Minutes 02-16-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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23 infrastructure, interstate access, interstate visibility, roadway access, and access to existing rail. In addition to the parcel-level scoring based on objective suitability criteria, there are a few areas of clustered parcels that have been recommended for long-term growth based on a combination of final score and high economic development use potential. The focus area (Attachment 1) for this study was defined after significant consideration of existing land uses, environmental impacts, and economic development potential. This does not mean that all areas in the study are proposed for potential change but just an area/base element of research. The boundaries for the focus area are the rail line to the North; Ben Wilson and Mattress Factory Roads to the west, Mt. Willing Road and parcels along the 1-85 connector to the East; Bushy Cook Road and Seven Mile Creek to the South. The City of Mebane and Orange County Planning, Administrative, Public Works, and Economic Development staffs worked with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to ensure parcels with the highest potential were included in the analysis. It is worth noting, however, that parcels with significant public utility (schools, churches, cemeteries) were marked as not available for development, regardless of how well they scored on the parcel suitability criteria. Attachment 2 indicates the suitability criteria and values used in the scoring analysis contained in the study. Through the scoring analysis, five potential areas for growth based on size, access, and needs are identified in Attachment 3. The identification of these five potential growth areas is the key outcome of the Buckhorn Area Plan (Study). If and how all five potential growth areas or a sub-set are further pursued through any changes to County land use plans or agreements is vet to be determined. Growth Studies or Small Area Plans are researched based documents, which can recommend or inform future land use plan or ordinance amendments. The adoption of such a study would provide a more formal planning and agreement process (could include multiple implementation options), which would need to be decided upon in accordance with the Unified Development Ordinance. MEBANE PLANNING BOARD MEETING/FIRST PUBLIC MEETING: The Mebane Planning Board reviewed the Buckhorn Area Plan and accepted public comment on November 9, 2020. This meeting was available to join online via Zoom, in-person (limited to 7 members of the public due to coronavirus protocols), and available to stream and re-watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ci2UakUtAD8). A notification of the Planning Board and first virtual public meeting was mailed to all property owners within the Buckhorn Focus Area. A short presentation was given by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council outlining the planning process, parcel analysis, and recommendations. The Mebane Planning Board passed a motion to adopt the Buckhorn Area Plan and to amend the Mebane Comprehensive Land Development Plan. The same night, the Planning Board recommended approval of the Buckhorn Area Plan to the Mebane City Council. MEBANE/ORANGE COUNTY OPEN HOUSE MEETING: On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the City of Mebane and Orange County held a public meeting on the Buckhorn Area Plan. The meeting was held on Zoom and welcomed guest questions, comments, and concerns after a short presentation on the overview of the plan. These questions and comments were taken into consideration, and changes were made to reflect the needs and concerns of property owners. Primary concerns were about development standards such as traffic, buffering, noise, and lighting. The meeting was two hours long, and 25 people attended.