Minutes 01-25-2019 BOCC Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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18 partnership with a developer for affordable housing in the development. She said this particular development is close to 1-40 and mass transit. Commissioner Bedford asked about the possibility of a unified software system for transit that would work between transit authorities for access for seniors and others. Theo Letman said this is in the works, and that the transit authorities grouped together to make a software purchase more economical. The facilitator noted some next steps on transit: starting conversations about a unified transit vision for Orange County, creating a strong partnership with Hillsborough and creating an MOU, revisiting conversations with Carrboro about transit west of 54. Chair Rich asked about interjurisdictional transit groups. Bonnie Hammersley said there have been some efforts at the staff level. Commissioner Dorosin said an informal group meeting would be a good idea to explore with colleagues in other jurisdictions. Bonnie Hammersley said it is important for the department heads, in attendance today, to hear the need for collaboration. Commissioner Dorosin said the conversation on transit is also happening at an opportune moment, as a collective conversation will be needed after a decision is made on the light rail project. Economic Development; Background Steve Brantley said he will focus on three topics for his presentation: the recently completed SWOT analysis of the economic development districts; Article 46 and examples of use; and examples of intergovernmental collaboration for economic development. Steve Brantley presented the three different economic development district and said the Art's Commission is no longer a part of it. He described the state and county grants that go towards economic development. He said while funding from the general fund has been flat for 8 or 9 years, funding from Article 46 has provided additional funding. Steve Brantley said the SWOT analysis shows that there is less developable land than initially thought when the economic development districts were created. Steve Brantley said some projects necessitate more sewer capacity than the districts can handle, and that home building has encroached on some of the districts, particularly the Eno district. He said homes and industrial areas don't mix well together. Steve Brantley said the SWOT analysis shows that sewer and water capacity has not been finished in some areas that may be desirable for development, and the SWOT analysis shows that land prices are too high for development. Steve Brantley reviewed the recommendations made by the consultants: work with Mebane on a water/sewer agreement, consider optioning or buying property, potentially build a shell building on properties, explore properties outside the economic development districts, and to look at properties close to current water/sewer planning. Steve Brantley referenced two items from the September work sessions: pre-zoning properties currently zoned Agriculture to Residential and a GIS site-selection study. He said the study will look at the development potential of sites adjacent to Economic Development Districts. He highlighted areas where residential areas are hindering industries from coming in, and one area near Buckhorn Road where a property owner is selling property for residential use. Commissioner Price asked what is wrong with having residential areas in close proximity to industry. Steve Brantley answered that many potential investors have looked at property in the districts and have been put off by nearby residential areas. He said the activities of industry and residential areas do not mix, citing industry near children waiting for a bus as an example. He