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2 <br /> commissioned by the BOCC and Mebane including elected officials, planning boards and <br /> community leaders to address the growth potential of the area and an implementation plan. <br /> Recommendations were processed over the subsequent years that were included in the major <br /> 2008 Comprehensive Plan and zoning updates in 2011. <br /> The largest impetus for economic development was the 2012 referendum for Article 46 which <br /> provided monies for utility extensions. A multi-year phased infrastructure plan and Capital <br /> Investment Plan (CIP)was developed to slowly create a `backbone' of utilities in a comprehensive <br /> manner. <br /> Agreements were amended with Mebane in 2012 and additional agreements made with the Town <br /> of Hillsborough and the City of Durham for other Economic zones. <br /> The comprehensive public water and sewer system was sized to accommodate land use <br /> demands based on existing and possible land use. These engineered utility systems are <br /> designed to accommodate early stage lower flows and upgradable as additional development <br /> occurred. So as development such as the Medline Industries facility occurs, along with the needs <br /> of the middle school and soccer complex, the nearby sewer lift station can be upgraded as noted <br /> in prior CIP's. <br /> The interstate corridor watershed flows east and west from Buckhorn Road and engineering is <br /> designed accordingly. However, due to the Town of Hillsborough disinterest in expanding sewer <br /> demand, Orange County engineered a cost effective solution for Efland residents and economic <br /> development opportunities by redirecting all flows to the City of Mebane. This work has been <br /> accomplished. <br /> Please also note the Upper Eno Watershed Map which was jointly approved by the State and <br /> Orange County in 1996 that designated this eastern zone as protected, State law and Orange <br /> County zoning allows up to 10% of the protected acreage to be 70% impervious cover to <br /> accommodate the economic development and residential transition zones. <br /> This higher density option does not allow development in critical watershed designated areas. It <br /> is worth noting that Orange County has designated an area 6 times larger than the state rules of <br /> 1996 for critical designation in this watershed. <br /> In summary, Orange County has invested in the corridor with public utility infrastructure and has <br /> a companion land use plan that intensifies growth in focused areas with supportive transportation <br /> systems. The jobs and tax base created in ED zones provide opportunities for residents to work <br /> in the county (and thereby limiting commuting and pollution) and bolstering tax base to help pay <br /> for other land uses that need services. <br /> See link for Efland Mebane Small Area Plan <br /> https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4196/Efland-Mebane-Small-Area-Plan- <br /> PDF <br /> Efland Area Development/Economic Development <br /> The Buckhorn Economic Development District continues to show success in business recruiting <br /> and increased interest by investors to spur new light manufacturing, distribution and commercial <br /> operations. This trend is expected to continue in the future in response to several Article 46- <br />