Thursday, May 27, 2010
"How to Improve the Stop Sign?" - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com
As I walk and drive around Southern Village, it is clear to me that the current sign is not doing its job!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
"Greener than grass" - USA WEEKEND Magazine | usaweekend.com
Imagine the change in Southern Village if every homeowner followed this sage advice?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Farmers' Market
I wonder if there is a way to make this work? Certainly, it looks unsustainable the way it is now with only 2 or 3 vendors......
East 54
Note the dining/shopping and news/events links from this home page. During the day, of course, you can get there on the V bus!
"Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Calendar"
This appears to be an excellent "calendar" resource!
"Times Square Plazas Slow Many Bus Trips" - NYTimes.com
We may want to consider a pedestrian plaza out on 15-501 as part of the Obey Creek development?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
"A Data Center Power Supply That Moos" - NYTimes.com
Why couldn't Obey Creek be designed to do the same?
Pazzo! and Letters to Juliet
It amazes me to see lack of creativity when it is so simple. Right now, the Lumina is showing Letters to Juliet, set almost entirely in Italy, especially in Tuscany. Across the street is Pazzo! a nominally Italian restaurant. Has anyone seen either the Lumina or Pazzo! connecting those dots? I have not. What a missed opportunity for both.
NovusAGENDA
I watched the Obey Creek discussion last night. The supplemental materials noted in this agenda do not appear to have been posted yet.
The concept advanced by Roger PERRY on behalf of an investment firm from Maryland, he said, includes ideas such as a Target or Belk store, and high rises on 15-501 opposite the Southern Community Park rising 8 stories above street level.
There is much to be debated and everyone in Southern Village has a stake in this. Consider, for example, the points made in this editorial in the NY Times today. One has to ask if this will make the are more visually appealing to walkers, runners, bikers and drivers. What is the plan to deal with the less than appealing homes on the Southern Village side of 15-501? I urged PERRY's son a year ago to incorporate that in their project with much better and equally affordable housing replacing what is there now.
PERRY predicted that if they go forward with the concept - which includes a 150 room hotel - it will take 15-20 years from the start of the project before it is completed. This is because it will take that long for Chapel Hill to "absorb" the facilities as businesses and residences.
Today, something less than half of the cars that now pass East 54 (50,000 v. 21,000 if I noted that correctly) pass by us each day on 15-501.
The concept advanced by Roger PERRY on behalf of an investment firm from Maryland, he said, includes ideas such as a Target or Belk store, and high rises on 15-501 opposite the Southern Community Park rising 8 stories above street level.
There is much to be debated and everyone in Southern Village has a stake in this. Consider, for example, the points made in this editorial in the NY Times today. One has to ask if this will make the are more visually appealing to walkers, runners, bikers and drivers. What is the plan to deal with the less than appealing homes on the Southern Village side of 15-501? I urged PERRY's son a year ago to incorporate that in their project with much better and equally affordable housing replacing what is there now.
PERRY predicted that if they go forward with the concept - which includes a 150 room hotel - it will take 15-20 years from the start of the project before it is completed. This is because it will take that long for Chapel Hill to "absorb" the facilities as businesses and residences.
Today, something less than half of the cars that now pass East 54 (50,000 v. 21,000 if I noted that correctly) pass by us each day on 15-501.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
"wiki2d - Contribuons au développement durable en région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA)"
Lots of good ideas here for Southern Village, too. Note that the local newspaper supports this; I wonder if one of our local newspapers would not want to support the "green" stuff that is on the Homeowners' Association website?
Greenways Inc
This is Pittsboro's pedestrian plan. We sure need to see one that connects pedestrians in Southern Village not just within Southern Village but between Southern Village and many places beyond like Carrboro, Carrboro High School, the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, UNC, downtown Chape Hill, CVS, Lowes, Harris-Teeter, etc (on 15-501).
Sustainability in Greensboro
There are lots of interesting aspects of this report, to be presented today in Greensboro. Why don't we have a community garden in Southern Village?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Obesity and young kids
This from February. I wonder if the Town of Chapel Hill has a policy with respect to combating obesity and overweight people of all ages in the Town?
"Texting while driving ban results in few tickets" - WRAL.com
This is surely not the test of whether the law is effective. It's effective if people stop texting and drive more safely so fewer people are injured or killed.
"An opportunity to learn more about your homeowners association" - The Carrboro Citizen
I am not sure when or how we'll be able to access what he describes - perhaps later on the Town of Carrboro site.
Cell phones
I sent this to the Mayor and Council Members last night:
"Dear Mayor and Council Members,
Before your meeting on 22 February 2010, I asked each of you whether you personally use a cell phone when driving in Chapel Hill. Only two of you said that you do not (RICH and one because he does not own a cell phone (HARRISON)), two or three others (including GREENE and BELL) said you did use a cell phone while driving and the rest remained silent. (I hope that the others (5, including the Mayor) will share your personal practices with us voters. By silence, I can only assume that you use your cell phone while driving, a reckless and dangerous judgment call on your part.)
Although your staff is too busy to write minutes of your meetings (I was just informed) – I reviewed the relevant portion of the meeting’s video.
Several things strike me. One, there was no sense of urgency whatsoever – apparent from the lethargic discussion and as voiced directly by PEASE – although two Council Members (EASTHOM and WARD) seemed to be urging effective use of the weeks following your meeting on this issue – especially in meeting with the highway safety research center and with UNC Police. Second, and most troubling, I was struck by comments from several Council Members that they would obey any law – [that was really encouraging!] – but that it would take such a law in order for them to do the unquestionably right thing without a law – and stop using their cell phones when driving a vehicle anywhere.
Although I have not seen a report from the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee that was due 15 April (according to statements made during your 22 February meeting), what I just found, however, is the presentation made to that Committee on 29 April. It leaves little room for discussion or dispute as to the virtue of not using an electronic device while driving a motor vehicle. I commend the presentation to you.
It is not clear from the minutes of the meeting on 29 April what next steps that Committee intends to take. I see no justification of any kind for delay on the part of the Town Council because of anything that might or might not happen at the state level, especially with respect to the first three points I advance below.
I am forced to conclude at this time - by your inaction - that you are condoning the widespread use of cell phones by people in Chapel Hill while they are driving vehicles.
I believe that there should be a ban on the use of any electronic device by any driver while driving a motor vehicle anywhere. Regulatory creativity can take care of any exceptions needed for fire and police, but it’s hard to imagine any other exceptions.
You can consider this a petition, a request or a demand – as you like – but I think the Council should immediately act on three fronts and schedule rapid action on a fourth. Here they are:
1) Each Council Member should state publicly that he or she will refrain from all use of electronic devices while driving a motor vehicle. Period.
2) The Council should immediately adopt a prohibition on the use of any electronic device by the driver of any vehicle on the roads of Chapel Hill that is either owned by the Town or being used in any way for Town business, including contractor vehicles.
3) The Council should adopt a resolution clearly stating that it is the policy of the Town of Chapel Hill that no one should use any electronic device while driving any vehicle in Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill Police should be asked by the Council to inquire with each traffic stop whether the driver had been using a cell phone while driving that vehicle, regardless of the potential infraction (and that data should be collected and published monthly); this action should be widely and repeatedly publicized.
The fourth is to work expeditiously to adopt a local ordinance expanding point 2, above, to all drivers in Chapel Hill, and coordinate those efforts in such a way to enhance the likelihood that a statewide ban may soon follow. The Council should not delay implementing at least a Town prohibition, even if that becomes the subject of litigation, or in some other way is affected by state action. The Town Council has the choice here to act or not to act, and if the Council fails to act, it is putting the lives of residents at risk, plain and simple. There is no substantial cost, and zero risk, posed by any of the actions I have outlined.
I expect a response to this e-mail, but more important, I expect action."
"Dear Mayor and Council Members,
Before your meeting on 22 February 2010, I asked each of you whether you personally use a cell phone when driving in Chapel Hill. Only two of you said that you do not (RICH and one because he does not own a cell phone (HARRISON)), two or three others (including GREENE and BELL) said you did use a cell phone while driving and the rest remained silent. (I hope that the others (5, including the Mayor) will share your personal practices with us voters. By silence, I can only assume that you use your cell phone while driving, a reckless and dangerous judgment call on your part.)
Although your staff is too busy to write minutes of your meetings (I was just informed) – I reviewed the relevant portion of the meeting’s video.
Several things strike me. One, there was no sense of urgency whatsoever – apparent from the lethargic discussion and as voiced directly by PEASE – although two Council Members (EASTHOM and WARD) seemed to be urging effective use of the weeks following your meeting on this issue – especially in meeting with the highway safety research center and with UNC Police. Second, and most troubling, I was struck by comments from several Council Members that they would obey any law – [that was really encouraging!] – but that it would take such a law in order for them to do the unquestionably right thing without a law – and stop using their cell phones when driving a vehicle anywhere.
Although I have not seen a report from the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee that was due 15 April (according to statements made during your 22 February meeting), what I just found, however, is the presentation made to that Committee on 29 April. It leaves little room for discussion or dispute as to the virtue of not using an electronic device while driving a motor vehicle. I commend the presentation to you.
It is not clear from the minutes of the meeting on 29 April what next steps that Committee intends to take. I see no justification of any kind for delay on the part of the Town Council because of anything that might or might not happen at the state level, especially with respect to the first three points I advance below.
I am forced to conclude at this time - by your inaction - that you are condoning the widespread use of cell phones by people in Chapel Hill while they are driving vehicles.
I believe that there should be a ban on the use of any electronic device by any driver while driving a motor vehicle anywhere. Regulatory creativity can take care of any exceptions needed for fire and police, but it’s hard to imagine any other exceptions.
You can consider this a petition, a request or a demand – as you like – but I think the Council should immediately act on three fronts and schedule rapid action on a fourth. Here they are:
1) Each Council Member should state publicly that he or she will refrain from all use of electronic devices while driving a motor vehicle. Period.
2) The Council should immediately adopt a prohibition on the use of any electronic device by the driver of any vehicle on the roads of Chapel Hill that is either owned by the Town or being used in any way for Town business, including contractor vehicles.
3) The Council should adopt a resolution clearly stating that it is the policy of the Town of Chapel Hill that no one should use any electronic device while driving any vehicle in Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill Police should be asked by the Council to inquire with each traffic stop whether the driver had been using a cell phone while driving that vehicle, regardless of the potential infraction (and that data should be collected and published monthly); this action should be widely and repeatedly publicized.
The fourth is to work expeditiously to adopt a local ordinance expanding point 2, above, to all drivers in Chapel Hill, and coordinate those efforts in such a way to enhance the likelihood that a statewide ban may soon follow. The Council should not delay implementing at least a Town prohibition, even if that becomes the subject of litigation, or in some other way is affected by state action. The Town Council has the choice here to act or not to act, and if the Council fails to act, it is putting the lives of residents at risk, plain and simple. There is no substantial cost, and zero risk, posed by any of the actions I have outlined.
I expect a response to this e-mail, but more important, I expect action."
Morgan Creek
If you look at this document - item 7 - you may see as I do that there is no plan to provide a means to cross Morgan Creek other than the bridge over the creek that now carries traffic north on South Columbia. I suppose that's better than nothing, but it is not clear how one will access the new Morgan Creek trail from the north side of the bridge.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Proposed Chapel Hill Town budget
This was presented last night at the Town Council meeting.
On 12 May, I sent an e-mail to the Town Manager with these two questions:
"First, you include a slide in your presentation that compares tax rates in Chapel Hill with others in NC. It appears to me that you have picked other places that have both county and town or city taxes, and I can understand on one level why you may have done that. But I think that is unfair and at least incomplete. For purposes of allowing all of us to see tax comparisons, I believe you should include bars for tax rates in ALL counties adjoining Orange. In the end, for us taxpayers, the total rate we pay is what really matters financially, and it allows us to make the necessary comparisons and analyses of taxes paid/value received. When you have added those bars to your chart, I would appreciate your e-mailing a copy to me.
Second, we live in Southern Village and so the Southern Community Park is of special interest. I would like to know the fully allocated projected cost of operating the park for your budget year. And I would also like to know how the success or failure of the park is being measured. I walk through the park regularly and find that the number of people using the facilities there to be pitifully small, with the sole exception of the play area for children, followed by the picnic area and shelter (which I would estimate occupy about less than 1% of the park’s land), and occasional intense use of the playing fields on less than one day/week by unidentified (to the public) teams."
On 12 May, I sent an e-mail to the Town Manager with these two questions:
"First, you include a slide in your presentation that compares tax rates in Chapel Hill with others in NC. It appears to me that you have picked other places that have both county and town or city taxes, and I can understand on one level why you may have done that. But I think that is unfair and at least incomplete. For purposes of allowing all of us to see tax comparisons, I believe you should include bars for tax rates in ALL counties adjoining Orange. In the end, for us taxpayers, the total rate we pay is what really matters financially, and it allows us to make the necessary comparisons and analyses of taxes paid/value received. When you have added those bars to your chart, I would appreciate your e-mailing a copy to me.
Second, we live in Southern Village and so the Southern Community Park is of special interest. I would like to know the fully allocated projected cost of operating the park for your budget year. And I would also like to know how the success or failure of the park is being measured. I walk through the park regularly and find that the number of people using the facilities there to be pitifully small, with the sole exception of the play area for children, followed by the picnic area and shelter (which I would estimate occupy about less than 1% of the park’s land), and occasional intense use of the playing fields on less than one day/week by unidentified (to the public) teams."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dogwood Acres pond
When I walked through Dogwood Acres yesterday, I was reminded of what a large - so it seems - pond feeds the little stream that flows thorugh the middle of Souhern Village. This is the one that winds up going under the two bridges at the bottom of the hills, and ultimately out to Culbreth Road.
The second thing I observeed was that while there is very little water flowing in any of the stream beds, the pond appeared to be full. Our small ponds in Southern Village - at least the bigger one - seems to be way down on its banks because of no rain. (I don't understand why the other continues to look pretty full.)
Finally, I wondered who inspects the land under the road to see if there are any potential problems? As I recall, this is not a Town responsibility to look after the pond, but if not they Town, then who?
If that "dam" ever broke, we'd seee a large amount of water cascading through Southern Village, perhaps takinga tree or many with it --- at the very least!
The second thing I observeed was that while there is very little water flowing in any of the stream beds, the pond appeared to be full. Our small ponds in Southern Village - at least the bigger one - seems to be way down on its banks because of no rain. (I don't understand why the other continues to look pretty full.)
Finally, I wondered who inspects the land under the road to see if there are any potential problems? As I recall, this is not a Town responsibility to look after the pond, but if not they Town, then who?
If that "dam" ever broke, we'd seee a large amount of water cascading through Southern Village, perhaps takinga tree or many with it --- at the very least!
Sunday, May 09, 2010
No houses for sale in Dogwood Acres?
I understand that there are 60 units for sale in Southern Village today.
When I walked through a section of Dogwood Acres today, I was surprised to see only one "for sale" sign.
No doubt I could suggest an explanation having something to do with the higher mobility/transiency among Southern Village residents, but is that the primary reason?
When I walked through a section of Dogwood Acres today, I was surprised to see only one "for sale" sign.
No doubt I could suggest an explanation having something to do with the higher mobility/transiency among Southern Village residents, but is that the primary reason?
Friday, May 07, 2010
Grass at the park?
The grass at the Community Park sure looks in bad shape. Have they turned off the sprinkler?
As I looked at that, after voting at Scroggs on Tuesday, I wondered also about the placement of the bleachers for those fields. How can anyone see the game well when positioned in the end zone? Why are there no bleachers at mid field? OSHA rule or something like that?
As I looked at that, after voting at Scroggs on Tuesday, I wondered also about the placement of the bleachers for those fields. How can anyone see the game well when positioned in the end zone? Why are there no bleachers at mid field? OSHA rule or something like that?
Southern Village Directory
Somewhere on the southernvillage.org site is a directory of people who have decided to list themselves as living in Southern Village. I never use it.
What I do look at on occasion is a printed directory of Southern Village residents from 2004, the last printed version.
Two things come to mind.
One, I sure think we should make an effort to print another directory of everyone living here except those who prefer to remain anonymous.
And, second, I think part of that effort ought to include a strong request to collect every e-mail so that maybe 3 or 4 times a year, a short e-mail could be sent to all of us with some interesting news of our community and include some of the most important links at the end. A group of 3 people could be picked to decide on what ought to be in these e-mails to insure that they are interesting, informative, short and compelling...and of course, respectful of everyone in the community and environs.
I wonder if we did the work to collect all of the names if the merchants or a sponsor or two would be willing to cover any costs in printing or setting up all of the addresses with some kind of recognition included in the directory and in the occasional short e-mails?
What I do look at on occasion is a printed directory of Southern Village residents from 2004, the last printed version.
Two things come to mind.
One, I sure think we should make an effort to print another directory of everyone living here except those who prefer to remain anonymous.
And, second, I think part of that effort ought to include a strong request to collect every e-mail so that maybe 3 or 4 times a year, a short e-mail could be sent to all of us with some interesting news of our community and include some of the most important links at the end. A group of 3 people could be picked to decide on what ought to be in these e-mails to insure that they are interesting, informative, short and compelling...and of course, respectful of everyone in the community and environs.
I wonder if we did the work to collect all of the names if the merchants or a sponsor or two would be willing to cover any costs in printing or setting up all of the addresses with some kind of recognition included in the directory and in the occasional short e-mails?
Copperline
"Legarde, Kelly (W F, 41) VICTIM of Larceny- All Other (C), at 414 Copperline Dr,Chapel Hill, NC, between 21:00, 05/03/2010 and 07:00, 05/04/2010. Reported:05/06/2010."
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Monday, May 03, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Walking to the NC Botanical Gardense
This is how Google Maps tells me I should walk to get to the NC Botanical Gardens out on 54. I bet you could do this in one hour quite easily, but isn't it a shame that the route for people is no where near as direct and easy as is the route for cars. Didn't "we" come first?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Obey Creek
Here are the two links for the hearing on Obey Creek, the name of which was omitted from the Homeowners Association site and as well as this link and this one as well which gives the meat of the proposal.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
Morgan Creek
"5. Morgan Creek Trail Construction Underway
Work begins this April on Morgan Creek Trail, providing access to a hidden gem of open space to the south and west of Fordham Boulevard, a woodland corridor that James Taylor called "Copperline."
Morgan Creek Trail is planned for the north side of Morgan Creek, from Merritt Pasture to a new parking lot east of Kingswood Apartments. The project will include a bridge over Morgan Creek. The Town of Chapel Hill was awarded $300,000 in federal stimulus funding for the $1.2 million project.
Currently, there is limited public access to the Morgan Creek area, which is protected by a conservation easement. The 92-acre nature preserve stretches along Morgan Creek from Merritt Pasture to the Chapel Hill town limit at Smith Level Road. The land is bounded by Merritt Pasture on the east, the Carrboro Town line on the west, Culbreth Road to the south, and Fordham Boulevard to the north. The open space was amassed in a series of acquisitions that were finalized in March 2007.
"Folks have wanted access to this beautiful pasture for a long, long time," said Butch Kisiah, director of the Town's Parks and Recreation Department. "It will be a great addition to our trail system and makes some important new connections."
The first phase of the Morgan Creek Trail construction will be 4,800 feet in length, and will extend from the Kinsgwood Apartments to Merritt's Pasture. The trail alignment was selected to minimize tree removal. The project will eventually include a parking lot on the west end of the trail with access off of Highway NC 54, two bridges and a boardwalk. The majority of the trail will be 10 feet wide and constructed of concrete.
Future phases of the trail will cross over Morgan Creek to line up with the existing Fan Branch Trail that currently serves Southern Village. The trail will also continue to Smith Level Road at the Carrboro Town line near Frank Porter Graham School. Bridge installation over Morgan Creek to access the Southbridge neighborhood is anticipated for late fall 2010. The contractor has until March 1, 2011, to complete the work but is expected to finish sooner if weather conditions are conducive to construction activities.
The total land area of Chapel Hill is 21.3 square miles, and about 11 percent is dedicated to parks and open space. There are about 720 acres of open space protected land and 12 miles of trails. Get out and enjoy the outdoors in Chapel Hill, "a Town within a Park." Learn more at http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?page=527 or call the Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department at 919-968-2784."
Work begins this April on Morgan Creek Trail, providing access to a hidden gem of open space to the south and west of Fordham Boulevard, a woodland corridor that James Taylor called "Copperline."
Morgan Creek Trail is planned for the north side of Morgan Creek, from Merritt Pasture to a new parking lot east of Kingswood Apartments. The project will include a bridge over Morgan Creek. The Town of Chapel Hill was awarded $300,000 in federal stimulus funding for the $1.2 million project.
Currently, there is limited public access to the Morgan Creek area, which is protected by a conservation easement. The 92-acre nature preserve stretches along Morgan Creek from Merritt Pasture to the Chapel Hill town limit at Smith Level Road. The land is bounded by Merritt Pasture on the east, the Carrboro Town line on the west, Culbreth Road to the south, and Fordham Boulevard to the north. The open space was amassed in a series of acquisitions that were finalized in March 2007.
"Folks have wanted access to this beautiful pasture for a long, long time," said Butch Kisiah, director of the Town's Parks and Recreation Department. "It will be a great addition to our trail system and makes some important new connections."
The first phase of the Morgan Creek Trail construction will be 4,800 feet in length, and will extend from the Kinsgwood Apartments to Merritt's Pasture. The trail alignment was selected to minimize tree removal. The project will eventually include a parking lot on the west end of the trail with access off of Highway NC 54, two bridges and a boardwalk. The majority of the trail will be 10 feet wide and constructed of concrete.
Future phases of the trail will cross over Morgan Creek to line up with the existing Fan Branch Trail that currently serves Southern Village. The trail will also continue to Smith Level Road at the Carrboro Town line near Frank Porter Graham School. Bridge installation over Morgan Creek to access the Southbridge neighborhood is anticipated for late fall 2010. The contractor has until March 1, 2011, to complete the work but is expected to finish sooner if weather conditions are conducive to construction activities.
The total land area of Chapel Hill is 21.3 square miles, and about 11 percent is dedicated to parks and open space. There are about 720 acres of open space protected land and 12 miles of trails. Get out and enjoy the outdoors in Chapel Hill, "a Town within a Park." Learn more at http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?page=527 or call the Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department at 919-968-2784."
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
"Welcome to Carrboro Yoga Company"
Now owned or co-owned by Lies SAPP of Southern Village, it appears.
"Annuaire, guide, cosmetiques, alimentation : bio - Annuaire-vert.com"
We ought to establish our own criteria and put together our own "green" directory of product and service providers any of us might choose to use in Southern Village, no?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
"Morgan Creek Greenway reviewed" - The Carrboro Citizen
This ought to be of great interest to anyone living in or near Southern Village. (Note also the "more local bank" mentioned in the story, I believe, is Harrington.)
"Harrington announces new site" - The Carrboro Citizen
I wonder if the half page ad on the same page of the Carrboro Citizen played any role in the inclusion of this limpid item about Harrington Bank? Where is the new site?
"When immigration and job creation collide" - The Carrboro Citizen
See item about Bill SOETERS from Southern Village.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
"Town of Chapel Hill : News Releases : Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC to Apply for Google Fiber for Communities"
I wonder if Southern Village would be a part of this if the application is successful? More background here.
So, I checked with the Town of Chapel Hill e-mail address for the project, and had this exchange, resulting in "yes", Southern Village is included.
"Yes, that is correct.
From: Terry MAGUIRE [mailto:tmaguire@newspaper.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Catherine Lazorko
Subject: RE: Geographical reach
Just so I am clear – the application at this point would include all of Southern Village? Thanks.
From: Catherine Lazorko [mailto:clazorko@townofchapelhill.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 9:58 AM
To: Terry MAGUIRE
Cc: Public Information
Subject: RE: Geographical reach
Ultimately that would be up to Google. We are applying for the area within the boundaries of Chapel Hill and Carrboro."
It might be worth imaging all that we want to be able to do, what we might do, how it would work, etc. either with the Google rollout or with an ehanced view of the goals outlined by the Federal Communications Commission this week. (For whatever it's worth, I am a former attorney/advisor at the FCC.)
Just how would Southern Village make use of more capability than it now has? What are the limitatoin on us doing more now? It seems to me that there is a big gap between what we could do today, and choose not to do, and the dreaming of unlikely futures that accompany campaigns like that fostered by Google.
If "it" already is built here and we have not "come", what makes us think that building something faster would make any difference?
So, I checked with the Town of Chapel Hill e-mail address for the project, and had this exchange, resulting in "yes", Southern Village is included.
"Yes, that is correct.
From: Terry MAGUIRE [mailto:tmaguire@newspaper.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Catherine Lazorko
Subject: RE: Geographical reach
Just so I am clear – the application at this point would include all of Southern Village? Thanks.
From: Catherine Lazorko [mailto:clazorko@townofchapelhill.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 9:58 AM
To: Terry MAGUIRE
Cc: Public Information
Subject: RE: Geographical reach
Ultimately that would be up to Google. We are applying for the area within the boundaries of Chapel Hill and Carrboro."
It might be worth imaging all that we want to be able to do, what we might do, how it would work, etc. either with the Google rollout or with an ehanced view of the goals outlined by the Federal Communications Commission this week. (For whatever it's worth, I am a former attorney/advisor at the FCC.)
Just how would Southern Village make use of more capability than it now has? What are the limitatoin on us doing more now? It seems to me that there is a big gap between what we could do today, and choose not to do, and the dreaming of unlikely futures that accompany campaigns like that fostered by Google.
If "it" already is built here and we have not "come", what makes us think that building something faster would make any difference?
Public schools
I wonderf what the percentage of kids is who live in Southern Village and attend the Chapel Hill-Carrboro public schools. Is it at the 95% or higher level?
Competition!
There was a great scene on Aberdeen and Graylyn yesterday - competing lemonade stands only a couple of hundred feet apart! I did not explore whether the competition was over quality or price - or both....or neither!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
"Quick Bite - Woodbridge - Health-Conscious Muscle Maker Grill Opens New Shops" - Review - NYTimes.com
What's Southern Village's version of this?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
"Earth Machine"
This is the one I bought from Chatham County many years ago and have gotten excellent service from it.
"Clean Water Education Partnership"
A good resource for all of us in Southern Village and its environs.
Compost census?
Having watched the truck go down our street today collecting leaves, branches, etc. I could not help but think what a waste that is when composting works so well.
Perhaps it is time we did a "compost census" in Southern Village to see just how many people are earnestly composting?
Perhaps it is time we did a "compost census" in Southern Village to see just how many people are earnestly composting?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
"Buying green, but not for the planet" - Marketplace From American Public Media
This makes a lot of sense, and should be factored into any "green" initiatives for Southern Village.
"Q. and A.: The Economics of Coffee Bars" - Diner's Journal Blog - NYTimes.com
Anything here applicable to Southern Village?
We have a lot of places where one can buy a cup of coffee, no?
We have a lot of places where one can buy a cup of coffee, no?
"Goowill drops Governors Village site" - Chapel Hill News
I'd like to know more about this, but what I read here worries me about a "not in my backyard" approach that is wholly inconsistent with how would look at this if the proposal were to come to Southern Village.
Monday, March 08, 2010
"SpotCrime - Know Your Neighborhood"
Apparently, this site provides a map of crime information for Chapel Hill, kept relatively up to date.
"SunGard Public Sector - Public Safety & Justice Software - OSSI Public Safety Solution"
Chapel Hill Police Lieutenant Kevin GUNTER told me today that Chapel Hill will be getting this capability in place - "police to citizen" - within the next year.
Winston-Salem and High Point are already using this.
Winston-Salem and High Point are already using this.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Thursday, March 04, 2010
"Injury Prevention" - American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
Note the strong common-sense recommendations here, including:
"Never text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving or motorcycling, and use caution even with headsets."
"Never text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving or motorcycling, and use caution even with headsets."
Status of development across 15-501?
Is anyone up-to-date on the project that may get started across 15-501 from the southern entrance to Southern Village? Kapkow and the developer of Meadowmont are or were the principal players, I think.
"Vernon Journal - Vernon, Vt., Finds Good Neighbor in Vermont Yankee Reactor" - NYTimes.com
As the crow flies, how far are we from the nuclear power plant?
"Shifting Soil Is Threat to a House’s Foundation" - NYTimes.com
I don't think this has been a problem here in Southern Village, or nearby, but I wonder how we find out for sure? New developments are at special risk, of course, but we may not be, and I surely hope so!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
"Symphony concert to fill summer sky" - Music - NewsObserver.com
This version of the story contains no reference to the Southern Village Homeowners' Association commitment of money. I wonder if the Association's board changed its mind, or whether the original story was incorrect -- or it just got left out of this version?
No Cell Phones While Driving Community?
Imagine signs around Southern Village that say:
"This is a No-Cell-Phones-While-Driving community."
"This is a No-Cell-Phones-While-Driving community."
Walking "trails" at UNC
In case you want to know how far you walk on the UNC campus, here is a helpful map with walking distances included.
"Starbucks opens Feb. 16" — Employee News - UNC School of Medicine
A nice healthy walk from Southern Village!
Weaver Street Market tip
Yesterday, I made a small purchase at Weaver Street Market and learned something new.
It seems that VISA charges WSM 50 cents for every transaction, including those for only a few dollars - IF you push the debit option with your VISA card. However, if you opt for credit, it is only a small percentage charge that is less than the 50 cents.
The rule of thumb, the WSM person told me, is that if using a VISA card for something under $15, go "credit". If over 15, use "debit".
Always nice to save a few cents for a highly valued Southern Village whenever we can!
It seems that VISA charges WSM 50 cents for every transaction, including those for only a few dollars - IF you push the debit option with your VISA card. However, if you opt for credit, it is only a small percentage charge that is less than the 50 cents.
The rule of thumb, the WSM person told me, is that if using a VISA card for something under $15, go "credit". If over 15, use "debit".
Always nice to save a few cents for a highly valued Southern Village whenever we can!
"Bow-and-arrow hunt for deer causes hard feelings in NC gated community" - WTKR
Interesting issue confronting another Homeowners' Association nearby. How are our deer doing? I have not seen many lately. Perhaps they have moved to Governor's Club?
"Crime" - dailytarheel.com
If you want to follow crime reports relating to Chapel Hill (and you can zoom in to see only Southern Village or your own street), this is an excellent way to do so, courtesy of the Daily Tar Heel. The map seems to be a month out of date, but current reports for all of Chapel Hill appear as links below the map, organized by day. For example, yesterday there was a report of a "suspicious" vehicle in the Park and Ride lot at 1 AM.....
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Suds, paths and paint
Three things I noted today when out for a short walk.....
One, why does the water that flows into the stream from the pond - run-off - in front of Scroggs look like soapy discharge from a dirty wash load?
Two, isn't about time that we worked with Scroggs and the Town to put in a path around the pond instead of leaving it the way it is?
Three, why isn't the paint that I think was put on some of the roads for a recent running race disappearing? Did they use the right paint? How do we remove it?
One, why does the water that flows into the stream from the pond - run-off - in front of Scroggs look like soapy discharge from a dirty wash load?
Two, isn't about time that we worked with Scroggs and the Town to put in a path around the pond instead of leaving it the way it is?
Three, why isn't the paint that I think was put on some of the roads for a recent running race disappearing? Did they use the right paint? How do we remove it?
Monday, March 01, 2010
"N.C. Go Green - Grow your green skills and find out how others are going green"
This may have some content on it from time to time that would be worthwhile for those of us in Southern Village and environs.
"IRABankRatings.com - Move Your Money Project"
Harrington Bank in Southern Village appears on this list, but in order to find out what rating it got from this group, one needs to pay a fee. All we know is that Harrington got a B or better from this list.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
"Join us for big name speakers performers other notables"
Well worth reading - at least as a reminder - for all who live in and around Southern Village.
"In Westchester County, a ‘Ghost’ Police Car Is on Patrol" - NYTimes.com
Just what is needed in Chapel Hill, even if just to encourage drivers to do the right thing and NOT use a cellphone while driving. I still think there is merit in citizens nothing license plates of cars with drivers obviously on the phone while driving and sharing those with the Chapel Hill Police.
Southern Village food + Memorial Hall performance?
Why haven't we seen any proposals to combine a meal in Southern Village with a performance at Memorial Hall?
For example, my wife and I attended a wonderful UNC Jazz Band concert last night at Memorial Hall. Tickets were $15. Imagine if one or more of the eating establishments in Southern Village had offered a meal at 6, bus from Market Street to Memorial Hall at 7:30, and dessert back in Southern Village at 10:30?
One would think that become a nice event, perhaps a chance to see or meet others in with a common interest or residence in Southern Village, a chance to add more bodies at dinner tables - early - in Southern Village and a chance to share the performance with more people and help the Band in the process.....
No?
For example, my wife and I attended a wonderful UNC Jazz Band concert last night at Memorial Hall. Tickets were $15. Imagine if one or more of the eating establishments in Southern Village had offered a meal at 6, bus from Market Street to Memorial Hall at 7:30, and dessert back in Southern Village at 10:30?
One would think that become a nice event, perhaps a chance to see or meet others in with a common interest or residence in Southern Village, a chance to add more bodies at dinner tables - early - in Southern Village and a chance to share the performance with more people and help the Band in the process.....
No?
Saturday, February 27, 2010
"Clean Energy Durham"
Do we have a version of this for Orange County that we could use here in Southern Village? I have sent an e-mail to the people in Durham to ask them if they are aware of anyone doing the same here.
Friday, February 26, 2010
"Southern Village Symphony Performance in Jeopardy" - The Chapel Hill Magazine Blog - Chapel Hill Magazine
This is from earlier in the week, but it seems to contain some more details about how the money flows in connection with the Symphony's visit to Southern Village. I think there may be another story in the Chapel Hill News on Sunday.
"Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Give Up Raises and Agree to Hiring Freeze" - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com
The NC Symphony is not the only one having problems, it seems.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Speed bumps - from Erin Furr
"If you are interested in speed tables on your street see the attached documents from the Town of Chapel Hill. In the past it was discussed with Kumar from Public Works that Southern Village streets should be looked at on the whole – not on a one-on-one basis – as a speed table on one street will only drive cars to adjacent streets without speed tables.
However, since they are putting in a speed table on Westside Drive, it is apparent Kumar is now able to look at speed tables individually. If you would like a speed table on your street here’s what to do:
1. Fill out a request form for traffic calming (please visit www.southernvillage.org for the forms) 2. The town will send you a petition for your street to sign (if you don’t get it in a week you will have to follow up)
Please e-mail Kumar with Public works kneppalli@townofchapelhill.org and the mayor and commissioners urging them to look at this issue immediately mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org.
Please do not send requests to me. They have to be sent to Public Works."
However, since they are putting in a speed table on Westside Drive, it is apparent Kumar is now able to look at speed tables individually. If you would like a speed table on your street here’s what to do:
1. Fill out a request form for traffic calming (please visit www.southernvillage.org for the forms) 2. The town will send you a petition for your street to sign (if you don’t get it in a week you will have to follow up)
Please e-mail Kumar with Public works kneppalli@townofchapelhill.org and the mayor and commissioners urging them to look at this issue immediately mayorandcouncil@townofchapelhill.org.
Please do not send requests to me. They have to be sent to Public Works."
"Tree ordinance move grows into resistance" - Herald-Sun
It seems to me that the best way to handle the tree issue is very simple. If the owner of property cuts down a tree, the owner is obliged to plant another, somewhere in the community, if not on the same land.
"Volunteers join to clean up Haw River" - Herald-Sun
I think we need to organize some of these for the creeks and streams that run through Southern Village. There sure seems to be a lot of garbage in them.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Raleigh Is The Leader In LED Lighting Project" - Orange County - MyNC.com
Note reference to Chapel Hill. How about Southern Village?
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