HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 10, 2024 Minutes Approved ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
September 10, 2024
The Colonial Inn
153 W King St
Hillsborough NC
Minutes
Members Present: Tom Proctor, Kristen Young, Jane Saiers, Elise Tyler, Joy Mercer, Emilee Collins
Hasan Abdullah, Lisa Kaylie
Guests: Shannon Campbell
Members Not Present: Estella Johnson, John Kim
Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni, Mike Ortosky
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Kristen Young at 11:35 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Tom Proctor and seconded by Joy Mercer to approve the Minutes from the July 9,
2024 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Kristen Young had all members and staff introduce themselves to our guest speaker Shannon Campbell,
who introduced herself as the Planning and Economic Development Manager with the Town of
Hillsborough. Shannon provided a map with an overview of the town's development projects including
the new commercial and residential sites. She spoke about how Hillsborough has grown and will
continue to grow within the upcoming years. Shannon made mention of the water and sewer needs and
Future Land Use Plan. She told the board that the Town's goal is to grow and foster the small and local
businesses (specifically BIPOC and women-owned businesses). The Town is bringing back the small
business workshops soon. Shannon mentioned the connectivity and transportation issues and spoke
about the new Train Station site which is planned to be in operation by 2027-2028. The Town is doing a
parking study to identify more parking downtown. She updated the board on a few upcoming events such
as the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, Hog Day, Solstice Walk, a local Seafood Festival. Shannon
gave recognition and thanks to Orange County for allowing them to help with a sidewalk extension in front
of The Colonial Inn using Article 46 Collaborative Outreach Funds.
Our host, Elise Tyler, the general manager and co-owner of The Colonial Inn welcomed us to continue
eating our lunch while she spoke about the hotel and restaurant and all of the local support they have
received from everyone. She reminded the board of the events and activities that will be taking place
there this fall.
Steve Brantley briefly mentioned the Orange County Land Use Plan public listening sessions that will be
occurring over the upcoming weeks. He encouraged the board members to attend one of those sessions
to support one of the 4 proposals or provide feedback and comments. The Plan should be adopted by
2026.
Old Business
Kristen confirmed that our board members can meet from 10:30-11:30 before the next Advisory Board
Meeting on November 12'h to participate in a DEI workshop. That meeting will take place at Blue Hill
Event Center in Chapel Hill.
Kristen also reminded the board about the Attendance policy.
Director's Report:
Steve provided an update on the commercial and industrial projects and international leads. Steve spoke
about Well Dot's renovations at their new location in Chapel Hill. He reminded the board that there will be
a ground-breaking ceremony for Morinaga's expansion on October 3rd at 2PM following the Stihl grand
opening ceremony. Steve briefly spoke about our Economic Development Strategic Plan and the need
our department has for a board member to assist us with the review process. Joy Mercer volunteered to
help.
Adjournment
Kristen Young adjourned the meeting at 1:00 PM