Agenda - 02-02-2021 Virtual Board Meeting; 8-a - Minutes

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6 1 completely out of line with the County's stated goals and commitments. She said the residents 2 of Efland are very unhappy, and she urged the Board to vote no to any zoning changes. 3 Lamar Proctor said he has been a resident of Efland since 2005, and has two children in 4 Orange County Schools (OCS). He said he is opposed to the Buc-ee's development, and 5 encouraged the Board to vote no on zoning changes. He said Orange County is progressive, 6 and this proposal is not. He said he is also interested in bringing the Board's attention to the 7 possible annexation of properties in his neighborhood by the Town of Mebane. He said the 8 Town of Mebane is trying to turn western Orange County into an industrial dumping ground, 9 which is conflict with the local plan. He said the BOCC and the Town of Mebane need to have 10 better communication, and he expects his elected officials to stick up for his neighborhood. 11 Rhonda Parker said she would like to add her voice along with 3,800 others in 12 opposition to the Bu-cee's development. She said she has worked at Camp Chestnut Ridge for 13 over 20 years, and has dedicated her life to the Efland Community. She said Buc-ee's is not 14 good for the long term future of this area, and there are already 2 gas stations in Efland that 15 adequately meet the needs of the area. She said Buc-ee's would not serve the local community 16 in any way, but rather would benefit the corporate world and the owners in Texas. She said the 17 proposed project would have significant negative impacts on the environment. She said a 18 massive fossil fuel development will be a step backwards. 19 Ryan Bliss said he is 19 years old, and the youngest person that has spoken this 20 evening. He said he has lived in Efland his entire life, and is proud to call it home. He said his 21 family is committed to the area, but is considering leaving if Buc-ee's is built. He said he is 22 opposed to Buc-ee's, and asked the BOCC to vote no on rezoning. He said there is so little 23 information about this proposal. He said he is very curious as to why the BOCC is even 24 considering this Texas based project. 25 Nelson Campbell said he lives near the proposed Buc-ee's site, and is opposed to its 26 development. He echoed the comments of all previous speakers. He said the Developer has 27 made false claims about traffic patterns in this area, and he has never had any problems. He 28 said the pursuit of profit cannot lead the decision making process. He said he understands the 29 need for tax revenue, but there are other more appropriate ways to meet this need. 30 Hope Norton said she is very thankful to be a resident of Cheeks Township. She said 31 she is also a founder of the Common Ground EcoVillage, and is so proud of Orange County's 32 commitment to the environment. She said she is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's 33 development, and was shocked to hear it was even being considered. She said the proposal 34 will bring large amounts of light and noise pollution, in addition the fossil fuels and water 35 contamination. She said the proposal brings no value when compared to the cost. 36 Chair Price said the BOCC will receive a presentation on the Buc-ee's development at 37 the December 15 BOCC meeting. 38 39 40 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda 41 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda 42 below.) 43 44 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members 45 46 Commissioner McKee said he had no comments. 47 Commissioner Greene said she attended the Justice and Public Policy Committee 48 meeting with the NCACC. She said it was interesting, and she was happy to advocate for the 49 County's goals in that setting, including funding for mental health and criminal justice reform.