Orange County shapes a growth plan

Orange County planners are working on a document that will guide the county's land use and growth for years.

It is the first overhaul of the county's comprehensive plan since 1981.

"After 20 years, there's some new thoughts out there, and a new economy out there," said Craig Benedict, planning director.

Planning department staff members held a public information meeting Tuesday evening to present drafts of the first phase of the plan, due for completion next month. About 20 people attended.

The plan's first phase includes the county's long-term goals and the compilation of the data that will guide completion of the plan as a whole. Those data include population figures and growth projections, some of which extend to 2030.

Some of the projections indicate the county's population could grow from an estimated 126,000 people in 2005 to more than 192,000 people in 2030.

Sharlene Pilkey was on the planning board that created the 1981 plan. Though that plan has been revised, she is interested in seeing how the county intends to manage growth with a new one.

"I've seen what happened in Wake County. I've seen what happened in Durham. And we need planning," she said.

Efland farmer Ben Lloyd voiced his concern about the county's economic development and what he says is an anti-growth climate. "Orange County ought to have money running out the ears, but Orange County has been closed to economic growth for 30 years," he said.

When finished, the comprehensive plan will contain eight sections, dealing with topics such as economic development, housing, land use, recreation, utilities and transportation.

The county expects to complete the plan by August 2008.