Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> and Dr. Roper expressing that this be looked at further so that the County would have <br /> appropriate representation. Orange County Voice is also concerned with several statements <br /> that Brad Broadwell, Orange County Economic Development Director, has recently made to <br /> the media. Mr. Broadwell seems to be supporting the University's airport project and has <br /> claimed that this will result in positive economic impact for Orange County. She said that if Mr. <br /> Broadwell is referring to the May 2008 Talbert & Bright report for the University, this report is a <br /> working document and any specific facts on positive economic impacts are lacking. She said <br /> that the report is essentially a marketing tool to sell a product by the aviation industry. Lastly, <br /> Orange County Voice is concerned that the Airport Authority will attempt to bypass Orange <br /> County's regulatory authority. <br /> Marilee McTigue was also representing Orange County Voice. She said that, in <br /> anticipation of the airport siting request, Orange County Voice asks that the Board of County <br /> Commissioners initiate a study of Orange County zoning and land use ordinances to determine <br /> whether they sufficiently protect our watersheds and other protected natural resources and <br /> whether they are suitable, given our population growth. She said that the County's zoning <br /> related to airport siting is over 20 years old and preceded Cane Creek Reservoir and other <br /> watershed protection obligations. The population is growing quickly, and there is a fear that <br /> the natural resources are not sufficiently protected. Orange County Voice asks that the Board <br /> of County Commissioners consider requiring full rezoning rather than special use permits in <br /> order to site an airport anywhere in the County. This designation would offer more protection <br /> of natural resources. She asked the County Commissioners to act quickly. <br /> Tara Nichols said that she is an attorney representing Lattisville Grove Missionary <br /> Baptist Church on Jimmy Ed Road in Hurdle Mills. She spoke about the issue with the ball <br /> field lighting. She said that Mrs. Shields indicated that when she bought her property she <br /> intended to live in a rural environment. She said that this area is still rural. The ball field lights <br /> are part of the church's ball field that was built according to and in compliance with the rules <br /> and the regulations of the County's zoning department. There were some minor adjustments <br /> that needed to be made, and as soon as the church was made aware of those, it has been <br /> working with the staff to take care of those problems. Regarding the issue about the lights <br /> being on past 9 p.m., she said that the lights have not been on past 9:30 p.m. and nowhere <br /> near 11:00, which is the official time that they are not supposed to be on. She said that the <br /> ball field, the church, and everything that the church is doing is being done to create an <br /> opportunity for that area and that rural community to have things that are not in this area <br /> already such as the ball field. The original building of the church was across the street and the <br /> church bought property and moved across the street in the same vicinity. She said that any <br /> problem that Mrs. Shields has with the church, the church is willing to work with her. She said <br /> that the lighting was installed according to the rules and regulations of the County. There are <br /> some minor adjustments to be made to be in total compliance. <br /> Commissioner Carey asked how long the church has been there and it was answered <br /> that it has been there over 125 years. Pastor George Crews said that he is willing to work with <br /> Mrs. Shields or anyone else in the community. He said that the lights have not been on past <br /> 9:30 p.m. and there has not been a game at the church yet because the field is not finished. <br /> His opinion is that this is just an opposition to the ball field. <br /> Jay Bryan is Chair of the Orange County Planning Board. He said that at the last <br /> Planning Board meeting, the Planning Board discussed, upon the request of a citizen, the <br /> issue of the airport and its location. It was not on the agenda, but it was allowed. As a result <br /> of the discussion, there was a motion made by the Planning Board. He read the statement: <br />