Historic Large-Scale Zoning of Eno Economic Development District May Happen Tomorrow Night

On the heels of summer, while citizens are getting back from other pursuits, the County is poised to solidify an historic rezoning of a community that had the misfortune to be in an Economic Development District that was conceived of theoretically about twenty years ago. The Eno district, one of three, was generally identified as a place for future business zoning in the early 90's. Nothing was done for a couple of decades. People moved into the area, built community connections, and were unaware of the land-use designation that lay several layers deep in the County's casual planning scheme.

 As a member of the County Planning Board, I heard a large number of individuals express their confusion and dismay last spring that their neighborhood was going to be irrevocably altered to accept a variety of businesses. This has not slowed down the County staff, led by assertive Manager Frank Clifton who is focused on the nebulous concept of economic development to bring in tax dollars. This effort to fast-track the Eno EDD rezoniong is likely linked to the fact that the BOCC has several lame-ducks (Foushee moving on to run for State office, and Hemminger & Yuhascz turned out by the voters) who will support this rough-shod initiative that will run over the sentiments of the community. Clifton certainly does not want to present this to the new Board who will assume their seats in December, the new board that will better represent to will of the voters. And, observers of the compliant BOCC will concur, Clifton has managed to make himself more of a CEO than a public servant.

This process is being fast-tracked to the detriment of not only the community, but to the vision of Orange County that we share. Nothing good can come of tax dollars raised at the expense of compromised democracy and lack of respect for neighborhoods. Frankly, there are parts of this rezoning plan that could work. But not this wholesale, fast-track shake-up of the community.

 Furthermore, I know that there are members of both the BOCC and the Planning Board that never explored the streets and neighborhoods of the Eno EDD to see first-hand what the lay of the land is. It is unconscionable to make decisions that will affect so many people's lives based upon some vague maps in an agenda packet.

I'm not sure if the rubber-stamping can be postponed so we can have the full discussion that something of this magnitude deeserves but,  in the limited time available before tomorrow night's meeting,  folks need to be made aware of the issue and the power politics at play on the county level.