Monday, December 29, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Civil War and WWI Lectures Offered by CHHS Teacher - Chapelboro.com
Why dont we see a whole lot more of this?
Friday, December 26, 2014
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Running: Catherine Lazorko hits the big 5-0 | Recreation | ChapelHillNews.com
I had not realized the LAZORKO-BROWER link.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
"Discussions Continue Over Highly-Debated Carrboro Corner" - Chapelboro.com
This stands for everything that is wrong in local development from greedy national chains to incompetent local officials.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Copenhagen Lighting the Way to Greener, More Effecient Cities - NYTimes.com
Compared with Chapelboroham?
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014
UNC Pharmacy School Receives $100M Donation from Eshelman - Chapelboro.com
What is the focus of the innovation?
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Restoration in Store for Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace - NYTimes.com
What can we learn from this?
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
In Leafy Profusion, Trees Spring Up in a Changing New York - NYTimes.com
Are we counting trees in Chapelboroham?
Monday, December 1, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
HILLSBOROUGH: Churton Street improvements planned | Hillsborough | ChapelHillNews.com
I like the idea of more crosswalks!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
In a City Wary of Skyscrapers, a New Tower May Rise - NYTimes.com
We ought to be doing a lot more of this sort of thing - taking a photo as things are and adding a digital image where new construction might arise.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill Town Council addresses Ephesus/Fordham flooding
I have seldom seen a group that so consistently exceeds its competence limits.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Activists Wield Search Data to Challenge and Change Police Policy - NYTimes.com
Sure is a complex question.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Local Officials Plan for Orange County “Rural Buffer” - Chapelboro.com
We need to be reminded exactly where these areas are.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Franklin Hotel joins Hilton Hotel Curio Collection
I see the word chain first.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Greenbridge Condos: 'Make Us an Offer' - Chapelboro.com
I don't think I would put this in the success file.
Friday, November 7, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill reduces crosswalk wait times
Why does it have to be as long as 60 seconds?
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: UNC students say Alert Carolina is not useful
This needs better coordination with the entire community.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Streetcars and urban renewal: Rolling blunder | The Economist
We need to make fact-based decisions on this sort of thing.
Obituary: Peter Hall | The Economist
Would love to look at what advice he might still offer Chapelboroham!
Monday, November 3, 2014
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Form-Based Code Gets First Test With Village Plaza Apartments - Chapelboro.com
This is no way to run a government.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Friends of Downtown Chapel Hill
Another of those Trojan Horse groups. Who, exactly, are these people? Who is paying the bill?
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Cheaper housing needed, Chapel Hill Town Council says
It really is amateur heaven.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Where Young College Graduates Are Choosing to Live - NYTimes.com
Are we paying enough attention to this?
Historic Loss May Follow Rise of Rents in Barcelona - NYTimes.com
Why can't we muster the creativity and resolve to avoid this in Chapelboroham?
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Pedestrian Lane Sought for Verrazano-Narrows Bridge - NYTimes.com
Almost as dangerous as walking on South Columbia St as it begins over 54 south of Chapel Hill - or maybe that is still 15-501 til the other side?
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Marketplace Tech for Wednesday, October 15, 2014 | Marketplace.org
The Responsive City book may be useful.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill works on cyclist street safety
A basic question of priorities. Why does a gate come down when railroads pass and none when a pedestrian does?
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Local shopping
By definition, whenever we look to buy something that we can retrieve in a short walk or drive, we are shopping locally. Does that idea of local bring anything with it. I am not at all sure we are focusing enough on the process of how we do this.
Consider my wanting to buy a heating pad or wrap that I could reheat in the microwave. I had one that I am pretty sure I bought at CVS, but when I went to the store, no sign of it. I asked a manager there and it did not ring a bell with her. So looked on the CVS site when I got home and no luck there either. A number of Google searches did not reveal the exact item that I wanted but gave me some leads both to shop locally and online.
There is something missing in that process - knowledgeable human intervention. We become far too reliant on Aunt Google to answer every query when a knowledgeable pharmacy store person ought to be able to send me precisely in the right direction - perhaps not to replace the one that I have, but maybe that human advisor could recommend a better option. The CVS manager was not in a position to do this, it seemed.
We have lost so much in the local shopping experience. I had hoped that the new name of CVS - CVSHealth - might yield more than marquee changes, but so far, none.
Consider my wanting to buy a heating pad or wrap that I could reheat in the microwave. I had one that I am pretty sure I bought at CVS, but when I went to the store, no sign of it. I asked a manager there and it did not ring a bell with her. So looked on the CVS site when I got home and no luck there either. A number of Google searches did not reveal the exact item that I wanted but gave me some leads both to shop locally and online.
There is something missing in that process - knowledgeable human intervention. We become far too reliant on Aunt Google to answer every query when a knowledgeable pharmacy store person ought to be able to send me precisely in the right direction - perhaps not to replace the one that I have, but maybe that human advisor could recommend a better option. The CVS manager was not in a position to do this, it seemed.
We have lost so much in the local shopping experience. I had hoped that the new name of CVS - CVSHealth - might yield more than marquee changes, but so far, none.
Roger Waldon: Here come self-driving cars | Guest Columns | ChapelHillNews.com
I wonder which clients are served by this?
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Friday, October 10, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill's fraud cases increase exponentially
This needs to be addressed across the whole of Chapeboroham.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Roger PERRY
It seems to me we should be looking hard at the economic and, especially, the development power being exercised by just one person/firm in Chapelboroham, and more specifically, in Chapel Hill. How much power does he/it have, how it is being used, how might it be used - all with what effect on the rest of us and those who have some sort of business relationship with him or his firm?
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Office space leaves room for growth in Chapel Hill
How to put this in better context?
The Daily Tar Heel :: UNC School of Law still needs space
So much for a "grand" plan. Impact on UNC? Students? Chapel Hill?
Sunday, October 5, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Opinion: Chapel Hill isn’t walkable until sidewalks are safer
It requires a lot more than safety as important as that fundamental is.
Former history department chair Lloyd Kramer takes on a new task | The Herald-Sun
They have a lot of great lecture topics.
Connection fee?
How about a pedestrian connection fee for every new project? In addition to carefully planning pedestrian movement in and around new construction, why not add a proportionate fee to help fund more of the pedestrian network elsewhere in the Town?
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Your letters, Oct. 1: Butch Kisiah, Eric Hyman, Carol Hubbell Boggs, Shari Elliott | Letters | ChapelHillNews.com
Note first two letters on STANCIL.
HILLSBOROUGH: Hillsborough to open completed Riverwalk on Oct. 11 | Hillsborough | ChapelHillNews.com
Seems like a real plus, but not clear how one would use it yet.
The Walking Classroom Combines Education with Activity
We should have walking businesses and neighborhoods, too!
As Housing Costs Soar, San Francisco Seeks Ballot Solution - NYTimes.com
How to track alongside Chapelboroham?
Where "affordable housing" is a $269,000 townhome | Citizen | Indy Week
We need to lay out the whole picture for Chapelboroham.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Domain Name Registration | Domain Name Search | NetworkSolutions.com
You have to ask how Chapelboroham could win the domain war?
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
In a Long Island Hamlet, a Downtown Is Being Built From Scratch - NYTimes.com
What could we learn for Chapelboroham?
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Guns - Again - Chapelboro.com
We need politicians in Chapelboroham to say there are too many guns here and everywhere.
DSL vs. Cable High-Speed Internet
I would never look at this, written by Comcast, but it does point out the need for a wiki-style review of the internet access options and issues in Chapel Hill.
North-South Corridor Study, Chapel Hill by MindMixer
We should see a lot more of this for all issues in Chapel Hill.
In Affordable Housing Push, Chapel Hill Sticks With DHIC - Chapelboro.com
This is a good example of an issue - affordable housing - that needs a full wiki-style description, updating later as circumstances change. Initially, it ought to include an inventory of affordable housing in Chapel Hill.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Argentina uses drones to root out wealthy tax evaders - Telegraph
Where are we on drones in Chapelboroham?
Local businesses
Who are the local businesses of Chapelboroham? What does that mean? Simply located in the community? Owned by someone who lives in the community? Unaffiliated with a store outside Chapelboroham? It's complicated.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Movie Theaters Hope To Add Another Dimension To Their Profits : NPR
Don't we need a Chapelboroham analysis?
Your letters: Sally Maslansky, Gwen McWilliams, Charlie Farris | Letters | ChapelHillNews.com
FARRIS letter is worth noting.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Friday, September 26, 2014
North Carolinians Fear the End of a Middle Way - NYTimes.com
How is this playing out in Chapelboroham?
The Daily Tar Heel :: UNC likely won't meet its 2020 coal-free deadline
How does this affect what we breathe here?
Blame Your Neighbor, Not The Town Manager - Chapelboro.com
A large part of the problem is that few really have a grasp of the facts and the likely impact. There needs to be a set of core principles and then some way to apply everything that happens to them, whether it not passes by the Town Council, Roger STANCIL or simply a leasing agent, property owner or merchant.
Solar Company and Bronx College Plan a Technology Hub - NYTimes.com
How much solar do we have today in Chapelboroham? Who is keeping track? Anyone?
Thursday, September 25, 2014
eBay's surprising bet on brick-and-mortar stores | Marketplace.org
How much will this change the character of Chapel Hill?
UNC Health Care can do so much better than this
Why should I have had to go to a password protected website in order to find out what the message was?
"DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL
"DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL
Dear Walter Terry Maguire:
You have a new message waiting in your My UNC Chart
account.
Sign in to your My UNC Chart account, go to Message
Center and select Inbox to read the full message.
Sincerely,
UNC Health Care
----- Confidentiality Notice -----
The information contained in (or attached to) this
electronic message may be legally privileged and/or confidential information.
If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender
immediately and delete the message."
--
It was a message telling me to wear sunscreen!
It was a message telling me to wear sunscreen!
The person responsible for this is C.J. BLANC at 919-966-7260. He was very nice on the phone but the system was very poorly designed.
--
The person who tracked down BLANC for me was "Janie" at 1-888-996-2767.
--
The person who tracked down BLANC for me was "Janie" at 1-888-996-2767.
Kay Hagan’s Surprising Strength - NYTimes.com
I wonder if the surge in 65+ support is true in Chapelborham as well?
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Money's rankings of 50-300,000 cities
Cary at 19 and Chapel Hill at 36. The list seems odd to me for some reason. Reston at 10.
A California Dream: Not Having to Settle for Just One Bedroom - NYTimes.com
Compare and contrast with Chapelboroham.
Duke Energy Progress to replace street lights | WWAY NewsChannel 3 | Wilmington NC News
All over Chapelboroham?
The Daily Tar Heel :: UNC evaluated on freedom of speech
Ought to be part of a larger community discussion.
Dispatch From Athens, Day III: Home Sweet Expensive Home - Chapelboro.com
Useful, but why not one Chapelboroham?
Community Design Commission Stalls Village Plaza for a Month - Chapelboro.com
Somewhere in too much stuff to try to digest there must be diagrams showing predicted pedestrian and vehicular traffic and views from some distance? I, however, fear that this is not the case.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Flooding Risk From Climate Change, Country by Country - NYTimes.com
We ought to be able to apply this kind of creative graphics to where we live in Chapelboroham whether it has to do with traffic, pollution, shopping, education, etc. We should be able to "see" what may be coming. Imagine playing with all of the variables and then figuring out which button most likely have to be pushed in order to avoid some of the worst potential. Surely, we must have experts in this sort of graphics work here in Chapel Hill, likely at UNC, but not necessarily.
Les élections sénatoriales expliquées en infographies | Dernière minute | Nice-Matin
Where is our version of this?
Dispatch From Athens, Part II: The Da Vinci Form-Based Code - Chapelboro.com
Very helpful. Want to read this more carefully.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Peter Thiel and David Graeber Debate Technology’s Future - NYTimes.com
Is this not where Chapel Hill, especially, finds itself?
"The two men, unsurprisingly, parted ways sharply on the kind of politics that would unleash innovation. To Mr. Graeber, the key is replacing what currently passes for democracy with a genuinely participatory system of the sort prefigured by the Occupy movement. The problem isn’t a lack of good ideas, he said, but that “the overwhelming majority of people are constantly being told to shut up.”
Mr. Thiel, describing himself as a “political atheist,” said that people should spend less time trying to change the system than simply creating things outside it. And the key to progress, he said, may not be more democracy.
In the real world, innovative organizations are often “shockingly hierarchical,” he said. “A start-up is really far from a democracy. People don’t get to vote on things.”"
"The two men, unsurprisingly, parted ways sharply on the kind of politics that would unleash innovation. To Mr. Graeber, the key is replacing what currently passes for democracy with a genuinely participatory system of the sort prefigured by the Occupy movement. The problem isn’t a lack of good ideas, he said, but that “the overwhelming majority of people are constantly being told to shut up.”
Mr. Thiel, describing himself as a “political atheist,” said that people should spend less time trying to change the system than simply creating things outside it. And the key to progress, he said, may not be more democracy.
In the real world, innovative organizations are often “shockingly hierarchical,” he said. “A start-up is really far from a democracy. People don’t get to vote on things.”"
Global Rise Reported in 2013 Greenhouse Gas Emissions - NYTimes.com
How are we doing in Chapelboroham?
The Daily Tar Heel :: Local environmentalists raise climate concerns in rally
Who is keeping track of our local environment?
Sunday, September 21, 2014
CHAPEL HILL: Chapel Hill’s 1st form-based project headed to review | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
My reaction:
"To Chapel Hill Mayor and Town Council,
"To Chapel Hill Mayor and Town Council,
What I think would be most helpful in reviewing the Village
Plaza Apartments plan http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?page=2504
is to see these things clearly presented:
Plaza Apartments plan http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?page=2504
is to see these things clearly presented:
1.
Edited photos of the current site, showing the
proposed structure in place, as seen from a half dozen perspective close-up and
any places in the surrounding neighborhood where one would see the building.
That is the only way we can really imagine what this would look like if
constructed, and see it in the context of what will remain there for now.
Edited photos of the current site, showing the
proposed structure in place, as seen from a half dozen perspective close-up and
any places in the surrounding neighborhood where one would see the building.
That is the only way we can really imagine what this would look like if
constructed, and see it in the context of what will remain there for now.
2.
A map of the area, showing all buildings,
parking lots, roads and sidewalks within a one mile radius of this proposed
construction. The map would be color-coded to show the ways in which this new
structure would connect with the surrounding area and roads and sidewalks that
would be affected, and how, by what is built and the people, businesses and
organizations that make use of it in any way.
A map of the area, showing all buildings,
parking lots, roads and sidewalks within a one mile radius of this proposed
construction. The map would be color-coded to show the ways in which this new
structure would connect with the surrounding area and roads and sidewalks that
would be affected, and how, by what is built and the people, businesses and
organizations that make use of it in any way.
The Town owes us this so that we can see, efficiently, the
difference that this structure would make to appearance of the Town and to the
movement of people and vehicles around the proposed building.
difference that this structure would make to appearance of the Town and to the
movement of people and vehicles around the proposed building.
Terry MAGUIRE"
Dale Coker: Why form-based code doesn’t work in Ephesus-Fordham | Guest Columns | ChapelHillNews.com
Our Mayor and Town Council do an exceptionally poor job of explaining their actions and then staying with them to explain what goes right as a result, and what goes wrong.
Terri Buckner: On being ‘ahead of the community’ | Guest Columns | ChapelHillNews.com
It's unfortunate. I voted for her.
And The Happiest Place On Earth Is... - CBS News
Not sure if this morning was another rebroadcast on Sunday AM. But they made the point that all Danes live or are supposed to live within a 15 minute WALK of a park! If so, what a great rule!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Durham Station | Rail and AMTRAK Service in North Carolina
This needs a much more focused description of what one might do arriving by train in Durham and how to do it. With 16 stations, it is a wonderful way to see a lot of different places in NC. The site ought to provide a range of accommodation options, walking and other maps from the train station, places to eat and what to see beyond that.
A different way of looking, a different way of living | Places and Home | Indy Week
We need to find ways to walk more and see more.
Friday, September 19, 2014
The Right Management For Chapel Hill - Chapelboro.com
I don't recall the Town Council making this request.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
CHAPEL HILL: Town may seek new affordable housing partner | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
This strikes me as a debacle.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill Public Library comes to historical society’s aid
Has anyone analyzed the selling price of the building and the process?
Most educated town in NC - Fearrington
Well, this is good and not so good. Nice to have the town with the largest percentage of college graduates here in Chapelboroham, but not so nice that it is at only 76%. More than half the states in the country have places with higher percentages than here in NC.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Tar Heel Takeout delivery service no longer accepts cash
Part of the answer to the delivery question.
Des start-up françaises jouent l’hyper-proximité pour livrer en ultra-express
Where are we in Chapelboroham on the whole delivery issue for all businesses and services?
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Legacy opportunities?
What are the optional ways in which people can leave part of their estates to organizations and institutions in and around Chapelboroham?
Aging in Community: Start thinking about transportation before you need it | Guest Columns | ChapelHillNews.com
Seems to me that there are some more fundamental issues - like identifying places in Chapel Hill where one can easily walk to a bus. How about such a map?
The Daily Tar Heel :: Local police forces explain surplus military equipment
In an emergency, imagine the significance of this - that's what we have to do.
New Lessons From Old Wars - Chapelboro.com
We have so much unlearned from history, abroad and down the street.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Walk Your City - New signs going up around Raleigh | abc11.com
I guess this is what we will see in Chapel Hill for the "test".
RALEIGH: International Festival returns to Raleigh this weekend - WNCN: News, Weather
Why not in Chapelboroham?
Council Hears Plans For Graduate Housing Downtown - Chapelboro.com
Where is the people movement description?
Will Portland Always Be a Retirement Community for the Young? - NYTimes.com
Have we learned all we can from Portland?
Duke Energy partners with Strata on solar energy | The Herald-Sun
Does the guy who runs Strata participate in Chapelborham affairs other than on behalf of his company. I have not seen his name appear.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Airlines Head Abroad, and Also Inland - NYTimes.com
What does our air service look to be in the years ahead?
‘9 x 18’ Plan Ties Development Rules to Public Benefits - NYTimes.com
Why can't we put this to use here?
The Daily Tar Heel :: Paws4ever gives pet owners peace of mind for future
Suggests the need for a bigger story on the state of domestic animals in Chapelboroham.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson cries while addressing... | www.wsoctv.com
What a blemish on North Carolina.
The Daily Tar Heel :: New York Times blog applauds UNC's economic diversity
This is good for Chapelboroham, too.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Awards?
You have to wonder what the competition was!
The SAVVY Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships.
The Town of Chapel Hill's communications strategy states that its goal is to build community through the highest standards of openness and participation. We reach out to people where they are to tell the story of what we are doing and how our actions affect them. The winning projects were created or spearheaded by staff members from the Town's Communications and Public Affairs Department -- Director Sabrina Oliver and staffers Catherine Lazorko, Melanie Miller, Amy Harvey, Jennifer Phillips, Christina Strauch and Betty Byrd with UNC-Chapel Hill intern Caroline Simpson.
The entry "Mayors
Innovation Project Video" won a Silver Circle Award in the TV and
Video - Promotional Video category. (view at https://vimeo.com/84253841). The Town
partnered with the Chapel Hill and Orange County Visitors Bureau, which funded
the project and provided creative collaboration; Beery Media of Carrboro on
video production; and the Community Beat Making Lab at the Street Scene Teen
Center, 179 E. Franklin St, on the music track. In the four-minute video,
Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle provide an
overview of the community and welcome message to visitors.
"Town of Chapel Hill wins
3CMA Awards
Recognized for Innovative
Communications
Posted Date: 9/11/2014
The Town of Chapel Hill was recognized for communications excellence and
received two national awards from the City-County Communications & Marketing
Association (3CMA) during a ceremony at the Music Box Theatre in
Minneapolis on Thursday, Sept. 4.The SAVVY Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships.
The Town of Chapel Hill's communications strategy states that its goal is to build community through the highest standards of openness and participation. We reach out to people where they are to tell the story of what we are doing and how our actions affect them. The winning projects were created or spearheaded by staff members from the Town's Communications and Public Affairs Department -- Director Sabrina Oliver and staffers Catherine Lazorko, Melanie Miller, Amy Harvey, Jennifer Phillips, Christina Strauch and Betty Byrd with UNC-Chapel Hill intern Caroline Simpson.
About the video, judges stated: "Outstanding camera work and impressive
variety of locations for such a short time with the mayor. The use of local
music talent was a great touch, as was structuring the video to be used as a
general visitor's video as well. Very well done! Inviting, informative, and
effective. Your mayor has "star" quality and appeal and this video
showcased that with great results. Exciting and engaging. High production value
- loved the mayor's involvement in the project; great on-camera asset. Transitions
were excellent. Great multi-use potential for promoting the Chapel Hill
area."
The entry "CaPA How-to Guides" won a Silver Circle Award in the Printed Publications - Internal Publications category. Judges stated: "Very practical, well thought out, we should do this too!" The How-To guides resemble the unintimidating format of the popular "For Dummies" guidebooks, synthesizing best practices into topic specific one pagers that employees can easily reference.
The Town of Chapel Hill has been recognized with past national awards from 3CMA including Most Innovative Communications (2011), Digital Interactive-Website (2010), Printed Publications-Guides (2010), and Internal Newsletter (2006).
About The SAVVY Awards
Sponsored by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), the Savvy Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing."
The entry "CaPA How-to Guides" won a Silver Circle Award in the Printed Publications - Internal Publications category. Judges stated: "Very practical, well thought out, we should do this too!" The How-To guides resemble the unintimidating format of the popular "For Dummies" guidebooks, synthesizing best practices into topic specific one pagers that employees can easily reference.
The Town of Chapel Hill has been recognized with past national awards from 3CMA including Most Innovative Communications (2011), Digital Interactive-Website (2010), Printed Publications-Guides (2010), and Internal Newsletter (2006).
About The SAVVY Awards
Sponsored by the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), the Savvy Awards competition recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, agency or district professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications and marketing."
On Facebook, Nobody Knows You’re a Voter. Well, Almost Nobody. - NYTimes.com
It seems to me that we need to look at how all of this affects Chapelboroham. What impact does all this stuff have on our lives from politics to shopping and well beyond?
The Digital Wallet Revolution - NYTimes.com
Who looks at how this will affect Chapelboroham? The Chamber of Commerce?
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Downtown Chapel Hill Experience Survey
These voluntary surveys are worth very little and are dangerous.
Lloyd Farm developers to meet with public Wednesday in Carrboro Town Hall | Carrboro | ChapelHillNews.com
All of this gets treated like an island assault.
CHAPEL HILL: Group questions Chapel Hill town manager’s performance | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
The response will be interesting, perhaps.
Here's What's Becoming Of America's Dead Shopping Malls : NPR
It sure seems to me that University Mall, for example, could be better connected to all around it, starting with how people as opposed to vehicles move. Imagine what the layout in the parking lot and all surrounding properties might be if one were to assume that there were no vehicles, but only people to move around. How would that transportation network be designed to work best. With that in place, then work in the vehicles AROUND that network instead of what we do now - design the environs for vehicles and let people fend for themselves.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Block party brings together UNC student and Northside residents
We should do more of this.
Mostly White Forces in Mostly Black Towns: Police Struggle for Racial Diversity - NYTimes.com
Look at Siler City. What about the rest of Chapelboroham?
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Bubble wrap producer to bring 1,000 jobs to the state
North Carolinians should be proud of this?
Rendez-vous des Associations - Conseil général des Alpes-Maritimes
Do we something like this in Chapelboroham? How about a "speed joining" event where everyone moves around spending a couple of minutes at each association?
The Daily Tar Heel :: Petitioners suspect fiscal mismanagement by Chapel Hill town manager
Serious charges poorly presented.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Try This On For Size: Personal Styling That Comes In The Mail : All Tech Considered : NPR
How will this affect Chapelboroham?
D.E.A. to Allow Return of Unused Pills to Pharmacies - NYTimes.com
We need to keep working hard on this.
Durham-Chapel Hill’s exports grow to almost $3 billion | The Herald-Sun
This seems weird. I'd sure like to understand better.
The Daily Tar Heel :: UNC Family Enterprise Center sparks trend in business education
Impact on Chapelboroham?
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Elections, Politics, and Power Struggles from Ancient Rome to Modern North Carolina – Program in the Humanities
We have so many neat programs like this.
CHAPEL HILL: Mixed-use project to test Chapel Hill redevelopment rules | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
"At 95 percent residential, the project is expected to set the pace for other property owners in the 180-acre district who might redevelop their strip malls and parking lots. The town’s goal for the district is to fund needed traffic and stormwater improvements, while increasing the commercial tax base."
Let's see a drawing of this in the actual location so we can see other existing buildings, etc.
Let's see a drawing of this in the actual location so we can see other existing buildings, etc.
CHAPEL HILL: Ariz. solar firm drops Orange County farm | Orange County | ChapelHillNews.com
Don't we want more of this?
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Ombudsmen in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I think we need an ombudsman for Chapelboroham, starting with Chapel Hill. Why not just create one and see what happens if the job is done rigorously, fairly and honestly?
New York Will Require More Builders to Add Affordable Units - NYTimes.com
Do we do enough to encourage smaller units at lower cost?
The Daily Tar Heel
There was a full page ad on 4 Sep in the Daily Tar Heel from Carol FOLT, the UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor. It was about the sexual assault policy and the group that advised her on it. Why were there no lawyers with experience in prosecuting and defending sexual assault cases in the group? Why no police or other law enforcement? Why no liaison to the Town of Chapel Hill?
The Daily Tar Heel
There was a full page ad on 4 Sep in the Daily Tar Heel from Carol FOLT, the UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor. It was about the sexual assault policy and the group that advised her on it. Why were there no lawyers with experience in prosecuting and defending sexual assault cases in the group? Why no police or other law enforcement? Why no liaison to the Town of Chapel Hill?
Roger Waldon: Looking ahead: Chapel Hill’s changing demographics | Guest Columns | ChapelHillNews.com
Not quite sure the message here?
--
In any case, I sent WALDON this request:
"Dear MR. WALDON,
--
In any case, I sent WALDON this request:
"Dear MR. WALDON,
I see that you have written something for the Chapel Hill News and intend to
write more.
Please provide a list of all of your clients, past, present,
and prospective – since leaving your Chapel Hill post almost 10 years ago – who
are either located in Chapel Hill or have, or might have, a financial interest
in Chapel Hill. If you are associated with a consulting firm, please include
the firm’s clients as well who meet the same criteria.
We should all know who is paying your bills, and then judge
what you write with that added knowledge."
Commentary: Chamber of Commerce taking divisive approach | Guest Columns | ChapelHillNews.com
Are we talking past one another?
Friday, September 5, 2014
Fire destroys house; dogs rescued | The Herald-Sun
Why don't we get a report at the end of the investigation as to cause so we can learn? Or from this one.
Livecast - 92Y On Demand
We should have a program like this from Chapelboroham. Did I miss the announcement?
F.C.C. to Promote Choices for High-Speed Broadband - NYTimes.com
How are we handling this in Chapelboroham?
Carrboro's Lloyd Farm Developers Plan Public Input Meeting - Chapelboro.com
This looks like the right way to consider this project.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: LUX at Central Park ready for residents
We need to better understand where everyone sleeps in Chapel Hill! At least, I do!
First Project Planned For Ephesus-Fordham District - Chapelboro.com
I look forward to seeing this and its impact in context.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Exhibit adds sculptures to rejuvenate town
I think we pay too much attention to stuff like this and not enough resources devoted to the basics.
As big chains fold, Triangle indie bookstores thrive on the personal touch | Reading | Indy Week
Seems like one of those local values we want to preserve if we can.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Chapel Hill, Hillsborough have option to go solar | The Herald-Sun
Still not telling the whole story.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Would Solar Roadways Work? A Government Engineer Discusses the Controversial Technology : Greentech Media
I think this is more fair-minded view of the technology and the idea. It may prove unsuccessful, or at least unworkable, but science demands a more open mind.
Why Solar Roads are a Bad Idea - Chapelboro.com
I think this is an extremely narrow-minded approach to the issue.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Experimental Drug Would Help Fight Ebola if Supply Increases, Study Finds - NYTimes.com
Finally, something good to be made of tobacco. How much do we grow in Chapelboroham and where?
Chapel Hill, NC - Google Maps
Chapel Hill Police Department has primary jurisdiction only over the area within the red dotted line.
Friday, August 29, 2014
CHAPEL HILL: Chamber: Orange County booms through economy, lingering issues | Orange County | ChapelHillNews.com
What an incomplete job of reporting.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Night football games help Chapel Hill economy
Was the survey a good one? Is there general agreement about this?
Thursday, August 28, 2014
What Happens When Callers To 9-1-1 Speak No English? | Here & Now
Do we have the same setup here? Does it work any faster?
International Friendship Program Connects Students to Community ~ UNC Global
Seems like a really nice program.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Oversight forces Chapel Hill to lose housing bid
We need to find out who in the Town was responsible for this project, the person who should have caught the omission.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Help possible for flood-prone homes | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
I sure don't have any confidence that the Town has a handle on all the flood issues.
CARRBORO: Q&A: Art Menius on the ArtsCenter, nonprofits in Orange County and capitalism | Carrboro | ChapelHillNews.com
This covers an important and quirky side of life in Chapel Hill as it evolves.
Chapelboroham News, Notes & Stories
Imagine....
....that we spent some time focusing on what people see and do as they enter Chapel Hill from the principal four points on the compass. These principal access points could be so much more than roads. They could be places of activity and living, of commerce and conversation. We have a chance to practice on the stretch from the Chatham County Line to Franklin Street. How could we make that stretch more productive, more engaging, more useful to all, more efficient, less polluting, less congested, less vehicles and more people?
....that we spent some time focusing on what people see and do as they enter Chapel Hill from the principal four points on the compass. These principal access points could be so much more than roads. They could be places of activity and living, of commerce and conversation. We have a chance to practice on the stretch from the Chatham County Line to Franklin Street. How could we make that stretch more productive, more engaging, more useful to all, more efficient, less polluting, less congested, less vehicles and more people?
BASSETT and Nespresso
"Dear Mr. BASSETT,
I don’t really know very much about what you do or how that
may be different after leaving to go to Raleigh and then not working out and
your returning here to Chapel Hill.
That said, here is a potential lead on a great Swiss company
that appears to be in the market for a coffee capsule factory in the US. I have
no idea how big, or what environmental or other considerations might be, but it
is the sort of enterprise that I sure would love to see here – so much more
than a company elsewhere in Orange County contributing more to dentists’ cavity
business with its candy than anything else.
I have no idea if you have traveled outside the US although
I think I may recall some sort of boondoggle trip overseas to promote here or
NC. And I do not know if you can read French.
Should you have any trouble getting this translated, I’d be
happy to write a summary for you.
"
Thank you for contacting the Town of Chapel Hill's Office
of Economic Development.
I am out of the office and unavailable to return your
email for the week of August 25th, 2014 (until September 2, 2014). I am on vacation and will plan to return your
correspondence after September 1st, 2014, as time allows. I apologize for any
inconvenience this may cause you.
If you need immedaite assistance you can call Jeanette
Coffin at (919) 968-2743.
Thanks,
Dwight Bassett
Economic Development Office"
UPDATE 2-Time Warner Cable suffers major outage; New York launches probe | Reuters
Why didn't the Town of Chapel Hill file comments with the Federal Communications Commission on the proposed merger of Time Warner and Comcast?
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Help possible for flood-prone homes | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
I wonder why the puff piece on the Mayor distributing school supplies at Airport Gardens is not online. Too much puffery?
Town of Chapel Hill : Report to the Community 2014
I have a very long list of questions, some of which I have already posed.
CHAPEL HILL: Chapel Hill loses bid for affordable housing project | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
It seems to me that we need to have an accounting of who was asleep at the application switch.
CHAPEL HILL: Chapel Hill loses bid for affordable housing project | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
It seems to me that we need to have an accounting of who was asleep at the application switch.
The Daily Tar Heel :: Surveyed teachers unhappy at Chapel Hill High School
Is this the best we can do?
Monday, August 25, 2014
Mayor meeting and the law....
"I think you have posed the question correctly. It really is in
two parts – 1) what does the law require/permit and 2) what does public policy
demand, but not require?
Although as I think you know I am not an NC lawyer, I am a
lawyer with a career in this world of access to what I like to call people,
places and papers.
What I would like to see in the case of the mayor meeting last
week is a full accounting of all costs. That, too, comes in two pieces – 1) the
out-of-pocket cost to the Town, and added to that something very important –
the fully allocated cost of the time devoted to this both at the meeting and in
preparation (i.e., the days/hours of their salaries), and 2) the value of any
contribution made by anyone outside the Mayor and Town Council and Town staff
by way of direct gift or reduced cost (i.e., preferential charges, lower than
normal by those catering hosting portions of the meeting). I’d like to
see a full accounting of all of the above.
As to the law, my general sense is that these closed sessions
did not violated the NC open meetings law, but it really depends on the unknown
contents of the closed meeting discussions, how many Council members were in
the room, etc. I think it would be a stretch on the law. As far as public
policy, I think Mark SCHULTZ’s Roses and Raspberries in the Chapel Hill News
made the case very well, and which is why we especially ought to receive the
accounting above and a detailed report on attendance and matters discussed."
Reviewing Comcast-Time Warner Cable Deal, and Second-Quarter Growth Data - NYTimes.com
Wow! "more than 63,000 comments filed to the F.C.C. about the proposed merger"
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Solar options
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2014 2:22 PM
To: 'Rob Pinder'
Subject: RE: Dow Power House Solar
To: 'Rob Pinder'
Subject: RE: Dow Power House Solar
Dear Rob,
Thanks. That sounds like a more positive approach, but did you
contact Dow to ask about their interest in being part of the program? They have
a guy responsible for NC who seems extremely competent, with a background in
the actual development of the Dow product. Why not ask them directly? Dow has
picked installers in the area already and is training them. In our case, if we
proceed to install solar, we would ONLY go with Dow or something similar and I
really do not think most people realize the economics of the Dow plan,
especially for older roofs (which are a lot more favorable than what most
people believe) and the option of having a fairly attractive roof at the end of
the day instead of one that often looks like plumbing equipment left out to dry
in the sun.
Cheers,
Terry
From: Rob Pinder [mailto:rob.pinder@solarizenc.org]
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2014 10:17 PM
To: Terry MAGUIRE
Subject: Re: Dow Power House Solar
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2014 10:17 PM
To: Terry MAGUIRE
Subject: Re: Dow Power House Solar
Hi Terry,
Thanks for asking about Dow solar shingles. A goal of our
Solarize program is to reduce the costs to go solar. Part of these cost
reductions come from standardized equipment so we can achieve group purchasing
discounts. Accordingly, for the base package, we selected equipment that could
be installed on a wide range of homes.
While I'm also a big fan of solar shingles, it is quite a
bit more expensive -- both materials and installation -- especially for an
existing roof. However, when our solar installer partners develop a proposal,
they lay out a range of options for the homeowner to chose from. Most select
the base package in order to garner the discounts, but I'll work with the
installer partners about including an offer for solar shingles as a more aesthetically
pleasing alternative.
Thanks for the feedback.
- Rob
On Sat, Aug 23, 2014 at 1:45 PM, Terry MAGUIRE <tmaguire@newspaper.com>
wrote:
Why
are you not presenting the Dow product as an option for those who prefer not to
junk up their roofs with conventional solar panels?
I
have no financial interest in Dow or any of its installers, but it seems to me
that you owe it to everyone to tell them there is an alternative.
Terry MAGUIRE
Will Chapel Hill file?
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2014 2:12 PM
To: info@townofchapelhill.org
Cc: Lee Storrow
Subject: Time Warner Cable and Comcast proposed merger
To: info@townofchapelhill.org
Cc: Lee Storrow
Subject: Time Warner Cable and Comcast proposed merger
Tomorrow, 25 August 2014, is the deadline for filing
comments with the Federal Communications Commission on the proposed Time Warner/Comcast
merger. Has the Town of Chapel Hill, the Mayor, or any member of the Council
filed comments? If so, please send me a copy. If not, why not? 22 mayors
reportedly filed late last week in support of the merger http://thehill.com/policy/technology/215744-mayors-back-45b-comcast-merger
Have the Mayor and Council considered this matter? If not, why not?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Chapter 132
"§ 132-1.4. Criminal investigations; intelligence information records; Innocence Inquiry Commission records."
This governs release of information by the CHPD relating to incidents.
This governs release of information by the CHPD relating to incidents.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Your letters, Aug. 20 | Letters | ChapelHillNews.com
How many community gardens do we have in Chapelboroham?
Chapel Hill, NC | Chapel Hill, NC Announcements - Political - Concerned Citizens of Chapel Hill
The message is quite good but why are these people such cowards that they do not identify themselves?
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill to host US mayors for 3-day conference
I sure want to see the value delivered from this meeting.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Chapel Hill Police Department P2C - provided by OSSI
I'd like to know how soon one can expect to see an incident appear here?
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
RURAL COUNTIES REMAIN KILLING GROUNDS FOR TRAFFIC DEATHS IN NORTH CAROLINA
It's sad that so many of these deaths are pedestrians. We need to work harder to stop that!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Shopping/business destinations?
Where do people go when they get in their cars anywhere in Chapel Hill? What are the shopping/business destination? Are there any on Franklin Street, for example?
Anarchists Smash Car Windows At Chapel Hill Police Department - Chapelboro.com
I hope they suffer the full consequences of the law.
Service Alerts | Triangle Transit
Why are we not given a reason for this change? It seems to me that it further diminishes the value of transit for shopping.
Terri Buckner: Chapel Hill needs more tools, fewer hammers | My View | ChapelHillNews.com
"Figuring out what to do about local businesses has to start with an assessment - that I have never seen - of the "stock" of local businesses we have in Chapel Hill. Which ones make the list? A locally-owned franchise? Southern Season? Or limited to the smallest like Chapel Hill's oldest - Lacock's? Do we support them because they are "local" and/or because they provide products or services that we value through our patronage? It seems to me that we have a pretty tiny collection of businesses that are "special" in some way that we all want to protect and preserve. Just for example, which are the local businesses - with some description of why they are important - in the Ephesus-Fordham area? I think we could get our arms around the bigger issues if we have in front of us the details of the small ones."
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Durham Batteries Plus Bulbs Store Info - Battery and Light Bulbs in North Carolina - Store Locator
I would like to figure out a way that we could add comments like this one - positive, negative, in-between, for stores and services in Chapelboroham:
--
A solar light I had purchased at Home Depot or Lowes simply would not work when I tried to set it up. The manufacturer told me I needed to replace the battery. After a failed choice, I went to Batteries Plus and asked for their help. They had the very battery I needed, discussed the issue with me fully and told me to bring it back if the light did not work - which they tested for me in the store. The light finally works perfectly and I could not be more appreciative of the store.
--
A solar light I had purchased at Home Depot or Lowes simply would not work when I tried to set it up. The manufacturer told me I needed to replace the battery. After a failed choice, I went to Batteries Plus and asked for their help. They had the very battery I needed, discussed the issue with me fully and told me to bring it back if the light did not work - which they tested for me in the store. The light finally works perfectly and I could not be more appreciative of the store.
Monday, August 11, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Sixty families lose their homes under new housing policies
Why not multiple zoned areas with more compact, less expensive housing for people unable to afford higher prices? Ok, some could disparage the idea as creating "servants' quarters", but if done well, this should not at all be the case.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Council waives project’s trail requirement | The Herald-Sun
We need more interconnected trails, not less. Bravo to Diane CATOTTI!
Friday, August 8, 2014
‘Human Resources’ on Pivot, Gives Hope to the Working Young - NYTimes.com
Too bad we cannot get it here.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Budget hearing yields complaints about sidewalks | The Herald-Sun
For me it is a super top priority.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Plan de lutte contre le moustique dit « tigre » - Conseil général des Alpes-Maritimes
What is the Chapelboroham plan?
Monday, August 4, 2014
Concealed Carry Training in Raleigh by FTA Inc | Concealed Carry Weapons CCW Courses in Raleigh, NC
As far as I am concerned, this is a service that I do not consider welcome anywhere in Chapelboroham, or beyond. Peddle your pistols somewhere else, or, preferably, not at all!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
As The Epidemic Worsens, A UNC Doctor Details The Battle Against Ebola - Chapelboro.com
We ought to do more to explore how we in this area can do even more and do it efficiently to help prevent more deaths from Ebola in other countries, as well as any here.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
The Daily Tar Heel :: Chapel Hill Transit looks to replace older buses
We need to do whatever is needed.
Three public radio veterans go independent with a podcast on the criminal mind | Arts Feature | Indy Week
We should see much more of this locally-focused.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Death of UNC professor sparks safety concerns in Chapel Hill | abc11.com
The best response to this that I can advance is for more people to dump their cars and walk more. The safest communities against this kind of violence are those with lots and lots of people on the streets - supported by their legs and not their cushy car seats.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
'Chikungunya' Mosquito Virus Safety - Chapelboro.com
It's a lot more than a few flower pots. Irrigation systems may be the worst culprits.
Monday, July 21, 2014
LCP Assemblée nationale | Docs ad Hoc : Enfants Forcats
This is largely focused on children picking tobacco in North Carolina. Awful.
New York Cracks Down on Birdbaths to Fight West Nile Virus - NYTimes.com
Do we have such an ordinance?
Le tramway, lieu de design - Culture - Télématin - France 2
If we could only understand how good these are and how much they and traffic circles would solve some of our transportation headaches.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
RALEIGH, N.C.: NC Supreme Court strikes down Chapel Hill's no-cellphones-while-driving law | Local Politics | NewsObserver.com
This was the right policy choice extremely stupidly implemented, or, now, attempted to be implemented.
Carrboro Joins AT&T Master Network Development Agreement - Chapelboro.com
As a veteran antitrust lawyer who was part of the case that broke up AT&T in the first place in the early 80s, I share the concerns voiced by many and many not voiced by any.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
Paris, première ville au monde pour l’innovation et le capital intellectuel
Compared with Chapelboroham or Chapel Hill, specifically.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Google Maps now shows elevation data for bike routes | Daily Digest News
How to make the most of this?
Bicycling - Google Maps
Can we be proud of the bicycling routes shown on Google Maps for Chapelboroham?
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Chapel Hill Town Council Approves Ephesus-Fordham Renewal Plan - Chapelboro.com
Thoroughly bad decision.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Public Library Abandons Plan to Revamp 42nd Street Building - NYTimes.com
Time to take stock of all of our libraries?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Raleigh’s greenway system: 2014 and beyond | GetGoing NC!
How are we doing in Chapelboroham in creating a pedestrian network that allows us to move all over the area? My answer is "very poorly". Raleigh seems to focus on making their greenways part of the transportation system.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Barry JACOBS v. Bonnie HAUSER
I posed these two questions to each of the candidates:
"1) Given the coverage of the report from which this link comes a couple of
days ago, will you pledge to do what it takes to insure that Orange County
becomes one of the counties where air quality measurements are taken
regularly?
http://www.stateoftheair.org/2014/states/north-carolina/orange-37135.html
2) Do you believe that we have too many guns in Orange County and will you
commit to looking for ways to discourage the acquisition of any more and the
proper disposal of at least some of those we do have?
If you happened to see the NBA Commissioner's press conference this week,
you may have been struck as I was by the clarity of his answers to good
questions. I'll be anxious to see yours to the two above. I have included my
phone number, but would prefer to have the answers in writing so that I can
share them with other voters."
There responses, I think, are instructive.
Here is Barry JACOBS' response:
"Orange County has in fact tried for years to have an air quality monitor stationed here, but the state resisted. We even asked our legislators to intervene when their party controlled the legislative and executive branches, arguing the confluence of two interstate highways surely necessitated placement of an air quality monitor if we're serious about addressing the problems of air pollution.
Orange County has been proactive in addressing this issue regardless of the placement of a monitor. The county has, and still does, consider air quality to be a key component of our environment. County vehicles have been steadily converted to less polluting models, for instance, as part of a series of environmental responsibility goals I helped to put in place years ago. http://www.co.orange.nc.us/ercd/EnvironmentalResponibility.asp (I'm not responsible for the misspelling, but will get it corrected.)
We also have an ordinance that limits open burning, particularly in creating a subdivision, and have lobbied the legislature for years to allow Orange County the authority to ban open burning on code alert days.
Just the other day I challenged both of our school systems to seek alternative models to the kiss-and-go lanes that leave lines of cars idling twice daily at our schools. I've seen that at Scroggs Elementary in your area, for instance. I appreciate the convenience this custom provides for parents and children, but surely there's a less polluting alternative that can still offer the flexibility and bonding time kiss-and-go provides.
As for a monitor, without willing assistance from the state we have two viable options. We can partner with either Duke or UNC to locate a monitor in Orange County and have scientific measurements taken regularly by someone who can incorporate the data into meaningful research. We do have a staff person who monitors test wells to track water table levels, so he could easily be assigned to check the air monitor whether the county has a partner or not.
I'm willing to pledge to go it alone -- using existing staff would minimize the costs and assure steady measurement. But I'd like to try to interest a university scientist first, perhaps in partnership with the American Lung Association.
As for your question about guns, I believe there are too many guns everywhere in the U.S., not just in Orange County. Just three days ago the county commission chair and vice chair directed staff to investigate the feasibility and logistics of a gun buy-back program. (I'm the chair, as you probably know.) We also look for legal ways to limit gun carrying in public places within the county.
Please do let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. I believe very strongly that environmental responsibility and protection are central components of Orange County values. I have worked diligently to protect our air, water, land and wildlife while serving as county commissioner, on county volunteer boards, and in any regional or state-level position I've filled.
By the way, you may be interested in hearing the county's periodic State of the Environment Report on May 31. I can get you more information about time and location, or a link to the report when it's released."
Here is what I received from Bonnie HAUSER:
"1) Given the coverage of the report from which this link comes a couple of
days ago, will you pledge to do what it takes to insure that Orange County
becomes one of the counties where air quality measurements are taken
regularly?
http://www.stateoftheair.org/2014/states/north-carolina/orange-37135.html
2) Do you believe that we have too many guns in Orange County and will you
commit to looking for ways to discourage the acquisition of any more and the
proper disposal of at least some of those we do have?
If you happened to see the NBA Commissioner's press conference this week,
you may have been struck as I was by the clarity of his answers to good
questions. I'll be anxious to see yours to the two above. I have included my
phone number, but would prefer to have the answers in writing so that I can
share them with other voters."
There responses, I think, are instructive.
Here is Barry JACOBS' response:
"Orange County has in fact tried for years to have an air quality monitor stationed here, but the state resisted. We even asked our legislators to intervene when their party controlled the legislative and executive branches, arguing the confluence of two interstate highways surely necessitated placement of an air quality monitor if we're serious about addressing the problems of air pollution.
Orange County has been proactive in addressing this issue regardless of the placement of a monitor. The county has, and still does, consider air quality to be a key component of our environment. County vehicles have been steadily converted to less polluting models, for instance, as part of a series of environmental responsibility goals I helped to put in place years ago. http://www.co.orange.nc.us/ercd/EnvironmentalResponibility.asp (I'm not responsible for the misspelling, but will get it corrected.)
We also have an ordinance that limits open burning, particularly in creating a subdivision, and have lobbied the legislature for years to allow Orange County the authority to ban open burning on code alert days.
Just the other day I challenged both of our school systems to seek alternative models to the kiss-and-go lanes that leave lines of cars idling twice daily at our schools. I've seen that at Scroggs Elementary in your area, for instance. I appreciate the convenience this custom provides for parents and children, but surely there's a less polluting alternative that can still offer the flexibility and bonding time kiss-and-go provides.
As for a monitor, without willing assistance from the state we have two viable options. We can partner with either Duke or UNC to locate a monitor in Orange County and have scientific measurements taken regularly by someone who can incorporate the data into meaningful research. We do have a staff person who monitors test wells to track water table levels, so he could easily be assigned to check the air monitor whether the county has a partner or not.
I'm willing to pledge to go it alone -- using existing staff would minimize the costs and assure steady measurement. But I'd like to try to interest a university scientist first, perhaps in partnership with the American Lung Association.
As for your question about guns, I believe there are too many guns everywhere in the U.S., not just in Orange County. Just three days ago the county commission chair and vice chair directed staff to investigate the feasibility and logistics of a gun buy-back program. (I'm the chair, as you probably know.) We also look for legal ways to limit gun carrying in public places within the county.
Please do let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. I believe very strongly that environmental responsibility and protection are central components of Orange County values. I have worked diligently to protect our air, water, land and wildlife while serving as county commissioner, on county volunteer boards, and in any regional or state-level position I've filled.
By the way, you may be interested in hearing the county's periodic State of the Environment Report on May 31. I can get you more information about time and location, or a link to the report when it's released."
Here is what I received from Bonnie HAUSER:
"As you get to know me, you’ll learn that
I’m very much an “act locally” type who does her homework and engages
independent experts and varied perspectives in the conversation. We have
unprecedented challenges from growth, aging and affordability, and given
the challenges from the state, we need better planning so that we can
“walk the walk” on environment, social justice and education.
I have a strong local track record
in environmental stewardship and environmental justice, and played an instrumental
role in closing the county landfill, protecting Cane Creek Reservoir from
logging and an airport, and a host of other local and statewide issues.
I like measurements and data, and would like to learn more about the air
quality measures that you proposed. Last I looked, public health
professionals were advocating measures of acute episodes to assess
environmental impacts on public health. They claimed that its
difficult to link chronic illness because of bias and uncontrolled variables
(genetics, lifestyle, etc). Here’s
an example of recent work that Chris Heaney did with Roger Road on air quality
using acute health episodes.
Of course the real challenge
is protecting the environment under the pressures of growth and urban
development. That’s why I’m committed to work with CHT, TTA, OPT and
DOT create a strong public transportation system throughout the county
that allows people to leave their cars at home. We need to do better with
to create connections to RTP, Chatham and Mebane, and with “last mile
service”. I’m closely watching the growing interest in commuter rail to connect
the Triangle and points beyond. Controls over storm water runoff and
water quality are also of high interest to me.
Guns are harder. The
commissioners have little influence over gun legislation, and as you know that
there’s a big difference in rural vs urban. Given my urban roots, I’m
uncomfortable around guns and don’t own one. Living in a rural area, I’m
the exception. There are many reasons that people own guns - mostly sport
and safety. It is their right and I will honor that.
I’m committed to public safety
and am unhappy about concealed carry in bars and I’ve quite interested in
exploring options to undo that legislation. I’m also worried about sport hunters using rifles. Rifle bullets travel far
and could be dangerous to nearby homes. I’d like to see legislation to
require rifle hunting from deer stands. I have not explored local
authority to act on this.
I have to admit that I’m
unclear about how a firearm buy-back program would help get guns out of the
hand of criminals. That said, the Sheriff’s candidates like the idea, and
as commissioner I will support their efforts to prevent gun violence in our
communities."
"Solarize-ing" McDougle Middle School - Chapelboro.com
This is good but they ought to have gone with Dow.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Residents Roll Out To Support Chapel Hill Bike Plan - Chapelboro.com
Ok, as long as the pedestrian infrastructure is addressed at the same time.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
University of North Carolina Is at Odds With a Raleigh Newspaper - NYTimes.com
I think those of us who live in Chapel Hill should be pressuring UNC relentlessly. For us, it's only a healthy walk away.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
How Urban Anonymity Disappears When All Data Is Tracked - NYTimes.com - NYTimes.com
How are we doing on this here?
Friday, April 18, 2014
Lowe's Home Improvement: Appliances, Tools, Hardware, Paint, Flooring
I was really struck by how helpful everyone in the store was; a big improvement over past shopping trips there. Everyone had an answer and stuck with me until they were sure I had gotten what I wanted from fitting for our irrigation system through cleaner for bathroom sink top to advice on laying a floor in our crawlspace. The experience left such a positive impression that I will stop there ahead of Home Depot next time I need a hardware item.
ALDI US - Homepage
The people in the store are always very friendly and helpful. Their weekly sales always have something new, and are very compelling, a combination of food and other households items. When I was there, I bought vines to plant in our yard, a new "topper" for our gas grill, some new garden tools, dark chocolate-covered espresso beans, a can of very tiny young peas, a French baguette and some squash. I have high confidence that I saved quite a bit.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
World Market Stores near 27516 | World Market
Stopped here to look at plates on sale. I was not impressed with what they had to offer, and very little new from my last visit likely a year ago. No one offered to help me.
Comprehensive Family Medicine Ltd - Chapel Hill, NC | Yelp
Very positive visit with Dr. BANKAITIS today. She helped, as she always does, with good advice and a plan to deal with an issue I raised. The two people at the front desk and the nurse with whom I dealt were all very friendly, attentive and efficient.
It’s the End of the World as We Know It . . . and He Feels Fine - NYTimes.com
Have we given up here, too?
Monday, April 14, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
A Year After Bombings, Some Say 'Boston Strong' Has Gone Overboard : NPR
Local resident quoted - Joe BURGO.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
CHAPEL HILL: Chapel Hill businesses wary of Ephesus-Fordham changes | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
They seem to have organized to the point of putting up signs - save our small businesses - along 15-501. Some mention on sign of 7 story buildings. So much of this seems so imprecise. Just because the Town switches to this new zoning approach does not mean that anything will happen, does it?
Cheering The Ephesus-Fordham Plan - Chapelboro.com
How can he be so sure that his vision will materialize?
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
With Proposed Mega-Merger On The Hill, Spotlight's On Consumers : NPR
How are we focusing on this here?
How Much Your Doctor Received From Medicare - NYTimes.com
This is searchable by town or doctor, per specialty.
First look at Medicare data in 35 years
From perspective of Chapelboroham. 100,000 per doctor in NC, with 29% level of reimbursement, serving 1,500,000 people. What does that look like more locally?
Monday, April 7, 2014
In Scrutiny of Cable Merger, Internet Choice Will Be Crucial Battlefield - NYTimes.com
Impact on us in Chapelboroham?
Saturday, April 5, 2014
A Resolution at Last for a Father’s Unsettling Legacy - NYTimes.com
A very unsettling story, but I am not sure why.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Chapel Hill Transit: We Are Committed to Remaining Fare-Free - Chapelboro.com
We all need to work together to make this happen.
Wikipedia Holds An Edit-A-Thon To Draw Women Editors : NPR
How about doing one of these just for Chapelboroham?
Friday, March 28, 2014
The Story of Cities: Global and Local Perspectives on the Quest for Thriving and Sustainable Communities
Another event in Chapel Hill Central that I cannot attend because there is no bus running here to Southern Village after the event.
NSC Study
Eating, drinking, shopping, servicing, seeing are all inside the horribly-named North-South Corridor. First, let's pick another name: how about the Central Chapel Hill?
If I can squeeze out the time, I hope to write occasionally about this area and note places that our Chapel Hill Transit can take us to get more out of this part of town. (And let me note right up front, I have no relationship - financial or otherwise - with Chapel Hill Transit or any business interest in the area other than my home in Southern Village and my wife's interest in Ipas, the Southern Village-based international women's health organization that she leads.)
If I can squeeze out the time, I hope to write occasionally about this area and note places that our Chapel Hill Transit can take us to get more out of this part of town. (And let me note right up front, I have no relationship - financial or otherwise - with Chapel Hill Transit or any business interest in the area other than my home in Southern Village and my wife's interest in Ipas, the Southern Village-based international women's health organization that she leads.)
I hope to start off with a kind of wakeup tour of the area, by bus. My focus will be coffee. Stay tuned.....
Town of Carrboro: New, Improved Web Site Coming This Summer - Chapelboro.com
Looking forward to see what they do!
Free Bus Rides May Soon Be History in Chapel Hill-Carrboro - Chapelboro.com
It seems to me that we should simultaneously increase the cost of parking everywhere served by buses.
Town Council Seeks County Buy-In For Ephesus-Fordham Plan - Chapelboro.com
I fear that neither body knows what it is doing.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Durham / Chapel Hill – Source Magazine - Restaurants, Shopping, Services and Local Events 2014
This seems to be done extremely well. I hope they succeed!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
OC Raccoon Rabies Cases Could Be On The Rise In 2014 - Chapelboro.com
Where is the map of where each raccoon was found or where an incident occurred?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Chapel Hill Emergency Drivers Want You to 'See the Light' - Chapelboro.com
We should see a lot more of this.
Smoking Proves Hard to Shake Among the Poor - NYTimes.com
Great chart here. It shows, among other things that we have dropped from 21 to 15% (1996 To 2012) in overall percentage of adults who smoke in Orange County. Durham went from 23 to 17%, Chatham 23 to 18%. We can still do so much better!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Commuters Ditch Cars For Public Transit In Record Numbers : NPR
What are the numbers for Chapelboroham?
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Municipales: ces candidats déjà sûrs d'être élus maires dans les AM | Municipales élections | Nice-Matin
Why is it in Chapel Hill and in France that so few run for mayor?
Thursday, March 20, 2014
RALEIGH: DENR cites Duke Energy for illegal Cape Fear coal ash pumping | State Politics | NewsObserver.com
Let's hope that this pushes us back to being the environmentally-protective state that I recall NC being when we moved here 15 years ago!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Attorneys general call on top U.S. retailers to drop tobacco products | Reuters
Are we hearing this from Chapelboroham leaders?
Monday, March 10, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Le champion des radars a flashé 15 véhicules par heure en 2013
Imagine how much safer we would be with these all over Chapelboroham!
Cities Mobilize to Help Those Threatened by Gentrification - NYTimes.com
How are we doing in Chapelboroham?
Sunday, March 2, 2014
A Community Center for All Income Levels - NYTimes.com
Why can't we all get together in Chapelboroham and make this happen here?
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Fathers’ Sons and Brothers’ Keepers - NYTimes.com
What are the stats for Chapelboroham? How many opportunities are there for surrogates to help fill some of the void simply by caring about kids?
Friday, February 28, 2014
Stormwater Issues Raised at Ephesus-Fordham Information Session - Chapelboro.com
Its amazing that we could agree to make things worse.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Durham-Orange Light Rail Plan Gets Federal Thumbs Up - Chapelboro.com
Sure would be nice to see even if I am almost 80 when it "might" begin operation!
California Endangered Species: Plastic Bags - NYTimes.com
Can't we extinguish them in Chapelboroham?
Monday, February 24, 2014
Envoyé spécial : tout sur l'émission, news et vidéos en replay - France 2
Great program broadcast first 13 February 2014 showing how zoning has contributed to so much of the loss in France this winter with the relentless and torrential rains. Are we sure for all of Chapelboroham that no building is being allowed in areas potentially subject to flooding should we face a winter as bad as France has suffered?
Triangle Transit Is Filming A Soap Opera On Its Busses | WUNC
Good to see this "covered", but what a puff job.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Making New York City Safe for Pedestrians - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com
How to make the whole area safer for walkers?
Google Fiber plans service in more cities, but not Wichita - Wichita Business Journal
Someone help us understand what difference this would make please?
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
A Tale of Two Spills - Chapelboro.com
How do we stay fully on top of this story, the core issues, what Duke is doing, and what McCRORY did or did not do?
A Tale of Two Spills - Chapelboro.com
How do we stay fully on top of this story, the core issues, what Duke is doing, and what McCRORY did or did not do?
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
TV Listings - Find Local TV Shows and Movie Schedules - Listings Grid | TVGuide.com
With three channels on Time Warner Cable, why shouldn't WRAL-TV give us a choice instead of broadcasting only the basketball game on all three?
Monday, February 17, 2014
Writers for Readers 2014 - Orange County Literacy Council
This is a great cause, but I wonder what the costs are that have to be covered before this group gets what is left.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Orange Commissioners Seek Input on Recycling - Chapelboro.com
We all need to pay for all the garbage we produce, however it is collected.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
2 Hillsborough Armed Robberies Reported Within 3-Day Span - Chapelboro.com
The more we know about these incidents, the less likely we are to be victims ourselves.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
DATA. 20% de morts en moins sur les routes des Alpes-Maritimes en 2013 | Dernière minute | Nice-Matin
Where is it safer to drive?
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Orange County's Newest Charter School To Open This Fall - Chapelboro.com
This can't be a good thing.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Var : chauffage bio dans 16 villages du département en replay - 9 janvier 2014
Where are we doing this in Chapelboroham? If not, is there a good environmental reason not to do it? It is promoted here in France as economique et ecologique!
CHAPEL HILL: WCHL radio owner Barry Leffler leaving Chapel Hill for Texas | Chapel Hill | ChapelHillNews.com
Not sure how this will work out?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
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