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Planning: general 🌇 Random Planning Thoughts (and Photos) Deserving No Thread Of Their Own

^^^ kind of freaky.

In other planning news, we're wrapping up our impact fee update and it looks like it will go from about $10k/house to $40k/house. Inflation hit hard in the last few years.
 
DVD said:
^^^ kind of freaky.

In other planning news, we're wrapping up our impact fee update and it looks like it will go from about $10k/house to $40k/house. Inflation hit hard in the last few years.
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OOf- is the combined- like schools, roads, recreation, public safety?
 
It's combined. The big part is triple inflation on fire, streets, water, sewer and parks. We're also working on a reclaimed water system to make sure we have enough water in the future.
 
We had schools at all levels, transportation, and rec and combined it was 12-14k per house. However, the justifiable fee (from over 10 years ago) was about 25k. the lower amount was just what was politically feasible.

One of the two school fees went away with the retirement of the bond it was tied to and we have not seen much in the way of increased school population (hello aging demographic and shrinking household size!) So over the years since transportation and rec have been raised to the maximum levels their respective studies justified. Next up will likely be a public safety fee and the retirement of the remaining school fee as that bond goes away and there is still no school expansion on the horizon.

We have plenty of water supply but will likely need another storage tower in the next 20 years to meet demand and adequate pressure.
 
Canadian toponymics.

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What are these impact fees you speak of? My state believes that you have to charge people for the cost of the service immediately needed by the housing. Such abstract fees for "luxury" items like schools, parks, police, fire, and god forbid art are just big government. I think the actual tap fees for water and sewer combined are around $3,000. Add in all the other permitting fees and a $300,000 home will probably run $5,000 total in permits and fees.
 
JNA said:
Have you done anything like this - even drive every street?

www.cleveland.com

What is Cleveland city planner Phil Kidd learning by running every street in the city?

City Halls advocate for complete and green streets wants to "depave'' parts of Cleveland with too much hardscape.
www.cleveland.com www.cleveland.com
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I rode a bicycle through most of the streets of my hometown of Cheektowaga, NY. I had a town map and would highlight the streets I'd ridden. It was mostly yellow by the time I left for college.

EDIT: Looking at the linked pdf, except for the addition of some color, that map looks very much like the paper maps I used to get from the town. They haven't changed their fonts or anything.
 
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When you all have specific/conditional use requests, do you factor in private deed restrictions to your recommendation? I have a case with a request for a permit for a building type that is not allowed under the neighborhood's restrictions. Obviously(in my case?), we don't enforce the private restrictions, but it seems best to mention it.
 
joscoffee said:
When you all have specific/conditional use requests, do you factor in private deed restrictions to your recommendation? I have a case with a request for a permit for a building type that is not allowed under the neighborhood's restrictions. Obviously(in my case?), we don't enforce the private restrictions, but it seems best to mention it.
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We are statutorily required to provide a disclaimer on all zoning permits which states, among other things that "private agreements may apply."
 
There is actually an Attorney General opinion here that says zoning cannot violate a private deed restriction. Of course there are still a fair number of deeds floating around that restrict who can own land here to. I don't take much stock in it.

We have factored private minimum lot size restrictions that are greater than ours into discussion when there was discretion.
 
Doohickie said:
I rode a bicycle through most of the streets of my hometown of Cheektowaga, NY. I had a town map and would highlight the streets I'd ridden. It was mostly yellow by the time I left for college.

EDIT: Looking at the linked pdf, except for the addition of some color, that map looks very much like the paper maps I used to get from the town. They haven't changed their fonts or anything.
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In general, I try to, at the very least, drive all the streets of a new municipality where I work. It gives me a better understanding of each neighborhood and their strengths and weaknesses.

In one fair community, I also instituted a "Walk XX" night where I went out with one or two of my staff to different parts of the municipality and walked the streets. We'd make notes and take photos of obvious issues but the best part was having neighbors come out and talk to us about their concerns. We advertised on our website where we'd be walking and often got invited up onto the porch for iced tea or a cocktail. (and no, it wasn't even in the south)
 
Planit said:
Entire town staff resigns after manager's contract not renewed.

myfox8.com

Town of Summerfield staff announces ‘collective resignations’

SUMMERFIELD, N.C. (WGHP) — The staff of the Town of Summerfield has sent in resignation letters, FOX8 has confirmed. A member of the town staff sent an email to FOX8 on Sunday evening announcing th…
myfox8.com myfox8.com
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Here's a little more information:

Summerfield development clears hurdle
The controversial Summerfield development proposed by developer David Couch cleared a hurdle in the state Legislature on Wednesday as House members voted 67-46 to approve a bill that would remove a big chunk of the town from its current jurisdiction.
Wednesday’s vote was the second reading of House Bill 909, so the House has to vote again today before the measure can become law.
Because it’s a local bill that isn’t subject to gubernatorial veto, today’s vote will be the last word on the subject.
Real estate developer Couch wants to build the Villages of Summerfield Farms in a mostly rural area north of Greensboro. It would include an undetermined number of apartments, townhomes and cottages, which would allow him to preserve half of the property, including scenic views and rural vistas, some located far off roads and guarded from public view.
Many Summerfield residents oppose the project because of the increased density. Nine town employees collectively resigned in May, expressing frustration with the town council's oversight.Senate leader Phil Berger pushed the measure through to eliminate the town's jurisdiction over the project.“Our state is in the midst of a boom decade,” Couch said in an email. “We’ve been CNBC’s No. 1 state for business two years in a row, and thousands of new jobs are now moving into the Triad. The people who will fill those jobs – blue collar and white collar and any other collar — need places to live, or else housing will become even more unaffordable than it is right now.
“I’m thankful that policymakers recognized the current dysfunction of Summerfield’s local government, and the importance of reasonable rules that accommodate new housing. It’s been an exhausting time in my life, and I’m hopeful now for a path forward.”
(Reporting by Ray Gronberg, who writes our sister newsletter, the N.C. Tribune, about how state politics and business intersect. )
 
Our public utilites director is a 'gloom & doom' kinda guy. He called me with an issue on a development under construction. Seems as though the contractor didn't put a stormwater pipe deep enough & now it interferes with the sewer line they're laying.

He was indicating the "WE" (the city) have a problem. I told him "we" are not installing the infrastructure so its probably the contractors issue with the developer that needs to be fixed. The state approved the (w&s) plans, all we're doing is inspecting the work. He finally agreed.

To fix this will require about 200' of pipe to be removed & replaced. I don't think the developer or contractor are going to have a good holiday.
 
Planit said:
Summerfield de-annexation approved

www.rhinotimes.com

Summerfield De-annexation Decision Leads To Division and Finger Pointing - The Rhino Times of Greensboro

It’s no surprise that the residents in the Town of Summerfield were disappointed that the NC General Assembly tore nearly 1,000 acres away from their town and put it into unincorporated Guilford County; but what is surprising is that, in the wake of that act – which will lead to a large...
www.rhinotimes.com www.rhinotimes.com
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Governing in the time of Facebook, Tik Tok, Xwitter, and other social media is very different than in the days of the Letter to the Editor. It isn't for the better, IMO.

I'm glad I can see my exit ramp in the not too distant future.
 
Planit said:
Entire town staff resigns after manager's contract not renewed.

myfox8.com

Town of Summerfield staff announces ‘collective resignations’

SUMMERFIELD, N.C. (WGHP) — The staff of the Town of Summerfield has sent in resignation letters, FOX8 has confirmed. A member of the town staff sent an email to FOX8 on Sunday evening announcing th…
myfox8.com myfox8.com
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This Summerfield thing is interesting. In a nutshell, the town was incorporated in 1996 to pre-empt annexation by Greensboro. For the last couple of years a developer who wants to build apartments and townhouses on almost 1000 acres has been tussling with the town-council's new majority (2 new members elected late 2023 tipped the balance) who oppose. Developer has appealed to the NC legislature for de-annexation of his site, with NC leg. Republicans siding with him in favor of denser development (uncommon stance, that, especially in the South). Ongoing issues with council treatment of staff seems to be separate issue but maybe exacerbated by the strong feelings over the de-annexation, reached a boiling point this year. Council decided to fire town manager, reportedly only forced to pay half his contractually-obligated severance pay and all of his contractually-obligated health insurance continuation (his wife is undergoing cancer treatment) after legal action

Further Sources: A Town’s Entire Staff Resigned. What Happens Now?

Loss Of All Of Summerfield’s Town Staff Is A “Great Opportunity” Says Town Councilmember

NC House approves de-annexation in Summerfield, paving way for Villages of Summerfield Farms development

Summerfield Town Council has tense first meeting since mass resignation


My 2 cents:
Having worked in, and left, some toxic environments, it's not that hard to not treat staff badly. I don't mean managing a group of people is easy, but basic respect usually is, and a little goes a long way, especially when intra-staff conflict isn't an issue, as here where there's no mention or implication of internal staff conflict.

Also, NC's de-annexation process is way too easy and abusable for political or personal purposes, and I'm glad we don't have that here in Maryland. A cursory search doesn't turn up any de-annexation process here, or even the disincorporation process that I'm sure exists, because I remember that being publicly debated by both Luke in Alleghany County (population 85) and a struggling town in Caroline County ( I wanna say Goldsboro) a couple decades ago. Neither appear to have followed through. But yeah, NC's process=:what:

Edit: just got a page or two farther along and read more responses, including Planit's update. Oof on the deannexation, not surprised about the fallout.
 
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JNA said:
Would you want a bit-coin mining center in you fair community ?

I wouldn't after reading the latest Time Magazine article
https://time.com/6590155/bitcoin-mining-noise-texas/ (A Texas Town's Misery Underscores the Impact of Bitcoin Mines)

Missouri lawmaker hopes to shield cryptocurrency mining from state and local regulation
missouriindependent.com

Missouri lawmaker hopes to shield cryptocurrency mining from state and local regulation • Missouri Independent

A Missouri legislator wants to protect cryptocurrency miners with a bill to stop local governments from limiting their locations or noise.
missouriindependent.com missouriindependent.com

In US Crypto Mining Regulation, Where do the States Stand?
blockworks.co

In US Crypto Mining Regulation, Where do the States Stand?

Crypto mining bills in Arkansas and Montana now await governor signatures, while other states are at different stages of regulation
blockworks.co blockworks.co
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Kill cryptocurrency, period.
 
Got what I think is a scam email from the "APA" The problem is my membership is good until March 2025.

Hi MY NAME,Your APA membership is due for renewal on June 30, 2024. Renew now by logging into our website [email.planning.org] with your APA ID and password to pay securely with a credit card. We will no longer be sending a paper invoice. Renew my membership! [email.planning.org]You may notice a small (3%) increase in your dues this year. This adjustment, the first since 2020, allows us to continue to develop and deliver improved member value.You can view and pay your invoice online now. Please reach out to our customer service team [email.planning.org] if you have any questions.Sincerely,American Planning Association
 
Wondering how it came to pass that there are so many "squares" in the NYC/NJ area named after newspapers: Times Square, Journal Square, Herald Square . . .

There may be more, but that's all that come to mind,

Jim
 
jumbach said:
Wondering how it came to pass that there are so many "squares" in the NYC/NJ area named after newspapers: Times Square, Journal Square, Herald Square . . .

There may be more, but that's all that come to mind,

Jim
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Likely they paid for the development of the squares when they built their office buildings. Kind of a prestige thing.
 
A co-worker just finished telling me about "Cities Skylines" and how I need to play it.

Tempted, but all I need is yet another game to get hooked on . . . as it is, I've been pretty involved in World of Subways lately, particularly Volume 4. WOS3 is the best of them, though.

I do applaud WOS4 for its nod at multiculturalism in the passengers--after all, it does simulate the 7 line in Queens--but why do all the female passengers have, well, anatomy that would make Barbie blush, shall I say?

Jim
 
I'm starting to think 'wayfinding' signage programs in munis is quickly becoming an anachronism in the age of smartphones/cars with mapping apps.

The sign industry is going to kvetch.
 
mendelman said:
I'm starting to think 'wayfinding' signage programs in munis is quickly becoming an anachronism in the age of smartphones/cars with mapping apps.

The sign industry is going to kvetch.
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I personally still prefer paper maps when in a new place. With a paper map, it's more than knowing how to get somewhere--it's seeing how where you are fits into the overall layout of the area.

Jim
 
mendelman said:
'wayfinding' signage... an anachronism
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You sure 'bout that?!

Went to NYC with the teenager that thought the mapping app was the best way to navigate. Found out that tall buildings can block and impede those EM waves needed to get a location. Nothing more satisfying than pointing to those buildings to show how if you look up at them and think of them as fixed landmarks, you can reliably navigate through the city without the google machine.
 
Wannaplan? said:
You sure 'bout that?!

Went to NYC with the teenager that thought the mapping app was the best way to navigate. Found out that tall buildings can block and impede those EM waves needed to get a location. Nothing more satisfying than pointing to those buildings to show how if you look up at them and think of them as fixed landmarks, you can reliably navigate through the city without the google machine.
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That's why when I was in Florida, I had such a hard time navigating. Flat horizon for as far as I can see, so I had no landmarks to orient myself to. To this day, I still plan road trips on paper. In the event of a conflict between my brain and my GPS, my brain wins.

Jim
 
jumbach said:
I personally still prefer paper maps when in a new place. With a paper map, it's more than knowing how to get somewhere--it's seeing how where you are fits into the overall layout of the area.

Jim
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We ventured over to Dallas Friday to see Donny Osmond at Fair Park Music Hall. We found a place to eat downtown and then drove over to the concert. My wife had Google directions pulled up; I had no idea where I was. After reading your post I went back and looked at the area. We ate in downtown at a food hall called The Exchange (a reference to telephone exchanges; it's part of AT&T's office complex). Then we drove through downtown to the Deep Ellum district and then to Fair Park. We've been to Fair Park lots of times, though not since the pandemic. And all the previous times we relied on Google to get us there.

My wife plugged in Fair Park and not Fair Park parking, so Google took us right to the building. We previously entered Fair Park at Gates 5 or 6 which takes you to the parking lots inside the Fair Park perimeter, southeast of the Music Hall. But we ended up just north of the music hall, at saw Gate 4. There was no car entrance at Gate 4, just pedestrians. So we randomly followed another car which turned onto Exposition Ave. and into a commercial parking lot. We parked there; it was $17 to pay online. It was fine. The nice thing was when the show was over, the parking lot exited to First Ave. which takes you directly to the I-30 ramps, east and west, and we got out of there much more quickly then we did when we parked inside Fair Park. There's a ton of cars inside the perimeter and just a few lanes going out.

So because we got lost by not searching for the correct location, we found a better place to park and if we go there for shows in the future we'll save a lot of time.
 
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