HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-11-2025-Work Session Meeting 1
APPROVED 1219/25
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION
November 11, 2025
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Work Session on Tuesday, November
11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-
Ascott
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin
Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott and Vice-Chair Hamilton volunteered to join the planning
committee for the January 2026 BOCC retreat.
1. Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 — Board Request for Additional Information
The Board received the third presentation in a series in response to the Board's request for
additional background information for the Land Use Plan 2050 process.
BACKGROUND: At its April 8, 2025 work session, the Board reviewed a tentative schedule for
receiving presentations from County staff and in some cases, guest presenters, to provide
additional background information for better informing its direction on the Land Use Plan 2050
process. The Board's calendar preference was for staff to schedule agenda items through mid-
November to receive the information.
Attachment A is Part A of the BOCC request for additional information grouped into six (6) topic
areas by subject. To cover all topic areas, presentations to the Board are scheduled for work
sessions on September 9, October 14, and November 11, 2025; and at half-day retreats,
scheduled for November 14 and November 21, 2025. The half-day retreats are needed to cover
Part B (Attachment B) of the Board's request for information and will include several guest
presenters.
The PowerPoint presentation (Attachment C) addresses Board questions, as follows:
Rural Activity Nodes
a) Remind us why there are two, what uses are allowed in each of them, and for which
sizes of population.
b) What uses are currently in the existing rural activity nodes?
c) Why combine them?
d) If commercial is allowed, what specific commercial uses?
e) Additional residential? What types?
2
Planning staff continues its coordination with the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Durham,
Orange, and Chatham County for the purpose of obtaining developer input for the Land Use Plan
2050. The HBA provided a letter (Attachment D) to the BOCC in August of this year with some
preliminary input. The HBA staff has also indicated a willingness to help inform its membership
of engagement opportunities, when scheduled. Following BOCC authorization to proceed, the
next phase of the Land Use Plan 2050 process is Community Engagement Window#3, to unveil
a draft Land Use Plan 2050, and is anticipated to occur next spring. Additional information,
including robust public notification, will be forthcoming closer to the opening of engagement.
Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, are available
on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com.
Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also
available on the project website:
https://www.orangecountVIanduseplan.com/resources
Why does Orange County Need to Update its Land Use Plan? - In North Carolina, local
governments that apply "...zoning regulations... shall adopt and reasonably maintain a
comprehensive plan or land-use plan (G.S. 160D-501(a)). This statute requires that zoning
regulations are "in accordance with a comprehensive plan" and requires that local governments
make statements of consistency when making rezoning decisions on a development application.
The existing Orange County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in November 2008.
Cy Stober, Planning and Inspections Director, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 - Board
Request for Additional Information
3
Slide #2
i
.-wb
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Rural Activity Nodes
BOCC Request
a) Remind us why there are two, what uses are allowed in each of
them, and for which sizes of population.
b) What uses are currently in the existing rural activity nodes?
c) Why combine them?
d) If commercial is allowed, what specific commercial uses?
e) Additional residential? What types?
Slide #3
a)Remind us why there are two,what uses are allowed in each of them,and for which sizes of population.
Text included in the original Land Use Element(1981):
• To minimize the existing energy-inefficient and land consuming pattern
of rural sprawl, the Land Use Element(incl. Map) is premised on two
basic strategies: activity nodes and infill development
• The activity nodes are of various sizes and types to accommodate
specified levels of intensity of commercial and industrial activities
The activity nodes established in 1981 were included as part of the 2030
Comprehensive Plan (2008) and shown on the Future Land Use Map
(FLUM).
While there have been changes to some of the activity nodes over time,
the Rural Activity Nodes established in 1981 remain the same.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
4
Slide #4
Rural Communi Rural Neighborhood
Activity NodeYA Activity Node - - . .
Land focused on Land focused on Land focused on
designated road designated road designated road
intersections which serve intersections within the intersections within the
as nodal crossroads for the rural area that is rural area that is
surrounding rural appropriate for small-scale appropriate for small scale
community and is an commercial uses industrial uses which do
appropriate location for characteristic of"Mom and not require urban type
any of the following uses: Pop" convenience stores services.
church, fire station, small and gas stations.
post office, school, or other
similar institutional uses
and one or more
commercial uses.
112-mile radius 114-mile radius 1/2-mile radius
To serve the surrounding To serve the surrounding Located in areas with a
low-density rural and low-density rural and very low-density rural
agricultural population, agricultural population, population.
generally 1,000-5,000 generally less than 1,000
persons. persons.
5 are located on Map 10 are located on Map 4 are located on the Map
Slide #5
b)what uses are currently in the existing Rural Activity Nodes?
• Based on Orange County's address layer, maintained by Land
Records, there are 549 properties located in a Rural Activity Node
with a "building use".
TOTAL-All Rural Activity Nodes
Building Use #of
Buildings
Commercial 38
Communication Tower/Other Utility 7
Educational 1
Fire Station 1
Industrial 6
OtherStructure(Farm/Community) 11
Religious 9
Residential 476
Total 549
• The following slides show how developed uses are distributed among
the RANs
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
Slide #6
Future Land Use Map-Rural Community Activity Nodes(ROAN}Developement Status
Analysis: c-11c ryr ll
There are 5 RCANs located on the Future Land , \ �
Use Map(FLUM). .�.
■ Totaling+-2,500-acres
■ Based on noted assumption,24%of =5,= T /
the parcel acreage within the RCANs �` j
are developed
•
This does not representthe actual -�
impervious surface development
footprint I Y
• These Nodes have been included on J
the FLUM since the Land Use Element )
was originally adopted in 1981
■ The majority of the developed land �•
uses within the RNANs existed in
1981
A o..
�o�od eveooeu=�aun iw
Slide #7
Future land Use Map-Rural Neighborhood Activity Nodes(RNAN}Development Status
There are 10 RNANs located on the Future
Land Use Map(FLUM).
■ Totaling+-1,166-acres �_� "' u
■ Based on noted assumption,51%of
the parcel acreage within the RNANs T °""�°°"'� -""_ "°"• _°raa zs -;rnm Lxsx•
are developed ; '.`
• This does not representthe actual
impervious surface development Urgnclopetl 3 3*Ptl `footprint
• These Nodes have been included on c�
the FLUM since the Land Use Element `+..•
o
was originally adopted in 1981rF a"
■ The majority of the developed land v —,s'
useswithin the RNANs existed in b^ zn I
1981 -
i
Trial RNAN�.rIn.lENc'
•IneIW.
l '
GIY Lmils ��.�� IlynofxmV
FTI {pxb
�VMeegntl Dewbpetl=&bra elm blimp acresin sl°e '
6
Slide#8
Analysis- Future Land Use Map-Rural Industrial ktivity Nodes(RIAN}0evelopement Slatus
There are 3 RIANs located on the Future Land �o
Use Map(FLUM).
• Totaling+ 910-acres '
• Based on noted assumption,41%of
the parcel acreage within the RIANs ;
are developed
• This does not representthe actual
impervious surface development ' 1
footprint
• These Nodes have been included on
the FLUM since the Land Use Element
was originally adopted in 1981 „ x-
• The majority of the developed land
aK�E 1i
uses within the RIANs existed in 1981 d E
yr
6 -
os
ram, _ waopva9BBec
I,N/uee B1NC
!s ,. rinciuxe•wNln
L7m mBla a¢xrnn _ �
t� Un W'JepaJ-ra®N.
�IFdeatleGeB W.eb�e6•WurLea 9tra
Slide #9
Rural Activity Nodes
•
TOTAL-All RuralActivibtNodes
&rlldh*Use Buflldlat % f TOW'
•
Commercial 38 6.90A
® Communication Tower/Other Utility 7 1.3%
Educational 1 0.2%
Fire Station 1 0.2%
Industrial 6 1.1%
Other Siructure(FarmlCommunity) 11 2.0%
Religious 9 1.6%
Residentlal 476 86.71r6
Totatl so 100.0%
ORANGE COUNTY
R�lrMN rvw "":;:;:_;> NORTH CAROLINA
Cy Stober said there are about 4,500 acres in activity nodes in the county, and about 40%
have been developed.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked why some activity nodes had not been developed and
if one of the reasons is that development requests have been denied.
Cy Stober said in the last three years, there have been four applications on activity nodes.
He said they included the Dollar General, the Family Dollar, the Fiddlehead project, and the 86
North project.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she was told the property in the 86 North project had
been on the market 10 years, this was the fourth buyer, and all the other requests had been
denied.
Cy Stober said some of that were petitions to the town as well as the county. He said this
was the third time he'd seen a potential project on the property during his time at the county and
that the other two dropped out after talking through the potential challenges for development. He
said that there is another zoning application and if the party moves forward, it will come to the
Board for review in the spring. He said that would make five in 3 and a half years, and would be
for a commercial use.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the population is in each activity node. She asked what
the creators were thinking about when they created the concept of the activity node.
Cy Stober said he did not know, and they didn't have any notes from the time they were
created, 45 years ago.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if those areas have become denser.
Cy Stober said they've seen more subdivisions on the 54 and 86 corridors, particularly
outside the rural buffer, but they don't have data on it. He said that in the northern part of the
county, there are soil issues which make it difficult to subdivide the land for residential purposes.
He said hasn't been developed for commercial purposes at this time. He said there are septic
issues in the northern part of the county due to soil suitability for septic systems.
Slide #10
The following slides include photo images
from the 5 Rural Community Activity Nodes
(roadway intersection views)
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
8
Slide #11
rw
�Y
Cy Stober said the photos in slide #11 are in the Cedar Grove activity node.
Slide #12
KY
Cy Stober said the photos in slide #12 are in the Carr activity node.
9
Slide #13
k
G
Cy Stober said the photos in slide #13 are in the Schley activity node.
Slide #14
IN
E Side of NC57(Note collapsed root on structure)
-1-
�
Cy Stober said the photos in slide #14 are in the Caldwell activity node.
10
Slide #15
r�
Cy Stober said the photos in slide #15 are in the White Cross activity node.
Slide#16
c)Why combine Rural Activity Nodes?
• The preliminary draft Land Use Plan 2050 included a Future Land
Use Map (FLUM)that classified all rural nodes into one type, "Rural
Activity Node", described as follows:
"Rural Activity Nodes are key intersections of larger rural roads and state
highways that can or do already serve the surrounding community with
commercial retail and service uses. Nodes are located at strategic
crossroads to provide daily commercial and service needs within a short
drive of rural neighborhoods and home sites in the county. Existing
development varies greatly by location but generally includes single-family
homes,neighborhood-scale commercial uses such as service stations and
convenience stores, farms,forestry, and undeveloped parcels."
• The concept of combing was introduced because of the similarities of
compatible zoning districts permitted among the RNAN, RCAN, and
RIAN.
• Simplifying the number of land use categories will help create a more
user-friendly plan.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
11
Cy Stober said that the FLUM described in slide #16 was based on surveys with the
community.
Commissioner McKee said population was possibly not a consideration when creating the
rural activity nodes. He said there is still very low population density in those nodes, and only one
with any appreciable activity, which is Caldwell. He said as the population increases; you may get
more activity in the nodes. He said in the case of Caldwell, it might not make sense for someone
else to put in another store. He said there are some heavily traveled roads in the northern part of
the county which may be appropriate for storage facilities. He said he thought it was important to
keep the activity nodes for future use, but he did not see the possibility of changes in the short
term.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott noted that when she lived in the Carr area, they expected
development and internet infrastructure to eventually come, but it never did. She asked when
and if the Board would have a discussion on changing things so that more development can go
into those nodes.
Commissioner McKee said when thinking about expanding opportunities, a better choice
for a node would have been the Efland-Cedar Grove Road/86 intersection where there is already
a tire store. He said that Highway 86 is a high traffic flow area. He said that in 1981, these nodes
were probably all equal at that time. He said that traffic flow would now support additional
businesses there.
Commissioner Carter said the proposed changes to the future land use map shows a node
at the intersection referenced by Commissioner McKee.
Vice-Chair Hamilton the way she understood the conception of the rural activity nodes, is
that the decision makers at the time were leaving room for services to the community. She said
the fact that something hasn't developed tells her that the economics aren't behind it. She said
the one node that does concern her is the rural industrial activity node, because if what they are
planning for is not compatible with the economics or other uses, then maybe the Board needs to
decide that the node is not relevant anymore.
Slide #17
Appendix r Use and Zoning Matrix
ZDYLVG DISTRICTS
Iaod T=r C aiRra.op N a qp — a p �
Oced sdL
Z V V' 47 4i7 - d L 9 OE Z
C'bapel Hill Irapvtioa ac .t A.Iministratiuo b,11uo: paliti-odder the.. of the Joint Planning Agree.e
C arrboro Iraositioo
10-Year ira ♦ ♦
20-Year it ifiou
C•m rrial 7raosttmp •
Commerciallndurtnal
- iraosiliou Acti.it. ♦
[+ Eca—k D-1.pment
N
Rural R.&e
R-1 R.sMd ial
_ AirirnlNral Reti .fid
• Rural Commodity AeEvity
Rural\.iebborbood
Rural Ipdu H.l Ar Mr
\ode
Pub4c Interest Area
• The Matrix links the County's zoning districts to the future land use classifications.
• Note the similarities among the zoning districts that are compatible with RANs
• Different only in the application of 1-1 and MPD-CD �1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
12
Cy Stober said there is a lot of redundancy between the activity nodes. He said that due
to lack of build out, changes in state laws, particularly with agricultural industrial uses, and
consistency and harmony with the surrounding land uses, the proposed consolidation is largely
for commercial uses. He said they are not recommending enabling industrial uses in the rural
parts of the county. Her said the specific uses in the industrial activity nodes are not being
recommended by staff or the consultant. He said it is consolidating those uses that are permitted.
He said the chart in slide #17 is from the land use plan. He said it is the cross reference between
zoning districts, which are regulatory and law, and county activity nodes and future land use
classes, which are guidance. He said there are not a lot of unique zoning districts that are
permitted in activity nodes except for the master plan development, which is only permitted in the
rural community activity node, and industrial 1, which could be omitted in the new plan. He said
industrial uses are generally not compatible with a lot of rural uses. He said if they are agricultural
in nature, they would generally be allowed by right without zoning regulation due to the state law
as a form of bonafide farm use.
Commissioner Greene said the sense she got from the development of the 1981 land use
plan was that the rural activity nodes were to acknowledge the stores that existed at the time in
order not to grandfather them out of existence.
Cy Stober said they reflect the land use at the time. He said the adopted plan should
guide the county in the future.
Commissioner Greene said she agreed.
Commissioner McKee said that they are deciding for 2050 and they should they not limit
the possibilities. He said if you are going to have commercial activity, they need to be sited on
major transportation routes. He said if they want to have things easily accessible, we need to put
in place something that will allow it.
Chair Bedford clarified that Commissioner McKee was ok with combining nodes, but did
not want to eliminate those three or four industrial uses.
Commissioner McKee said yes, because they don't know what industry will look like in
2040 or 2050.
Chair Bedford asked if the Treeist application from a few years earlier was light industrial.
Cy Stober said it was agricultural support enterprise.
Commissioner Greene said that was a qualified use in the rural buffer.
Chair Bedford said she could see a similar business working elsewhere in the county.
Commissioner Fowler asked for clarification if Commissioner McKee's preference was to
keep the industrial nodes as industrial.
Commissioner McKee said he would like to keep the option for industrial. He said it is
only three nodes.
Cy Stober said there are three plus the mine.
Commissioner McKee said it allows something in a specific area that could open a door
in the future.
Chair Bedford said if two are combined and one left alone, then there wouldn't be industrial
in all nodes.
Cy Stober said yes, and he did not see the value in keeping community and neighborhood
nodes separate.
13
Slide #18
d)If commercial is allowed,what specific commercial uses?
AppendixZoning
ZONLNG DISTRICTS
Land Ilse Classif:ratie s ^ « n wn m U
{q C m r
- OG CC OC a cG . 2 U G7 fVsl O
Chap.]Rill Transition Permit Adminhtralioo by 14—icipalities under tb•. •or the Joint Pl—in Agree—t-
Car*boro Transit'p
10-Year Traasiliop ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
20-Year Transit.. • • •
e Commercial 7ransit:on
L t'Y
- Commerc:al-[adustr:il
Tnnsilion Aclii
f' Eca re D-J.pment
V
Rural Bn6er ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Rnral Aeside•lial
_ Agd..I nnl Residential
Rural Community Aetivity
Rural Neighborhood
Rural I•daslrial A.-ity
Node
" Public Interest Area
• The LUP provides the vision with general definitions and Zoning adds specifics.
• The Matrix links the County's zoning districts to the future land use classifications.
Slide #19
Uses Allowed in Local Commercial — 1
(LC-1 ) Zoning District
By Right, By Right But With Use-Specific Standards,
• Library Community Agricultural Processing Facility
• Schools:Performing Arts,Sports, Community Farmer's Market
&Rec. Farm Supply Store&Community Meat Processing Facility
• Government Facilities and Office Care Center in a Residence
Buildings Care Facility&Schools:Technical,Trade,&Skill Training
• Veterinary Clinic Medical Uses Except as Identified Herein
• Botanical Gardens&Arboretums Office&Financial Services Except as Identified Herein
• Parks Motor Vehicle Services
• Dwellings:Manufactured Homes, Retail Uses Except as Identified Herein
Single-Family,Two-Family, Family
Care Facility Country Store&Services Uses Except as Identified Herein
• Bus and Rail Passenger Shelter Eating&Drinking Establishments
• Garden Center&Taxidermy
• Various Telecommunications Facilities
v Farms/Agriculture (which Water&Sanitary Sewer Pumping Stations
are exempt from zoning Solar Array—Accessory,Residential,&Farm Uses
• Club or Lodge&Community Centers
regulations) Place of worship&Theaters
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
14
Cy Stober said LC-1 and LC-2 are already permitted in those nodes already. He said if
they are consolidated, they could consider all neighborhood commercial as by-right.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said they should be clear in what they do not want in industrial nodes.
She said if there are some uses they don't want in residential areas, then they should take them
out to reduce the conflict between land uses.
Commissioner McKee said he is not opposed to combining the two. He said they can
identify uses, but he did not want to get it so narrow that it eliminates a Dollar General or a storage
facility.
Slide #20
Uses Allowed in LC-1 (Cont.)
Special Use Permit: Conditional Districts that
• Recreational Facilities can also be considered:
• Group Care Facility • ASE-CD (Agricultural Support
• Group Home Enterprises)
• Telecommunication Tower 75-214 feet • MPD-CD (Master Plan Dev.)*
in height • R-CD (Residential)
• Elevated Water Storage Tank • NR-CD (Non-Residential)
• Solar Array— Large Facility
• Museum The exact uses applied for in a
conditional district application
would need to be consistent with
County plans.
*Only in Rural Community Activity
Nodes
_4ft=�
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
15
Slide#21
Uses Allowed in Neighborhood
Commercial — 2 (NC-2) Zoning District
By Right: By Right But With Use-Specific Standards:
• Library Community Agricultural Processing Facility
• Schools:Performing Arts,Sports, Community Farmer's Market&Cooperative Farm Stand
&Rec. Farm Supply Store&Community Meat Processing Facility
• Government Facilities and Office Greenhouses with on Premises Sales
Buildings Care Center in a Residence and Care Facility
• Veterinary Clinic Schools,Technical,Trade,and Skills Training
• Botanical Gardens&Arboretums Manufacturing,Assemble,Processing of Food Products Except Identified
Herein
• Parks Medical Uses Except as Identified Herein
• Dwellings:Manufactured Homes, Office&Financial Services Except as Identified Herein
Single-Family,Two-Family, Family Research Facility—Without Manufacturing
Care Facility Motor Vehicle Sales,Rental,&Services
• Bus and Rail Passenger Shelter Retail Uses Except as Identified Herein
• Parking Country Store&Services Uses Except as Identified Herein
• Rural Special Events Car Wash&Eating&Drinking Establishments
Garden Center,Taxidermy,&Storage of Goods
Various Telecommunications Facilities
Farms/Agriculture (which Water&Sanitary Sewer Pumping Stations
are exempt from zoning SolarArray—Accessory,Residential, &Farm Uses
regulations) Club or Lodge,Community Centers&Retreat Centers
Place of Worship&Theaters �1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #22
Uses Allowed in NC-2 (Cont.)
Special Use Permit: Conditional Districts that
• Recreational Facilities can also be considered:
• Group Care Facility • ASE-CD (Agricultural Support
• Group Home Enterprises)
• Electric, Gas, and Liquid Fuel • MPD-CD (Master Plan Dev.)*
Transmission Lines • R-CD (Residential)
• Solar Array—Large Facility • NR-CD (Non-Residential)
• Museum
• Telecommunication Tower 75-214 feet The exact uses applied for in a
in height conditional district application
would need to be consistent with
County plans.
*Only in Rural Community Activity
Nodes
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
16
Slide #23
Unified Development • • s • . •
• The maximum amount of land zoned LC-1 and LC-2 within Rural
Community Activity Nodes shall be limited to ten acres with a five
acre limitation imposed within other Nodes, specifically Rural
Neighborhood and Rural Industrial Nodes.
• In situations where a Node has reached capacity, additional rezoning
may be possible through the submittal, processing, and approval of a
Conditional District. Acreage limitations shall not apply to property
zoned Existing Commercial-5 (EC-5) or as a Conditional District.
�,
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Commissioner Greene said that the original proposal was to combine all three. She asked
if there is a way to simplify them into rural activity nodes that could also include industrial.
Cy Stober said they could explore the idea.
Commissioner Greene said that in the past, the Board created a list of industrial uses that
were not allowed. She said they could do that with the comprehensive land use plan.
Cy Stober said they did something similar with the proposal to limit vaping stores.
Chair Bedford said, regarding the first bullet point, they are not going to limit it to 5 or 10
acres; instead, they will say, "here's the node."
Cy Stober said that leaves conditional zoning as the predominant option in those areas.
17
Slide#24
d)If commercial is allowed,what specific commercial uses?
Switching gears, with the next several slides,
from Zoning to the Land Use Plan. . ..
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #25
For review...The LUP expresses a vision (relatively broad) and the UDO
implements, adding the specificity through zoning districts, development
standards, permitted uses, etc.
• Expresses a long-range land use
vision through goals, policies,and
[, actions
• A tool that can be implemented
through Unified Development
Ordinance(UDO)
• Required by law to
administer County Zoning
_ Municipalities in Orange County have
their own jurisdictions and
I supporting plans
18
Slide #26
RURAL ACTIVITY NODE{RAN}
Dascnphon
RuralAclivdy Nodesare key Into,t twins of largerrur,4roadsandstate highways that
cano,do alrcadyserve the sxr d,ng community vathcommercol m-land s.etvice
uses Nodes i,ei c tccdal strategic crossroxis to peo cle dailycommercial and we e
needsr thw a shundraw of rwalneighborhoods and homevtes in the county Emstv.q
development vanes greatly by kxahattbut generallym ides single-lamily horra
r>Etighbortqud-,chic commorcW useswch asce stat,onsandcorrven edam,
- qw farms for y Wd.edoveftp d Parrek
eha.atter.Pattom,and Land ure V I.Ion
�aQ
jySE PLAN.9!OgQ n The Intent of Rural Activity Nodes Is to provide sma sea a n,ral growth and or.-msldantMl artmty centers o provide servlce goods for b xrt
resdenhal can,ha,srtws TtseSe iOCallora are Ideal f-fur the estabpshrno.tenS
�.i of restaurant service stal�cove nienCe stoma or maker•.paces and
nKrENtwnat.KtMlaK
NorresldentWiB suchas mighbodh da alo comntMtlalretaii and smut...
(� operatons that require adirlic ii mfrastnvctumsucn w workshops and sl age
buldrags are c xounagad Thane deu alopments-pp—both[be rrmied..
(� ommunAy and the ragwn ae large.by alktwing rodents and owners to—not—
andutilize[heirprorvr In ways that are not poss.bla In urban a wburban
0 ermnonmen[s
Q -Locatwns vvnre sOieCtM to provdn aced,,to undcrscrved nndla undcr.
ms .d cornmundies and he county,grwnnq-h.-mp.9at—minlmlze
ce reduce whrcle md.s[raveletl and strove to proud.an egndahle tlistnbuhon Of
goods and sarvwasthroughoutthecounty
•The existing d.-4.pment at the White Cross location on W ghway`A pnavidcs
an Idealemmpleof what these places maylweome overtime and their pot.aw
to ooity[e rural comm ties tAat.IncILdCcn[enAlnront.rg iwrints Small
grocery stores_-Caton,artd smallca-IxatN buvnesses a9 wrro.nd-i
by develop.d homes andcas,ly accessible trythe ev.s.g,.Ads
•In idda'a.to the rwn .cienbalcomponcnts of the nodes,thodewlopmont of
fte.ble SubdM ions ICOnservatwn wbdlV—nsl With clustered homes and sh.,M
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAPT a ouraged hero to pLace more residents win hm conuv�lent distance
Of enesealmmilles and c reatecompletc nplghoorrquds
MARCH 3.202S
•Water and wastewater wp.'ts and syslemsmay be bcdled Off-site,peypnd;he
eas Choy serve arstl arc rtxkdod wnhn nodes vRren site condltwns prohllxt on-
snto location
� enntlt nEviEw nR.R d
Slide #27
Conservation and Growth Framework Map
In coordination with Clarion
Associates, staff analyzed all RANs - ® ya ----
_----
to inform the locations provided on f` fr
the preliminary draft FLUM- The
following was considered: � %? f.
Existing (2008) FLUM and locations
ofRANs .i��;°��� a��
Existing zoning
Parcel size and shape
Existing land use
Average Annual Daily Traffic
NCDOT Functional Classification of r,
Roads
• Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)and �
regional transportation ! r r
Environmental Justice Plan
Critical watersheds '"� ""'�•'
Environmental resources and
wildlife habitats (Fno-New Hope „"•, '` "" "°
Wildlife Habitat Connectivity report
Planning professional acumen
PUBMREVMW DRAB p
19
Slide #28
Rural Activity Nodes
included in
preliminary draft
Land Use Plan 2050 '
- s
_xo� YN
Slide #29
Rural Activity Nodes
f 4l�.or.,f�'ram Q7
• �ti ; t
,n
Cy Stober showed a comparison of the current rural activity node map on the left of slide
#29 to the new proposed map on the right. He highlighted the differences on the map. He offered
to summarize the changes and send them to the Board.
20
Vice-Chair Hamilton said she preferred using parcel shapes rather than geometric shapes
to determine rural activity nodes. She asked if residents in the rural activity nodes would find it
difficult to sell their homes or if they will end up with industry or something close to them that
doesn't work for them.
Cy Stober said there are residences in all the nodes. He reiterated that this is just
guidance, not zoning regulations. He said that there may be some residents in an economic
development district where they find limitations for selling their land for residential purposes. He
said that doesn't apply to any of these nodes. He said there may be some folks zoned for existing
commercial, and he would be happy to talk to them about initiating a rezoning.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said there are people who maybe wouldn't come to the county with
issues, and the county should be proactive in reaching out.
Chair Bedford noted that there in the previous plan, the sense of environmental or social
justice for minority neighborhoods didn't exist.
Commissioner Carter asked for a refresher on the scope of what is allowed by having
master plan development conditional districts.
Cy Stober said a master plan development can integrate different types of uses. He said
it could be multi-family with single family or commercial with residential. He said it is intended to
support master plan developments that provide for amenities and services at varying scales. He
said it is large scale, not small scale.
Commissioner Carter said that would mean hundreds of homes and possibly multiple
commercial institutions.
Cy Stober said the metric is in the TIA requirements for 800 trips per day, so that would
be 80 homes and above that it would be large scale.
Commissioner Carter said master plan development is enabled already in zoning, they
just don't get many of those. She read a section from the agenda packet on how a new rural
activity node can provide in terms of future development. She said there is a reference to water
and wastewater wells and systems that may be located off site beyond the areas they serve and
are included within nodes when site conditions prevent onsite location. She asked for more
information.
Cy Stober said that provided one has all their deeds in place, they can locate a well, septic,
or stormwater device off the property, outside of the zoning district or the activity node.
Commissioner Carter asked if there are examples of this in Orange County.
Cy Stober said yes.
21
Slide #30
e)Additional residential?What types?
RURAL ACTIVITY NODE(RAN)
daunpllon
Rural Actrvily Nodesarn key interwct,onspF larger rtral xis and sGtn highways inert
nr 6o alroedy sonr the swreur,tlrrg cpn,n,,,nKy wrch cammdoal retail arW u�rvice
psf•NOtles die lOCMcd al stralC9,Cc,O55rpaLlS[O PrM'lCatldlY CpMr�Mcial.SrM Sc•MCC ��rr ��
+dswnlnnashort discor Ruafne�g thopds and hprt,e—.inthe!,,h Er:is[inp
tlevcbpmCnt vanesgrcatlyq'loeatron but garnrary me Ledos srgb-ramty homers
ne,ghlnrhood-serve cormm�rual uses such as servke slahons erred cornenrerce stile;
farms loresvy ana,ed—bp-pared,
ehwmtw.Pad—and UwW Uw Vlsivn k
•t!u intent p}Rw.t1 Actnnty Nodesrsf0owed,,Ynel4-.0 n+ralgfpwth a',d
rave,-resMerttalacti,nty<en to prwlae sernces aM 9oodsfor bw�enssty
nasWer,t.N coir,mr,mhCs These Idcaltor,s am rtloal far the es[ablishmcnt
tares nnPn£ten,.enlercestpre;wmeFce spares.aM
rocraa[rPnaltacirvnics it
/sCYglr,rsay Sr V:. .a perr Court.'. ..
•Nan-rrs;ao tM,uxs suchrar.e�gnba.rsio i- ocommOrcdalretail ana sen+cn
pperahonstM[requrre eedi—e mfrestrrKrssmsrs,I as-1h Inpps and,[wage -
- rugsare dtwraged These..t7y Mment5 support both the imrnedrale
cpmm,mny M+d ehC rpg,pn ai larga.try abmnp t45Ward5aMi ps'ner5lp rt,pnpl,[e RURAL ACTIVITY NODE 9UILOMG BLOCKS
held uuhm Ih—propen ,iwayxthat pro rot possible in urWn or suburban
en,nrpnment5 cm^nvacm^raltlr•r^tmtl•w�tc��•asrw
•Locatkx,s vron:sek NQ to provide access W underxrved anrLp urcler- srevdxrvlcesad dices
duccd commurntres and the county,growng senior popdatron,minmrm
err Ctlttce vehicle mles trerektl.arM stare to prorrrle an CgJrtatllP tldinMltrtNl of ,T,va,b'^Yha,a"s9asxssN
gpOdS and s[4YrCCi Ihldghgul the CGunly
•The eyistinq development a[the WMte Grass bcationgn Highway 56 provWes � �'�
regn-•I 1s,-•mplep(1"M[i%•Sn PLlcos rybeepnq p,4r timeantl[her pptenhal Secordery Byes" .tAJ[,An••ryra.Nrq
to Narvate roil cernmurirties that rncyde MterlN„ra,BtrL.rpsenuranLs small >,omr ou.p avus.ssw
grocery slaves-xvviccslatlonsaM shied coaoceled br¢ktfs sag w,toundatl Infrmtruclun fe Servo YAMw mtlNWbwatar PrY.ebrea,W aptka
/'gNra sr,dcam,rysty
oe,reloP•.c ryat.rm
In adalnln to the•,orwesrdn,uv corralwrerttsgf the nodes Ilse deveWontenl of
•flearble subdinsionsl<onwrva[Irx•subdmsiorsl with el,tsl •d homesaM stored
recpyrCo.a 1,Pr,Gpumyad here 1,PLaco more rMWarlis,ynrrrt ppnre,vont dntaneo
olthpseo ATcvh dResMnnlaiNfa 2raRes,dss,rrd R-41a5'in[ereKy
Apprkmb inning ne,wenWlRS rre�pmmaedcam,entawGac«m.a,ey
•Watcv and mistsw.a[cr wM6 and systems may be bceted off-s,[e bayontl[M phtrlerW CmmweW dCC3lGnrad CamiwCerlGC✓Iloll,etrlRrsssena6
stx tray serve arW are n,ckttlstl nrv[hin nodes when pte condhons prohibit on- Mvaa°c4N,9(OR>M
sae laratwn R.ria,..raei la..nar
e...•r�....ce..t-+.�.r. «.tee... ....s.,=.0
a':.":':�,.�:'�..a`..::s:•ram,,."w:�"�..e....,,..a.�,,.•.,�,.�..,...a
x pueLx luvrEw oRast o owvrescamrr wroUss pcAtrxsa sr
Slide #31
_ Conservation Subdivisions
Conservation subd—ens are a
Q uSE PLAN2ps� sit-specific desgn strategy that
attempts to prowler Undwided. I• ,rL r
buildable t rac[s of land as
J? communal open space for restdents
C In a conservation subdmsion,ideally
4 50 to M percent of the buildable
d� land is set aside as open space by
Y grouping of clustering homes on
,ram the developed portions of the land .
C The conservation subdmsion design
Process,promoted by Randall
Arendt begins by Identifying land to - AN
Conserved and ends with drawing
in lot lines for the planned homes jr 4r
These design steps occ tr In an
ordoroppos,te thalof conventional :@c y}_�-.yy_.��I•\\
suodivisiom
The Images on the nght depict
uauc pamew opnet conyse on su
lhelical--pl.e of a
tratlrtronal subdlvlslon hood erred a
MARCa S zoxs rvattbdivision ibottartt},
the latter of which preserves ■
natural assets.open spxo.ivtd/
or agrlcultutal uses whlle prov,dfing -
Vision Theme 3;Advance Opportunities higher density of horning This
pp type
of development Is encRuraged �
for Attainable,Equitable Housing and wmmn the Rural Corservaeion
Employment No ghbwhcod laird use category
included on the Conservalionand
Growth Framcwvordk reap
The County will be home to a thriving
C
community supported by the For mom infonnrHion on
conscrvattan subdrvkslofes.see Q' � "t:gn
development of diverse.attainable. tfapcntSenratlIXlS bdlvl5ion f, ',
and equitab#o housing opportunities Handbook by the North
for all communit members.A greater Carol—Urban and comunity
community, mFonntryp",Annandtho NC
diversity of housing cho ices will increase state university Forestry and
access to needed and desired amenities. Errvironmentai outreach P-gram — —
publictransportation,employment,and
mplfom listed versus n typical sutkrban deveopment
commercial centers apPi t9ei
22 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT
22
Slide #32
Conservation and Growth Frumtwork Map
- nv s¢rtlen«INe lnW lisp Flan dp.taC..t Nnn.AW OeaP"'tkrcw«hMw
ta.po,wsst>'%.r.,ew tnt m.lx ena ucnmrena Pace.w Vwm paw.nnb
tlwclopmmtln degaCwY.,FNo sewnrMagcswsmNnd nerow
�� � ���� ,;,�� (�)eonsaNatlonandaresen,atlon
1""T� Sid �� 4�y Runt Conservation Nelgnborhood
-..Hsmmal Residemial
� B
r aWw.w_ Low-DP..yNeightwrhood
4
Rural(t tY Nodc
EGOrsOrnlO DevE40Ament Area
•attwn nlw.,tk.bc•mp eM uawmsl,anmwmiw.noMaueetws+W w�0,+.
�yr . IMRnt
i�
Proposed ORANGE COUNTY
BOCC release NORM CAROLINA
Slide #33
Housing Attainability A"lons liCarcoMlam ltr llDOirtzdu%ial Regional and Local Gromll ACUOM1s ll Es•.sE.Moeo,.¢y�uspaesgnlnm
m.ne a�w,cts.%t^on+o.v titan n.ae m toslpport tMvuaoncepranacd mrM
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oppartuY rase prertsl.an ademdy neLmalya mrg en ycu tKr••Tlas Ocs.eesrM surWerdsta m/len dlenvx Atr.l
arcsnel� rr.a�n�ac.w;ty anwd�wla lw,r.,q INOaHIr«,u,n cc�.y aa.�cm.e�w�e m�.,t�e ea.�rva,wn�vowla«r,Roa ad�ty
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nfcafaas� G.eieels NSawe.Manege,nnl[.Rsw.rg rriteprlwwnmusaswKHnraqu,^d
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towns«Cnwc�l+a nna canevra on - anYrtn�.e mttrvoycnrwera.% �[,dant��o�,nc'�.ace�war.n
de.tlapnrtrcdlM lw+INas'^ee Omt^ez
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aE.awem c,..ent ar-.c n.trcc,.+v M1Ir�Y
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y
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wn W nataotwlos w.m O[aatr a.e....ew.,m,l...,s rms
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,Yaw rvtc. sa.yta.ywaseewmn � - � � pc�aR,..ltb,.n.aaw.apn..lma.w R,.a ae,.
Qe'.en.sottlRwlaerq,naarnRrw Wax
PaaN«w.u.ty ar,.a✓ P.vya ao,ry-cl,u�wa'-co,.pon m,13..�.gamn b,d uu ab,lopts a rvtvvcovant,rn
ae WRll.rlEVlW DRAFr O OReNGECWNIy LAISO USEPW.]tY ev
23
Chair Bedford said that she would like more information and clarity on the actions in slide
#33.
Cy Stober said they would address that issue in a future planning retreat.
Slide #34
Housing and Input from Developers
Staff Update on BOCC Request
Per tonight's Abstract, Planning staff continues its coordination with the Home
Builders Association (HBA)of Durham, Orange, and Chatham County for the
purpose of obtaining developer input for the Land Use Plan 2050.
The HBA provided a letter(Attachment D)to the BOCC in August of this year
with some preliminary input. The HBA staff has also indicated a willingness
to help inform its membership of engagement opportunities, when scheduled.
Following BOCC authorization to proceed,the next phase of the Land Use
Plan 2050 process is Community Engagement Window#3,to unveil a draft
Land Use Plan 2050, and is anticipated to occur next year.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #35
Questions 1 Discussion
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
24
2. Options for Sale of Property at 6823 Millhouse Road
The Board considered options for the sale of all or a portion of 79.05 acres of County-owned land
at 6823 Millhouse Road for the purpose of a future soccer-oriented active recreation facility.
BACKGROUND: In November 2004, Orange County acquired 69 acres of land at 6823 Millhouse
Road, located north of Chapel Hill, from the late Mrs. Julia Blackwood for a future park site,
planned to be a soccer center for southern Orange County. The County subsequently purchased
an adjoining 10 acres in 2007 for a total of 79.05 acres. This land is located just north of the old
County landfill (north), and is across the North Carolina Railroad "J Line" spur from the Town of
Chapel Hill Operations Center. The property is in the Rural Buffer land use and zoning district —
adjoining the Orange Water&Sewer Authority(OWASA) urban services boundary on its southern
and eastern borders.
The concept for a future soccer-oriented park at this location has been listed in previous County
Capital Investment Plans (CIPs) dating back to the 2000's, known as the "Millhouse Road Park"
project. The planned focus for park is for a soccer field complex, with low-impact recreation on
the western portion of the property adjacent to Duke Forest. The northwest corner of the site
contains a portion of a State-listed Natural Heritage site, and is in proximity to Blackwood
Mountain, located within Duke Forest. The property contains two (2) access easements on the
northern and southern boundary lines, the latter of which was the subject of a future realignment
plan as part of a 2024 rezoning of an adjacent property owned by Acer, LLC (The Treeist). The
Blackwood Division of Duke Forest is located to the west and southwest of the property, and a
portion of the original Julia Blackwood property was acquired by Duke in 2004 as part of the
negotiations for the County's acquisition. This land is now a part of Duke Forest.
Preliminary design work was undertaken around 2008 for a six-field soccer complex and
approximately 25-30 acre wooded preserve adjacent to Duke Forest, but the project was deferred
after the economic recession of 2009. In 2015, the County began discussions with the Town of
Chapel Hill regarding a joint partnership for the soccer complex, which was reflected in both the
County and Town parks and recreation master plans and CIPs (the project was subsequently
pushed beyond the 10-year County CIP in June 2025). In 2022, discussions expanded to include
a potential third party for the soccer complex. However, the project timetable was such that the
creation of the facility was still several years out.
In 2024, parties approached the County about purchase of the land for the purpose of constructing
a privately-owned soccer center. An appraisal was conducted in March 2025 which found the
value of the 79.05 acre property at $1,976,000 (or $24,997 per acre). Approximately 30 acres of
the western part of the site (see attached map) is proposed to be retained by the County to protect
the natural resources present on the property, which includes a North Carolina Natural Heritage
site and a tributary of Old Field Creek. This section of the property also includes steep slopes and
is beyond the area of the site that was planned for soccer fields and related amenities. Preliminary
discussions between County staff and Duke Forest have been held regarding this area, as it abuts
the Forest on two (2) sides.
North Carolina law generally prohibits a governmental entity from conveying property with
restrictions or conditions unless the property is conveyed to another governmental entity or to a
nonprofit entity that will use the property for a public purpose.
Interests that the County might wish to address in the sale might include:
25
• To ensure that the use of the property is for active recreation purposes, or if desired, more
specifically for a soccer field complex;
• Some degree of public and local government access to the future soccer fields;
• Provision of a trail corridor through the property to connect south and north to current and
future open space;
• As per a 2024 rezoning action, re-routing of the access easement on the property to the
adjacent Acer, LLC property and low-impact recreation area be addressed in any
approved site plan and plat; and
• If sold to a nonprofit, including a restriction that the property reverts to the County if it
ceases being used as a soccer field complex.
Options for the Board to consider to facilitate this outcome given the procedural requirements for
a potential sale might include:
• A private negotiated sale of the property, which once completed would be announced and
scheduled for action at a future Board meeting. The property sale would be accompanied
by binding conditions placed on the property and benefits to both parties that would be
signed prior to or during the closing.
• Enter into a lease of the property of up to ten (10) years in length (the time limit allowed
by law)for the purposes defined. The lease must be structured in such a way that it is not
an attempt to circumvent the statutory prohibition on leases. The prohibition is that any
lease of ten (10) years or longer must be treated as a sale.
• The County could enter into a structured agreement with another party to contribute to the
costs of upgrading the property to support a soccer complex, and contract with that party
to manage the facility for a term with multiple renewal options.
• The County could sell the property without conditions under the negotiated sale upset bid
process, with no memorandum of understanding and no control or say on the future use
of the property.
• The County could retain ownership of the property, either for the present or permanently.
At this point, the County has not received a formal offer for the property, so opening the door to
solicitation of the same would be the first step required.
Staff requests the Board's direction as to 1) whether to entertain offers to purchase the property
or a portion thereof, 2) whether to retain the western natural resource lands in County ownership
for now, and 3) the manner of sale or lease process as outlined above.
David Stancil, DEAPR Director, introduced the item. He reviewed the property maps for
the Board and the background information as described in the abstract:
`.
t '
' r
7--Mr
.F.-. -} --..-rw r--.----r,�i ram'
i
i -
...........
"■.
r.'t - .
�s7
County
Parcels_Easements
.r
b6sting Road
Proposed Easement(exact route to be refined)
Wearns
774
La
r
k�y
27
David Stancil reviewed the natural resources on the property. He said that the original
scheme for the property included low-impact recreation in the western part of the property and
keeping it in a largely rural state. He said there are access easements on the northern side and
southern boundary.
Milihouse Road Park- Natural Resources Map
A
F
S r.
P
- r
1• s
tL.
r 7 }}
� T
ri
David Stancil said that in 2024, the county was approached about a purchase of the land
for soccer fields. He said the county commissioned an appraisal of the property. He said given
the nature of the western portion and its adjacency to Duke Forest, staff initiated preliminary
discussions with Duke Forest staff to determine their interest in the property. He said that this
portion of the site could also be retained and managed by the county or another entity. He said
they would like to see preservation of a small north-south trail corridor through the property.
Chair Bedford asked if that would fit in the western part.
David Stancil said it could, but it might fit best with the eastern edge.
David Stancil said another point of discussion is possibly adjusting the easement access
and provisions if, for example if the property were sold and not used for designated recreation
purposes. He said that could possibly mean a reversion of ownership. He said one option is for
28
a sale of the property or a portion thereof to a non-profit that would carry out a public purpose.
He said the county has owned the property for 20 years.
Chair Bedford asked about the rules regarding bond funds that were used to buy the land.
David Stancil said those bonds have been paid off and there are no restrictions for asset
sale proceeds. He said voters approved the bond with the intention of purchasing parks and open
space land. He said it is not required to be put back into a specific fund. He said if it could be
argued that it's met its purpose, particularly if it is used for some similar purpose.
Commissioner Carter asked if the property could be used for something else besides an
athletic field.
David Stancil said yes.
Commissioner Carter asked if trails could be placed in the dark green shaded areas on
the map.
David Stancil said it could. He said it could be a 10-foot natural surface path near the rail
line on the eastern side that would not be intrusive. He said one challenge with going further west
is that the Blackwood section closest to Duke Forest does not have connectivity to a trail network.
Commissioner Carter said that the property is in the rural buffer and shares a boundary
with OWASA.
David Stancil noted the boundary on the map.
Commissioner Carter asked if they should discuss a different use for the property, possible
for housing.
Chair Bedford said that there was a discussion in 2018 on the property and its suitability
for manufactured homes. She recalled that there weren't that many homes that could be sited,
and the idea was abandoned. She said that at the same time, discussions of affordable housing
on the Greene Tract opened.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how much of the land is buildable.
David Stancil said you could probably use the western portions for housing. He said in
2005 it was optioned by a local developer, but the soil on the property was not suitable to produce
a return on investment. He said that was one of the reasons the county was able to purchase it
in 2005. He said the best soils are around the old farm house and the old agricultural fields. He
said the western part has steep slopes.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many homes are permitted per acre in the rural
buffer.
David Stancil said one residence per two acres.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said housing is important, but having open space and recreation for
the people who live here is also important. She said because there is limited land for recreation,
it is important to consider that in the broader sense of other places where the county can put
housing.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said it seemed that the number one issue on the strategic
plan was housing and she wanted to discuss how they would balance that.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said she agreed, but this is one parcel. She said they need affordable
housing as well and funding that is another discussion. She said it's complicated.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that the survey requested housing for people making
$40,000-$50,000 a year. She wanted to discuss how the county will balance those things.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the interested parties want the whole piece or the part that
can only have soccer fields.
David Stancil said he couldn't speak to that. He said it would be hard to build soccer fields
on the western portion.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the flat part of the property is more valuable than the other.
She said this feels like a win-win. She said it was purchased with the intent to build soccer fields
for the county to fund and manage. She said that if someone wants to purchase it and bring that
to reality without the county paying for it, it is a win. She said this site is close to Chapel Hill and
29
Orange County hotels and restaurants would benefit hosting soccer in the area. She asked if it
would it be open to users in Orange County.
Commissioner Greene said she wanted to honor the spirit of what the voters wanted to
see with the purchase of this property. She said it is important to be intentional about where
housing goes. She said for people making lower incomes, they need to be on transit lines and
near services. She said this property was not the best place for housing.
Commissioner McKee said he agreed with Commissioner Fowler that this was a win-win
for the county. He said that due to the slope on the back side of the property, they would not be
able to build a soccer complex there. He said that leaves options for the county to use the back
side for recreation or some other use. He said if they provide areas for housing, it needs to be on
a bus line. He had concerns about the appraisal price of the property and felt it was low.
Chair Bedford noted that this property did not have to be limited to soccer. She noted
some of the other sports that could be played there. She asked about including pickleball courts.
David Stancil agreed. He said that there are occasional lacrosse and ultimate frisbee
tournaments that could use the property, but most of the demand is for soccer. He said that a
pickleball court could be included if the land was identified. He said there isn't a limitation on the
types of activities.
Chair Bedford asked how many soccer fields could fit on the property.
David Stancil said six, with associated amenities like parking, concessions, and storm
water.
Chair Bedford asked how the bathrooms would work.
David Stancil said they would be on septic. He said there could be a high demand for
wastewater, and that would need to be considered.
Chair Bedford said she asked Perdita Holtz, Deputy Director for Long Range Planning,
about the responsibility for zoning in this area. She said that it is within the joint planning area.
She said that recreational facilities in the rural buffer require a special use permit, which is
reviewed by the Board of Adjustment per the joint planning agreement, and both Carrboro and
Chapel Hill would be invited to comment on the application. She said this is done at the staff
level. She said the Board of Adjustment would consider the towns' comments, but they are not
binding. She said it appears that the railroad line does not present a safety concern as it is on
the other side of the road.
Commissioner Carter asked if the community still desires a soccer facility.
David Stancil said they did not have data specifically on this property. He said that in the
Strategic Plan survey, one of the high-ranking criteria that people liked about the community is
the open space and parks. He said a survey done for the adopted parks and recreation master
plan, showed that soccer fields were still in high demand. He said he oversees the activities at
the Soccer.com complex, and based on his observations there, more soccer fields are needed in
the community.
Commissioner Carter asked if this property could be sold to a non-profit and conditions
attached to the property.
Chair Bedford said yes, distinguishing between a sale to a non-profit or government entity
versus a regular sale.
John Roberts said if it is transferred to a non-profit, then it must have conditions on it to
keep it in a public use. He said if the non-profit stops using it for the public purpose it was
designated for originally, then it reverts to Orange County ownership. He said if it is sold on the
open market, the county cannot put conditions on that sale.
Commissioner Carter pointed out that there are opportunities to have trails on the property
and consider other uses.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the county sells outright and there's already a conservation
easement, the new owner will have to abide by that after the sale.
John Roberts said yes, easements go with the land.
30
Chair Bedford asked about the lease option.
John Roberts said if the board decided not to sell the property, but rather to lease it to, for
example, a non-profit for the purpose of constructing soccer fields, the county could do a long-
term lease because you can sell to a nonprofit for that reason. He said if it's for a public purpose
to a nonprofit, it can be a long-term lease beyond 10 years. He said if you lease it to a private
party for general use or for something else, then it must be 10 years or less.
Chair Bedford asked if most of the soccer organizations are non-profits.
David Stancil said most of the ones he's familiar with are.
Chair Bedford asked about the properties owned by Rainbow Soccer.
David Stancil said Rainbow Soccer properties now owns a couple of different properties
that were conveyed in June 2024.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said if the county were to lease the property to a non-profit,
would the county rent it below market and then still be responsible for maintenance.
John Roberts said that would depend on the terms of the lease. He said presumably a
lease to someone who is running and building fields would provide that the party is also in charge
of maintenance.
Commissioner McKee asked where the nearest OWASA sewage line is and whether this
will require a pump station.
David Stancil said the closest line is the town operation center across the railroad line. He
said he did not know about a pump station.
Commissioner McKee said to try to do this with on-site septic, it would eat up a lot of
property. He said this could attract a lot of attendees.
David Stancil said that Planning reminded him that it would require a change to
WASMPBA.
Commissioner Greene said there may be other treatment plans that might work.
Commissioner McKee said he didn't know what would be required, but it would still need
a leach field which impacts profit.
Chair Bedford said at Blackwood Farm Park a vault system is used for the bathrooms,
which is pumped.
Commissioner McKee said he wanted to make sure they were aware that it's a limitation
that will need to be addressed.
Chair Bedford said that given the county's budget needs, she supports moving forward.
She said she would like for it to be leased or sold to a non-profit or another local government so
it could be restricted to active recreation. She said any offers that come in, would need to be
discussed by the Board. She said they would need to know who would be served and the type
of programming. She said the money from this proposal could support other parts of the CIP
involving parks. She said now the Board should give guidance or parameters for moving forward.
She asked if the county should use a realtor.
Commissioner McKee asked if the county put the property up for public sale, could the
Board put limitations on use.
John Roberts said if the county puts it up for public sale, they cannot limit the use. He
said if the Board wants to restrict the use it has to be either to a non-profit or another government.
Chair Bedford asked what the best way to sell the property.
John Roberts said if they are restricting uses, they will have a limited pool of people
interested in it. He said he did not see the benefit of hiring a commercial realtor to advertise to a
limited group.
Travis Myren said they would likely put out a request for proposals with the parameters
and the questions raised by the Board. He said as a next step they could put together a solicitation
package.
Commissioner McKee said he would support a sale. He said he is not interested in the
county leasing it and being responsible for the upkeep.
31
Commissioner Greene agreed with Commissioner McKee. She said she would like to sell
it to a non-profit, with conditions that it would revert to the county if the use changed.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said she would want to divide the property and retain access to
natural space and trails. She said she is open to lease or sale.
Commissioner Fowler asked if Vice-Chair Hamilton was open to selling only half of it or if
the other party would agree to leaving that part of the property.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said she was interested in only selling half of it.
Chair Bedford said they shouldn't limit themselves to half; she said the limit should be the
feasible active recreation or to preserve the natural heritage areas.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the property would be subdivided.
John Roberts said that it could be subdivided, or they could put an easement on the back
portion for passive recreation.
David Stancil said the natural resource area is about 30 acres, which leaves about 45-49
acres.
Commissioner Fowler said it complicates the value of the property with the easement.
She said she is overall good with the proposal.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she is in favor of selling it outright. She said she is also
in favor of subdividing it. She said there is some value in getting a professional opinion on what
the property could sell for. She said she would like an updated appraisal.
Chair Bedford asked the County Manager to bring back the cost of having an appraisal
after a subdivision.
Commissioner Fowler said that an easement affects the appraisal.
Chair Bedford said she wanted to sell a portion of the property. She said they would figure
out what they'd do with the heritage area and the stream.
Commissioner Carter said she is in favor of a sale. She said is also open to selling the
natural area to a non-profit that manages natural areas.
Chair Bedford said that would be a conservation easement.
David Stancil said there are a myriad of ways that could be accomplished.
Commissioner Fowler asked if they would do that so if in the future it could not be turned
into housing, even if they own it.
David Stancil said the occasions in which you would need to do that are if you are seeking
grant funding. He said some grant agencies now require it.
Commissioner Carter asked if it is possible to sell to a partner like the Triangle Land
Conservancy and the land would be protected in perpetuity.
Chair Bedford gave an example of Duke Forest. She said that is possible, but it would be
separate from this process. She said that whoever is interested in the property might need
flexibility in the property line.
3. Discussion Regarding the Work of the Strategic Communications Work Group
The Board discussed the efforts of the Strategic Communications Work Group and provide
direction to staff on the future role of the Work Group.
BACKGROUND: The Strategic Communications Work Group (the Work Group) was first
established on June 17, 2014, as part of a three-phased approach to developing a Strategic
Communications Plan.
The original Work Group included the Deputy County Manager, County department
representatives designated by the County Manager, and two (2) members of the Board of
Commissioners. Since that time, the Work Group has met periodically, but also experienced
periods of inactivity.
32
The current Work Group, comprised of two (2) members of the Board of Commissioners and the
Community Relations Director, meets monthly.
At the Board's July 8, 2025 Business meeting, Commissioner Amy Fowler (a current member of
the Work Group) proposed that the Board schedule a discussion regarding the Work Group's role
and future. Continuation of the Work Group as is or with an amended role are potential options.
It has also been noted that the Work Group could be sunset and that the County Manager and
staff could instead provide regular updates regarding the County's communications efforts at
Board of County Commissioners' meetings.
Wil Glenn, Director of Community Relations, introduced the item.
Slide #1
f
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Strategic Communications Work Group
Wil Glenn
Community Relations Director
September 9, 2025
Slide #2
Strategic Communications Work Group
• Established in 2014 (Communications Committee)
• Purpose: To develop a Strategic Communications Plan (part of a three-
phased approach)
• Original Work Group Composition:
— Two Members of the Board of Commissioners
— Deputy County Manager
— County Department Representatives(designated by County Manager)
• Current Work Group Composition:
— Two Members of the Board of Commissioners
— Community Relations Director ORANGE COUNTY
2 NORTH CAROLINA
Wil Glenn said the group's purpose was to draft a communications plan in a three-pronged
approach. He said the first was to identify the public information strategies that the various
departments were using and how they interact with the community relations office. He said phase
33
two was to obtain a contractor to interview the board and county staff and present a summary to
the board. He said phase three was to draft the communications plan with the contractor's help.
Slide #3
Board of Commissioners Appointees
• 2014-Commissioners Penny Rich and Alice Gordon
• 2015-Commissioners Penny Rich and Alice Gordon
• 2016- No new Commissioners were identified (group"in maintenance")
• 2017- No new Commissioners were identified (group"in maintenance")
• At some point in 2017 the work group reconvened,and Commissioners Penny Rich and
Commissioner Mark Marcopios began serving
• 2018-Commissioners Earl McKee and Renee Price
• 2019-Commissioners Mark Dorosin and Penny Rich
• 2020-Commissioners Mark Dorosin and Penny Rich
• 2021 -Commissioners Jean Hamilton and Renee Price
• 2022-Commissioners Jean Hamilton and Renee Price
• 2023-Commissioners Jean Hamilton and Earl McKee
• 2024-Commissioners Anna Richards and Earl McKee
• 2025-Commissioners Marilyn Carter and Amy Fowler
3 ORANGE iv COUNTY
cA
Wil Glenn said the communications plan was adopted in 2015.
Slide #4
Achievements and Outcomes
• Created Communications Strategic Plan (2015)
• Assessed and Revised ETC Survey Questions (2025)
• Established Schedule for BOCC Biography Updates on Website (2025)
• Transitioned to Open Meeting Format(2025)
.bQzt�
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CARC3LINA
Commissioner Fowler said the current form of the group was just two commissioners and
the Community Relations Director. She said the Community Relations Director updated them on
the strategic communication plan. She said that is happening now with having a couple open
sessions for the community to talk about how the best interact. She said the Community Relations
Director went to each of the departments and with some community groups that are in charge of
communications. She said that the work group was not part of that. She said they went over the
questions for the strategic plan survey. She said they've done some substantive things, but it
also came to their attention that the work group's meeting should be open. She wondered if some
of the questions or topics should be presented to the Board as a whole. She said she thought
34
the Board could get regular updates on communications. She said when they receive it, it could
also allow time for the community to participate.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said there hasn't been continuity on the Board, and the importance
of the group had not been passed on to new members. She said it is an opportunity to create a
real advisory board. She said the number one issue that came up with the strategic plan is
communication. She said she hears all the time that people can't find things on the website. She
said she wanted the group to hear from other parts of the county on how they are communicating.
She said that community members should have a place to talk about how they want to hear from
the county and what the networks are. She said it may not need to have commissioners on it.
She said they need input from the community on what works for them. She said they should
consider what the charge should be for the group. She said the structure of the group should be
clear.
Commissioner Greene asked if this should be ongoing or a time-limited task force.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said she thought it should be ongoing due to changing
communication methods and needs. She said the dynamic nature of media and communications
means that it should be ongoing.
Commissioner Fowler asked if staff got a lot of input during the two community forums.
Wil Glenn said there were about 20 people present over two forums. He said they also
got input through surveys.
Commissioner Fowler asked if it led to anything new that the county wasn't doing.
Wil Glenn said they heard that residents get information from those they trust or
community influencers. He said they are now trying to determine who those groups are and
incorporate them into the communications strategy. He said that residents said it's important to
have informational handouts. He said they are trying to make sure that people who are not using
digital media are informed.
Travis Myren said they are putting together reports from the forums and will share with the
Board.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they got feedback on the website, especially with
need for plain language on the website.
Wil Glenn said they are still working on that.
Commissioner Fowler said that was one of the goals when she first joined the work group.
Commissioner McKee said he hears from the public that the website is difficult to use. He
said communication should be multi-pronged.
Commissioner Greene said she finds the website very difficult to use.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said one of the reasons she advocates for community members to
be part of the group is because of the skills and talents in the community. She said getting their
input would really help.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the forums will be ongoing.
Wil Glenn said they plan to keep them going.
Commissioner Carter asked if it is a good time to rethink the approach for communications.
She said she would like to hear from Community Relations on a regular basis. She asked if they
should sunset this particular group and then considering creating a new group after reviewing the
new strategic communications plan.
Commissioner McKee said there were about seven people in attendance at the public
input sessions. He said that the word did not get out widely, and he wasn't sure it was worth the
staff's time. He asked if it would be more effective for staff to propose a new solution to get the
community engaged.
The Board agreed by consensus to sunset the strategic communications work group as it
is currently structured.
35
Vice-Chair Hamilton said a new advisory board will bring on community leaders, and they
will help get the word out. She said that they need to create an institution where people can come
in and talk about issues, build trust, and then take that information out to their communities.
Commissioner McKee said he often hears from community members that important
information is not on the website, or it wasn't communicated through the radio or public signage.
Commissioner Carter said that when the strategic communications plan is presented to
the Board, they will hear that the Community Relations Director is engaging with communications
leaders across different organizations. She said it's not the full scope of Vice-Chair Hamilton's
suggestions, but it is a piece of the work.
Chair Bedford said that during the census, for each census block, one or two community
leaders participated. She said that the search engine for the website should be improved. She
said that a previous proposal seven years ago was very expensive, but things may have changed.
She said that people should be encouraged to sign up for the alert so they can get essential
information. She noted that Durham has a "one-call" option, where a live person answers and
they keep data on the questions and responses generated from program. She asked if the county
hired communications specialists for various departments.
Travis Myren said two or three were hired and distributed across bigger departments. He
said that a discussion they need to have is if those positions should be centralized.
Chair Bedford said she does not find the county to be effective at communication
externally. She said that the proposed changes to the strategic communications plan should be
tested and piloted. She said she isn't seeing an advisory group, but a way to pilot different
methods of communications.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said that the communication specialists were expected to be liaisons
to the community, but they got pulled into other roles at the county.
Commissioner Fowler said the Family Success Alliance has community navigators who
might be helpful in this work.
Wil Glenn said the one-call program in Durham is a separate department.
4. Discussion on Tax Collector's Reports
The Board:
1) received information on the statutory requirements of the Tax Office to make available
tax collection reports to the BOCC at its Business meetings;
2) received explanations of the meanings behind the reports; and
3) provided input on the content of the reports.
BACKGROUND: Each month at the early Business meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC), the Tax Office provides three Tax Collector's reports as information
items:
• Numerical Analysis
• Measure of Enforced Collections
• Foreclosure Chart
At the Board's request, the Tax Office is providing a information to explain the purpose the reports
serve for the BOCC and the public, the history of the reports and why they are provided.
Additionally, the presentation will review each report, and the terminology used in the reports will
be explained. In addition, how the enforced collection measures are used will be explained.
Staff also request input from the Board on the content of the reports to ensure that the reports
meet the data needs of the Board and the public, as well as the statutory requirements.
36
Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, introduced the item and staff in attendance and made
the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Explanation of Tax Collector's Reports
Board of Commissioners
Work Session
November 11,2025
Slide #2
Purpose
The Tax Office will:
1. Provide statutory requirement to make available tax collection reports to
the BOCC at their business meetings.
2. Provide explanations of the meanings behind the reports.
3. Receive input from the Board of Commissioners as to the content of these
reports.
2 ORAN H COUNT
Y
37
Slide #3
Tax Collections Reports
• At the first regular meeting of each month, the Tax Office provides three tax
collection reports as information items:
❖Numerical Analysis Collections
❖Measures of Enforced Collections
❖Foreclosure Chart and History
• Reports give proof of Tax Collector's Office actions taken to collect the levy
needed to fund the fiscal year budget.
• Reports are measure of transparency of the Tax Collector's charge and the
results of the work being done towards that charge.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #4
Statutory Requirements
NCGS 105-350(7) General duties of tax collectors.
It shall be the duty of each tax collector:
To submit to the governing body at each of its regular meetings a report of the amount he has collected on each year's
taxes with which he is charged,the amount remaining uncollected, and the steps he is taking to encourage or enforce
payment of uncollected taxes.
NCGS 105-321(b) Disposition of tax records and receipts; order of collection.
Before delivering the tax receipts to the tax collector in any year,the board of county commissioners or municipal governing
body shall adopt and enter in its minutes an order directing the tax collector to collect the taxes charged in the tax records
and receipts.A copy of this order shall be delivered to the tax collector at the time the tax receipts are delivered to him, but
the failure to do so shall not affect the tax collector's rights and duties to employ the means of collecting taxes provided by
this Subchapter.
NCGS 105-373(a)(4) Settlements.
Disposition of Tax Receipts after Settlement. — Uncollected taxes allowed as credits in the settlement prescribed in
subdivision (a)(3) of this section, whether represented by tax liens held by the taxing unit or included in the list of
insolvents, shall, for purposes of collection, be recharged to the tax collector or charged to some other person designated
by the governing body of the taxing unit under statutory authority...
4 ORANGE
COUNTY
NA
38
Slide#5
Fiscal Year Numerical
Collections Data Valid
Charge Through This
°a`� Analysis
LFl..;.l;eY,..,
urrnt Pro ert Tax Collection-Tax Effective Date of Repo as of September 30,2025 Collections
Amen chargeal. Amoun[gudgeted %argnagettion ar 2026 FY Z526 Amount Collettetl Axounte Re<elvable nFY 25 Zfi Remaining Budget Collected
and Personal %of Bud et
C urrent Ye ar Taxes 5 199,528253,00 34,176,190.72 168.130624.43 199,528253.00 5 165.352062.28 17.n% g
Real and Personal Pd.r Collected as
rear ra.e: 5 4.098.324.06 5 3]0,1]2.86 2.2]6,456.06 5 1.zss a6e.ao 5 91T 895.14 23.74% Of Report
total $ 203,626,sT/.06 S 34,546,363.58 $ IJ0,38J,080.49 $ 200,816,3z1.00 $ 166,269,957.42 11.20% Date
Regi s[e red Motor
—hi— t714
Prior Fiscal achageai ¢.dgetea %orgaageYearYm YearZD2A mu FY 2425 Amoun[ Aaoon[s ReceivableA InFY24Z5 nemalnln¢¢ud¢e Colleced
Collectons $ 185.86460.5.00 ,1 15LJ53,483.24Real aaa Personal Pdor 5 4.2P.sJ9.86 $ 2 2,363,608.05 $ 2,220,412.09 5 Y9J3,390.91 11.13%ar Total $ 190,092,224.86 $ $ $ 166,085,066.04 1).Y4%
Registered Motor
V eM1ICIe Taxes $4,11J,168.93 $2,6a5.19 $ 13,JJ6,986.00 $ 9,s68,8]B.oJ 29.89%
20Zs Curren[Year Cry 11 Collection Perczntage-Real&Pets nal 16.89%
Represents 2mscar 1 Yearoeeran cone�rion Pge-,.tu,g giaerea
Levy Mttor Vehldes 1R.61%
Collection 2 Curwn[Year Overall Cellettlon Porten a-Reala Personal 17.81%
Percentages 2(VA Cumen[Year Overall Collection Pemen[age-vdtlr Registered
rvehiaes 1960% �
Comparisons
with Prior ORANGE COUNTY
Year NORTH CAROLINA
Chair Bedford asked if tax year 2025 is different than the fiscal year.
Nancy Freeman said it is the current year that they are collecting for, and penalties will be
due after December 31St. She said it is what is funding the current fiscal year, 2025-26. She said
they are showing a comparison of what the Tax department was doing in the previous year.
Chair Bedford said that the figure of $203,626,577 in slide #5 is the property taxes that
the bills went out for.
Nancy Freeman said that's the current year that the bills went out for, plus delinquent
taxes that are charged from previous years. She said that the effective date is at the top of the
chart, and they are showing how well they are doing compared to the previous year.
Chair Bedford said that when they get the report in June, they would want to see that
figure in the 90s.
Nancy Freeman said they also compare to how well they are doing collecting based
against the entire levy.
Chair Bedford asked if motor vehicle collections are a month behind.
Nancy Freeman said they are usually a little behind.
Chair Bedford asked if this is information is required to be given to the Board.
Nancy Freeman said yes.
39
Slide #6
Measures of Enforced Collection
Enforced Monthly totals by
Collection Enforced Data valid YTD totals by
Type Collection type thru this data [C.,
Enforcedlection type
Effective Date of Report:September 30,2025
Juty August Septembe ott Oeer Novemberec Dember January February March April May June YID
Wage garnishments 97 9 13 119
Bankattachments 140 2 2 1"
Certifications
Rent attachments
Housing/Ewheats/Monies 28 1 29
LeviK
Furectowre Tnie Searches Completed 1 6 7
NC Debt SetoHcolledions $g 92 $ 51t1.71 S92a.69
Provides Tax CoVedor's @Harts to—courage and enforce payment of taxes for fiscal year 2025-2026.Provides brnAdown of enforced collection colons by category,and a year-todate total.
Provided in ACCORDANCE WITH NCG5105-350171-
SEE DEFINITIONS OF ENFORCED COLLECTIONS METHODS ATTACHMENT
ORoNGECOUNTY
LINA
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the numbers represent in the measures of enforced
collections.
Valerie Curry, Revenue Collections Manager, who was sitting in the audience, said it is
the number of actions.
Chair Bedford asked if the numbers are new enforcement actions.
Valerie Curry said it represents legal action initiated in that month.
Nancy Freeman said that it could be six months before they begin to see the collections
from the initiation of legal action.
Nancy Freeman said certifications are no longer relevant due to changing technology.
Nancy Freeman said rent attachments are when the Tax department goes to the renter
and asks them to pay the Tax department instead of their landlord.
Valerie Curry explained how renters are approached for this request.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there are particular demographics that are
represented in enforced collections. She asked what methods people have for paying taxes.
Valerie Curry said they start with phone calls, emails, field visits, and letters. She said a
wage garnishment is 10% of their gross wage. She said they usually start there if they must do
illegal action.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there are any noticeable trends.
Valerie Curry said she has not noticed any trends.
Commissioner Carter asked what NC Debt Setoff collections is.
Nancy Freeman said that it is a way to work with the state to receive payment on debts if
the state is holding any money for an individual.
Valerie Curry said that Health and other departments also use this tool.
Chair Bedford asked if we have lower numbers than other counties.
Bernice Gwynn, Deputy Collections Manager, said there are some counties that collect
more than Orange, but the county collects a considerable amount. She said EMS collects a lot
of money through NC Debt setoff. She listed the other departments that use NC Debt Setoff.
40
Slide #7
Foreclosure Chart and History
BLUE Orange County Foreclosures
number of Title 30
Searches
25
20
=Sold
15
10
`
2015 2016 2017 2015 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
GREEN
Number of �TITLE SEARCHES COMPLETED a PARCELS SOLD ATFORECLOSURE ■TAXES PAID PRIOR TOFORECLOSURE
Parcels Paid in
Full Priorto
Foreclosure *Approximately 45 parcels were sold during the years 2002.2014.
*Orange County has acquired 7 parcels via tax foreclosure since 2002.
**Foreclosure processes generally take six months therefore properties are often auctioned in the following calendaryear.
_ _ _ _ __ STY
NORTH CAROLINA
Nancy Freeman said they have a ten-year window in which to collect taxes, and
foreclosure is a last resort.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if parcel numbers are provided in foreclosure reports.
Nancy Freeman said she's asked other counties if they provide parcel numbers and had
not heard back yet. She said that since 2002, the county has acquired seven parcels through tax
foreclosure, which are still owned by the county.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there is anything that prevents the county from
including parcel numbers.
Valerie Curry said they could give parcel numbers and townships, but since the parcels
are usually vacant there wouldn't be a zip code.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about the connection between the number of searches and
foreclosures.
Valerie Curry said that 85-90% of taxes are paid before foreclosure. She said the ones
that aren't are usually difficult properties that aren't as desirable, and most of them are family
properties where the owner died without a will. She said most debts are paid after final notice.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if the number of title searches is the first step in foreclosure.
Valerie Curry said that is correct, and the title search is representative of the notice of
foreclosure.
Chair Bedford said that based on the chart, it appears there were many more parcels sold
at foreclosure than seven.
Valerie Curry said Orange County purchased seven, but there were many more parcels
sold.
Chair Bedford asked why the county bought the seven.
Valerie Curry said no one else bid on the parcels.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked who purchased the other properties.
Valerie Curry said that information is with the Clerk of Court. She said it would be hard to
know if the purchasers are investors. She said that it's usually an LLC or individual bidding.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if it's more LLCs or individuals.
41
Chair Bedford said you can't tell if an LLC is managed by more than one member.
Bernice Gwynn asked if the question was asking if there are one or two people purchasing
all the properties. She said there are many people purchasing, not just one investor.
Valerie Curry said it is sporadic.
Commissioner McKee said the problem is investors buying individual houses directly at
reduced fire sale prices.
Slide #8
r
Definitions For Measures of Enforced Collection Explanations
& Terminology
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Slide#9
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
N(IR-FIA("AR[7LINA
The Board said that they wanted to continue getting all the reports.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said the statute requires that these reports be given at every regular
meeting.
Nancy Freeman said they've always given them monthly
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The Board requested that Nancy Freeman work with the County Manager and County
Attorney to determine the frequency of reports.
5. Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board — Appointments
Discussion
The Board discussed appointments to the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory
Board.
BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board is charged with
developing and coordinating visitor services in Orange County. It also implements marketing
programs that enhance the economic activity and quality of life in the community.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seventeen (17) members, with representatives
from specific entities and fields.
The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Karen M. Dehart NC High School Second Full Term 12/31/2028
Athletic Association
Matt Hughes Town of Hillsborough First Full Term 12/31/2028
Board of (reappointment)
Commissioners
Ben Marklin Alliance for Historic First Full Term 12/31/2028
Hillsborough rea ointment
David Economic First Full Term 12/31/2028
Yonkovich- Development Staff- (reappointment)
Putnam Town of Chapel Hill
If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Chapel Hill 06/30/2026 Vacant since 05/07/2025
Downtown
Partnership Staff
NOTE: There are no applicants eligible for this vacancy.
Laura Jensen introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended individuals.
6. Commission for the Environment—Appointments Discussion
The Board discussed appointments to the Commission for the Environment.
BACKGROUND: The Commission for the Environment advises the Board of Commissioners on
matters affecting the environment with particular emphasis on protection. It educates the public
and local officials on environmental issues, performs special studies and projects, recommends
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environmental initiatives, and studies changes in environmental science and local and federal
regulations.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) members, with representatives from
various fields.
The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Matthew At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2028
Ferguson (reappointment
Mayur Lodaya At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2028
(reappointment)
William L. At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2028
Branch (reappointment)
Mark Randall At-Large Second Full Term 12/31/2028
If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain.
Laura Jensen introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended individuals.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
adjourn the meeting at 9:51 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board