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Sending our children to public schools should not be something that
causes a parent to get nervous. I have a child of my own in Orange
County public schools, so I know how it can feel. The fact that so many
fear for their child’s safety at school is unfortunate.
The good news is that there is something that we can do about it.
Google just announced that it's inviting 34 cities to "explore what it would take to bring them Google Fiber." Carrboro and Chapel Hill are among those 34 cities as a part of the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area. Other area cities invited as part of the metro area include Cary, Durham, Garner, Morrisville, and Raleigh.
Google Fiber is the next generation of Internet access — Internet that is up to 100 times faster that current basic broadband access.
From Google's official blog:
We aim to provide updates by the end of the year about which cities will be getting Google Fiber. Between now and then, we’ll work closely with each city’s leaders on a joint planning process that will not only map out a Google Fiber network in detail, but also assess what unique local challenges we might face. These are such big jobs that advance planning goes a long way toward helping us stick to schedules and minimize disruption for residents.
We’re going to work on a detailed study of local factors that could affect construction, like topography (e.g., hills, flood zones), housing density and the condition of local infrastructure. Meanwhile, cities will complete a checklist of items that will help them get ready for a project of this scale and speed. For example, they’ll provide us with maps of existing conduit, water, gas and electricity lines so that we can plan where to place fiber. They’ll also help us find ways to access existing infrastructure—like utility poles—so we don’t unnecessarily dig up streets or have to put up a new pole next to an existing one.
You can read more about what could potentially be coming to Carrboro and Chapel Hill at Google Fiber's website.
It's a quieter week in local government this week. In Carrboro, the Board of Aldermen will look at potential changes to towing regulations while the Town Council in Chapel Hill will open a public hearing on changes to the Land Use Management Ordinance and the County Commissioners will discuss whether to approve the Operations Agreement for the Rogers Road Community Center. Both school boards and the Hillsborough Town Board have the week off.
I already wish I had never heard the term "freezing fog." What is this fresh, freezing cold, hell?
I'm sitting in my home office looking out on Umstead Drive where the cars have been sitting still for at least the last 10 minutes. Have heard reports of at least two people who got stuck and are walking home miles in the snow.
Apparently, this is the stormaggeddon we've been waiting for. I can't wait until it freezes tonight!
How are y'all doing?
From the budget to Rogers Rd. to new teacher contract rules, the elected bodies of Orange County will be tackling a wide range of subjects this week. In Chapel Hill, the focus will be on the Rogers Rd. ETJ and sewer project, while budget priorities and parking will be discussed in Carrboro. The Orange County School Board will dsicuss teacher contracts and a communications plan, while the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board will hold its leadership retreat.
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