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4 <br /> 1 am a nerd who actually reads through the county's budgets each year. I've read the <br /> Efland/Mebane Small Area Plan, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Parks and Rec yearly <br /> reports, and I've witnessed the county's actions in my neighborhood in the 15 years I've lived <br /> here. Throughout this time, the county has been sending a VERY CLEAR MESSAGE that the <br /> land on the southeastern end of West Ten Road is NOT part of the Economic Development <br /> District. I've witnessed the construction of Gravelly Hill Middle School, the public soccer fields, <br /> the Seven Mile Creek Nature Preserve. The county has consistently articulated a plan for <br /> Efland to have a district park, like other parts of the county. When one large park did not come <br /> to fruition, a compromise was proposed that Seven Mile Creek Nature Preserve and the Soccer <br /> Fields could be joined by walking trails or other pedestrian friendly connectors to serve as one <br /> park for Efland. There's been talk of the Mountains to Sea Trail going through this area. Now, <br /> instead, our planning department has been proposing to fill the space between these two areas <br /> with industrial development, specifically more warehouses and trucking industry. This is a <br /> significant and drastic change from the existing plan. And the existing plan was a good one, we <br /> don't need to deviate from it, we just need to actually execute it. I, for one, am still waiting for an <br /> entrance to Efland's "district park" that's actually in Efland, it's currently open with its only <br /> access point in Hillsborough. <br /> The voices of the citizens who are actually going to be impacted by this proposed <br /> change of plans should be part of this conversation, early in the process. Ironically, (and I hope <br /> not deliberately), the Efland Mebane Small Area Task Force is currently listed as "inactive" on <br /> the county website just as this area is becoming a focal point for development. The task force <br /> should be re-populated and re-instated to allow for meaningful citizen input. <br /> Our Future Land Use Map is not a private game of Sim City for Mr. Benedict and a <br /> handful of others. It's a public document, that's relied on by the citizens who've elected you. Our <br /> voices should be heard early in the process when you are contemplating big changes as you <br /> are now. We should be part of the conversation. Instead, our Planning Department is trying to <br /> reduce public input to a "political hurdle" or a "technicality" to be checked off because the UDO <br /> requires it. I don't accept that and I don't think you do either. <br /> Jared Cates thanked the BOCC for bringing Medline, ABB, Wegmans, and Piedmont <br /> Metals to Orange County, all of whom bring good jobs and contribute to the tax base in Orange <br /> County. <br /> Andy Cagle spoke about general development of Orange County. He said he is <br /> involved in the community in many ways, and read a poem titled "Opportunity and Needs," <br /> which spoke of the needs of small town and rural residents who would like to have more <br /> opportunities. He asked the Commissioners to meet more of the residents in the rural areas, <br /> and learn about their needs. <br /> Matt Cartmill ceded his time, and did not provide further comment. <br /> Andrea Riley said she is concerned about projects that are proposed that do not fit <br /> zoning restrictions, and then the County has to amend the zoning to fit the project. She said <br /> she does not see the use of a plan if the plans are continually changed, and not upheld. <br /> Fredrick McAdoo asked if the Commissioners have a plan to assist Northern Orange <br /> County with participation in virtual meetings. He said the Northern part of the County does not <br /> have a lot of broadband signal or cell phone service. He said the Efland community would like <br /> to see signs that encourage business. He said the community would like to see opportunities <br /> for Commissioners to hear comments from those who are in favor of projects, as well as those <br /> who are not. He said he would like to see more participation in decision making from Orange <br /> County residents, and asked for more balanced discussions. He said Northern Orange County <br /> residents should not feel that they are only important during election times, and asked what can <br /> be done to make Orange County itself better for those who have lived here for a long time, and <br />