HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-05-2016-13-5 - Information Item - Mebane Comp Land Development Plan INFORMATION ITEM
PLANNING & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Craig N. Benedict, AICP, Director
Current Planning 131 W. Margaret Lane
(919) 245-2575 Suite 201
(919) 644-3002 (FAX) ORANGE COUNTY P. O. Box 8181
www.orangecountync.gov NOR 1'I I (.'i1ROI .IN:\ Hillsborough, NC 27278
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Bonnie B. Hammersley, County Manager
FROM: Craig Benedict, Planning Director
DATE: April 20, 2016
SUBJECT: Information Item — Mebane Comprehensive Land Development Plan:
Visioning Process
Please accept the following memorandum regarding the Mebane Comprehensive Land
Development Plan update.
Background
In September 2015, the Mebane City Council authorized the commencement of the
Mebane Comprehensive Land Development Plan update. The existing City of Mebane
2010 Land Development Plan was adopted in March 2001. Due to changing economic
trends, record residential growth, and increase economic development projects, the City
of Mebane determined there was a need for a comprehensive plan update. The purpose
of this plan is to provide a clear vision for future growth in Mebane and act as a guide
for future land use decisions. Planning efforts are being led by the Piedmont-Triad
Regional Council. The comprehensive plan will include several elements including
infrastructure and capital improvements, transportation, environmental and cultural
resources, hazards and mitigation, health and wellness, growth management, economic
development, and future land use. The City of Mebane was rewarded a grant from the
North Carolina Wildlife Commission to assist in the development of the plan. As a result
of this award, the updated comprehensive plan will incorporate green growth principals
related to local wildlife and habitats.
During this process the City of Mebane will also be working with Piedmont-Triad
Regional Council and a consultant to complete a Comprehensive Transportation Plan
(CTP). This plan will act as the City's official transportation guide in providing the public
and developers with a coordinated vision for the future. The transportation consultant
will work to augment the supporting roadway infrastructure needs prior to any land use
decisions.
Mebane by Design Advisory Committee
Over the past few months the City of Mebane has been conducting committee and
community meetings. The planning process has allowed for Orange County staff to
participate and collaborate as part of the Mebane by Design Advisory Committee
Support Team. This advisory committee is to act as a working group comprised of thirty
residents appointed by the City Council, City of Mebane staff, Alamance County
Planning staff, and Orange County Planning staff. Orange County Planning staff's
involvement has provided the opportunity to review and discuss Orange County
planning efforts and goals with the entire advisory committee.
The advisory committee has met monthly since January. The first meeting included a
project overview and review of existing conditions including population, socio-economic
and housing trends, and growth implications. Other meetings have included discussions
focusing on water and sewer projections and growth impacts, analysis of existing
community issues and values, and the drafting of community wide goals and policies.
More recently the process has begun reviewing and discussing specific elements of the
plan including land use and zoning, environmental features, urban services, and water
and sewer infrastructure related to future growth and development.
Next Steps
Orange County Planning staff will continue to meet as part of the Mebane by Design
Advisory Committee and provide crucial input on behalf of Orange County. Orange
County Planning and/or Mebane staff can provide an abridged presentation on the
process and plan as the Board of County Commissioners desire. Planning staff have
been informed from the City of Mebane that the findings of the long range plan will be
discussed with the Orange County Board of Commissioners as the process continues.
The final Mebane Comprehensive Land Development Plan is planned for adoption
consideration by the City of Mebane towards the end of this year. If you have questions,
please contact Ashley Moncado, Orange County Special Projects Planner, at (919) 245-
2589 or Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, at (919) 245-2575.