Minutes 12-15-2020 Virtual Business Meeting

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50 Gregory Parker said he is opposed to the Buc-ee's project, and cannot understand why it is even being considered. He said all the negatives immediately outweigh any possible benefits. He said this area is rich with small businesses, art and nature, and he urged the Board to oppose this project. Laurie Wolfe said she has lived in Efland for 14 years, and moved here for the countryside. She said she is not opposed to development, but is strongly opposed to Buc-ee's. She said such a project would ruin the County's reputation, and it would only be known for this garish gas station. She said there will be significant traffic impacts on this small town. She urged the Board to visit the area, and see how negative such a development would be. She urged the Board to vote no to Buc-ee's and to build anything else. Sam Gharbo said he moved to the area in 2007. He said the land of Efland Station will be sold, and while he is not thrilled about Buc-ee's, he does want to see some economic growth. He said the negative impacts will not be that great, and there are possibilities to consider. He said the land could be developed with something much worse, and he can learn to live with Buc-ee's. He said he would like to see other retail and dining added to this land, so that residents can spend money in Orange County, as opposed to leaving to go to other counties. Holly Fraccaro said she lives in Mebane, and has been waiting for this land to be developed. She said she is in support of the Buc-ee's project, and is most excited about the jobs it will provide. She said the property and sales tax revenue will also be a huge boost to the community. She said traffic is already having issues, and she would encourage her neighbors to fight for the completion of the route 70 connector. She said Buc-ee's does not allow tractor- trailers, and she is in favor of this project. John Dempsey said he lives in Hillsborough, and is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development. He said the County has committed to the environment and this project would go against that commitment. He said a gas station this large will bring light, noise, and traffic pollution. He said the protected watershed in the area will be adversely affected. He echoed comments of previous speakers, and urged the Board to deny the rezoning request. Robin Taylor-Hall said she has been marketing this property, and others in the area, since 2005. She said she was asked to join the Efland Small Area Plan. She said Orange County has over 27,000 acres of land on which taxes are not collected. She said Buc-ee's promises to bring $2 million in tax revenue, along with jobs for ordinary working class citizens. She said tax revenue will lower taxes for residents. She said she sells residential real estate and people are continuing to move to other counties, as Orange County is no affordable. She said it becomes more affordable by increasing the commercial tax base. Leo Allison said he is a long term resident of Efland, and he supports the proposed Buc- ee's project. He said this area of land needs to be developed, as it has access to water and sewer, and will provide jobs, tax revenue and relief. He said such a project allows the area to be more affordable. He said Efland has no resources, and residents must leave town for all needs, and he hopes this project will bring more services to the area in the future. He said the community needs to take advantage of this opportunity, as such projects do not come along often. He said there will be issues that need to be addressed, but every project will bring issues, and they simply need to be worked through. He urged the Board to support this project. Sara Moore said she is a teacher in Durham, and lives in Orange County. She said the BOCC has made commitments to the environment and economic development that is sensible for the County's culture. She said the proposed Buc-ee's will go against both of these commitments, and will bring low-level jobs in a building that sells trinkets from China. She said the negative impacts on the environment are very concerning, and would steer Orange County in the wrong direction. She said she is opposed to the project, and urged the BOCC to vote no.