Orange County NC Website
51 <br /> Erin Mullaney said she is buying a home in Hillsborough in 2021, and hopes to raise her <br /> family and retire there. She said she is a foster parent, and is opposed to the Buc-ee's project, <br /> especially due to the potential negative effects on the local water source. She said this project <br /> seems an example of valuing a dollar over residents' health. She said environmental studies <br /> have not been conducted, and urged the Board to look closely and do extensive study on the <br /> impacts prior to approving anything. <br /> Scott Buechler said he lives in the area of the proposed Buc-ee's site, and he is opposed <br /> to its development. He said he understands that development is necessary, but it must be done <br /> in a way that protects the environment and community character. He said the Buc-ee's site is in <br /> violation of the Efland community, and would be a step backward. He said a business based on <br /> fossil fuels is not looking to the future. He said Buc-ee's may pay higher than the average <br /> wage, but it will offer dead end jobs with little satisfaction. He urged the Board to deny the <br /> proposal. <br /> Lydia Pepin said she was born and raised in Efland, and is opposed to the proposed <br /> Buc-ee's development. She said economic development is needed, but the Buc-ee's is not the <br /> best option. She said the world is moving away from fossil fuels, and no one will want to move <br /> to the area and live near a massive gas station. She said there will be increased traffic for all <br /> residents, and she is greatly concerned about the negative environmental impacts. She urged <br /> the Board to vote no. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to <br /> recess the public hearing and continue it to January 5, 2021. <br /> Commissioner Greene said there are many people with environmental concerns about <br /> this project, and the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) <br /> has looked at this project quite closely. She suggested sending the project to the Commission <br /> for the Environment (CfE), for its input, prior to the January 19, 2021 BOCC Business Meeting. <br /> She said this would allow another set of eyes to be on the project. <br /> Chair Price asked if the CfE will be meeting prior to January 19. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said yes, the CfE is meeting on January 11, and staff has already <br /> asked the CfE to review the plans for this development at that time. She said the CfE will have <br /> comments ready for the Board's January 19 meeting. <br /> Roll call ensued <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Chair Price said the remaining public speakers will be divided over the meetings on <br /> January 5 and 12, and asked staff to notify the speakers of the date to which they are assigned. <br /> 6. Regular Agenda <br /> None <br /> 7. Reports <br /> None <br /> 8. Consent Agenda <br /> • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda <br /> None <br />