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7 <br /> June 24, 2021 <br /> Craig Benedict <br /> Planning Director—Orange County <br /> P.O. Box 8181 <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> RE: Richardson Rezoning follow-up <br /> Dear Craig, <br /> Thank you for meeting with me on June 15. 1 understand that the county has delayed action on this rezoning until June <br /> of 2022. <br /> The town takes our commitment to both the Central Orange Coordinated Area (COCA) and the Water and Sewer <br /> Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement(WASMPBA)seriously.These documents provide a clear delineation <br /> of expectations for town services and utilities and help provide consistency over time. <br /> Your inquiry related to the Richardson rezoning request was about possibly expanding our service area.The town has <br /> recently undertaken some system analysis and planning for both wastewater and water. Preliminary results indicate we <br /> may not be able to serve the area currently defined as our primary service area in both agreements without significant <br /> capital investments. <br /> The town agrees with the county staff's assessment that the request is inconsistent with these adopted plans. Rezoning <br /> property for development that would rely upon municipal utilities when those utilities are not available does not provide <br /> clear and meaningful direction to the property owner. <br /> The town has also just begun a Comprehensive Sustainably Plan process,estimated to take about 18 months.This <br /> process is being led by Public Space Manager Stephanie Trueblood and Economic Development Planner Shannan <br /> Campbell. My role is support only in light of my planned retirement in early 2023.As we get deeper into that process, <br /> we will have additional system data and should be able to confirm whether the current boundary is reasonable or <br /> should be further confined.We do not anticipate our system analysis will recommend expansion of the boundary in any <br /> areas. <br /> Should the county desire the town's assistance in reaching economic development goals through utility extensions,the <br /> town would likely entertain discussion about how capital contributions from the county might make such participation <br /> possible.This topic could also be discussed during our planning process. <br /> Please contact me with any questions. <br /> Sincerely, War� <br /> Margaret A. Hauth,AICP <br /> Planning Director/Assistant Town Manager <br /> 919.296.9471 <br /> margaret.hauth@hillsboroup,hnc.pov <br />