Planning Board meeting of November 4
CC_Patty Norris_O'Connor
November 9, 2020
Dear Board Members,
I’m writing to express my utter disbelief at the way the November 4th planning meeting was conducted. I know that ZOOM meetings tend to have a more casual feel. (E.g. Business casual dress from the waist up, the unexpected appearance of children popping into the screen or a pet barking in the background.) But every attempt should be made for board members to maintain a professional demeanor regardless of the setting. Sitting at a desk or table by yourself, as opposed to laying next to your snoring husband, is much more appropriate.
Too, I firmly believe all board members should have been visible for the entire meeting—no darkened screens, even momentarily. I’m reasonably sure that all of you possess the means to be able to attend the meeting on your computer via ZOOM. And while it’s perfectly fine to have a big drink to sip on for a 2-3 hour meeting, eating and other activities shouldn’t be happening during that time. Indeed, it wouldn’t have happened had we all been sitting in the room together.
My perception is that several of the members weren’t engaged at all, saying only 3 words the entire evening—present, yes and yes. There was no indication that they had read the proposal or were in any way involved in the process of reviewing and recommending and/or advising against this project. I appreciate the thoughtful questions of a couple of members but I’m dismayed that a giant gas station and convenience store sitting next to a protected watershed doesn’t generate many more questions for the developer. Not one question about the environmental study conducted? It seems you bought the Buc-ees line of “we have cool stuff” and “we’re a great fit for Efland” hook, line and sinker. It makes me wonder if the decision wasn’t made before the meeting even took place. Did anyone do any Buc-ee’s research? There’s plenty that can be Googled and it’s not all cool stuff. I’m quite sure most of you have viewed the Buc-ee’s “Efland Crossing” website, even if only casually. Did anyone look at the “Voice4Efland” website as provided by Mr. Jared Cates?
Finally, 18 people took the time to voice their opinions and concerns about this proposed development. Other than the “thank you” we received from Ms. Holtz at the end of our short speeches, there was no acknowledgement from the rest of the board. No one asked for clarification or supporting documentation. I personally, felt very insulted that no one even acknowledged the validity of our concerns, whether they agreed with them or not. (It’s about much more than just traffic and safety.) And finally, where was the deliberation? Was it the 15-20 minutes of final questions before the vote? Was it the 5 minutes it took for everyone to say “Yes” twice? A project of this size and scope that has the potential for such a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of all Eflanders (and many surrounding neighbors) should have generated far more discussion and deliberation. It leaves me with very little faith that the best interests of Orange County citizens have been considered.
We were directed, as attendees, that we should conduct ourselves with respect and kindness. That should have been reciprocated by every board member.
Respectfully,
Patricia O’Connor