Orange County NC Website
22 <br /> impact was less than they had predicted for those same developments. He said this data <br /> collection allowed them to fine-tune the program specially for the multifamily developments. He <br /> said they found out that newer multifamily developments had a net positive. He said they also <br /> checked their model assumptions against actuals with industrial development, as well. He said <br /> they plan to continue to do the same with this model. <br /> Chair Price asked how long before the fine-tuning is done. She asked if the findings <br /> from checking the model applied across the board in the future, or only the one location where <br /> it is found. <br /> Craig said the model starts out with generalizations and is fine-tuned on a case-by-case <br /> basis. <br /> Chair Price asked if TischlerBise used lessons learned from other locations in modeling <br /> for Orange County, or if it was the standard model. <br /> Julie Herlands said the model is built specifically for the Orange County community. She <br /> said that the data has become better and to get to distinction between sizes of multifamily units <br /> has been refined as data has become available. She said that she expects Orange County's <br /> model will be updated annually by staff. She said that any assumptions and averages in the <br /> model can be overwritten as more data becomes available. <br /> Chair Price asked about the zeros listed under the key assumptions in the residential <br /> model. <br /> Julie Herlands said at the time, there was a gap in that data, but staff can put that <br /> information in as it becomes available. <br /> Chair Price said she understood the use of general data and then each user will adjust <br /> as actual data becomes available. She said she was curious about national or regional trends <br /> being used in the beginning. She asked about the pre-development shown. <br /> Julie Herlands said the undeveloped lot is for doing a pre-development to after <br /> development scenario. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said some recent developments in the county have been <br /> warehousing and logistics. She asked how this tool could be used to establish county costs for <br /> this type of development vs. revenue. She said she thinks this could be a different use than the <br /> commercial that has been shown. She said it would be interesting to be able to use this tool for <br /> those uses. <br /> Julie Herlands said warehouses have a different set of characteristics and parameters <br /> can be directly entered into the model. She said that the trips to and from factor into the public <br /> safety part of the equation because there's potentially increased vehicle accidents on roads <br /> with increased traffic. She said that it does not correlate to road maintenance costs but does <br /> correlate to public safety. She said the county can certainly evaluate and test those types of <br /> uses. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked how the planning department is using this tool right now. <br /> Craig Benedict said that this is not a direct requirement of the unified development <br /> ordinance, but it can be used to understand the value of land uses. He said the numbers show <br /> that retail generates nine times more revenue than industrial or office. He said this can be used <br /> to assist in making legislative and economic development decisions. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if retail includes food, even though it is taxed at a lower <br /> rate. <br /> Craig said it is combined in the same category as grocery stores and retail. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said the model gives an idea of government spending but not <br /> necessarily what's best for the community. She said they know there is a need for affordable <br /> housing. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said this tool is available and staff will begin to use it as new <br /> projects come in. She said they may even look at past projects and plug into the model to <br />