Why let a bit or rain or mud hamper one's plans?
I was invited to participate in the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Dynamic Quest building on Koger Boulevard this morning. Things were quite damp, but someone had the foresight to put down crushed rock and erect a couple of cabana tents, so the much-shortened festivities went off as scheduled. The official "shoveling" took place under umbrellas, and we all braved the elements for a quick group photo in the rain.
Dynamic Quest obviously has a good contractor -- they're planning on opening their new data center at this location on November 15. Not wasting any time, are they!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
SCAT fare progress
The GTA Special Review Task Force met this afternoon with all four city councilmembers (Florence Gatten, Dianne Bellamy-Small, Goldie Wells, and me) and three GTA board members (Mary Lou Zimmerman, Dottie Neeley, and B.J. Gerald-Covington) present along with various staff members of GDOT, GTA, and the city attorney's office. Our assignment was to take another look at the SCAT fare recommendations and determine if we needed to offer additional discounted ticket-book choices besides the 10-ride/$20 and 60-ride/$72 options scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2007 with the elimination of the $35 unlimited ride pass.
We began by reviewing the task force's ten original policy recommendations and two budget recommendations, the current status of those recommendations, and the 2006-07 budget adopted by the city council in June. We also received new information about ridership numbers, operating costs, and clarifications on much of the misinformation that is running rampant in the community. Some of the key points are as follows:
* Everyone felt that the media coverage of this issue has been badly skewed and sensationalized based partly on incorrect statements by opponents of the recommendations, resulting in the community at large having a greatly distorted picture of the SCAT service and the true goals of the task force, GTA, and city council. Several task force members stressed that our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life of our SCAT riders by meeting their transportation needs in a more cost-efficient manner.
* Statements made by some SCAT users about having to choose between medical trips and going to the grocery store on SCAT were misleading. Medical trips taken on SCAT are covered through Medicaid and thus do not require the use of a rider's individual tickets paid for out of their own pockets.
* The SCAT unlimited-ride pass HAD NEVER EXISTED before February, 2005 when the city council agreed to institute it ON A TRIAL BASIS to see what effect it had on ridership and costs. Prior to that time, clients paid on a per trip basis or purchased multiple ride ticket books . The implementation of this pass along with expansion of the eligible service area beyond the required 3/4 mile of a GTA fixed-route put a tremendous strain on the GTA budget when the city council did not allocate additional funding for these enhancements.
* The subsequent evaluation of the unlimited-ride pass experiment revealed an explosion in ridership and costs where 5.7% of riders (SCAT clients) are consuming over 30% of the total GTA budget, making it increasingly difficult to address the overcrowding and scheduling needs of the three million+ fixed-route GTA riders. This 5.7% of total GTA ridership well exceeds the national average of 1.6%, a reflection on the truly premium service Greensboro offers.
* Federal regulations do not require providers of paratransit service such as SCAT to offer discounted fares or passes. Greensboro is unique in offering discounts on multiple-ride ticket books; other systems charge full fare for these ticket books. Charlotte is the only other city offering an unlimited-ride pass, but they restrict those trips to within the required 3/4 mile service area and charging extra for trips that go beyond that area.
* The ACLU's allegations of illegal pricing practices for the SCAT passes seem to be unfounded since they are in direct conflict with federal regulations that allow SCAT to charge double the GTA fixed-route service fares, specifically exempting any discounts on those GTA base fares.
* 274 riders purchased unlimited-ride monthly passes in July 2006. SCAT provided 11,535 passenger trips in that same month with 9,141 being covered with those passes. The average rider took 33 rides on his/her pass that month.
* Greensboro's SCAT operational costs are in line with similar systems, including those with a unionized workforce, despite covering a much larger area than required and providing longer hours of service. The current $2 base fare is also in line with other systems, but with our discounts and unlimited-ride passes, our fares cover only 4.3% of operating costs, compared to the 9.7% national average. [Added note: The actual cost to the city to provide each trip ranges from $23-31, depending on the pick-up/destination points and the distance covered during that trip.]
* Federal audits reveal that SCAT runs on time 98% of the time despite allegations to the contrary.
After discussing several possible options to address riders' concerns that the 60-ride/$72 pass was unaffordable for many people, task force members agreed upon the following recommendation for implementation on January 1, 2007 to forward to the city council for approval:
* Keep the 60-ride pass for $72 ($1.20 per trip, a full $1 discount from the proposed full fare cost of $2.20).
* Offer the 10-ride tickets for $15 ($1.50 per trip, a reduction from the $18 in effect for these 10 rides on the current $2 fare structure, a 32% discount from the proposed full fare of $2.20).
* It was again agreed that the unlimited-ride pass is not financially viable for the city and should not be offered, a directive already approved by the city council in its June 2006 vote.
We also discussed the need to meet with operators and directors of care facilities and educate them on the SCAT fares and policies so that they in turn can educate their residents with accurate information. It was also noted that councilmembers, staff, and GTA board members must share accurate information about SCAT's operations and fares at every opportunity.
While we fully realize that all riders will not be pleased with these recommendations, we feel the needs of the vast majority will be well met.
We began by reviewing the task force's ten original policy recommendations and two budget recommendations, the current status of those recommendations, and the 2006-07 budget adopted by the city council in June. We also received new information about ridership numbers, operating costs, and clarifications on much of the misinformation that is running rampant in the community. Some of the key points are as follows:
* Everyone felt that the media coverage of this issue has been badly skewed and sensationalized based partly on incorrect statements by opponents of the recommendations, resulting in the community at large having a greatly distorted picture of the SCAT service and the true goals of the task force, GTA, and city council. Several task force members stressed that our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life of our SCAT riders by meeting their transportation needs in a more cost-efficient manner.
* Statements made by some SCAT users about having to choose between medical trips and going to the grocery store on SCAT were misleading. Medical trips taken on SCAT are covered through Medicaid and thus do not require the use of a rider's individual tickets paid for out of their own pockets.
* The SCAT unlimited-ride pass HAD NEVER EXISTED before February, 2005 when the city council agreed to institute it ON A TRIAL BASIS to see what effect it had on ridership and costs. Prior to that time, clients paid on a per trip basis or purchased multiple ride ticket books . The implementation of this pass along with expansion of the eligible service area beyond the required 3/4 mile of a GTA fixed-route put a tremendous strain on the GTA budget when the city council did not allocate additional funding for these enhancements.
* The subsequent evaluation of the unlimited-ride pass experiment revealed an explosion in ridership and costs where 5.7% of riders (SCAT clients) are consuming over 30% of the total GTA budget, making it increasingly difficult to address the overcrowding and scheduling needs of the three million+ fixed-route GTA riders. This 5.7% of total GTA ridership well exceeds the national average of 1.6%, a reflection on the truly premium service Greensboro offers.
* Federal regulations do not require providers of paratransit service such as SCAT to offer discounted fares or passes. Greensboro is unique in offering discounts on multiple-ride ticket books; other systems charge full fare for these ticket books. Charlotte is the only other city offering an unlimited-ride pass, but they restrict those trips to within the required 3/4 mile service area and charging extra for trips that go beyond that area.
* The ACLU's allegations of illegal pricing practices for the SCAT passes seem to be unfounded since they are in direct conflict with federal regulations that allow SCAT to charge double the GTA fixed-route service fares, specifically exempting any discounts on those GTA base fares.
* 274 riders purchased unlimited-ride monthly passes in July 2006. SCAT provided 11,535 passenger trips in that same month with 9,141 being covered with those passes. The average rider took 33 rides on his/her pass that month.
* Greensboro's SCAT operational costs are in line with similar systems, including those with a unionized workforce, despite covering a much larger area than required and providing longer hours of service. The current $2 base fare is also in line with other systems, but with our discounts and unlimited-ride passes, our fares cover only 4.3% of operating costs, compared to the 9.7% national average. [Added note: The actual cost to the city to provide each trip ranges from $23-31, depending on the pick-up/destination points and the distance covered during that trip.]
* Federal audits reveal that SCAT runs on time 98% of the time despite allegations to the contrary.
After discussing several possible options to address riders' concerns that the 60-ride/$72 pass was unaffordable for many people, task force members agreed upon the following recommendation for implementation on January 1, 2007 to forward to the city council for approval:
* Keep the 60-ride pass for $72 ($1.20 per trip, a full $1 discount from the proposed full fare cost of $2.20).
* Offer the 10-ride tickets for $15 ($1.50 per trip, a reduction from the $18 in effect for these 10 rides on the current $2 fare structure, a 32% discount from the proposed full fare of $2.20).
* It was again agreed that the unlimited-ride pass is not financially viable for the city and should not be offered, a directive already approved by the city council in its June 2006 vote.
We also discussed the need to meet with operators and directors of care facilities and educate them on the SCAT fares and policies so that they in turn can educate their residents with accurate information. It was also noted that councilmembers, staff, and GTA board members must share accurate information about SCAT's operations and fares at every opportunity.
While we fully realize that all riders will not be pleased with these recommendations, we feel the needs of the vast majority will be well met.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Good news from the Coliseum
Coliseum Director Matt Brown shared the following good news with members of the War Memorial Commission this afternoon:
The City Manger has approved a request from the N&R to release our final year end numbers for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. They are great so we are not hesitant to give them out either. Our final year end deficit as of now and pending a final audit by the City is $1,334,689 or $533,249 or 29% lower than budgeted. Obviously a great year for our City with the economic impact we generated from the three Tournaments and the three large conventions among the 800+ events, but to have a positive impact on our bottom line was equally rewarding for our staff...
The City Manger has approved a request from the N&R to release our final year end numbers for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. They are great so we are not hesitant to give them out either. Our final year end deficit as of now and pending a final audit by the City is $1,334,689 or $533,249 or 29% lower than budgeted. Obviously a great year for our City with the economic impact we generated from the three Tournaments and the three large conventions among the 800+ events, but to have a positive impact on our bottom line was equally rewarding for our staff...
Monday, August 28, 2006
Satisfied customers
Brent McKinney, PART's executive director, shared a number of recent emails from riders to the new "Surry Express" from Winston-Salem to Pilot Mountain and Mount Airy. Ridership is booming and we have had to send additonal buses on many days in order to meet the demand.
This one from someone who works at BB&T in Winston says it well:
The folks at work told me there was a survey that was passed out yesterday and since I wasn't able to ride yesterday, I wanted to take the opportunity to say "thank you" for all that you have done to make the Surry Express so convenient for us.
I typically ride the 6:45 a.m. bus from Mt. Airy and then return on the last bus in the afternoon. We currently have 6 people who ride the 6:45 a.m. bus consistently in the morning and then 2 or 3 take the 1st bus in the afternoon with the rest of us riding the last bus. This has worked out really well, especially since you were able to work in the stop for us on Stratford Road after the Baptist Hospital stop in the morning so we arrive can arrive at work at 7:45 a.m. At this point, I am completely satisfied with the routes and times just as they are.
On Tuesday, there was a gentleman on the afternoon bus and it was his first day riding. On the way home, he called at least 4 other family members who evidentially lived in Surry County and worked in Winston-Salem and he was telling them how wonderful the bus was. Once we get them on the bus, they love it. In fact, on Tuesday morning, I know of 4 regulars on the 6:45 a.m. bus that weren't there that morning, which was good because there were only 3 seats available. It looks like there is going to be standing room only within the next week or so.
This is exciting to see public transportation taking hold in Surry County. My hope is that we could really cut into the number of single passenger cars traveling on Hwy 52 each day.
Again, thanks for everything you have done to make this possible.
Bill.....
There's nothing like a satisfied customer!
This one from someone who works at BB&T in Winston says it well:
The folks at work told me there was a survey that was passed out yesterday and since I wasn't able to ride yesterday, I wanted to take the opportunity to say "thank you" for all that you have done to make the Surry Express so convenient for us.
I typically ride the 6:45 a.m. bus from Mt. Airy and then return on the last bus in the afternoon. We currently have 6 people who ride the 6:45 a.m. bus consistently in the morning and then 2 or 3 take the 1st bus in the afternoon with the rest of us riding the last bus. This has worked out really well, especially since you were able to work in the stop for us on Stratford Road after the Baptist Hospital stop in the morning so we arrive can arrive at work at 7:45 a.m. At this point, I am completely satisfied with the routes and times just as they are.
On Tuesday, there was a gentleman on the afternoon bus and it was his first day riding. On the way home, he called at least 4 other family members who evidentially lived in Surry County and worked in Winston-Salem and he was telling them how wonderful the bus was. Once we get them on the bus, they love it. In fact, on Tuesday morning, I know of 4 regulars on the 6:45 a.m. bus that weren't there that morning, which was good because there were only 3 seats available. It looks like there is going to be standing room only within the next week or so.
This is exciting to see public transportation taking hold in Surry County. My hope is that we could really cut into the number of single passenger cars traveling on Hwy 52 each day.
Again, thanks for everything you have done to make this possible.
Bill.....
There's nothing like a satisfied customer!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Weekly Schedule
With this being a rare "fifth week" of the month, I do not have any regular monthly meetings on my calendar this week. There are a number of "extra" activities that will help to keep it busy however.
After spending Monday morning, August 28 at the dentist, I have an afternoon meeting with City Manager Mitchell Johnson to discuss a variety of topics.
I will be attending the Greensboro Chamber's State of the Community luncheon at noon on Wednesday, August 30 to get an update on progress in our community. That will be followed by a 3:00PM meeting of the City Council/GTA Task Force to take another look at the SCAT fares proposed to take effect on January 1.
On Thursday, August 31 I have an early morning meeting with Greensboro Chamber of Commerce officials to review city issues of interest to them. That will be followed by a 10:30AM groundbreaking ceremony for a new building on Koger Boulevard.
Otherwise, I'll take advantage of the extra time to continue to whittle down a stack of various documents and information that need my attention. It's unbelievable how much paper comes across my desk -- it's a never-ending battle to keep up with it.
After spending Monday morning, August 28 at the dentist, I have an afternoon meeting with City Manager Mitchell Johnson to discuss a variety of topics.
I will be attending the Greensboro Chamber's State of the Community luncheon at noon on Wednesday, August 30 to get an update on progress in our community. That will be followed by a 3:00PM meeting of the City Council/GTA Task Force to take another look at the SCAT fares proposed to take effect on January 1.
On Thursday, August 31 I have an early morning meeting with Greensboro Chamber of Commerce officials to review city issues of interest to them. That will be followed by a 10:30AM groundbreaking ceremony for a new building on Koger Boulevard.
Otherwise, I'll take advantage of the extra time to continue to whittle down a stack of various documents and information that need my attention. It's unbelievable how much paper comes across my desk -- it's a never-ending battle to keep up with it.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
More Ice House details
I posted the following comment over on Hogg's Blog in response to a question he asked about the value of the old ice house on East Market Street that is facing demolition. I am sharing that detailed explanation here as well (with a few spelling and grammar corrections).
David,
I'm back already with a PROMPT response from Butch Simmons to my inquiry. Please pardon the lengthy explanation.
The city paid $300,000 back in 2003 for the entire tract of land in that area to expand the adjacent GTA facility, of which the Ice House was one portion. In response to community concerns, the Ice House was not demolished at that time. The city spent approximately $10,000 to stabilize the building, clear out the junk inside it, and secure it. There was a pending $17,000+ contract to reroof the building and replace the back wall of the structure when the latest problem was discovered.
The building has been shown to a dozen+ developers, both local and out-of-town, who expressed interest, but most walked away after touring the building and seeing its poor condition. That building is basically a "shell" and now with the discovery of the latest problem, we know that the "shell" has serious structural problems. That problem is that the brick facade is merely a veneer and the ties securing that veneer to the rest of the building have failed. The planned streetscape improvements on that section of East Market Street requires the removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk, and it was evident the jackhammer vibrations would bring that brick veneer crashing down. Preliminary estimates to secure the brick veneer are in the $200,000-300,000 range.
You correctly noted that the previously known problem on the property was a plume of coal contamination. Because of that environmental problem, this site would not qualify for residential development. Any other development on the property would require capping this plume of contamination. The original city plan to put a parking lot there would have dealt with the contamination satisfactorily. If demolition does take place, the HEAT buses will likely be parked there although we currently have adequate arrangements for them in another location.
In May 2006 McNairy & Associates, an experienced commercial property appraiser, set the appraised value of the Ice House property (.89 acres) at $290,000 with a zero value for the building itself and NOT taking the contamination into account. Please note how much downtown property values have skyrocketed during the three-year time period! Demolition costs for the building were estimated at $75,000. Butch thinks that is too high and is more in the $34,000-37,000 range. When the coal contamination is taken into consideration, the land is valued at $160,000. The city has received one offer of $150,000 for the property WITH THE BUILDING DEMOLISHED; that offer was rejected because council's directive at that time was to preserve the building.
A detailed letter has been sent to Preservation Greensboro describing the situation. Unless an angel with deep pockets makes a quick appearance, this building is likely to be demolished. That's where we are at this point.
David,
I'm back already with a PROMPT response from Butch Simmons to my inquiry. Please pardon the lengthy explanation.
The city paid $300,000 back in 2003 for the entire tract of land in that area to expand the adjacent GTA facility, of which the Ice House was one portion. In response to community concerns, the Ice House was not demolished at that time. The city spent approximately $10,000 to stabilize the building, clear out the junk inside it, and secure it. There was a pending $17,000+ contract to reroof the building and replace the back wall of the structure when the latest problem was discovered.
The building has been shown to a dozen+ developers, both local and out-of-town, who expressed interest, but most walked away after touring the building and seeing its poor condition. That building is basically a "shell" and now with the discovery of the latest problem, we know that the "shell" has serious structural problems. That problem is that the brick facade is merely a veneer and the ties securing that veneer to the rest of the building have failed. The planned streetscape improvements on that section of East Market Street requires the removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk, and it was evident the jackhammer vibrations would bring that brick veneer crashing down. Preliminary estimates to secure the brick veneer are in the $200,000-300,000 range.
You correctly noted that the previously known problem on the property was a plume of coal contamination. Because of that environmental problem, this site would not qualify for residential development. Any other development on the property would require capping this plume of contamination. The original city plan to put a parking lot there would have dealt with the contamination satisfactorily. If demolition does take place, the HEAT buses will likely be parked there although we currently have adequate arrangements for them in another location.
In May 2006 McNairy & Associates, an experienced commercial property appraiser, set the appraised value of the Ice House property (.89 acres) at $290,000 with a zero value for the building itself and NOT taking the contamination into account. Please note how much downtown property values have skyrocketed during the three-year time period! Demolition costs for the building were estimated at $75,000. Butch thinks that is too high and is more in the $34,000-37,000 range. When the coal contamination is taken into consideration, the land is valued at $160,000. The city has received one offer of $150,000 for the property WITH THE BUILDING DEMOLISHED; that offer was rejected because council's directive at that time was to preserve the building.
A detailed letter has been sent to Preservation Greensboro describing the situation. Unless an angel with deep pockets makes a quick appearance, this building is likely to be demolished. That's where we are at this point.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Transportation news
Although we did not take any official action at today's TAC meeting (Transportation Advisory Committee), we received updates on a number of current and future transportation projects.
John McClendon, a citizen representing BIG (Bicycling In Greensboro), spoke to us about the continued growth of bicycling in Greensboro and the needs for continued improvements. They will be sponsoring the "BIG Salute to Bike Lanes" on Saturday, September 23 at 10:30AM at Lindley Recreation Center. Bike riders are invited to participate in the ride on the new bike lanes down Spring Garden Street to the Greene Street roundabout and back. There was quite a bit of discussion about the need for bicyclists to wear helmets and obey all traffic laws as well as education for motorists on how to deal with the bike riders and the new bike lanes safely.
GDOT Director Jim Westmoreland reported that HEAT ridership is exceeding expectations, with the heaviest usage coming from UNCG students living off-campus in the Spring Garden Street corridor where it has been necessary to dispatch additional buses. UNCG has asked about the possibility of their staff and faculty being able to use the HEAT service as well. This will be studied to see if it's feasible (although those persons can already ride HEAT anytime by paying the $1 fare). [NOTE: Although students may board HEAT and any other GTA bus by showing their student ID, they are NOT riding for free. The colleges and universities are covering their required local matching money to the federal grant through student fees. So students are paying for these rides up front when they -- or more likely, their parents -- pay their tuition and student fees.]
Jim also noted that the city council/GTA task force will be reconvening on August 30 to take another look at SCAT fare alternatives in an effort to address ongoing concerns. Further investigation has found that Charlotte does offer an unlimited ride pass for $72 a month, but trips are restricted to the federally-mandated 3/4 mile service area.
The BiPed (bicycle and pedestrian) Plan will be released for public review and comment with official adoption scheduled for our October 11 meeting. It contains comprehensive recommendations for additional bike lanes, sidewalks, and greenways/trails throughout the city (and county). Many of the efforts are already underway so this is going to be an active plan, not one that just sits on a shelf.
We received a quick update on the four alternatives being studied for the Battleground Corridor between Green Valley Road and Fernwood Drive to address complex traffic patterns and accommodate the proposed Battleground Rail Trail through the area.
NC Board of Transportation member Doug Galyon reported that the draft 2007-13 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) should be released at the state board's September meeting and that he is cautiously optimistic that the eastern portion of the urban loop (Painter Blvd.) will be included in that document. Letting of construction contracts for new projects remains on a 4-5 month delay due to the state's cash flow problems. Available money for road projects still lags significantly behind identified needs, and he foresees the need for local financial supplements and the use of toll roads if new roads are to be built. There may be a way speed up the construction of the section of the urban loop between Bryan Boulevard and Battleground Avenue through "GARVEE bonds" financing -- Greensboro is eligible for $81 million through this new funding mechanism.
PART executive director Brent McKinney reported that express bus service begins to Boone from Greensboro on Thursday, August 24 with the first bus departing the Depot at 5:30AM. (I normally participate in the first day of service kick-offs, but I'm skipping this one and staying snug in my bed. ) Appalachian State students, patients accessing Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, and commuters from Wilkesboro to Boone are expected to be the main riders. Mayor Holliday suggested at our last PART meeting that ski enthusiasts might take advantage of this service during the winter months.
Brent noted that our new bus service from Winston-Salem to Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain has been swamped with riders and he has had to dispatch additional buses seven out of the seventeen days the service has operated. Several other employers have inquired about using the service as well so we are going to to have to address this unanticipated demand for service and the resulting unanticipated impact on our budget for extra buses and drivers.
It may become necessary to discontine PART shuttle service to the new Dell plant due to lack of ridership. With the early beginning time of the morning shift at Dell, potential riders have to begin their bus trip at 5:30AM, and people just aren't doing that. The city of Winston-Salem is paying PART to operate this service so PART is not losing any money on it, but Winston would surely like for their money to be spent on something more productive.
Obviously, there are a lot of things happening in the transportation arena on a number of fronts.
John McClendon, a citizen representing BIG (Bicycling In Greensboro), spoke to us about the continued growth of bicycling in Greensboro and the needs for continued improvements. They will be sponsoring the "BIG Salute to Bike Lanes" on Saturday, September 23 at 10:30AM at Lindley Recreation Center. Bike riders are invited to participate in the ride on the new bike lanes down Spring Garden Street to the Greene Street roundabout and back. There was quite a bit of discussion about the need for bicyclists to wear helmets and obey all traffic laws as well as education for motorists on how to deal with the bike riders and the new bike lanes safely.
GDOT Director Jim Westmoreland reported that HEAT ridership is exceeding expectations, with the heaviest usage coming from UNCG students living off-campus in the Spring Garden Street corridor where it has been necessary to dispatch additional buses. UNCG has asked about the possibility of their staff and faculty being able to use the HEAT service as well. This will be studied to see if it's feasible (although those persons can already ride HEAT anytime by paying the $1 fare). [NOTE: Although students may board HEAT and any other GTA bus by showing their student ID, they are NOT riding for free. The colleges and universities are covering their required local matching money to the federal grant through student fees. So students are paying for these rides up front when they -- or more likely, their parents -- pay their tuition and student fees.]
Jim also noted that the city council/GTA task force will be reconvening on August 30 to take another look at SCAT fare alternatives in an effort to address ongoing concerns. Further investigation has found that Charlotte does offer an unlimited ride pass for $72 a month, but trips are restricted to the federally-mandated 3/4 mile service area.
The BiPed (bicycle and pedestrian) Plan will be released for public review and comment with official adoption scheduled for our October 11 meeting. It contains comprehensive recommendations for additional bike lanes, sidewalks, and greenways/trails throughout the city (and county). Many of the efforts are already underway so this is going to be an active plan, not one that just sits on a shelf.
We received a quick update on the four alternatives being studied for the Battleground Corridor between Green Valley Road and Fernwood Drive to address complex traffic patterns and accommodate the proposed Battleground Rail Trail through the area.
NC Board of Transportation member Doug Galyon reported that the draft 2007-13 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) should be released at the state board's September meeting and that he is cautiously optimistic that the eastern portion of the urban loop (Painter Blvd.) will be included in that document. Letting of construction contracts for new projects remains on a 4-5 month delay due to the state's cash flow problems. Available money for road projects still lags significantly behind identified needs, and he foresees the need for local financial supplements and the use of toll roads if new roads are to be built. There may be a way speed up the construction of the section of the urban loop between Bryan Boulevard and Battleground Avenue through "GARVEE bonds" financing -- Greensboro is eligible for $81 million through this new funding mechanism.
PART executive director Brent McKinney reported that express bus service begins to Boone from Greensboro on Thursday, August 24 with the first bus departing the Depot at 5:30AM. (I normally participate in the first day of service kick-offs, but I'm skipping this one and staying snug in my bed. ) Appalachian State students, patients accessing Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, and commuters from Wilkesboro to Boone are expected to be the main riders. Mayor Holliday suggested at our last PART meeting that ski enthusiasts might take advantage of this service during the winter months.
Brent noted that our new bus service from Winston-Salem to Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain has been swamped with riders and he has had to dispatch additional buses seven out of the seventeen days the service has operated. Several other employers have inquired about using the service as well so we are going to to have to address this unanticipated demand for service and the resulting unanticipated impact on our budget for extra buses and drivers.
It may become necessary to discontine PART shuttle service to the new Dell plant due to lack of ridership. With the early beginning time of the morning shift at Dell, potential riders have to begin their bus trip at 5:30AM, and people just aren't doing that. The city of Winston-Salem is paying PART to operate this service so PART is not losing any money on it, but Winston would surely like for their money to be spent on something more productive.
Obviously, there are a lot of things happening in the transportation arena on a number of fronts.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Old Ice House likely to be demolished
At today's briefing session, the City Council approved the demolition of the old Ice House located on East Market Street if no viable financial offer is received before August 31. The building is becoming more and more dangerous as the brick facade fails and is likely to fall on people walking by. This became evident when work crews began streetscape improvements to East Market Street adjacent to this old structure which necessitate the removal of the existing sidewalk beside the building.
The city acquired the building when we purchased the property on which it was located for GTA's use, but agreed to not remove the building itself until interested persons had an opportunity to save and/or restore it. An independent appraiser valued the property at $290,000, assigning "zero" value to the building itself. The city has received two offers -- one for $30,000 which would keep the building and one for $150,000 and demolishing the building. Neither offer was financially viable for the city. The cost for the city to stabilize the building is estimated to be in the $200,000-300,000 range, a large sum that is not available in our budget. Unless a private entity is willing to step forward and purchase and/or make the necessary repairs, we have no choice but to proceed with demolition for public safety reasons.
Last chance! Anyone out there with the money to preserve this piece of the city's past?
The city acquired the building when we purchased the property on which it was located for GTA's use, but agreed to not remove the building itself until interested persons had an opportunity to save and/or restore it. An independent appraiser valued the property at $290,000, assigning "zero" value to the building itself. The city has received two offers -- one for $30,000 which would keep the building and one for $150,000 and demolishing the building. Neither offer was financially viable for the city. The cost for the city to stabilize the building is estimated to be in the $200,000-300,000 range, a large sum that is not available in our budget. Unless a private entity is willing to step forward and purchase and/or make the necessary repairs, we have no choice but to proceed with demolition for public safety reasons.
Last chance! Anyone out there with the money to preserve this piece of the city's past?
Citywide cleanup scheduled for September 16
The city is taking advantage of Greensboro Beautiful's "Big Sweep" scheduled for Saturday, September 16 to promote a citywide cleanup of neighborhoods and city streets in addition to Big Sweep's focus on streams and waterways. This project also coincides with NCDOT's annual highway beautification effort called "Litter Sweep" that runs from September 16-30 where it is anticipated that Adopt-A-Street volunteers will be active.
It is hoped that entire neighborhoods will participate in this effort to remove some of the junk, yard waste, and litter that plague all of our neighborhoods at one time or another. Plastic bags and gloves will be available from Greensboro Beautiful. For smaller cleanup efforts, the city will collect yard waste, white goods (old refrigerators, stoves, washers & dryers, etc.) and bulk trash on the regularly scheduled collection day for that neighborhood.
For larger efforts Field Operations can supply up to three trucks to be parked at an agreed-upon location in or near a neighborhood (church, park, community center, etc.) where participants may deposit bulk trash, yard waste and even old tires. The trucks will be removed on Monday and the contests disposed of appropriately by the city. Any neighborhood interested in this extra service should contact Dale Wyrick at 373-2783 or Dick Faucette at 332-6441 for more information or to make arrangements.
More details are available here. I hope residents will take advantage of this opportunity to do a bit of sprucing up around town.
It is hoped that entire neighborhoods will participate in this effort to remove some of the junk, yard waste, and litter that plague all of our neighborhoods at one time or another. Plastic bags and gloves will be available from Greensboro Beautiful. For smaller cleanup efforts, the city will collect yard waste, white goods (old refrigerators, stoves, washers & dryers, etc.) and bulk trash on the regularly scheduled collection day for that neighborhood.
For larger efforts Field Operations can supply up to three trucks to be parked at an agreed-upon location in or near a neighborhood (church, park, community center, etc.) where participants may deposit bulk trash, yard waste and even old tires. The trucks will be removed on Monday and the contests disposed of appropriately by the city. Any neighborhood interested in this extra service should contact Dale Wyrick at 373-2783 or Dick Faucette at 332-6441 for more information or to make arrangements.
More details are available here. I hope residents will take advantage of this opportunity to do a bit of sprucing up around town.
Promoting ConvergeSouth
City councilmembers received an update during today's briefing session on the planning for the North Carolina League of Municipalities annual conference and related activities that will be held in Greensboro at the Koury Convention Center October 14-17. We are expecting 1000-1200 attendees for these events.
Mayor Holliday noted that this weekend would be a busy one for the city with the grand opening of the Center City Park planned for that same weekend. That's when I spoke up about Greensboro hosting ConvergeSouth, a major blogging conference, at A&T University on October 14 as well. His response was along the lines of "Oh, who really does that, not such a big deal."
My response to him -- "Well, mayor, some people in this room are plugged in better that others" -- drew quite a bit of laughter around the room.
Mayor Holliday noted that this weekend would be a busy one for the city with the grand opening of the Center City Park planned for that same weekend. That's when I spoke up about Greensboro hosting ConvergeSouth, a major blogging conference, at A&T University on October 14 as well. His response was along the lines of "Oh, who really does that, not such a big deal."
My response to him -- "Well, mayor, some people in this room are plugged in better that others" -- drew quite a bit of laughter around the room.
Monday, August 21, 2006
My mouse died
When I fired up the computer this morning, I did not have any vertical movement with my mouse, only horizontal. Boy, was that frustrating!
I cleaned and tinkered with it to no avail. So it was off to CompUSA after my dental appointment to pick up a new one. There were plenty of choices with numerous "bells and whistles" and I seriously considered going wireless and getting rid of the cord. However, after a chat with a knowledgeable and frank assistant there, I learned I'd be constantly replacing batteries, even with the rechargeable model. Therefore,I decided to go with the less expensive, basic optical corded model.
I'm back in business!
I cleaned and tinkered with it to no avail. So it was off to CompUSA after my dental appointment to pick up a new one. There were plenty of choices with numerous "bells and whistles" and I seriously considered going wireless and getting rid of the cord. However, after a chat with a knowledgeable and frank assistant there, I learned I'd be constantly replacing batteries, even with the rechargeable model. Therefore,I decided to go with the less expensive, basic optical corded model.
I'm back in business!
Easy week
There are only two official meetings on my schedule for this week so maybe I'll be able to clear some of the stacks of paper that have accumulated here in my office at home.
The regular fourth Tuesday city council briefing will be held on August 22 at 8:30AM in the Plaza Level Conference Room. Items on the agenda include a presentation on emergency preparedness and a proposed city clean up along with updates on the Summit Avenue corridor and the NCLM annual conference Greensboro is hosting in October.
The TAC (Transportation Advisory Committee) will meet at 2:00PM on Wednesday, August 23. That agenda will include an update on GTA and the new HEAT service, a look at the draft BiPed plan, a proposed amendment to the Thoroughfare Plan concerning Florida Street, and a look at the Battleground Corridor Study.
The regular fourth Tuesday city council briefing will be held on August 22 at 8:30AM in the Plaza Level Conference Room. Items on the agenda include a presentation on emergency preparedness and a proposed city clean up along with updates on the Summit Avenue corridor and the NCLM annual conference Greensboro is hosting in October.
The TAC (Transportation Advisory Committee) will meet at 2:00PM on Wednesday, August 23. That agenda will include an update on GTA and the new HEAT service, a look at the draft BiPed plan, a proposed amendment to the Thoroughfare Plan concerning Florida Street, and a look at the Battleground Corridor Study.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Back from the beach
My husband and I spent a relaxing couple of days on Oak Island at my brother's place. I did a bit of kayaking and walking on the beach. My husband and brother went out on the LisaLee for a bit of ocean fishing but only caught a small blacktail shark. We had to leave this morning, so my husband did not get to go on today's fishing excursion . I just got an email from my brother -- they caught several Spanish mackeral and a 10-pound king mackeral today. Isn't that the way it always goes!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Greensboro's Incentives Policy
I'm not a fan of economic incentives and vote "against" them more often than "for," but I do believe that Greensboro's policy governing them is fair and reasonable. Our incentives are not a flat out "giveaway" of taxpayers' money, and the only money a company receives is essentially a rebate of its own tax payment for a limited period of time.
From the numerous comments I have read and heard about "handouts of MY tax money," it appears that many citizens do not understand this concept. It works like this:
I hope I have been able to clarify this complicated and often misunderstood tool to attract new jobs to Greensboro.
From the numerous comments I have read and heard about "handouts of MY tax money," it appears that many citizens do not understand this concept. It works like this:
If Company "X" is granted an incentive, they must sign a contract with the city pledging to invest "X" million dollars in property, construction, and/or equipment and create "X" jobs paying at least the average Guilford County wage or higher.People who complain that the city would have had sufficient money to pay for building maintenance or to hire additional police officers if we had not "given away" incentive money are in error. The incentives payments come from the additional taxes generated by the new or expanded business -- if the business had not located in Greensboro or expanded their operations here, we would not have had that money to spend on the other things in the first place. Incentives payments come from "new" money that was not in the city's coffers prior to the new investment.
The amount of possible incentive is calculated on the additional property tax that would be generated from this new investment for one year and is then multiplied by "3" (or occasionally for more years). 80% of that number (the additional property taxes to be paid by this company over three years) is the total amount the company is eligible to receive.
ONLY AFTER IT HAS BEEN VERIFIED that this company has made those investments, hired those workers at the promised salary levels, and paid their property tax, will the company receive a reimbursement grant for that year's tax payment. If they do not do what they agreed to do, they receive nothing. If they do comply, the only money they receive is a rebate of their own taxes, not yours and mine.
I hope I have been able to clarify this complicated and often misunderstood tool to attract new jobs to Greensboro.
Monday, August 14, 2006
She's got me already
Today I was SUPPOSED to "play hooky" and have a leisurely lunch with "the girls" at P.F. Chang in Friendly Center, then spend a leisurely afternoon playing bridge afterwards. Those plans immediately changed the moment I got "the call" asking, "Mom, could you possibly babysit Kamberleigh while we..." Needless to say, I spent this morning caring for this newest addition to the Carmany family.
She was a little angel and slept the entire time. I loved every minute of it and will be ready to keep her again anytime. She already has this grandma wrapped around her tiny fingers.
They picked her up a little after lunch time and I did make it to the bridge game after all. But my cards were lousy and I ended up with low score for the afternoon. No matter though, because my day had a most beautiful beginning.
She was a little angel and slept the entire time. I loved every minute of it and will be ready to keep her again anytime. She already has this grandma wrapped around her tiny fingers.
They picked her up a little after lunch time and I did make it to the bridge game after all. But my cards were lousy and I ended up with low score for the afternoon. No matter though, because my day had a most beautiful beginning.
Feeding time in the Carmany garden
You cannot detect them in this photo (obviously I need a more powerful zoom on my camera), but there is a flock of gorgeous goldfinches feasting on the sunflowers in our garden. I startled at least a dozen of them when I walked down there late this afternoon, but luckily they came back once I retreated. Their plumage is the same color as the sunflowers so they are well camouflaged.
Also almost invisible to my camera lens was a hummingbird feasting on the nectar in the pink zinnias. If you look closely, you can see it perched on the top of the fence, about 1/3 of the way in from the left side of the photo.
The final photo captured two tiger swallowtails feasting on sunflowers and fingered a culprit as well. I had wondered why I was finding broken sunflower leaves and stalks along with chewed-up flower heads on the ground. I later spotted this squirrel (or one of its companions) at the top of a sunflower stalk gnawing away. The cheeky little fellow almost dared me to approach!
The rabbits are still making their daily appearances in our yard, but with our strategic placement of cat, dog, and human hair, our bean and field pea plants are now thriving and un-nibbled.
Also almost invisible to my camera lens was a hummingbird feasting on the nectar in the pink zinnias. If you look closely, you can see it perched on the top of the fence, about 1/3 of the way in from the left side of the photo.
The final photo captured two tiger swallowtails feasting on sunflowers and fingered a culprit as well. I had wondered why I was finding broken sunflower leaves and stalks along with chewed-up flower heads on the ground. I later spotted this squirrel (or one of its companions) at the top of a sunflower stalk gnawing away. The cheeky little fellow almost dared me to approach!
The rabbits are still making their daily appearances in our yard, but with our strategic placement of cat, dog, and human hair, our bean and field pea plants are now thriving and un-nibbled.
She earned her Masters Degree
Olesea, the student my husband and I sponsor in Moldova, sent this photo celebrating the receipt of her hard-earned Masters Degree. She earned a "9" out of a possible "10" score, quite a feat considering her thesis was on the American civil rights movement. Somehow, I don't think she has had much personal exposure to this topic over in Moldova. Hopefully all those books we mailed her on Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver and other civil rights activists were helpful.
In my opinion, the document resembles a passport. Perhaps that's exactly what it is -- a passport to a great career and happy future.
Congratulations and well done!
What a shock!
Item #24 on the August 15 city council agenda appears on the consent agenda and probably will not even be mentioned or discussed. However, I know there is one citizen who is extremely interested in that item and will be breathing a sigh of relief once it is approved.
According to the background information, the water meter at a residence was replaced and the new meter had a reading of "9999." It was about to trip over to "zero" -- so "zero" was entered into the water billing system as the beginning number. The resident terminated service and a reading was taken in order to issue the final bill. You guessed it -- that final reading was "9999" and the resident received a bill for $59,457.19. The city council is being asked to approve the appropriate adjustment to this erroneous billing.
I'm just thankful there were no additional expenses for ambulance service or medical care at this address. This resident must be quite healthy to withstand what must have been serious sticker shock upon opening that bill! {smile}
According to the background information, the water meter at a residence was replaced and the new meter had a reading of "9999." It was about to trip over to "zero" -- so "zero" was entered into the water billing system as the beginning number. The resident terminated service and a reading was taken in order to issue the final bill. You guessed it -- that final reading was "9999" and the resident received a bill for $59,457.19. The city council is being asked to approve the appropriate adjustment to this erroneous billing.
I'm just thankful there were no additional expenses for ambulance service or medical care at this address. This resident must be quite healthy to withstand what must have been serious sticker shock upon opening that bill! {smile}
Weekly schedule
This week will have some busy spots and then time for some relaxation.
I'll be spending all day Monday on personal activities.
On Tuesday, August 15 I am chairing the "Triad Seamless Mobility Study" meeting as chairperson of PART. NCDOT is encouraging adjacent municipalities to consider merging their transit and human services transportation systems for better efficiency. The mayors of Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem have been invited to participate in a conversation with local NC Board of Transportation members and NCDOT staff and consultants to learn more about the local possibilities.
There is a reception for the Greensboro Collegiate Council at 4:00PM prior to the 5:30PM city council meeting. The agenda is fairly routine so I'm hoping it will not mean a late night for us. We will be considering an incentive request from Kay Chemical for a possible expansion of their facility and operations -- I am inclined to support it although I have a general aversion to giving incentives.
The next morning I will be attending meetings of the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (transportation) and the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments on Wednesday, August 16.
Then it's off to Oak Island to visit my brother and get a bit of sun and fun at the beach for the remainder of the week. I'm really looking forward to this short break!
I'll be spending all day Monday on personal activities.
On Tuesday, August 15 I am chairing the "Triad Seamless Mobility Study" meeting as chairperson of PART. NCDOT is encouraging adjacent municipalities to consider merging their transit and human services transportation systems for better efficiency. The mayors of Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem have been invited to participate in a conversation with local NC Board of Transportation members and NCDOT staff and consultants to learn more about the local possibilities.
There is a reception for the Greensboro Collegiate Council at 4:00PM prior to the 5:30PM city council meeting. The agenda is fairly routine so I'm hoping it will not mean a late night for us. We will be considering an incentive request from Kay Chemical for a possible expansion of their facility and operations -- I am inclined to support it although I have a general aversion to giving incentives.
The next morning I will be attending meetings of the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (transportation) and the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments on Wednesday, August 16.
Then it's off to Oak Island to visit my brother and get a bit of sun and fun at the beach for the remainder of the week. I'm really looking forward to this short break!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Communications hassles
In an effort to reduce household expenses, my husband and I decided to remove the second phone line we installed in our house back when three teenagers resided here. We'd been using that extra line for my FAX machine and our computer DSL, but the almost $50/month extra cost finally outweighed that bit of convenience.
I spent quite a bit of time relocating our answering machine and connecting it to the FAX, resetting various electronic codes on both, recording a new message with details on how to navigate the new arrangement, etc. When the technician completed his work and left the house on Wednesday afternnoon, everything seemed to be working well. On Thursday I received several faxes under varying scenarios, the answering machine functioned, and our Internet access worked under the new arrangement. Everything was fine, or so we thought.
Friday morning = no DSL. You forget how excruiatingly slow dial-up is until you become accustomed to zipping along on DSL. I had a morning meeting in Raleigh so I had to hit the road and leave it to my husband-of-little-patience to get the problem corrected. After he phoned the magic 800 number and spent 45+ minutes on the phone with the help desk somewhere in India (assumed due to the technician's heavy accent), the problem was corrected -- something about corrupted numbers and passwords.
Anyway, we seem to be back to our normal communications mode around here today with everything functioning as it should. Anyone wishing to send me a FAX should dial my regular home phone number and follow the instructions.
I spent quite a bit of time relocating our answering machine and connecting it to the FAX, resetting various electronic codes on both, recording a new message with details on how to navigate the new arrangement, etc. When the technician completed his work and left the house on Wednesday afternnoon, everything seemed to be working well. On Thursday I received several faxes under varying scenarios, the answering machine functioned, and our Internet access worked under the new arrangement. Everything was fine, or so we thought.
Friday morning = no DSL. You forget how excruiatingly slow dial-up is until you become accustomed to zipping along on DSL. I had a morning meeting in Raleigh so I had to hit the road and leave it to my husband-of-little-patience to get the problem corrected. After he phoned the magic 800 number and spent 45+ minutes on the phone with the help desk somewhere in India (assumed due to the technician's heavy accent), the problem was corrected -- something about corrupted numbers and passwords.
Anyway, we seem to be back to our normal communications mode around here today with everything functioning as it should. Anyone wishing to send me a FAX should dial my regular home phone number and follow the instructions.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Economic Development Bond explanation
Assistant City Manager Ben Brown prepared the following explanation of the proposed $10 million Economic Development Bond on the November bond referendum. His points reflect conversations we have had on this subject, and I believe it will address some of the questions citizens have asked about how the money could be used.
Economic Development Bond Talking Points
The City of Greensboro is proposing to issue $10,000,000 of bonds for the purpose of furthering economic development efforts pursuant to a November 6, 2006 voter referendum. These funds are necessary to provide a source of funds to advance efforts in the areas of job creation, capital investment and neighborhood revitalization. While there is no list of specific projects that have manifested themselves at this point, this informational update is intended to outline the types of investments that the bond funds will support. Each project will be evaluated on its own merits and considered for approval by City Council on a case by case basis.
Sites for Industrial Projects
The primary handicap confronting Greensboro in recruiting large employers is lack of inventory of suitable sites that can accommodate new facilities. In today’s global economy, site selection specialists typically seek a site that has been graded and is ready for construction. A portion of the bond funds would be allocated to partner with private developers to acquire and prepare land for industrial sites and/or a corporate park. This will enable the economic development team to leverage our existing workforce development, quality of life and infrastructure with available sites to generate additional jobs and investment in the community. Time is of the essence in bringing site inventory on-line as the Fed-Ex hub will be opening for business in 2009. Based on experience in other cities, there are typically 12+ businesses that co-locate in proximity to Fed–Ex distribution hubs. The city’s commitment to site development projects will be in the areas of infrastructure and possibly land acquisition.
Use of Funds:
* Installation of water, sewer and transportation infrastructure.
* Land Acquisition.
[1] Example: Development of the 340 acre Reedy Fork Corporate Park in cooperation with a private developer. Bond funds could be used to extend water and sewer infrastructure into the park and make street (entrance way) improvements to Summit Avenue.
[2] Urban Development Investment Guidelines
A portion of the funds will also enable funding of various neighborhood development and redevelopment projects in downtown and reinvestment areas and corridors as defined in the Urban Development Investment Guidelines.
Use of Funds:
* Installation of water, sewer, storm sewer and transportation infrastructure.
* Provision of off-street parking.
* Streetscape improvements.
* Environmental site assessment.
* Site Preparation.
* Affordable housing assistance.
[3] Examples: Center Pointe Condominium (Vacant Wachovia Tower Redevelopment).
High Point Road, West Lee Street, Randleman Road, East Market Street, and Summit Avenue Corridor Improvement Projects.
Bellemeade Village
As projects manifest themselves, the city will apply a thorough due diligence process to evaluate the merits of each investment. Projects must demonstrate financial viability and a need for public assistance. The community can expect projects moving forward with public participation to demonstrate an acceptable return on the public investment in the way of increased tax base, new/retained jobs, and enhanced quality of life. Greensboro will remain vital and well-positioned for the future.
It is noteworthy that should any of the bond funds be used for the acquisition of land, the City will recover its investment and replenish the fund over time upon the sale or lease of the land to a developer/tenant. Also, the types of infrastructure improvements as outlined above represent the types of projects city staff excels in and does in the normal course of business. Having bond funds available will enable the City to proactively make selected infrastructure investments in anticipation of new corporate relocation/expansion projects.
[1] Referenced example is for illustrative purposes only. No funds have been committed to the project.
[2] The Urban Development Investment Guidelines have been adopted by Council and provide a consistent framework as to how projects will be evaluated and what types of projects are eligible for consideration.
[3] Referenced examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Economic Development Bond Talking Points
The City of Greensboro is proposing to issue $10,000,000 of bonds for the purpose of furthering economic development efforts pursuant to a November 6, 2006 voter referendum. These funds are necessary to provide a source of funds to advance efforts in the areas of job creation, capital investment and neighborhood revitalization. While there is no list of specific projects that have manifested themselves at this point, this informational update is intended to outline the types of investments that the bond funds will support. Each project will be evaluated on its own merits and considered for approval by City Council on a case by case basis.
Sites for Industrial Projects
The primary handicap confronting Greensboro in recruiting large employers is lack of inventory of suitable sites that can accommodate new facilities. In today’s global economy, site selection specialists typically seek a site that has been graded and is ready for construction. A portion of the bond funds would be allocated to partner with private developers to acquire and prepare land for industrial sites and/or a corporate park. This will enable the economic development team to leverage our existing workforce development, quality of life and infrastructure with available sites to generate additional jobs and investment in the community. Time is of the essence in bringing site inventory on-line as the Fed-Ex hub will be opening for business in 2009. Based on experience in other cities, there are typically 12+ businesses that co-locate in proximity to Fed–Ex distribution hubs. The city’s commitment to site development projects will be in the areas of infrastructure and possibly land acquisition.
Use of Funds:
* Installation of water, sewer and transportation infrastructure.
* Land Acquisition.
[1] Example: Development of the 340 acre Reedy Fork Corporate Park in cooperation with a private developer. Bond funds could be used to extend water and sewer infrastructure into the park and make street (entrance way) improvements to Summit Avenue.
[2] Urban Development Investment Guidelines
A portion of the funds will also enable funding of various neighborhood development and redevelopment projects in downtown and reinvestment areas and corridors as defined in the Urban Development Investment Guidelines.
Use of Funds:
* Installation of water, sewer, storm sewer and transportation infrastructure.
* Provision of off-street parking.
* Streetscape improvements.
* Environmental site assessment.
* Site Preparation.
* Affordable housing assistance.
[3] Examples: Center Pointe Condominium (Vacant Wachovia Tower Redevelopment).
High Point Road, West Lee Street, Randleman Road, East Market Street, and Summit Avenue Corridor Improvement Projects.
Bellemeade Village
As projects manifest themselves, the city will apply a thorough due diligence process to evaluate the merits of each investment. Projects must demonstrate financial viability and a need for public assistance. The community can expect projects moving forward with public participation to demonstrate an acceptable return on the public investment in the way of increased tax base, new/retained jobs, and enhanced quality of life. Greensboro will remain vital and well-positioned for the future.
It is noteworthy that should any of the bond funds be used for the acquisition of land, the City will recover its investment and replenish the fund over time upon the sale or lease of the land to a developer/tenant. Also, the types of infrastructure improvements as outlined above represent the types of projects city staff excels in and does in the normal course of business. Having bond funds available will enable the City to proactively make selected infrastructure investments in anticipation of new corporate relocation/expansion projects.
[1] Referenced example is for illustrative purposes only. No funds have been committed to the project.
[2] The Urban Development Investment Guidelines have been adopted by Council and provide a consistent framework as to how projects will be evaluated and what types of projects are eligible for consideration.
[3] Referenced examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
She's (finally) here!
Miss Kamberleigh Carmany entered this world today at 12:34PM, loudly proclaiming to anyone within hearing distance that she had indeed arrived. She weighed in at 7 pounds 3 ounces. Mother, Father and Baby are all doing well.
Monday, August 07, 2006
City Connections
The latest edition of City Connections reviews National Night Out Activities, lists the participants in the next class of Government Works: A City Academy, and contains a link to a police department survey.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Weekly schedule
There's not a whole lot of things on my schedule for this week, but the few events I do have are important.
The kick-off celebration for the new HEAT service will begin at The Depot at 10AM on Monday, August 7. I've been asked to stand in for Councilmember Florence Gatten who is out of town and make a few remarks about the significance of this new venture. The actual service begins the next day.
I don't have any official duties on Tuesday, August 8 -- which is great! If grandchild #8 has not arrived by that morning, the doctor is going to induce labor. So Tuesday is going to be one of those stressful, exciting, happy-event days for the Carmany family. This stretch of August is turning into a popular "Carmany birthday week" with our middle son born on August 12 and a grandson born on August 11.
The PART Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday morning, August 9 with a full agenda from having skipped our normal July meeting. There are two significant items of business. One is to establish intercity bus service from Greensboro to Winston-Salem to Wilkesboro to Boone via US Route 421 with a graduated fare schedule depending on where riders get on and off with a $10 maximum one-way fare. Passenger fares and state funding will support the service; PART does not have to provide any matching funds.
The second, if approved, will authorize PART to make its first land purchase, a stretch of right-of-way on Norfolk Southern's "R-Line" in Winston-Salem. This line will be used to reroute freight trains in downtown Winston if PART begins commuter rail service between Greensboro and Winston in the future. If that service does not materialize, we will be in possession of a hunk of valuable real estate that could be resold. The State Board of Transportation has approved $2.9+ million in "Moving Ahead" funds for this purchase.
We will also receive an update on the findings of the Passenger Rail Alternatives Analysis that is examining the feasibility of that possible commuter rail service.
On Thursday, August 10 I plan to attend the Greensboro Neighborhood Congress meeting that evening. Councilmembers have been asked to address the pending noise ordinance revisions.
I'll be on the road to Raleigh for a North Carolina League of Municipalities committee meeting on the morning of Friday, August 11. Once I return home, I'll be free and clear to spoil the new grandbaby for the rest of the weekend.
The kick-off celebration for the new HEAT service will begin at The Depot at 10AM on Monday, August 7. I've been asked to stand in for Councilmember Florence Gatten who is out of town and make a few remarks about the significance of this new venture. The actual service begins the next day.
I don't have any official duties on Tuesday, August 8 -- which is great! If grandchild #8 has not arrived by that morning, the doctor is going to induce labor. So Tuesday is going to be one of those stressful, exciting, happy-event days for the Carmany family. This stretch of August is turning into a popular "Carmany birthday week" with our middle son born on August 12 and a grandson born on August 11.
The PART Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday morning, August 9 with a full agenda from having skipped our normal July meeting. There are two significant items of business. One is to establish intercity bus service from Greensboro to Winston-Salem to Wilkesboro to Boone via US Route 421 with a graduated fare schedule depending on where riders get on and off with a $10 maximum one-way fare. Passenger fares and state funding will support the service; PART does not have to provide any matching funds.
The second, if approved, will authorize PART to make its first land purchase, a stretch of right-of-way on Norfolk Southern's "R-Line" in Winston-Salem. This line will be used to reroute freight trains in downtown Winston if PART begins commuter rail service between Greensboro and Winston in the future. If that service does not materialize, we will be in possession of a hunk of valuable real estate that could be resold. The State Board of Transportation has approved $2.9+ million in "Moving Ahead" funds for this purchase.
We will also receive an update on the findings of the Passenger Rail Alternatives Analysis that is examining the feasibility of that possible commuter rail service.
On Thursday, August 10 I plan to attend the Greensboro Neighborhood Congress meeting that evening. Councilmembers have been asked to address the pending noise ordinance revisions.
I'll be on the road to Raleigh for a North Carolina League of Municipalities committee meeting on the morning of Friday, August 11. Once I return home, I'll be free and clear to spoil the new grandbaby for the rest of the weekend.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Coliseum report
Today's War Memorial Commission (coliseum) meeting was full of good information and interesting tidbits. Here are a few of the highlights.
* Personnel: Alvin Long, a hardworking and respected employee, was recognized for 25 years of service at the Coliseum. Mike Suave, who started out as an unpaid intern, was recognized for his ten years of service. Jay Kudla, former Centerplate manager at the Coliseum who left to manage the NFL's Detroit Lions football stadium, will be returning to Greensboro next week, preferring to work here instead of there.
* Finances: The financial staff under the leadership of Jerome Fletcher is working to close out the books for the 2005-06 fiscal year. Preliminary figures show that the building will do better than projected in the budget, which is always welcome news.
* Coming events: Scott Johnson noted that the summer months used to mean that the facility was empty, but that is not the case any more! Market America is currently in the building and will be followed by the Monaco International Motorcoach Convention that will bring 400 motorcoaches valued at a half million dollars EACH to coliseum parking lots. That event will be followed by the NC Landscapers Convention.
Other bookings include The Wiggles (expected to net $80,000-90,000), Barney, Disney on Ice (Monsters, Inc. this year and Finding Nemo next year), the Central Carolina Fair, The Producers, Professional Bull Riding, Carrie Underwood concert, and the Trans Siberian Orchestra in addition to the regular Greensboro Symphony concerts, Super Flea, and Best of Broadway Series. It's a busy place!
* Successes: We received rave reviews from the Southern Baptist Convention officials and staff is confident they will choose Greensboro for additional events in the future.
Greensboro's American Idol concert was the highest in attendance in the country as well as the highest grossing event.
UNCG signed another 5-year lease on the shared parking lot at the corner of Lee and Chapman Streets. After the third year of this renewal, the cost of developing that lot will have been recouped and all future lease payments will be profit for the coliseum. We are currently constructing a restroom facility in that lot that will serve both UNCG parkers and patrons attending any events held there.
SuperJam10 netted $78,000+ in profits back in June and there were NO complaints from surrounding neighbors despite a full house.
Planning is already underway for the NCAA Women's Basketball Regionals in March 2007. It was noted that Greensboro has or will have hosted NCAA regional games for FOUR YEARS IN A ROW -- Men's in 2006 and 2009, Women's in 2007 and 2008. Matt Brown is confident this will put us in a good position to land the NCAA Women's Basketball Finals in future years.
Henry Fourier from the Convention and Visitors Bureau reported that there are four new full-service hotels in various stages of construction in Greensboro that will help tremendously in the demand for rooms during basketball tournaments and large conventions. This additional availability should boost tourism room tax revenues as well.
* Energy audit: Siemans has completed the energy audit of the coliseum facilities and a contract is under review at this time. Once it is signed, Siemans will guarantee a certain amount of energy savings that the coliseum can use as "collateral" to make energy improvements. Purchase of a badly needed new chiller will be made with these funds AT NO COST TO TAXPAYERS. That's a great deal!
* Hockey: Discussions among the ECHL, the coliseum, and a prospective owner are still underway, and we should know by September if Greensboro will again field a hockey team. Matt Brown noted that the coliseum has done its part, and it will be up to the ECHL and potential owner to reach a deal to place a winning team here. While fan support is vitally important, Matt noted that the real key to success will depend on the business community getting behind the team with sponsorships and other financial support like they have done with the Grasshoppers baseball team.
* Bond referendum -- War Memorial Auditorium: Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that voters will recognize the value and importance of renovating and upgrading War Memorial Auditorium. The almost-50-year-old building is woefully inadequate for our handicapped patrons, the acoustics are horrible in certain areas, the heating and air conditioning systems could fail at any moment, and the lighting and sound systems are outdated. There are no partial "band-aid" fixes that will come close to solving all these problems.
* Bond referendum -- Swim Center: In response to a question, Matt noted that he did not initiate the idea of a Swim Center being managed by the Coliseum staff, but that it was a logical move, given the potential for cost-savings. There are several viable sites on or near the coliseum property that could accommodate the new facility. He has worked with the original financial analysis developed for the operation of the center, and found that the facility could likely break even or better under coliseum management. He noted the opportunity to attract even more events, including ACC swimming competitions that currently have few good locations from which to choose. He also stressed how the center could be used by everyone in the community for recreation and swimming lessons when it is not being used for competitions.
Whew! Lots of news!
* Personnel: Alvin Long, a hardworking and respected employee, was recognized for 25 years of service at the Coliseum. Mike Suave, who started out as an unpaid intern, was recognized for his ten years of service. Jay Kudla, former Centerplate manager at the Coliseum who left to manage the NFL's Detroit Lions football stadium, will be returning to Greensboro next week, preferring to work here instead of there.
* Finances: The financial staff under the leadership of Jerome Fletcher is working to close out the books for the 2005-06 fiscal year. Preliminary figures show that the building will do better than projected in the budget, which is always welcome news.
* Coming events: Scott Johnson noted that the summer months used to mean that the facility was empty, but that is not the case any more! Market America is currently in the building and will be followed by the Monaco International Motorcoach Convention that will bring 400 motorcoaches valued at a half million dollars EACH to coliseum parking lots. That event will be followed by the NC Landscapers Convention.
Other bookings include The Wiggles (expected to net $80,000-90,000), Barney, Disney on Ice (Monsters, Inc. this year and Finding Nemo next year), the Central Carolina Fair, The Producers, Professional Bull Riding, Carrie Underwood concert, and the Trans Siberian Orchestra in addition to the regular Greensboro Symphony concerts, Super Flea, and Best of Broadway Series. It's a busy place!
* Successes: We received rave reviews from the Southern Baptist Convention officials and staff is confident they will choose Greensboro for additional events in the future.
Greensboro's American Idol concert was the highest in attendance in the country as well as the highest grossing event.
UNCG signed another 5-year lease on the shared parking lot at the corner of Lee and Chapman Streets. After the third year of this renewal, the cost of developing that lot will have been recouped and all future lease payments will be profit for the coliseum. We are currently constructing a restroom facility in that lot that will serve both UNCG parkers and patrons attending any events held there.
SuperJam10 netted $78,000+ in profits back in June and there were NO complaints from surrounding neighbors despite a full house.
Planning is already underway for the NCAA Women's Basketball Regionals in March 2007. It was noted that Greensboro has or will have hosted NCAA regional games for FOUR YEARS IN A ROW -- Men's in 2006 and 2009, Women's in 2007 and 2008. Matt Brown is confident this will put us in a good position to land the NCAA Women's Basketball Finals in future years.
Henry Fourier from the Convention and Visitors Bureau reported that there are four new full-service hotels in various stages of construction in Greensboro that will help tremendously in the demand for rooms during basketball tournaments and large conventions. This additional availability should boost tourism room tax revenues as well.
* Energy audit: Siemans has completed the energy audit of the coliseum facilities and a contract is under review at this time. Once it is signed, Siemans will guarantee a certain amount of energy savings that the coliseum can use as "collateral" to make energy improvements. Purchase of a badly needed new chiller will be made with these funds AT NO COST TO TAXPAYERS. That's a great deal!
* Hockey: Discussions among the ECHL, the coliseum, and a prospective owner are still underway, and we should know by September if Greensboro will again field a hockey team. Matt Brown noted that the coliseum has done its part, and it will be up to the ECHL and potential owner to reach a deal to place a winning team here. While fan support is vitally important, Matt noted that the real key to success will depend on the business community getting behind the team with sponsorships and other financial support like they have done with the Grasshoppers baseball team.
* Bond referendum -- War Memorial Auditorium: Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that voters will recognize the value and importance of renovating and upgrading War Memorial Auditorium. The almost-50-year-old building is woefully inadequate for our handicapped patrons, the acoustics are horrible in certain areas, the heating and air conditioning systems could fail at any moment, and the lighting and sound systems are outdated. There are no partial "band-aid" fixes that will come close to solving all these problems.
* Bond referendum -- Swim Center: In response to a question, Matt noted that he did not initiate the idea of a Swim Center being managed by the Coliseum staff, but that it was a logical move, given the potential for cost-savings. There are several viable sites on or near the coliseum property that could accommodate the new facility. He has worked with the original financial analysis developed for the operation of the center, and found that the facility could likely break even or better under coliseum management. He noted the opportunity to attract even more events, including ACC swimming competitions that currently have few good locations from which to choose. He also stressed how the center could be used by everyone in the community for recreation and swimming lessons when it is not being used for competitions.
Whew! Lots of news!
Celebrities in town!
Guess who (and who) were spotted at the Sheraton Four Seasons and the Coliseum during the last two days! They have been guests of the Market America convention at the Coliseum.
Commentary on Greensboro's Commission on the Status of Women
A columnist for the Raleigh News & Observer picked up on the News & Record story about Greensboro's Commission on the Status of Women and offers this commentary.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
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