The Orange County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on October 3, 2024, where community members expressed concerns regarding local development and zoning issues. The meeting featured discussions on the impact of potential zoning changes and the perceived lack of growth in the area.

The first speaker, a local builder, raised concerns about the feasibility of developing new lots, particularly the financial burden of constructing private roads. He emphasized that the costs associated with such developments often outweigh the benefits, particularly for starter homes aimed at first-time buyers. He noted a decline in local population, referencing a drop in high school enrollment as indicative of broader demographic trends. The builder questioned the county's claims of significant growth, suggesting that comparisons with other counties were misleading and not applicable to Orange County's unique situation.

Following this, Ernie Johnson, another community member, referenced a previous Planning Commission meeting from July 18, where the zoning administrator, Mr. Frederick, had stated that high lot yields were not commonly seen in the area. Johnson highlighted Frederick's repeated assertions that land subdivision by long-standing landowners was not occurring, urging the commission to consider this perspective seriously. He questioned the rationale behind proposed zoning changes if the zoning administrator indicated that there was no pressing issue with current land use practices.

The discussions underscored a broader concern among residents about the direction of local planning and development policies. Community members called for transparency and data to support claims of growth and the need for zoning adjustments. The meeting concluded with a clear message from the public: any changes to zoning regulations should be grounded in factual data and reflect the realities of Orange County, rather than assumptions based on trends in other regions.

The Planning Commission is expected to take these community concerns into account as they continue to evaluate local development strategies and zoning regulations in future meetings.