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the redirected traffic demands as well as site traffic impact via Westbound <br />I-40 Exit 161. The cost of these extensive improvements will be born by <br />the developer as a part of this project rather than by taxpayers at some <br />point in the future. <br />Attendees inquired who at NCDOT was involved in this project so that <br />they could be contacted directly. Kevin Lacy was identified as the primary <br />contact. An email address for Mr. Lacy was requested by several <br />neighbors of the call. Mr. Lacy can be reached at: jklacy@ncdot.gov <br />COUNTY STAFF: The applicant has submitted a traffic impact analysis to <br />the County and NC Department of Transportation (DOT) for review. Staff <br />from both agencies have requested additional information on anticipated <br />traffic demand and the various proposals to address same. <br />Concern had been expressed to the applicant concerning the proposed <br />loss of Exit 160, but all parties (i.e. applicant, County Planning, NC DOT) <br />are still completing their reviews of the proposal. <br />DOT staff has requested additional information from the applicant, which <br />is being produced. As review comment(s) are finalized, this matter will <br />continue to be reviewed and discussed. <br />B. Why do we need a 120 pump gas station in Orange County? <br />APPLICANT: The proposed zoning allows for a Buc-ee’s Travel Center, <br />including 120 fueling positions. Unlike a typical gas station, Buc-ee’s offers <br />this number of fueling position recognizing that many customers leave <br />their cars at a fueling position for thirty minutes or more while visiting the <br />many amenities offered by the travel center. In this way, queuing is <br />minimized. <br />This project also allows for a broader mix of uses in a master planned <br />project including restaurants, retail, office, medical office, a hotel and <br />industrial/flex uses. This combination of uses is desirable in that it meets <br />recommendations of the Future Land Use Map in the Orange County <br />Comprehensive Plan. In addition, it provides opportunities for employment <br />that pays a living wage in the Efland Community and creates a significant <br />a non-residential tax base for the benefit of the broader community. At <br />completion, the project is estimated to contribute $2,000,000.00 in sales <br />and ad valorem taxes per year to Orange County coffers. <br />COUNTY STAFF: <br />C. I am concerned over proposed access driveways onto the Interstate on/off ramp <br />south of the property (listed as a ‘service road’ on maps provided by the <br />applicant). <br />There does not appear to be sufficient space allowing people to accelerate to <br />merge onto the Interstate safely. Further, there will be a lot more congestion on <br />the ramp making access to Mt. Willing Road haphazard. The proposed traffic <br />pattern is too dangerous. <br />APPLICANT: As noted in the question, NCDOT is also concerned about <br />existing weaving operations along this service road, and for that reason <br />78