Almost 200 people packed the Orange County commission chambers Tuesday, arguing for and against a proposed new elementary school out in the Wedgefield area.

But in the end, commissioners approved the school with a few conditions.

The K through eighth grade school will be located in the Wedgefield neighborhood in East Orange County, off Bancroft Avenue between Ortega and Paddock streets.

The county planning and zoning meeting started at 2p.m. Tuesday, and 167 people signed up to speak before the board makes a decision to move forward with the school.

Those for it said it's needed to help deal with overcrowding at Columbia Elementary School.

Some of those parents said their students are forced to ride the bus over 45 minutes every day to get to Columbia Elementary.

Those against it said they are concerned about the environmental and traffic impacts it would bring to a rural neighborhood.

The board unanimously approved the Wedgefield site, but with conditions that included:

  • Creating and submitting a buffer plan to address compatibility with the adjacent properties
  • High school will be prohibited on the site
  • Primary access to the school must be on Bancroft Avenue

The Orange County Commissioners approved the land for the school initially back in 2010.

One of the concerns Mayor Theresa Jacobs voiced was over pedestrian access to the school and Commissioner Jennifer Thompson was concerned over what kind of water will be used for the school.