Mebane launches "Mebane 2045" comprehensive plan update; public forum set for Nov. 19

Ashley Oimey, development director for the city of Mebane, opened the session by announcing the city's comprehensive land development plan update, which staff are calling "Mebane 2045," and named Green Heron Planning and Neelan Planning as the project consultants. "We are in the 1st stages of updating our comprehensive land development plan, and we're calling this process Mebane 2045, planning for a charming tomorrow," Oimey said.

Ben Hitchings, principal of Green Heron Planning and the consulting team's project manager, told meeting participants the plan will serve as a policy guide for land use decisions and public investments and that the consultants will work with a newly formed community advisory committee to shape outreach, goals and a future land use map. "The community advisory committee has a very particular role to serve as a touchstone for us," Hitchings said, adding the committee will advise on public events and draft plan elements.

A staff speaker said 14 community members have already been appointed to the community advisory committee. Several committee members and residents offered priorities and reactions during the meeting. One resident urged better connections between a southern neighborhood and downtown, saying that area "feels a little bit separated" and it "takes us a little bit to get into downtown." Another resident who lives within walking distance of downtown said she wants downtown to grow with more mixed-use development that supports walking, biking and local businesses.

The planning board liaison on the advisory committee emphasized affordable housing as a central challenge. "Affordable housing is probably the number 1 thing that is going to be difficult to achieve while still maintaining things like the small town feel," the liaison said, and also advocated for creating neighborhood-business "pockets" that bring elements of downtown closer to other neighborhoods.

Speakers also voiced support for active-transportation projects and trails, while one participant described the local job market shift away from large manufacturers toward warehouse jobs and urged efforts to create higher-wage opportunities. Meeting participants were encouraged to provide input via an online survey and by attending an in-person public forum: staff said the forum will be held at the Mebane Arts and Community Center on Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. The staff announcement also noted a few survey participants will be randomly selected for "special Mebane experiences," including a ride in the Christmas parade.

City and consultant remarks repeatedly framed the plan as shaping "who Mebane is" and said resident participation will guide decisions about growth, housing and downtown development. The city encouraged broad participation from residents across neighborhoods as the team prepares for larger community events and the next phases of work on the Mebane 2045 plan.