Minutes 03-09-2021 Virtual Work Session

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9 Commissioner Greene asked if it is known what is going on in Area A. Cy Stober said it has not been rezoned, but it has been reclassified in the Comprehensive Development Plan. Commissioner Dorosin referred to the two Medline South properties and the 36-acre parcel, and asked if the city has already annexed those. Cy Stober said yes, annexation was required, and the public hearing was held prior to rezoning. Commissioner Dorosin asked if these changes are present on the maps. Cy Stober said the maps have not been updated, but the properties are not incorporated into the City of Mebane. Commissioner Fowler referred to the green parcels, to the left of Preston Loop, on slide 10, and asked if there is a reason why they are not in the Economic Development District (EDD). Cy Stober said the green areas are immediately actionable for economic development. He said the growth areas A-E are not immediately actionable, but have potential for growth. Jesse Day said the areas west of A and B are already in the city's Comprehensive Land Development Plan. Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, said these areas are also in the county's economic development district (EDD). He said this is about 140 acres, and is where the Buckhorn flea market is located. Commissioner Fowler said A-E are further in the future, as compared to the light green areas. She asked if there is a next step Cy Stober said the city may put municipal utilities in area A, or it can do the same as what Medline did. He said these areas are deficient in being immediately accessible, unlike the teal properties. He said the two properties east of the middle school are not in the city's future growth area, and would not be addressed in the Comprehensive Area Plan. He said the one in C is. Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a plan to address recreational areas, walking trails, sidewalks, etc. Jesse Day said a site plan would be necessary. He said the state would determine the best way for trails to go through to connect with other trails Commissioner McKee asked for the two properties to be noted on the map by staff. He said he wanted to highlight properties that are already built out or will be built out, in addition to Medline. Cy Stober said the Nair property was annexed and rezoned by the city. Commissioner Hamilton expressed appreciation for the City of Mebane holding off with its approval process so that the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) could see the plan. She said the study was a technical study, showing which lands could be developed, but is missing the impacts to the community. She said she wants to consider the costs to the community, not just the benefits. She said she would like to see sustainability and the environment reflected in the Buckhorn Area Plan. She said residents have expressed concerns about the full costs and benefits of going forward. She said everyone wants the best for the city and the county. Tim Bradley, Mebane City Council, said when he first heard the plan, he thought it was a joint study with Orange County and reflected the long-range plan for Orange County. He said when the city held its public hearing, it realized the county had not given input. He said the city wants to work together to make plans that align with each entity's needs. Chair Price asked if Mebane is seeking to be involved in economic development in properties adjacent to the city. She asked if there are property owners in these areas interested in selling.