Thursday, August 02, 2007
Best walking routes FROM Southern Village
What are the most interesting walking routes from Southern Village? Suppose you want to walk for an hour or two hours......what are the most interesting hikes from a base in Southern Village?
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Walking to schools
What percentage of students, teachers and others walk or bike, as opposed to drive, to Scroggs and Culbreth schools? In our increasingly obese world, this would be a nice statistic to know and to improve the walking numbers are not impressive.....and if they are impressive, keep them that way!
Radar "gun" for Southern Village
Cars often seem to drive around Southern Village at speeds well above 25 MPH. Wouldn't it be helpful to know for sure so that the police can be notified of chronic offenders? It's hard to estimate car speed from the sidewalk, but I just discovered that the hand-held radar "guns" are not all that expensive. Here is just one for example.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
"Edwards goes carbon neutral" - Gristmill
See reference to one quarter of EDWARDS' campaign headquarters staff (in Southern Village) walking to work. I wonder if the carbon neutral pledge applies to his 4+ million dollar house as well?
Tree mulching
What is the best - most recommended - way in which to mulch around all our trees in Southern Village between sidewalks and curbs? Surely, some approaches must be better for the trees than others. What are the approaches that we should all be encouraged to adopt?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Our "neighbor", John EDWARDS
Today's Chapel Hill News carries an opinion column by one of the Chapel Hill (NC) Town Council members, Laurin EASTHOM. In it, she attempts to respond to an article in the (Raleigh) News & Observer about US Presidential candidate John EDWARDS. Ms EASTHOM contends that we should ignore EDWARDS' new, very large house here in Chapel Hill and the report by the N&O that EDWARDS does not say hello to a local business owner across the street from the new home - that has the highest assessed value of any home here in Orange County. She says that we should look to other wealthy US presidents and all the good works they have done for the poor, starting with Franklin ROOSEVELT.
I am afraid that she misses the point. It's a question of judgment.
Mr. EDWARDS keeps exercising very bad judgment as he demonstrated on Meet the Press today. While he says now that his vote for the Iraq "war" was wrong, he continues to say that he would have voted for the action even today if the "war" had been managed better. He simply does not have the knowledge of other countries and cultures, and especially the Middle East to be President, in my view. Further on that point, he said that he ignored evidence to the contrary on Weapons of Mass Destruction at the time. The judgment that he made at the time of that vote, the time that it took him to admit he made a mistake (more than two years) and the judgment he still applies in saying better management would have resulted in him still voting the way he did all say to me that he does not have what it takes to by my President. This all comes in the wake of a couple of things. One was the visit here last week of some people from Northern Europe who had never been to NC previously. They were struck by the absence of poverty. It also comes in the wake of a rough calculation that what the President is asking for Iraq and Afghanistan over the next two years amounts to about 10,000 USD for each citizen of those countries. If not 10,000, then it is a very healthy sum. And this comes along with a story in the same Chapel Hill News, adjacent to Ms. EASTHOM's piece that talks about the trials and tribulations of a small family restaurant (average meal $7, the N&O reports) only a few miles from Mr. EDWARDS' new home. The story reports that the restaurant "more times than not, ...is operating at a loss". Mr. EDWARDS and Ms. EASTHOM both know that all politics are local. Walt's Grill is about as local as it gets for both of them. Finally, on top of all that is an invitation to a fund raiser for EDWARDS at the home of D.R. BRYAN, the developer of Southern Village. The invitation seems to be looking for contributions at the levels of $500 and $1,000. Where will that money go? Much of it will probably go for EDWARDS' staff and more fund-raising. Ms. EASTHOM says we should look not at EDWARDS' house, but at what he has "done in his work,is currently doing in his campaign, and will continue to do for all Americans as he proactively tackles the complexity of poverty in America". Ok, so let's see what John EDWARDS has done in Chapel Hill, with his neighbors and others to deal with the poverty here that our European visitors did not see. He may have done a lot, and many of us would like to know so we can appreciative. I hope he will share this with us. In the meantime, imagine what might happen if he took all the money donated for the lunch on 9 Feb and created a fund that turned the contributions into meal tickets redeemable at Walt's for those in our town and county for whom an occasional free lunch might make a huge difference. That would give the so-far missing strength to Ms. EASTHOM's words about "actions" that her words now lack. And, most important, it would wind up being one of the actions to put on Mr. EDWARDS' "very good judgment" list. He needs all he can find.
I am afraid that she misses the point. It's a question of judgment.
Mr. EDWARDS keeps exercising very bad judgment as he demonstrated on Meet the Press today. While he says now that his vote for the Iraq "war" was wrong, he continues to say that he would have voted for the action even today if the "war" had been managed better. He simply does not have the knowledge of other countries and cultures, and especially the Middle East to be President, in my view. Further on that point, he said that he ignored evidence to the contrary on Weapons of Mass Destruction at the time. The judgment that he made at the time of that vote, the time that it took him to admit he made a mistake (more than two years) and the judgment he still applies in saying better management would have resulted in him still voting the way he did all say to me that he does not have what it takes to by my President. This all comes in the wake of a couple of things. One was the visit here last week of some people from Northern Europe who had never been to NC previously. They were struck by the absence of poverty. It also comes in the wake of a rough calculation that what the President is asking for Iraq and Afghanistan over the next two years amounts to about 10,000 USD for each citizen of those countries. If not 10,000, then it is a very healthy sum. And this comes along with a story in the same Chapel Hill News, adjacent to Ms. EASTHOM's piece that talks about the trials and tribulations of a small family restaurant (average meal $7, the N&O reports) only a few miles from Mr. EDWARDS' new home. The story reports that the restaurant "more times than not, ...is operating at a loss". Mr. EDWARDS and Ms. EASTHOM both know that all politics are local. Walt's Grill is about as local as it gets for both of them. Finally, on top of all that is an invitation to a fund raiser for EDWARDS at the home of D.R. BRYAN, the developer of Southern Village. The invitation seems to be looking for contributions at the levels of $500 and $1,000. Where will that money go? Much of it will probably go for EDWARDS' staff and more fund-raising. Ms. EASTHOM says we should look not at EDWARDS' house, but at what he has "done in his work,is currently doing in his campaign, and will continue to do for all Americans as he proactively tackles the complexity of poverty in America". Ok, so let's see what John EDWARDS has done in Chapel Hill, with his neighbors and others to deal with the poverty here that our European visitors did not see. He may have done a lot, and many of us would like to know so we can appreciative. I hope he will share this with us. In the meantime, imagine what might happen if he took all the money donated for the lunch on 9 Feb and created a fund that turned the contributions into meal tickets redeemable at Walt's for those in our town and county for whom an occasional free lunch might make a huge difference. That would give the so-far missing strength to Ms. EASTHOM's words about "actions" that her words now lack. And, most important, it would wind up being one of the actions to put on Mr. EDWARDS' "very good judgment" list. He needs all he can find.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Superb program - Market Street Books
Excellent program this evening at Market Street Books!
"7 p.m. We're celebrating Southern culture in our favorite way: with an evening of books and food. Marcie Cohen Ferris and Bill Smith will discuss and sign their popular cookbooks, Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South, and Seasoned in the South: Recipes from Crook's Corner and from Home, and chef (and contributor to Cornbread Nation 3) Sheri Castle will prepare samples from both books. Both cookbooks were on the New York Times list for best of last year."
"7 p.m. We're celebrating Southern culture in our favorite way: with an evening of books and food. Marcie Cohen Ferris and Bill Smith will discuss and sign their popular cookbooks, Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South, and Seasoned in the South: Recipes from Crook's Corner and from Home, and chef (and contributor to Cornbread Nation 3) Sheri Castle will prepare samples from both books. Both cookbooks were on the New York Times list for best of last year."
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Epicurean - News & Observer
Nice review of Citrus!
"In Chapel Hill, the breakfast offering at Citrus is, shall we say, a bit more sophisticated. Executive chef Marcos Lucera, who owns the restaurant with partner Tom Meier, whips up an eye-opening offering that includes chorizo con huevos, Cordon bleu omelet, banana and candied pecan pancakes with praline sauce, and a positively bistro-esque hash of fresh and smoked salmon. Coffee is freshly ground, and juices freshly squeezed.
The Citrus lunch menu is similarly impressive, with options including Scottish cold-smoked salmon salad, open-faced shrimp salad sandwich on toasted focaccia, and grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish mayo on demi-baguette. Lucera cleverly echoes the restaurant's name and cheery decor with a citrus theme recurring throughout the breakfast and lunch menus -- the orange custard batter in French toast, for instance, and a twist on the classic salade Nicoise featuring pan-seared scallops and a lemon-feta vinaigrette.
Citrus is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It's a little hard to find, in the residential section of Southern Village. But it's definitely worth seeking out."
"In Chapel Hill, the breakfast offering at Citrus is, shall we say, a bit more sophisticated. Executive chef Marcos Lucera, who owns the restaurant with partner Tom Meier, whips up an eye-opening offering that includes chorizo con huevos, Cordon bleu omelet, banana and candied pecan pancakes with praline sauce, and a positively bistro-esque hash of fresh and smoked salmon. Coffee is freshly ground, and juices freshly squeezed.
The Citrus lunch menu is similarly impressive, with options including Scottish cold-smoked salmon salad, open-faced shrimp salad sandwich on toasted focaccia, and grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish mayo on demi-baguette. Lucera cleverly echoes the restaurant's name and cheery decor with a citrus theme recurring throughout the breakfast and lunch menus -- the orange custard batter in French toast, for instance, and a twist on the classic salade Nicoise featuring pan-seared scallops and a lemon-feta vinaigrette.
Citrus is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It's a little hard to find, in the residential section of Southern Village. But it's definitely worth seeking out."
Epicurean - News & Observer
Nice review of Citrus!
"In Chapel Hill, the breakfast offering at Citrus is, shall we say, a bit more sophisticated. Executive chef Marcos Lucera, who owns the restaurant with partner Tom Meier, whips up an eye-opening offering that includes chorizo con huevos, Cordon bleu omelet, banana and candied pecan pancakes with praline sauce, and a positively bistro-esque hash of fresh and smoked salmon. Coffee is freshly ground, and juices freshly squeezed.
The Citrus lunch menu is similarly impressive, with options including Scottish cold-smoked salmon salad, open-faced shrimp salad sandwich on toasted focaccia, and grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish mayo on demi-baguette. Lucera cleverly echoes the restaurant's name and cheery decor with a citrus theme recurring throughout the breakfast and lunch menus -- the orange custard batter in French toast, for instance, and a twist on the classic salade Nicoise featuring pan-seared scallops and a lemon-feta vinaigrette.
Citrus is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It's a little hard to find, in the residential section of Southern Village. But it's definitely worth seeking out."
"In Chapel Hill, the breakfast offering at Citrus is, shall we say, a bit more sophisticated. Executive chef Marcos Lucera, who owns the restaurant with partner Tom Meier, whips up an eye-opening offering that includes chorizo con huevos, Cordon bleu omelet, banana and candied pecan pancakes with praline sauce, and a positively bistro-esque hash of fresh and smoked salmon. Coffee is freshly ground, and juices freshly squeezed.
The Citrus lunch menu is similarly impressive, with options including Scottish cold-smoked salmon salad, open-faced shrimp salad sandwich on toasted focaccia, and grilled beef tenderloin with horseradish mayo on demi-baguette. Lucera cleverly echoes the restaurant's name and cheery decor with a citrus theme recurring throughout the breakfast and lunch menus -- the orange custard batter in French toast, for instance, and a twist on the classic salade Nicoise featuring pan-seared scallops and a lemon-feta vinaigrette.
Citrus is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It's a little hard to find, in the residential section of Southern Village. But it's definitely worth seeking out."
Thursday, December 07, 2006
ShipOnSite people
The two men who run ShipOnSite are John and Mike. Their cute little dog is Winston.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
"Realtime" Chapel Hill buses
This is a fabulous service. I have it linked to the V line, but you can pick any of the routes that serve Southern Village. Pick your stop and the software tells you when the next bus will be at that stop and the predicted times for the next several buses as well. The idea is that this insures that you will be able to time your trip to the bus stop knowing that the bus will be there at the time shown. This story on National Public Radio about a positive trend toward more people riding commuter buses reminded me to check the relatively new Chapel Hill "Realtime" service.
Citrus newspapers and magazines
Bravo to the Citrus owners for providing customers with a great selection of newspapers and magazines every day! They are on the table in the entrance hall so you cannot miss them.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Citrus people
I had breakfast today at Citrus with some friends. The very nice person who waited on us was Amanda T.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Marrakesh people
I stopped in Marrakesh today and realized that I had not noted the names of the two owners. For those interested in associating names with faces in some of the local businesses, they are Redouane and Christine KHALDI.
Monday, November 20, 2006
"belonging the film"
Another new arrival in Southern Village. See the address here on Market Street.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
outside.in — 27516
This is a new site that allows you to focus on news and commentary from various website and blogs connected to a specific zip code. When you clik on the link it should take you to the page for 27516.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
10 year assessment?
Southern Village has been around now for about 10 years. Could you imagine an evening - say at the Lumina - devoted a review of those 10 years, and some discussion of where we might like to see the community and its environs go in the next 10 years? This is not a Home Owners Association kind of event - but rather a "community" review of where we've been, where we are, and what we see in the future. People from Dogwood Acres, UNC, Carrboro, etc. would be invited to join us. Any interest?
Weekend evening bus to Chapel Hill?
Why not explore with the Chapel Hill Transit people the idea of providing one or two buses each Friday and Saturday night from Southern Village to downtown Chapel Hill? Leave at 6 or 7, return at 10 or 11. That would allow people of all ages to enjoy downtown, not worry about having a glass of wine or two with dinner, and eliminate the parking challenge. Worth pursuing?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
"Small theater owners find niches" - News & Observer
The Lumina owner, Bill PEEBLES, is mentioned here.....
Friday, April 14, 2006
"Atlanta Community Offers Amenities of Earlier Age" - National Public Radio
Another new urbanist community - this time in Atlanta.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Around the edges....
Southern Village has no wall around it. It is not a so-called "gated" community.
Instead, anyone is free to come into Southern Village via the three vehicle entrances, and the several pedestrian paths.
There are a number of things that "we" need to address in Southern Village because we live here, are members of the homeowners' association, etc.
That is not, however, the only way that someone is linked to Southern Village. You don't have to live here.
You might attend or be a member of the church. Your kids might go to the day care center. Other kids might attend Scroggs school. You might come to the Lumina, eat at the restaurants and cafes, shop at Weaver Street Market, etc.
Each time I drive into the "main" entrance - the northern one on 15-501, I think it is very odd that there is a gap in the sidewalk between the new one on 15-501 and the beginning of sidewalk in Southern Village.
I think the same thing when I see us undertake no other efforts to recognize that the Southern Village community is a lot more than the homeowners' association. We ought make more of that opportunity, it seems to me.
Instead, anyone is free to come into Southern Village via the three vehicle entrances, and the several pedestrian paths.
There are a number of things that "we" need to address in Southern Village because we live here, are members of the homeowners' association, etc.
That is not, however, the only way that someone is linked to Southern Village. You don't have to live here.
You might attend or be a member of the church. Your kids might go to the day care center. Other kids might attend Scroggs school. You might come to the Lumina, eat at the restaurants and cafes, shop at Weaver Street Market, etc.
Each time I drive into the "main" entrance - the northern one on 15-501, I think it is very odd that there is a gap in the sidewalk between the new one on 15-501 and the beginning of sidewalk in Southern Village.
I think the same thing when I see us undertake no other efforts to recognize that the Southern Village community is a lot more than the homeowners' association. We ought make more of that opportunity, it seems to me.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
"New Jersey Homeowners Fight Aesthetic Rules" - National Public Radio
This sure sounds a lot like some number of issues occasionally debated in Southern Village. Here is the full text of the court decision.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Zillow
This site debuted today. Quite an amazing tool to inquire about neighborhood real estate values!
Election results?
No doubt the results of the elections and other business coming out of last night's Southern Village Home Owners Association Annual General Meeting will appear here?
Friday, November 04, 2005
Chapel Hill and Carrboro Integrated Pest Management Petition
Chapel Hill and Carrboro Integrated Pest Management Petition
This petition comes from a Southern Village resident.
This petition comes from a Southern Village resident.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
"7th Annual Graylyn/Aberdeen Block Party & Bike Parade"
"7th Annual Graylyn/Aberdeen Block Party & Bike Parade"
Some good photos. A few captions would make a huge diference!
Some good photos. A few captions would make a huge diference!
Friday, October 21, 2005
"Market Street Halloween festivities, Saturday October 29"
"Market Street Halloween festivities, Saturday October 29"
Monday, October 17, 2005
"Resident hopes widening work can make 15-501 more bike-friendly"
"Resident hopes widening work can make 15-501 more bike-friendly"
Thursday, October 13, 2005
"Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance
"Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance"
This study from the August issue of the British Medical Journal.
This study from the August issue of the British Medical Journal.
"Slavery on Campus"
"Slavery on Campus"
This might be a great time to learn more about the slaves who are buried in the cemetery down the hill from Arlen Park, no?
This might be a great time to learn more about the slaves who are buried in the cemetery down the hill from Arlen Park, no?
"Dead end with DOT delays, dismays"
"Dead end with DOT delays, dismays"
Don't count on a decent sidewalk to walk up South Columbia Street into Chapel Hill any time soon. This story say they won't "get started" on that work until FY 2008-09.
It looks like there is a chance the work on 15-501 will be completed by then, but .....
Don't count on a decent sidewalk to walk up South Columbia Street into Chapel Hill any time soon. This story say they won't "get started" on that work until FY 2008-09.
It looks like there is a chance the work on 15-501 will be completed by then, but .....
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
"Races in Orange County"
"Races in Orange County"
What are the Southern Village issues relevant to these races and candidates? Wouldn't it be helpful to discuss what difference to Southern Village the results might make, in the event that this a) leads residents to vote on 8 November and b) Southern Village is well served in the process?
What are the Southern Village issues relevant to these races and candidates? Wouldn't it be helpful to discuss what difference to Southern Village the results might make, in the event that this a) leads residents to vote on 8 November and b) Southern Village is well served in the process?
Monday, October 10, 2005
"Cards will provide disaster assistance"
"Cards will provide disaster assistance"
Will there be anything different or special within the town of Chapel Hill? Here is the county department's home page.
Will there be anything different or special within the town of Chapel Hill? Here is the county department's home page.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
"New bus schedule begins Monday"
"New bus schedule begins Monday"
Changes in the V route that passes through Southern Village affect service on the other end at Meadowmont. Here is the new schedule.
Changes in the V route that passes through Southern Village affect service on the other end at Meadowmont. Here is the new schedule.
"Carrboro high school may get name in January"
"Carrboro high school may get name in January"
People in Southern Village may want to be a part of this naming process, as I assume this will be the school the only public high school serving Southern Village.
People in Southern Village may want to be a part of this naming process, as I assume this will be the school the only public high school serving Southern Village.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Sinbad vs. the Mermaids
Sinbad vs. the Mermaids
The link above is to Thomas FRIEDMAN's column today in The New York Times. (Those of you who subscribe to the Times here in Southern Village can access the column without extra charge; for those who don't, unless you have signed up separately for Times Select, it will cost you a trip to a place that sells copies of the NYT to read this, or to pay something more to read it on line. I cannot post it here as it violates the law to do so.)
What FRIEDMAN describes are the different makeups - in terms of diversity - of the Iraqi Navy and the crew of the USS Chosin. He visited both in the last couple of weeks.
The question for Southern Village to ponder has nothing to do with the politics of Iraq or even the Bush Administration.
It has everything to do with diversity.
Does Southern Village look more like the Iraqi Navy or more like the crew of the Chosin? Please consider, at least........
The link above is to Thomas FRIEDMAN's column today in The New York Times. (Those of you who subscribe to the Times here in Southern Village can access the column without extra charge; for those who don't, unless you have signed up separately for Times Select, it will cost you a trip to a place that sells copies of the NYT to read this, or to pay something more to read it on line. I cannot post it here as it violates the law to do so.)
What FRIEDMAN describes are the different makeups - in terms of diversity - of the Iraqi Navy and the crew of the USS Chosin. He visited both in the last couple of weeks.
The question for Southern Village to ponder has nothing to do with the politics of Iraq or even the Bush Administration.
It has everything to do with diversity.
Does Southern Village look more like the Iraqi Navy or more like the crew of the Chosin? Please consider, at least........
Monday, October 03, 2005
"OWASA's lakes are 68% full; year-round water conservation requirements remain in effect"
"OWASA's lakes are 68% full; year-round water conservation
requirements remain in effect"
Our water supply again....
requirements remain in effect"
Our water supply again....
Saturday, October 01, 2005
"Land bought for open space -- Chapel Hill pays $1.05 million"
Note to Drivers: Lose the Phone (and Lipstick)
Note to Drivers: Lose the Phone (and Lipstick)
Good advice to drivers in Southern Village as well. It is inconceivable to me how anyone would risk an accident by doing ANYTHING else while driving around Southern Village streets other than being a 100% driver. The number of drivers with cellphones in one hand and something less than 100% devoted to driving is well beyond startling, especially mothers and fathers with young children in the back seat. It is difficult to imagine action much more irresponsible than that.
Here is the text of the new Connecticut law, which takes effect today. At the very least, anyone from Southern Village who might ever be driving in Connecticut ought to read it. What is inexplicably permitted here will lead to serious law enforcement action if you get caught in Connecticut.
Good advice to drivers in Southern Village as well. It is inconceivable to me how anyone would risk an accident by doing ANYTHING else while driving around Southern Village streets other than being a 100% driver. The number of drivers with cellphones in one hand and something less than 100% devoted to driving is well beyond startling, especially mothers and fathers with young children in the back seat. It is difficult to imagine action much more irresponsible than that.
Here is the text of the new Connecticut law, which takes effect today. At the very least, anyone from Southern Village who might ever be driving in Connecticut ought to read it. What is inexplicably permitted here will lead to serious law enforcement action if you get caught in Connecticut.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Architectural Review Board (ARB)
Architectural Review Board(ARB)
The ARB has a new chair, in fact two of them - Ed FLOWERS and Tony SMITH, both members of the Home Owners Association Board of Directors, according to the new list of contacts on the HOA website. The chairs are listed here along with other members.
The past chair, Joe COLE, is thanked for his service here.
What's missing? Some announcement of why and how this change took place? If I were the president of the association, I would make sure that such actions are a) explained and b) well communicated to members.
The ARB has a new chair, in fact two of them - Ed FLOWERS and Tony SMITH, both members of the Home Owners Association Board of Directors, according to the new list of contacts on the HOA website. The chairs are listed here along with other members.
The past chair, Joe COLE, is thanked for his service here.
What's missing? Some announcement of why and how this change took place? If I were the president of the association, I would make sure that such actions are a) explained and b) well communicated to members.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Creating a caring senior community
Creating a caring senior community
This was in today's Herald-Sun. It might be of interest to some in Southern Village.
This was in today's Herald-Sun. It might be of interest to some in Southern Village.
Friday, September 23, 2005
"Half of Europe's Citizens Know 2 Languages"
"Half of Europe's Citizens Know 2 Languages"
And in Southern Vilage?
And in Southern Vilage?
"Old Fashioned Fun at Southern Village"
"Old Fashioned Fun at Southern Village"
Here is all there seems to be on the website about this event - tomorrow, 24 Sep 2005 - 3-6 PM.
The flyer I found on my mailbox says there will be fun, music, beer, wine and food plus Kelly the clown.
Here is all there seems to be on the website about this event - tomorrow, 24 Sep 2005 - 3-6 PM.
The flyer I found on my mailbox says there will be fun, music, beer, wine and food plus Kelly the clown.
Better Together, an initiative of the Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America, Kennedy School of Government
Better Together, an initiative of the Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America, Kennedy School of Government
This list of "150 Things You Can Do To Build Social Capital" might be worth scanning. Many of them arguably are Southern Village options!
This list of "150 Things You Can Do To Build Social Capital" might be worth scanning. Many of them arguably are Southern Village options!
Architectural Review (AR) Feedback Committee - process
Architectural Review (AR) Feedback Committee - process
This link takes you to a SEVEN page document calling the "Operating Plan" for the Committee.
At the bottom of p.5 is an outline of the process the committee plans to follow, whoever the members are.
Rather than go through the process of "cutting and pasting" comments as contemplated in step 4 on p. 6, why not just post all of the comments as they were received and let us all read them as is for a couple of weeks and offer comment on them? That would cut out a lot of possibly unnecessary work on the part of everyone.
This link takes you to a SEVEN page document calling the "Operating Plan" for the Committee.
At the bottom of p.5 is an outline of the process the committee plans to follow, whoever the members are.
Rather than go through the process of "cutting and pasting" comments as contemplated in step 4 on p. 6, why not just post all of the comments as they were received and let us all read them as is for a couple of weeks and offer comment on them? That would cut out a lot of possibly unnecessary work on the part of everyone.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
"Architectural Review (AR) Feedback Committee"
"Architectural Review (AR) Feedback Committee"
With a deadline looming for comments of 30 Sep 2005, it sure would be nice to konw who the members of this committee are? At least one of member (I) of the committee would like to know who the others are, and I am sure some others in Southern Village would like to know who the members are. How else can one assess whether it is worth the time to contribute comments?
With a deadline looming for comments of 30 Sep 2005, it sure would be nice to konw who the members of this committee are? At least one of member (I) of the committee would like to know who the others are, and I am sure some others in Southern Village would like to know who the members are. How else can one assess whether it is worth the time to contribute comments?
Southern Community Park
Southern Community Park
The latest from Bill WEBSTER of the Town of Chapel Hill, received today:
"Current Status: Start of detailed design phase
Design Firm: OBS Landscape Architects
The Southern Community Park is proposed to be a 70 acre park located south of Southern Village and west of 15-501. The concept plan indicates that the site will be over 50% natural. Most of the developed portions of the site are anticipated to be located adjacent to highway 15-501.
The following has occurred or is ongoing:
The Town Council approved a phasing plan for the park that includes the following first phase:
Parking lot with 125 spaces on Dogwood Acres Drive
All sewer and water extensions, restrooms, sidewalks, traffic calming, landscape buffers along US 15-501, dry detention basins, constructed wetland basins
Extension of Fan Branch Greenway Trail to the dog park
Public art
Athletic/soccer fields with lights (3)
Basketball courts (2)
Slab for in-line hockey
Children’s play area (1)
Picnic Shelters (1 large, 1 small)
Dog park
Meadow/grass play area
Disk golf course
The Town Council approved a Special Use Permit for the park on May 9, 2005
In May we received notification that the Town will receive a $500,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for this project.
We are currently working on detailed construction drawings
Construction is likely in early 2006. Plans for the project can be reviewed in my office. Please make an appointment (919) 968-2787 ext. 214) or email at bwebster@townofchapelhill.org and I will be happy to show you the plans."
The latest from Bill WEBSTER of the Town of Chapel Hill, received today:
"Current Status: Start of detailed design phase
Design Firm: OBS Landscape Architects
The Southern Community Park is proposed to be a 70 acre park located south of Southern Village and west of 15-501. The concept plan indicates that the site will be over 50% natural. Most of the developed portions of the site are anticipated to be located adjacent to highway 15-501.
The following has occurred or is ongoing:
The Town Council approved a phasing plan for the park that includes the following first phase:
Parking lot with 125 spaces on Dogwood Acres Drive
All sewer and water extensions, restrooms, sidewalks, traffic calming, landscape buffers along US 15-501, dry detention basins, constructed wetland basins
Extension of Fan Branch Greenway Trail to the dog park
Public art
Athletic/soccer fields with lights (3)
Basketball courts (2)
Slab for in-line hockey
Children’s play area (1)
Picnic Shelters (1 large, 1 small)
Dog park
Meadow/grass play area
Disk golf course
The Town Council approved a Special Use Permit for the park on May 9, 2005
In May we received notification that the Town will receive a $500,000 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for this project.
We are currently working on detailed construction drawings
Construction is likely in early 2006. Plans for the project can be reviewed in my office. Please make an appointment (919) 968-2787 ext. 214) or email at bwebster@townofchapelhill.org and I will be happy to show you the plans."
Morgan Creek Trail and Merritt Pasture Access
Morgan Creek Trail and Merritt Pasture Access
This is the latest from Bill WEBSTER at the Town of Chapel Hill, received by e-mail today:
"Current Status: Preparing concept plan
Design Firm: Coulter Jewell Thames
The Morgan Creek Trail is proposed to be an extension of the existing Fan Branch Trail that currently serves Southern Village. The trail would continue from the intersection of Culbreth Road and Highway 15-501 to Smith Level Road at the Carrboro Town line near Frank Porter Graham School. This trail would likely require several bridges and underpasses. The project would also include access to the Merritt Pasture.
The following has occurred or is ongoing:
· The NCDOT has funded a conceptual plan study for the Morgan Creek Trail from Merritt Pasture to Smith Level Road. A citizen Committee started work in November 2002. A public forum was held on June 10, 2003 at Frank Porter Graham School. Approximately 15 people spoke. All were in favor of the project.
· The Committee is currently recessed pending the results of flood analysis of key bridge locations. The work is nearing completion. Once the flood model is complete we will bring the Committee out of recess and complete the concept plan. We expect to present the concept plan to the Council in late 2005."
This is the latest from Bill WEBSTER at the Town of Chapel Hill, received by e-mail today:
"Current Status: Preparing concept plan
Design Firm: Coulter Jewell Thames
The Morgan Creek Trail is proposed to be an extension of the existing Fan Branch Trail that currently serves Southern Village. The trail would continue from the intersection of Culbreth Road and Highway 15-501 to Smith Level Road at the Carrboro Town line near Frank Porter Graham School. This trail would likely require several bridges and underpasses. The project would also include access to the Merritt Pasture.
The following has occurred or is ongoing:
· The NCDOT has funded a conceptual plan study for the Morgan Creek Trail from Merritt Pasture to Smith Level Road. A citizen Committee started work in November 2002. A public forum was held on June 10, 2003 at Frank Porter Graham School. Approximately 15 people spoke. All were in favor of the project.
· The Committee is currently recessed pending the results of flood analysis of key bridge locations. The work is nearing completion. Once the flood model is complete we will bring the Committee out of recess and complete the concept plan. We expect to present the concept plan to the Council in late 2005."
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
15-501 progress!
Merlion opening....
Merlion opening....
Another restaurant in Southern Village is open, according to this piece in the News and Observer today. See earlier post.
I just called the restaurant and confirmed that they are now fully open!
And....today - 22 Sep 2005 - I joined a friend there for lunch. They are still working out the routine, but I was very favorably impressed. Melinda, who is from Singapore, and has lived here in Chapel Hill for 6 or 7 years is the principal in the venture - her first restaurant - and has 4 or 5 partners, including Simon from Malaysia. My dishes were "curry samosa" as an appetizer (excellent) and "Singapore Hainanoise chicken" (watch the bones)as the main course. I may have misspelled the "Hainanoise". Will try to correct that on a future visit. Melinda seems very determined to serve authentic food from Singapore, taking into account local preferences here. She is very happy to explain the food and its Singaporean roots!
Another restaurant in Southern Village is open, according to this piece in the News and Observer today. See earlier post.
I just called the restaurant and confirmed that they are now fully open!
And....today - 22 Sep 2005 - I joined a friend there for lunch. They are still working out the routine, but I was very favorably impressed. Melinda, who is from Singapore, and has lived here in Chapel Hill for 6 or 7 years is the principal in the venture - her first restaurant - and has 4 or 5 partners, including Simon from Malaysia. My dishes were "curry samosa" as an appetizer (excellent) and "Singapore Hainanoise chicken" (watch the bones)as the main course. I may have misspelled the "Hainanoise". Will try to correct that on a future visit. Melinda seems very determined to serve authentic food from Singapore, taking into account local preferences here. She is very happy to explain the food and its Singaporean roots!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
OWASA - Water Watch
OWASA - Water Watch
Southern Village gets its water from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority.
This page and the one which you can reach at the "click" just below today's date (or here) provide up-to-date information on rainfall, reservoir level, and related data, some presented in comparative charts and graphs.
Southern Village gets its water from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority.
This page and the one which you can reach at the "click" just below today's date (or here) provide up-to-date information on rainfall, reservoir level, and related data, some presented in comparative charts and graphs.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Evacuation plan - Chapel Hill
Evacuation plan - Chapel Hill
I raised with one of our Town Council members - Sally GREENE - the question of whether or not Chapel Hill has an evacuation plan. This may not be needed for a hurricane, but with a relatively nearby nuclear plant, and with hazardous materials resident in, and being transported through, Chapel Hill, it seemed to me that the important question was knowing where to turn for information in the event of emergency.
Below you will find both the first response from Cal HORTON (at the bottom) and my reply (at the top) with a question and a comment. Follwing that exchange you will find HORTON's response to my reply (sorry to make this co complicated!) which I received almost immediately. And, (again, sorry!) the last item is my second response to him.
"Dear Mr. HORTON,
Thank you for getting back to me. And thank you for such a clear explanation.
I have one follow-up question and one comment:
1. If someone wanted to learn more about the Emergency Operations System, is there a place or a person to which or to whom one could turn? I am not that person, but am curious to know if more detailed information is available or whether all the details are kept confidential, only to emerge in the unlikely event of an emergency?
2. The use of multiple media to alert us makes very good sense, but I would think that you would want to establish a couple of places - specific radio station or stations, specific website or websites, specific telephone number or numbers - which would be the very best places to turn for information in the event that we citizens learn that an emergency situation may be starting or may be upon us. In other words, at the moment that someone needs to know what's going on, where can we be as sure as the circumstances permit to find what we need to know from the Town of Chapel Hill, containing information on how we reach any other information that might be provided from another player at the time of the emergency? Finally, it would seem to me that you would want to test this system from time to time in the same way that there are periodic tests of broadcast emergency system (which you did not specifically mention). In part, what I am getting at is exactly what we are seeing today with President BUSH and Admiral ALLEN urging the people of New Orleans to go slower on returning to the city, and Mayor NAGIN urging a faster return. I am wondering if you have run through the communications aspect of this to insure that we are not likely to be hearing instructions from multiple entities in a potentially conflicting manner. There is no substitute for a test in order to reduce this risk to a minimum. One related point - if the Town of Chapel Hill is collecting e-mail addresses to be used as part of the communications plan for such announcements, I would urge you to get on with that in a public fashion and to create an easy-to-use registration page that insures protection of the addresses, yet near certainty that they will be used depending on the emergency.
Thank you again for responding to my query.
(I did not copy all the people you did on your note to me. Feel free to share this if you like.)
Best,
Terry Maguire
At 01:43 PM 9/19/2005, you wrote:
Dear Mr. Maguire:
Thank you for letting us know of your concern about emergency preparedness. Specifically, you asked whether the Town of Chapel Hill has an evacuation plan.
The Town of Chapel Hill developed an Emergency Operations System about fifteen years ago and has regularly updated it. The system establishes a framework for leadership, decision-making, planning, organization, operations and communications in a wide variety of natural disasters and human-caused emergency conditions. Later this year we will take the steps necessary to conform our emergency Operations system to the new National Incident Management System, with additional training for all department heads and key emergency operations staff.
Evacuation of all or part of the Town could be required in some circumstances, for example: a major incident at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant or a large hazardous materials transportation incident on Interstate 40. We are not in the area of immediate impact for the Harris Plant where specific warning devices and evacuation routes have been established, but there are procedures in place to provide warnings to the other areas (such as Chapel Hill) that might be affected by an incident. In the case of a hazardous materials incident on the Interstate, local government first-responders would initiate actions based on their on-site assessments. An incident of sufficient magnitude would result in a declared emergency and the emergency response system would be invoked.
A decision to evacuate all or part of the Town would be made based on the facts of the situation and an assessment of the threat.
Primary media for announcements would include radio and television; web-based announcements and e-mail messages also would be used. If required, mobile units would be dispatched to specific areas to broadcast messages through public address equipment.
Most transportation would be by private vehicles; public transit buses and other publicly owned vehicles would be used to transport those not having personal transportation.
We would invoke mutual aid agreements already established with other North Carolina governments as necessary to obtain personnel and equipment needed.
The Town of Chapel Hill has substantial experience in managing emergency operations, including recovery from Hurricane Fran and other weather events of historic proportions over the past two decades. Since the 9-11 tragedy, we have given even greater attention to emergency preparedness and development of joint response capabilities with our neighbors.
We believe that our Emergency Operations System establishes the framework needed to manage a wide variety of community emergencies, including the evacuation of citizens if necessary.
Please give me a call if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Cal Horton
************************************
W. Calvin Horton
Town Manager
405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
919-968-2744 Office
919-967-2626 Home
919-969-2063 FAX
www.townofchapelhill.org
calhorton@townofchapelhill.org
Response received to reply above:
"Mr. Maguire:
Below I respond to your additional inquiries.
1. Fire Chief Dan Jones is our key representative for emergency management. He can be reached at djones@townofchapelhill.org
2. WCHL 1360 continues to serve as our key emergency notice station. Other radio stations and television stations also pick up major stories. Channel 18 on the Time Warner cablevision service carries notices in emergencies. The Town’s website http://www.townofchapelhill.org/ is the primary web address for emergency information.
3. We have tested the system each year in actual events, principally snow and ice storms, but also as we prepare for and manage the Halloween event and other major events each year.
4. We speak with one voice in Chapel Hill during emergencies.
5. We will add your address to our list of citizen e-mail addresses. We are collecting addresses through our new website, as well as through individual contacts with citizens.
6. The list of persons who received the earlier message included the Town Council, candidates for election to the Council and the staff of the Manager and Attorney. A copy of the message also was provided to the Town’s media file for review by reporters.
We cannot provide security for addresses. All addresses in our system are part of the public record under the law as we understand it.
Please feel free to communicate with me or Chief Jones if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Cal Horton"
My second response:
"Dear Mr. HORTON,
Unable to reach you by phone, let me make a couple of points here as briefly as I can.
Your point 2. - In what way do you communicate to us as citizens that WCHL is the "key emergency notice station"? I missed it if it was sent to us in the 6 years we have lived here, and that is entirely possible! I believe you mean Channel 14, no? Is that, too, noted in communications of some sort from the Town to us residents? I would think you would want to have a newspaper website as part of your network as well or at least tell us we should go to your website for information.
Your point 3. - Have the tests included the media part of it, including your own website? They should if they have not.
Your point 4. - I would not question the internal coordination in the Town's government. I have no reason to doubt what you say. What concerns me is how the Town is set to coordinate for OUR benefit the messages we receive in all those media that may come from the County, the State and the federal government. How do you insure that what goes onto the website, for example, is not going to conflict with what is put on the County website, if that is what the County does. Ditto the State.
Your point 5. - I would urge you to rethink the collection process for e-mail addresses. I saw nothing on the website that told me I should sign up to receive emergency information. There is a signup but it does not mention emergencies. If that is what you are talking about, it should be made clear. And I believe you need to affirmatively ask - in writing - that all citizens add their e-mail addresses.
Your point 6. - As a media lawyer, I find the point about the e-mail address privacy a fascinating one. I have no response to your point. And I would always argue for openness anyway. It should be clear on the website, however. That's only fair. And I would, of course, expect this exchange to be a part of the public record!
Thank you,
Terry Maguire
I raised with one of our Town Council members - Sally GREENE - the question of whether or not Chapel Hill has an evacuation plan. This may not be needed for a hurricane, but with a relatively nearby nuclear plant, and with hazardous materials resident in, and being transported through, Chapel Hill, it seemed to me that the important question was knowing where to turn for information in the event of emergency.
Below you will find both the first response from Cal HORTON (at the bottom) and my reply (at the top) with a question and a comment. Follwing that exchange you will find HORTON's response to my reply (sorry to make this co complicated!) which I received almost immediately. And, (again, sorry!) the last item is my second response to him.
"Dear Mr. HORTON,
Thank you for getting back to me. And thank you for such a clear explanation.
I have one follow-up question and one comment:
1. If someone wanted to learn more about the Emergency Operations System, is there a place or a person to which or to whom one could turn? I am not that person, but am curious to know if more detailed information is available or whether all the details are kept confidential, only to emerge in the unlikely event of an emergency?
2. The use of multiple media to alert us makes very good sense, but I would think that you would want to establish a couple of places - specific radio station or stations, specific website or websites, specific telephone number or numbers - which would be the very best places to turn for information in the event that we citizens learn that an emergency situation may be starting or may be upon us. In other words, at the moment that someone needs to know what's going on, where can we be as sure as the circumstances permit to find what we need to know from the Town of Chapel Hill, containing information on how we reach any other information that might be provided from another player at the time of the emergency? Finally, it would seem to me that you would want to test this system from time to time in the same way that there are periodic tests of broadcast emergency system (which you did not specifically mention). In part, what I am getting at is exactly what we are seeing today with President BUSH and Admiral ALLEN urging the people of New Orleans to go slower on returning to the city, and Mayor NAGIN urging a faster return. I am wondering if you have run through the communications aspect of this to insure that we are not likely to be hearing instructions from multiple entities in a potentially conflicting manner. There is no substitute for a test in order to reduce this risk to a minimum. One related point - if the Town of Chapel Hill is collecting e-mail addresses to be used as part of the communications plan for such announcements, I would urge you to get on with that in a public fashion and to create an easy-to-use registration page that insures protection of the addresses, yet near certainty that they will be used depending on the emergency.
Thank you again for responding to my query.
(I did not copy all the people you did on your note to me. Feel free to share this if you like.)
Best,
Terry Maguire
At 01:43 PM 9/19/2005, you wrote:
Dear Mr. Maguire:
Thank you for letting us know of your concern about emergency preparedness. Specifically, you asked whether the Town of Chapel Hill has an evacuation plan.
The Town of Chapel Hill developed an Emergency Operations System about fifteen years ago and has regularly updated it. The system establishes a framework for leadership, decision-making, planning, organization, operations and communications in a wide variety of natural disasters and human-caused emergency conditions. Later this year we will take the steps necessary to conform our emergency Operations system to the new National Incident Management System, with additional training for all department heads and key emergency operations staff.
Evacuation of all or part of the Town could be required in some circumstances, for example: a major incident at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant or a large hazardous materials transportation incident on Interstate 40. We are not in the area of immediate impact for the Harris Plant where specific warning devices and evacuation routes have been established, but there are procedures in place to provide warnings to the other areas (such as Chapel Hill) that might be affected by an incident. In the case of a hazardous materials incident on the Interstate, local government first-responders would initiate actions based on their on-site assessments. An incident of sufficient magnitude would result in a declared emergency and the emergency response system would be invoked.
A decision to evacuate all or part of the Town would be made based on the facts of the situation and an assessment of the threat.
Primary media for announcements would include radio and television; web-based announcements and e-mail messages also would be used. If required, mobile units would be dispatched to specific areas to broadcast messages through public address equipment.
Most transportation would be by private vehicles; public transit buses and other publicly owned vehicles would be used to transport those not having personal transportation.
We would invoke mutual aid agreements already established with other North Carolina governments as necessary to obtain personnel and equipment needed.
The Town of Chapel Hill has substantial experience in managing emergency operations, including recovery from Hurricane Fran and other weather events of historic proportions over the past two decades. Since the 9-11 tragedy, we have given even greater attention to emergency preparedness and development of joint response capabilities with our neighbors.
We believe that our Emergency Operations System establishes the framework needed to manage a wide variety of community emergencies, including the evacuation of citizens if necessary.
Please give me a call if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Cal Horton
************************************
W. Calvin Horton
Town Manager
405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
919-968-2744 Office
919-967-2626 Home
919-969-2063 FAX
www.townofchapelhill.org
calhorton@townofchapelhill.org
Response received to reply above:
"Mr. Maguire:
Below I respond to your additional inquiries.
1. Fire Chief Dan Jones is our key representative for emergency management. He can be reached at djones@townofchapelhill.org
2. WCHL 1360 continues to serve as our key emergency notice station. Other radio stations and television stations also pick up major stories. Channel 18 on the Time Warner cablevision service carries notices in emergencies. The Town’s website http://www.townofchapelhill.org/ is the primary web address for emergency information.
3. We have tested the system each year in actual events, principally snow and ice storms, but also as we prepare for and manage the Halloween event and other major events each year.
4. We speak with one voice in Chapel Hill during emergencies.
5. We will add your address to our list of citizen e-mail addresses. We are collecting addresses through our new website, as well as through individual contacts with citizens.
6. The list of persons who received the earlier message included the Town Council, candidates for election to the Council and the staff of the Manager and Attorney. A copy of the message also was provided to the Town’s media file for review by reporters.
We cannot provide security for addresses. All addresses in our system are part of the public record under the law as we understand it.
Please feel free to communicate with me or Chief Jones if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Cal Horton"
My second response:
"Dear Mr. HORTON,
Unable to reach you by phone, let me make a couple of points here as briefly as I can.
Your point 2. - In what way do you communicate to us as citizens that WCHL is the "key emergency notice station"? I missed it if it was sent to us in the 6 years we have lived here, and that is entirely possible! I believe you mean Channel 14, no? Is that, too, noted in communications of some sort from the Town to us residents? I would think you would want to have a newspaper website as part of your network as well or at least tell us we should go to your website for information.
Your point 3. - Have the tests included the media part of it, including your own website? They should if they have not.
Your point 4. - I would not question the internal coordination in the Town's government. I have no reason to doubt what you say. What concerns me is how the Town is set to coordinate for OUR benefit the messages we receive in all those media that may come from the County, the State and the federal government. How do you insure that what goes onto the website, for example, is not going to conflict with what is put on the County website, if that is what the County does. Ditto the State.
Your point 5. - I would urge you to rethink the collection process for e-mail addresses. I saw nothing on the website that told me I should sign up to receive emergency information. There is a signup but it does not mention emergencies. If that is what you are talking about, it should be made clear. And I believe you need to affirmatively ask - in writing - that all citizens add their e-mail addresses.
Your point 6. - As a media lawyer, I find the point about the e-mail address privacy a fascinating one. I have no response to your point. And I would always argue for openness anyway. It should be clear on the website, however. That's only fair. And I would, of course, expect this exchange to be a part of the public record!
Thank you,
Terry Maguire
'Invisibles' mar California democracy
'Invisibles' mar California democracy
This BBC report on elections in California may be worth noting. How many of us know the name of the chair person of OWASA, for example?
This BBC report on elections in California may be worth noting. How many of us know the name of the chair person of OWASA, for example?
Sunday, September 18, 2005
"Ending capitalism, er, homelessness"
"Ending capitalism, er, homelessness"
Homelessness is getting a fair amount of discussion in Chapel Hill and Orange County. It is not a subject I have ever heard discussed in Southern Village since arriving here 6 years ago. The attached provides some background and links related to the discussion.
Homelessness is getting a fair amount of discussion in Chapel Hill and Orange County. It is not a subject I have ever heard discussed in Southern Village since arriving here 6 years ago. The attached provides some background and links related to the discussion.
"Long live the county landfill"
"Long live the county landfill"
This Chapel Hill News story reports on the state of the county landfill, and measures taken to add to its useful life.
Look at some of the numbers. We have, what, about 2,000 people living in Southern Village? If each one of us consumes the 2.6 pounds/day reported in the story for Orange County, that means each day, our little Southern Village produces more than 2 tons of garbage.
Wouldn't it be interesting if they keep track of the weight of garbage collected in Southern Village, will tell us what it is, and then see if we cannot work together to reduce whatever the number is?
Here is where that reseach might begin for anyone willing to do it.
This Chapel Hill News story reports on the state of the county landfill, and measures taken to add to its useful life.
Look at some of the numbers. We have, what, about 2,000 people living in Southern Village? If each one of us consumes the 2.6 pounds/day reported in the story for Orange County, that means each day, our little Southern Village produces more than 2 tons of garbage.
Wouldn't it be interesting if they keep track of the weight of garbage collected in Southern Village, will tell us what it is, and then see if we cannot work together to reduce whatever the number is?
Here is where that reseach might begin for anyone willing to do it.
"Petitioning parliament by mouse"
"Petitioning parliament by mouse"
This is a BBC story about how e-government is being deployed in Scotland. Take a look at it. There is much in the model that ought to work equally well for Southern Village. Above all, it means that more of the business of the Scottish Parliament or the various bodies governing parts of our lives here in Southern Village are in public view. Sunshine on process and substance in both places is a very good thing.
This is a BBC story about how e-government is being deployed in Scotland. Take a look at it. There is much in the model that ought to work equally well for Southern Village. Above all, it means that more of the business of the Scottish Parliament or the various bodies governing parts of our lives here in Southern Village are in public view. Sunshine on process and substance in both places is a very good thing.
"Committee exploring wi-fi network"
"Committee exploring wi-fi network"
This Chapel Hill News story reports on Wi-Fi discussions for, I presume, downtown Chapel Hill. As far as I know, the only place we can make a wireless connection in Southern Village outside our homes is a La Vita Dolce.
Does anyone know of others?
Is there an argument for seeking more connectivity in Southern Village? Who would use it for what?
This Chapel Hill News story reports on Wi-Fi discussions for, I presume, downtown Chapel Hill. As far as I know, the only place we can make a wireless connection in Southern Village outside our homes is a La Vita Dolce.
Does anyone know of others?
Is there an argument for seeking more connectivity in Southern Village? Who would use it for what?
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Southern Village merchants
Southern Village merchants
This is a great list of all the merchants in Southern Village and someone seems to be keeping it up to date!
This is a great list of all the merchants in Southern Village and someone seems to be keeping it up to date!
StudiO2 Fitness opening date?
StudiO2 Fitness opening date?
The expanded StudiO2 Fitness club was supposed to open in Southern Village on 30 Sep. Is that still on track? Nothing here will tell you.
The expanded StudiO2 Fitness club was supposed to open in Southern Village on 30 Sep. Is that still on track? Nothing here will tell you.
Architectural review
Architectual review
This "architectural review" process is off to a very bad start. See this earlier post.
The principal problem is a glaring omission on the part of the Feedback Committee to do important homework and present it to all of us. Our "architectural review" rules here in Southern Village are affected by many things - by at least one federal law, by at least one state law, by the covenants that "run with the land", actions by the HOA Board of Directors and various pieces of paper adopted, distributed, and still kicking around. Here are just some of them.
Why is this important?
We can all read the current guidelines. And we can offer our views about them, but in order to do so intelligently, and to avoid much wasted time, we need to know that which we cannot change, that which we can, what the history and rationale was (if known) and some sense of context for commenting on the current rules.
I simply do not understand why the Committee has refused to do this, or why the Committee seems to accord it such little importance.
This "architectural review" process is off to a very bad start. See this earlier post.
The principal problem is a glaring omission on the part of the Feedback Committee to do important homework and present it to all of us. Our "architectural review" rules here in Southern Village are affected by many things - by at least one federal law, by at least one state law, by the covenants that "run with the land", actions by the HOA Board of Directors and various pieces of paper adopted, distributed, and still kicking around. Here are just some of them.
Why is this important?
We can all read the current guidelines. And we can offer our views about them, but in order to do so intelligently, and to avoid much wasted time, we need to know that which we cannot change, that which we can, what the history and rationale was (if known) and some sense of context for commenting on the current rules.
I simply do not understand why the Committee has refused to do this, or why the Committee seems to accord it such little importance.
ShipOnSite
ShipOnSite
This from today's News and Observer....."ShipOnSite, the shipping and eBay auction store, has opened its most recent location in Chapel Hill's Southern Village shopping center off U.S. 15-501".
Here is the site for the parent company. And here are the contact details.
This appears to be the SV store's home base in the web.
This from today's News and Observer....."ShipOnSite, the shipping and eBay auction store, has opened its most recent location in Chapel Hill's Southern Village shopping center off U.S. 15-501".
Here is the site for the parent company. And here are the contact details.
This appears to be the SV store's home base in the web.
Luring Us Out of Our Cars
Luring Us Out of Our Cars
This is a 2004 article about Southern Village, posted on a University of North Carolina site by the Active Living by Design people. Perhaps there are more "studies" about life here than most of us realize?
This is a 2004 article about Southern Village, posted on a University of North Carolina site by the Active Living by Design people. Perhaps there are more "studies" about life here than most of us realize?
Friday, September 16, 2005
OWASA considers bold initiative on water
OWASA considers bold initiative on water
OWASA's board considered a proposal at its last meeting relating to OWASA v. bottled water. I posted the advance story, and the summary of the results, on a blog I am helping to develop for another "village", this one in western Kenya.
OWASA's board considered a proposal at its last meeting relating to OWASA v. bottled water. I posted the advance story, and the summary of the results, on a blog I am helping to develop for another "village", this one in western Kenya.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
"Architectural Review Feedback Committee"
"Architectural Review Feedback Committee"
The committee chair, Jeremy PURBRICK, has asked his committee to comment on the current guidelines, with a deadline to respond of 30 Sep 2005. Anyone else who has any comments of any kind should send them to Jeremy at this e-mail address: arfeedback@southern-village.net
Here is another way of putting that:
"The AR Feedback Committee has been asked by the SV Homeowners Association Board to review, with as many residents as possible, the entire set of SV "architectural" rules. Once finished, the Committee will recommend any changes that it deems needed. If you do not offer your views on any level - whether on broad questions, or on very specific sections, your views may not be heard.. Send an e-mail to arfeedback@southern-village.net to follow/participate in the Committee's work, including offering first round comments by 30 Sep 2005."
This article from the News and Observer is useful to this process, talking about changes in the state law titled "Planned Community Act".
The committee chair, Jeremy PURBRICK, has asked his committee to comment on the current guidelines, with a deadline to respond of 30 Sep 2005. Anyone else who has any comments of any kind should send them to Jeremy at this e-mail address: arfeedback@southern-village.net
Here is another way of putting that:
"The AR Feedback Committee has been asked by the SV Homeowners Association Board to review, with as many residents as possible, the entire set of SV "architectural" rules. Once finished, the Committee will recommend any changes that it deems needed. If you do not offer your views on any level - whether on broad questions, or on very specific sections, your views may not be heard.. Send an e-mail to arfeedback@southern-village.net to follow/participate in the Committee's work, including offering first round comments by 30 Sep 2005."
This article from the News and Observer is useful to this process, talking about changes in the state law titled "Planned Community Act".
Active Living By Design
Active Living By Design
This organization has its offices in Southern Village. How many residents are aware of this? What has been the impact on Southern Village, if any?
This organization has its offices in Southern Village. How many residents are aware of this? What has been the impact on Southern Village, if any?
Bridgehaven "Church"
Bridgehaven "Church"
Any "church" with a ".com" web address leaves me scratching my head. In any case, we seem to have a second "church" in Southern Village, apparently renting space on Sundays at Scroggs School.
There sure don't seem to be a lot of names on the website so no way to know who is behind this......
Any "church" with a ".com" web address leaves me scratching my head. In any case, we seem to have a second "church" in Southern Village, apparently renting space on Sundays at Scroggs School.
There sure don't seem to be a lot of names on the website so no way to know who is behind this......
Amy TIEMANN on Bookwatch
Amy TIEMANN on Bookwatch
Amy lives in Southern Village. This is from the Chapel Hill Herald 14 Sep 2005:
"Local writer set for WUNC-TV's "Bookwatch"
CHAPEL HILL -- Local author Amy Tiemann will be featured on UNC-TV's literary series North Carolina Bookwatch at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tiemann, the author of "Mojo Mom," will address the unrealistic expectations that society has placed on mothers and will share with host D.G. Martin the ways women can reclaim what she refers to as "Mojo" -- that feeling of being at your best as a mother and as an individual. "
Amy lives in Southern Village. This is from the Chapel Hill Herald 14 Sep 2005:
"Local writer set for WUNC-TV's "Bookwatch"
CHAPEL HILL -- Local author Amy Tiemann will be featured on UNC-TV's literary series North Carolina Bookwatch at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Tiemann, the author of "Mojo Mom," will address the unrealistic expectations that society has placed on mothers and will share with host D.G. Martin the ways women can reclaim what she refers to as "Mojo" -- that feeling of being at your best as a mother and as an individual. "
"Principal leaving Chapel Hill High School for Virginia job"
"Principal leaving Chapel Hill High School for Virginia job"
I wonder how many Chapel Hill High students live in Southern Village? For them, at least, this must be an important development.
I wonder how many Chapel Hill High students live in Southern Village? For them, at least, this must be an important development.
Katrina evacuees?
Katrina evacuees?
According to Chapel Hill Town Council member, Sally GREENE, "Molly McConnell, who lives in the
Glen Lennox Apartments, reports that six families are staying there. The apartment complex' owner, Grubb Properties, is offering 90 days' rent for free. Our lives are all touched, indirectly if not directly,
by the impact of this disaster, and we are all called to respond the best way we can."
That's Glen Lennox Apartments. How about Southern Village?
According to Chapel Hill Town Council member, Sally GREENE, "Molly McConnell, who lives in the
Glen Lennox Apartments, reports that six families are staying there. The apartment complex' owner, Grubb Properties, is offering 90 days' rent for free. Our lives are all touched, indirectly if not directly,
by the impact of this disaster, and we are all called to respond the best way we can."
That's Glen Lennox Apartments. How about Southern Village?
On the Table
On the Table
One of the many interesting people - Suzanne Havala Hobbs - who make their homes in Southern Village!
One of the many interesting people - Suzanne Havala Hobbs - who make their homes in Southern Village!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Progress on 15-501?
Progress on 15-501?
The flashing sign out on 15-501 says that the traffic pattern will change 20 Sep. Could it be that the other side of the road finally will open then????
The flashing sign out on 15-501 says that the traffic pattern will change 20 Sep. Could it be that the other side of the road finally will open then????
"Chapel Hill joins carbon dioxide reduction project"
"Chapel Hill joins carbon dioxide reduction project"
What will the impact of this be on Southern Village? How can residents of Southern Village participate? Shouldn't we appoint a representative/liaison to the organizers?
What will the impact of this be on Southern Village? How can residents of Southern Village participate? Shouldn't we appoint a representative/liaison to the organizers?
Monday, September 12, 2005
Stop signs
Stop signs
We have a lot of stop signs in Southern Village. They mean what they say. If someone does not think there ought to be a stop sign at any place, they are free to ask that it be removed. While it is there, the las says you must stop FULLY.
Only police officers who witness a car failing to stop can issue summonses.
But there are other options.
A citizen can initiate a complaint directly.
And it is possible to ask the police simply to speak to the offending party.
Our new community police unit is there for this very purpose. You can call Sgt GUNNER or Officers WAGNER or CLARK at 969-2068, generally between 8:30 AM and 5 PM.
I may start posting license plates of cars I have seen that have not fully stopped at intersections. Others may wish to do the same.
A young fellow in a silver 4 door car, an older model, just went through two stop signs, one at the Weaver Street Market corner and the other below, at the day care center intersection. He stopped around the corner and I pulled up and stopped. He admitted he had not stopped and said there was no need to do so because there were no people around. He told me to go ahead and call the police; they will do nothing to him, he said.
That's not the attitude I expect of people in Southern Village.
We have a lot of stop signs in Southern Village. They mean what they say. If someone does not think there ought to be a stop sign at any place, they are free to ask that it be removed. While it is there, the las says you must stop FULLY.
Only police officers who witness a car failing to stop can issue summonses.
But there are other options.
A citizen can initiate a complaint directly.
And it is possible to ask the police simply to speak to the offending party.
Our new community police unit is there for this very purpose. You can call Sgt GUNNER or Officers WAGNER or CLARK at 969-2068, generally between 8:30 AM and 5 PM.
I may start posting license plates of cars I have seen that have not fully stopped at intersections. Others may wish to do the same.
A young fellow in a silver 4 door car, an older model, just went through two stop signs, one at the Weaver Street Market corner and the other below, at the day care center intersection. He stopped around the corner and I pulled up and stopped. He admitted he had not stopped and said there was no need to do so because there were no people around. He told me to go ahead and call the police; they will do nothing to him, he said.
That's not the attitude I expect of people in Southern Village.
Architectural review
Architectural review
I received this e-mail in the last few days from Jeremy PURBRICK:
Subject: Architectural Review meeting next Tuesday
From: Jeremy PurbrickTo: arfeedback@southern-village.net
Dear Southern Village Neighbor:
This is to remind you that the first meeting of the new AR Feedback Committee will be held on Tuesday September 13 at 7 p.m. at 105 Market Street (next to the church). Please come! We want your opinion of architectural review in Southern Village!
You can find more details at southern-village.net, or by calling me at 942 4189.
Thanks for getting involved to make the best neighborhood even better!
Jeremy Purbrick
I received this e-mail in the last few days from Jeremy PURBRICK:
Subject: Architectural Review meeting next Tuesday
From: Jeremy Purbrick
Dear Southern Village Neighbor:
This is to remind you that the first meeting of the new AR Feedback Committee will be held on Tuesday September 13 at 7 p.m. at 105 Market Street (next to the church). Please come! We want your opinion of architectural review in Southern Village!
You can find more details at southern-village.net, or by calling me at 942 4189.
Thanks for getting involved to make the best neighborhood even better!
Jeremy Purbrick
Saturday, September 10, 2005
WCOM Yard Sale
WCOM Yard Sale
This station, as many know, has its transmitter at Scroggs School. I received this e-mail today:
"Hello WCOM listeners, volunteers, supporters:
Our yard sale is set to roll next Saturday, September 17 and we hope you can help us by donating items for sale. We also need some hardy volunteers to help us Friday night, the 16th, and Saturday all day. If you have a few hours to spare on either day, please write stationmanager@communityradio.coop and let us know when you are available. (You can also just come by the station and pitch in Friday eve and Saturday- we can't have too much help!)
In this era of unprecedented media consolidation and the disappearance of local-origin radio, your community radio station is more important than ever- please join us in this totally home-grown endeavor.
Here are the details- see you this weekend. Please forward this to your neighbors, and as always, stay tuned to 103.5 FM!
___________________________________________
WCOM Radio Benefit Yard Sale
Saturday, Sept. 17, ALL DAY!!!
This is your chance to clean out your attic and help WCOM at the same time, at the biggest yard sale this town has ever seen! Bring your saleable donations to the station on Friday evening, September 16, between 5-9 PM or Saturday until 3 PM. Please price your items to sell (masking tape and a sharpie work well). We'll start selling at 8 AM Sat and keep selling until it's all gone!
All proceeds go to your community radio station. Receipts will be available for tax purposes.
WCOM operates under a license held by the Public Gallery of Carrboro, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
_____________________________________________
WCOM 103.5 FM / www.communityradio.coop / 929-9601/ news@communityradio.coop
201 N.Greensboro StCarrboro, North Carolina 27510United States"
This station, as many know, has its transmitter at Scroggs School. I received this e-mail today:
"Hello WCOM listeners, volunteers, supporters:
Our yard sale is set to roll next Saturday, September 17 and we hope you can help us by donating items for sale. We also need some hardy volunteers to help us Friday night, the 16th, and Saturday all day. If you have a few hours to spare on either day, please write stationmanager@communityradio.coop and let us know when you are available. (You can also just come by the station and pitch in Friday eve and Saturday- we can't have too much help!)
In this era of unprecedented media consolidation and the disappearance of local-origin radio, your community radio station is more important than ever- please join us in this totally home-grown endeavor.
Here are the details- see you this weekend. Please forward this to your neighbors, and as always, stay tuned to 103.5 FM!
___________________________________________
WCOM Radio Benefit Yard Sale
Saturday, Sept. 17, ALL DAY!!!
This is your chance to clean out your attic and help WCOM at the same time, at the biggest yard sale this town has ever seen! Bring your saleable donations to the station on Friday evening, September 16, between 5-9 PM or Saturday until 3 PM. Please price your items to sell (masking tape and a sharpie work well). We'll start selling at 8 AM Sat and keep selling until it's all gone!
All proceeds go to your community radio station. Receipts will be available for tax purposes.
WCOM operates under a license held by the Public Gallery of Carrboro, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
_____________________________________________
WCOM 103.5 FM / www.communityradio.coop / 929-9601/ news@communityradio.coop
201 N.Greensboro StCarrboro, North Carolina 27510United States"
Arlen Park cemetery (PUREFOY family (CA. 1837))
Arlen Park cemetery (PUREFOY family (CA. 1837))
A few background mentions:
Southern Village website
Southern Village newsletter (2004)
Chapel Hill News (more history)
Word has it that "Arlen" actually came from a North Carolina pronunciation of "Ireland", and it all relates to the walls in the cemetery, as they were. Here is a piece on Irish stone wall written by a knowledgeable Irish stone mason.
I walked over to the cemeteries. I'm appalled and very angry, partly with myself (for not checking earlier), partly with others.What I found - apart from the wall - is that all those headstones that had been vandalized remain untended. Is there any plan to repair the damage?And then I walked over to the "slave" cemetery area, and I could not even find it in the woods. I was not dressed to get into the bushes, so I only walked around the square. Is no one taking any care of that cemetery?
Has anyone done a map of the two cemeteries showing who is buried where? Best guess....
A few background mentions:
Southern Village website
Southern Village newsletter (2004)
Chapel Hill News (more history)
Word has it that "Arlen" actually came from a North Carolina pronunciation of "Ireland", and it all relates to the walls in the cemetery, as they were. Here is a piece on Irish stone wall written by a knowledgeable Irish stone mason.
I walked over to the cemeteries. I'm appalled and very angry, partly with myself (for not checking earlier), partly with others.What I found - apart from the wall - is that all those headstones that had been vandalized remain untended. Is there any plan to repair the damage?And then I walked over to the "slave" cemetery area, and I could not even find it in the woods. I was not dressed to get into the bushes, so I only walked around the square. Is no one taking any care of that cemetery?
Has anyone done a map of the two cemeteries showing who is buried where? Best guess....
Ocala Community Turns Away Katrina Evacuees
Ocala Community Turns Away Katrina Evacuees
The board of the Southern Village Homeowners Association said this week that there is NO restriction on housing evacuees in Southern Village.
The board of the Southern Village Homeowners Association said this week that there is NO restriction on housing evacuees in Southern Village.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Benches
Has anyone seen anyone sitting in the new benches on Edgewater? I'll add a photo here so there is no confusion. They look mighty ugly and unused. Why could more attractive ones not have been placed in such a way that someone could sit and look at one of our two ponds?
How much did they cost?
Who submitted bids?
Who decided where to put them?
How much did they cost?
Who submitted bids?
Who decided where to put them?
Bidding
Bidding
One of the information items that ought to be posted somewhere are the Homeowner's Association Board's procedures to be used when the Board is purchasing services. At what level are such projects put out for public bid? What is done to put them before potential bidders?
One of the information items that ought to be posted somewhere are the Homeowner's Association Board's procedures to be used when the Board is purchasing services. At what level are such projects put out for public bid? What is done to put them before potential bidders?
Cellphones while driving
Cellphones while driving
How about putting pressure on our neighbors who insist on behaving so irresponsibly as to drive a motor vehicle in Southern Village - with all of our children running about - while talking on a cellphone. It's a dumb thing to do whenever behind the wheel, and people who do so in Southern Village ought to be embarrassed into stopping.
How about putting pressure on our neighbors who insist on behaving so irresponsibly as to drive a motor vehicle in Southern Village - with all of our children running about - while talking on a cellphone. It's a dumb thing to do whenever behind the wheel, and people who do so in Southern Village ought to be embarrassed into stopping.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Sex offender
Sex offender
The first person on this page has a Southern Village address. Here is another link which you can use to access more information; simply type the name in the form that appears.
The first person on this page has a Southern Village address. Here is another link which you can use to access more information; simply type the name in the form that appears.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Police open southern substation
Police open southern substation
This is a Chapel Hill News story about the opening of the community police station in Southern Village, in the Lumina building.
This is a Chapel Hill News story about the opening of the community police station in Southern Village, in the Lumina building.
Friday, August 19, 2005
SUVs and Southern Village
SUVs and Southern Village
It seems to me that there are more and more "trucks" (aka SUVs) parked and driving around Southern Village. Most often when I see one on the move there is only one person inside, and no child seat (occupied) visible in the back.
Are people simply trying to show off by buying a bigger, more fuel-consuming car, than the neighbor? Surely, people in Southern Village are smarter about their finances and the environment than to be buying these things mostly for show, don't you think?
It seems to me that there are more and more "trucks" (aka SUVs) parked and driving around Southern Village. Most often when I see one on the move there is only one person inside, and no child seat (occupied) visible in the back.
Are people simply trying to show off by buying a bigger, more fuel-consuming car, than the neighbor? Surely, people in Southern Village are smarter about their finances and the environment than to be buying these things mostly for show, don't you think?
Thursday, July 21, 2005
More condos
More condos
The News and Observer reports on plans for more condominiums in the Market Street section of Southern Village.
When I called Montgomery Development to ask for more details, I could get no confirmation of the basic story from Christine EDWARDS in that office.....and, as a result, no additoinal details as to precise location. She did confirm that there is only one parking lot in the center of the Village, and that is the one on Market Street.
The News and Observer reports on plans for more condominiums in the Market Street section of Southern Village.
When I called Montgomery Development to ask for more details, I could get no confirmation of the basic story from Christine EDWARDS in that office.....and, as a result, no additoinal details as to precise location. She did confirm that there is only one parking lot in the center of the Village, and that is the one on Market Street.
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