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

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5 Lamar Proctor said he is an attorney, and lives 5 miles from the site in Efland. He said he did a deep dive into all pertinent County documents pertaining to this proposal, and sought to give the Buc-ee's application a fair shake. He quoted a portion of the ordinance that relates to the development, and said the application is very problematic regarding the ordinance, especially as it pertains to water. He said the water usage cited by the Applicant is not accurate. He said there are other issues as well, including traffic. He said his parcel will be developed, but the County can do better. He urged the BOCC to deny the rezoning request. David McDuffie said he is speaking on behalf of the Environmental Ministry Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of NC, who opposes the development of Buc-ee's. He said the proposal will violate the desire to protect the environment and be good stewards of God's creation. He said this project will effect the water supply, damage air quality, wildlife habitat, drastically increased impervious surfaces, etc. He said this project is also simply not needed, as there are sufficient fueling stations in the area already. He said gasoline is not a part of the future. He said he is also a resident of Orange County, and this project does not represent the character of the community, and will offer short-lived economic gain at too great a cost. Margret Mueller said she lives off of Mt. Willing Road, and regularly travels in the area near the proposed project. She said she has enjoyed listening to the comments of others, and the community is better if we listen to a wide range of voices. She said she was moved by a comment made by a lifelong Efland resident in a previous meeting that expressed support for the proposal. She said it caused her to consider how her position is related to her privileges, and to focus on what may be a better way to develop the land, as opposed to just voicing dissent to this plan. She said Buc-ee's is a regressive and shortsighted development, but she does not want the BOCC to ignore Efland's cry for help. She said development is necessary, and asked the BOCC to consider what type of development meets the needs of the community and can be respectful. She said the BOCC is committed to moving away from fossil fuels, and this project is simply not the best use of this property. Tom Allison said he is a lifelong resident of Efland, and agreed with many of the comments of previous speakers. He said the BOCC is the only arbiters for the Efland community, and he urged the BOCC to not overlook the potential problems. He said Eno River and Seven Mile Creek, both of which will be impacted by water pollutions, border the proposed site. He said extra revenues from Buc-ee's will not outweigh the revenue losses to other area businesses. Benny Cecil said he is speaking on behalf of the Efland community, and in support of the Buc-ee's development. He said Buc-ee's has complied with the regulations and will bring in $2 million in local revenue, including $30,000 in revenue to the Efland fire station. He said area churches and business will get free advertisement due to Buc-ee's. He said he is concerned that those who do not live in Efland are the ones protesting against the development. He urged the BOCC to approve the rezoning request, due to the benefits to travelers and local residents. Lucy Lewis said she is a lifelong Orange County resident, and opposes the rezoning proposal due to the unhealthy impact to the community and the watershed. She said working conditions at Buc-ee's are horrendous, and she opposes continued reliance on fossil fuels. She said she stands for the kind of community in which residents want to live and work. She said she supports development, but encouraged the Economic Development office to attract a better proposal for this area. Heather Smith said she has lived in Efland for 5 years, and expressed support for existing zoning that protects both the community and environment. She said corporations with no connections to the area cannot dictate a community's future. She said this type of development displaces residents and renters, and existing zoning helps to protect residents from predatory developments. She said the community is being quite literally gaslit by development plans. She said she does not want Orange County to be collateral damage, and rejects tokens like the Efland name going on the sign.