Minutes 09-15-2020 Virtual Business Meeting

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70 development, in concentrated areas known as Economic Development Districts. He said the tax revenue from this project is very much needed, and the jobs that will be provided are important. He said if there is a concern about idling, then make a rule that says no idling. He said if the Board approves this, it does not mean it was not listening to the community, but simply that it disagreed with the community. Christy Bailey said her family has lived in Orange County for 5 generations. She said her property was put into the EDD in 1981. She said it is time to develop this land, as it has been waiting for 40 years. She said her family has been limbo for decades, and she feels that RTLP will be a benefit to the community. She said the extension of water and sewer will allow for growth, and the Developer can assist with this. She said this is the right area, the right time and the right project. She said she supports the project to lift the burden off of homeowners. She said the restrictions are in place to insure the success of this project. Amanda Shakhloul said she has mixed feelings about this project, and her main concern is what will be inside this property; who will the tenants be. She said she would like to know if water and sewer will be run to the area. Vickie Berry said RTLP would not be her first choice, and she is also concerned about what will be contained at these facilities. She said she is also concerned about the environmental, traffic and health impacts mentioned by former speakers. She said she is also concerned about residents being able to have quick access to the medical facilities north of this area. She said she in concerned about nuclear waste. Debra Bost thanked the BOCC for the chance to speak. She said she moved to Hillsborough in 1975, and owns land very close to Davis Road, where she built her forever home. She said she reviewed the Triangle Regional Freight plan, which claims to be safe and efficient. She said RTLP does not fit into this promise. She said she understands the appeal of the project, but does not believe this project is the right one for this community. She echoed the far-reaching detrimental impacts mentioned by former speakers, and said she is opposed to the project. Kim Tesoro said Orange County is a well thought out and well planned place, with great care given to the environment and the residents. She said it is easy to be concerned about unknowns, and there are things that are unknown about this project. She said some see big developers as bad, but this is not always fair. She said the tax revenue and jobs are needed so that residents can work where they live. She said corporate philanthropy is another benefit of this this proposed projects. She said small businesses cannot carry the burden alone, and she is favor of the RTLP. Linda Ostrand said she works in wildlife preservation, and is strongly opposed to the project. She said the number of wildlife needing help is rising rapidly each year, as habitat is being taken away due to development. She said this project may just be focused on a small area, but changing more and more small areas leads to the change of a large area. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to close the public hearing, and authorize written comments until 9:00 a.m. on September 24, 2020. Roll call ensued. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Rich said the Applicant will have a chance to respond, and should not repeat the presentation, but rather make brief remarks. Michael Birch, Longleaf Law Partners, said he wanted to address some of the public and Board comments.