Date: Tue, 22 May 2012 09:26:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: Betty Black
Subject: Pittsboro Trash Alley

I stopped to look at the trees on main street again today in Pittsboro- There were no parking spaces, so I parked in the back, near the bakery and walked to main street. What a shock!  The little alleyway between Capitol Bank and 53 Hillsboro street is full of trash and junk. I had caught a glimpse of this the other day and thought I was mistaken – but holy trash! More has been added.  There are bags of trash, cardboard boxes that have been rained on- Many sheets of sheet-rock
that have been there so long, they have gotten wet and are crumbling apart.  The sheet-rock is so far out in the driveway, it has been run over by cars.

Mind you, there is a dumpster less that 40 feet away-  Now, if you doubt my word, take a look for yourself.  I have pictures I took- just to back up my story.  I hope this is cleaned up pronto-  That alleyway is used frequently by school kids. Anyone know who owns that building?

Pretty little Pittsboro image is beginning to fade.

Betty Black

Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:12:02 -0400
From: Lynn Contant Fass
Subject: Chatham County’s future? on the Line

Chatham County,

Chatham County is facing an environmental crisis; Jordan Lake is impaired and
Fracking is likely to be forced on us and the main discussion on the
chatlist is snakes and recycling.  Oh we have those big time! Chatham County
also has a few commissioners that don’t seem to be able to think for
themselves.  Remember the game, “follow the leader”. Even if that leader is
taking Chatham County over a cliff.    Where is the research and hard facts
to backup their decisions of the draft Cary Land Use Map with Chatham County?
  Many areas of this recent map should be up for an intense review.  Wake
up every body, we are in trouble.    ****

All the area within one mile of the lake was one house per five acres.  But
then, all of a sudden, this became one house per once acre.  What happened
to the idea of protecting Jordan Lake, a drinking water supply?    I also
question why the commissioners created a high density donut hole at Mt.
Pisgah and New Hope Road.  This density is surrounded on three sides by
Markham Planation and Woods of Chatham, large lot subdivisions.  This makes
no sense!****

Mr. Bock says he wants to protect Jordan Lake, this is not going to happen with this map.  ****

Now Fracking:  Are you  aware or prepared for the pipelines that will
follow a fracking pad?  I have been a victim of these pipelines in the
past.  Yes, a natural gas line ran through my farm and Williams Natural gas
pipeline told me they would be in and out of there in a week – I wouldn’t
even know they had been there.  Seven months later, I still had with a 50
foot wide, 12 ft. deep, 1000 ft.+ mud trench through the middle of my horse
farm.  Pastures were non-existent, fencing was destroyed, and to add insult
to injury, Williams (Transco) trucked out my topsoil to sell and use on
another site.  This all happened within 25ft. from my well, my only water
supply to the horses and my home.  They went through a beautiful natural
spring fed stream, didn’t protect it. There was ground rumbling, that would
rattle my windows, the smell of natural gas at times, would fill the air,
just some of the things to expect from a natural gas pipeline companies. They
lied to me then and they will lie to you now. If your land is in the way of
the pipeline, too bad!!  They are coming through with a massive natural gas
pipeline, and it won’t benefit you or your neighbors in any way.  These
pipelines will go out to the highest bidder to run and control, and now
that is China.  Fracking should be banned in NC and all states.  It is
causing major health issues, I can’t eat natural gas, breathe it, nor drink
it, I need pure air and non-toxic water to live.  I know of no other way to
survive, as does the world.  When the earth is off balance, so are we!
 Stop Fracking Now.

Best regards,
Lynn

************************************************************
Reminder -

General discussion notes about fracking can posted to the fracking
discussion group at http://groups.google.com/group/fracking-in-nc?pli=1

I have forwarded this post there.

Chatlist moderator
**************************************************************

Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:10:50 -0400
From: Lynn Contant Fass
Subject: Does anyone listen!

-Chatham County Residents

> Well, Mr. Bock and his two puppets, have  approved a draft Land Use map with
> Cary that ignores what the people who live in the community have to say and
> weakens the protection of Jordan Lake. The County Chatham Commissioners
> and the Cary Board have not done their homework on this donut hole.  Bock
> continues to say that he wants to ” protect Jordan Lake” and then his
> actions are just the opposite.  Tell us Mr. Bock how is this land use plan
> going to protect the already compromised Jordan Lake and the residents who
> make this our home and farms?  How?

> The New Hope Community residents signed a petition and raised concerns
> about
> a doughnut hole that mysteriously appears in the land use map. This donut
> hole appeared after Mr. Bock took office as Commissioner.  Why is it, that
> high density was given to the Horil/Hodge property when it it is completely
> surrounded by large lots, most of them already built?  Mr. Horil and Mr.
> Hodge (landowners) do not even live in the area, nor in Chatham County, and never have.

> I own a horse farm and the proposed subdivision will likely be 180 new packed-in
> houses, this does not fit.  No zoning/planing regulations in affect.  How
> is this compatible with the farms and the other large lot homes
> in the area?  I say that it is not, in no way shape or form.  And do we
> have protection, the families that live here and pay taxes to Chatham,
> where are our rights?  I recently attended a meeting with the head of the
> Planning Board, Chatham County and the Cary Land Use Board, at both of
> these meetings, this donut hole was erased and the donut hole property
> would go back to the zoning of vldr.  Ok, Mr. Bock, why??  does this donut
> hole appear, after all of these objections from officials and residents, as
> 2 dwellings per acre??   You all are ruining a very scenic peaceful area of
> Chatham and who knows about Jordan Lake’s future protection, (this is only
> a mile from the lake)  and for what?  Why would you put a major strain on
> this area and Jordan Lake?  Cary has said repeatedly that the Town of Cary
> would not do satellite annexation, this land does not perk!  Well, how do
> you explain that decision.    Shame on all of you.  No one is protecting us
> or our rights, our elected official have failed our community.  These 2
> boards, hold meetings, in the early am, when most of us cannot attend, and
> they are not open to the public to speak.  Hold an evening meeting again,
> to discuss this map, and the majority should rule, not you.
>
> This land use plan is going to impact all of us.  Higher taxes, the need to
> build more schools, school buses, additional roads, road repairs, traffic,
> water, emergency vehicles,
> pollution to Jordan Lake, increased crime…the list goes on and on.  All of
> us of Chatham County will be paying big time for this thoughtless,
> ruthless decision.
>
> This group is ruining Chatham County!   Cary council should have stood firm
> with what they originally presented to the residents of Chatham County.
>  You heard many speak against this recent land/use map, and you failed us,
> and didn’t listen.  The backbone of our county is no more, greed has taken
> over.
>
> Lynn

Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:25:24 -0400
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Chatham Online Bulletin Board Topics

1. Resolved: Jeff Starkweather is the biggest boob in Chatham.  (Read 4455 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24190.0.html

Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2012 13:58:19 -0500 (EST)
From: Charlotte Leidy
Subject: Fabulous Food & Fun – Online & at Briar Chapel

Hi All,
 
I saw the post on Friday from Chatham County Together about their March 11 Tapas and Tunes. I can’t wait for the event and I’ve already bought several raffle tickets. I like the new twist this year that raffle tickets can be bought online and you don’t have to attend the event to win the prizes.

Check out the web site: www.chathamcountytogether.org for more info and to buy raffle tickets and event tickets.
 
The raffle prizes are fabulous restaurant gift certificates:
  1st Prize: A package from Fearrington worth $675
  2nd Prize: 10 home dinners for two from Foster’s
  More Prizes: 10 More gift certificates from $75 to $200.
 
Knowing that all of the proceeds help the youth of Chatham County is very important to me. 
 
Food at Sunday’s event is from Jujube, Angelina’s Kitchen, Crook’s Corner, Carolina Brewery, and more.. There are also great door prizes and a silent auction. Last year I bought a beautiful pottery pitcher. This year I have my eye on the dinner from the Carolina Club. I had a incredible meal there a few years ago but, since I’m not a member, bidding on a gift certificate like this is my only way to get back.
 
Well, I don’t want to give away all of my bidding strategies. So, buy your raffle tickets now and, if you want some great food and a shot at door prizes and auction items, I’ll see you next Sunday at Briar Chapel!
 
Charlotte Leidy

: Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:51:11 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Bulletin Board topics

1. Who is this woman ripping down signs for Haw River Christian School in Pittsboro  (Read 9916 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24985.0.html

2. Home invasion last night in Chatham County  (Read 6464 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25192.0.html

3. HRCA decision tonight?  (Read 5612 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25213.0.html

4. Pittboro’s pompous political a** makes Gabrielle Giffords tradegy ALL about HIM  (Read 3349 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25138.0.html

5. Chatham County Schools budget survey  (Read 2424 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25104.0.html

6. Proposed site for the Haw River Christian School in Pittsboro  (Read 1939 times)
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25065.0.html

7. Jordan Lake Marina Closing  (Read 1905 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25273.0.html

8. NC Main Street Program supports the new downtown Pittsboro school project  (Read 1536 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25092.0.html

9. Bett Wilson Foley  (Read 1373 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25245.0.html

10. Dissension in the Ranks?  (Read 1146 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25261.0.html

11. HRCA – Decision on 2/27 or not?  (Read 825 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25271.0.html

12. Prayer Vigil scheduled Monday 6pm Feb 27 in front of Pittsboro Police Station/To  (Read 820 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25299.0.html

13. So this really is personal between Voller and HRCA  (Read 751 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25321.0.html

14. Solar Farm – What’s Up?  (Read 735 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25317.0.html

15. Live Blogging Commissioner’s Meeting 2/20  (Read 702 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25278.0.html

16. Snow!!!  (Read 647 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25268.0.html

17. Is Voller’s “educator” Dr. Sally Goerner just another liberal political hack?  (Read 602 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25270.0.html

18. Jeffery supports Tax Increase, but not type, but still supports it?  (Read 529 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25100.0.html

19. Micheal Tucker gets it…do you?  (Read 478 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25282.0.html

20. Leftist Chatham Citizens for Effective Communities verbally slaps Sally Kost  (Read 468 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25244.0.html

Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:42:50 -0500
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Chatham Online Bulletin Board Topics

1. Who is this woman ripping down signs for Haw River Christian School in Pittsboro  (Read 8883 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24985.0.html

2. Hater Randy Voller makes a personal attack on private citizen  (Read 5980 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,22632.0.html

3. Pittboro’s pompous political a** makes Gabrielle Giffords tradegy ALL about HIM  (Read 2775 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25138.0.html

4. Home invasion last night in Chatham County  (Read 1372 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25192.0.html

5. Stop Using Voller as a Scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in Pittsboro  (Read 1368 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25082.0.html

6. I wish to add my voice to those supporting the Haw River Christian Academy  (Read 1275 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25145.0.html

7. Great Update on the Small Business Incubator!  (Read 1236 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,24800.0.html

8. NC Main Street Program supports the new downtown Pittsboro school project  (Read 1225 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25092.0.html

9. Chatham County Schools budget survey  (Read 1095 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25104.0.html

10. New Park on Big Woods Road  (Read 992 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25048.0.html

11. Cole Park Post Office closing in March  (Read 724 times)  at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,25174.0.html

Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:34:19 -0500
From: chathammatters
Subject: Response to Steve Cote, co-owner of the City Tap

Steve Cote, co-owner of the City Tap in Pittsboro wrote a letter to the editor in this week’s Chatham News/Record, opposing granting the Haw River Christian Academy the approval they need to locate in town as proposed.

Steve Cote puts forward some puzzling arguments (quoting from the newspaper):

“The HRCA pays no taxes, generates no sales taxes, and are largely shuttered at night. This does nothing for the town and hurts all of us who are working to build a downtown that attracts people, creates jobs and provide a stream of tax dollars to Pittsboro. In this manner, approving the building’s special use permit devalues commercial properties in downtown.”

Let’s take this gem one piece at a time:

1) “The HRCA pays no taxes”
- The HRCA pays salaries, benefits, and taxes for its teachers, its administrators, its custodians.  It also pays rent which covers the property taxes paid by the owner of the property.
- Every parent, teacher, and other school personnel who will shop downtown will pay sales taxes… if this school goes in.
- On the other hand the long empty building does not pay any of these taxes or salaries or benefits… but the property owner has to foot the bill for the property tax (ouch).

2) “generates no sales taxes,”
- This is a demonstrably poor location for retail (I refer you to the building’s history with retail), if not this school, and not retail, then what would be viable? The obvious answer is a services business which of course pays No sales taxes, assuming you could attract one to the building and to this area in the first place.
- Again the parents, teachers, and staff who otherwise would not come into town every day will pay sales taxes.

3) “and are largely shuttered at night.”
Yes… so would any Retail store… what is your point?
What are you looking for?, some sort of business that opens at night and sends customers to your bar?  What sort of business would that be…?

4) “This does nothing for the town and hurts all of us who are working to build a downtown that attracts people…”
Really?
- Bringing in the parents of 100 or so students twice every day with the opportunity to get a coffee, or grocery shop, or buy clothes, or get a tire changed, or do their banking, or get a hair cut, or… well the list goes on and on.  The same goes for the teachers, and the administrative and other staff who work for the school.
- But… having them come into town every day does nothing to attract people…?

5) “…approving the building’s special use permit devalues commercial properties in downtown”
- I see, an empty building sitting empty for years doesn’t devalue commercial properties downtown, but a renovated building which daily brings in parents, teachers and staff… you say devalues property downtown?
- Huh? What? How?

Steve, I appreciate that you have a very unusual perspective, that’s fine… but there are many many businesses downtown who desperately need to attract more people downtown, for them this opportunity is a real boon, bringing that many people in town each and every day that would otherwise come in one in a blue moon if that.

Again, according to the Director of the NC Main Street Program the 3 highest priorities of downtown revitalization are:
#1 increasing traffic
#2 filling vacant buildings
#3 improving the appearance of buildings

This school appears to fit the bill in every respect.

The commissioners have clearly taken your perspective into account, I also hope they use an appropriate grain of salt when doing so..

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:47:41 -0800 (PST)
From: Betty Black
Subject: Non-Pittsboro Citizens Speaking out . .

Like it or not, many of the folks that have shown their concerns on the Chatlist regarding the approval of Christian School- do not live within the voting boundries of Pittsboro. But many of us call Pittsboro our home.  Our mailing address is Pittsboro and that is where we go to shop. Many of us own businesses there.  And like it or not, many of us non residents know more about what goes on there than the “city limit” residents.
 
So you don’t like it that we voice our opinions about how the approval of the school is being handled by the town board? That’s tough.
 
And for those of you who think that I might have a child or children of school age or that I am in some way connected with the proposed school-  it is not true. Just speaking out against what appears to me (and many others) that the application for the school is being bamboozled by fans of the City Tap. They follow a well worn path. Eat, drink and be wary.
 
Folks, worry from others about the future of the City Tap is behind this whole probable veto of the application for the school.  I have no doubts that the City Tap will win out. They won out on the loud “music?”  problem a while back.  Mayor Voller also stood by the City Tap- allowing that he was an amature musician himself-
 
Get yor fiddle out Mr. Mayor, start practicing yor Victory tune! How About “The Beer that Made Milwaukee Famous– Made Pittsboro Drunk”?
 
Betty Black

Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:22:00 -0500
From: Lynn Contant Fass
Subject: Cary Council Land Use meeting

To All Residents of Chatham County,

On Tuesday, January 24th., at 6:30pm, a few Chatham County Residents attended a town hall meeting in Cary.  A very important subject of the Cary/Chatham County Land Use current map.  It is disappointing and embarrassing  that none of the Chatham County Commissioners attended the meeting to hear what their residents had to say.  Mrs. Sally Kost, as a private resident did attend, and she addressed the Cary Town Council eloquently and with purpose.  As did other residents of the areas in question.  Where was Mr. Bock, Ms. Stewart, Mr. Cross and Mr. Petty? I would have thought at least one of the CCC, that is responsible for this map proposal, would have attended.

There is another Cary Planning Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 20th., at the Cary Town Hall Bldg., at 6:30pm.  Please attend we need all, there is strength in numbers.   Don’t be sorry when it is too late.  We still have time and power to change this current map to what will work best for our land, lake and the residents.  I know it gets tiring, but it will be worth it.

Thank you Mrs. Kost for your informative address Tuesday to the Cary Town Council and Mayor Winebrecht.

Lynn