Mayor Wright has asked the Citizens of Hickory and the surrounding area to help support efforts to convince Google to select the Hickory area to bring a "gigabyte to the home." This is not a superfluous venture. Unlike efforts in the past, which were marketing and civic pride in nature, this effort holds real potential for tangible, dynamic economic development. This effort could truly change the economic momentum in such a way that it could transform this community for generations to come. If you want to do something for your children, and dream of leaving them a truly positive asset to build their future upon, this is it.
One year ago, Danny Hearn formed the Future Economy Council of Catawba County. I have been allowed to participate in that group and in doing so I have been allowed to form opinions of what can be done to create building blocks for our community's economy and quality of life. Most of us believe that these two ideals go hand in hand. In the past however, we have seen these ideals placed in silos, and some people seemed to state a belief that this was a zero-sum venture. It seemed that they were saying that Economic Commerce (and profit) had a detrimental effect on quality of life issues.
What we have learned from this community's struggles, over the last decade, is that you either grow or you wither, there is no maintaining security through the status quo. Maintaining current status leads to mediocrity, mediocrity leads to malaise, and malaise eventually turns to depression. Look at what we have seen and please tell me that this is not the evolution of what happened to Hickory in the previous decade.
And here we come to the game changer. One Gigabit per second data communication to the home would be 200 to 300 times faster than what we have now. It will allow an all encompassing web of communications between the average family, in the Hickory Metro, and people and entities throughout the world. It will allow you to do High Definition or even 3-D teleconferencing with people on the other side of the world. It will allow Doctors to do 3-D diagnostics of you and allow multiple diagnoses from the best doctors around the world, if you ever had a critical illness. It will allow real time transfer of schematics to develop and manufacture products world wide. This will even allow people to watch 3-D movies and sports from their home. The possibilities are endless and would have a direct impact on our way of life and the quality of our lives.
The best part is that this can easily be facilitated, because we have some infrastructure already in place. We can easily crank up the manufacturing and transportation of the fiber via Corning, Commscope, and Draka. Google can run the fiber-optic spine right down along the railroad tracks from their facility in Lenoir through Hudson, through Granite Falls, through Rhodhiss, down old 70, into downtown Hickory, right past L-R, down Highland Avenue, out through Conover, and Claremont, and right on down the line.
This could possibly enable incubators and other creative entrepreneurs to rehabilitate buildings along the railroad tracks. Lenoir-Rhyne University could take full advantage of its proximity to the fiber network. The Engineering Center, ASU-partnership, and possible ASU Millennial campus could surely take full advantage of the multi-dimensional, audio-visual and technological capabilities that this network would enable. The implementation process of the fiber could easily be expedited because minimal impact would be placed upon transportation and traffic as this fiber is laid. I think the possibilities of integrating this process with the existing rail corridor and other infrastructure in place makes Hickory an ideal candidate.
From this fibre-optic data spine, we could spread the cable to offshoots of the rail lines in Newton, Catawba and eventually to the 4 corners of Catawba County and hopefully the populated areas of the surrounding Greater Hickory Metro. This is real economic revitalization if we can make it happen.
The next step will naturally be the passenger rail announced a few years ago from Asheville to Salisbury and points beyond and also building a rail connector between Newton and Denver that gets us to connect to the High Speed rail line proposed between Raleigh, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Imagine students being able to ride a train to school at L-R. Imagine being able to ride the train to Raleigh, Atlanta, Washington, and Wilmington, while watching movies or working on you computer.
Imagine the possibilities, if you only believe in what we are capable of. Imagine what we can do if we will stand together and fully support this cause. Please spread the word, because I truly believe that we can make this happen and we need to get ahead of the curve on this issue. It is time to show the nation what Hickory is capable of when given the opportunity and the proper tools to succeed.
Broad Band!!!
Light Rail to Charlotte: One Investment Worth Making
Addendum: Google Fiber to Communities - We need your help in getting our voices heard on this issue. Click the link below to let Google know that you care about this issue and want this pilot program brought to our area. I will also place a link in the Problems and Solutions links at the top right corner of this blog. And please tell everyone you know. (Note - If you do not have a Google e-mail account or user name, then you will need to sign up for a free Google account to fill out the survey).
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Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Puzzle Pieces: Stories of Economic Relevance
Fed bumps up rate banks pay for emergency loans - (AP - 2/18/2010) - The Federal Reserve decided Thursday to boost the rate banks pay for emergency loans. The action is part of a broader move to pull back the extraordinary aid it provided to fight the financial crisis.
Jitters over China’s waning taste for T-bills - (Financial Times - 2/18/2010) - If Chinese demand for Treasuries disappeared and it started selling, US interest rates would rise, analysts say. This could throttle a US economic recovery, damage Chinese exports, and also reduce the value of China’s existing vast holdings of Treasuries as yields rose and prices fell, damaging a key plank of its currency reserves.
Walmart suffers first US sales decline - (Financial Times - 2/18/2010) - Walmart has suffered its first fall in quarterly sales at its US discount stores, underlining the challenges facing future growth in its home market as the economy recovers.
Jobless, price data fan concerns on economy - (Reuters - 2/18/2010) - The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance unexpectedly surged last week, while producer prices increased sharply in January, raising potential hurdles for the economy's recovery. Another report from the department showed prices paid at the farm and factory gate (Producer Price Index) rose a faster-than-expected 1.4 percent from December as higher gasoline prices and unusually cold temperatures helped boost energy costs. (Hound - 1.4% monthly translates to 16.8% annualized producer inflation)
Jitters over China’s waning taste for T-bills - (Financial Times - 2/18/2010) - If Chinese demand for Treasuries disappeared and it started selling, US interest rates would rise, analysts say. This could throttle a US economic recovery, damage Chinese exports, and also reduce the value of China’s existing vast holdings of Treasuries as yields rose and prices fell, damaging a key plank of its currency reserves.
Walmart suffers first US sales decline - (Financial Times - 2/18/2010) - Walmart has suffered its first fall in quarterly sales at its US discount stores, underlining the challenges facing future growth in its home market as the economy recovers.
Jobless, price data fan concerns on economy - (Reuters - 2/18/2010) - The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance unexpectedly surged last week, while producer prices increased sharply in January, raising potential hurdles for the economy's recovery. Another report from the department showed prices paid at the farm and factory gate (Producer Price Index) rose a faster-than-expected 1.4 percent from December as higher gasoline prices and unusually cold temperatures helped boost energy costs. (Hound - 1.4% monthly translates to 16.8% annualized producer inflation)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of February 16, 2010
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 2/2/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below
Invocation by Rev. David Roberts of Morning Star First Baptist Church
Special Presentations:
A. Announcement by Public Services Director, Chuck Hansen Regarding the City’s Public
Services Department Recently Being Recognized by the NC Main Street Center as “Main Street Champions” on January 28, 2010 in New Bern, NC for the Multitude of Services They Provide to Downtown.
B. Presentation By Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council During the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2010. The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests.
Organization - Presentation By - Amount - Requested
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Mike Thomas - $41,305
Jeff Neuvile subbed for Mr. Thomas in making the presentation. Mr. Neuville is the President-Elect of the Arts Council. The amount of money is based on $1 per capita. The city has funded the UAC since 1984. This funding is important to the quality of life and the economic development in the community. For every dollar granted by Hickory, a minimum of $4 is spent on arts, science, and history projects in this community by the UAC. The North Carolina Arts council estimates that $24 is spent locally for every dollar spent on the arts. Mr. Neuville went over several projects that these funds were used for. Grants totaled nearly $100,000 matched throughout the community.
The Salt Block Foundation - L.T. Thompson - $100,000.00
The SALT block has been in existence since 1986. 250,000 visitors come to the SALT block each year. City funds provide money for security guards and grounds keeping. The 1925 auditorium has just recently been renovated. The foundation operates three buildings on the SALT block campus. Provides a home for the Museum of Art, Science Center, The Choral Society, the Western Piedmont Symphony, and the United Arts Council. Pays building and Capital expenses. Along with the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, these entities provide economically invaluable cultural resources for the entire Hickory region. Auditorium is used over 200 times per year. More money is requested for this year, because the endowment is suffering from the economy, and increased expenditures.
Hickory Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau - Bebe Leitch - $20,000.00
The HMCVB started receiving the 1% occupancy tax in October 2009. The Bureau has been brought under the umbrella of the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority. The CVB will continue to be the marketing arm of the authority. They will continue to support and stimulate the local economy by tourism, business conferences, meetings, and sporting events. They are streamlining operations under the TDA. They network by attending meetings, advertising, and the internet. Generated $7.812 million in revenue from 5,888 room nights. The Convention Center was occupied 265 days in 2009, hosting 113 groups. Bebe told a story of people who have moved to the area after visiting the area and the CVB. She also talked of how Mayor Wright obtained the North Carolina Rose Convention locally in 2011.
Habitat for Humanity - Mitzi Gellman - $21,720.00
This is the 15th year the habitat has appeared before the council. Since 2000, the number of people living in poverty has risen 50%. 20% of those in poverty are children. 18 qualified applicants are currently on their list. The average worker in our area makes $8 an hour as of the 2000 census, yet it takes $20/hour to support a family. The mortgage payments from a Habitat House cost less than rent.
The first house built by habitat was in 1996. Over 100 sewer and water taps have been donated by the City of Hickory. 132 houses have been completed so far in Catawba County (99 in Hickory). Added property value is $9.7 million ($8.8 million in Hickory). Taxes paid in 2009 were $48,000 ($36,000 in Hickory). Houses are mainly in Ridgeview (100 houses and a solar house), Highland Avenue with 11 home owners, and the Blue Sky Neighborhood with nine lots remaining. Habitat closed on 12 houses last year. The foreclosure rate is 4% on houses since Habitats inception in the area. habitat is looking to do more renovation work in the area, which helps increase area neighborhood housing values. Habitat is the banking interest in the arrangements and the qualifiers have to have good credit. Qualifiers have to put 250 to 500 hours in building their houses. Habitat is putting more effort into making sure that they are building quality, energy efficient houses. Each house has $10,000 to $12,000 worth of volunteer labor in them. The money requested is about half of last years request and will be used to fund water-sewer taps.
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Connie Kincaid - $50,000.00
Addressed special events, the Farmer's Market, and Art crawls. Netted three new businesses this year.Connie spoke of two awards that the City received last year from the NC main Street Center. The Public Arts Commission for Art on the benches, which installed ten art benches downtown and received NC's Best Public Improvement Award and the Olde Hickory Brewery for Hickory Hops.
Connie expressed the HDDA's desire to encourage better pedestrian flow between businesses. Hickory Hops hosted 2,200 people with an economic impact of nearly $250,000 to the Area. Connie talked about Swinging under the Stars and Art Crawls. She spoke of WBTV doing its evening news on Union Square, she talked about Oktoberfest, candy crawl, tree lighting, Holiday events, and business development. She stated that 3 businesses expanded, 27 new businesses opened, with 12 closing, for a net gain of 15 new businesses in 2009. This led to a net gain of 42 jobs. Public investment was just over $270,000. while $1.8 million was invested in the downtown Business District.
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $138,864.77
Greater Hickory Marketing - Scott Millar - Undetermined at this time
Scott talked about and commended the commitment of the city towards non-profits and its external agencies. The EDC's request for funding is the same as last year. He stated that we have more opportunities in the upcoming year than last year. They will continue the same role by trying to attract new industry through commerce with the Charlotte Regional Partnership and other external sources. They will continue to help solve headaches of existing industries by working along with city staff.
How can the EDC create new opportunities? They will continue, with Caldwell County, the Data Center marketing initiative. They are partnering with other's to Brand the area under the Data Center Corridor initiative. He stated that they need to have product (Multi-Jurisdictional Parks).
You cannot sell out of an empty train. They are working hard to create new shell properties and other properties. They are working on existing industry strategies, such as a regional supplier net, that will help local industries to identify products, services, and equipment that can be obtained locally via the internet.
Scott next went into opportunities that are available though Smart Grid technology. This area has been developing and making communications equipment for 35 to 40 years. When people think of Green Energy, they aren't thinking of the opportunities available through the Smart Grid. The EDC wants to figure out the niche in this Green Marketplace. They want to provide the smarts in the Smart Grid.
Reaffirmation and Ratification of Second Readings.
Approve Fire Protection Service Agreement With the Town of Brookford (First Reading Vote: Unanimous) - Upon second reading the council revoted with Lail, Meisner, Seaver, and Guess approving and Mayor Wright, Fox and Patton voting no.
The Hound thinks that this was a good vote by Mayor Wright, Alder Fox, and Alder Patton. I think this contract was rushed through. I think the better idea is to try to come to an agreement for Hickory to annex Brookford and then they would receive all of Hickory's services.
As I stated after the last Council meeting:
Consent Agenda:
A. Resolution of Intent for Petition of W. Andrew Wells, Jr., President of Brown Operating Company, Inc. to Close a Portion of 6th Street Court, NE (Authorize Public Hearing for March 23, 2010) -
A Correction needs to be made here - I misunderstood what was being voted upon by council. This issue received unanimous consent from Council. What was voted on was a vote on the reaffirmation on the issue about Fire Service to the town of Brookford.
B. Approve Traffic Ordinance by Prohibiting On-Street Parking Along Both Margins of 11th Street, NW From the Intersection With 8th Avenue, NW North Approximately 400 Feet to the Intersection With 9th Avenue, NW - The Traffic Division recommends that the described on-street parking prohibition be approved due to observation of on-street parked vehicles impeding traffic flow to an undesirable degree, producing typical one-lane roadway safety concerns. This roadway is incapable of supporting on-street parking activity.
C. Approve Sanitary Sewer Easement for Property Owned by Larry Gene and Nancy Jane Hendricks, in Conjunction With the Cripple Creek Outfall Sewer Line Replacement Project - This 25 foot sanitary sewer easement is necessary for completion of the Cripple Creek Outfall Sewer Line Replace Project. In exchange, the City has negotiated a settlement of $35,000.00, which will abandon the original easement and attempt to preserve as many trees as feasible. This settlement is necessary due to the replacement sewer line being moved from the original alignment due to conflicts. Easement costs are budgeted in the project budget.
D. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 16
1. To budget a total of $55 of Library donations in the Library Books line item. Donations include a $30 honor book and a $25 book.
2. To increase reimbursement grant funds from the Governor Highway Safety Program-Traffic Unit grant project by $143,000 and to decrease Fund Balance Appropriated by $143,000. This grant provides 50% funding for 1 sergeant and 3 officers assigned to the traffic unit. The grant period of performance is October 2009 - September 2010. Since the positions were included in the original grant process, the available $143,000 will allocate back to General Fund Balance.
3. To budget a total of $4,775 of Parks and Recreation donations (State Employees Credit Union ($525), Humana ($1,000), Tenent/Frye Regional Medical Center ($1,000), Catawba Valley Medical Center ($1,000), Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists ($500), Hickory Orthopaedic Center, PA ($500) and Catawba Valley USBC Association ($250) in the Parks and Recreation Department Supply line item. The City of Hickory’s Park and Recreation Department coordinates the Senior Games and will use the donations to conduct the 2010 Unifour Senior Games.
4. To appropriate $38,100 of General Fund Balance and transfer it to the Clement Boulevard Connector Project Engineering line item. This amendment is necessary to pay TGS Engineering $25,100 for the preliminary engineering (surveying, design, bid document preparation and coordination with the City) and $13,000 for the construction engineering (construction surveying, verification of construction surveying and on-site construction inspection).
Grant Project Ordinance Amendment
1. To decrease the Cripple Creek Project Water and Sewer Fund-Proceeds from Financing by $969,000 and to increase the Federal Miscellaneous Revenues by $969,000. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is funding $1,938,000 of the project cost of which one-half ($969,000) is Principal Forgiveness (Federal Grant Funds). Therefore a budget amendment is necessary to budget funds in the appropriate Federal Revenue line item.
Informational Items:
A. Report of City Manager Berry’s Travel to NC City County Manager’s Winter Seminar in Durham, NC From February 3 – 5, 2010; hotel - $156.98; registration - $300.00; per diem - $76.50
Public Hearings:
1. Petition 10-01 – Rezoning of the Property Located at 711 8th Avenue, NE From R-5 Residential to OI-2 Office and Institutional - This 0.52 acre property is located at 711 8th Avenue, NE and is owned by Stuart and Deborah Searcy. The property owners petitioned to have the property rezoned from R-5 Residential to OI-2 Office and Institutional. Due to the expansion of Lenoir-Rhyne University, the subject property is now directly adjacent to university property and also within ¼ mile of a proposed Neighborhood Core area via the Hickory by Choice update process. Therefore, the uses allowed in the OI-2 district could allow the property to serve as a transition between institutional and commercial uses to lower intensity uses. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission on January 27, 2010 conducted a public hearing and voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning. No one spoke in opposition of said rezoning petition. Staff finds the request to be inconsistent with Hickory by Choice, but recommends approval. Dave Leonetti made the presentation. He stated that the changing conditions of this area including expansion of L-R and the proposed neighborhood core in this area warrant the change. Andy Wells addressed the council in support of this property. He stated that he is glad that someone in town is growing and he hopes that council will support this request. Council unanimously consented.
2010 Legislative Issues - Discuss and consider legislative issues facing the City of Hickory and our region and to develop a final State and Federal Legislative Agenda following the return from the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in March, 2010. The Legislative Agenda is an important communication tool that guides staff and city leaders to successfully deliver the message on key issues.
Andrea Surratt went over the legislative agenda from 2009. Issues such a the Hotel-Motel tax for the TDA, opposition to Collective Bargaining for public employees, small changes to annexation laws, transferring of maintenance of roads to the local level, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were topically discussed.
She talked about the North Carolina Legislatures short session that will take place in May. Concern lies with the economy and revenues collected by the State on the city's behalf. Some of these revenues could be in jeopardy. The State has to balance the budget and the city may receive less. Collective Bargaining is still an issue. The Road maintenance issue and annexation is still an issue. At the Federal level, collective bargaining is still an issue and an issue was brought up about Federal law possibly preventing local municipalities from collecting Hotel-Motel taxes from booking made online.
Andrea wanted the Council to state ideas of what they would like to see the city possibly pursue as part of the legislative agenda. City Manager Berry spoke about the issues surrounding the inter-basin transfer. The Mayor stated that he would like to see, on the state level, to push for continued and greater funding of efforts to expand Appalachian State's presence here. The mayor also stated that 4 city officials will visit Washington to talk to our representatives. mayor Wright stated that he doesn't like the idea that we may be asked to support other states that won't do the right thing. Alderman seaver talked about the online taxation issues and how strange some of them are.
The Hound thinks that we need to go after the state if they confiscate this city's rightful revenues. Why can't Hickory form a coalition with other cities, who have sound budgeting philosophies, to sue the state if they illegally usurp money that they are collecting on the local municipalities behalf. Is there something in NC General Statutes that prevents the local municipalities from pushing the State to legitimately put the State budget on a firm foundation?
Budgets are going to have to be cut (period). Many communities in this state have already had to bite the bullet. If the state is going to spend Hickory's rightful money and Hickory uses rainy day funds to make up the gap, then why save that rainy day money at all. If this is allowed to stand, then logically that means that we are saving rainy day money to help the State of North Carolina balance its budget. That doesn't seem wise to me. If this does happen, then I don't think Hickory should save rainy day money ever again.
I think that rainy day money would be better spent towards scholarships towards young people in need. Or a few thousand towards an Economic and Science Fair to foster innovation and ingenuity. Those are investments that will pay off. It is a lot better than letting money rot, so that North Carolina can continuously blow millions, if not billions, towards some of the things we have seen in the not too distant past. Why should Hickory worry about its economic integrity, when the State we reside in is not willing to do the same?
Approval of Resolution Rescheduling the March 16, 2010 Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting to March 23, 2010 According to Hickory City Code, Section 3.22. Quorum
***Under general Comments The Mayor addressed Google's announcement that they are seeking one of a handful of municipalities as pilot projects that can deliver 1 gigabit to the home. It will allow real-time 3-D medical imaging to a remote specialist. Corning has offered to enthusiastically endorse the application. They (the city) felt an obligation to pursue this on behalf of the constituency. They asked for a population of at least 50,000 and the Mayor stated that we couldn't get there with just Hickory or Hickory and the ETJ. So they have refined this to be all of the municipalities in Catawba County. They will call it "the Greater Hickory area" for simplicity and branding promotional purposes. They have appointed a committee consisting of the hospitals, educators, the EDC, and a lot of people who can build a case as to why Hickory should be a pilot project for this. They are excited, because there are geographic considerations, demographic considerations, and other factors that make Hickory ideally suited to get this project. The Mayor stated that the application website crashed, apparently due to people applying. They will keep us up to date, they have a representative from the Business Development Team on this committee and they are very excited about the prospects.
The Hound thinks the community should really get excited about the prospects of this happening. If you have not read my statement about this, you can here (City of Hickory - Thinking Big with a Gig). This is an issue that Catawba County's Chief Information Officer Terry Bledsoe brought to the forefront as part of the Future Economy Council nearly one year ago. The importance of this issue cannot be stressed enough. With the Data Centers and this possibility, it seems that we are in a moment of destiny, where our ability to transform this community rests squarely in our hands. If we are fortunate enough to land this or use it to capitalize on a similar opportunity, then I feel we will 100% change our economic momentum.
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 2/2/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below
Invocation by Rev. David Roberts of Morning Star First Baptist Church
Special Presentations:
A. Announcement by Public Services Director, Chuck Hansen Regarding the City’s Public
Services Department Recently Being Recognized by the NC Main Street Center as “Main Street Champions” on January 28, 2010 in New Bern, NC for the Multitude of Services They Provide to Downtown.
B. Presentation By Community Groups Requesting Appropriations from the City Council During the Next Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2010. The Council will not take action tonight. Action will be taken when the Council considers the City’s annual budget in May or June. These presentations are made so Council Members can ask questions or make comments about the requests.
Organization - Presentation By - Amount - Requested
United Arts Council of Catawba County - Mike Thomas - $41,305
Jeff Neuvile subbed for Mr. Thomas in making the presentation. Mr. Neuville is the President-Elect of the Arts Council. The amount of money is based on $1 per capita. The city has funded the UAC since 1984. This funding is important to the quality of life and the economic development in the community. For every dollar granted by Hickory, a minimum of $4 is spent on arts, science, and history projects in this community by the UAC. The North Carolina Arts council estimates that $24 is spent locally for every dollar spent on the arts. Mr. Neuville went over several projects that these funds were used for. Grants totaled nearly $100,000 matched throughout the community.
The Salt Block Foundation - L.T. Thompson - $100,000.00
The SALT block has been in existence since 1986. 250,000 visitors come to the SALT block each year. City funds provide money for security guards and grounds keeping. The 1925 auditorium has just recently been renovated. The foundation operates three buildings on the SALT block campus. Provides a home for the Museum of Art, Science Center, The Choral Society, the Western Piedmont Symphony, and the United Arts Council. Pays building and Capital expenses. Along with the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, these entities provide economically invaluable cultural resources for the entire Hickory region. Auditorium is used over 200 times per year. More money is requested for this year, because the endowment is suffering from the economy, and increased expenditures.
Hickory Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau - Bebe Leitch - $20,000.00
The HMCVB started receiving the 1% occupancy tax in October 2009. The Bureau has been brought under the umbrella of the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority. The CVB will continue to be the marketing arm of the authority. They will continue to support and stimulate the local economy by tourism, business conferences, meetings, and sporting events. They are streamlining operations under the TDA. They network by attending meetings, advertising, and the internet. Generated $7.812 million in revenue from 5,888 room nights. The Convention Center was occupied 265 days in 2009, hosting 113 groups. Bebe told a story of people who have moved to the area after visiting the area and the CVB. She also talked of how Mayor Wright obtained the North Carolina Rose Convention locally in 2011.
Habitat for Humanity - Mitzi Gellman - $21,720.00
This is the 15th year the habitat has appeared before the council. Since 2000, the number of people living in poverty has risen 50%. 20% of those in poverty are children. 18 qualified applicants are currently on their list. The average worker in our area makes $8 an hour as of the 2000 census, yet it takes $20/hour to support a family. The mortgage payments from a Habitat House cost less than rent.
The first house built by habitat was in 1996. Over 100 sewer and water taps have been donated by the City of Hickory. 132 houses have been completed so far in Catawba County (99 in Hickory). Added property value is $9.7 million ($8.8 million in Hickory). Taxes paid in 2009 were $48,000 ($36,000 in Hickory). Houses are mainly in Ridgeview (100 houses and a solar house), Highland Avenue with 11 home owners, and the Blue Sky Neighborhood with nine lots remaining. Habitat closed on 12 houses last year. The foreclosure rate is 4% on houses since Habitats inception in the area. habitat is looking to do more renovation work in the area, which helps increase area neighborhood housing values. Habitat is the banking interest in the arrangements and the qualifiers have to have good credit. Qualifiers have to put 250 to 500 hours in building their houses. Habitat is putting more effort into making sure that they are building quality, energy efficient houses. Each house has $10,000 to $12,000 worth of volunteer labor in them. The money requested is about half of last years request and will be used to fund water-sewer taps.
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Connie Kincaid - $50,000.00
Addressed special events, the Farmer's Market, and Art crawls. Netted three new businesses this year.Connie spoke of two awards that the City received last year from the NC main Street Center. The Public Arts Commission for Art on the benches, which installed ten art benches downtown and received NC's Best Public Improvement Award and the Olde Hickory Brewery for Hickory Hops.
Connie expressed the HDDA's desire to encourage better pedestrian flow between businesses. Hickory Hops hosted 2,200 people with an economic impact of nearly $250,000 to the Area. Connie talked about Swinging under the Stars and Art Crawls. She spoke of WBTV doing its evening news on Union Square, she talked about Oktoberfest, candy crawl, tree lighting, Holiday events, and business development. She stated that 3 businesses expanded, 27 new businesses opened, with 12 closing, for a net gain of 15 new businesses in 2009. This led to a net gain of 42 jobs. Public investment was just over $270,000. while $1.8 million was invested in the downtown Business District.
Catawba County Economic Development Corporation - Scott Millar - $138,864.77
Greater Hickory Marketing - Scott Millar - Undetermined at this time
Scott talked about and commended the commitment of the city towards non-profits and its external agencies. The EDC's request for funding is the same as last year. He stated that we have more opportunities in the upcoming year than last year. They will continue the same role by trying to attract new industry through commerce with the Charlotte Regional Partnership and other external sources. They will continue to help solve headaches of existing industries by working along with city staff.
How can the EDC create new opportunities? They will continue, with Caldwell County, the Data Center marketing initiative. They are partnering with other's to Brand the area under the Data Center Corridor initiative. He stated that they need to have product (Multi-Jurisdictional Parks).
You cannot sell out of an empty train. They are working hard to create new shell properties and other properties. They are working on existing industry strategies, such as a regional supplier net, that will help local industries to identify products, services, and equipment that can be obtained locally via the internet.
Scott next went into opportunities that are available though Smart Grid technology. This area has been developing and making communications equipment for 35 to 40 years. When people think of Green Energy, they aren't thinking of the opportunities available through the Smart Grid. The EDC wants to figure out the niche in this Green Marketplace. They want to provide the smarts in the Smart Grid.
Reaffirmation and Ratification of Second Readings.
Approve Fire Protection Service Agreement With the Town of Brookford (First Reading Vote: Unanimous) - Upon second reading the council revoted with Lail, Meisner, Seaver, and Guess approving and Mayor Wright, Fox and Patton voting no.
The Hound thinks that this was a good vote by Mayor Wright, Alder Fox, and Alder Patton. I think this contract was rushed through. I think the better idea is to try to come to an agreement for Hickory to annex Brookford and then they would receive all of Hickory's services.
As I stated after the last Council meeting:
The Hound believes that Alder Patton made an excellent point here. Why is the cost to Brookford cheaper than that of the residents of Hickory. Like her, I fail to see the logic here. Nothing against Brookford, but the costs should come to equilibrium and there is no way that their costs should be a quarter of the costs to Hickory residents. Do you think that Hickory homes are four times more likely to catch on fire? That does not compute.
Also, the mentality of every community in this area is to hem and haw over what they can and cannot afford. What Hickory is basically doing here is providing insurance to Brookford. I know that it is my hope that I don't utilize any of my insurance policies to a great extent this year, but I have them for a reason. The costs of those policies were set by the providers and they were non-negotiable. I think the City undersold the costs of its service in this circumstance. This runs a little over $800 per call based on last year's events. Is it really that cheap to put out fires? Isn't Hickory basically subsidizing Brookford in this deal? If so, why?
A. Resolution of Intent for Petition of W. Andrew Wells, Jr., President of Brown Operating Company, Inc. to Close a Portion of 6th Street Court, NE (Authorize Public Hearing for March 23, 2010) -
A Correction needs to be made here - I misunderstood what was being voted upon by council. This issue received unanimous consent from Council. What was voted on was a vote on the reaffirmation on the issue about Fire Service to the town of Brookford.
B. Approve Traffic Ordinance by Prohibiting On-Street Parking Along Both Margins of 11th Street, NW From the Intersection With 8th Avenue, NW North Approximately 400 Feet to the Intersection With 9th Avenue, NW - The Traffic Division recommends that the described on-street parking prohibition be approved due to observation of on-street parked vehicles impeding traffic flow to an undesirable degree, producing typical one-lane roadway safety concerns. This roadway is incapable of supporting on-street parking activity.
C. Approve Sanitary Sewer Easement for Property Owned by Larry Gene and Nancy Jane Hendricks, in Conjunction With the Cripple Creek Outfall Sewer Line Replacement Project - This 25 foot sanitary sewer easement is necessary for completion of the Cripple Creek Outfall Sewer Line Replace Project. In exchange, the City has negotiated a settlement of $35,000.00, which will abandon the original easement and attempt to preserve as many trees as feasible. This settlement is necessary due to the replacement sewer line being moved from the original alignment due to conflicts. Easement costs are budgeted in the project budget.
D. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 16
1. To budget a total of $55 of Library donations in the Library Books line item. Donations include a $30 honor book and a $25 book.
2. To increase reimbursement grant funds from the Governor Highway Safety Program-Traffic Unit grant project by $143,000 and to decrease Fund Balance Appropriated by $143,000. This grant provides 50% funding for 1 sergeant and 3 officers assigned to the traffic unit. The grant period of performance is October 2009 - September 2010. Since the positions were included in the original grant process, the available $143,000 will allocate back to General Fund Balance.
3. To budget a total of $4,775 of Parks and Recreation donations (State Employees Credit Union ($525), Humana ($1,000), Tenent/Frye Regional Medical Center ($1,000), Catawba Valley Medical Center ($1,000), Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists ($500), Hickory Orthopaedic Center, PA ($500) and Catawba Valley USBC Association ($250) in the Parks and Recreation Department Supply line item. The City of Hickory’s Park and Recreation Department coordinates the Senior Games and will use the donations to conduct the 2010 Unifour Senior Games.
4. To appropriate $38,100 of General Fund Balance and transfer it to the Clement Boulevard Connector Project Engineering line item. This amendment is necessary to pay TGS Engineering $25,100 for the preliminary engineering (surveying, design, bid document preparation and coordination with the City) and $13,000 for the construction engineering (construction surveying, verification of construction surveying and on-site construction inspection).
Grant Project Ordinance Amendment
1. To decrease the Cripple Creek Project Water and Sewer Fund-Proceeds from Financing by $969,000 and to increase the Federal Miscellaneous Revenues by $969,000. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is funding $1,938,000 of the project cost of which one-half ($969,000) is Principal Forgiveness (Federal Grant Funds). Therefore a budget amendment is necessary to budget funds in the appropriate Federal Revenue line item.
Informational Items:
A. Report of City Manager Berry’s Travel to NC City County Manager’s Winter Seminar in Durham, NC From February 3 – 5, 2010; hotel - $156.98; registration - $300.00; per diem - $76.50
Public Hearings:
1. Petition 10-01 – Rezoning of the Property Located at 711 8th Avenue, NE From R-5 Residential to OI-2 Office and Institutional - This 0.52 acre property is located at 711 8th Avenue, NE and is owned by Stuart and Deborah Searcy. The property owners petitioned to have the property rezoned from R-5 Residential to OI-2 Office and Institutional. Due to the expansion of Lenoir-Rhyne University, the subject property is now directly adjacent to university property and also within ¼ mile of a proposed Neighborhood Core area via the Hickory by Choice update process. Therefore, the uses allowed in the OI-2 district could allow the property to serve as a transition between institutional and commercial uses to lower intensity uses. The Hickory Regional Planning Commission on January 27, 2010 conducted a public hearing and voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning. No one spoke in opposition of said rezoning petition. Staff finds the request to be inconsistent with Hickory by Choice, but recommends approval. Dave Leonetti made the presentation. He stated that the changing conditions of this area including expansion of L-R and the proposed neighborhood core in this area warrant the change. Andy Wells addressed the council in support of this property. He stated that he is glad that someone in town is growing and he hopes that council will support this request. Council unanimously consented.
2010 Legislative Issues - Discuss and consider legislative issues facing the City of Hickory and our region and to develop a final State and Federal Legislative Agenda following the return from the National League of Cities Congressional Conference in March, 2010. The Legislative Agenda is an important communication tool that guides staff and city leaders to successfully deliver the message on key issues.
Andrea Surratt went over the legislative agenda from 2009. Issues such a the Hotel-Motel tax for the TDA, opposition to Collective Bargaining for public employees, small changes to annexation laws, transferring of maintenance of roads to the local level, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were topically discussed.
She talked about the North Carolina Legislatures short session that will take place in May. Concern lies with the economy and revenues collected by the State on the city's behalf. Some of these revenues could be in jeopardy. The State has to balance the budget and the city may receive less. Collective Bargaining is still an issue. The Road maintenance issue and annexation is still an issue. At the Federal level, collective bargaining is still an issue and an issue was brought up about Federal law possibly preventing local municipalities from collecting Hotel-Motel taxes from booking made online.
Andrea wanted the Council to state ideas of what they would like to see the city possibly pursue as part of the legislative agenda. City Manager Berry spoke about the issues surrounding the inter-basin transfer. The Mayor stated that he would like to see, on the state level, to push for continued and greater funding of efforts to expand Appalachian State's presence here. The mayor also stated that 4 city officials will visit Washington to talk to our representatives. mayor Wright stated that he doesn't like the idea that we may be asked to support other states that won't do the right thing. Alderman seaver talked about the online taxation issues and how strange some of them are.
The Hound thinks that we need to go after the state if they confiscate this city's rightful revenues. Why can't Hickory form a coalition with other cities, who have sound budgeting philosophies, to sue the state if they illegally usurp money that they are collecting on the local municipalities behalf. Is there something in NC General Statutes that prevents the local municipalities from pushing the State to legitimately put the State budget on a firm foundation?
Budgets are going to have to be cut (period). Many communities in this state have already had to bite the bullet. If the state is going to spend Hickory's rightful money and Hickory uses rainy day funds to make up the gap, then why save that rainy day money at all. If this is allowed to stand, then logically that means that we are saving rainy day money to help the State of North Carolina balance its budget. That doesn't seem wise to me. If this does happen, then I don't think Hickory should save rainy day money ever again.
I think that rainy day money would be better spent towards scholarships towards young people in need. Or a few thousand towards an Economic and Science Fair to foster innovation and ingenuity. Those are investments that will pay off. It is a lot better than letting money rot, so that North Carolina can continuously blow millions, if not billions, towards some of the things we have seen in the not too distant past. Why should Hickory worry about its economic integrity, when the State we reside in is not willing to do the same?
Approval of Resolution Rescheduling the March 16, 2010 Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting to March 23, 2010 According to Hickory City Code, Section 3.22. Quorum
***Under general Comments The Mayor addressed Google's announcement that they are seeking one of a handful of municipalities as pilot projects that can deliver 1 gigabit to the home. It will allow real-time 3-D medical imaging to a remote specialist. Corning has offered to enthusiastically endorse the application. They (the city) felt an obligation to pursue this on behalf of the constituency. They asked for a population of at least 50,000 and the Mayor stated that we couldn't get there with just Hickory or Hickory and the ETJ. So they have refined this to be all of the municipalities in Catawba County. They will call it "the Greater Hickory area" for simplicity and branding promotional purposes. They have appointed a committee consisting of the hospitals, educators, the EDC, and a lot of people who can build a case as to why Hickory should be a pilot project for this. They are excited, because there are geographic considerations, demographic considerations, and other factors that make Hickory ideally suited to get this project. The Mayor stated that the application website crashed, apparently due to people applying. They will keep us up to date, they have a representative from the Business Development Team on this committee and they are very excited about the prospects.
The Hound thinks the community should really get excited about the prospects of this happening. If you have not read my statement about this, you can here (City of Hickory - Thinking Big with a Gig). This is an issue that Catawba County's Chief Information Officer Terry Bledsoe brought to the forefront as part of the Future Economy Council nearly one year ago. The importance of this issue cannot be stressed enough. With the Data Centers and this possibility, it seems that we are in a moment of destiny, where our ability to transform this community rests squarely in our hands. If we are fortunate enough to land this or use it to capitalize on a similar opportunity, then I feel we will 100% change our economic momentum.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
City of Hickory - Thinking Big with a Gig
I will put out the City Council newsletter tomorrow - a lot more information than I had time to devote to last night. A very interest subject was brought to the forefront last night with the application, which the City of Hickory will take initiative on, to apply for a grant from Google to lay highspeed fiber-optic wire throughout the county. This network would bring 1 gigabyte connections to your home. That is 200 to 300 times faster than the fastest affordable connections we currently have (3 to 5 megabit). The Hickory Hound discussed this in an article entitled Broad Band!!! last July, 19 2009. In that article we discuss the need and what this type of network can do for our community.
Google is looking for communities with a population of 50,000 to 500,000 to implement this process and bring affordable highspeed connectivity to the home. I believe that we should be very proud of the whole City of Hickory government for taking the lead on this. Even if we did not receive this grant from Google, it gets us in line and lays the foundation for this happening sooner rather than later. That is the most important step. Recognizing that the need is there.
Here is the message from Google entitled Think Big with a Gig.
Here is an article from Rick Smyre of Communities of the Future in which he discusses how important these Broadband connections are and the type of innovations in the pipeline resulting from from 100 megabit+ connectivity - Identifying Weak Signals 2.
At a point in time in the future, Google is going to want input from the local citizenry on this issue. They will want to judge the need and desire for the implementation of this network. I will most certainly keep you informed. If this community ever had vital subject matter to rally around, this would be it. This is one process we need to focus our energy on.
In my opinion, we have Google, we have Apple, and now the implementation of this network will decisively make us a leading technology hub in this region, if not the nation. This could be the momentum shift that we have needed to turn our economic momentum around. This isn't a dream. This is truly something to be excited about!!!
Google is looking for communities with a population of 50,000 to 500,000 to implement this process and bring affordable highspeed connectivity to the home. I believe that we should be very proud of the whole City of Hickory government for taking the lead on this. Even if we did not receive this grant from Google, it gets us in line and lays the foundation for this happening sooner rather than later. That is the most important step. Recognizing that the need is there.
Here is the message from Google entitled Think Big with a Gig.
Here is an article from Rick Smyre of Communities of the Future in which he discusses how important these Broadband connections are and the type of innovations in the pipeline resulting from from 100 megabit+ connectivity - Identifying Weak Signals 2.
At a point in time in the future, Google is going to want input from the local citizenry on this issue. They will want to judge the need and desire for the implementation of this network. I will most certainly keep you informed. If this community ever had vital subject matter to rally around, this would be it. This is one process we need to focus our energy on.
In my opinion, we have Google, we have Apple, and now the implementation of this network will decisively make us a leading technology hub in this region, if not the nation. This could be the momentum shift that we have needed to turn our economic momentum around. This isn't a dream. This is truly something to be excited about!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Gerald Celente, Head of the Trends Research Institute - 2/10/2010
Gerald Celente is the head of the Trends Research Institute and puts out a newsletter called The Trends Journal.
Perspectives from listening to these interviews:
1) Ross Perot Quote - Now the average citizen can't relate to a billion or a trillion. A million dollars in thousand-dollar bills is a stack of $1000 bills, four inches high. A billion dollars in $1,000 bills is 300 feet high. A trillion dollars in $1,000 bills extends from the top of [this] table to 63 miles out in space.
*** So $1 trillion worth of $1oo bills would stretch 630 miles from Hickory south to West Palm Beach, Florida or North to Albany, New York.
2) Greece's Budget Deficit is 13% of GDP. The United States Budget Deficit is 11% of GDP.
3) The Internet revolution pulled us out of the 1990s recession. The problem is that we exported our productive capacity through globalization, because labor forces were equalized. Jobs were shipped to better educated workforces who were willing to work cheaper. Had the U.S. kept up its educational standards, we would not have lost the jobs. This is not a fait accompli. We can rebuild our economy if we improve our educational system through innovation.
4) Current Events form Future Trends. They (the G20) are pulling in the stimulus. January was a bad month for the economy. This time when the economy crashes, they are going to devalue the currency.
5) The stock market is a rigged game. Invest your money in yourself. Investing in Gold isn't about speculation. It is about investing in your future. The best financial newspaper is The Financial Times.
6) China is about to overtake Japan as the world's second largest economy. Gerald says that he doesn't support a (China) Totalitarian government. If you buy Chinese items, then you are supporting Totalitarianism.
7) Newspapers are failing because they have become junk that shill for Democrats and Republicans. Gerald says that the Trends Newsletter is looking to become a magazine with no advertising. Art will take the place of advertising. Gerald wants to instill a spirit of a new American Renaissance. He says that the best days of America can come about again.
Be Prepared!!!
Perspectives from listening to these interviews:
1) Ross Perot Quote - Now the average citizen can't relate to a billion or a trillion. A million dollars in thousand-dollar bills is a stack of $1000 bills, four inches high. A billion dollars in $1,000 bills is 300 feet high. A trillion dollars in $1,000 bills extends from the top of [this] table to 63 miles out in space.
*** So $1 trillion worth of $1oo bills would stretch 630 miles from Hickory south to West Palm Beach, Florida or North to Albany, New York.
2) Greece's Budget Deficit is 13% of GDP. The United States Budget Deficit is 11% of GDP.
3) The Internet revolution pulled us out of the 1990s recession. The problem is that we exported our productive capacity through globalization, because labor forces were equalized. Jobs were shipped to better educated workforces who were willing to work cheaper. Had the U.S. kept up its educational standards, we would not have lost the jobs. This is not a fait accompli. We can rebuild our economy if we improve our educational system through innovation.
4) Current Events form Future Trends. They (the G20) are pulling in the stimulus. January was a bad month for the economy. This time when the economy crashes, they are going to devalue the currency.
5) The stock market is a rigged game. Invest your money in yourself. Investing in Gold isn't about speculation. It is about investing in your future. The best financial newspaper is The Financial Times.
6) China is about to overtake Japan as the world's second largest economy. Gerald says that he doesn't support a (China) Totalitarian government. If you buy Chinese items, then you are supporting Totalitarianism.
7) Newspapers are failing because they have become junk that shill for Democrats and Republicans. Gerald says that the Trends Newsletter is looking to become a magazine with no advertising. Art will take the place of advertising. Gerald wants to instill a spirit of a new American Renaissance. He says that the best days of America can come about again.
Be Prepared!!!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Hickory By Choice Workshop: 5th meeting (2/9/2010 )
Tonight's meeting was about residential Types and Densities. Bill Grimes of Studio Cascade addressed the attendees about the process and past workshops that have taken place during the past year. He stated that the overriding planning principle is walkability to services that they need. It isn't feasible for walkability to be universal.
Bill went over the aspects of the past workshops
WS 1) Evaluation of walkability and walkable centers
WS 2) Corridor and Core Management and Development
WS 3) Policy Alternatives
WS 4) Applying Zoning Districts to Cores and Corridors
The Advisory Committe has been looking into
Industrial Districts - Reduction of industrial land in the community. We have more than we need.
Revitalization Areas - Brownfield assessments mostly in areas along the railroad tracks. Classic Industrial area. much of it is environmentally challenged
Residential Districts and Densities - Lowest (Single Family Housing/1 unit per acre) to highest (High Rise Apartments)
***Bill stated that we have been looking at policy and land use direction in the abstract, but a principle objective in this process is to update the zoning map to tie the Land Development Code will reflect and embody the concepts that the comprehensive plan is promoting.
The idea of this meeting is to manage the zoning map so that it is consistent with what the community wants. The existing zoning map and the Hickory by Choice land use map are totally inconsistent. The HBC map shows 15+ pod developments while the actual zoning map does not show that this has occurred. The commercial centers have become elongated strips.
Bill went over what happened at the October Workshop. The issue of commercial development with a where and how context.
The Land Development Code will be simplified
Residential Districts - Looking to have 3 or 4 types
Mixed-Use Development - Retail and Residence mixed often in the same building. Community Commercial designed to serve significant portions of Hickory and Neighborhood Commercial looking to serve a 1/2 mile radius around the center.
Commercial Use - Right now there are around 100 possible uses. This will be simplified to administer and understand.
Residential Character - People live here because they like the area. What they are really trying to nail down is what makes the neighborhoods work and how do we keep the characteristics in place.
Residential Zoning Districts (Simplified)
Low Density - Suburban - Ultra Low density = diverse housing options, buts requires abundant land. Small and Large lots are both available. Detached and attached housing can both be located here. Automobile oriented. Opportunities for common open space. Cluster subdivision principles are encouraged to maintain natural resources and recreational opportunities.
Medium Density - Variety in Type = allows accommodation of many types of housing. Area will offer smaller lot sizes. Allows for attached and detached houses. Small scale multi-family development. Increase access to commercial/retail services in addition to greater availability to cultural and civic resources.
High Density - Pedestrian District = High Rise apartments. Offer a variety of housing choices. Smaller building lots for more compact development types. Roads should be pedestrian friendly. Provisions for open space. Neighborhood services within a 1/4-mile walking distance. Larger scale multi-family residential will also be found in this area. Schools and public institutions should also be found in this area.
Mixed Use Centers (A real Challenge) - Rather dense core in the center and less dense surrounding the core. Want to have an economically viable core where citizens can walk or bike conveniently. People are worried about the character of the neighborhoods surrounding these mixed use centers. Don't want to compromise the integrity of the pleasant qualities of the neighborhoods, so they are trying to modify the transition from the core to the outlying neighborhoods.
Offers a combination of retail, commercial, and office uses with residential compatibility. Structure include residences on upper floors. Schools and other public assets found near these commercial centers. Public soaces found throughout this kind of development. Alternative transportation modes are encouraged by design, where the street network accomodates bikes, pedestrian travel and transit. Streets offer pedestrian-friendly atmosphere through curbside parking, landscaping, reduced traffic speeds, sidewalks and crosswalks.
The exercise tonight centered around where the participants would like to see residential development take place over the next 20 years. The population is expected to increase by 12,000 people during that time period, which would encompass 5,000 households.
The conceptual landuse map shows the challenges we face. The area around Highway 70 is utilized for commercial purposes, there is a lot of Industrial land, and there is also a lot of publicly held land. There is a lot of land that is off the table and can't be used for residential purposes.
A lady asked a question about the availability of plenty of commercial land? To which Bill stated that there was plenty of Industrial land available and it may not be suited to for that purpose any longer. It may be suited for professional offices and keeping with the town's economic future.
I asked about the rail corridor and if it played a role in their thought process. Did it enter into their equation about fuel prices going through the roof or did they just look at today's affordable fuel prices? Bill stated it definitely played a role, but they had to balance the market out over the 20 year horizon. Bill mentioned that the past uses around the rail corridor haven't necessarily been very clean. It can be very costly to clean up the areas that have been contaminated. so that these areas can support residential development along there. To make these areas residential, a lot of investment will likely have to go into that property. I asked if we were talking hundreds of millions of dollars? Brian Frazier answered that there have only been a half dozen Phase 1 Brownfield assessments that have taken place and there are a couple that are moving to Phase 2. The costs of the Phase 2 assessments are tens of thousands of dollars. Brian stated that they would know as soon as the Phase 2's are completed and the costs could be next to nothing up to millions of dollars. Bill stated that once targeted use becomes residential use, then the threshold goes up to the highest possible level. Brian also stated that the State can place deed restrictions on property that is severely contaminated. Right now they haven't found any that would preclude them from becoming residential, houses of worship, or playgrounds.
A question was asked about dense housing and are we going to make sure greenfield areas are designated for that property? She is worried that developers in the past haven't taken this into consideration. It's stick it in and get the most out of it and to Hell with what anyone else wants.
Bill stated that he was going to get to that.
The next question was asked about projected population growth and what is driving those numbers? It is based on population growth. He stated that he didn't know how much is jobs driven and how much is quality of life driven. These numbers came from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.
Bill talked about the earlier question about Greenways. He stated that in the exercise he wants people to attach notes about what they would like to see done with these properties in their development.
The first group focused on areas that also have some potential for business development. The McDonald Parkway - Springs Road junction is already a small shopping area, so maybe someor moderately priced apartments or condos can come into this area along with It needs to maintain some area for parks or outdoor activities for growing families.
Along Lenoir-Rhyne and Hwy 127 mixed use would be more appropriate, because of the walkability function and the fact that less parking spaces will be necessary, available, and required. There need to be more apartments available to college students available to students who don't live on campus.
Along 29th ave NE around Lowe's grocery, the consensus more apartments (and townhouses) to expand upon already existing apartments. The highway is going to be expanded so medium density seems to be more appropriate. Industrial area will be more appropriate for apartments and more greenspace. The Springs Road area is more of a blank slate and will be easier to develop, such as the already mentioned Springs Road - McDonald parkway junction, the Kool Park - Springs Road junction, and the areas out and around Catawba Springs.
One of the ladies that was part of this group, Erin Seiling who is an Assistant Director from the Reese institute at L-R, talked about the Carolina Thread Trail and how it might be instituted as part of development in this area when it comes to the issue of walkability. This is a greenway system that works its way all the way down through Charlotte. She believe that there could be housing next to these greenways that take advantage of the walking path. higher priced single or smaller family dwellings.
The second group had similar ideas putting mixed use along the rail corridor in the Green Park area and out main Avenue to Hwy 321. Vacant space can be used for this purpose of High and Medium density to provide walkability to downtown near amenities. Medium density could go out in the Old lenoir Road area where the Y (road forks) is near Northwest Drywall near the Nursing home. medium Density would be great around the airport and there are some beautiful views out there. Along 29th ave NE, medium density. Cloninger mill would be good for low density and Downtown would be good for high density where the old warehouses are (could even be used for medium). They agreed with group 1 about the L-R are. They believe it is necessary to ensure that there is greenspace attached to any development. The group also addressed the area around CVCC and the need to expand housing options for that area near Catawba Valley Boulevard.
They stated that somewhere in the South section of the city investment must be made, but they couldn't place the dot, because it will be a risk. In addressing the demographics of this area, one needs to ask what can we do with that? Bill Grimes asked should the City Foster or Respond to facilitate development in this area? Sally Fox stated that the Police Department being located on 2nd ave SW and 4th street SW stabilized the Southwest area.
***Bill stated that Todd Hefner with the city addresses affordable housing as entry-level housing.
The third group consisted of mainly developers. They had single family focused on the Mountain View, River Road, and Star Town areas. The river down there is an underutilized area for canoeing and kayaking. They had single family placed along McDonald Parkway and one behind Cloninger Mill Road. They do have higher density along Sandy Ford and 29th ave. Over near the airport they see high density and medium density, because of the 321 corridor. And they also see availability for Medium density around the three drug stores at Mountain View. Mountain View needs to be tightened up, but they believe that is just market forces at work. There are medical services available in that area. In the Robinson Road area they would like to see some more development. In the Lenoir-Rhyne area, along 29th ave NW, and up Springs Road they see the need for medium density housing.
***Bill Grimes addressed the issue of energy costs and the cost of transportation and what was brought up about Springs Road. The strip development pattern is very land intensive and very sparsely developed commercial. This may or may not stand the test of time. At some point it may evolve into something other than what it is today. Spings Road, Hwy 127, and Tate Boulevard are hinting that something is going to change down the line. This plan is going to have to find a way to anticipate and plan for this now or help the city when it comes time to plan for its future.
Group 4 concurred with group 2 and 3 in many ways. They see opportunities available aroun CVCC. We need to proceed with what had been planned, but hasn't been built - "Just Build It."The student enrollment at CVCC is 20,000 so we need to see density in this area. Mountain View should be low density further out, but medium and high density should be incorporated here. The Lutheran Home west has been scrapped, but is prime for an alternate usage. Hwy 127 north where Belle Hollow is located should have the preapproved area behind Walgreens developed with buffer housing, between the low density housing and the Walgreen's project.
Cloninger Mill and beyond, if the infrastructure is there, then use it. Around Snow Creek Elementary further development of low density can take place all the way out to around Catawba Springs. We need to see Annexation and Consolidation of these areas take place by bringing these areas into the city boundaries and let the growth go where it is planned. The falls project, 250 units of housing are planned at the junction of Cloninger Mill and sandy Ridge Road. We are on the right course. We need to follow through. The old St. Stephens Elementary needs to be a mixed-use site with medium to high density housing. What they envision is high density, but sprinled with park and walking area and medium density.
*** Bill stated that it was great that the groups recognized that Hickory is not an island and we are influenced by what is going on around us. There is an opportunity in the outlying areas of the city to capitalize on. We need to find ways to Cluster residential uses into higher density of mixed uses in Centrallized Areas. One thing that we need to keep in mind is that a long range plan can't account for what is going to happen with transportation costs. What we must plan for is a more populated town must be better served by utilizing public transportation. We must accommodate people who choose other ways to get around than just a car. Concentrating development allows one to make walkability more viable and makes use of land more efficient. Just by default it makes public transportation more viable.
The targeted draft rollout of the HBC 2030 comprehensive plan will be in April along with the draft LDC. Hearings will take place soon thereafter. Then it will be passed off to the city. The planning commission will go over it and then pass it to the City Council hopefully for adoption shortly thereafter.
The Hound believes that we have to create our Future. I am not however saying that we need to micromanage our future. I think that many times the micromanaging issue has come from egos who are not willing to accept natural evolution, because they are vested in the original byproduct of planning. When that happens, then problems become magnified beyond any intended point.
What are the weak signals that are out there facing this community. Transportation and fuel costs, an aging populace, replacing our brand, re-assimilating towards new job skills, consolidation of the City of Hickory's boundaries into a viable community... Those are the issues that we face today, but how will the evolution of this world in 20 years effect each one of those subjects?
I like what Studio Cascade has talked about so far. I like that they aren't placing layers of gobblety-gook on what we already have. They are simplifying development so that it can be understood by everyone and thus won't be arbitrarily interpreted in the future. I truly believe that Hickory's Planning Department is utilizing Studio Cascade positively. The main objective in this plan is to not let vested interests take us off track, because this sort of forward thinking plan can be destroyed by the forces of those rooted and vested in the realities of today.
The world around us is changing. It is great to question how we as a community will change in the upcoming years, but it is not ok to create roadblocks towards change. In the end we have to have viable economic commerce in order to survive as a community. That creates jobs and thus sustainability. I love initiatives that are comprehensive in scope and take into account quality of life issues, but we will not have a good quality of life without quality, good paying jobs in this community.
I believe that I have espoused how we can move towards sustainable goals in this blog. Jumping all over quick fixes, like moving retirees in here, is not going to solve anything. The foundation for our future will come from sowing seeds. That does not mean that the outcome will be exactly as we intend today, but I like this plan, because it will give us the chance to sow positive seeds. I do believe that we will be closer to that goal, if we create this truly all encompassing plan.
Links to past meetings:
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 4th Meeting
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 3rd Meeting - (Unable to attend this meeting)
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 2nd Meeting
Why the original Hickory By Choice doesn't work
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 1st Meeting
Studio Cascade awarded contract at November 4, 2008 City Council meeting
Bill went over the aspects of the past workshops
WS 1) Evaluation of walkability and walkable centers
WS 2) Corridor and Core Management and Development
WS 3) Policy Alternatives
WS 4) Applying Zoning Districts to Cores and Corridors
The Advisory Committe has been looking into
Industrial Districts - Reduction of industrial land in the community. We have more than we need.
Revitalization Areas - Brownfield assessments mostly in areas along the railroad tracks. Classic Industrial area. much of it is environmentally challenged
Residential Districts and Densities - Lowest (Single Family Housing/1 unit per acre) to highest (High Rise Apartments)
***Bill stated that we have been looking at policy and land use direction in the abstract, but a principle objective in this process is to update the zoning map to tie the Land Development Code will reflect and embody the concepts that the comprehensive plan is promoting.
The idea of this meeting is to manage the zoning map so that it is consistent with what the community wants. The existing zoning map and the Hickory by Choice land use map are totally inconsistent. The HBC map shows 15+ pod developments while the actual zoning map does not show that this has occurred. The commercial centers have become elongated strips.
Bill went over what happened at the October Workshop. The issue of commercial development with a where and how context.
The Land Development Code will be simplified
Residential Districts - Looking to have 3 or 4 types
Mixed-Use Development - Retail and Residence mixed often in the same building. Community Commercial designed to serve significant portions of Hickory and Neighborhood Commercial looking to serve a 1/2 mile radius around the center.
Commercial Use - Right now there are around 100 possible uses. This will be simplified to administer and understand.
Residential Character - People live here because they like the area. What they are really trying to nail down is what makes the neighborhoods work and how do we keep the characteristics in place.
Residential Zoning Districts (Simplified)
Low Density - Suburban - Ultra Low density = diverse housing options, buts requires abundant land. Small and Large lots are both available. Detached and attached housing can both be located here. Automobile oriented. Opportunities for common open space. Cluster subdivision principles are encouraged to maintain natural resources and recreational opportunities.
Medium Density - Variety in Type = allows accommodation of many types of housing. Area will offer smaller lot sizes. Allows for attached and detached houses. Small scale multi-family development. Increase access to commercial/retail services in addition to greater availability to cultural and civic resources.
High Density - Pedestrian District = High Rise apartments. Offer a variety of housing choices. Smaller building lots for more compact development types. Roads should be pedestrian friendly. Provisions for open space. Neighborhood services within a 1/4-mile walking distance. Larger scale multi-family residential will also be found in this area. Schools and public institutions should also be found in this area.
Mixed Use Centers (A real Challenge) - Rather dense core in the center and less dense surrounding the core. Want to have an economically viable core where citizens can walk or bike conveniently. People are worried about the character of the neighborhoods surrounding these mixed use centers. Don't want to compromise the integrity of the pleasant qualities of the neighborhoods, so they are trying to modify the transition from the core to the outlying neighborhoods.
Offers a combination of retail, commercial, and office uses with residential compatibility. Structure include residences on upper floors. Schools and other public assets found near these commercial centers. Public soaces found throughout this kind of development. Alternative transportation modes are encouraged by design, where the street network accomodates bikes, pedestrian travel and transit. Streets offer pedestrian-friendly atmosphere through curbside parking, landscaping, reduced traffic speeds, sidewalks and crosswalks.
The exercise tonight centered around where the participants would like to see residential development take place over the next 20 years. The population is expected to increase by 12,000 people during that time period, which would encompass 5,000 households.
The conceptual landuse map shows the challenges we face. The area around Highway 70 is utilized for commercial purposes, there is a lot of Industrial land, and there is also a lot of publicly held land. There is a lot of land that is off the table and can't be used for residential purposes.
A lady asked a question about the availability of plenty of commercial land? To which Bill stated that there was plenty of Industrial land available and it may not be suited to for that purpose any longer. It may be suited for professional offices and keeping with the town's economic future.
I asked about the rail corridor and if it played a role in their thought process. Did it enter into their equation about fuel prices going through the roof or did they just look at today's affordable fuel prices? Bill stated it definitely played a role, but they had to balance the market out over the 20 year horizon. Bill mentioned that the past uses around the rail corridor haven't necessarily been very clean. It can be very costly to clean up the areas that have been contaminated. so that these areas can support residential development along there. To make these areas residential, a lot of investment will likely have to go into that property. I asked if we were talking hundreds of millions of dollars? Brian Frazier answered that there have only been a half dozen Phase 1 Brownfield assessments that have taken place and there are a couple that are moving to Phase 2. The costs of the Phase 2 assessments are tens of thousands of dollars. Brian stated that they would know as soon as the Phase 2's are completed and the costs could be next to nothing up to millions of dollars. Bill stated that once targeted use becomes residential use, then the threshold goes up to the highest possible level. Brian also stated that the State can place deed restrictions on property that is severely contaminated. Right now they haven't found any that would preclude them from becoming residential, houses of worship, or playgrounds.
A question was asked about dense housing and are we going to make sure greenfield areas are designated for that property? She is worried that developers in the past haven't taken this into consideration. It's stick it in and get the most out of it and to Hell with what anyone else wants.
Bill stated that he was going to get to that.
The next question was asked about projected population growth and what is driving those numbers? It is based on population growth. He stated that he didn't know how much is jobs driven and how much is quality of life driven. These numbers came from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments.
Bill talked about the earlier question about Greenways. He stated that in the exercise he wants people to attach notes about what they would like to see done with these properties in their development.
The first group focused on areas that also have some potential for business development. The McDonald Parkway - Springs Road junction is already a small shopping area, so maybe someor moderately priced apartments or condos can come into this area along with It needs to maintain some area for parks or outdoor activities for growing families.
Along Lenoir-Rhyne and Hwy 127 mixed use would be more appropriate, because of the walkability function and the fact that less parking spaces will be necessary, available, and required. There need to be more apartments available to college students available to students who don't live on campus.
Along 29th ave NE around Lowe's grocery, the consensus more apartments (and townhouses) to expand upon already existing apartments. The highway is going to be expanded so medium density seems to be more appropriate. Industrial area will be more appropriate for apartments and more greenspace. The Springs Road area is more of a blank slate and will be easier to develop, such as the already mentioned Springs Road - McDonald parkway junction, the Kool Park - Springs Road junction, and the areas out and around Catawba Springs.
One of the ladies that was part of this group, Erin Seiling who is an Assistant Director from the Reese institute at L-R, talked about the Carolina Thread Trail and how it might be instituted as part of development in this area when it comes to the issue of walkability. This is a greenway system that works its way all the way down through Charlotte. She believe that there could be housing next to these greenways that take advantage of the walking path. higher priced single or smaller family dwellings.
The second group had similar ideas putting mixed use along the rail corridor in the Green Park area and out main Avenue to Hwy 321. Vacant space can be used for this purpose of High and Medium density to provide walkability to downtown near amenities. Medium density could go out in the Old lenoir Road area where the Y (road forks) is near Northwest Drywall near the Nursing home. medium Density would be great around the airport and there are some beautiful views out there. Along 29th ave NE, medium density. Cloninger mill would be good for low density and Downtown would be good for high density where the old warehouses are (could even be used for medium). They agreed with group 1 about the L-R are. They believe it is necessary to ensure that there is greenspace attached to any development. The group also addressed the area around CVCC and the need to expand housing options for that area near Catawba Valley Boulevard.
They stated that somewhere in the South section of the city investment must be made, but they couldn't place the dot, because it will be a risk. In addressing the demographics of this area, one needs to ask what can we do with that? Bill Grimes asked should the City Foster or Respond to facilitate development in this area? Sally Fox stated that the Police Department being located on 2nd ave SW and 4th street SW stabilized the Southwest area.
***Bill stated that Todd Hefner with the city addresses affordable housing as entry-level housing.
The third group consisted of mainly developers. They had single family focused on the Mountain View, River Road, and Star Town areas. The river down there is an underutilized area for canoeing and kayaking. They had single family placed along McDonald Parkway and one behind Cloninger Mill Road. They do have higher density along Sandy Ford and 29th ave. Over near the airport they see high density and medium density, because of the 321 corridor. And they also see availability for Medium density around the three drug stores at Mountain View. Mountain View needs to be tightened up, but they believe that is just market forces at work. There are medical services available in that area. In the Robinson Road area they would like to see some more development. In the Lenoir-Rhyne area, along 29th ave NW, and up Springs Road they see the need for medium density housing.
***Bill Grimes addressed the issue of energy costs and the cost of transportation and what was brought up about Springs Road. The strip development pattern is very land intensive and very sparsely developed commercial. This may or may not stand the test of time. At some point it may evolve into something other than what it is today. Spings Road, Hwy 127, and Tate Boulevard are hinting that something is going to change down the line. This plan is going to have to find a way to anticipate and plan for this now or help the city when it comes time to plan for its future.
Group 4 concurred with group 2 and 3 in many ways. They see opportunities available aroun CVCC. We need to proceed with what had been planned, but hasn't been built - "Just Build It."The student enrollment at CVCC is 20,000 so we need to see density in this area. Mountain View should be low density further out, but medium and high density should be incorporated here. The Lutheran Home west has been scrapped, but is prime for an alternate usage. Hwy 127 north where Belle Hollow is located should have the preapproved area behind Walgreens developed with buffer housing, between the low density housing and the Walgreen's project.
Cloninger Mill and beyond, if the infrastructure is there, then use it. Around Snow Creek Elementary further development of low density can take place all the way out to around Catawba Springs. We need to see Annexation and Consolidation of these areas take place by bringing these areas into the city boundaries and let the growth go where it is planned. The falls project, 250 units of housing are planned at the junction of Cloninger Mill and sandy Ridge Road. We are on the right course. We need to follow through. The old St. Stephens Elementary needs to be a mixed-use site with medium to high density housing. What they envision is high density, but sprinled with park and walking area and medium density.
*** Bill stated that it was great that the groups recognized that Hickory is not an island and we are influenced by what is going on around us. There is an opportunity in the outlying areas of the city to capitalize on. We need to find ways to Cluster residential uses into higher density of mixed uses in Centrallized Areas. One thing that we need to keep in mind is that a long range plan can't account for what is going to happen with transportation costs. What we must plan for is a more populated town must be better served by utilizing public transportation. We must accommodate people who choose other ways to get around than just a car. Concentrating development allows one to make walkability more viable and makes use of land more efficient. Just by default it makes public transportation more viable.
The targeted draft rollout of the HBC 2030 comprehensive plan will be in April along with the draft LDC. Hearings will take place soon thereafter. Then it will be passed off to the city. The planning commission will go over it and then pass it to the City Council hopefully for adoption shortly thereafter.
The Hound believes that we have to create our Future. I am not however saying that we need to micromanage our future. I think that many times the micromanaging issue has come from egos who are not willing to accept natural evolution, because they are vested in the original byproduct of planning. When that happens, then problems become magnified beyond any intended point.
What are the weak signals that are out there facing this community. Transportation and fuel costs, an aging populace, replacing our brand, re-assimilating towards new job skills, consolidation of the City of Hickory's boundaries into a viable community... Those are the issues that we face today, but how will the evolution of this world in 20 years effect each one of those subjects?
I like what Studio Cascade has talked about so far. I like that they aren't placing layers of gobblety-gook on what we already have. They are simplifying development so that it can be understood by everyone and thus won't be arbitrarily interpreted in the future. I truly believe that Hickory's Planning Department is utilizing Studio Cascade positively. The main objective in this plan is to not let vested interests take us off track, because this sort of forward thinking plan can be destroyed by the forces of those rooted and vested in the realities of today.
The world around us is changing. It is great to question how we as a community will change in the upcoming years, but it is not ok to create roadblocks towards change. In the end we have to have viable economic commerce in order to survive as a community. That creates jobs and thus sustainability. I love initiatives that are comprehensive in scope and take into account quality of life issues, but we will not have a good quality of life without quality, good paying jobs in this community.
I believe that I have espoused how we can move towards sustainable goals in this blog. Jumping all over quick fixes, like moving retirees in here, is not going to solve anything. The foundation for our future will come from sowing seeds. That does not mean that the outcome will be exactly as we intend today, but I like this plan, because it will give us the chance to sow positive seeds. I do believe that we will be closer to that goal, if we create this truly all encompassing plan.
Links to past meetings:
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 4th Meeting
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 3rd Meeting - (Unable to attend this meeting)
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 2nd Meeting
Why the original Hickory By Choice doesn't work
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 1st Meeting
Studio Cascade awarded contract at November 4, 2008 City Council meeting
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Working on the Hickory By Choice Workshop from 2/9/2010
Once again an interesting meeting. I think the city did an excellent job when they chose Studio Cascade. I believe that this city is definitely headed in the right direction on future development issues, as long as we follow the plan and it isn't compromised by arbitrary processes. Brian Frazier definitely is laying a solid foundation for the city's future with what Studio cascade has proposed thus far.
This meeting was about Residential (Housing) development headed into the future. I hope to have this completed by tomorrow night.
Links to past meetings:
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 4th Meeting
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 3rd Meeting - (Unable to attend this meeting)
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 2nd Meeting
Why the original Hickory By Choice doesn't work
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 1st Meeting
Studio Cascade awarded contract at November 4, 2008 City Council meeting
This meeting was about Residential (Housing) development headed into the future. I hope to have this completed by tomorrow night.
Links to past meetings:
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 4th Meeting
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 3rd Meeting - (Unable to attend this meeting)
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 2nd Meeting
Why the original Hickory By Choice doesn't work
Hickory By Choice 2030 Workshop: 1st Meeting
Studio Cascade awarded contract at November 4, 2008 City Council meeting
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