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2 <br /> In contrast, scenarios three and four would encourage development outside town <br /> boundaries, increasing household and taxpayer costs while also driving up air pollution <br /> and greenhouse gas emissions,which harm public health and contribute to climate <br /> change. <br /> Moreover, it's unlikelythat OWASA or Hillsborough would extend water and sewer services <br /> beyond their boundaries, especially with the high costs of crossing 1-40. With the towns <br /> committed to managing growth within their boundaries, it's premature to include such <br /> expansions in the county's land use plan. If this ever changes, it should be a collaborative <br /> decision. <br /> Without these services, new developments would rely on private water or septic systems, <br /> leading to costly maintenance. Private providers often fail to meet standards, which risks <br /> unreliable, expensive water quality. Recent examples in western NC highlight the <br /> importance of dependable utilities for public health. <br /> Lastly, housing affordability remains a critical issue.White building outside municipal <br /> boundaries may seem less costly, it hides a major drawback—higher transportation costs <br /> as families travel farther for work, school, healthcare, and groceries. Instead of sprawl,we <br /> need affordable housing solutions within our town cores, where all community members <br /> can live,work, and thrive in walkable neighborhoods. <br /> Thank you for your time, and I urge you to prioritize scenarios that support smart growth, <br /> 1 sustainability, and affordability for all Orange County residents. <br /> 2 <br /> 3 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> 4 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br /> 5 <br /> 6 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members <br /> 7 Commissioner McKee said he attended the recent Chiefs Association meeting at the <br /> 8 Efland Fire Department. He said that the facility was recently renovated, and he was able to tour <br /> 9 that. He said that they have a lot of activity due to their location and proximity to the interstate. He <br /> 10 asked that staff provide information on the current plans for the Link Building in the <br /> 11 February/March timeframe to be considered before the budget is finalized. He said he has <br /> 12 concerns about the shape of the building. He said that there is a report in the agenda on <br /> 13 foreclosures and he asked for a report on the geographic area (not specific property identification), <br /> 14 household size, property value, and ethnic/racial breakdown of the 45 properties that have been <br /> 15 foreclosed upon. <br /> 16 Chair Bedford said that Commissioner Portie-Ascot had asked the manager for similar <br /> 17 information earlier that day and the manager reported that they may not have all of the <br /> 18 demographic information available but would provide all that they can. <br /> 19 Commissioner McKee encouraged commissioners to stop by the renovated Efland Fire <br /> 20 Department. <br /> 21 Commissioner Fowler said she attended a Board of Health and Behavioral Health <br /> 22 Subcommittee meeting, and that they are considering ways to address the behavioral impact of <br /> 23 social media and cell phone use on adolescent mental health. She said that she met with Justice <br />