NEWS BRIEFS
Gov. Cooper extends N.C. eviction moratorium through at least Jan. 31
RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper announced that he plans to extend the state’s evictions moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent through at least Jan. 31, 2021.
“This holiday season, too many families are struggling to pay rent as the pandemic surges,” Cooper said. “As the first of the month approaches and rent becomes due, I wanted people to know that we plan to extend the moratorium on evictions.”
The details and language of the moratorium are forthcoming and will be based on how or whether Congress extends the federal moratorium. More information on the state’s extension will be shared as soon as possible.
DOT seeking input on North Chatham Park Way
RALEIGH — The N.C. Dept. of Transportation, in partnership with the Town of Pittsboro and Chatham Park investors, proposes to construct a new north-south roadway east of Pittsboro called North Chatham Park Way (STIP Project No. R-5930).
The proposed project begins at the U.S. 64 Bypass, just north of Suttles Road, and ends at the intersection of U.S. 15-501 near Russell Chapel Church Road, covering about 2.7 miles. It connects to the existing segment of Chatham Park Way (from U.S. 64 Business to U.S. 64 Bypass) that was recently built and is now open to traffic.
Currently, U.S. 15-501 is the only major north-south route through Pittsboro, funneling all traffic through the historic downtown area. NCDOT and the Town have identified an opportunity to partner with Chatham Park to accomplish the goal of providing an alternate route for traffic traveling through downtown Pittsboro while continuing to support the economic development of the region. It will increase mobility options for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Virtual Presentation
As part of NCDOT’s design process, the project team is reaching out to adjacent property owners and the larger community to provide you an opportunity to share your comments and ask questions. In addition to a newsletter, a virtual presentation for R-5930 will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7 prior to the beginning of the N.C. Division of Water Quality public hearing at 6 p.m. Comments and questions on the project can be submitted by email, mail, or phone until Feb. 7. The presentation materials can be found at this website or you can contact the project team for a hard copy of the meeting materials. The live presentation can be viewed or listened to using the information below and will be available on the project website after Jan. 7.
Immediately following the NCDOT presentation, at 6 p.m. at the same link, the N.C. Division of Environmental Quality will hold a separate public hearing for both Chatham Park North Village Project and Project R-5930. Verbal comments will begin following the presentation, and will be recorded.
To speak at the hearing, you must register by noon on Jan. 7 at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/R5930REG.
For more information, go to https://publicinput.com/north-chatham-park-way.
Chatham Libraries to host virtual visit with author Kelly Starling Lyons
PITTSBORO — Children and their families are invited to join Chatham County Public Libraries for a virtual visit with local children’s book author Kelly Starling Lyons at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7.
Kelly Starling Lyons, of Raleigh, is the author of notable picture books, including “Going Down Home With Daddy” and “Tiara’s Hat Parade.”
Lyons is also the author of the Jada Jones chapter books, along with a new series for beginning readers, “Ty’s Travels.”
Children will virtually meet Lyons via Zoom, listen to her discuss her books and her life as an author, with the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session at the end of the presentation.
Those interested in participating in this event must register by Tuesday, Jan. 5, using the online form at this link: https://forms.gle/wHxy6MApBjodVVUX9. Library Youth Services staff will contact registrants a day prior to the event with Zoom login information.
This author visit is sponsored by the Friends of the Chatham Community Library.
For more information about this event, contact Youth Services Librarian Katy Henderson at cclkatyh@gmail.com.
Lions Club seeks members for Pittsboro Club
Will you consider joining the oldest, the largest, most diverse community service organization in the world? Are you willing to team up with others in your local community to help fill the needs of families, friends, and neighbors who are experiencing challenges with sight, hearing, pediatric cancer, hunger, diabetes, and other issues?
If so, the Siler City Lions Club is interested in you. The club is assisting with an effort by the Association of Lions Clubs International to establish a club in the Pittsboro area. If you are interested in being a part of this effort, please respond to Lion Secretary Barbara Ernst of the Siler City Club with your contact information by calling (919) 545-4729. For additional information about Lions Clubs International check out our website at www.lionsclubs.org/en.
— CN+R staff reports
Chatham County Seeks Applicants for Planning Board Vacancies
PITTSBORO — Chatham County seeks applicants for two vacant seats on the Chatham County Planning Board. Interested residents should apply by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
The Planning Board advises the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on planning, zoning and subdivision issues. One vacant seat is assigned to County Commissioner District 4, which is in the northwestern part of the county. One vacant seat is assigned to County Commissioner District 5, which is in the southwestern part of the county. Both appointment terms expire December 31, 2022. Residents from other parts of the county may apply also.
The duties of Planning Board members include monitoring trends related to land use; proposing needed amendments to the comprehensive plan; establishing development principles and guidelines; proposing ordinances for orderly development in accordance with the comprehensive plan; determining whether proposed developments conform to the comprehensive plan and development principles; keeping the board of commissioners and the public informed on planning issues and reasons for board recommendations; and conducting meetings to receive public input.
The Planning Board typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., usually in Pittsboro. During the COVID-19 pandemic, board meetings are conducted virtually. The county can provide space for members to attend the virtual meeting should they not have adequate broadband access.
To submit an online application to serve and to view a map of the districts of the board of commissioners, visit www.chathamnc.org/CommitteeAppointments. Applicants may also contact clerk to the board Lindsay Ray at 919-545-8302 or lindsay.ray@chathamcountync.gov to get a printed or emailed copy of the application form. Individuals with questions about the Planning Board’s duties may contact the Planning Department at 919-548-3896 or Planning Director Jason Sullivan at jason.sullivan@chathamcountync.gov.
NCDOT halts construction for holidays
RALEIGH — NCDOT is suspending most construction activity along its major highways to keep lanes open for those traveling through the holidays.
The work along interstates, as well as U.S. and key N.C. routes is expected to shut down from the morning of Dec. 31 through the evening of Jan. 5.
There are some exceptions where construction conditions make it unsafe to open all lanes. This includes some locations where lanes are under construction or where a bridge is being replaced. Work that does not impact travel lanes can continue for some projects.
Before you head out, go to driveNC.gov for the most up-to-date traffic information.
• Holiday Booze It & Lose It program underway
It’s always important that if you plan to drink, you don’t drive. As part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, more state and local law enforcement officers will patrol day and night to catch impaired drivers behind the wheel throughout the holidays. The annual holiday ‘Booze It & Lose It’ campaign runs now through Jan. 5.
— CN+R staff reports
Governor’s School Supply Drive extended through Jan. 16
RALEIGH — The 4th annual Governor’s School Supply Drive is being extended to encourage more donations for supplies to support North Carolina students and teachers.
Public health precautions have required the drive to go fully online with donations collected through the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association, a new partner for this year’s drive. Visit ncsupplies.ncpta.org to make a donation now through Jan. 16.
“Supporting students and schools in these challenging times takes just a few clicks and a few minutes,” N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper said. “Kristin and I have made our personal contribution and we hope you can too.”
“Our children are remarkably resourceful and resilient, but they need your support during this difficult time. North Carolina PTA is proud to partner on this effort to make sure our children have the necessary school supplies,” said Harold Dixon, president of North Carolina PTA. “Let’s rally together to defeat COVID-19 and lift up our students and schools.”
Free Christmas tree recycling offered
PITTSBORO — Chatham County Solid Waste & Recycling is offering free Christmas tree recycling at the Main Facility through Jan. 15. Trees can be accepted from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 28 County Services Road, Pittsboro. Please note: the office will be closed Friday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Only real trees can be accepted. All decorations, stands, and pots must be removed. After these dates, we will accept trees for our normal yard debris charge of $20 per ton, with a $2 minimum.
Artificial trees can be placed in the scrap metal recycling bin, but all decorations and lights must be removed. Pre-lit trees cannot be recycled, so throw those in with the regular trash.
Chatham County property listing forms due by Feb. 1
PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Tax Office reminds those owning real estate that personal and business property as of Jan. 1, 2021, must be listed with the county’s tax office no later than Feb. 1, 2021. Listings received after this date will be subject to a late listing penalty equal to ten percent of taxes owed.
Forms will be mailed out, but property owners also can pick up forms at the tax office in Pittsboro or download a 2021 Listing Form at chathamnc.org/TaxForms. Property owners who do not receive their listing form by Jan. 20, should call 919-542-8250 to make arrangements to list property by the deadline.
This year online listing is available for personal property and business personal property at chathamnc.org/TaxListingDivision. Individuals can also mail their completed listing forms, and they must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than Feb. 1, to avoid penalties. Property also may be listed in person at the tax office, located at 12 East St. in Pittsboro. Owners must bring all detailed information necessary to identify their property and its value, including forms that were mailed.
Note that personal property listing forms are not used to list real estate property and any registered motor vehicles with tags. Registered motor vehicles are handled by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
— CN+R staff reports