29 September 2008
Construction on 54/15-501
One of these may be the project (but I do not see it) that held up traffic today at 2:30 for nearly 45 minutes north or eastbound on 54/15-501 in Chapel Hill. They seem to be adding additional space in the left turn lane for Laurel Hill Road. I presume that is to accomodate more students at the Roman Catholic School there. It was a huge inconvenience and I have seldom seen so many drivers pass others waiting in line after a clear warning to merge left. I thought people had better manners around here.
22 September 2008
20 September 2008
19 September 2008
Chapel Hill Transit and electronic devices
Brian LITCHFIELD, assistant director at Chapel Hill Transit has assured me that there is a policy in place on all Chapel Hill Transit buses - prohibiting the use of any cellphone - but not necessarily all other electronic devices - by drivers when the buses are in motion. I asked yesterday after reading the news from California implementing such a policy on train operators, at least some of them and at least temporarily. The Chapel Hill Tranist policy:
"CHT drivers are not permitted to use cell phones while the bus, car, or van is in service
or in motion. Use of cell phones distracts your attention from driving safely. The use of a
cell phone with an earpiece is also prohibited. Please do not wear your earpiece while in the
driver’s seat." This the text of the California measure.
"CHT drivers are not permitted to use cell phones while the bus, car, or van is in service
or in motion. Use of cell phones distracts your attention from driving safely. The use of a
cell phone with an earpiece is also prohibited. Please do not wear your earpiece while in the
driver’s seat." This the text of the California measure.
17 September 2008
"Panera Reiterates Earnings Outlook" - WSJ.com
We probably ought to be paying more attention to what is happening at a regional or national level in companies that serve us in Chapelboroham. In this case, it's a story about two neighbors on Franklin Street - Chipotle and Panera. The report is not rosy.
16 September 2008
Carolina Theater, Chapel Hill
What has happened to the space that was formerly the Carolina Theater on Franklin in Chapel Hill? Is it still configured as a theater or has it been put to some other use?
"The Energy Challenge - States Aim to Cut Gases by Making Polluters Pay" - NYTimes.com
Where are Chapelboroham and North Carolina in all of this?
15 September 2008
"Green City 3: Portland, Ore." - HowStuffWorks
How are we doing compared with Portland, Oregon? How could we do better?
10 September 2008
Chapel Hill - Hillsborough bus route
"From: "Triangle Transit Customer Service"
To: tmaguire@newspaper.comSubject: TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
Triangle Transit’s Route 420 (Hillsborough to Chapel Hill) is experiencing overcrowding during peak commute times. To address this issue, Triangle Transit is working with Chapel Hill Transit to add vehicles with more seating capacity to this route during peak commute times. Mid-day service would still be operated by Orange Public Transportation (OPT).
In addition to increasing capacity during peak commute times, Triangle Transit is also proposing a change in the route to provide service to the new Durham Tech Orange County campus in Hillsborough and the new 125-space Park and Ride lot provided by Orange County adjacent to the campus.
Please note that the Triangle Sportsplex P&R lot and three stops on NC 86 (Home Depot, Stanback M.S., and Millhouse Rd) would no longer be served during peak commute times. The Durham Tech Orange County Park and Ride lot would be served all day.
The routing changes in both the peak and mid-day will also likely have some small effects on the schedule. Triangle Transit expects that the new routing may make the peak trip faster.
Triangle Transit is still exploring the feasibility of these service changes. Any implementation date is still to be determined
MORE INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES:
For more information, including a map of the proposed service changes, and a feedback form, please visit:
www.triangletransit.org/bus/planning/420.
You can also call 485-PLAN (7526) to leave a message for one of Triangle Transit’s service planners.
Feedback will be accepted until Friday, September 19th."
To: tmaguire@newspaper.comSubject: TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
TRIANGLE TRANSIT REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO ROUTE 420
Triangle Transit’s Route 420 (Hillsborough to Chapel Hill) is experiencing overcrowding during peak commute times. To address this issue, Triangle Transit is working with Chapel Hill Transit to add vehicles with more seating capacity to this route during peak commute times. Mid-day service would still be operated by Orange Public Transportation (OPT).
In addition to increasing capacity during peak commute times, Triangle Transit is also proposing a change in the route to provide service to the new Durham Tech Orange County campus in Hillsborough and the new 125-space Park and Ride lot provided by Orange County adjacent to the campus.
Please note that the Triangle Sportsplex P&R lot and three stops on NC 86 (Home Depot, Stanback M.S., and Millhouse Rd) would no longer be served during peak commute times. The Durham Tech Orange County Park and Ride lot would be served all day.
The routing changes in both the peak and mid-day will also likely have some small effects on the schedule. Triangle Transit expects that the new routing may make the peak trip faster.
Triangle Transit is still exploring the feasibility of these service changes. Any implementation date is still to be determined
MORE INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITIES:
For more information, including a map of the proposed service changes, and a feedback form, please visit:
www.triangletransit.org/bus/planning/420.
You can also call 485-PLAN (7526) to leave a message for one of Triangle Transit’s service planners.
Feedback will be accepted until Friday, September 19th."
09 September 2008
08 September 2008
OWASA level at 95%!
This just received in an e-mail from OWASA, as of this morning:
"3.38 billion gallons of water, which is 94.8% of their capacity"
"3.38 billion gallons of water, which is 94.8% of their capacity"
06 September 2008
"Board talks Smith Level widening" - Carrboro Citizen
Here is a map to show the stretch of Smith Level that is to be widened:
What about sidewalks from 54 into Carrboro?
"Tree removal to precede installation of duct bank along campus side of South Columbia" - UNC News
Here's a map that shows the area where the trees are to be removed:
Storm update from the Town
This appears to have been issued at 10 AM (received by e-mail about 10:30 AM). Note the success rate for the use of the Town's Code Red system that is supposed to be a way that the Town can reach all of us in the event of an emergency.
"Tropical Storm Hanna Update
09/06/09 - Tropical Storm Hanna has caused minimal problems for the Chapel Hill area. Heavy rain bands began to pass through the area just after midnight. Only a few minor power outages have been experienced and all traffic signals are operating.
At approximately 4:15 the low lying areas (mostly parking lots) in the South Estes area began to flood. This primarily included Brookwood, Camelot and Ridgefield. At this time no buildings have been involved.
Police activated the Code Red system to advise residents in the specific areas of the rising water and police and fire personnel went door-to-door to suggest residents move their cars and consider relocating. Few if any left the complexes. Approximately 4,348 calls were made with a 53% contact rate.
The Town of Chapel Hill requested that Orange County activate the shelter at Smith Middle School with minimal staff for any residents who wanted to relocate. It was opened with a skeleton staff and as of this report it is still open but no residents have taken advantage of it.
Umstead Drive is flooded and barricaded off this morning.
Six to 8 inches of water is across Weaver Dairy Road at Kingsmill Apartments and a tree on a house has been reported at Summerfield crossing. There were no injuries.
As residents woke up this morning, multiple reports of limbs and utility lines down were being reported. And emergency personnel are also experiencing multiple alarm calls due to wind's effect on telephone lines.
The area continues to be under a Flash Flood Warning until 11 a.m.
For adverse weather information, visit www.townofchapelhill.org/index.asp?NID=883."
"Tropical Storm Hanna Update
09/06/09 - Tropical Storm Hanna has caused minimal problems for the Chapel Hill area. Heavy rain bands began to pass through the area just after midnight. Only a few minor power outages have been experienced and all traffic signals are operating.
At approximately 4:15 the low lying areas (mostly parking lots) in the South Estes area began to flood. This primarily included Brookwood, Camelot and Ridgefield. At this time no buildings have been involved.
Police activated the Code Red system to advise residents in the specific areas of the rising water and police and fire personnel went door-to-door to suggest residents move their cars and consider relocating. Few if any left the complexes. Approximately 4,348 calls were made with a 53% contact rate.
The Town of Chapel Hill requested that Orange County activate the shelter at Smith Middle School with minimal staff for any residents who wanted to relocate. It was opened with a skeleton staff and as of this report it is still open but no residents have taken advantage of it.
Umstead Drive is flooded and barricaded off this morning.
Six to 8 inches of water is across Weaver Dairy Road at Kingsmill Apartments and a tree on a house has been reported at Summerfield crossing. There were no injuries.
As residents woke up this morning, multiple reports of limbs and utility lines down were being reported. And emergency personnel are also experiencing multiple alarm calls due to wind's effect on telephone lines.
The area continues to be under a Flash Flood Warning until 11 a.m.
For adverse weather information, visit www.townofchapelhill.org/index.asp?NID=883."
05 September 2008
Orange County Artists Guild
Note postponement of "Arts in the Meadow" at Meadowmont until 13-14 September.
04 September 2008
Health press release from OWASA
"Orange Water and Sewer Authority
NEWS RELEASE September 4, 2008
Elevated levels of disinfection by-products found in drinking water samples
In the week of August 11th, 2008 OWASA collected water samples from 19 locations to test the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are by-products of disinfecting water with chlorine. OWASA uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to disinfect drinking water.
OWASA is the community-owned, public non-profit water and sewer agency that serves the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.
THMs and HAAs form when chlorine reacts chemically with natural organic matter in water. People who drink water with elevated levels of THMs or HAAs for many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
On September 3rd, OWASA received test results from the private laboratory which analyzed the water samples. THMs in 13 of the 19 samples exceeded 80 parts per billion (ppb), and HAAs in 5 samples exceeded 60 ppb. One part per billion is like one penny in $10 million.
Under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State regulations, THM levels may average up to 80 ppb for the last 12 months and the HAA level may average up to 60 ppb. THM levels in OWASA’s sampling program have averaged 53 ppb in the last year. The average for HAAs was 48 ppb.
OWASA’s drinking water is safe to drink. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day with levels above the Federal and State standards for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.
OWASA’s Laboratory staff has contacted customers where testing indicated elevated THM and HAA levels, and delivered letters regarding the test results. OWASA has also contacted the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section.
OWASA is investigating the potential causes of the elevated levels of THMs and HAAs so they can be addressed. OWASA will collect and test additional water samples to evaluate the recent information and will report the results.
THM and HAA levels in recent water samples
Location
Address
(in Chapel Hill unless otherwise noted)
THM (ppb)
HAA (ppb)
Chapel Hill North Medical Center
1838 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd #B-19
86
60
UNC Horace Williams Airport
1003 Estes Drive Extension
65
61
Chapel Hill Bible Church
260 Erwin Road
93
66
Hardee's
1800 Fordham Blvd.
82
53
Montessori Community School
4512 Pope Road
83
64
Express Lane convenience store
601 NC Highway 54 West
85
58
Orange County Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd.
80
45
Christ United Methodist Church
716 Market Street (Southern Village)
80
57
Starpoint convenience store and grill
US 15-501 South
102
67
Vine Veterinary Hospital
1217 East Franklin Street
77
52
Carr Mill Mall
200 North Greensboro Street, Carrboro
76
51
UNC Hospitals
Manning Drive
79
60
East Chapel Hill High School
500 Weaver Dairy Road
85
5
Seawell Elementary School
9115 Seawell School Road
91
59
Timberlyne Apartments
200 Westminster Dr.
91
59
UNC James T. Hedrick Building
211 Friday Center Dr.
94
64
Rashkis Elementary School
601 Meadowmont Lane
93
58
Calvander Food Mart
108 Dairyland Road (west of Carrboro)
97
54
McDougle Middle School
900 Old Fayetteville Road, Carrboro
92
59
For more Information:
Rachel Monschein, Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Supervisor, 537-4227; e-mail: rmonschein@owasa.org
Sandra Bradshaw, Laboratory Manager, 537-4206; e-mail: sbradshaw@owasa.org
Ken Loflin, Water Supply and Treatment Manager, 537-4232; e-mail: kloflin@owasa.org
400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510
PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464
WEB SITE: WWW.OWASA.ORG; E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG"
NEWS RELEASE September 4, 2008
Elevated levels of disinfection by-products found in drinking water samples
In the week of August 11th, 2008 OWASA collected water samples from 19 locations to test the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are by-products of disinfecting water with chlorine. OWASA uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to disinfect drinking water.
OWASA is the community-owned, public non-profit water and sewer agency that serves the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.
THMs and HAAs form when chlorine reacts chemically with natural organic matter in water. People who drink water with elevated levels of THMs or HAAs for many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
On September 3rd, OWASA received test results from the private laboratory which analyzed the water samples. THMs in 13 of the 19 samples exceeded 80 parts per billion (ppb), and HAAs in 5 samples exceeded 60 ppb. One part per billion is like one penny in $10 million.
Under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State regulations, THM levels may average up to 80 ppb for the last 12 months and the HAA level may average up to 60 ppb. THM levels in OWASA’s sampling program have averaged 53 ppb in the last year. The average for HAAs was 48 ppb.
OWASA’s drinking water is safe to drink. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day with levels above the Federal and State standards for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.
OWASA’s Laboratory staff has contacted customers where testing indicated elevated THM and HAA levels, and delivered letters regarding the test results. OWASA has also contacted the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Public Water Supply Section.
OWASA is investigating the potential causes of the elevated levels of THMs and HAAs so they can be addressed. OWASA will collect and test additional water samples to evaluate the recent information and will report the results.
THM and HAA levels in recent water samples
Location
Address
(in Chapel Hill unless otherwise noted)
THM (ppb)
HAA (ppb)
Chapel Hill North Medical Center
1838 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd #B-19
86
60
UNC Horace Williams Airport
1003 Estes Drive Extension
65
61
Chapel Hill Bible Church
260 Erwin Road
93
66
Hardee's
1800 Fordham Blvd.
82
53
Montessori Community School
4512 Pope Road
83
64
Express Lane convenience store
601 NC Highway 54 West
85
58
Orange County Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd.
80
45
Christ United Methodist Church
716 Market Street (Southern Village)
80
57
Starpoint convenience store and grill
US 15-501 South
102
67
Vine Veterinary Hospital
1217 East Franklin Street
77
52
Carr Mill Mall
200 North Greensboro Street, Carrboro
76
51
UNC Hospitals
Manning Drive
79
60
East Chapel Hill High School
500 Weaver Dairy Road
85
5
Seawell Elementary School
9115 Seawell School Road
91
59
Timberlyne Apartments
200 Westminster Dr.
91
59
UNC James T. Hedrick Building
211 Friday Center Dr.
94
64
Rashkis Elementary School
601 Meadowmont Lane
93
58
Calvander Food Mart
108 Dairyland Road (west of Carrboro)
97
54
McDougle Middle School
900 Old Fayetteville Road, Carrboro
92
59
For more Information:
Rachel Monschein, Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant Laboratory Supervisor, 537-4227; e-mail: rmonschein@owasa.org
Sandra Bradshaw, Laboratory Manager, 537-4206; e-mail: sbradshaw@owasa.org
Ken Loflin, Water Supply and Treatment Manager, 537-4232; e-mail: kloflin@owasa.org
400 JONES FERRY ROAD, CARRBORO, NC 27510
PHONE: (919) 968-4421; FAX: (919) 968-4464
WEB SITE: WWW.OWASA.ORG; E-MAIL: WEBMASTER@OWASA.ORG"
Rita's in Carr Mill Mall
I wrote them a note to ask when the new shop will open in the Carr Mill Mall. The response:
"Thank you for your recent inquiry about Rita's. We appreciate the time
you took to reach out to us and want you to know that your feedback is
very important to our company.
We love hearing from our Guests and thank you kindly for expressing your
excitement about our new location in Carrboro, NC. This location is
currently scheduled to open in mid November 2008.
We hope to see you there!
Rita's Water Ice is a franchise company with more than 500 stores in 14
states. We always welcome your comments and questions. It is our
pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you at Rita's again
soon.
Thank you,
Fallon Iacono
Guest Service Coordinator
Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, LLC"
"Thank you for your recent inquiry about Rita's. We appreciate the time
you took to reach out to us and want you to know that your feedback is
very important to our company.
We love hearing from our Guests and thank you kindly for expressing your
excitement about our new location in Carrboro, NC. This location is
currently scheduled to open in mid November 2008.
We hope to see you there!
Rita's Water Ice is a franchise company with more than 500 stores in 14
states. We always welcome your comments and questions. It is our
pleasure to serve you and we look forward to seeing you at Rita's again
soon.
Thank you,
Fallon Iacono
Guest Service Coordinator
Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, LLC"
03 September 2008
02 September 2008
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