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

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19 years. He said Buc-ee's will be a welcome change. He said he has served as volunteer fireman and EMS, and commutes 20 minutes to work each day. He said there are not a lot of jobs in Efland that pay $15 an hour, and Buc-ee's is the kind of change needed for this area. He urged the BOCC to vote yes to the rezoning request. Alexandra Griffin related a story a medical emergency that her daughter experienced; when emergency personnel took a long time get to her house in Efland. She said this happened 27 years ago, and can only imagine how much worse a similar situation would be now if Buc-ee's were developed. She said the land around her is beautiful, it renews her, and must be protected. She said she has autism, and cannot provide another home for herself. She urged the BOCC to vote no. Nelson Campbell said he understands the need to generate tax revenue and to create jobs. He said he is the founder of two organizations locally: Plant Pure and Plant Pure Communities. He said he is an entrepreneur, and understands the economic power from the creation of dynamic new businesses. He said there are so many ideas for this land that would create far greater long-term economic impact, and the County can do much better than Buc- ee's. He said Buc-ee's is a horrible idea for economic development, and it makes no sense. He said the community is overwhelmingly against the proposal. He urged the BOCC to think strategically, and to vote no to Buc-ee's Kenneth Woods said any development project has pluses and minuses, and is important to consider which ones carry the most weight. He asked if there will be anything better for Northern Orange. He said other projects have been rejected, and have gone to neighboring counties, forcing residents to leave the County and spend money elsewhere. He said Walmart pays less than $15 an hour, and no one is trying to run Walmart out. He said people are concerned about well water, but most residents drink bottled water. He said Orange County revenues rely heavily on property taxes, and Orange County taxes are higher than many other counties in the State. He said Buc-ee's will even out the taxes, and urged the BOCC to vote yes to the rezoning request. Chair Price said staff has several other speakers waiting, but the identities of the speakers are unknown. She asked if the BOCC wants to afford these speakers the opportunity to talk. She said she is inclined to deny the speakers based on the lack of identification. Commissioner McKee concurred with Chair Price, and said the BOCC was clear on the requirement to sign up to speak. The Board agreed by consensus. 4. Close the Public Hearing for Item 5-b from the December 15, 2020 Business Meeting and authorize the acceptance of written comment(s) via e-mail to the Board at ocbocc@orangecountync.gov or by delivery to the Planning Department's office at 131 West Margaret Lane, 2nd floor, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, until 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene to close the public hearing for Item 5-b from the December 15, 2020 Business Meeting and authorize the acceptance of written comment(s) via e-mail to the Board at ocbocc@orangecountync.gov or by delivery to the Planning Department's office at 131 West Margaret Lane, 2nd floor, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, until 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Roll Call ensued.