Ok...I admit, I have been super-busy the last few weeks. But, in that time, our website has perhaps overtaken the blog as the most reliable means of up-to-the-minute information from the Town. That's as it should be, though. So, I want to ask: Is anyone reading this blog? If you do, please email me at mjohnson@jamestown-nc.gov and tell me to keep posting. Otherwise, I'll probably move the blog into a holding pattern until I have more time to devote to it.
Let me know!
~Matthew
8.25.2008
7.15.2008
It Has Been A While...
It has been quite a while since I've posted. Almost a month in fact! I do apologize, but it has been a busy time. The July 4th Parade sponsored by the Jamestown Lion's Club was a great success. Despite the warm weather, a lot of residents came out to see the parade and visit with neighbors.
The Planning Department will be presenting two requests for rezoning at the Town Council meeting this evening. The first case involves a request to rezone the property at 411 E. Main St. from residential (R-15) to conditional use agriculture (CU-AG). The applicant wishes to create pasture lands for horses on this property and will clear a portion of the property in the coming months for that purpose.
The second request involves a portion of property located behind the Mendenhall Plantation. The entrance will be located immediately opposite of Kearns St. There will be a new public street built in this area to serve a 10 acre lot where the applicant desires to locate a nursing facility. This facility will be approximately 72,000 sq. ft. in size and will bring a number of new residents and jobs to Jamestown. This is a challenging site, and engineering design work will likely take some time to complete. I would expect this to be approximately a 2 year project to complete.
The Planning Department will also ask Council to set a public hearing date for the expansion of our ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) for September 16, 2008. Notices will go out to property owners in this area on July 28th. The Town Manager will update Council on the status of the Downtown Business Study which was recently completed by Hilary Greenberg of Greenberg Development Services. We have received an initial draft and are reviewing the material at this time. Once we have received the final copy, I will have it posted to our website for easy viewing.
Our Tree Preservation Ordinance (which was a grant project through NCDFR)is almost done! Copies are available through the Planning Department and should be on the web before the end of this week. Check the 'News & Notices' Section. Also, keep your eyes posted on this section to see our new Sign Ordinance. The final draft of the Sign Ordinance is nearly complete and I think it is a very fair and balanced product, which was written by a gentleman with many years of experience in this area. I believe everyone will be able to work within its bounds and I look forward to seeing people's reactions!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summertime vacations and hopefully I'll have more opportunities to post in the near future.
~Matthew
The Planning Department will be presenting two requests for rezoning at the Town Council meeting this evening. The first case involves a request to rezone the property at 411 E. Main St. from residential (R-15) to conditional use agriculture (CU-AG). The applicant wishes to create pasture lands for horses on this property and will clear a portion of the property in the coming months for that purpose.
The second request involves a portion of property located behind the Mendenhall Plantation. The entrance will be located immediately opposite of Kearns St. There will be a new public street built in this area to serve a 10 acre lot where the applicant desires to locate a nursing facility. This facility will be approximately 72,000 sq. ft. in size and will bring a number of new residents and jobs to Jamestown. This is a challenging site, and engineering design work will likely take some time to complete. I would expect this to be approximately a 2 year project to complete.
The Planning Department will also ask Council to set a public hearing date for the expansion of our ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) for September 16, 2008. Notices will go out to property owners in this area on July 28th. The Town Manager will update Council on the status of the Downtown Business Study which was recently completed by Hilary Greenberg of Greenberg Development Services. We have received an initial draft and are reviewing the material at this time. Once we have received the final copy, I will have it posted to our website for easy viewing.
Our Tree Preservation Ordinance (which was a grant project through NCDFR)is almost done! Copies are available through the Planning Department and should be on the web before the end of this week. Check the 'News & Notices' Section. Also, keep your eyes posted on this section to see our new Sign Ordinance. The final draft of the Sign Ordinance is nearly complete and I think it is a very fair and balanced product, which was written by a gentleman with many years of experience in this area. I believe everyone will be able to work within its bounds and I look forward to seeing people's reactions!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summertime vacations and hopefully I'll have more opportunities to post in the near future.
~Matthew
6.20.2008
Goals for FY 2008-2009
Good morning! It has been a few days since my last post, and for that I apologize. We have been busy over the past 2 weeks with a number of exciting projects that necessitated evening meetings. That has reduced my time allowance for posting information to the blog site.
As the Jamestown News reported, the Town hired Hilary Greenberg of Greenberg Development Services to give us a rundown on the health of our business community. Originally, this was to be a collaborative effort between the Town and the Jamestown Bussiness Assocation (JBA). While we had a good turnout for the individual interviews (many thanks to Martha Wolfe for her help in getting that set up for us!!!!), I was a little disappointed that more folks did not show up for Hilary's presentation on Wednesday evening. Often, the Town is accused of being "difficult" when it comes to businesses. I suppose I hear that more often than most becuase of my job as the "Enforcement Officer", though. However, when the Town does attempt to open the channels of communication, it is discouraging to see such a meager turnout! I hope we can correct these issues in the future! Hilary's report on the "health" of our business community will be coming soon. I will make sure a digital copy is posted on our website. Stay tuned!
On Tuesday, our Town Council adopted the 2008-2009 budget, which begins on July 1. The Planning Dpeartment has outlined several goals that I would like to see completed in the upcoming fiscal year:
-- Complete a Deep River Paddle Trail/Greenway Plan
-- Complete the Development Ordinance Rewrite
-- Complete the Tree Preservation Ordinance
-- Complete a Pedestrian Master Plan
-- Complee a study of our Downtown areas with Greenberg Development Services
-- Acquire neighborhood park lands and re-apply for a PARTF grant (to develop)
-- Complete the expansion of our ETJ
-- Investigating the possibility of annexations
If you have specific questions about any of these tasks, I would encourage you to contact me at 336.454.1138 or mjohnson@jamestown-nc.gov.
Have a great weekend!
As the Jamestown News reported, the Town hired Hilary Greenberg of Greenberg Development Services to give us a rundown on the health of our business community. Originally, this was to be a collaborative effort between the Town and the Jamestown Bussiness Assocation (JBA). While we had a good turnout for the individual interviews (many thanks to Martha Wolfe for her help in getting that set up for us!!!!), I was a little disappointed that more folks did not show up for Hilary's presentation on Wednesday evening. Often, the Town is accused of being "difficult" when it comes to businesses. I suppose I hear that more often than most becuase of my job as the "Enforcement Officer", though. However, when the Town does attempt to open the channels of communication, it is discouraging to see such a meager turnout! I hope we can correct these issues in the future! Hilary's report on the "health" of our business community will be coming soon. I will make sure a digital copy is posted on our website. Stay tuned!
On Tuesday, our Town Council adopted the 2008-2009 budget, which begins on July 1. The Planning Dpeartment has outlined several goals that I would like to see completed in the upcoming fiscal year:
-- Complete a Deep River Paddle Trail/Greenway Plan
-- Complete the Development Ordinance Rewrite
-- Complete the Tree Preservation Ordinance
-- Complete a Pedestrian Master Plan
-- Complee a study of our Downtown areas with Greenberg Development Services
-- Acquire neighborhood park lands and re-apply for a PARTF grant (to develop)
-- Complete the expansion of our ETJ
-- Investigating the possibility of annexations
If you have specific questions about any of these tasks, I would encourage you to contact me at 336.454.1138 or mjohnson@jamestown-nc.gov.
Have a great weekend!
6.05.2008
Birthday "Surprise"
This is what your co-workers do to you when: 1)You are responsible for enforcing the Town's sign ordinance; 2)Election "season" just passed; 3)It's your birtday; 4)All of the above.
Yes...my office was plastered with old election signs as a "birthday surpise". So, as you can see, I had to pick these signs up TWICE! It was a thoughtful gesture, though, and I had a great laugh. Contrary to popular belief, I am NOT 42...but rather, 32 this year.
I suppose it just goes to show you that government employees CAN have a sense of humor, too!
Enjoy your day...
~Matthew
6.03.2008
Greg Niles Remembered
The planning community, as well as the citizens of Guilford County, lost a great guy this past Saturday. Greg Niles was one of the most sincere and genuine folks I have ever met. I had the pleasure of working with him on a number of projects, the most recent being the expansion of our ETJ, which required County approval. I had a lot of respect for Greg and enjoyed his keen sense of humor. He will certainly be missed by his family, his staff, and those who had the pleasure of working with him.
This is from the Greensboro News & Record:
Kenneth Greg Niles
GREENSBORO — Kenneth Greg Niles passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2008, in Greensboro, N.C.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
Greg was the planning and development director for Guilford County.
Greg was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 23, 1963, and grew up in Oneonta in Upstate New York. He attended school in Oneonta and graduated from Oneonta High School in 1981. During high school, Greg was a Rotary Exchange student and spent a year living and studying in Australia. Greg earned a bachelors degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va., in 1985. Shortly after graduating from Washington & Lee, Greg joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Island of Cebu in the Republic of the Philippines. Greg specialized in community water projects.
While serving in the Philippines, Greg met fellow Peace Corps volunteer, Claire Conlan. They married on their return to the United States and Greg began his Masters studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Greg's career in municipal planning included positions with Otsego County in Cooperstown, New York, the city of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the city of Marco Island, Florida before assuming the position in Guilford County in 2005.
Greg will be remembered by all who knew him as a loving husband, father, son, brother friend and neighbor. He was completely dedicated to his family and to public service. His warmth and sense of humor will never be forgotten.
Greg is survived by his wife, Claire; their three sons, Connor, Aidan and Liam; his mother, Isabelle Niles of Oneonta, New York and his brother, George Lee Niles of Edmond, Oklahoma. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
The family will receive visitors from 3 until 5 and from 7 until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at the Forbis & Dick Funeral Home, 5926 West Friendly Ave. in Greensboro, N.C.
The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made to the Greg Niles Educational Fund at any Bank of America.
On-line condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com
This is from the Greensboro News & Record:
Kenneth Greg Niles
GREENSBORO — Kenneth Greg Niles passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2008, in Greensboro, N.C.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
Greg was the planning and development director for Guilford County.
Greg was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 23, 1963, and grew up in Oneonta in Upstate New York. He attended school in Oneonta and graduated from Oneonta High School in 1981. During high school, Greg was a Rotary Exchange student and spent a year living and studying in Australia. Greg earned a bachelors degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va., in 1985. Shortly after graduating from Washington & Lee, Greg joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Island of Cebu in the Republic of the Philippines. Greg specialized in community water projects.
While serving in the Philippines, Greg met fellow Peace Corps volunteer, Claire Conlan. They married on their return to the United States and Greg began his Masters studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Greg's career in municipal planning included positions with Otsego County in Cooperstown, New York, the city of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the city of Marco Island, Florida before assuming the position in Guilford County in 2005.
Greg will be remembered by all who knew him as a loving husband, father, son, brother friend and neighbor. He was completely dedicated to his family and to public service. His warmth and sense of humor will never be forgotten.
Greg is survived by his wife, Claire; their three sons, Connor, Aidan and Liam; his mother, Isabelle Niles of Oneonta, New York and his brother, George Lee Niles of Edmond, Oklahoma. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
The family will receive visitors from 3 until 5 and from 7 until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at the Forbis & Dick Funeral Home, 5926 West Friendly Ave. in Greensboro, N.C.
The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made to the Greg Niles Educational Fund at any Bank of America.
On-line condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com
5.27.2008
Tree Ordinance Update & Pruning at Town Hall
"Before"
"After"
Good morning, folks. We are wrapping up our tree ordinance and will hopefully have it ready for a public hearing at the July Town Council meeting. If you'd like to see a copy of the draft document, please let me know and I can email you a PDF of it. I will be meeting with our consultant this afternoon to decide which graphics to insert and just where they will go. I believe most people would rather see decent graphics instead of reading the actual text...so we will try hard to get some images in there that are self-explanatory.
Speaking of images, I want to share a couple of pictures with you of the pruning job that Davey Tree performed on a couple of oak trees here at Town Hall. The work was completed on Friday, May 23rd. As you can see in the "Before" and "After" shots, there isn't a LOT of visible difference. However, if you were to actually walk up and inspect the tree, quite a bit of material was removed. This is how a pruning job SHOULD look. Your trees should NOT look like this:
Tree "Topping" is actually VERY harmful to the tree and is NOT the correct method of pruning! The Town of Jamestown highly recommends that you seek the services of an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist. If you have questions or would like more information, I urge you to contact me at 336.454.1138 or mjohnson@jamestown-nc.gov for more information. I would be happy to discuss your trees with you, as I am also a Certified Arborist. While the Town does not perform tree work or make diagnosis of trees, I would be happy to point you towards those companies which employ Certified Arborists.
Have a great afternoon!
~Matthew (ISA Certified Arborist #MA-3153A)
5.15.2008
Sailing Away...
I've been away from posting for a few days, but I hope to get back into the swing of things soon. Part of the reason is that I've been taking a sailing class after work, which leaves little time to post. But, that is over now...and I'm getting back on the right tack. Ha ha. The course is sponsored by the the City of Greensboro Parks & Recreation Dept and Lake Townsend Yacht Club (http://www.laketownsendyachtclub.com/Includes/homeport.asp). I would encourage anyone interested in sailing to check out the course. The instructors are great and I'd recommend it for persons of any age!
Well, we do have some news to report that relates to Planning! The Town recently learned that it was the recipient of a grant award from NCDOT's Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning Division for $24,000! This grant is an 80/20-style grant, where the Town will be responsible for matching the award with 20%...or $6,000 in this case. We will be using these funds to create a Pedestrian Master Plan, which will discuss the state of our current pedestrian facilities and make recommendations for new facilities. Our goal is to have a prioritized list of needs, and to then begin to tackle those needs in a logical fashion. We will coordinate efforts with our Development Ordinance Rewrite folks, our Downtown Study folks, and our citizens to ensure we come out with a plan that complements our other planning efforts! Stay tuned for more info, or feel free to call me at 336-454-1138!
Well, we do have some news to report that relates to Planning! The Town recently learned that it was the recipient of a grant award from NCDOT's Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning Division for $24,000! This grant is an 80/20-style grant, where the Town will be responsible for matching the award with 20%...or $6,000 in this case. We will be using these funds to create a Pedestrian Master Plan, which will discuss the state of our current pedestrian facilities and make recommendations for new facilities. Our goal is to have a prioritized list of needs, and to then begin to tackle those needs in a logical fashion. We will coordinate efforts with our Development Ordinance Rewrite folks, our Downtown Study folks, and our citizens to ensure we come out with a plan that complements our other planning efforts! Stay tuned for more info, or feel free to call me at 336-454-1138!
~Matthew
5.08.2008
New Ordinance Kick-off & Rezonings
Ok...it has been about a week since I was able to last post an update...which is terrible. I hope to get back on track, but have been extremely busy with a number of items which needed attention. Town staff have been working diligently to get our new Development Ordinance project up and running. The consultant which was hired to assist in this endeavor, GreenPlan/Chenevert Architects of Asheville, met with Town staff, local business owners, Town Council members, P&Z Board members, and landowners on April 11th. In this meeting, the consultants' goal was to listen to the citizens concerns about development and to get first-hand knowledge of the Town by touring the area.
Following this meeting, the consultant provided the Town with a diagnostic report which included their initial reactions and ideas. To summarize their comments, they provided us with four categories: Locations of Concern; Issues of Concern; Ideas; and Desired Components.
Locations of Concern included: Downtown or the "Town Core", GTCC, Jamestown Bypass area, Oakdale area, Large vacant properties near town, Gateway Corridors (Main St., Guilford Rd., Guilford College Rd, Scientific, Oakdale), and "Barriers" such as the Deep River and the Railroad tracks.
Issues of Concern included: Signage, Loopholes, Enforcement, Property maintenance/minimum housing standards, Aesthetics, community participation, festivals and events, respecting our history.
Ideas included: Redevelop Food Lion Center as "urban village" (think Friendly Shopping Center on a SMALLER scale), Oakdale Road (mill area) conservation district, Proactive regulations, Historic district.
Desired Components included: "Green" Building Code, livability, bike paths/greenways, historic features, flexibility, strong design focus, destination streetscaping (Town Core), and Overlay districts.
If you have ANY questions about these items, please feel free to call me. The consultant will be back in Jamestown on May 23rd to meet with business owners (11am-12:30pm), large property owners (9am-10:30am), and our Advisory Committee to discuss some of the "nuts and bolts" of the new Ordinance. Martha Wolfe, Town Clerk, will be sending invitations to specific persons, but anyone is welcome to attend. The following is an excerpt from the "invitation" from GreenPlan:
At the meeting, GreenPlan-Chenevert Architects will give a brief presentation about the community’s goals that came out of the Land Development Plan process. We will then explain various zoning and development tools that Jamestown can use to achieve these goals. The majority of the meeting will be used to get your feedback regarding the development regulation ideas that we presented. GreenPlan-Chenevert Architects will have specific questions (many of which include signage) for you and we will also have time to talk freely.
We hope you will be able to attend the meeting on May 23, 2008 11:00AM -12:30PM at the Jamestown Town Hall.
Please RSVP by calling Matthew Johnson, Town Planner, at 454-1138.
SO....please let us know if you can join us!
NEXT TOPIC: Rezoning request at 5299 Mackay Rd.
We have received a rezoning request for a property located near the intersection of Mackay Rd. and Guilford College Rd. This property was rezoned from Agriculture (AG) to CU-R-12 PUD (Residential, with a special use permit to allow 'townhomes') in 2006. The initial developer has decided not to build on this site and the current owner would like develop this property on their own. However, this particular developer builds a number of 'high-end' condominium properties in the Triad and would like to petition the Town for a new special use permit which would allow condominiums.
The Town has worked very closely with this developer and I believe we will be seeing a much nicer project than was originally designed for this site. The new rezoning would allow condominiums, but we have limited the height to a maximum of two stories, and restricted the construction materials to 80% brick. Additionally, we have requested sidewalks to be installed on this property along Mackay Rd. Instead of the more typical condo projects (ex- Lennox Square), this project will look more akin to 'townhomes'. This developer has completed a similar project in Greensboro, and here are a couple of pictures that I snapped to demonstrate:
The P&Z Board will consider this request at their meeting on Monday, May 12th, at 6:30pm here at Town Hall. If you have questions regarding this rezoning, please feel free to contact me at 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
Following this meeting, the consultant provided the Town with a diagnostic report which included their initial reactions and ideas. To summarize their comments, they provided us with four categories: Locations of Concern; Issues of Concern; Ideas; and Desired Components.
Locations of Concern included: Downtown or the "Town Core", GTCC, Jamestown Bypass area, Oakdale area, Large vacant properties near town, Gateway Corridors (Main St., Guilford Rd., Guilford College Rd, Scientific, Oakdale), and "Barriers" such as the Deep River and the Railroad tracks.
Issues of Concern included: Signage, Loopholes, Enforcement, Property maintenance/minimum housing standards, Aesthetics, community participation, festivals and events, respecting our history.
Ideas included: Redevelop Food Lion Center as "urban village" (think Friendly Shopping Center on a SMALLER scale), Oakdale Road (mill area) conservation district, Proactive regulations, Historic district.
Desired Components included: "Green" Building Code, livability, bike paths/greenways, historic features, flexibility, strong design focus, destination streetscaping (Town Core), and Overlay districts.
If you have ANY questions about these items, please feel free to call me. The consultant will be back in Jamestown on May 23rd to meet with business owners (11am-12:30pm), large property owners (9am-10:30am), and our Advisory Committee to discuss some of the "nuts and bolts" of the new Ordinance. Martha Wolfe, Town Clerk, will be sending invitations to specific persons, but anyone is welcome to attend. The following is an excerpt from the "invitation" from GreenPlan:
At the meeting, GreenPlan-Chenevert Architects will give a brief presentation about the community’s goals that came out of the Land Development Plan process. We will then explain various zoning and development tools that Jamestown can use to achieve these goals. The majority of the meeting will be used to get your feedback regarding the development regulation ideas that we presented. GreenPlan-Chenevert Architects will have specific questions (many of which include signage) for you and we will also have time to talk freely.
We hope you will be able to attend the meeting on May 23, 2008 11:00AM -12:30PM at the Jamestown Town Hall.
Please RSVP by calling Matthew Johnson, Town Planner, at 454-1138.
SO....please let us know if you can join us!
NEXT TOPIC: Rezoning request at 5299 Mackay Rd.
We have received a rezoning request for a property located near the intersection of Mackay Rd. and Guilford College Rd. This property was rezoned from Agriculture (AG) to CU-R-12 PUD (Residential, with a special use permit to allow 'townhomes') in 2006. The initial developer has decided not to build on this site and the current owner would like develop this property on their own. However, this particular developer builds a number of 'high-end' condominium properties in the Triad and would like to petition the Town for a new special use permit which would allow condominiums.
The Town has worked very closely with this developer and I believe we will be seeing a much nicer project than was originally designed for this site. The new rezoning would allow condominiums, but we have limited the height to a maximum of two stories, and restricted the construction materials to 80% brick. Additionally, we have requested sidewalks to be installed on this property along Mackay Rd. Instead of the more typical condo projects (ex- Lennox Square), this project will look more akin to 'townhomes'. This developer has completed a similar project in Greensboro, and here are a couple of pictures that I snapped to demonstrate:
The P&Z Board will consider this request at their meeting on Monday, May 12th, at 6:30pm here at Town Hall. If you have questions regarding this rezoning, please feel free to contact me at 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
4.29.2008
Busy, Busy, Busy...
I have been catching up on a lot of loose ends the last few days, so my posts have been lower on the totem pole, lately. I promise to have some new information to post in the next few days. But, for now, I would like to remind folks of the upcoming events:
Wednesday, April 30th - "Wacky Wednesday" or "Sip 'n Shop"...either way, our local businesses will again be sponsoring this unique shopping event where local businesses stay open a little later, serve tasty treats, and invite folks to drop in to chat and shop. I met up with Betty Coleman of the new Art Nest Gallery and Frame Shop, who shared her idea of a "Scavenger Hunt" which will happen at tomorrow's event. RUMOR HAS IT...that Rich Brenner, of Fox 8 Sports Fame, will even be on-site to welcome folks... You'll just have to find him!
Saturday, May 3rd- "Jamestown Day", which is sponsored by the Jamestown Business Association will be held on the Library grounds this coming Saturday. You can find out more information from visiting JBA's website at http://www.jamestownba.org/jamestown-day/ .
I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend!
-Matthew
Wednesday, April 30th - "Wacky Wednesday" or "Sip 'n Shop"...either way, our local businesses will again be sponsoring this unique shopping event where local businesses stay open a little later, serve tasty treats, and invite folks to drop in to chat and shop. I met up with Betty Coleman of the new Art Nest Gallery and Frame Shop, who shared her idea of a "Scavenger Hunt" which will happen at tomorrow's event. RUMOR HAS IT...that Rich Brenner, of Fox 8 Sports Fame, will even be on-site to welcome folks... You'll just have to find him!
Saturday, May 3rd- "Jamestown Day", which is sponsored by the Jamestown Business Association will be held on the Library grounds this coming Saturday. You can find out more information from visiting JBA's website at http://www.jamestownba.org/jamestown-day/ .
I hope everyone has a safe and fun weekend!
-Matthew
4.23.2008
New Street Signs & Posts
The Town of Jamestown has recently instituted a new Street Sign Post specification and some of our first examples are now being installed. Currently, the newest additions are located at Lennox Square Condos on W. Main St. and at James Plantation on Guilford College Rd. As you can see from the photo, the signs and decorative poles and blade holders really add to our landscape!
As a quick note, the white blade with green letters (Lennox Square Dr.) denotes the fact that this street is a "private" street and is not maintained by the Town. "Public" streets will retain the green background with white lettering, which is standard practice in most municipalities.
The plan is to initially begin to replace the older white posts and street name signs in our "Town Core" area, with the first delivery occurring in the next few months. Initially, we will begin to replace signage along Main Street between Guilford Rd. and Oakdale Rd. As funds become available, we will extend these signs posts throughout town as a whole. As development occurs, we will require them to meet our sign standards, which will hasten the transition from the older style posts and signs to the newer styles.
Along those same lines, the Town Council has approved the funding of banner posts and banners to line the same area, which is becoming known as our "Town Core". The initial banners will show off our new Town Seal and welcome visitors and citizens to our "Historic District". Stay tuned for more info and photos as we move forward with our plan to assist in the beautification of Jamestown!
-Matthew
As a quick note, the white blade with green letters (Lennox Square Dr.) denotes the fact that this street is a "private" street and is not maintained by the Town. "Public" streets will retain the green background with white lettering, which is standard practice in most municipalities.
The plan is to initially begin to replace the older white posts and street name signs in our "Town Core" area, with the first delivery occurring in the next few months. Initially, we will begin to replace signage along Main Street between Guilford Rd. and Oakdale Rd. As funds become available, we will extend these signs posts throughout town as a whole. As development occurs, we will require them to meet our sign standards, which will hasten the transition from the older style posts and signs to the newer styles.
Along those same lines, the Town Council has approved the funding of banner posts and banners to line the same area, which is becoming known as our "Town Core". The initial banners will show off our new Town Seal and welcome visitors and citizens to our "Historic District". Stay tuned for more info and photos as we move forward with our plan to assist in the beautification of Jamestown!
-Matthew
4.22.2008
Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day! In the spirit of Earth Day, we are reminding our citizens that Jamestown does indeed have a recycling center (behind Town Hall and the Fire Station) located at 301 E. Main St. This is a 'voluntary' recycling center and is open 24/7. We do ask that you are mindful about placing the correct items (aluminum, paper, plastic) in the respective areas. If the hauler we contract with deems that the items are "contaminated" (i.e.- paper in the plastic bin, aluminum in the paper bin, etc.) then the ENTIRE load is placed in the landfill...which negates any benefit from trying to recycle the materials.
The Town's Public Services Director, Chuck Smith, has been working with the hauler to allow us to "co-mingle" the materials and this would alleviate some hassle for our citizens! He is also working hard to have the ability for cardboard recycling also! If you have specific questions regarding our recycling or sanitation routes, please call Chuck at 336.454.1138 or email csmith@jamestown-nc.us.
As you may have seen in the news, Jamestown Town Staff are also working hard on a Tree Preservation Ordinance, just celebrated Arbor Day in March, and are working closely with the Mayor and Town Council to support new "green" initiatives in Jamestown. Please stay tuned to this blog and the Jamestown News for the latest developments!
-Matthew
4.20.2008
Jamestown Golf Course
Well, everyone is entitled to a little relaxation every now and again. So, Friday, I decided to take a 1/2 day off and enjoy the Jamestown Park Golf Course. The course is in great condition, given the fact that the Triad experienced (and is still in) a severe drought over the past year or so. Kudos to Jay Gardner, Course Superintendent and his staff for keeping our golf course one of the most beautiful in the area...and on a municipal budget, too!
No...that is not me...this is stock imagery that the Town used on the golf course's website at http://www.jamestownparkgolf.com/. I would encourage everyone to visit the website and the Park itself. We offer a driving range, picnic shelters, ball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, and there's even a clubhouse grill where you can grab a bite to eat. We even have pros on stall that would be happy to give lessons to those (like me) who may need a "tweak" here and there. **This makes an EXCELLENT gift for Mother's or Father's Day...or for any occasion!** As you can see, there are opportunities for the entire family at Jamestown Park!
Adjacent to the golf course is the Bicentennial Greenway trail, which runs from the Piedmont Environmental Center north to Gibson Park. This is a paved trail which is great for walking, biking, or running. Guilford County, the City of High Point, the City of Greensboro and the Town of Jamestown are currently working on methods to connect these points of interest with greenway trails. In fact, Guilford County residents will have the chance to vote on May 6th for a Parks & Recreation Bond which would assist in completing portions of the greenway trail network, as well as other projects throughout the county. You can read more about it in the brochure below.
It was a beautiful day...and by the looks of the parking lot, everyone else decided it was an excellent time for golf as well. Having just begun to take up the sport, I have had the chance to play several other courses in the area and I am continually impressed with Jamestown's layout and the course conditions. I won't talk about what I scored...but I'm working on those issues a little at a time.
No...that is not me...this is stock imagery that the Town used on the golf course's website at http://www.jamestownparkgolf.com/. I would encourage everyone to visit the website and the Park itself. We offer a driving range, picnic shelters, ball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, and there's even a clubhouse grill where you can grab a bite to eat. We even have pros on stall that would be happy to give lessons to those (like me) who may need a "tweak" here and there. **This makes an EXCELLENT gift for Mother's or Father's Day...or for any occasion!** As you can see, there are opportunities for the entire family at Jamestown Park!Adjacent to the golf course is the Bicentennial Greenway trail, which runs from the Piedmont Environmental Center north to Gibson Park. This is a paved trail which is great for walking, biking, or running. Guilford County, the City of High Point, the City of Greensboro and the Town of Jamestown are currently working on methods to connect these points of interest with greenway trails. In fact, Guilford County residents will have the chance to vote on May 6th for a Parks & Recreation Bond which would assist in completing portions of the greenway trail network, as well as other projects throughout the county. You can read more about it in the brochure below.
As you can see, we offer a LOT of recreational opportunities in the Town of Jamestown and we are continually working on ways to bring more to our citizens. Stay tuned for more on this soon!
So, get out there and enjoy our beautiful spring weather and try out our Parks! If you have suggestions or comments, feel free to post them here, email me at mjohnson@jamestown-nc.us or call 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
4.17.2008
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs...
As the song goes, they're "Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind... Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign!"Yes, it's that time of year again, where political signs (along with advertisements for anything from haircuts to mattresses) invade our town.
So, I thought I would try to help get the word out about just WHERE those signs are "OK" and where they are not. NCDOT (as well as the Town) does not allow signage to be placed in its right-of-way (ROW). Signage in the ROW is distracting, aesthetically unpleasing, and can potentially block views of traffic which may lead to accidents. As shown in the attached document from NCDOT, municipalities must also abide by these laws.
So, you ask, what are the rules? Well, I'm glad you asked!
First, "political signs" include signs, poster, or bills which promote or publicize candidates for public office or issues to be voted on in a general or special election.
The Town may remove and dispose of political signs or any other sign posted in the road right-of-way. The Town will also remove any signs placed on Town property, excluding signs placed at Town Hall on the days that polls are open.
Political campaign signs are allowed on private property, with the property owner's consent. Any such signs, posters or bills may only be displayed 30 days prior to the election and must be removed within 7 days after the election. ONLY ONE SIGN PER CANDIDATE OR PER ISSUE IS ALLOWED ON A ZONE LOT. This means, basically, that you can have several signs for different candidates or different issues...but you may NOT have multiple signs for one single candidate or issue.
Although the campaign may agree to remove any sign, the property owner is ultimately responsible for compliance with the removal policy.
Second, we often get asked the question, "What is the right-of-way?" First, the technical answer: The road right-of way includes the paved road and a strip of land, usually on either side of the road, that is reserved for shoulders, drainage ditches, sidewalks, traffic signs, electrical traffic signal control boxes, utility lines and future road expansion. Because the width of the right-of-way varies, the Town of Jamestown often receives complaints about campaign signs inadvertently placed on public right-of-way. In some cases, the right-of-way extends only a short distance beyond the paved roadway — perhaps just past the shoulder. In other cases, the right-of-way may extend well into what appears to be someone's front yard.
The right-of-way boundary is an invisible line that may not be possible to identify without detailed legal maps and a formal survey. Property owners may not know the exact right-of-way boundary and may have maintained, landscaped or fenced this area. When in doubt about the location of the right-of-way boundary, post the campaign sign on private property well past the point of uncertainty.
That being said (whew!), we try to be as lenient as possible in our interpretation of the ROW's location. Therefore, we ask you to follow these basic "rules of thumb":
1) Signs are generally "OK" when placed on the PROPERTY side of the sidewalk.
2) If there is not a sidewalk, try to stay at least 10-15' from the edge of the asphalt or back of the curbline.
3)If there are telephone/power poles in the vicinity, signs placed on the PROPERTY side of those poles will be fine.
4)If in doubt, call me at 336.454.1138 and I will be glad to meet with you to best determine locations for your signs.
What can be done if signs are posted on private property without permission, you ask? Property owners can contact the campaign to ask to have the sign removed and advise the campaign about the error so it is not repeated. Guilford County Elections, will have the campaign's number if it is not on the sign.
Illegally posted signs cost money and illegally posted signs in the road right-of-way can reduce driver visibility, distract drivers' attention, or force pedestrians and bicyclists into traffic or difficult terrain alongside the road shoulder.
Illegally posted signs also waste taxpayer dollars. Each year, the Town logs numerous complaints about improperly posted signs. Money is wasted when Town crews spend time removing signs before mowing or performing other maintenance activities, and when Town investigators spend time following up on sign complaints.
How to complain about illegally placed signs:
To complain about illegally posted campaign signs on public property, easements or right-of-way in the Town of Jamestown, please call 336.454.1138.
4.16.2008
Town Considers ETJ Expansion
The Town completed and adopted a newly updated Comprehensive Plan (The 2020 Land Development Plan) in December 2007. The LDP contained several recommendations for long range planning in the Town of Jamestown, including the expansion of our extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
The way an area which is immediately outside a town is developed can dramatically affect the town itself. Development can change neighborhood character, traffic patterns, the need for town services, and a host of other variables which can ultimately affect property values in and around a town. Additionally, it is not unreasonable to think that those areas may one day be part of the town, too. Because of this, the State allows towns to extend its planning authority over the area immediately outside the town limits. In our case, the Town of Jamestown (because of its size) may only extend our ETJ limits up to 1 mile from the current corporate town limits.
ETJ EXPANSION IS NOT AN ANNEXATION! ETJ jurisdiction means that the town may prepare and review land use plans and apply all of its land use ordinances - zoning, subdivision, flood protection, soil erosion and control, and signage regulations - to the area. Residents in the ETJ will not pay Town taxes and the Town has no requirement to extend city services to the areas in the ETJ. Those residents in the ETJ, however, WILL be allowed to serve on the Town's Planning and Zoning Board and Board of Adjustment as ETJ representatives.
The Town is considering an expansion of its ETJ areas due to ever increasing growth pressures (new schools, Jamestown Bypass, etc.) along the fringe of the Town's borders. By State law, the Town will be required to request this expansion from the County first. After obtaining permission to proceed, the Town will be required to mail each property owner in the area a notice of a public hearing (date to be determined in the future) and a notice of the establishment of "initial city zoning". At this time, the Town will likely strive to maintain zoning districts which are similar to the zoning districts now seen in the County. The Town staff will additionally hold 1-2 informational meetings during this time period to help answer citizen's questions.
If you have questions about this process or would like to determine whether or not your property will be included, please feel free to contact me at 336.454.1138. I have included the following map for reference, however. The darkest areas will be the areas where we are proposing an expansion of the ETJ.
-Matthew
4.15.2008
Town Core - Business Study
The Town has asked Hillary Greenberg of Greenberg Development Services (GDS) to assist the Town and the Jamestown Business Association in evaluating its business districts strengths and weaknesses. GDS has provided technical assistance to downtown business districts and local governments across the country for over 18 years. Based in Charlotte, NC, GDS provides information ranging from market analysis to business recruitment. The firm's areas of expertise includes the development of business recruitment programs that can be implemented by business associations or local governments.
Hillary will be visiting Jamestown on June 10-11, 2008, to assess the Town's Core business district mix, overall strengths and weaknesses and will interview key civic and business leaders regarding market opportunities and issues that negatively impact future investment opportunities. At the conclusion of the visit, GDS will summarize general observations and provide recommendations for enhancing Jamestown's business environment in a presentation to Staff, business owners, and local elected officials. GDS will provide a follow-up report that summarizes these findings and makes recommendations for future activities along with an analysis of market trends and conditions that impact development objectives.
This will be a cooperative effort between the Town of Jamestown and the Jamestown Business Association, as well as non-JBA member businesses in our town. We hope that this evaluation of our business districts will allow the Town, JBA, and other businesses the opportunity to determine a clear direction for enhancement efforts. We value our business community and would like to make efforts to improve our Town for each of our citizens! For more information, or to volunteer, please contact me at 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
Hillary will be visiting Jamestown on June 10-11, 2008, to assess the Town's Core business district mix, overall strengths and weaknesses and will interview key civic and business leaders regarding market opportunities and issues that negatively impact future investment opportunities. At the conclusion of the visit, GDS will summarize general observations and provide recommendations for enhancing Jamestown's business environment in a presentation to Staff, business owners, and local elected officials. GDS will provide a follow-up report that summarizes these findings and makes recommendations for future activities along with an analysis of market trends and conditions that impact development objectives.
This will be a cooperative effort between the Town of Jamestown and the Jamestown Business Association, as well as non-JBA member businesses in our town. We hope that this evaluation of our business districts will allow the Town, JBA, and other businesses the opportunity to determine a clear direction for enhancement efforts. We value our business community and would like to make efforts to improve our Town for each of our citizens! For more information, or to volunteer, please contact me at 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
Ordinance Changes Coming!
Good morning. On Friday, April 11, our Town Council, P&Z Board, and Development Ordinance Committee met with the folks from "Greenplan/Chenevert Architects" here in Jamestown. Greenplan was selected from a group of applicants to assist the Town's staff in re-writing our Development Ordinances. These Ordinances control how development occurs in our jurisdiction and includes things such as sign regulations, subdivision, zoning, design/appearance standards, watershed, parking, and much MUCH more!
Our Ordinances reflect a typical "post-WWII" style of development, where large single-family lots with large setbacks dominate the landscape. However, as land has become a premium, pressure has been mounting in the development community to add more density to lots. This typically leads to more mixed-use-type developments and multi-family (townhouses, condos, apartments) uses. Our Ordinance is simply outdated when it comes to this style of development. Additionally, there has been some discussion among local business owners and the Town staff to develop more flexible signage regulations, parking regulations, and the like. Therefore, we have kicked-off an effort to rewrite our Ordinances.
Yes, it is an expensive endeavor...but it is my sincere belief that we will have a more flexible Ordinance which will allow the Town of Jamestown to grow and develop in a way that will enhance our community and the lives our citizens. The rewrite will take approximately 12-18 months...but we have agreed to take a look at our signage regulations first, and adopt an interim module which will help our local businesses. I hope that this portion will be completed by the end of the summer (August). Obviously, we will share draft portions of this section with our Development Ordinance Rewrite Committee (new name to come soon...since this one is cumbersome), local business owners, and other citizens. Stay tuned to this Blog for more details!
-Matthew
Our Ordinances reflect a typical "post-WWII" style of development, where large single-family lots with large setbacks dominate the landscape. However, as land has become a premium, pressure has been mounting in the development community to add more density to lots. This typically leads to more mixed-use-type developments and multi-family (townhouses, condos, apartments) uses. Our Ordinance is simply outdated when it comes to this style of development. Additionally, there has been some discussion among local business owners and the Town staff to develop more flexible signage regulations, parking regulations, and the like. Therefore, we have kicked-off an effort to rewrite our Ordinances.
Yes, it is an expensive endeavor...but it is my sincere belief that we will have a more flexible Ordinance which will allow the Town of Jamestown to grow and develop in a way that will enhance our community and the lives our citizens. The rewrite will take approximately 12-18 months...but we have agreed to take a look at our signage regulations first, and adopt an interim module which will help our local businesses. I hope that this portion will be completed by the end of the summer (August). Obviously, we will share draft portions of this section with our Development Ordinance Rewrite Committee (new name to come soon...since this one is cumbersome), local business owners, and other citizens. Stay tuned to this Blog for more details!
-Matthew
Rezoning Request for 101 Potter Dr.
Our Planning & Zoning Board (P&Z Board) met last night to discuss a rezoning request at 101 Potter Dr (see map below, lot is highlighted in blue).
The request is to rezone this property from R-12 to B-2. Following a lengthy staff report, staff recommended "denial" based on the following excerpt from the staff report:
The mission of the Planning Department is to provide education, information, recommendation, and leadership products to citizens of Jamestown so they can enjoy a quality of life enriched by choices in housing and transportation, efficient use of public infrastructure, distinctive community character, and a robust civic life.
Staff feels that if this property were to develop in conjunction with adjacent properties or if there were a specific use to be considered for this site, that this rezoning request would be more appropriate. Additionally, the size of this site is self-limiting and many commercial uses would not be appropriate or be able to meet current Ordinance requirements (parking, watershed, etc.) - and still remain a viable commercial site for the citizens of Jamestown. Staff opinion is that speculative rezonings can potentially result in an undesirable mixture of uses within the community. If this site were to be combined with adjacent lots or if the Town were presented with a more-specific site development plan, then perhaps staff recommendations would be different.
Based on all the information contained in this report, the Planning Department recommends denial.
After a discussion among the P&Z Board members, the vote was unanimous to send the case to the Town Council with a recommendation for denial. However, Town Council will have the final say in the matter at the scheduled public hearing. The public hearing will be held at the May Council meeting, which will be Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 7PM at Town Hall.
Per our Ordinance, properties which are immediately adjacent to this lot (including across the street), will receive notification from the Town regarding the public hearing. Other citizens which desire further information may call me at Town Hall at 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
The request is to rezone this property from R-12 to B-2. Following a lengthy staff report, staff recommended "denial" based on the following excerpt from the staff report:
The mission of the Planning Department is to provide education, information, recommendation, and leadership products to citizens of Jamestown so they can enjoy a quality of life enriched by choices in housing and transportation, efficient use of public infrastructure, distinctive community character, and a robust civic life.
Staff feels that if this property were to develop in conjunction with adjacent properties or if there were a specific use to be considered for this site, that this rezoning request would be more appropriate. Additionally, the size of this site is self-limiting and many commercial uses would not be appropriate or be able to meet current Ordinance requirements (parking, watershed, etc.) - and still remain a viable commercial site for the citizens of Jamestown. Staff opinion is that speculative rezonings can potentially result in an undesirable mixture of uses within the community. If this site were to be combined with adjacent lots or if the Town were presented with a more-specific site development plan, then perhaps staff recommendations would be different.
Based on all the information contained in this report, the Planning Department recommends denial.
After a discussion among the P&Z Board members, the vote was unanimous to send the case to the Town Council with a recommendation for denial. However, Town Council will have the final say in the matter at the scheduled public hearing. The public hearing will be held at the May Council meeting, which will be Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 7PM at Town Hall.
Per our Ordinance, properties which are immediately adjacent to this lot (including across the street), will receive notification from the Town regarding the public hearing. Other citizens which desire further information may call me at Town Hall at 336.454.1138.
-Matthew
Welcome!
Good morning. I have decided to start a Blog to help our citizens stay current on what's new with the Town of Jamestown's Planning Department. It is my goal to post information which is relevant to the citizens of Jamestown regarding urban planning. Current news, meeting notices, public updates, and the like will be posted here. If you have suggestions regarding content you would like to see or comments in general, please feel free to post comments here. I will make every effort to adapt these postings to address the communities concerns.
Thanks, and welcome to "Jamestown Planning News"!
Matthew
Thanks, and welcome to "Jamestown Planning News"!
Matthew
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