Orange County
I attended the meeting at the White Cross community center, in Southern Orange County. There was a good turnout of people. The community center is a building housing gymnasium / basketball court and space surrounding it for spectators. The room was full of attendees.
The group that arranged the meeting is called “Preserve Rural Orange”; they are just getting organized to oppose the airport. They were handing out ‘No Airport” signs and bumper stickers at the meeting and asking for donations to offset the cost of printing.
Okay, here’s where I’m thinking things stand regarding an
airport anywhere in Orange County, and just for a chuckle, I’ve handicapped the
scenarios as I see them. Note: I do not have insider information from anyone in any form, just conjecture based on history and a large dollop of cynicism.
1. Horace Williams Airport remains open, where it is, for
at least another 7-10 years and likely beyond. REVISED 3/24/11: Odds 95 in 100.
I am responding to various comments I've noticed here and there about public involvement in governance. The primary stimulus was David Beck's post Is the 300 East Main proposal worth supporting?, in which he stated, "It seems there is a surprisingly low amount of public focus on a project that will undoubtedly reshape Carrboro," which was followed by some comments about the frequency and openness of the public hearings (here, here, here, and here). Similar sentiments can be found in the posts Increase Citizen Input and Desperately seeking Democracy.
My question is this: By what means are citizens made aware of significant events in our local politics?
Before I elaborate on my mea culpa, let me assure the gentile reader I have not wavered one iota in my opposition to this ill conceived airport idea. In fact I am more dedicated than ever :)
I had the opportunity to exchange emails with House Speaker Hackney on the subject of my claim that S1925 bypasses county zoning ordinances. Speaker Hackney asserted that S1925 did not circumvent zoning and that he had put specific language into the bill that prevented Orange county zoning from being bypassed. I told him was not a lawyer, but I still had concerns.
Speaker Hackney pointed to this specific language in S1925:
The County Commissioners will provide its comments to staff on the
draft Comprehensive Plan. The public is welcome to attend to hear Board
comments and discussions. Limited seating is available. An agenda for
this meeting is posted on the County’s main website at: http://www.co.orange.nc.us/OCCLERKS/081014.htm
The County Commissioners are expected to consider Plan adoption in November. Additional notice will be forthcoming.
Board of County Commissioners Work Session
7:30 PM, Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Link Government Services Center
200 S. Cameron St., Hillsborough
for more detail, see http://www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/compre_cpupdate.asp
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