Orange County NC Website
34 <br /> Slide #42 <br /> Cons—atIOR4 and Growth FrarM:work Map <br /> Carrboro <br /> Transition Area <br /> • On the map of <br /> Carrboro Transition <br /> and/or ETJ area, is ` }'' ' <br /> that blue dot in theme-~`rural buffer? <br /> �m <br /> Blue here is existing WW <br /> Carrboro Transition Area <br /> . .JeuCRMFW ON1FT(+• <br /> Cy Stober said there will be a much deeper dive into septic systems, but generally, there <br /> are six types regulated by the state and local health departments, and they're based on size. <br /> Chair Bedford invited former Commissioner Barry Jacobs to speak. <br /> Barry Jacobs said in 1980, Orange County's population was 75,000, half of today's. He <br /> said water crises in the 1960s and 1970s, when residents were encouraged to "shower with a <br /> friend," made water supply protection paramount. He also said Orange County had sued DOT <br /> over 1-40's route and was the seventh fastest growing county in the state at the time joint planning <br /> began. The joint planning effort aimed to prevent sprawl like North Raleigh and Cary, keeping <br /> Orange County recognizable. The agreement focused on cost-effective water supply protection, <br /> preventing sprawl's expensive infrastructure needs, and protecting open space and agriculture. <br /> Barry Jacobs said immediate follow-up efforts included a low and moderate-income housing task <br /> force, rural character study, and natural areas inventory. He emphasized how Orange County <br /> remains recognizable today compared to dramatically changed neighboring counties like <br /> Chatham. He explained that the Piney Mountain development's failing community septic system <br /> led to the water and sewer boundary agreement. He also said cluster developments began <br /> emerging as a viable option for balancing residential growth with environmental conservation. <br /> These developments allowed for higher-density housing within attractive environments, <br /> facilitating the preservation of open spaces and more efficient utility services. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many affordable housing units they were able to <br /> create back then. <br /> Barry Jacobs said the study only looked at the possibilities. The best option at that time <br /> was mobile homes, and he noted that Orange County remains one of the most permissive <br /> counties for mobile home siting in North Carolina. <br /> The Board thanked Barry Jacobs for coming and sharing his perspective with them. <br />