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EditorPS
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Mana: 
The town is currently discussing the construction of a 10,000 sq. ft. facility to house a town hall, office space for employees, and meeting space for committee members and community groups.  The cost is estimated at about $1 million. Do you think this would be a wise use of taxpayers' money?

yvonne-57
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Mana: 
As the community grows, so do its needs for meeting space, administrative space and storage space for records/archives. BUT the town needs to look carefully and with common sense at any spending, just as an individual does when buying a house to fit his/her budget.

 

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
You're right. On the other hand, does it make sense to always rent an apartment instead of buying a house? I think the town is throwing away money by renting space. Besides, the fire department really doesn't have adequate space for meetings when a lot of people attend. It would be nice to have a town hall, especially if the extra space might be used by the community for other functions. I think this is definitely something the town council should consider if they move forward.

PhilMc
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Mana: 
All the projects and suggestions sound great particularly if we could have them at no cost - but there is no such thing.  They all cost something and will continue to cost more over time.  It's a matter of what the citizens of Oak Ridge are willing to pay for now and in the future.  There is no windfall sum of money out there that makes these projects free.  There are only funds that properly belong to the taxpayers of Oak Ridge but are being held by the Town of Oak Ridge.  How necessary it is to use those funds and for what purposes lays at the center of the controversy.

It is not right for the Town Council to assess taxes and accumulate wealth at the expense of taxpayers for things wanted and not clearly required to continue meeting the Town's current  fiscal responsibilities.  None of the projects proposed have a clear mandate from the citizens of Oak Ridge and until that is appropriately determined, the Town Council should immediately rebate the $3 million accumulated to the taxpayers and repeal taxes.  Regardless of how the money was accumulated or where it came from, it belongs to the citizens of Oak Ridge - not the symbol Town of Oak Ridge.  Only citizens should decide when, if, and how to spend discretionary tax and franchise-dependent dollars, not the Town Council.  The Town Council's job is to administer and discharge routine functional government and otherwise to serve at the pleasure and to the will of it's citizenry.   

Current and known future requirements can be met within the Town's current operating budget.  Anything else is something that is wanted and must be supported by a majority consensus of those footing the bill.  Town leadership resistance to establishing consensus sounds less like representative government and more like a benign coup of like-minded individuals who have the temporary power to achieve their common goals. 

The Town Council should finally, fairly, and in a representative fashion, officially determine what projects if any the citizenry supports - and then move forward in the direction of the will of the taxpayers. 

 

  

Last edited on Oct 29th, 2005 04:18 am by PhilMc

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
If the town repeals taxes and refunds the money they have accumulated, we might as well give up our town charter because the town will be broke. One of the reasons we incorporated in the first place was so we could decide what direction we wanted to go and not stay a part of the county or, worse yet, be annexed by Greensboro (the Greensboro city limit is just past where the Oak Ridge town limit ends on Highway 68). If we were annexed by Greensboro, do you think for a minute they would repeal taxes? No way!

For the most part, I think the town has done a great job. They have saved money but have started charging a reasonable property tax. I, for one, don't mind paying a reasonable tax if it means people in this town (not some stranger in Greensboro) can make the rules and decisions for us. I also don't want to pay a tax just for the sake of paying one. For that reason, I think it's time that the town start doing something with that money -- which is what they are trying to do. I hope they buy the property for a park, and I'm ready for a town hall too.

PhilMc
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Mana: 
I don't disagree with your points other than the Town Council should follow some kind of popularly supported procedure that puts the cart before the horse - and then move on.  The Capital Improvement Process could not have been followed since it came after the projects had been decided on and then not properly implemented after the fact insofar as determining popular support.  Project commitee members support their particular projects and profess to Town Council that in their opinion the majority of taxpayers support them as well.  The problem is they have no basis for their claims other than informal polls they conducted themselves.  By my count, the best source of info that cuts across our community is provided by the NW Observer, and their published opinion polls indicate a split and clear concern about the processes that are being used. 

Accumulating wealth at taxpayer expense without a popular mandate is simply out of order and wrong.

By charter, the Town Council has the authority to tax and spend at their discretion.  What will be the special interests of the next Town Council and the ones after that? 

 

 

dwaror
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Mana: 
I completely agree with Philmc in regard to the responsibilities of the OR Town Council. Where do they get their mandate to build the new Town Hall? I have not seen anyhing to solicit a taxpayer's opinion regarding the need for this new facility.

The NWO performed an unscientific sample of interviews, and published a fair and balanced feedback that there were an equal number of folks who commented for or against the new Town Hall. We should not assume that this survey was representative of the 3,000+ voters in Oak Ridge.

Though I have not met a single neighbor who is in favor of the new town hall,

I honestly don't know what the voting taxpayers think-

but then that is Philmc's point isn't it-  

Neither do the members of the OR Town Council- without a solicitation of the taxpayer's opinions -

I think that this council is well intentioned and honestly believe they are doing the right thing, but:

I ask again: Where do they get their mandate to build a new Town Hall?

dmhawv
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Mana: 
I'll throw my name behind PhilMc and dwaror.  I have great concern about the special interests leading the way and even further concern about the developers getting their way at the expense of the town's character.  People, a few, are getting rich and I don't see them standing up with checks written to Oak Ridge to sponsor part of a Town Hall (if needed) or sponsoring parts of a community park, if constructed.

What about the Town Hall being in an historic house that could be renovated for the administrative and community needs?  What about the Town Hall and a community center being under the same roof? What about all these new massive housing developments 1) providing required open space and 2) contributing a fixed ratio percentage of funds to the Capital Improvement budget?

I wonder what percentage of Oak Ridge voters have computer access and could participate in online polls.  If that cannot be used as a tool, than the Capital Improvement Plan needs to be approved by majority vote.We are not developed enough as a Town with a working Council to have any assurance that special interests aren't making the decisions.  Yes, the resident's need to speak their minds at meetings, but it is difficult to know what is on the Council's agenda.  Much easier to read about what happened than to find out what is under discussion.

BTW, Greensboro didn't want Oak Ridge.  The costs of supplying us with infrastructure was too high based on our location.

Last edited on Nov 1st, 2005 01:15 am by dmhawv

Sportsfan
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Mana: 
Greensboro did not want us? Then why did they offer to supply water in the past if we surrendered our charter? Why did they oppose our incorporation? Having observed Guilford County for quite a number of decades, I can tell you that Greensboro wants everything they can get their hands on.  The only greedier city is Kernersville. Mayor Swisher once sent Greensboro a letter stating that Kville wanted to annex all of Greensboro. The GNandR even ran a copy. Face it, Oak Ridge is a desirable place to live, always has been. For decades, people have talked about trying to have a central place to meet and conduct community affairs and business. A Town Hall for continued future use is hardly a new plan.  From reading the NWO for the past few years, I believe that the Town has been trying to come up with a solution and has budgeted money for a Town Hall since Bill Parrish was Mayor.  I do not attend all of the meetings, but I read all of the papers and to say that this has not been thought out and is not the will of the people is wrong.  The people have had input for years and through several elections to state their preferences and it appears to me they have.  I do not know about Capital plans and procedures and why you all are so hung up on them. The procedures that were laid out by the CIP folks and adopted as reported in the NWO appear to me to be followed to the letter by the council so far.  This is an investment in the future.  Once you have researched an investment, you need to proceed and buy.  Otherwise you will dawdle and second guess until the opportunity passes then all you have are regrets over what could have been.

dwaror
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Mana: 
To Sportsfan

We are "hung up" on CIP because it is our money that is being spent and the town should be run as a business.

I would be interested in discovering the full extent of the things that you discussed. Did, in fact, all the citizens of Oak Ridge have an opportunity to voice their approval of current expenditures to build a "Million Dollar Town Hall"? If so, when and how were we solicited? I assure you that if this plan was fully discussed and approved by the majority of the citizens of Oak Ridge, I will completely support it.

If not, why not?

 

 

Sportsfan
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Mana: 
By my observation the town is being run like a business. Lots of people serve on the committees and from my observations and readings the CIP plan that the town started is being followed. I am rather proud of all of the folks that have volunteered to serve and be active in the different areas of the town government. Lots of them have experience and business skills that they are contributing to the Town. Their recommendations appear to be well thought out and reasonable.

Public hearings will be held according to a member of the CIP committee.  And as I have stated before, the meetings of the town and all of the committees are open to the public as far as I know. I know from past years that all of the projects have been talked about at budget time.  If memory serves me right, I believe that there is one big public budget hearing each year and a second smaller one for the final vote. If a person is too lazy to go and give input or share a concern or even read the NWO to keep up with local events, do you really want that person to make a decision?

The council has a duty to answer to the people, but the people have a duty to participate and be informed. The council cannot govern by opinion polls or putting every decision to a popular vote. I trust who I vote for to do their best or the do not get my vote.  That is how the citizens ultimately give input even if they fail to take advantage of all of the other public opportunities to be heard.

Sportsfan

dwaror
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Mana: 
To assume that one is too lazy or disinterested in attending council meetings, is an insult to many folks who do not have the opportunity to attend because of work or travel or health or a lot of other reasons. Their absence does not imply lack of concern for the issues facing our community.

In all of your replies, you have failed to answer the one question that I have repeatedly asked, "Where did we get a mandate to build a new city hall?". I can only assume that you cannot answer that because-


They didn't.


Why not now? Put it to a vote- I'll support the majority.

Thanks for the paragraphs, it's much easier to understand your responses.

S. Smith
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Mana: 
It is our understanding from the N.C. General Counsel is that you cannot use the ballot to collect advisory opinions unless the N.C. General Assembly votes to allow a special election (something they rarely do).

So how should the town council find out what the people of the town want?

dwaror
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Mana: 
How can the Town Council find whether the community is behind the construction of a new town hall? That is a refreshing question and I hope they find a way. They authorized a survey for the park and I have not seen any conclusive evidence as to whether the response was representative of the community. Those in favor probably sent their response back with full affirmation of the project. I don't know if that survey really measured our desire for the park or not. How many responses were there?

Personally, I'd vote for the park over the Town Hall.

The real problem appears to be voter apathy- with only 600+ voting out of 3000+ elgible voters in the council elections, it seems that many people really don't care what happens to their tax dollars. I do, and my concern is that property taxes were collected and then projects were identified to spend the money.

Many folks have suggested ways to qualify projects for the future and I hope those processes work. It's unfortunate that the new town hall project didn't get the scrutiny it should have. My question has continually been- How did they determine that we as a community needed a milllion dollar facility? Were any other options discussed? Is anyone thinking of ways to reduce our taxes? Or are they looking for new ways to spend increased taxes?

EditorPS
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Mana: 
dwaror wrote: They authorized a survey for the park and I have not seen any conclusive evidence as to whether the response was representative of the community. Those in favor probably sent their response back with full affirmation of the project. I don't know if that survey really measured our desire for the park or not. How many responses were there?

I believe the town got approximately a 38 percent response from the survey it mailed, which is about the highest I've ever heard on a mailed survey (these results will be shared at the Dec. 1 council meeting).  With that said, 62 percent of the people in Oak Ridge households still didn't voice their opinion.

Regarding putting a capital improvement project on the ballot, I'm afraid that you would get far less than a 38 percent turnout if you did. As you've pointed out, the voter turnout in the last election was only a very small percentage of eligible voters (I agree with your comment that this reflects apathy). If you asked the same people who were surveyed to come out to a voting precinct on a specific day and cast a ballot, you'd be doing great to get 25 percent. Most people just wouldn't take the time to vote, some would intend to and then forget, some would be sick, it would be a hassle for those who are disabled or elderly and can't easily get out to the polls, etc. etc.

I've often wondered just how you do get the concensus of the citizens.  If surveys mailed to the home, public meetings, opportunities to contact town hall and express opinions by phone, e-mail, etc., and putting it on a ballot don't do it, what will?  Democracy can only work if people participate in the process. 

Last edited on Nov 26th, 2005 01:50 pm by EditorPS

dwaror
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Mana: 
EditorPS

Thanks to you and the NWO, we at least get the facts and are able to understand all the issues that confront us.

If council can't solicit input through the polling process, then at least, any large capital expenditure should be placed on the ballot as a referendum. Then this apathetic bunch of Oak Ridge voters would have had the opportunity to read the facts in the NWO, and folks like me couldn't  ask why our opinions weren't solicited.

After all, a referendun is the highest form of solicitation, isn't it?

Cracker Jax
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Mana: 

Hey guys! In between your serious posts, come on over to the Summerfield forum and shoot the breeze with us on the "Much Ado About Nothing" topic!



We talk about nothing there other than smileys, stinky stores, yard art and ug... baseball! No politics and we are all quite well behaved.


All are welcome!

ff12
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Mana: 
I don't live in Oak Ridge but i shop there,eat there and drive thru there everyday  (but I don't buy gas there cost to much). Anyway I listen to Paul Harvey alot and he says to buy a General Steel building can be put up for half the cost and the outside can be finished in brick, stone,stucco, wood,vinyl or cedar shingles if you would like. It can also be put up in half the time of a stick built building. Just a suggestion for cost cutting if they are really concerned. 

ff12
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Mana: 
Cracker Jax wrote:

Hey guys! In between your serious posts, come on over to the Summerfield forum and shoot the breeze with us on the "Much Ado About Nothing" topic!





We talk about nothing there other than smileys, stinky stores, yard art and ug... baseball! No politics and we are all quite well behaved.



All are welcome!

wow you must be like psyhic or something , stinky stores,  then guano appears and goes right to m.a.a.n(is tha rt. or should it be maan) 

Cracker Jax
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Mana: 

Ah yes ff12... bat guano... one of our more distinguished topics over on the Summerfield MAAN/M.A.A.N. forum....


This forum has been such a wonderful tool that has helped bond all folks in the Tri-town area.


And either acronym is correct.... (I personally prefer no periods... flows easier somehow) We don't count off for spelling or typos on the playground!


You should all come on over and hang out with us!


P.S. Ask Steve A. whether or not I am psychic!!!

Steve Adkins
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Mana: 
Yes, Crackah reads minds !!!!   I resemble that comment !!

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
I really don't think I care for the look of the Town Hall building that was printed recently in the NWO.

ff12
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Mana: 
Beaureguard Whizzendoodle, I would like your opinion of the town hall design. And other things Oak Ridgian.

Beauregard Whizzindoodle
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Mana: 
Hey there ff12,

I'm looking at the town hall designs right now and I like what I see.  In fact, I'm very pleased with the design.  It looks like a classy, historical building that will serve Oak Ridge well.  It appears to be much better than the design that was considered 2 years ago.  What do you think, ff12?

I tend to agree with Sandra Smith in her latest editorial regarding the town's purchase of 8 additional acres.  There is nothing wrong with buying the land, but I do believe the town had enough time to at least alert the community of what was coming up.

Beau

Cracker Jax
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Mana: 

Can't find that copy of the NWO, but didn't I read that the OR Town Hall was going to look like a building that had been added on to several times? Why?


Sorry I'm so late posting this... I've been a bit busy over in Summerfield trying to get a town hall of our own! We are envious Oak Ridge!

Ponderapond
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Mana: 
THE RIDGE! :cool:

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
Crackah - There is another picture of it in this week's NWO (page 15).

Cracker Jax
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Mana: 

Ponder... you are a nut...


Thanks Zippy... I did see that.  I was referring to the issue where they printed the larger pic of the town hall and I think somewhere in that article or photo blurb they stated that the design for the building was supposed to give the impression that it had been "added to" over time.  Not sure I like the mix n match materials look, but just my opinion.


If you want to give the impression that the building is old, why not just build it to look old?

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
Cracker Jax wrote:

Not sure I like the mix n match materials look, but just my opinion.



If you want to give the impression that the building is old, why not just build it to look old?


I agree with Cracker Jax. I think the design is basically OK (although I don't like that thing sticking up on the top at all), but I don't like the mix and match materials. It is obviously a new building and it will look new, so don't try to make it look like it was added on to over time.

If they get rid of that thing sticking up on top and build it all from one material, I think it would be OK.

Cracker Jax
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Mana: 

Ditto zip.... Course I'm from SF and some might say it's none of my business, but just had to put in my $0.02 cause we aren't getting a town hall over here!

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
I think several of us put our $0.02 worth in all over the place. Just cause it's none of our business hasn't stopped us yet, has it?

Cracker Jax
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Mana: 

Obviously.


;)

Steve Adkins
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Mana: 
EditorPS wrote: The town is currently discussing the construction of a 10,000 sq. ft. facility to house a town hall, office space for employees, and meeting space for committee members and community groups.  The cost is estimated at about $1 million. Do you think this would be a wise use of taxpayers' money?
Any further info on this subject?

EditorPS
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Mana: 
Yes, the town's building committee is reviewing the full set of architectural prints and, after giving the architect their final feedback, they hope to put the project out to bid in a few weeks. They hope to award the bid by early May. 

S. Smith
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Mana: 
I wonder how the bids are going to come in. I understand building costs have risen dramatically, and while I'm in favor of Oak Ridge's town hall, I hope the cost of the building will be what was originally proposed (wasn't it something like $1.25 M, Patti? As I remember it, that doesn't include furnishings, etc.)

EditorPS
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Mana: 
You are correct on that estimated price, Sandra, and also on the fact that furniture and technology will be in addition to the approximate $1.25 million.

S. Smith
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Mana: 
Grading is now being done on the town hall site.

Steve Adkins
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Mana: 
What is the estimated completion date?

PS - Yes, I'm really interested in the above question, but this will also get a posting showing back in the Oak Ridge Forum.  It looked kindof empty after I moved the "Lost Pet's topic.

S. Smith
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Mana: 
Steve Adkins wrote: What is the estimated completion date?

PS - Yes, I'm really interested in the above question, but this will also get a posting showing back in the Oak Ridge Forum.  It looked kindof empty after I moved the "Lost Pet's topic.

Thanks, Steve. I wondered what happened here.

The building is supposed to be completed in February.

S. Smith
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Mana: 
Okay, here's a question I have. Why is there a wall with a window in it at the town hall site? Is that something the builder or architect came up with, so you can "look through the window" and see the progress on the building? Or does it serve some purpose?

macca
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Mana: 
Well, S. Smith! It doesn't look like anyone's gonna answer your question! Maybe this is yet another for the NW Observer team to tackle! Sorry that I, Macca, P.I., wasn't able to help you out! I haven't even ridden by there to check it out yet! Maybe sometime when I'm out at Lowes Foods I'll remember to swing by there instead of just traveling back and forth on 68! ♥♥♥

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
I have wondered what that thing is too. It looks stupid. If macca PI can't find out, I hope the NWO will report on it.

Steve Adkins
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Mana: 
zippitydoodah wrote: If macca PI can't find out, I hope the NWO will report on it.
I think it was the NWO that asked the question in the first place a couple of postings up.

Geez, I thought we had a better bunch of sleuths on this forum, searching out critical issues like this one.   Ho Hum.

EditorPS
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Mana: 
We've got this coming up in our "Questions You Have Asked," Steve.

macca
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Mana: 
Well, inquiring minds wanted to know.... I rode by there the other day just to see what y'all were talking about. I can see why you were so curious about it.... "A window to the site..." Did everybody see what the real reason is that it's there???♥♥♥

ff12
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Mana: 
Are they going to have solar power other green things. They want to make it look old how about recycling old building materials, their is a place in Gboro downtown that sells saved building materials and the money goes to habitat for humanity.

macca
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Mana: 
Are you well-versed about solar alternatives, ff12? I think I've read that they are more expensive up front but then the payoff comes in operational savings. I think sometimes people think they aren't knowledgable enough to incorporate them into designs or that they think the costs are too prohibitive based on $$$ allocated for construction. I think it's good to open up the discussion for those kinds of options, although it may be too late for this project.

S. Smith
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Mana: 
macca wrote: Well, inquiring minds wanted to know.... I rode by there the other day just to see what y'all were talking about. I can see why you were so curious about it.... "A window to the site..." Did everybody see what the real reason is that it's there???♥♥♥
I'm glad to know now what this is all about. In the last week, they've added the different kinds of bricks and block that will be used, and it makes more sense.

Even though I knew about the plan and the size, now that they're putting up the steel supports, it looks BIG. ff12 had a good idea about using old materials if you were trying to make it look old, but looks like from that mock-up wall in front that everything will be new stuff.

I don't know that "green" alternatives are to be used in this building -- haven't heard anything about it.

ff12
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Mana: 
There are some things that can be used by them such as cfl's, energy star appliciances and electronics(did not know till today you can get a tax break for energy efficient windows and such). A Rinna water heater gas or electric , heats only on demand.

DToney
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ff12 wrote: (did not know till today you can get a tax break for energy efficient windows and such).dang... wish'd I'd have known this at tax time!  :?

zippitydoodah
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Mana: 
Has anybody gone by to see the new OR town hall lately? That building is big!! And really tall to!! Is that middle part 2 stories?

S. Smith
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Mana: 
You're right zippity. They are moving along quickly with the town hall. They are expecting to be finished with it by around February.

I don't believe any part of it will be two stories. As far as I know, the tall part in the center is the council chambers, which has a high ceiling.

ff12
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Are council chambers in the middle of the building? Winston Salem city chambers was in the middle of there building , made it hard to get from one side to the other.

S. Smith
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ff12 wrote: Are council chambers in the middle of the building? Winston Salem city chambers was in the middle of there building , made it hard to get from one side to the other.

Yes, the council chambers are in the middle and the offices are around the outside perimeter. I think there are doors on either side of the council chambers, so I suppose you could "cut through" the middle to get from one side to the other -- but not in the middle of a meeting, of course! I'm sure they'd prefer people use the hallway to walk around if going to the opposite side of the building.

ff12
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Is it just me or does the town hall  need to have a  visit from the code or historic police. If that was a personal residence how many complaints would have been lodged against it as an eyesore.

rasin
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How so?  The historic commission and P & Z both reviewed the plans.  I think the intent was for it to have some character of a barn and to look like it has been added onto.

ff12
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Does that mean someone could add on to a barn and live in it?

ff12
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Mana: 
Are we sure that to save money they visited DH Griffin and picked out what was there?

S. Smith
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ff12 wrote: Are we sure that to save money they visited DH Griffin and picked out what was there?
I'm not sure I understand your post. Do you mean are we sure they didn't visit D.H. Griffin (the salvage place)?

mstone
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ff12 wrote: Are we sure that to save money they visited DH Griffin and picked out what was there?
Oh - Sarcasm - not something we get a lot of around here. :)

I would have chosen a different look for the town hall (I'm not thrilled with the "added to" look) and opted for a more rural farmhouse or horse stable/barn look.  The different exteriors were supposed to give the impression that various materials were used.  I think we missed on that attempt only because everyone knows it was built all at the same time.  However, implying that recycled materials from DH is a stretch. 

In the grand scheme of things - I'm pleased.

Jim Flynt
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I hope the building wins some awards for functionality. It is not going to win any awards for aesthetics.

mstone
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Too true.  However, it could become one of those landmarks everybody uses for directions...  Go up 68 past the BIG BLUE NAPA store, go past the old white church that's about to crumble at Alcorn, turn left just past McDonalds. (oops, I mean , McCafe), turn right at the light, when you get to the funky looking building on the left, the park is across the street.:)

Jim Flynt wrote:
I hope the building wins some awards for functionality. It is not going to win any awards for aesthetics.

Jim Flynt
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mstone wrote: ...it could become one of those landmarks everybody uses for directions... 


 

What in the world was the architect who designed this building thinking?

 



 

Last edited on Jan 18th, 2007 11:36 pm by Jim Flynt

Stonefree
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Mana: 
Wow. I hate to drop a bomb shell here but these plans for the building have been around for about a year or so.

The time to say you don't like the look of it was then. I went to most of the building meetings, historic meetings and town councils and i don't recall any kind of commenting on not liking the building design.

This isn't the pyramids that were built before you got here.

My opinion is get invovled in the beginning, don't just sit back do nothing then make a stink at the end. You are entitled to your opinion, and i don't know you, maybe you weren't here last year but maybe you somehow didn't know you had the right to see what your tax money is being spent on.

But now you do.

Last edited on Jan 23rd, 2007 04:28 pm by Stonefree

macca
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When will the new town hall be opening for business?

S. Smith
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I'm not sure of an exact date, but the last I heard, they were hoping to have the March Town Council meeting there.

mstone
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Stonefree wrote: My opinion is get invovled in the beginning, don't just sit back do nothing then make a stink at the end. You are entitled to your opinion, and i don't know you, maybe you weren't here last year but maybe you somehow didn't know you had the right to see what your tax money is being spent on.

Yep, I was one of those folks that wasn't around when the plans were being laid out.  I TOTALLY agree that folks need to be involved in this, but I'm not sure anyone's trying to "make a stink at the end."  I think that there's typically a difference between an artist's rendering and the finished product.  Maybe this isn't the case here (like I said, I wasn't here when it was planned out).  In a community where the town's folks routinely use the term "rural character" at Planning and Zoning Board meetings and Town Council meeting, I'd have thought the Town Hall would have focused on that theme.

All that said, I think that everyone's going to be very pleased with the finished project.  The folks at the fire station are great, but having a real town hall and a meeting room will be fantastic.  The benefits to the OR community are going to last for generations. 

mstone
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Mana: 
I was one of those lucky folks that got a sneak-peak at the new town hall after the Town Council meeting Thursday night.  Hey, if you can sit through that financial review stuff you ought to get something (just kidding Sam :D).

Anyway, the Mayor invited the few remaining brave souls to meet at the town hall.  It's great!  Even though it's still being painted and lots of stuff still needs to be done - it's something all of OR can be proud of.  That strange outcropping of block meant to look like an addition houses a wonderful meeting room.  The lobby is spacious. The meeting room is GRAND!  There's so much more, but folks need to see it for themselves.  "Impressive" is an understatement. 

The "grand opening" is slated for 6pm on March 1st.  That's one hour before the regular town council meeting.  Here's hoping we can pack the place full on its first night's use.

Cracker Jax
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We Summerfieldians are envious of your new Town Hall mstone!  Sounds wonderful!  Can't wait to visit!

S. Smith
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Mana: 
There will be a dedication ceremony and open house for the whole community on March 1 at 6 p.m., followed by the regular council meeting at 7 p.m.

Come see what all the talk's about....




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