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17 <br /> __ crH•e. <br /> V <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler asked about concerns regarding roads in riparian buffers or sensitive areas, <br /> noting that the design appeared to avoid such areas while showing what appeared to be lakes or artificial <br /> retention ponds. <br /> Kirk Vaughn acknowledged that while the site was large for an elementary school (needing only <br /> about 16 acres), there are considerable constraints, requiring site testing to ensure sufficient space for <br /> the elementary school. <br /> Councilmember Jonathan White asked what the process is like for a new school construction. <br /> Kirk Vaughn said that the county appropriated design and construction money, but all three <br /> parcels were planned for annexation into Mebane, making it a Mebane planning conversation. <br /> Ashley Ownbey confirmed ongoing annexation discussions, which would require establishing <br /> Mebane zoning. Schools and athletic fields both required special use permits, necessitating three public <br /> hearings related to the school site,triggered by the request to connect to city utilities. <br /> Mayor Hooks emphasized traffic concerns on West Ten Road, stressing the need for turn lanes <br /> and proper planning to avoid parking on road shoulders like some Alamance County schools. He hoped <br /> the planning process would involve DOT through Traffic Impact Analyses. <br /> Mebane City Manager Richard White III pointed out the curvy line on the map's right side, <br /> explaining that it provided stacking space to prevent traffic from backing into the roadway by keeping <br /> vehicles on campus. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler asked whether elementary school access to the middle school could use back <br /> roads to avoid main road congestion. <br /> Kirk Vaughn confirmed that bus loops for both schools would connect through the same road, <br /> allowing connection through both drop-off zones. <br /> Councilmember Jonathan White asked whether Orange County School Board would meet with <br /> Mebane's planning department and go through Technical Review Committee (TRC) processes like any <br /> other construction <br /> Ashley Owenby confirmed this standard procedure, noting their monthly meetings and recent <br /> sessions with design teams, engineers for traffic studies, and site design. <br />