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2 <br /> the parcel-level scoring based on objective suitability criteria, there are a few areas of <br /> clustered parcels that have been recommended for long-term growth based on a <br /> combination of final score and high economic development use potential. <br /> The study area (see attached map) for this plan was defined after significant <br /> consideration of existing land uses, environmental impacts, and economic development <br /> potential. This did not mean that all areas in the study are proposed for potential change <br /> but just an area/base element of research. The City of Mebane and Orange County <br /> Planning, Administrative, Public Works, and Economic Development staffs worked with <br /> the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to ensure parcels with the highest potential were <br /> included in the analysis; it is worth noting, however that parcels with significant public <br /> utility (schools, churches, cemeteries) were marked as not available for development, <br /> regardless how well they scored on the parcel suitability criteria. The boundaries for this <br /> plan focus area are the rail line to the North; Ben Wilson and Mattress Factory Roads to <br /> the west, Mt. Willing Road and parcels along the 1-85 connector to the East; Bushy <br /> Cook Road and Seven Mile Creek to the South. <br /> During the course of the study, there have been developments in Orange County <br /> brought to Mebane with a focus to rezone and to annex into Mebane. Any development <br /> proposals that are in Orange County and that fall within the study area have been noted <br /> as such in Orange County Planning's feedback to Mebane during the courtesy review <br /> process. While Mebane has the ability to annex properties that are willing to be annexed <br /> pursuant to state law without county `approval', Orange County Planning Staff's review <br /> of proposals has included language that recommends Mebane delay any further <br /> development of parcels that fall within the Buckhorn Area (but outside the existing utility <br /> service agreement) until the Plan is finalized and has been shared with the public and <br /> elected officials. <br /> CITY OF MEBANE STEPS: A copy of the draft Study that was presented at the <br /> November 10, 2020 Virtual Open House, can be accessed via the following <br /> link http://ptrc.org/Buckhorn. The draft will be updated in response to comments <br /> received. The City of Mebane Planning Board met on November 9, 2020 and is <br /> recommending approval of the Buckhorn Area Plan to the Mebane City Council <br /> following its public hearing on December 7, 2020. The City Council deferred action on <br /> the plan pending review and feedback from the Board of County Commissioners. <br /> NEXT ORANGE COUNTY STEPS: <br /> County Planning staff intends to provide additional information to the Planning Board <br /> and BOCC in 2021, including an overview of the Study and possible recommendations <br /> for short and long-term next steps. The final study will be informed by the City of <br /> Mebane Council, Orange County Planning Board, Orange County BOCC and public. <br /> Following are some initial thoughts: <br /> • Meeting with Mebane Planning staff on a more regular basis; <br /> • Review and update of the Utility Service Agreement with Mebane whether by <br /> area change or protocol on how to address development inquiries in various <br /> locations with or without annexation; <br /> • Continuation of courtesy review on any development applications the City of <br /> Mebane receives within Orange County's planning jurisdiction; <br /> 2 <br />