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8 <br /> 1 Del Ward said he is a 26-year-old musician who has lived on Ben Johnston Road for <br /> 2 almost his entire life. He said he is absolutely baffled that Orange County is considering this <br /> 3 development. He said there are many concerns with this project, but his greatest concern is the <br /> 4 traffic projections. He said 25,000 new car trips will be added to area each day with the <br /> 5 development. He said there are concerns about safety with the increased number of cars, as <br /> 6 well as delays associated with increased cars to buses, commuters, and public safety vehicles. <br /> 7 He said Efland residents daily use the highway exit that will be closed. He expressed frustration <br /> 8 with the Planning Department's process for review of project. He said Buc-ee's will put the lives <br /> 9 of Orange County constituents at risk, and urged the BOCC to deny the rezoning request. <br /> 10 Miriam Thompson said she is an Orange County resident, and a strong supporter of <br /> 11 Voice for Efland. She urged the BOCC to pay close attention to the comments, letters, and <br /> 12 testimonies citing concerns on traffic, revenue impacts, environmental issues, developer's <br /> 13 history of workforce abuse, etc. She said community groups have ideas that more readily align <br /> 14 with County's visions and plans. <br /> 15 Nicholas Trombetta said he is opposed to the proposal by Buc-ee's, and reacted with <br /> 16 shock and horror to hear that world's largest gas station might be built in Efland. He said <br /> 17 Governor Cooper has made commitments to reduce gas emissions, and approving a gas station <br /> 18 would show that Orange County has made false promises to reduce emissions. He said Efland <br /> 19 is a small town, and this is a large-scale operation. He said Efland does not have the <br /> 20 infrastructure to support such a development. He urged the BOCC to pursue development that <br /> 21 will bring lower traffic, but greater pay. <br /> 22 Patricia Roberts said she moved to Efland in 1996, and she is really excited by the idea <br /> 23 of Buc-ee's. She said land near the interstate is where this type of development should occur, <br /> 24 so that people do not have to drive further into the countryside for these services. She said <br /> 25 Orange County is not using its interstate exits well, and Buc-ee's would be a good use of <br /> 26 interstate space. <br /> 27 John Preyer (continued comments from earlier in the evening) said people that have <br /> 28 never been to a Buc-ee's cannot understand, because there is nothing else comparable. He <br /> 29 said he wants to see Orange County's quality of life protected, but he wants to make a point to <br /> 30 his neighbors, that criticizing the quality of Buc-ee's jobs is pretty easy when one has a steady <br /> 31 job. He said these jobs would be a Godsend to folks looking for work right now. He said some <br /> 32 people might benefit from these jobs more than you might think. He said he does not work for <br /> 33 Buc-ee's, and gives his opinion voluntarily. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to <br /> 36 continue the public hearing on this item to January 12, 2021. <br /> 37 <br /> 38 Roll call ensued. <br /> 39 <br /> 40 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 41 <br /> 42 RECESS <br /> 43 <br /> 44 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee to <br /> 45 recess the special meeting at 9:10 p.m., and reconvene on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 7:00 <br /> 46 p.m. <br /> 47 <br /> 48 Roll call ensued <br /> 49 <br /> 50 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 51 <br />