August 2013

Rogers Road Task Force Work Slowed by EPA Complaint

Submitted by Molly De Marco on August 1, 2013 - 8:29am

The Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood Task Force continues its work but has a new barrier to contend with that may preclude the Orange County Board of Commissioners from taking action. As reported in this story by Chapelboro, an EPA complaint filed by the Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association in 2007 alleges the Orange County Planning and Inspections Department (OCPID) "intentionally discriminated on the basis of race by denying water and sewer service to the African American residents of the Rogers Road Community." The full letter from the EPA to the OCPID can be read here.

At the recent task force meeting held on July 17, 2013, Board of Commissioners representatives Renee Price and Penny Rich abstained from several votes on recommendations of what to include in the task force's final report, citing the EPA complaint.

Provide Input on the Orange County Bus Plan

Submitted by Travis Crayton on August 1, 2013 - 11:28am

Over the next two weeks, Orange County will be holding public outreach sessions to get feedback from central and rural Orange County residents about the Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan. Residents are invited to discuss options for new, expanded and existing bus services under the plan. Bus routes to be brought for public input will include rural service routes, regional service routes, and the Hillsborough Circulator.

Four meetings will be held throughout northern Orange County in August. The dates and locations are as follows, and can also be found on the OP calendar.

Changes to Charter School rules to benefit for-profit companies?

Submitted by czei on August 1, 2013 - 9:34pm

At first the changes to the rules regarding charter schools didn't make sense.  What school would hire teachers without college degrees and without doing a background check?

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/31/3948579/nc-charter-school-bill-is-very.html 

The missing piece was the rise in the number of out-of-state companies that are running for-profit charter schools in NC.  The major cost in a school is salaries, so the easiest way to make a profit is to hire teachers with no college degree and limited employment opportunities due to problems that would show up on a background check.

http://www.charlottemagazine.com/Charlotte-Magazine/October-2012/Getting-Schooled/

Sure, that's simplistic, but what other way is there to interpret the legislature's actions?

 

chgap hill town council debates

Submitted by gpknc on August 3, 2013 - 9:39am
I have replied to all debates and said I will attend  

Eliminate Racial Inequity in Student Discipline in Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools

Submitted by Molly De Marco on August 7, 2013 - 12:47pm

On June 20th a hearing was held at a Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education meeting about the need to address racial inequities in how students are disciplined. As we gear up for another school year, I hope that efforts continue to be made to eliminate these inequities. Some activities have already begun. More and more of our neighbors are attending Undoing/Anti-Racism/Dismantling Racism workshops, and the CHCCS this summer held one of these workshops specifically for students and another that many staff attended. (Workshops will be held in the fall and are open to the public. For more information: Undoing Racism/Racial Equity Workshops in Chapel Hill; Dismantling Racism Workshops in Durham.)

A number of folks spoke at that June 20th hearing, including public defender James Williams, who shared these remarks:

Eno Economic Development District Land Use

Submitted by WhisperingPines on August 7, 2013 - 1:52pm

Is anyone/group working to oppose this?  I would like to participate.  I attended the Town Meeting hosted by Durham last night (no OC representation).  Can this be stopped???

http://durhamnc.gov/ich/cb/ccpd/Pages/Eno-Economic-Development-District-Land-Use-Updates.aspx 

Chapel Hill/Carrboro Just Housing Coalition Meeting

Submitted by Ellen Perry on August 7, 2013 - 5:37pm

Chapel Hill/Carrboro Just Housing Coalition is an informal alliance that is forming to work against injustice and for affordable housing in our community.

We are seeking organizations, citizens, and elected officials in the Chapel Hill - Carrboro area concerned about equitable and just living options and wages for all residents of our community.

Read more about the "tsunami" of events that is creating a housing crisis in our community. 

If you would like to formally join our coalition, we would love to have you on board. You are welcome to attend our upcoming meeting, or stay tuned for a community petition and call to action.

Participating organizations: Human Rights Center of Chapel Hill & Carrboro; Mutual Aid Carrboro; Real Advocates Now Emerging (RANE) of Orange, Person and Chatham Counties; Carolina Coalition for Disability Justice

Date: 

Friday, August 9, 2013 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Location: 

Human Rights Center, 107 Barnes Street, Carrboro, NC

Section 8 Housing Recipients Face Reduction in Voucher Value

Submitted by Ellen Perry on August 7, 2013 - 6:15pm

This is a follow-up to several earlier posts about Section 8 Housing in Orange County. Read them first for background. 

On behalf of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Just Housing Coalition, my assistant and I just talked to a lawyer with Justice NC, who confirmed that the reduction in HUD funding due to the federal sequestration is going to result in lower voucher values for Section 8 recipients. 

Earth First! Journal Tour Debate on "The Issues Are Not The Issue"

Submitted by michelle on August 8, 2013 - 11:32pm

 

On Friday August 16th Internationalist Books  in Chapel Hill will host a debate/discussion at 6 p.m. regarding the new zine “The Issues Are Not The Issue” with the author (a former environmental activist)  and current organizers from Katuah Earth First! and Panagioti from the Earth First! Journal Collective.

Panagioti Tsolkas New father and current editor on the EF! Journal collective and EF! activist organizer since 1997. From 2000-2004 he was a trainer for the Ruckus Society. In 2004 he ran for the Mayor of Lake Worth, Florida. Since 2005, Tsolkas has been co-chair of the grassroots Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition, a group which files litigation regarding development issues in the Everglades and has been on the planning committee for 3 national Earth First! Organizers Conferences (2000, 2006 and 2008). In 2009, Panagioti spent 5 months traveling with the Earth First! Roadshow group. In 2010 Panagioti co-founded Uncivil Landscapes, a work collective which creates part-time income opportunities through native landscaping for local activists in South Florida. He is presently on the steering committee for the Night Heron Grassroots Activist Center in Lake Worth. Tsolkas was named ‘Troublemaker of the Year’ in 2009 and ‘Activist of the Year’ for 2010 by New Times magazine (Broward/Palm Beach edition). He has no formal education past 10th grade; he is diploma-free and proud.

Date: 

Friday, August 16, 2013 - 6:00pm

Location: 

Internationalist Bookstore 405 W. Franklin St.

More Information: 

http://www.croatanearthfirst.com

Earth First Journal Collective Media Workshop

Submitted by michelle on August 9, 2013 - 7:10pm

On Saturday Aug 17th, come out from 2-5 p.m. at Internationalist Bookstore at 405 W. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill for the “Earth Nightly News​​”​ program and Independent Media Workshop with editors from the Earth First! Journal Collective out of Lake Worth, Florida and the Appalachian office in Western NC. Find out how you can get involved in EF! Media projects and more. Participants will discuss where they get their news, which forms are most used, and how under-reported events and organizing can get more attentions through alternative press.

The Earth First! Journal has been a circulating printed newspaper and magazine for over 32 years. As the voice of the international direct action movement, the EF! Journal Collective maintains a number of media projects to help communicate the actions and ecological news to the world. Join us for a presentation, live news program and discussion about reading, writing and producing independent media.

 Presenters from the journal include:

Leah Rothschild, editor and project manager of the Earth First! Journal for the past 5 years. Leah was a committee member of the Forest Cafe in Edinburgh from 2002-2005, an organizing member of the anti-G8 campaign in Scotland in 2005, lived at the Bilston Glen Anti-Bypass Protest Site in a threatened ancient woodland, an organizing member of Reclaim the Commons in Chicago in 2006, and is a founding member of Parasol Project—a community arts organization in Tucson, Arizona. Leah toured and lived on a veggie-powered school bus during two national tours, has had writing published by a number of university and independent presses and has a Bachelor of Art (BFA) degree, with honors, from the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland.

Panagioti Tsolkas

New father and current editor on the *EF! Journal*collective and EF! activist organizer since 1997. From 2000-2004 he was a trainer for the Ruckus Society. In 2004 he ran for the Mayor of Lake Worth, Florida. Since 2005, Tsolkas has been co-chair of the grassroots Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition, a group which files litigation regarding development issues in the Everglades. He has been on the planning committee for three Earth First! Organizers Conferences (2000, 2006 and 2008), and in 2009 spent 5 months traveling with the Earth First! Roadshow. In 2010 Panagioti co-founded Uncivil Landscapes, a work collective which creates part-time income opportunities through native landscaping for local activists in South Florida. Tsolkas was named ‘Troublemaker of the Year’ in 2009 by New Times magazine (Broward/Palm Beach edition). He has no formal education past 10th grade; he is diploma-free and proud.

Date: 

Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: 

Internationalist Bookstore 405 W. Franklin St.

More Information: 

http://www.croatanearthfirst.com

League of Women Voters forum for CHCCS School Board candidates

Submitted by James Barrett on August 10, 2013 - 7:22am

Date: 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: 

Carrboro Town Hall

More Information: 

http://odc.nc.lwvnet.org/Calendar.html

Carol Woods forum for CHCCS School Board candidates

Submitted by James Barrett on August 10, 2013 - 7:23am

Date: 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 3:00pm

Friends of Downtown Chapel Hill Candidate Forum

Submitted by Travis Crayton on August 10, 2013 - 4:43pm

Chapel HIll Mayor and Council candidates will be asked questions prepared by Board members of the Friends of Downtown at this event. Candidates who have not run for office before will go first, followed by the incumbent candidates, and then Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt (running unopposed). Before answering their first question, each candidate will have two minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. After each question, the moderator will ask someone from the audience for one follow-up question on the topic. If time permits, he will ask a second audience question of each candidate.

Coffee will be available at 9:30am prior to the start of the forum.

Date: 

Thursday, August 29, 2013 - 10:00am

Location: 

Franklin Hotel, Second Floor, 311 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

More Information: 

http://www.franklinstreetusa.com/

Open House Public Information meeting on COCA joint land use planning

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 13, 2013 - 1:44pm
Via Orange County:
 

ORANGE COUNTY AND TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH

TO HOST OPEN HOUSE ON JOINT LAND USE PLANNING 

ORANGE COUNTY, NC (August 13, 2013)-The Orange County Planning and Inspections Department in partnership with the Town of Hillsborough Planning Department is inviting residents to attend an Open House Public Information meeting on joint land use planning activities.

Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough will host the Open House on Tuesday, August 27, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at 101 E. Orange Street (access from East Corbin Street). The purpose of the Open House is to help inform the public of the joint land use planning process and next steps.

The Town of Hillsborough adopted a Future Land Use Plan in March 2013 for its planning jurisdiction and some additional areas of Orange County's planning jurisdiction.  These additional areas of County jurisdiction, which are being jointly planned, are located within the Town's Urban Service Boundary for its public water and/or sewer services and generally located around the Town's fringe. 

Since this will be an Open House meeting, residents can arrive at their leisure to receive information, discuss the project with staff and learn about the upcoming County public hearing scheduled for September 9, 2013.

For more information, please call Tom Altieri, comprehensive panning supervisor at 919.245.2579or visit http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/OrangeCountyTownofHillsboroughJointPlanning.asp

Date: 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Location: 

Hillsborough Town Barn, 101 E. Orange St., Hillsborough

Public hearing on Central Orange Coordinated Area (COCA) Land Use Planning

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 13, 2013 - 1:47pm

Via Orange County web site:

Orange County/Town of Hillsborough Joint Planning - Central Orange Coordinated Area (COCA) Land Use Planning

The Town of Hillsborough adopted a Future Land Use Plan in March 2013 for its planning jurisdiction and some additional areas of Orange County's planning jurisdiction.  These additional areas of County jurisdiction, which are being jointly planned, are located within the Town's Urban Service Boundary for its public water and/or sewer services and generally located around the Town's fringe.  Orange County staff, Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and the public provided input throughout the Town's planning process.

In general and consistent with the Hillsborough-Orange Interlocal Land Management Agreement (December 2009), following Town adoption, the BOCC is to consider endorsing the Plan or arranging for negotiation and agreement on any changes.

 

Next Steps

Orange County/Town of Hillsborough

Joint Land Use Planning Open House

Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 PM

Hillsborough Town Barn, 101 E. Orange St. (access is from East Corbin St.)

 

Orange County Public Hearing

Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Department of Social Services, Hillsborough Commons

113 Mayo St., Hillsborough

 

Links to Additional Materials

Town of Hillsborough Future Land Use Plan Revision/Update-

http://www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us/content/future-land-use-plan-2013-update

 

History of Town of Hillsborough/Orange County Joint Planning-

http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/documents/TownofHillsboroughand

OrangeCountyJointPlanning.pdf

Hillsborough and Orange County Strategic Growth Plan-http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/documents/FinalAdoptedSGP1.pdf

Hillsborough-Orange Interlocal Land Management Agreement-

http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/documents/Hillsborough-OrangeInterlocalLandManagementAgreement.pdf 

Date: 

Monday, September 9, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location: 

Department of Social Services, Hillsborough Commons, 113 Mayo St., Hillsborough

More Information: 

http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/OrangeCountyTownofHillsboroughJointPlanning.…

Open Office Hours with Michelle Johnson and Lee Storrow

Submitted by leestorrow on August 15, 2013 - 11:26am
Join Carrboro Board of Alderman Member Michelle Johnson and Chapel Hill Town Council Member Lee Storrow for open office hours to discuss your concerns in Orange County. We'll provide refreshments, just bring yourself. Whether you have a specific concern, or just want to hear more about what local government is doing, we want to hear from you!

Date: 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 - 5:30pm

Location: 

Weaver Street Market in Carrboro

OCDW Panel Discussion on Education Policy

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 15, 2013 - 5:03pm

From the OCDP newsletter:

What does the new legislation mean for public school education in North Carolina?

Come join the Orange County Democratic Women for a panel discussion with Ann McColl, in-house counsel for NCAE and Leslie Winner, former chief counsel to Molly Broad and Erskine Bowles.  Learn what effects the currently passed legislation will have on K-12 public education in our state.  A 17-year veteran educator of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro public  schools will give a brief personal commentary, and our own Florry Glasser will moderate the program.

The program will be at 7 PM on August 22nd at Extraordinary Ventures on Elliott Road in Chapel Hill. 

Date: 

Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location: 

Extraordinary Ventures, Elliott Road, Chapel Hill

My Letter to the Orange County Board of Elections

Submitted by mghughes on August 16, 2013 - 8:37am

After reading about changes made in Watauga County, I was prompted to write a letter to the Orange County Board of Elections after several constituents voiced concerns about decision making in other counties. Below is that letter.

Dear Members of the Orange County Board of Elections,

I am writing in response to concerns voiced to me by constituents in the Orange County community after actions taken by the Watauga County Board of Elections and the Pasquotank County Board of Elections.

This week the Watauga County Board of Elections took action, which consolidated three precincts into one large precinct numbering nearly 10,000 voters and where the polling place has only 35 parking spaces. They then took action to reduce early voting to four days and eliminated early voting at the Appalachian State University campus. All of these actions were made in secret and not shared with the Democratic member of the Board, yet the Watauga County GOP chairwoman was fully aware of the coming actions. To add insult to injury, the Board did not allow verbal comment from the public, instead opting for written comment only.

State Senator Ellie Kinnaird Resigns

Submitted by Jason Baker on August 19, 2013 - 12:22pm

From an email just received:

Dear Friends,

This is my last newsletter to you. After a great deal of thought, I have decided to resign my position in the North Carolina Senate. It has been a great privilege and I have been honored to be chosen to represent the people of this district. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this way, thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas and for your support over the years.

community meetings

Submitted by gpknc on August 21, 2013 - 2:50pm
hi all, just to let  everyone know I ve  been attending the west central focus group, obey creek  community  group and the upcoming esephus  church group during  these past months and plan to attend more during this election season and many more if possible if I can. thank you. gary kahn

Campaigning in Chapel Hill

Submitted by mtpalmer on August 21, 2013 - 11:26pm

Hi Orange Politics Friends. Today I start blogging about my campaign. Just the everyday stuff. Please feel free to ask me questions so this can also be a conversation.  

Today I spent the day addressing envelopes and writing notes to people to ask for their support in my bid for Town Council.

 It is a strange feeling to ask for money for something other than earthquake victims, scholarships, or all the other worthy causes I have been fundraising for in the last 18 years. This time I am asking for money I will spend (hopefully) on signs, brochures and stickers and maybe even some t-shirts to wear to the polls. 

 I thought I would feel guilty, but I don't. I realize that folks around here know my politics, and those who share my concern for the future of out town--the need to keep it beautiful yet affordable, to do better by pedestrians and bikers, to have better collaboration among agencies, to bring innovation and suitable development--will get their money's worth if I am elected. 

fundraising

Submitted by gpknc on August 22, 2013 - 12:17pm

hi, in response to Mary Palmers fundraising efforts, as a former fundraiser I know how difficult it can be to ask for funds to support a camppiagne, there fore I wont be actively seeking funds but  will accept contributions, im running on my experience by attending town council meetings and various community committees meetings like the central west focus groups and opinions ive expressed at several  town council meetings where I havnt seen to many of my fellow candidates. thank you, Gary Kahn

 

Chapel Hill Town Council Worksession on LUMO overhaul

Submitted by ldhintz on August 22, 2013 - 11:04pm
Sep. 11: Council Work Session: Lee Einsweiler, Principal at Code Studio and lead consultant for the LUMO Update, will present an overview of the project, highlighting key milestones and other considerations.  Sept. 24,25,26 will be the stakeholder meetings for LUMO.

Date: 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: 

Chapel Hill Library Room B 6PM

More Information: 

http://www.townofchapelhill.org/lumo

More Campaigning

Submitted by mtpalmer on August 22, 2013 - 11:41pm

Today I read Nancy Oates' column endorsing Sally Greene for Ellie Kinnaird's seat. I second the motion. We would be well served by Sally, and I am not just saying that so that there will be another open seat on the Town Council! ; ) We need somebody who can carry on Ellie's good fight. It will take courage, stamina, endurance, and quite a bit of faith in our democracy. Go Sally!

In support of Valerie

Submitted by mtpalmer on August 23, 2013 - 7:46pm

I wrote yesterday in support of the idea of Sally Green replacing Ellie Kinnaird. Today I see that Valerie Foushee has actually thrown her hat in the ring and I think she would make a magnificent replacement for Senator Kinnaird. Valerie has the county-wide experience needed and the respect of all the constituencies she has already served in so many ways. Having said that, I think I better focus on my own race. 

Today I ordered my first campaign "visual aids." (I guess the teacher in me will come out one way or another.) I would say what it is, but I don't want to give any ideas to my opponents. I am very excited and hope the green and red colors we chose will look as bright and beautiful as they do on the computer. My 17-year-old daughter, Sofia, said it looked "pretty cool." I know I am not a particularly "cool" mom, but maybe my "cool" factor is high enough for Town Council?

Senatorial District 23 Committee Meeting to Appoint Kinnaird Successor

Submitted by Travis Crayton on August 25, 2013 - 2:15pm

The NC Senatorial District 23 Democratic Party Executive Committee will convene to appoint Former Senator Ellie Kinnaird's replacement at this meeting. You can read more about the candidates here.

There are four members on this committee, two from Orange County, who control 446 votes, and two from Chatham County, who control 212 votes. The members of the committee are as follows:

  • Wanda Hunter, Orange County, whunter1@nc.rr.com, 919-929-9655
  • Samantha Cabe, Orange County, 919-928-5701
  • Donald Knowles, Chatham County, 919-968-0844
  • George Lucier, Chatham County, 919-548-4151

Date: 

Sunday, September 8, 2013 - 6:00pm

Location: 

Holmes Room, Chatham County Library, 197 NC Hwy 87 North, Pittsboro, NC

More Information: 

http://orangedems.com/Senate-Vacancy-Process

Senatorial District 23 Committee Informational Meeting

Submitted by Travis Crayton on August 25, 2013 - 2:20pm

The NC Senatorial District 23 Democratic Party Executive Committee will convene an informational meeting for candidates interested in seeking the appointment to replace Former Senator Ellie Kinnaird at this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to explain the process, hear brief statements from declared candidates, allow Executive Committee members to ask questions of the candidates, and to allow for public comments. The meeting is unofficial and optional and open to the public.

You can read more about the candidates interested in replacing Former Senator Kinnaird here.

There are four members on this committee, two from Orange County, who control 446 votes, and two from Chatham County, who control 212 votes. The members of the committee are as follows:

  • Wanda Hunter, Orange County, whunter1@nc.rr.com, 919-929-9655
  • Samantha Cabe, Orange County, 919-928-5701
  • Donald Knowles, Chatham County, 919-968-0844
  • George Lucier, Chatham County, 919-548-4151

The committee will convene on September 8th at the Chatham County Library to make the official appointment. Full information about this meeting can be found here.

Date: 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location: 

Post Office/Old Courthouse Building, 179 East Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC

More Information: 

http://orangedems.com/Senate-Vacancy-Process

OP upgrade work is underway

Submitted by Jason Baker on August 25, 2013 - 4:36pm

Although it may be down the totem pole in your interest list given the number of interesting political happenings of late, I just wanted to give everyone a quick update about the OP upgrade currently underway. I have been working with Ruby over the past several months to implement a much-needed upgrade of this site from Drupal 5 to Drupal 7.

Forward Together Rally in Chapel Hill

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 25, 2013 - 9:35pm

Chapel Hill will be the home of one of thirteen rallies going on simultaneously across North Carolina on Wednesday. Join us in rising up against the immoral attempts to drag our state back to the bad old days!

From ncaacpnc.org:

Taking the Dream Home

Forward Together Movement Rallies across North Carolina on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

After many of you attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the March on Washington in D.C. on August 24th, we will return to North Carolina and rally in our home state on August 28th, the actual 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. We will heed Dr. King's call at the end of his "I Have a Dream" speech to go home and organize! We will hold 13 simultaneous rallies across the state to bring to light the unconstitutional and immoral acts of the NC General Assembly and the influence their decisions have had on our local communities. We will rally in the 13 Congressional Districts and demand that our Congress People renew Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. 

Date: 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 5:30pm

Location: 

Peace and Justice Plaza, Franklin St. Post Office, 179 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

More Information: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/139042092973213/

news and observer interview

Submitted by gpknc on August 26, 2013 - 9:19am

I will be interviewed today by Tammy Grubb of the chapel hill news and news and observer . gary Kahn

/

WCHL Candidates Forum for CHCCS School Board

Submitted by James Barrett on August 26, 2013 - 1:35pm

Date: 

Monday, October 14, 2013 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Location: 

WCHL Boardroom -- 88 Vilcom Center Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill

WCHL CANIDATES FORUM

Submitted by gpknc on August 26, 2013 - 3:54pm
HI all, have accepted to attend forums for WCHL, Gary Kahn

LUMO rewrite announced (and other things you have missed in Chapel Hill government this summer)

Submitted by Erin Crouse on August 26, 2013 - 9:28pm
The Chapel Hill Town Council may still be on summer break, but staff and citizens have been busy!

LUMO Launch Event

Submitted by OP Editors on August 26, 2013 - 9:38pm

From Town of Chapel Hill press release:

Sep. 24: LUMO Launch Event: The Town will host a kickoff event to introduce the LUMO Update project to the community. Lead consultant, Lee Einsweiler of Code Studio, will provide an overview of the project. Town staff will begin receiving public input related to the specific topic areas under review as part of Phase 1. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall at Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Road in Chapel Hill.

 

Date: 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - 7:00pm

Location: 

Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Road, Chapel Hill

LUMO Stakeholder Meeting (Stormwater/Resource Conservation District and Parking Lot Landscaping)

Submitted by OP Editors on August 26, 2013 - 9:40pm

From Town of Chapel Hill press release:

Sep. 25: LUMO Topic Area Stakeholder Meetings: The Town will host a meeting to hear from stakeholders who are interested in the Stormwater/Resource Conservation District and Parking Lot Landscaping components of the LUMO. Stakeholders are any person or persons interested in these topics, including Town advisory board and commission members who may already serve the Town in a related capacity. Lead project consultant, Lee Einsweiler of Code Studio, will provide information about the LUMO Update process and key considerations for these topic areas. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in Meeting Room B at the Chapel Hill Library, 100 Library Drive. 

 

Date: 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - 6:00pm

Location: 

Meeting room B, Chapel Hill Public Library

LUMO Stakeholder Meeting (Sign Ordinance and Bed & Breakfast)

Submitted by OP Editors on August 26, 2013 - 9:42pm

From Town of Chapel Hill press release:

Sep. 26: LUMO Topic Area Stakeholder Meetings: The Town will host a meeting to hear from stakeholders who are interested in the Sign Ordinance and Bed & Breakfast components of the LUMO. Stakeholders are any person or persons interested in these topics, including Town advisory board and commission members who may already serve the Town in a related capacity. Lead project consultant, Lee Einsweiler of Code Studio, will be on hand to provide information about the LUMO Update process and key considerations for these topic areas. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B at the Chapel Hill Library, 100 Library Drive. 

 

Date: 

Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 6:00pm

Location: 

Meeting room B, Chapel Hill Public Library

Kinnaird, Ginsburg Get It Exactly Wrong on Retirements

Submitted by Eric_Muller on August 27, 2013 - 10:52am

That's the title of my op-ed in today's Raleigh News & Observer.

Your thoughts? 

Race and density patterns in southern Orange County

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 27, 2013 - 2:51pm

I recently read an article about "The Best Map Ever Made of America's Racial Segregation" which shows a dot for every human in the U.S., color-coded by race.

So I checked it out and zoomed in on the Chapel Hill Metro Area. Here's what I found:

Race and density in the Triangle
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubyji/9608220306/lightbox/ 

phone calls and surveys

Submitted by ldhintz on August 27, 2013 - 6:42pm

I received two political phone calls yesterday. One was from Citizens United. It played a long speech from Mike Huckabee about health care. He repeated all the old odd statements about Obamacare even including "death panels". After it finished a human came on line and asked for a donation and an offer to send me a "free" book. I complained about all the false sttements Huckabee made and pointed out the need for universal health care. The Citizens United person politely thanked me for my opinion and suggested I look at their website.  The next call was from PPP and surveyed us on our choice for State Senate. Do folks with only cell phones get these calls?

Via email, letters and phone I have received 9 invitations for Chapel Hill Town Council forums, 3 interviews and 4 questionaires. The Independent will send out their questions in mid September. Sierra Club/Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Bolin Creek/ Neighborhoods have not set the dates yet for their forums.I was able to attend 4  of the advisory board feedback meetings this summer and hope to attend the LUMO meetings in September.

Loren

Lessons Learned from Trayvon Martin Case

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 27, 2013 - 8:05pm

Date: 

Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Location: 

Chapel Hill Public LIbrary, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill

More Information: 

http://www.oarnc.org/events/

Project Connect

Submitted by Jason Baker on August 28, 2013 - 10:53am

The 7th annual Project Connect will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 9:00am to 3:30pm at the Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson Street, in Chapel Hill in Orange County.

Project Connect is a one-day, one-stop center that connects people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness with a broad range of short and long-term services. These include housing, employment, health and dental care, mental health care, veterans' and social service benefits, legal services, and more. Community members can support Project Connect by donating and/or volunteering. For more information, visit: www.projectconnectorange.org.

This year, over 50 social service agencies and 300 volunteers will serve an expected 300 guests. Since 2007, the event has served over 900 people in Orange County. The event is a key strategy of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness. "Project Connect makes a powerful impact on our homeless neighbors, providing respect and hospitality and a wide range of assistance," said Jamie Rohe, Orange County Homeless Programs Coordinator. "The event enables service agencies to efficiently reach many people in a single day, and it educates the community about the issues of homelessness."

For more information, please visit www.projectconnectorange.org or directly contact Jamie Rohe, Orange County Homeless Programs Coordinator, at 919-245-2496 or jrohe@orangecountync.gov.

Date: 

Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 9:00am to 3:30pm

Location: 

Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson Street, Chapel Hill

More Information: 

http://www.projectconnectorange.org

First forum--great fun was had by all

Submitted by mtpalmer on August 30, 2013 - 8:46am
Yesterday was the first candidate's forum. Lots of interesting questions and a great audience. I felt I was asked a great question--what do we do about flooding--and had the opportunity to share my ideas:
1. We engage the best engineers to deal with the problems we already have. (We have incredible know-how and world-class expertise right here, surrounded by the best universities and probably folks who have solved flooding in Bangladesh and other world-sized problems)
2. We don't build where it is not safe. 
 
Mt introductory speech got "edited" as I spoke. I have tried to edit my notes to reflect what I actually said, but I may have missed some details.

Election by appointment

Submitted by Ruby Sinreich on August 30, 2013 - 2:57pm

Come back with me to the summer of 2009. Filing just ended for the Chapel Hill Town Council and Mayoral races when powerhouse Council Member Bill Strom suddenly announced he was resigning and moving to New York. Strom was called "Machiavellian" and much worse.

First it was just the typical Strom haters that accused him of attempting to manipulate the process by waiting until just after the filing period, so that his replacement could be chosen by his friends on the Town Council. Strom himself claimed the timing was purely accidental. However, in the following weeks information trickled out showing that Strom’s actions were every bit as intentional as they looked to the skeptics.

Friends of Downtown Chapel Hill Candidate Forum

Submitted by Travis Crayton on August 30, 2013 - 4:33pm

Yesterday, the Friends of Downtown gathered in the Franklin Hotel for the first candidate forum of this municipal election season. All candidates for Chapel Hill Town Council, except for Jonathan Riehl, were present, as was Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt.

The forum allowed for an opening statement from each candidate, a question from the moderator, and then a follow-up question from the audience. In case you weren't able to attend, below is a Storify recapping the tweets from the event.

 

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