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10 <br /> Cy Stober clarified that yellow areas on the map represented conventional subdivision patterns <br /> (one-acre lots) but acknowledged these were areas that could potentially see different development <br /> patterns with city services through annexation. <br /> Mayor Hooks asked the Mebane City Manager to comment on the industrial goals for Buckhorn. <br /> Preston Mitchell, Mebane Assistant City Manager, started by thanking Travis Myren and Orange <br /> County's Economic Development staff for their efforts and work in recruiting business. He reported <br /> significant activity in the Buckhorn Economic Development Zone, including announced projects and <br /> substantial spec industrial building development. Some developers are taking a "paper spec" approach, <br /> obtaining approvals but waiting fortenants before construction. Recent expansions included ABB and AKG, <br /> while Medline had expanded to use all their facility space, possibly relocating another North Carolina <br /> facility there without additional incentives.Over approximately five years, Preston Mitchell reported about <br /> 7 million square feet of industrial construction was approved, with the majority currently under <br /> construction in the Buckhorn Economic Development District. He said having existing buildings made a <br /> real difference on landing an industry that brings jobs and investment. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked about data centers, noting that the county is working on data center <br /> moratorium. <br /> Preston Mitchell responded that no one has contacted Mebane about data centers in their <br /> jurisdiction. He emphasized that Mebane preferred industries that produced jobs and investment without <br /> significantly impacting utility infrastructure, noting that the Buckhorn zone, specifically, is geared toward <br /> lower utility users. <br /> Ashley Ownbey explained that Mebane's Unified Development Ordinance has two industrial <br /> zoning districts: light manufacturing (where data centers required special use permits) and heavy <br /> manufacturing (where they were permitted by right). Most Buckhorn zoning is light manufacturing, often <br /> with conditional zoning requiring public processes and site-specific conditions. <br /> Mayor Pro Tern asked about Orange County's perspective on the one-acre versus smaller lots <br /> concept, and whether the county supported Chapel Hill's multifamily development approach. <br /> Cy Stober said from a county planning perspective, he didn't have strong opinions on municipal <br /> matters, but noted the county's affordability concerns. He explained that Orange County faced both price <br /> point issues and volume shortages across all price ranges,resulting from design choices like the rural buffer <br /> and poor soils in Northern Orange County limiting septic capacity. He noted that multifamily development <br /> brought retirees and young adults to the community, adding vibrancy and sales tax base benefits. <br /> Councilmember Tim Bradley asked for more information on the activity node on Efland-Cedar <br /> Grove Rd. <br /> Cy Stober said the activity node is right at McAdams Farm, but that the map is a draft and subject <br /> to change as needed. He expressed preference for sharing visions with municipalities on such issues. <br /> Commissioner McKee emphasized the importance of detailed conversations between the boards, <br /> predicting that Mebane would no longer be Orange County's smallest municipality within a few years as it <br /> approached Hillsborough and Carrboro in size and population. He advocated for maintaining diversity in <br /> housing types rather than focusing on one or two options. He expressed appreciation for Mebane's <br /> assistance with economic development, stating that without Mebane, nothing would be happening on I- <br /> 85 in that area. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about Mebane's definition of "abundant and affordable <br /> housing choices." <br /> Preston Mitchell acknowledged that definitions were relative to individual situations and would <br /> differ between Mebane and Chapel Hill. <br /> Ashley Ownbey explained that the comprehensive plan didn't specify income level details but <br /> focused on expanding housing types to increase affordability options. A housing consultant study had <br />