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
4.29.2008
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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