Hickory By Choice 2030
Brian Frazier opened the meeting and gave a general overview of the orientation of what would be happening. He made introduction of Studio Cascade. He talked about the original document and reason for the creation of Hickory By Choice. There is a 16 member advisory committee that will be contributing to this process. They will also be working with City Staff, Studio Cascade, and the Hickory Regional Planning Commission.
Hickory By Choice is a document which is the Future Land Use and Transportation Plan. It is the vision statement and planning principle. It was adopted by Hickory City Council in 1999. For the most part it hasn't seen any amendments even though there were promises that it would be tweaked every year and majorly reviewed and rewritten every five years. The follow up Land Development Code (LDC) was introduced in 2001, which is the law. The LDC has been changed numerous times, because times, demographics, and the economy have changed.
1999 was pretty much the height of Hickory's economic prosperity. Things had changed for better and for worse in the previous 10 years. Things went well the first few years, but the documents now need to be addressed and changed. The LDC is over 430 pages. It needs to be made more user friendly. Hickory By Choice and the LDC need to be made copacetic. There are too many disconnects. The process will take 16 to 18 months. It will be all encompassing. There will be six workshops. Mr. Frazier wants participation.
William (Bill) Grimes of Studio Cascade addressed the workshop participants. He spoke about the demographic changes in the local area since 1999. Family income was a little over $54,000 per year. Household income was $17,000 less. In 2000, 29% of the people had a Bachelor's Degree and 20% of the population had not graduated from High School. Household size is 2.42 people per unit. The median value of the home is $143,000.
He stated that these plans are a monster. Hickory has done quite a bit of planning. They want to incorporate the policies of the smaller, special purpose plans into the LDCs. The comprehensive plans should be long range. The city will use these plans to prioritize what they will be spending their money on. Helps to make decisions about individual land use. It is a long range strategic tool. The development of this plan is an opportunity to let the community participate in the decision making process.
The best plans are built upon community input so that they truly fit the community. If written in a vacuum it will not be successfully implemented. Their needs to be a support system. He is not looking to drastically change the direction of Hickory By Choice. He wants to generate excitement among the populace.
This plan needs to have a large scope and it needs to be vision based. This will help it to be seen through. Plans are only as good as there implementation. Needs to be pragmatic. Elements should include land use, transportation, housing, economic development, the environment, energy, conservation, environmental protection, public facilities, services, utilities, and parks and recreation.
Hickory By Choice basically has not been changed in ten years. It is generalized. The Zoning map should be consistent with Hickory By Choice, but it hasn't been. The plan was supposed to develop neighborhood cores and centers, but our development has been along corridors. There is a definite disconnect. The Land Development Code has to be made more workable. Studio Cascade wants to bring consistency to these documents. This workshop was meant to critique Hickory By Choice.
The Vision is about empowering Hickory By Choice so that Hickory can be what it wants to be in the next 20 years. This is about ironing out our concerns and finding a way to address them. Hickory By Choice was developed during a time of optimism. We need to think about this a little more critically.
The overriding principle was to create a network of neighborhoods, housing, parks, and schools placed within walking distance of shops, civic services, and employment. Mr. Grimes believes this was pretty progressive statement for 1999. The neighborhood cores should only take 5 or 10 minutes to walk to a destination. The neighborhood core was complemented by a commercial core, which is a more intensely developed commercial area. 20% of the city's land was dedicated to industrial use.
The big issues are core development versus corridor. We have developed into corridors and this makes more sense, because of the movement of people. Development of "Cores" will necessitate strong policy intervention. We would have to view that there is something more important than economics. He isn't saying which is right or wrong.
Hickory is going to have to change its identity. How can Hickory change what it is known for. What will Hickory decide to become. The adaptability issue -- this plan will have to allow Hickory change what it is periodically. Identity, flexibility, and adaptation are the issues. Studio Cascade will help create a land use plan that is clear towards this direction and implementable through level policy. The goal is to get past Hickory By Choice (the vision) quickly and into the LDC (the laws) soon.
We tailed off into a group of 5 people (I estimate that there were 75 people at this meeting) and went over a worksheet that included statements on policy documents and goals that are vision related. These pertain to developments over the last 10 years. We were to rate the relative importance between 1(bad/totally disagree) and 5(great/totally agree). Mr. Grimes wanted us to spotlight what we felt were the most important issues.
The main issues that my group discussed were flexibility from any plan, a business friendly environment for development, reducing urban sprawl, reconciling commercial development with reality pertaining to costs and aesthetics, economic development based upon demand of consumers, Public Notification of City Changes in Ordinances by letters, and bureaucrats lack of understanding about what it takes to profit in specific businesses.
The larger group discussion: the first group discussed the inclusion and understanding of green industry, spoke of connectivity of travel, looking at social marketing instead of social engineering -- how do we promote this and get people to buy into it, channeling people to specific developed areas, what is the appropriate use for that, annexation and bringing in outside land, stoplights on 127 and working with the state.
The second group discussed business friendliness, businesses pick an area based upon employee lifestyle, issue of healthcare and the meaning -- does it mean increasing the identity or actual facilities, being change friendly -- environmentally, transportation, development, existing versus new structure development, historical protection versus preservation, redevelopment friendly -- need to be bold and visionary.
The third group wanted to add that we could use more flexibility and carrots towards developing new buildings. Instead of discussing what we don't want (negative), let's focus on what we do want (positive). Let's give density credits to attract businesses to locate in specific areas. Mr. Grimes contributed that this would mean that the community would be more proactive in determining what they would like to see and the city can facilitate the kind of growth that fulfills the vision.
The fourth group stated that we need a plan that is clearly articulated. The world has completely changed. How do we make Hickory attractive.
The Hickory By Choice 2030 Project
Studio Cascade awarded contract at November 4, 2008 City Council meeting
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hal Row's Show this AM about AIG Bonuses
I listen to Hal Row's program every morning. We are very fortunate to have a show such as this in this area. Bob and Sherry, John Boy and Billy, or those guys on 95.1 have no impact on this area, but I guess if you are looking for your fill of mindlessness, then have at it. I think Hal does very well in capturing the sentiments local area people are thinking and what they find important.
This morning he played psychologist and let people vent about the AIG bonus issue. I can understand people being upset about these bonuses after these people have made such bad decisions, but these are valid contracts. The biggest problem that we have with our economy is the issue of trust. If contracts aren't binding, then our society is finished.
It is time to get over the class warfare. The government for years has fomented anxieties between socio-economic classes and they go right down the middle and continue to destroy us all. For people of faith, we are supposed to not covet what others have. Why be jealous towards businessmen over this? If laws were broken, then put the put the buggers in jail; but if laws have not been broken then be honorable and honor these contracts. We may not like it, but it is the right thing to do.
A valuable lesson should be learned from all of this. The Congress and President are trying to divert the public's attention away from their incompetence. We owe $60 trillion in unfunded liabilities towards Social Security and Medicare. I said on Hal's Radio show that those unfunded liabilities are 30,000 times more than these AIG bonuses, but it is actually 300,000 times. That shows how ludicrous these numbers are. That Social Security money is gone. The Social Security "Trust" Fund is anything but trustworthy.
What about the monies being paid towards the President, Congress, and Bureaucrats' salaries and benefits. This country has been run into the ground under their watch. Let's cut their pay. Let's make their pay performance based. Let them go find their own health plan. Let them experience the drop in value of their 401-k. For too long, we have shielded the Buraucracy from moral hazard and we are now suffering the results. Who is regulating our governmental representation?
The guaranteed liabilties towards the banking system are over $14 trillion. Do you think we will get that money back. This is destroying our currency. The AIG money will be chump change, when the Hyper-Inflationary period kicks in. Just think of the people that did the right thing and saved for their retirement. Now that money will lose its purchasing power and security value. What will these retirees do?
The bottom line is that we have issues that deal with a lack of morals at the highest echelons of our government, We are destroying our society. We have no right to dictate how much money someone else earns. We don't have the right to say who deserves what. First they go after the rich guys and then they go after you!!!
Hal said we need to right letters to our Government Leaders. Here is a link to those addresses:
Hickory Regional National and Local Representatives Address List
State House Representative List
State Senator List
Contact for Hickory Government
Contact Catawba County Board of Commissioners
This morning he played psychologist and let people vent about the AIG bonus issue. I can understand people being upset about these bonuses after these people have made such bad decisions, but these are valid contracts. The biggest problem that we have with our economy is the issue of trust. If contracts aren't binding, then our society is finished.
It is time to get over the class warfare. The government for years has fomented anxieties between socio-economic classes and they go right down the middle and continue to destroy us all. For people of faith, we are supposed to not covet what others have. Why be jealous towards businessmen over this? If laws were broken, then put the put the buggers in jail; but if laws have not been broken then be honorable and honor these contracts. We may not like it, but it is the right thing to do.
A valuable lesson should be learned from all of this. The Congress and President are trying to divert the public's attention away from their incompetence. We owe $60 trillion in unfunded liabilities towards Social Security and Medicare. I said on Hal's Radio show that those unfunded liabilities are 30,000 times more than these AIG bonuses, but it is actually 300,000 times. That shows how ludicrous these numbers are. That Social Security money is gone. The Social Security "Trust" Fund is anything but trustworthy.
What about the monies being paid towards the President, Congress, and Bureaucrats' salaries and benefits. This country has been run into the ground under their watch. Let's cut their pay. Let's make their pay performance based. Let them go find their own health plan. Let them experience the drop in value of their 401-k. For too long, we have shielded the Buraucracy from moral hazard and we are now suffering the results. Who is regulating our governmental representation?
The guaranteed liabilties towards the banking system are over $14 trillion. Do you think we will get that money back. This is destroying our currency. The AIG money will be chump change, when the Hyper-Inflationary period kicks in. Just think of the people that did the right thing and saved for their retirement. Now that money will lose its purchasing power and security value. What will these retirees do?
The bottom line is that we have issues that deal with a lack of morals at the highest echelons of our government, We are destroying our society. We have no right to dictate how much money someone else earns. We don't have the right to say who deserves what. First they go after the rich guys and then they go after you!!!
Hal said we need to right letters to our Government Leaders. Here is a link to those addresses:
Hickory Regional National and Local Representatives Address List
State House Representative List
State Senator List
Contact for Hickory Government
Contact Catawba County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Catawba County Unemployment Rate hits 13.1%
Posted in the Hickory Daily Record on March 19, 2009. The metro areas Unemployment rate is 13.6% (13.0 percent in Alexander County, 14.0 percent in Burke County and 14.6 percent in Caldwell County). These numbers represent unemployment as og January 1, 2009.
On January 1, 2008 the unemployment rate was 6.1% in Catawba County. That means there are 123% more people unemployed now than were unemployed one year ago. Drastic measures must be taken to change the direction we are headed in.
This does not take into account those who are have run out of benefits, those working part-time, and/or those who would be termed underemployed. It took this area a while to invent the conditions that have led to a debacle where close to an estimated 1 in 4 of our local citizens are suffering these real conditions.
Our local officials need to understand that now IS the time for drastic action. If those actions are principled, then people won't give up on our areas leadership; but if we see area leaders continue to play the blame game and state that they have no control, then it will be time to find a new direction.
We have gone from local leaders stating that things are looking up to saying problems aren't that bad to begrudgingly admitting that things don't look good (but the future is bright) to saying that external forces are to blame. All of this has happened since September. What reason would we have to support that kind of "no control" leadership, which is none whatsoever. You cannot get to this level of unemployment without everyone being responsible for part of the blame.
Some people belittled what I stated in the Wall Street Journal article in January, North Carolina's Celebrated Rebirth Proves No Match for This Downturn. Now we can see that the issues in that article cannot be denied. Read that article again and see if it is not right on target. Should we pray for mass emigration of the working class people in the Hickory Metro area or are we going to demand more from ourselves? We must reinvent this area!!!
On January 1, 2008 the unemployment rate was 6.1% in Catawba County. That means there are 123% more people unemployed now than were unemployed one year ago. Drastic measures must be taken to change the direction we are headed in.
This does not take into account those who are have run out of benefits, those working part-time, and/or those who would be termed underemployed. It took this area a while to invent the conditions that have led to a debacle where close to an estimated 1 in 4 of our local citizens are suffering these real conditions.
Our local officials need to understand that now IS the time for drastic action. If those actions are principled, then people won't give up on our areas leadership; but if we see area leaders continue to play the blame game and state that they have no control, then it will be time to find a new direction.
We have gone from local leaders stating that things are looking up to saying problems aren't that bad to begrudgingly admitting that things don't look good (but the future is bright) to saying that external forces are to blame. All of this has happened since September. What reason would we have to support that kind of "no control" leadership, which is none whatsoever. You cannot get to this level of unemployment without everyone being responsible for part of the blame.
Some people belittled what I stated in the Wall Street Journal article in January, North Carolina's Celebrated Rebirth Proves No Match for This Downturn. Now we can see that the issues in that article cannot be denied. Read that article again and see if it is not right on target. Should we pray for mass emigration of the working class people in the Hickory Metro area or are we going to demand more from ourselves? We must reinvent this area!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of March 17, 2009
This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 3/17/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.
Invocation by Rev. Kathy Johnson of the Greater Shekinah Glory Church (I thought this was a very inspiring and well thought out poem so I am sharing it at the link).
Consent Agenda:
Social - Proclamation – The Community Appearance Commission Requests that 4/25/2009 be Proclaimed as “Arbor Day” in the City of Hickory and celebrating Arbor Day in Hickory by giving out trees to citizens. This will be the seventh year that the City will officially celebrate Arbor Day and which will be held in conjunction with the Earth Day celebration at the SALT Block. The City of Hickory has been recognized as a Tree City USA since 2005 and by proclaiming April 25, 2009 as Arbor Day in Hickory, the City will be fulfilling one of its requirements for Tree City USA status.
Proclamation - Declaring 5/2/2009 as “Adult Life Programs’ Day” in the City of Hickory
Request From the Hickory American Legion Post 48 and Barb Hammond Smith VFW Post 1957 for the Use of Union Square for the Veteran’s Memorial Service to be Held on Sunday, May 24, 2009 From 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Business - Voluntary Non-Contiguous Annexation of the Property Owned by Claude Ray Shrum Located at the End of Timberland Hills Drive (Authorize Public Hearing for April 7, 2009)
Vacant Building Revitalization Grant to HPG Facility, LLC for the Property Located at 542 Main Avenue, S.E. in the Amount of $25,000.00 - The Vacant Building Revitalization Grant Program was established by City Council in September, 2008. The program provides matching funds up to $25,000.00 for projects seeking to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings. The applicant plans to renovate this facility into a retail self storage facility, which will have both outdoor and indoor units. HPG Facility, LLC plans to invest approximately $606,000.00 in the construction of the storage units. It has been determined by staff that $84,194.00 of the construction costs are eligible for the grant funding, thereby exceeding the $50,000.00 required amount to obtain the maximum grant amount. The Redevelopment Committee reviewed the application and recommends approval.
Community Appearance Grant to River Holding, LLC for the Property Located at 25 2nd Street, NW in the Amount of $5,000.00 - Hickory Community Appearance Commission approved the application. The grant request provides for an update to the property, which includes remodeling the front, side and back exterior areas of the building.
Approval of Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance Through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs
Recommendation for approval for assistance under the City's First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Loan Program - Christy Short 2705 N Center Street #78, Hickory Approved for up to $6,500.00
Recommendation for approval for assistance under the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program - Junie Rinehardt 815 8th Street Place, SE, Hickory Approved for up to $5,000.00
Transfer Cemetery Lot in Fairview Cemetery from Doris Byrd Hall f/k/a Doris Beard Heir of Pauline B. Hedrick and husband, Morris Ray Hall to Jerry Shook
Budget Ordinance Amendments
Social - Budget $25 Library donation from Cardinal Book Club for the purchase of a child’s book. Budget $1,500 of Springfest donations from Beaver Family Foundation Inc. ($500) and MDI ($1,000) in the International Council line item for the International Springfest event.
Accept and budget a total of $6,200 in donations for the Unifour Senior Games which is coordinated by the City of Hickory's Park and Recreation Department. Donations include State Employees Credit Union ($600), Humana ($1,000), Tenent/Frye Regional Medical Center ($500), Catawba Valley Medical Center ($1,000), Catawba Valley Community College ($1,000), Carolina Orthopedic Specialists ($500), Western Piedmont Council of Governments ($1,000), Hickory Orthopedic Specials ($100) and Catawba Valley USBC Association ($500).
Business - Appropriate $276 for Police Department Overtime. Appropriate $10,077 of Miscellaneous Insurance Claims from Nationwide Insurance Company for repair of a damaged Police Vehicle. Appropriate $18,905 of General Fund for security glass to enhance security for the Records, Desk and Magistrate areas. This appropriation represents a part of the remaining Police State Reimbursement balances from previous years (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007) that have been rolled into Fund balance at year-end. Budget $50 of Airport property rental revenue from the use of the multipurpose room towards the purchase of new tables for the room.
Development - Budget $7,502 of Community Development funds for housing rehabilitation and administration for HOME funds. Transfer $185,698 from the General Fund for annual routine repair and replacement projects for City facilities including: HVAC work, roof repair/replacement, painting, structural repairs and grounds renovations. City staff does an evaluation and prioritization annually of repair and replacement needs, and this work is a result of that evaluation.
Informational Items:
Mayor Wright Attended the 2008 NCLM Centennial Conference in Charlotte, NC From October 11 – 14, 2008; registration - $360.00
New Business - Public Hearings:
1 & 2) Resolutions Confirming and Levying Assessment Along a Portion of 2nd St Pl, SE– No. 03-07 & No. 04-07 - The City Clerk received a petition from the owners of property along 2nd St Pl, SE to install curb, gutter, and sidewalk along a portion of their street as per Section 29-2 of the Hickory Code of Ordinances. The City Council adopted a Resolution Directing that Street Improvement Project be Undertaken. Unanimous Consent of Council.
Notes about the Council - This was a very light agenda and the meeting lasted less than 20 minutes start to finish. Alders Meisner and Hoyle weren't present. Mayor Wright made mention of the salary reports that were in the Hickory Daily Record. He said he didn't see anything the city should be ashamed about and he is proud of the way that the city's staff has managed the tax payer's money. I think it would be fair to surmise that he was a little agitated by City Manager Berry's picture being on the front of Sunday's paper.
Alderman Seaver made mention that Hickory High's Key Club took first place in every major category at the district convention in Durham. This was out of over 240 clubs in North and South Carolina.
The Hound's Notes: Here are a few of the ironies in this whole Public Pay issue being outed.... 1) I hear Public Officials always talking about their pay versus other people's pay (Example Athletes). I don't hear the athletes squawking about their income being made public.... 2)The public salaries are a lot better than most of the private sector salaries in this area. Why not be happy about your job stability and your overall picture versus what other industries are doing around here..... 3)Now you know what that, "there out to get me" feeling feels like. The people in the private sector have been feeling that for years. 4)Many of the same people that have been shouting about the government being too secretive and not transparent just found out what transparency is all about and they don't like it. 5)These same people that scream about protecting and utilizing the 1st amendment are now shouting down someone for doing just that. 6)People that say that they won't have anything to do with the HDR, because of this article, are commenting all over the Hickory Daily Record Website.
I can go on. There are so many ironies. Most of the comments I have seen, on the HDR website, I construe to be from teachers. I know some great people who are teachers. They are humans just like the rest of us and I understand them being upset, but I think they must understand that this really doesn't matter in the end. Why do you need to justify what you make. Frankly, I think what teachers are making is about just right.
I support education. Education is about the students. We need to get all of this other stuff out of the classrooms. We need to get politics, salaries, and social junk out of the classroom. We need to get back to basics. We need to support teachers and students by giving them a non-hostile work environment. No bullies, thugs, or clowns disrupting classes.....We need to rethink the way that students are being taught. We need to move students in the direction towards creative based knowledge education or trade education at an earlier age.....These young people are our future. They are the machines that will make our lives better or worse as we grow older. We can keep fueling their minds with junk or we can start developing them in more creative/productive manners.....Once we get past this "It's all about me" attitude and figure out that we are all in this together, then maybe we can get this community and this country headed back in the right direction again.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 3/17/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.
Invocation by Rev. Kathy Johnson of the Greater Shekinah Glory Church (I thought this was a very inspiring and well thought out poem so I am sharing it at the link).
Consent Agenda:
Social - Proclamation – The Community Appearance Commission Requests that 4/25/2009 be Proclaimed as “Arbor Day” in the City of Hickory and celebrating Arbor Day in Hickory by giving out trees to citizens. This will be the seventh year that the City will officially celebrate Arbor Day and which will be held in conjunction with the Earth Day celebration at the SALT Block. The City of Hickory has been recognized as a Tree City USA since 2005 and by proclaiming April 25, 2009 as Arbor Day in Hickory, the City will be fulfilling one of its requirements for Tree City USA status.
Proclamation - Declaring 5/2/2009 as “Adult Life Programs’ Day” in the City of Hickory
Request From the Hickory American Legion Post 48 and Barb Hammond Smith VFW Post 1957 for the Use of Union Square for the Veteran’s Memorial Service to be Held on Sunday, May 24, 2009 From 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Business - Voluntary Non-Contiguous Annexation of the Property Owned by Claude Ray Shrum Located at the End of Timberland Hills Drive (Authorize Public Hearing for April 7, 2009)
Vacant Building Revitalization Grant to HPG Facility, LLC for the Property Located at 542 Main Avenue, S.E. in the Amount of $25,000.00 - The Vacant Building Revitalization Grant Program was established by City Council in September, 2008. The program provides matching funds up to $25,000.00 for projects seeking to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings. The applicant plans to renovate this facility into a retail self storage facility, which will have both outdoor and indoor units. HPG Facility, LLC plans to invest approximately $606,000.00 in the construction of the storage units. It has been determined by staff that $84,194.00 of the construction costs are eligible for the grant funding, thereby exceeding the $50,000.00 required amount to obtain the maximum grant amount. The Redevelopment Committee reviewed the application and recommends approval.
Community Appearance Grant to River Holding, LLC for the Property Located at 25 2nd Street, NW in the Amount of $5,000.00 - Hickory Community Appearance Commission approved the application. The grant request provides for an update to the property, which includes remodeling the front, side and back exterior areas of the building.
Approval of Citizens’ Advisory Committee Recommendations for Assistance Through the City of Hickory’s Housing Programs
Recommendation for approval for assistance under the City's First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Loan Program - Christy Short 2705 N Center Street #78, Hickory Approved for up to $6,500.00
Recommendation for approval for assistance under the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program - Junie Rinehardt 815 8th Street Place, SE, Hickory Approved for up to $5,000.00
Transfer Cemetery Lot in Fairview Cemetery from Doris Byrd Hall f/k/a Doris Beard Heir of Pauline B. Hedrick and husband, Morris Ray Hall to Jerry Shook
Budget Ordinance Amendments
Social - Budget $25 Library donation from Cardinal Book Club for the purchase of a child’s book. Budget $1,500 of Springfest donations from Beaver Family Foundation Inc. ($500) and MDI ($1,000) in the International Council line item for the International Springfest event.
Accept and budget a total of $6,200 in donations for the Unifour Senior Games which is coordinated by the City of Hickory's Park and Recreation Department. Donations include State Employees Credit Union ($600), Humana ($1,000), Tenent/Frye Regional Medical Center ($500), Catawba Valley Medical Center ($1,000), Catawba Valley Community College ($1,000), Carolina Orthopedic Specialists ($500), Western Piedmont Council of Governments ($1,000), Hickory Orthopedic Specials ($100) and Catawba Valley USBC Association ($500).
Business - Appropriate $276 for Police Department Overtime. Appropriate $10,077 of Miscellaneous Insurance Claims from Nationwide Insurance Company for repair of a damaged Police Vehicle. Appropriate $18,905 of General Fund for security glass to enhance security for the Records, Desk and Magistrate areas. This appropriation represents a part of the remaining Police State Reimbursement balances from previous years (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007) that have been rolled into Fund balance at year-end. Budget $50 of Airport property rental revenue from the use of the multipurpose room towards the purchase of new tables for the room.
Development - Budget $7,502 of Community Development funds for housing rehabilitation and administration for HOME funds. Transfer $185,698 from the General Fund for annual routine repair and replacement projects for City facilities including: HVAC work, roof repair/replacement, painting, structural repairs and grounds renovations. City staff does an evaluation and prioritization annually of repair and replacement needs, and this work is a result of that evaluation.
Informational Items:
Mayor Wright Attended the 2008 NCLM Centennial Conference in Charlotte, NC From October 11 – 14, 2008; registration - $360.00
New Business - Public Hearings:
1 & 2) Resolutions Confirming and Levying Assessment Along a Portion of 2nd St Pl, SE– No. 03-07 & No. 04-07 - The City Clerk received a petition from the owners of property along 2nd St Pl, SE to install curb, gutter, and sidewalk along a portion of their street as per Section 29-2 of the Hickory Code of Ordinances. The City Council adopted a Resolution Directing that Street Improvement Project be Undertaken. Unanimous Consent of Council.
Notes about the Council - This was a very light agenda and the meeting lasted less than 20 minutes start to finish. Alders Meisner and Hoyle weren't present. Mayor Wright made mention of the salary reports that were in the Hickory Daily Record. He said he didn't see anything the city should be ashamed about and he is proud of the way that the city's staff has managed the tax payer's money. I think it would be fair to surmise that he was a little agitated by City Manager Berry's picture being on the front of Sunday's paper.
Alderman Seaver made mention that Hickory High's Key Club took first place in every major category at the district convention in Durham. This was out of over 240 clubs in North and South Carolina.
The Hound's Notes: Here are a few of the ironies in this whole Public Pay issue being outed.... 1) I hear Public Officials always talking about their pay versus other people's pay (Example Athletes). I don't hear the athletes squawking about their income being made public.... 2)The public salaries are a lot better than most of the private sector salaries in this area. Why not be happy about your job stability and your overall picture versus what other industries are doing around here..... 3)Now you know what that, "there out to get me" feeling feels like. The people in the private sector have been feeling that for years. 4)Many of the same people that have been shouting about the government being too secretive and not transparent just found out what transparency is all about and they don't like it. 5)These same people that scream about protecting and utilizing the 1st amendment are now shouting down someone for doing just that. 6)People that say that they won't have anything to do with the HDR, because of this article, are commenting all over the Hickory Daily Record Website.
I can go on. There are so many ironies. Most of the comments I have seen, on the HDR website, I construe to be from teachers. I know some great people who are teachers. They are humans just like the rest of us and I understand them being upset, but I think they must understand that this really doesn't matter in the end. Why do you need to justify what you make. Frankly, I think what teachers are making is about just right.
I support education. Education is about the students. We need to get all of this other stuff out of the classrooms. We need to get politics, salaries, and social junk out of the classroom. We need to get back to basics. We need to support teachers and students by giving them a non-hostile work environment. No bullies, thugs, or clowns disrupting classes.....We need to rethink the way that students are being taught. We need to move students in the direction towards creative based knowledge education or trade education at an earlier age.....These young people are our future. They are the machines that will make our lives better or worse as we grow older. We can keep fueling their minds with junk or we can start developing them in more creative/productive manners.....Once we get past this "It's all about me" attitude and figure out that we are all in this together, then maybe we can get this community and this country headed back in the right direction again.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Future is Now
Click the Link to Check out Catawba County Chamber of Commerce President Danny Hearn's article in the Hickory Daily Record on Sunday, March 15, 2009 entitled Future Economy Council Ahead of the Curve (unpublished on the Web).
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Harry Hipps and I discussed our thoughts about issues involving the Future Economy Council. Of course, we want to be transparent, open, and honest about how issues directly impact this community’s future. We will inform and make everyone aware of the different types of dynamics that may be happening in our world and how quickly these impacts may change the world as we know it. We are living in exponential times and that is a scary proposition, but these challenges must be met head-on or our community will continue to fall further and further behind.
Yes, this is overwhelming to many people. The indigenous inhabitants of this area remember when the population was half the size that it is now. Now we are part of a global experience that scares many of our citizens. But, we cannot stop that change!!!
As Dr. Jane Everson defined, our community must become “nimble,” especially during these drastically changing times. These times will require a lot of creative and critical thinking. Most of our citizens are wary of this type of rapid change and suffering Anxiety at the thought of having to adjust to such a different world. Such change can lead to fight or flight syndrome and it will be the Future Economy Council’s responsibility to help adjust our citizenry’s mode of thinking.
Why are people so scared and reluctant to address these issues of change? Why be scared when you are powerless to stop it? If you can’t beat it, join it. The exponential rate of change is not stopping. Some of us have come to that understanding and embraced this new world, but some people remain in a state of denial.
The number one issue our area faces is the jobs issue. People must come to the realization that careers will no longer be determined by specific tasks. Employment will be determined by broader generalities. You will have to define yourself by the strength of your skill-sets. Whatever you are good at and your niche and interests will determine your career. These manifestations of your unique, and in many ways inherent, skill-sets will determine what you can do.
It will be important to increase the education of the workforce to achieve the flexibility, malleability, and diversity that any industry needs to move forward. The bottom line is that we are going to have to get the basics (reading, writing, and arithmetic) down before we can move to the levels of critical thinking that we need to move forward in this exponentially changing world.
The overwhelming nature of the change that is ahead can make people feel lost, but does that really matter? We have to work on giving young people a firm foundation of values and principles, to establish their well-being. Young people lose their identity when they’re morality is not built upon substance. The result is that they turn to ways of escape from stress. They start drinking and using drugs, which leads to bad consequences that put them behind at a young age. Many times these young people have developed into something that they really don’t understand.
It is debatable how developed that young people are after they graduate from high school or college. We all know that there is development, but at what critical level? The basic mindset may be established, but when these young people advance to the next stage of development, many times they regress to a stage that they are more comfortable with. Many people of our younger generation become accepting of mediocrity. But, what they have to understand is that nothing ever stands still. You are either progressing or you are regressing. Education and attainment of knowledge only end after you leave this life.
I believe that was what Jay Adams was getting at, at this meeting, when talking about the current economic mindset of the local community… (summarizing) that over the last nine years we have become lean and that has in many ways put us in a strong position, but we have also adapted down and become accepting of this extreme level of cost containment at the expense of growth. In my opinion that is an acceptance of mediocrity, because if we aren’t willing to take chances and make some riskier investments in this community, then we will never get back to experiencing dynamic economic growth. Cheap Begets Cheap!!!
One of the main issues that our nation faces is that we have been shielding people from the consequences of their actions. Most people fail due to their own actions, yet we have created moral hazards that encourage the least common denominators in society. We cannot sustain this current way of thinking. We aren’t growing the economy, we are punishing everyone that creates growth in the economy, and we are encouraging the worst of the lot.
The worst part of our system is that our Government is constantly riding roughshod over the little guy. They don’t go after the powerful special interests, unions, agencies, or corporations; but they are systematically nickel and diming small businesses out of existence by creating a nasty regulatory environment and barriers to entry for upstart entrepreneurs. Not only that, but government in all forms is eating up the world’s capital pool, by bellying up to the trough and borrowing money to spend on gluttonous, wasteful expenditures. This is being done at the expense of capitalism and the free market.
Our culture is not going to accept the government crowding out our way of life. We are going to see Black Markets and fraud spring up, if the government continues down this path. That will delegitimize our society, because people will begin bartering and trading goods and services to keep the money away from the government. You will also see professionals get desperate and play with the bills and the books. Why should we criminalize our citizens, by creating more and more regulations that cannot be understood or adhered to? Look at the tax laws that are already on the books. Do you think that system is working?
Did you see today where the Chinese government asked for assurances and guarantees that the United States would meet its debt obligations? What will the implications of that be? What will that mean to our freedom?
We want creativity. That creativity will lead to progress. Creativity will not come without incentives. We cannot afford to kill the incentives towards growth. Yet, this monolithic character called Social Government has the ability to destroy the individuality needed to inspire creativity. That is what happened in the Soviet Union and in Maoist China. Those countries suffered through decades of darkness.
It is understandable that people are apprehensive about what the human race is currently experiencing. We must advance ourselves, both as individuals and as a community, but neither should be done at the expense of the other. What is happening is more than a change in lifestyle. It is a redefinition of life itself. That is a frightening concept, but we cannot stop it, nor should we try to stop it. For trying to stop what this world is now experiencing could lead to cataclysmic consequences for mankind.
We cannot afford to run and hide, either at the local level or at the world level. We have everything to gain by participating in the global community, but we must prepare ourselves to be successful in such a world. That is what Harry Hipps and I hope this “Futures Economy Council” can do; establish the creation of a road map of preparation to help Catawba County, as well as the region, move successfully forward into the future.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry Hipps and I discussed our thoughts about issues involving the Future Economy Council. Of course, we want to be transparent, open, and honest about how issues directly impact this community’s future. We will inform and make everyone aware of the different types of dynamics that may be happening in our world and how quickly these impacts may change the world as we know it. We are living in exponential times and that is a scary proposition, but these challenges must be met head-on or our community will continue to fall further and further behind.
Yes, this is overwhelming to many people. The indigenous inhabitants of this area remember when the population was half the size that it is now. Now we are part of a global experience that scares many of our citizens. But, we cannot stop that change!!!
As Dr. Jane Everson defined, our community must become “nimble,” especially during these drastically changing times. These times will require a lot of creative and critical thinking. Most of our citizens are wary of this type of rapid change and suffering Anxiety at the thought of having to adjust to such a different world. Such change can lead to fight or flight syndrome and it will be the Future Economy Council’s responsibility to help adjust our citizenry’s mode of thinking.
Why are people so scared and reluctant to address these issues of change? Why be scared when you are powerless to stop it? If you can’t beat it, join it. The exponential rate of change is not stopping. Some of us have come to that understanding and embraced this new world, but some people remain in a state of denial.
The number one issue our area faces is the jobs issue. People must come to the realization that careers will no longer be determined by specific tasks. Employment will be determined by broader generalities. You will have to define yourself by the strength of your skill-sets. Whatever you are good at and your niche and interests will determine your career. These manifestations of your unique, and in many ways inherent, skill-sets will determine what you can do.
It will be important to increase the education of the workforce to achieve the flexibility, malleability, and diversity that any industry needs to move forward. The bottom line is that we are going to have to get the basics (reading, writing, and arithmetic) down before we can move to the levels of critical thinking that we need to move forward in this exponentially changing world.
The overwhelming nature of the change that is ahead can make people feel lost, but does that really matter? We have to work on giving young people a firm foundation of values and principles, to establish their well-being. Young people lose their identity when they’re morality is not built upon substance. The result is that they turn to ways of escape from stress. They start drinking and using drugs, which leads to bad consequences that put them behind at a young age. Many times these young people have developed into something that they really don’t understand.
It is debatable how developed that young people are after they graduate from high school or college. We all know that there is development, but at what critical level? The basic mindset may be established, but when these young people advance to the next stage of development, many times they regress to a stage that they are more comfortable with. Many people of our younger generation become accepting of mediocrity. But, what they have to understand is that nothing ever stands still. You are either progressing or you are regressing. Education and attainment of knowledge only end after you leave this life.
I believe that was what Jay Adams was getting at, at this meeting, when talking about the current economic mindset of the local community… (summarizing) that over the last nine years we have become lean and that has in many ways put us in a strong position, but we have also adapted down and become accepting of this extreme level of cost containment at the expense of growth. In my opinion that is an acceptance of mediocrity, because if we aren’t willing to take chances and make some riskier investments in this community, then we will never get back to experiencing dynamic economic growth. Cheap Begets Cheap!!!
One of the main issues that our nation faces is that we have been shielding people from the consequences of their actions. Most people fail due to their own actions, yet we have created moral hazards that encourage the least common denominators in society. We cannot sustain this current way of thinking. We aren’t growing the economy, we are punishing everyone that creates growth in the economy, and we are encouraging the worst of the lot.
The worst part of our system is that our Government is constantly riding roughshod over the little guy. They don’t go after the powerful special interests, unions, agencies, or corporations; but they are systematically nickel and diming small businesses out of existence by creating a nasty regulatory environment and barriers to entry for upstart entrepreneurs. Not only that, but government in all forms is eating up the world’s capital pool, by bellying up to the trough and borrowing money to spend on gluttonous, wasteful expenditures. This is being done at the expense of capitalism and the free market.
Our culture is not going to accept the government crowding out our way of life. We are going to see Black Markets and fraud spring up, if the government continues down this path. That will delegitimize our society, because people will begin bartering and trading goods and services to keep the money away from the government. You will also see professionals get desperate and play with the bills and the books. Why should we criminalize our citizens, by creating more and more regulations that cannot be understood or adhered to? Look at the tax laws that are already on the books. Do you think that system is working?
Did you see today where the Chinese government asked for assurances and guarantees that the United States would meet its debt obligations? What will the implications of that be? What will that mean to our freedom?
We want creativity. That creativity will lead to progress. Creativity will not come without incentives. We cannot afford to kill the incentives towards growth. Yet, this monolithic character called Social Government has the ability to destroy the individuality needed to inspire creativity. That is what happened in the Soviet Union and in Maoist China. Those countries suffered through decades of darkness.
It is understandable that people are apprehensive about what the human race is currently experiencing. We must advance ourselves, both as individuals and as a community, but neither should be done at the expense of the other. What is happening is more than a change in lifestyle. It is a redefinition of life itself. That is a frightening concept, but we cannot stop it, nor should we try to stop it. For trying to stop what this world is now experiencing could lead to cataclysmic consequences for mankind.
We cannot afford to run and hide, either at the local level or at the world level. We have everything to gain by participating in the global community, but we must prepare ourselves to be successful in such a world. That is what Harry Hipps and I hope this “Futures Economy Council” can do; establish the creation of a road map of preparation to help Catawba County, as well as the region, move successfully forward into the future.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Time to Start Transforming Catawba County
This morning, March 12, 2009, I was privileged to attend a meeting with some of the most important decision makers in this area. The meeting about Transformative Leadership is exactly what I feel needs to take place to move this area forward and get us ahead of the curve economically.
Danny Hearn started the presentation by showing us this video called Did You Know 3.0
Mr. Hearn explained that he is in the same position as us. He is a student of futurism and he is here to learn, not teach. He told us a story of a local area that dealt with this subject and how they basically ended the discussion shortly after the process began, because they were uncomfortable about the direction in which the subject was being taken.
Mr. Hearn briefly addressed the economy of the area and the current economic development happenings and opportunities that are taking place in the area. He spoke about the direction that we can take with this new Future Economy Council. As far as Community Events (and involvement), he spoke of creating a dialogue with the community, creating Futures Institutes for/with the Local Community Colleges, developing 21st Century Learning Webs, and establishing what will be known as Communiversities.
Some of the issues that were brought up by others were that we need to assess the strengths, assets, flaws, liabilities, and gaps that are currently present in our community. We need to develop an asset map and if we are honest and fully acknowledge our faults, then those issues will be easier to address. We are basically suffering from the structure of what this community has been, which has been closed "Process" oriented. We need to move more towards an open ended "Thinking" structure.
The Hound: I am going to compose a more thorough article this evening, which I hope to release some time tomorrow, that will show what this is all about and why I personally feel that this is one of the most important developments in the history of our local area. Folks, we need to be honest with ourselves. This area has always been self-reliant. There is not going to be any substantial money coming from Raleigh or Washington. We are going to have to take charge and make these changes ourselves.
Let's be honest, our area is suffering from the complacency and the false sense of security that was instituted long ago. After years of malaise, we must realize that we now have nothing to fear and nothing to lose. The future is here and we must control it or it will most assuredly control us. We can face this together and turn it around. If we don't, this community will continue to wither.
I hope that you will all join me and the others in embracing this concept. We look forward to addressing the key issues, instituting creative processes, and making the changes that will be necessary to get this community ahead of the curve and make it one that we can all be proud of.
Danny Hearn started the presentation by showing us this video called Did You Know 3.0
Mr. Hearn explained that he is in the same position as us. He is a student of futurism and he is here to learn, not teach. He told us a story of a local area that dealt with this subject and how they basically ended the discussion shortly after the process began, because they were uncomfortable about the direction in which the subject was being taken.
Mr. Hearn briefly addressed the economy of the area and the current economic development happenings and opportunities that are taking place in the area. He spoke about the direction that we can take with this new Future Economy Council. As far as Community Events (and involvement), he spoke of creating a dialogue with the community, creating Futures Institutes for/with the Local Community Colleges, developing 21st Century Learning Webs, and establishing what will be known as Communiversities.
Some of the issues that were brought up by others were that we need to assess the strengths, assets, flaws, liabilities, and gaps that are currently present in our community. We need to develop an asset map and if we are honest and fully acknowledge our faults, then those issues will be easier to address. We are basically suffering from the structure of what this community has been, which has been closed "Process" oriented. We need to move more towards an open ended "Thinking" structure.
The Hound: I am going to compose a more thorough article this evening, which I hope to release some time tomorrow, that will show what this is all about and why I personally feel that this is one of the most important developments in the history of our local area. Folks, we need to be honest with ourselves. This area has always been self-reliant. There is not going to be any substantial money coming from Raleigh or Washington. We are going to have to take charge and make these changes ourselves.
Let's be honest, our area is suffering from the complacency and the false sense of security that was instituted long ago. After years of malaise, we must realize that we now have nothing to fear and nothing to lose. The future is here and we must control it or it will most assuredly control us. We can face this together and turn it around. If we don't, this community will continue to wither.
I hope that you will all join me and the others in embracing this concept. We look forward to addressing the key issues, instituting creative processes, and making the changes that will be necessary to get this community ahead of the curve and make it one that we can all be proud of.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Cloninger Mill Park - 3rd meeting - The Master Plan - 3/10/2009
You can go back and read my excerpts from the first meeting that was held September 24, 2008 here (1st Cloninger Mill Park Meeting) and the second meeting on January 15, 2009 meeting here (2nd Cloninger Mill Park Meeting).
Here are Links to pictures and schematics that were presented at the Master Plan meeting along with my previous Google photo of the property (a couple aren't 100% focused, but you can see the end result):
My Google aerial photo of the property
Black and White Aerial Map
Final Master Plan photos 1 / 2 / 3
Site Analysis (1/15/2009) / Slope analysis / Soil Analysis / Site Photos
I can honestly say that everything that I have seen Site Solutions propose about this park has been A+. They listened to what the people of the neighborhoods had to say and they fully balanced it with what the needs of the community mandate.
Mr. Derek Williams made the presentation during this joint presentation to the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission. He initially gave an overview of what had been discussed during the previous two meetings.
Further comments were that this area had originally been zoned R-1 and R-3, so this park does fall within those guidelines. Summarizing, he stated that Site Solutions took into account all of the buffers set forth in guidelines in dealing with the neighboring areas. He believes that Cloninger Mill Road will be expanded to 4 or 5 lanes in the future. Utilities abound near the property that are adequate for the park and its needs. There is a 12 foot setback along the perimeter of the property adjacent to the residential property, a 40 foot setback along the shores of Lake Hickory, and there is a 110 foot "right of way" associated with Cloninger Mill Road.
The local Neighborhoods didn't want parking on the east side of the park, but that just wasn't feasible. There is a FEMA floodway restriction that restricts development along the creek in the center of the park. Mr. Williams said, at this meeting in the question and answer session, that his personal preference would have been to have one road in and out of the park, but with the creek running down the center of the property it just wasn't feasible without incurring great cost and ecological damage to the property. At this site, what you have is two mountains and a valley between. 80% of the sight consists of slopes of greater than 10%. That is part of what gives the site its unique character. The natural features must be preserved.
There would be no way to give people access to the whole park without the two entrances. Site Solutions reduced the parking on the East side and increased the size of the parking on the West side to 50 spaces to address the neighborhood concerns. There will now be a playground and restrooms next to the West parking lot along with a picnic shelter area. East side parking will now be reduced to 25 spaces, which will also have a grassy area attached for excess overflow parking if needed.
Mr. Williams also stated that there would be a fence placed at the Northeastern Corner of the Park, so that outsiders wouldn't have access to the private boat dock that resides there. The closest building to any neighbors is 450 feet away from neighbors at Old Mill Landing. The closest trail is 150 feet from residential property lines. The plans call for natural buffers to limit the removal of natural vegetation along the outside lines of the park.
The order of magnitude estimated cost of the park is $2.9 million. The initial development phase is suggested to be along the western side of the park, near Cloninger Mill Road. The Parking Lot, Playground, Picnic Shelter, and some trails would be built during this initial phase. The park is suggested to have a Grist Mill theme, because of the former mill located there. There are monies that are available to help fund the park. Site Solutions feels that they put the city in a good position to go after that money.
Discussion by Council and Commission : Councilman Brad Lail asked about Order of Magnitude. Order of magnitude gives a good general idea of the costs of the park, but it is not detailed. It was stated that the DOT traffic count along Cloninger Mill Road is right inside of 20,000 cars per day. Mr. Williams stated that the developers want to maintain existing trails to the greatest extent possible, because it has less of an ecological impact. The trails can be done incrementally. The city can pick one major piece and move forward from there.
Mayor Wright asked about the residential lots available to raise funds. It was stated by Mack McLeod that there are 8 or 9 lots available for $27,000 a piece. The Mayor said that the real value comes with the commercial property (on the west side). The Mayor stated that the people who bought residential property, in the area, knew that there was a proposed park to be built on this site when they bought their homes. Bruce Meisner said the property was zoned residential and the city could have sold the whole east side for residential development. Mr. McLeod stated that this park was proposed in 1979. Mr. Meisner asked about Quadrant Park Funds. Mr. McLeod stated that some of those funds were used during this process.
Brad Lail stated that he sees two routes, the free market approach where someone brings the city a proposal and the other route where the city decides what would fit best on the property. Mr. Meisner mentioned a proposal from 6 or 7 years ago that was brought to the city. Summarizing, it was a scaled down version of the Ballantyne properties (located in Charlotte). Mr. Meisner stated that most of this property is located across from Commercial property that is already there.
Sally Fox asked if they must accept the commercial property as part of the proposal. Summarizing, City Manager Mick Berry said that it was a semantical issue and that it would be up to council to decide all issues pertaining to the commercial property's development. Mr. Meisner stated that the City Council would have total control over that commercial property. Mr. Lail agreed. The Mayor said they could even decide to make it part of the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to accept the plan and forward it to City Council.
The Hound really likes this plan. I think that every issue was addressed thoughtfully and carefully by Site Solutions. I will say that without enabling the sale of the commercial property, then this park should not be moved forward. Council members must recognize that these are serious times when it comes to money issues. The city will profit off of the sale of that commercial property, the tax revenue generated by its value, and any sales taxes should their be retail or hospitality ventures on that property. We cannot afford to throw that opportunity away.
If the impending sale of the commercial property becomes an issue, then I don't believe the property should be developed on the public's dime. I think that either this is developed into a constructive venture with all of the amenities and safety concerns that Site Solutions has addressed or it is time to lock down the property and get people off of it for safety reasons. This is city owned property that is already basically being used as a haphazard park. Let's see this happen the right way instead of the simple way or the cheap way.
Here are Links to pictures and schematics that were presented at the Master Plan meeting along with my previous Google photo of the property (a couple aren't 100% focused, but you can see the end result):
My Google aerial photo of the property
Black and White Aerial Map
Final Master Plan photos 1 / 2 / 3
Site Analysis (1/15/2009) / Slope analysis / Soil Analysis / Site Photos
I can honestly say that everything that I have seen Site Solutions propose about this park has been A+. They listened to what the people of the neighborhoods had to say and they fully balanced it with what the needs of the community mandate.
Mr. Derek Williams made the presentation during this joint presentation to the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission. He initially gave an overview of what had been discussed during the previous two meetings.
Further comments were that this area had originally been zoned R-1 and R-3, so this park does fall within those guidelines. Summarizing, he stated that Site Solutions took into account all of the buffers set forth in guidelines in dealing with the neighboring areas. He believes that Cloninger Mill Road will be expanded to 4 or 5 lanes in the future. Utilities abound near the property that are adequate for the park and its needs. There is a 12 foot setback along the perimeter of the property adjacent to the residential property, a 40 foot setback along the shores of Lake Hickory, and there is a 110 foot "right of way" associated with Cloninger Mill Road.
The local Neighborhoods didn't want parking on the east side of the park, but that just wasn't feasible. There is a FEMA floodway restriction that restricts development along the creek in the center of the park. Mr. Williams said, at this meeting in the question and answer session, that his personal preference would have been to have one road in and out of the park, but with the creek running down the center of the property it just wasn't feasible without incurring great cost and ecological damage to the property. At this site, what you have is two mountains and a valley between. 80% of the sight consists of slopes of greater than 10%. That is part of what gives the site its unique character. The natural features must be preserved.
There would be no way to give people access to the whole park without the two entrances. Site Solutions reduced the parking on the East side and increased the size of the parking on the West side to 50 spaces to address the neighborhood concerns. There will now be a playground and restrooms next to the West parking lot along with a picnic shelter area. East side parking will now be reduced to 25 spaces, which will also have a grassy area attached for excess overflow parking if needed.
Mr. Williams also stated that there would be a fence placed at the Northeastern Corner of the Park, so that outsiders wouldn't have access to the private boat dock that resides there. The closest building to any neighbors is 450 feet away from neighbors at Old Mill Landing. The closest trail is 150 feet from residential property lines. The plans call for natural buffers to limit the removal of natural vegetation along the outside lines of the park.
The order of magnitude estimated cost of the park is $2.9 million. The initial development phase is suggested to be along the western side of the park, near Cloninger Mill Road. The Parking Lot, Playground, Picnic Shelter, and some trails would be built during this initial phase. The park is suggested to have a Grist Mill theme, because of the former mill located there. There are monies that are available to help fund the park. Site Solutions feels that they put the city in a good position to go after that money.
Discussion by Council and Commission : Councilman Brad Lail asked about Order of Magnitude. Order of magnitude gives a good general idea of the costs of the park, but it is not detailed. It was stated that the DOT traffic count along Cloninger Mill Road is right inside of 20,000 cars per day. Mr. Williams stated that the developers want to maintain existing trails to the greatest extent possible, because it has less of an ecological impact. The trails can be done incrementally. The city can pick one major piece and move forward from there.
Mayor Wright asked about the residential lots available to raise funds. It was stated by Mack McLeod that there are 8 or 9 lots available for $27,000 a piece. The Mayor said that the real value comes with the commercial property (on the west side). The Mayor stated that the people who bought residential property, in the area, knew that there was a proposed park to be built on this site when they bought their homes. Bruce Meisner said the property was zoned residential and the city could have sold the whole east side for residential development. Mr. McLeod stated that this park was proposed in 1979. Mr. Meisner asked about Quadrant Park Funds. Mr. McLeod stated that some of those funds were used during this process.
Brad Lail stated that he sees two routes, the free market approach where someone brings the city a proposal and the other route where the city decides what would fit best on the property. Mr. Meisner mentioned a proposal from 6 or 7 years ago that was brought to the city. Summarizing, it was a scaled down version of the Ballantyne properties (located in Charlotte). Mr. Meisner stated that most of this property is located across from Commercial property that is already there.
Sally Fox asked if they must accept the commercial property as part of the proposal. Summarizing, City Manager Mick Berry said that it was a semantical issue and that it would be up to council to decide all issues pertaining to the commercial property's development. Mr. Meisner stated that the City Council would have total control over that commercial property. Mr. Lail agreed. The Mayor said they could even decide to make it part of the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to accept the plan and forward it to City Council.
The Hound really likes this plan. I think that every issue was addressed thoughtfully and carefully by Site Solutions. I will say that without enabling the sale of the commercial property, then this park should not be moved forward. Council members must recognize that these are serious times when it comes to money issues. The city will profit off of the sale of that commercial property, the tax revenue generated by its value, and any sales taxes should their be retail or hospitality ventures on that property. We cannot afford to throw that opportunity away.
If the impending sale of the commercial property becomes an issue, then I don't believe the property should be developed on the public's dime. I think that either this is developed into a constructive venture with all of the amenities and safety concerns that Site Solutions has addressed or it is time to lock down the property and get people off of it for safety reasons. This is city owned property that is already basically being used as a haphazard park. Let's see this happen the right way instead of the simple way or the cheap way.
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