Information session on plan
Orange County will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, August 7 to provide information and collect input for the county’s comprehensive plan.
County staff will present the comprehensive plan update process. In addition, participants will be able to ask questions and provide input on draft goals and data that can be used to guide the development of the plan.
The updated comprehensive plan will be an official public document that includes analysis of existing and predicted conditions and will serve to guide growth and development within the unincorporated areas of the county through the year 2030. The plan also will serve as the statutory basis for many of the county’s land use regulations and for the application of zoning districts.
The public information meeting will be held on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the New Hope Elementary auditorium at 1900 New Hope Church Road in Chapel Hill. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/compre_cpupdate.asp or contact the Planning and Inspections Department at 245-2575.
Tax-free weekend
Certain items will be exempt from sales tax this weekend for the annual sales tax holiday.
The tax exemption applies to items sold August 3-5, including clothing, footwear and school supplies of $100 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item; computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item.
Clothing accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, protective equipment, wallets, furniture, items used in a trade or business and rentals are not exempt and will be subject to regular sales tax.
For a complete list of exempt items, visit www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html.
Parking Lot 3 to close for repairs
Town of Chapel Hill Parking Lot No. 3 at 415 W. Franklin St. will be partially closed during daytime hours on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 2-3, during construction. The project will install curb cuts to improve passage for pedestrians with disabilities. For more information, contact Parking Services at 968-2758.
Residential break-ins
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a series of residential break-ins that have occurred over the last three days.
Since July 30, Chapel Hill police officers have responded to nine residential break-ins on the east side of town. Break-ins have been reported on Francis Street, Lark Circle, Fountain Ridge Road, Lakeshore Lane and Forsyth Drive. In at least two reports yesterday, witnesses reported seeing a group of young males on the roof of the homes prior to the discovery of the break-ins. In one report, the suspects were seen wearing bandannas around their heads.
In most cases, access has been gained through unlocked or open windows. It appears that small electronics, cash and jewelry have been targeted. These events are occurring during the day, presumably while victims are at work.
Residents are encouraged to be on the lookout for any groups of teens walking through residential neighborhoods and to report suspicious behavior by calling 911.
Student appointed to national group
Chapel Hill High School student Amber Bivins has been selected to serve as secretary of the National Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Youth Advisory Board.
Bivins accompanied a nine-member team that traveled to Farmville, Va. to discuss school violence issues and develop action plans for SAVE chapters across the country. The youth advisory board created a proactive action plan to combat violence through the implementation of the three essential elements of SAVE: crime prevention, conflict management and service projects.
As a member of the board, Bivins will help plan and organize the 12th annual National SAVE Youth Summit and National SAVE Day, which will take place during America’s Safe Schools Week on October 24.
SAVE is a student-run organization whose mission is to promote safe schools and communities by educating students about the effects and consequences of violence and to engage students in safe activities that benefit themselves and their communities.