Minutes 01-05-2021 Virtual Public Hearing (continued to 01-12-2021)

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11 department will receive revenue from the fire tax, as it does from all other businesses. He said the traffic issues that will allegedly interfere with response times are also untrue. He said the fire department is modern and can respond effectively. He said he cares deeply about this community, and is disappointed that people are questioning his integrity. He said the fire department has served its community well, and will continue to do so. He said he supports the project, as it will bring development near the highway, allowing the rural areas to remain rural. Hannah Adelman said if the request to rezone this site is approved, the citizens in Efland will have no further voice in how the town of Efland develops, and neither will the BOCC. She said Buc-ee's is not the right development for Orange County, and it will harm residents. She said the potential commuter headache that Buc-ee's will cause will slow down residential development. She urged the County to pursue sustainable development. Rob Golan read the following comments: Good Evening Commissioners. My name is Rob Golan and I'm a long-time Efland resident who is opposed to Buc-ee's, but in favor of thoughtful growth that will benefit everyone. For the last couple of months, we have all received a steady stream of information warning of the negative impacts a Buc-ee's travel center could have on our community and beyond. Of course, it's all about money in the end. Is Efland being seen by government as a convenient, inconsequential, and compliant cash cow for all of Orange County? When my property tax notice came in yesterday, I thought about how much money my wife and I have put into the county till over the last 25 years. Though we're just middle class folk, the total amount we have paid in taxes is considerable when added up. All Orange County households that pay their property taxes deserve a big fat "thank you" for their steadfast support of local government and its programs. But, those of us in Efland, despite our support of the county, might instead be gifted an obscene mega gas station that will do nothing to lower existing tax bills while possibly lowering our property values. We have literally invested in Orange County for decades and, as concerned citizens, we request that you really listen to us, your constituents, in turn. It has been argued that Buc-ee's will solve unemployment in Efland. After all, $15/hr. jobs with benefits are a mighty tempting carrot for the unemployed regardless of work conditions. I struggled with under-employment years ago, living in fear and under constant stress. I know life on the edge only too well. People without work want work. Our neighbors in need deserve a future without built-in boundaries. Let us seek responsible development that will bring in jobs that won't close the door on real advancement. The unemployment rate in our country is below the state average and a better future for Orange County is certainly possible without Buc-ee's in our midst. There has been a lot of talk about Orange County's resources lately and, commissioners, I would suggest you consider one asset that remains woefully un-tapped: the people of greater Efland. I have been blown away by the talent, knowledge, compassion, and energy of the folks fighting Buc-ee's and its self-described "invasion" of our state. Here in Efland, there is an incredible pool of potential board members, policy-makers, and, indeed, future county commissioners. These people are passionate about the well being of Efland in particular and our state as a whole. Orange County's governing bodies and advisory boards would do well to collaborate with these remarkable citizens who have demonstrated energetic and informed leadership during the present crisis. Please vote a resounding "NO" to Buc-ee's, work with the people, and help bring us all a better future. Kevin Brown said he has lived in Orange County for 27 years, and is lead IV pharmacist at Duke Regional hospital. He said Orange County is a forward thinking county, and petroleum based fuels are not part of the future. He said building a huge gas station near a protected watershed is a remarkably bad idea. He said the Buc-ee's promise to improve the highway exit is frankly rubbish. He said there will be a great increase in traffic at the highway interchanges