Agenda - 06-01-2021; 7-a - Buckhorn Area Study

Browse Search

1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 1, 2021 Action Agenda Item No. 7-a SUBJECT: Buckhorn Area Study DEPARTMENT: Planning & Inspections, Manager's Office, Economic Development ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. May 17, 2021 Outreach Meeting Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager, Notice (919) 245-2308 2. Public Comments/Questions Craig Benedict, Planning Director, (919) Collected 245-2592 3. Frequently Asked Questions Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning (FAQ) Document Supervisor, (919) 245-2579 4. Future Land Use Map Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, (919) 245-2326 PURPOSE: To receive a report on the Buckhorn Area Study public outreach, convey any additional direction to staff, and discuss the need and timing of a Board response to the City of Mebane. BACKGROUND: As suggested by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in late 2018, staff was to research the development potential of existing designated economic development zones, as well as other viable sites. A prior engineering analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) by Timmons Group of the economic development districts bolstered the need for additional study. Orange County's Planning and Economic Development departments worked together with their Mebane counterparts on the Buckhorn Area Study. As such, both jurisdictions funded the Study to help inform future land use and potential utility service that could be mutually beneficial. At its April 20, 2021 Business meeting, the BOCC received a report and detailed presentation from staff that addressed: • Orange County Comprehensive Planning and context history as it relates to Planning collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones; • Overview of the current Countywide framework for development; • Overview of water and sewer installations in the areas identified for Economic Development; • Buckhorn Economic Development District (EDD);