections <br /> The Plan — Road Connections <br /> The Plan —Service Roads <br /> The Plan — Roadway Connectivity <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> NONE <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee for <br /> the Board to close the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner Dorosin referred to the reduced access plan, and the recommendation in <br /> the packet to go with the reduced connectivity plan, and clarified that this is recommended <br /> because the other plan may hinder economic development due to the burden of the requirement <br /> to build roads. <br /> Craig Benedict said that is correct, and a line on the map may inhibit a potential <br /> development. He said with economic development being so competitive, it is wise to keep <br /> things as visible and understandable as possible. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said by not having the more extensive plan, when the properties <br /> get developed the County does not have the same leverage to require that these connections <br /> be made. He asked if it is more dependent on the developer and its desires. <br /> Craig Benedict said yes, if a project is permitted by right, there are standards within the <br /> code to ask for a lot of things, but since this would not be in there, a road cannot be required. <br /> He said if it is conditional zoning, or a master plan development conditional zoning, it may be <br /> possible to bring this requirement back in via negotiation. He said other elements of the plan <br /> are still alive: dedicate more roads for widening, bring development to a certain predetermined <br /> intersection point, and use frontage and service road concepts that would help support the <br /> overall transportation plan. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said at the BOCC retreat, the Board discussed the impediments <br /> to developing some of these properties: that there is a lack of infrastructure, piecing together <br /> multiple parcels, etc. He clarified that the reduced connectivity option still envisions building <br /> more major arteries that will address some of the concerns the Board has heard. <br /> Craig Benedict said yes. He said Industrial Drive and providing access to one of the <br /> largest rail sites have still been preserved. He said there are also discussions between <br /> Mebane, DOT and the railroad to build a flyover at Buckhorn Road over towards Frasier Road. <br /> He said this even reflects a plan brought forward by the rail authority to limit the rail crossings. <br /> He said the elements of this plan can help lead to investments. <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if the determinate between development by right and <br /> development by conditional zoning could be identified. <br /> Craig Benedict said the areas have certain zoning designations. He said if it is <br /> Economic Development-Buckhorn District 1, it is assigned to the property already. He said a <br /> use listed in that zoning category can be approved by staff. He said some uses may be Special <br /> Use, and Class A special use would end up in front of the BOCC. He all standards within the <br /> Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) would still need to be met, but the access management <br /> plan would not be included. <br />