Minutes 02-16-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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31 Craig Benedict said the main concerns were about traffic on West Ten Rd, and impacts on the watershed. He said these areas are not in a protected watershed. He said concerns were also raised about proximity of non-residential to residential. Tom Altieri said there were also concerns about lighting, noise, and requested buffering. Commissioner Greene said people looking at the economic development district (EDD) as defined would think it was decided. She said having the EDD would then lead to rezoning. She said there is an assumption that it would happen. She said changing a WASMPBA line is a serious decision. She said the existing EDD has areas that are ripe for development. Commissioner Bedford asked if the process for annexation could be identified. Cy Stober said it is a 2-month process. He said the item, with all proper documentation, goes before City Council, a public hearing will be held, and the request considered at the next meeting. He said the City may provide utilities without annexing, and there is a lot of non- contiguous annexation in Orange County portion of the City of Mebane, and there is no cap on this. Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a property within the Orange County portion of the City of Mebane, and a conflict arises between the City's plan/UDO and the County's plan/UDO, which plan wins. Cy Stober said the City plan would be followed. Craig Benedict said State statutes give powers to the Cities in annexation. Commissioner Bedford asked if the City of Mebane is a signatory on WASMBPA. Cy Stober said no. Commissioner Bedford clarified that the City could take action regardless of WASMBPA. Cy Stober said yes. Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a plan in place if road improvements are needed in an area that straddles two MPOs. Cy Stober said Mebane enjoys a very productive working relationship with the County on transportation matters. Craig Benedict said the Comprehensive Transit Plan is a joint effort, adopted by local MPOs, and is consistent to what would be needed to make road improvements. He said the Department of Transportation (DOT) is still part of the process for roadway impacts, and meeting certain criteria in Mebane is the same as meeting criteria in Orange County. Commissioner Bedford said she read the Buckhorn Area Plan last night, and expanding area B makes sense to her. She said Orange County has locally designated critical areas for the watershed, which are not in the plan. She asked if clarification could be provided on this, as it could remove area D altogether. Craig Benedict said he could speak on that at a future meeting. He said Orange County went beyond what the state designates as critical areas. He said there is a County policy to focus growth on a 10% area of watershed and allow 70% impervious surface. He said this growth is focused around the interstates. He said Mebane can use Orange County's system or use its own. Commissioner Bedford asked if part of area B had been gifted to a non-profit. Cy Stober said the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association is working with a non-profit on about on a 25-35 acre wedge in this area. He said he does not yet know the details of this partnership, but will include it on future maps. Commissioner Bedford said she shares some of Commissioner Greene's concerns about transitioning the area near the school. She said there is mention of a new zoning area, and asked if clarification could be provided. Cy Stober said the council of governments drafted a document so that Mebane could develop a similar structure to Orange County for industrial zoning.