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55 <br /> ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT <br /> POLICIES <br /> EE-1. Support the growth of commercial and <br /> industrial usesthe • Economic <br /> Development <br /> Orange County will support the development of Economic Development <br /> Areas (EDAs) defined on the Conservation and Growth Framework Map <br /> to increase employment opportunities for residents and provide a more <br /> balanced tax base. <br /> The intent of this policy is to strategically support commercial and industrial <br /> development within the Economic Development Areas These locations provide the <br /> most opportunity for economic development within the County's planning and zoning <br /> jurisdiction largely due to zoning for these uses and access to 1-40 and 1-85.All but one <br /> of these Economic Development Areas also have immediate access to US-70 and the <br /> NC Railroad rail line. By focusing on these areas,the County aims to stimulate economic <br /> growth and job creation,ensuring that new and expanding businesses can thrive while <br /> generating meaningful employment opportunities for county residents.This approach <br /> seeks to support the local economy and contribute to long-term economic and fiscal <br /> sustainability. Objectives of this policy include: <br /> • Conduct an analysis to identify the infrastructure needs that exist within <br /> undeveloped Economic Development Areas. <br /> • Plan and invest in necessary infrastructure improvements to accommodate <br /> economic growth in Economic Development Areas, including convening <br /> discussions with the City of Durham regarding infrastructure investment in the <br /> Eno Economic Development Area. <br /> • Initiate discussions with the City of Mebane regarding expansion of the Buckhorn <br /> Economic Development Area using municipal infrastructure,and plan for capital <br /> and recruitment investments accordingly. <br /> • Update zoning and land use regulations to facilitate economic growth, including <br /> consideration of some allowances for commercial retail that can provide needed <br /> services to employees during work hours,such as convenience retail and <br /> restaurants, in a mixed use development pattern that supports integration of <br /> commercial services in employment centers. <br /> 52 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT <br />