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Attachment 2 <br /> Highway 54. The area is undergoing development generally consistent with the rural character of the area, <br /> and is underserved by the type of general merchandise store use proposed by the Applicant. Currently, the <br /> property is "split zoned", with the northeast corner being zoned NC 2, and the balance of the Property, in an <br /> "L" shape surrounding the NC 2 portion, being zoned Agricultural Residential (AR). The current split zoning <br /> of the Property makes it difficult to develop for economically beneficial use. <br /> NC Highway 54 is a primary corridor between Carrboro and Chapel Hill to the east, and Alamance County <br /> to the west. There is considerable development activity in and along the corridor. The existing and <br /> anticipated future growth in the southwest portion of Orange County makes the Property an ideal location <br /> for the addition of a general merchandise store use of the type the Applicant proposes. The proposed store <br /> would serve the existing community and anticipated future growth. Moreover, as shown in the more detailed <br /> plans for the Property which accompany the Application, the proposed store is designed to fit in with the <br /> character of the area. The site has been designed to address concerns regarding traffic patterns on both <br /> White Cross Road and NC Highway 54, and there will be no adverse impact on existing traffic in the area. <br /> In fact, the proposed development will significantly benefit the surrounding community by providing a closer <br /> to home shopping opportunity for household essentials. This will thereby reduce household fuel costs, the <br /> length of vehicle trips, which in turn will lessen traffic and strain along NC 54 and surrounding <br /> thoroughfares. Furthermore, the site has been designed to comply with all applicable stormwater <br /> management requirements so that neighboring and nearby properties will not be negatively affected by <br /> stormwater post-development. <br /> The proposed rezoning is consistent with the future land use map for the area and with the Orange County <br /> Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The design and scale of the proposed general merchandise store are <br /> intended to be consistent with the character of the surrounding area, and not to dwarf the existing <br /> neighboring uses. The mass of the proposed structure is intentionally small, and the fagade is likewise <br /> intended to blend in with the existing environment. The proposed site development has been designed with <br /> the existing built and natural environment of the Area." <br /> The property is currently owned by Vernon Davis, who has authorized this application. <br /> A formal site plan is required as part of a conditional rezoning application and has been submitted. Approval <br /> of a site-specific plan is part of the conditional district rezoning process, and the site plan and any agreed- <br /> upon conditions are binding to the development footprint permitted for the zoning district. Staff has <br /> recommended the imposition of conditions, as included in the Ordinance. <br /> 4 <br />