WELCOME TO SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
Established December 2013 as a Facebook media source that reports and shares local, county, state, and national news and events in the Guilford County area. Our Summerfield Scoop Facebook page has over 8700 followers and growing.
THE SUMMERFIELD INNER CIRCLE MAYOR BJ BARNES - TIM SESSOMS - JOHN O’DAY - REECE WALKER - LYNNE WILLIAMS DEVANEY
WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO YOU! Expensive Commercial water/sewer and Greensboro high density for hundreds of acres Land Use Plan - Town will determine your “Property Rights” U.D.O. - Overall less continuity of zoning as UDO requires separate isolated zoning districts. OSM, the new PD may surprise you with “multi use” 50-200 acres next to you, some low overall density, some 1 /4 acre lots, some 4-unit 4 apartment buildings to an acre.
ETJ Extra Territorial Jurisdiction – Town control of development and zoning for one to two miles outside of town limits – $$$ much larger town zoning department New Town Hall $5++ million on $1 million property. “Most important to give Town tax dollars to FIRE, a separate taxing district.” Growing Government and Higher Property Taxes for their “Wants”
Teresa (Pegram) Perryman is the only council member opposed to their agenda.
- Your friends at Summerfield Scoop Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on issues that may impact you and your family.
MAY 2021
OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE: Share or publish a story or event that may be essential or of interest to the local community, even when it is not a politically correct issue. NEWS! For town news go to FACEBOOK Summerfield Scoop. There is also a link to watch the meetings live, or the videos may also be posted after the town meetings on Facebook Summerfield Scoop, or www.YouTube.com Summerfield Scoop Comments or Letters to the Editor Email: SummerfieldNCNews@gmail.com Website https://SummerfieldNews.com To read past issues of Summerfield Scoop newspapers: Go to: issuu.com Put “summerfieldncnews” in the search bar and link to past issues. Summerfield Scoop (336) 202 – 0488 (phone and text) Mail address: PO Box 39296, Greensboro NC 27438-9296 Advertising Email SummerfieldScoopADS@gmail.com for information about placing advertisements in Summerfield Scoop (336) 202 – 0488
OUR STORY: Scoop has a unique and different way of reporting, sharing, and making a point. It is intended to be different than other outlets. Dry, silly, controversial, and serious to ensure followers get it all. We can be biased, and we don’t hide it, but we also “attempt” to be as fair as possible. You will not agree with us on everything (if you are married, you understand) and do not expect you to. We offer personal opinions, videotape public meetings, provide information related to news, politics, and share the local story that may impact our area. We aren’t shy when it comes to controversial issues. We call it as we see it, give our non-journalistic opinion, and provide video coverage.
Rhino Times is online with frequent updates of SUMMERFIELD News. To not miss the Rhino Times go to www. RhinoTimes.com and click on SUBSCRIBE to receive the edition in your inbox. Letters to the Editor: Letters@RhinoTimes.com News & Record: Letters to the Editor: Include your name, email address, home street address, and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length 200 words or less, 350 words or less for Bottom Lines (Bottom Lines may rebut columns and editorials but not letters). All letters are subject to editing and must be signed by the writer. Two letters are allowed per writer every 30 days. Email: EdPage@greensboro.com Questions: 336 – 373 – 7010 NEW! News & Record online subscription is available for $1 per month and you are able to flip through the pages of the newspaper and access to unlimited articles on www.Greensboro.com with no surveys when you log in. Digital Plus free for limited time. www.Greensboro.com/Site/Forms/Subscription_services
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS: IMPORTANT NEWS! Parents in North Carolina who did not receive the $335 credit to offset costs of remote learning for their children may apply for this grant until May 31, 2021. HTTPS://WWW.NCDOR.GOV/EXTRACREDIT The Extra Credit Grant program was established in 2020 to use funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to help families with qualifying children in North Carolina by providing economic support to assist with virtual schooling and child-care costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new law, February 10, 2021, extends the Extra Credit Grant program through May 31, 2021, and only applies to eligible individuals who have NOT received the $335 grant. If you have already received the $335 grant, you are not eligible under the new law. If parents do not apply by May 31, 2021, North Carolina will return the money to the federal government. COVID-19 Vaccines are now easily available for those age 16 and older. Half of North Carolinians eligible for the vaccine have received a COVID-19 vaccine. The sooner we reach 2/3rd of those eligible adults, restrictions may be lifted sooner than June 1st. It is easier now to make the appointment for the vaccine, and some sites offer walk in or drive in times. An adult should go with anyone age 16 - 18 when they go for their vaccine. Following are a few of the sites, and you may find more opportunities that offer the free COVID-19 vaccine: www.Walgreens.com/Covid19vac Our local Walgreens and others offer COVID vaccines seven days a week. www.ConeHealth.com/vaccine Locations are in Greensboro, but also offer walk-ins. Questions: Call 336 890 1188, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 pm. www.GSOMassVax.org (888) 675 4567 Mass vaccination site at four Seasons Mall and open until May 27. Monday – Saturday (closed Sunday) 8am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 7 pm by appointment or drive through clinic. www.HealthyGuilford.com Guilford County COVID-19 online vaccine appointment registration. View online scheduling. Walk in appointments may be available. By phone open 8 am to 5 pm. (336) 641 7944, Option 2
SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
Free lamination of your completed COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Valid through July 25, 2021, coupon code 52516714 (optional) They Xerox your original COVID card and laminate the copy and return the original card to you. 1571 New Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410 Thank you to our friends at Office Depot!
JOSH STEIN
NORTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY GENERAL 8 am to 8 pm Monday – Friday, Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Free Krispy Kreme doughnut to anyone who comes in with a COVID-19 vaccination card through the end of 2021.
CONSUMER ALERTS NCDOJ.gov Robocall Hotline: (844) - 8- NO-ROBO All Other complaints: (877) -5-NO-Scam
TOP FIVE CONSUMER TIPS
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SAVE THE DATES UPCOMING TOWN MEETINGS
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 – 6:30pm at Community Center. Monthly Town Meeting. May be open to the public, or you can wait outside and go in one at a time for public comments which are early on the agenda, or, watch the meeting on Facebook - Town of Summerfield NC and post comments. Videos of town meetings can be watched after the meetings on Facebook – Summerfield Scoop, YouTube Summerfield Scoop, or Facebook – Town of Summerfield NC. IMPORTANT! Thursday May 13, 2021 – Land Use Public Meeting – 6:00pm at Revolution Academy, the new Charter School at 3800 Oak Ridge Rd, Route 150. This the first of only three scheduled meetings that will allow the public - most important to be there! Tuesday, May 25, 2021 – 6:30pm at Revolution Academy Town Public Hearing (public comments) on the U.D.O. Unified Development Ordinance. Expected to be Public Meeting. Thursday, May 27, 2021 – 6:30pm at Summerfield Community Center. Special Called Meeting to present the annual town budget 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2022. They could allow public comments and questions – but may be no public comments until the Public Hearing vote to approve the budget June 8, 2021 (town meeting second Tuesday of each month). Budget is “record high spending” $3 million toward new town hall, and $3.3 million deficit, budgeted from Reserves. Spending down the Reserves, the interest income from $136,000 to $90,000 and only $45,000. Budget year 2022 – 2023 spending could be even higher. Check the town website for changes in the meeting schedule: www.Summerfieldnc.gov
1. Don’t respond to unsolicited offers. Be cautious when responding to offers. Check out companies with the Attorney General’s Office 1-877-5-NO SCAM or the Better Business Bureau. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 2. Never give out your personal information. 3. When in doubt, pay with a credit card. Credit cards give you protection if your order doesn’t arrive or the work isn’t completed. 4. Join the DO NOT CALL Registry to cut down on unwanted telemarketing calls. To sign up call 1-888-382-1222 from the number that you wish to register or visit www.DoNotCall.gov your telephone provider may install their free call-blocking or call-labeling tools. 5. Check your credit report regularly. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from nationwide credit bureaus. Visit www. annualcreditreport.com or call 1 -877-322-8228. If you think that you have been scammed, let the Attorney General office know by calling 1-877-5-NOSCAM or file an online complaint at www.NCDOG.gov/complaint.
JUST SAY NO! WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Summerfield is at a crossroads and we need to contact Guilford County, City of Greensboro and Summerfield Mayor, Council Members and town manager! JUST SAY NO to expensive commercial water/sewer and high density development like Greensboro. NO to higher taxes and growing government! NO to the town controlling our property rights! NO to an overpriced new town hall! Please complete and return the enclosed survey – over 1,000 responses and we need more! Scoop welcomes your letters and comments: SummerfieldNCNews@gmail.com Sign the Petition: Facebook.com – “Stand up for Summerfield” Join the 1,600 who have signed the petition. http://chng.it/TYFF8xsMMt Email to the links below, and go to “Contact Page” in Scoop and call, send emails or write to them. Save the Contact Page as we need to continue our work to Save Our Summerfield. BJ and council members voted to tell County Board Chair Skip Alston that the most important thing for the county to do with $104 million federal money, “American Rescue Plan Fund”, is “WATER” water/sewer -- for DAVID COUNCH SUMMERFIELD VILLAGE.” Tell the county and Greensboro JUST SAY NO. Suggest to Guilford County Commissioners positive ways to spend $104 million, not bankroll developers, and review “Recovery Act Guidelines.” GUILFORD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Contact form: One email to reach them all. https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/ get-connected/contact-us CITY OF GREENSBORO Contact form: One email to reach them all. https://w w w.greensboro- nc.gov/ government/city-council/e-mail-citycouncil
THERE ARE SO MANY ACTIONS NOW THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR CONTROL OF YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS. September, 2020. Mayor BJ Barnes and the “Inner Circle” welcomed David Couch, developer, and his “Summerfield Future Development,” and Barnes said, “This is a logical step to move forward,” and “We will involve the public when we have some official action that should be taken.” They want to be sure that YOU are the last to know. Transparency = not. Meetings have been on-going for eight months with town manager, town and Couch attorneys, BJ Barnes, Couch, the county and Greensboro – appears all united to do everything possible to push through that development, “Summerfield Farms Village Concept,” with commercial water/sewer and high density development like Greensboro. They are ignoring and rejecting the citizens because of, “their reluctance to see any development period.” They not only ignore you, they insult you. Remember #8 “Other Business.” April 27 a Special Called Meeting, purpose and agenda were to review Parks/Trails Master Plan, and discuss U.D.O. Unified Development Ordinance. December 2019 BJ Barnes directed council to approve the “purple book” for Rules of Procedure, which clearly states to transact other business at a Special Called Meeting all members must be present (to amend the agenda at the meeting), and “only if council first determines in good faith that the item must be discussed or acted upon immediately.” Voting to request millions for David Couch was not “necessary immediately,” and should be on the public agenda at next town meeting. Not sure if Summerfield requests meet the criteria of the “Recovery Act Guidelines.” Current Couch Proposal – How much will it cost? The town and Couch proposed that the County create a Summerfield tax district to pay for the infrastructure or upkeep of water/sewer development for that area. Based on the developer estimate he stated the “25 cent/quarter tax” will generate $103,873 in City General Revenue first year and will generate $2,395,936 in revenue at 20 year buildout. Four variables are missing from this proposal – cost of infrastructure ($40 million?), interest rate for Bonds/debt, cost to maintain, and the Assessed Value of the developed property. Greensboro will sell water at twice their water rate—maybe $100 a month. If the infrastructure costs more they could incorporate other areas of Summerfield along the path to the tax district, or increase the tax rate, or extend the debt – all ways that only homeowners would pay.
JUST SAY NO!
Red Carpet For Developers... HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES FOR SUMMERFIELD CITIZENS SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
LAND USE PLAN FOR SUMMERFIELD
PTRC – Piedmont Triad Regional Council is providing the consultant, Jesse Day, who has worked well with Summerfield in the past. The Land Use Plan started at $10,000, then $35,000, then $54,800, and now $64,800. Tim Sessoms moved to increase the cost from $54,800 to $64,800 for additional focus group. The Merchants Association, realtors, developers were mentioned.
The consultant has posted Summerfield Land Use Plan on their website and we understand citizens can go there now, and in the future you can see how the plan is progressing.https://www. ptrc.org/services/regional-planning/local-planning-projects/ summerfield-lup Go to www.PTRC.org, click on Services, click on Local Planning Projects and in the left column Summerfield.
Q. WHAT IS A LAND USE PLAN?
The five “Leadership” “Steering Committee” decision makers include:
Refers to the rational and judicious approach of allocating available land resources to different land using activities and for different functions consistent with the overall development. Whitaker said, to achieve sustainable land patterns and understand deeply held values that frame how interest groups believe that alternative visions of development will affect them and their community. Framework to identify and account for the goals and values of interest groups with a stake in the land development process; establish a land use planning program that integrates community-based information with a collaborative planning process to create consensus-based plans for a sustainable future; and to monitor and evaluate how well land development outcomes make progress toward sustainability. Stakeholder participation is essential to developing a quality, durable plan serving the citizens by addressing community, livability, mobility, equity, and sustainability….. ”
A. The bottom line is that a Land Use Plan is land development and the document will tell you what you can and cannot do with your property. Scoop wants to be optimistic, but of the 13 meetings only 3 will involve the public, it appears the other ten are private – this is not genuine “stakeholder participation” that the Consultant said is necessary. 80% of the meetings are private and public has no input for 10 months. Their powerful “Land Use Steering Committee” was chosen in secret for private meetings that are not posted. Whitaker said the “ad hoc committee wouldn’t constitute a public body, and more efficient and better for project schedule.” They agreed to secret meetings as they continue to expand on ways to exclude the taxpayers/citizens. Scoop and hopefully you too will ask that all meetings be an open public process, at the least to observe and maintain public records – this is paid for with taxpayer money, and our property!
Kathy Rooney, representing Zoning Board. Rooney has land holdings of about 25 acres in the town core, and she explained her investment property is contiguous with David Couch property, and that her vision for Summerfield is her land and the David Couch proposal, and the rest of the town can be a suburb, or something like that. Former town attorney Bill Hill stated that Rooney could not vote on area where she owns property, but she ignores that and votes. Rooney on Zoning Board always pushing for higher density in larger areas—she wants two dwelling units to the acre with no requirement for open space on an area she defined that is 25% of the town. Jessica Haverland, realtor, was representing History Committee, but now Mark Brown, former mayor is on the secret ad hoc committee. Mark Brown’s long term personal support of David Couch is well documented in his emails. Terry Helms, represents SMA Summerfield Merchant Association and said his vision for future of Summerfield is the David Couch project. Bill King represents Trails and Open Space Committee Scott Muthersbaugh is representing organizations for Summerfield.
HOA,
homeowner
Chris York, town planner will chair their private meetings. . Scoop recognizes they are all good citizens in our community, however, it would be more credible if there was no Conflict of Interest. Respected, objective members of our community offered to serve, with experience and knowledge that would be most helpful, but they were rejected. It will be easy to announce consensus with this Steering Committee. BJ Barnes, Whitaker, and the Inner Circle probably decided that this is such an important document they needed to control who was on the Steering Committee and work in private meetings.
MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS, EXERCISE OF POLICE POWER AUTHORIZED. NCGS Article 19, Part 6, 160A-441
Town Council Retreat Agenda, February 13, 2021. To authorize manager to prepare a Minimum Housing Standards. “If adopted, may provide for the repair, closing or demolition of such structure pursuant to ….” In the past the Mayor requested a strict ordinance, and reported that the town paid $5,000 to have it written. The public comments at that meeting were overwhelmingly opposed and the council withdrew that Ordinance. February 2021 town kept the meeting going during the ice storm, but had to adjourn. The ice storm is the reason they did not move forward with Minimum Housing Standards.
SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
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WHAT IS ETJ? SCOOP EXCLUSIVE NEWS
The Town has been pursuing “ETJ” Extraterritorial Jurisdiction for over a year. They want to take control of planning and zoning of the one to two mile radius outside the incorporated town border – note areas on the map. Led by Reece Walker, Barnes, Sessoms, Devaney, and O’Day have approved ETJ every step of the way – but those affected may not be aware how they will be impacted. Teresa (Pegram) Perryman voted no, and raised important questions and concerns. (Motions by Reece Walker and seconds by Lynne Williams Devaney, and Tim Sessoms.) Reece Walker said he was meeting with County Board Members representing Summerfield, Carly Cooke and Jason Conrad, and Mayor BJ Barnes stated meeting with County Chair Skip Alston to get approval. Please note the CONTACT INFORMATION in Scoop and suggest that you call, write and send emails while the “Inner Circle” has ETJ on a fast track and saying they represent “the town.” (March 9, 2021 “There have been initial conversations with affected/interested jurisdictions.”)
The new Town Planning and Development Ordinance is based on NCGS 160A that was repealed January 1, 2021. Why didn’t the town planner comply with NC Statute 160D that was required by January 1, 2021? Attorney Hornik said legal to approve a draft Summerfield U.D.O Unified Development Ordinance based on law repealed January 1, 2021, with frequent changes after “public hearing” expected for next few months or more. So not sure what the town attorney will determine is “legal” ordinance for ETJ for “Zoning and Development.” Why would anyone want to subject their property investment to governance and zoning by a document not in compliance with North Carolina Statutes, and to the Summerfield mayor and town council? Reece Walker keeps saying the ETJ jurisdiction will prevent higher density development adjacent to the Town. How do you know that is true? What is true is that it is a way to take away property rights.
Reece Walker decided it would be easier (to get this through) with a “phased approach and the first area he decided to pursue is south of NC-150 West and to the west of Spencer-Dixon Road.” Do you know who owns that property? Have they signed off that the Town can control their zoning and planning? (Motion passed March 9, 2021) (Scoop, doing our best to privately notify the property owners, filed a PRR Public Record Request for the location of that property as they approved the motion with the map. As of this writing town is refusing to comply with PRR to disclose what property they are “pursuing.”)
Copies of Summerfield Scoop are available in the news box at the Summerfield Post Office and other locations around town.
If you or your friends or family own land/ property investment in that ETJ area it may be in your best interests and be proactive to learn more. If opposed you may need to go to the Guilford County Board, and Summerfield mayor and council, as soon as possible. The cost of a much larger Town Zoning Department will be paid by Town taxpayers, not those in the ETJ area. 1. Town attorney Hornik stated, “The Town doesn’t need to seek permission from property owners to establish an ETJ.” Town is going directly to Guilford County for approval of its ETJ Resolution. 2. With county approval the town would hold a Public Hearing; however, a Summerfield Public Hearing could continue to be more of a zoom lecture, with little public notice. 3. Attorney Hornik, “An ordinance would need to be approved by Council to establish zoning districts within the ETJ.”
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SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
THE $5 - $6 MILLION
NEW TOWN HALL
Scott Whitaker and council have been repeating over and over that the new town hall will be $3.5 million. That is far from the total cost. Why was it necessary to add $1 million commercial property with no consideration of many less expensive options? The contracts with the Architect (Creech from Charlotte) and Samet for Construction Manager show many professional and expert services that are required, and not included in the $3.5 million. Creech/Samet “will coordinate many purchases and services,” and the taxpayers will pay those expenses. A large expenditure like this will raise taxes. What are the estimates for all the exterior costs? First drawing had lovely outside patio area, but not included in the cost. Parking? Roads? Landscaping? Whitaker directed the Trails Committee to walk the 13 acre site for park development. (Cost $1.1 to $2 million per Summerfield Intersection Master Plan & Park Concept Report – on town website, and linked in the right column. Includes 3+ picnic shelters and more.) The 32 acre Vandergrift property would be free as town cannot sell it, a quiet area adjacent to the park and community center. Whitaker said new town hall was necessary for meeting space; and mayor wants to be on a dais raised platform, and IT upgrades. The second architect drawing has about 80 seats in the meeting room – same number occupancy as the Community Center – and Community Center meeting space is actually larger. The new town hall is all their wants, including private toilet for mayor and council. What’s wrong with the public or staff bathrooms? How many other extras that we don’t know about yet? BJ Barnes said upgrades to the Community Center had to be donations, and now decided to use the money from Founders Day for new roof and new toilets. Community Center hosts hundreds of citizens for various events. For much less money could have a major update and be a terrific meeting area, and multi-purpose uses for the town – with no tax increase. Or, for much less could build a new Community Center on the site. They have refused to tell the truth for over a year about spending your money, so can you trust anything they say?
SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
SUMMERFIELD U.D.O. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
Scott Whitaker and the town have been working on the new UDO for nine years, and now with no real citizen input, they are rushing to adopt a draft 420 page UDO that is frequently being changed, and does not comply with North Carolina General Statutes. The current D.O. (Development Ordinance) and the new draft U.D.O, are based on NCGS 160A that was REPEALED and replaced by NCGS 160D on January 1, 2021. Due to COVID delays NC extended the date to complete revision of existing Ordinance from 160A to 160D by July 1, 2021, but no legal authority to approve a new UDO based on 160A that was REPEALED January 1, 2021. The new UDO provides less continuity of zoning because UDO requires separate isolated zoning districts. The OSR and OSM will also not have Public Hearings at the Planning/Zoning Board level. (Article 3.D. (6) specifically states “Planning Board shall hold a public meeting (Not a formal Public Hearing).” So a pretty sketch could be presented and then goes to Planner and Manager/ Administrator to approve what multi use zoning will go where. You may not know until construction starts what they are building or putting next to your home. OSM could be the new PD and how developers (50 -200 acres) finish an area with apartment buildings (4-unit 4-to an acre are allowed), and can approve general business next to residential. There are inconsistencies in the Ordinance. Zoning Board had 37 UDO meetings and 37 opportunities to talk with the public, but public participation was not allowed and was supposed to be later. We were told during the past 9 years that the purpose of the UDO was to better conform to the Comprehensive Master Plan – but that may not be true. One example is the UDO does not comply with important Article 10 of the Comp Plan Summerfield Road Focus Area which requires no new zoning district be brought to Town Council without meeting with and support from the residents and businesses in that area. Not happening. UDO talks about “affordable housing” but no one defined what that amount would be. There is a 15% density bonus for “affordable” but $400,000 might be the defined “affordable.” Also still weak on storm water management with “feel good” statements like “Disruption of natural sheet flow of water shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible.” With higher density the storm water management may be a bigger problem. After nine years why is the town having Public Hearings, and pushing through a UDO Ordinance with continuing changes, that does not comply with NC Statute 160D; and why wasn’t the UDO done legally a year ago or even six months ago?
WHO CAN
YOU TRUST? 7
WHO CAN YOU TRUST? March 9, 2021 – Monthly Town Council Meeting “I vote nay to the agenda because most of the agenda is being done while hiding behind the “Covid wall.” There has been no public involvement, no public input, etc. The town government is spending taxpayer’s money at a fast rate. Please re-read our Town Charter. We are supposed to be fiscal conservatives, but where do we really stand for our citizens? Why all the rush on these projects? Can they not wait for the pandemic to be over? I want this statement put into the town minutes. Fiscal conservative is a political and economic philosophy regarding fiscal policy and fiscal responsibility advocating low taxes, reduced government spending and minimal government debt.” - Teresa Winfree Pegram April 3, 2021, now Teresa (Pegram) Perryman Congratulations to Teresa and David! New Town Email: TPerryman@summerfieldnc.gov PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNMENT TOWN CHARTER – Ratified 1995, a North Carolina Statute CHAPTER III. GOVERNING BODY SEC. 3.1 STRUCTURE OF GOVERNING BODY; NUMBER OF MEMBERS. THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TOWN OF SUMMERFIELD IS THE TOWN COUNCIL, WHICH HAS SIX MEMBERS. (Including one mayor and five council members.) The GOVERNING BODY is SIX MEMBERS, and all Summerfield elected officials should comply with our Summerfield Town Charter. Where is the statutory authority to govern and spend taxpayer money including only three, four or five elected officials and the town manager, Scott Whitaker? It is even more offensive when they insult and exclude the one and only duly elected official who is a true fiscal conservative. Whitaker also frequently only includes three, four or five of the elected body for decision making, often using SFTownmgr@gmail. com. Governing and authorizing the largest town expenditures should not be done by less than six elected officials, without a public motion, second, and vote, and no votes via email or telephone/text. YOU did not only elect a committee of 3 to 5 people.
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Mayor BJ Barnes said he governs by consensus and assumes that gives him the right to exclude a duly elected council member. Mayor Barnes frequent personal attacks have gone so far to say to Council Member Teresa (Pegram) Perryman, “No one wants to hear what you have to say.” The mayor in Summerfield is elected, and position is called a “weak mayor” as legally the mayor only votes in case of a tie. There is no NC Statutory authority for Mayor BJ Barnes to run the town – but that is what he is doing. Meetings of Public Bodies Chapter 143 - Articles 33C UNGS 143-318.9. Public policy. “Whereas the public bodies that administer the legislative, policymaking, quasi-judicial, administrative, and advisory functions of North Carolina and its political subdivisions exist solely to conduct the people’s business. It is the public policy of North Carolina that the hearings, deliberations, and actions of these bodies be conducted openly.” The Statute continues with specifics and Summerfield should be in compliance and stop conducting town business and authorizing spending of taxpayer money via phone, email, in small groups, and taking all the power for only five or fewer elected officials, and the town manager. February 1, 2020, Town Council Retreat. The decision to build a new town hall was made at the retreat to “explore allin-one-town hall and meeting space and consider both the Vandergrift (32 acres) and northern Gordon (13 acre prime commercial) property.” Public was not there, and with no motion, second, or recorded individual vote, it passed by “consensus.” The 13-acres are prime commercial real estate and have an A.V.-Assessed Value at $1 million. Often property is sold at a price higher than A.V. Town-owned government property pays no property taxes -- when privately owned it goes on the property tax rolls for tax income to the town. During the campaign, a few months earlier, Mayor BJ Barnes said he was opposed to a new town hall. He lied. Barnes, Sessoms, DeVaney, O’Day, Walker, and Scott Whitaker began to hold all closed secret meetings about the new and very expensive Town Hall. Scott Whitaker still states $3.5 million cost, and no true estimate
of total cost, which is much higher, plus $1 million property. They decided that FIVE (NOT SIX – which is mandated in the Town Charter) elected officials had all that power to spend all the money – millions of town financial reserves, and $1 million property that town owns. Expect property tax increases to pay for growing government. Publicly, they did not consider Vandergrift property, to save $1+ million in cost. April 16, 2020. Teresa (Pegram) Perryman was threatened to have her removed from office by amotion, because she wanted to discuss public information like the town hall. “For the benefit of the Town of Summerfield, urge the Council members and mayor to maintain the public trust” (by not discussing or releasing public information unless town manager Scott Whitaker, or Mayor BJ Barnes gives permission!) Disclosure of information, small issues, expensive issues such as the new town hall, town spending, or other capital projects that are clearly public information should not be kept confidential, or demand that public disclosure is “a lack of trust.” “Sometimes you need to wait until an idea “bakes” a little bit before it’s ready for public input/consumption.” This may be OK for a private company – but State and Federal Statutes require public disclosure. The secrecy in Summerfield government appears out of control. May 20, 2020 Scott Whitaker to Teresa, ”I have at times excluded you from communications because I felt it as in the best interest of the town based on past audio recordings, sharing of confidential information, and what feels to me like a general disregard of Council/ town confidentiality. Trying to meet you halfway I’m willing to try again if you can commit that you won’t share that which isn’t ready for public consumption… my duty is to work productively for and in harmony with the government body.” So, Whitaker, and probably Mayor BJ Barnes decided that YOUR elected official cannot discuss or disclose any town business/ spending without approval from Scott Whitaker, or he will continue to not share town business with her. Nothing confidential was disclosed. Council members are not Whitaker’s employees, and he has a problem that he holds a grudge about “past audio recording(s).”
SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
PAST AUDIO RECORDING. April 23, 2018 at a closed session, council member Dena Barnes (wife of BJ Barnes) physically grabbed Teresa’s hand and wrist in a simple physical assault. Later Dena Barnes apologized to Teresa in court. At that same closed session Dena Barnes could not control herself and also got out of her chair and started physically slapping the Mayor Gail Duhham! Scott Whitaker, Dena Barnes, attorney Bill Hill, Reece Walker and John O’Day publicly blamed Teresa and said nothing happened. Under constant verbal attacks for months it was important to get the Truth to the public. October 2018 an audio recording of the meeting was released and posted on Facebook, Summerfield Sessions, April 23, 2018, with audio and transcript. Years later Whitaker holds a grudge about “past audio recording(s)” because the truth became public record. With actions like this a $5+ million town hall will not make Whitaker more “professional.” September 8, 2020 the town approved an Architect for the new town hall. Lynne Devaney made a motion to retain Lindsey Architecture, a local firm. Reece Walker interrupted and said, “No, remember we decided on the Charlotte architect…” The process to bring the architect decision to council was three to five elected officials privately pre-chose the architect. Lynne Devaney revised the motion to retain Creech & Associates (from Charlotte). Reece Walker second and voted 4 -1. Teresa Pegram was opposed. (Town council approved the architect contract September 22, 2020, however, it was not on the Agenda in advance.) December 8, 2020. There was no public vote on record and no discussion allowed about which property to use for the new town hall. Teresa (Pegram) Perryman stated at the town meeting she wanted to add to the Agenda a discussion about the location of town hall because there been no public council discussion. BJ Barnes said absolutely not on the Agenda and no discussion. Teresa stated she had recently received a phone call from Mayor BJ Barnes and he asked if she changed her mind about consensus for the new town hall; and she said no. BJ Barnes also asked her if she would agree to the site of the “northern Gordon track,” (the 13-acre town owned property) and she said no. Teresa had been excluded from information
SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
until that phone call. They refused to allow any public discussion, and the 3 to 5 members were voting for spending and planning with secret meetings, and “million dollar votes“ by email/phone; and not in public. Teresa did not know there had been secret discussion about the location and they refused to share why they chose the most expensive option when there was a larger and no cost option available. There is no record of a public vote of the elected body to use the $1 million 13acre commercial property. How much more is approved in secret? December 8, 2020 council approved Samet Corporation as Construction Manager at Risk for new town hall. The contract was handed to council members at the meeting, and Whitaker had already put the 13-acre $1 million property location in the contract, with no public council discussion or vote. Records show that for ten months the five and Scott Whitaker and town staff had about 40 meetings, many on site visits to other town halls, plus calls, which involved about 100 decision-making incidents, possibly more, all excluding Teresa (Pegram) Perryman, and the public! Whitaker and Barnes chose Lynn Williams Devaney, Tim Sessoms and John O’Day as the “Leadership Team” to run this project, with a blank check of taxpayer money to spend. (Scoop thinks $1 million is still a lot of money with only $560,000 per year collected in property taxes.) January 28, 2021 Scott Whitaker finally included Teresa in an email referring to their decisions about the new town hall: “During SD (Schematic Design) I’ve so far met with each of you, except with you, Teresa, and … materialsrelated exercise and anticipated overall site layout to this point, approximate location and orientation of the building, parking lot, and access points, and the working floorplan direction. Teresa, I haven’t inquired with you until now because you’ve made it clear that you don’t support this project, but I’ll share the same information if you’d like to schedule a time.” January 30, 2021, Email from Teresa to Scott Whitaker:
“Scott, just because I don’t support the project, does not mean I need to be kept out of the loop. You should be sharing with me all the materials and info you share with other council members.” Whitaker, BJ Barnes, Sessoms, O’Day, Reece Walker and Lynne Devaney excluded Teresa from information for one full year, and now Whitaker offered to show Teresa what they had decided, and committed to spend, to present at the February 9, 2021 public meeting. April 13, 2021. “Transparency.” About 10pm after 3.5 hour town meeting, Tim Sessoms talked about the town hall and the second new design, although not on the Agenda. Sessoms repeated “transparent,” ”transparency” and said the new design would be on the town website the next day and “they” wanted to hear from people. After 14 months of secret meetings Sessoms said they were “transparent.” Scott Whitaker stated later on the website, “Many sites have been explored over the years.” However, there was no public discussion about using the $1 million 13 acre property. They refused to even discuss or consider the 32 acre Vandergriff property adjacent to the 18 acre community center and park — that could have saved at least $1 million. It appears there were at least five other viable sites, more options, and all much less expensive. Scott Whitaker told council, “Given that the town has no debt and adequate reserve funds, that ‘political will’ seemed to be the missing component” and urged Council to devise a plan to identify a permanent “home” (site) and follow through with a “solution.” “Political will” is to ignore the citizens and decide to do as much as possible in secret, and rush through while hiding behind Covid, and spend the town financial reserves and increase property taxes in the future. Are there ways to spend that much money, grow government, and not raise taxes? Referendum. Of course they could have allowed the voters to decide by putting the new town hall on the ballot with Referendum for part of the cost – but they knew it would not pass – and they were determined to do it anyway. It appears the “historic corners” will be vacant and continue to deteriorate, or maybe sold.
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Lynne Devaney had presented “Our Future – Forever Home” and said, “Town Hall wouldn’t cost anything because they were using town owned land, and “have a high Fund Balance ($$Reserves), and operating expenses will be the same as operating revenue.” This is flawed financial planning. Mayor BJ Barnes, former County Sheriff, campaigned for mayor that he was opposed to an expensive new town hall. BJ now says “we talked about it for 14 years and that’s long enough,” and Scott Whitaker has wanted to spend a lot of money and design a new town hall – but the taxpayers never asked the council to spend the reserves on an expensive town hall – with vacant offices to continue to grow government. Surveys and petitions show the taxpayers are opposed. Whitaker said, “Cost estimate for the town hall will be released in three stages, and the first release of cost estimate would be March 9, 2021.” They stated the cost estimate was received, but not disclosed. Scoop learned that they spent $50,000 for SD/Schematic Design phase, but needed to start over with a totally new design and delete 800 to 1,000 square feet. There is a new design on town website. As we write the town is refusing to comply with Public Record Request, and refusing to disclose the cost estimate report that they received – so why believe total cost is $3.5 million plus $1 million for town property? Tim Sessoms talks like they were saving the 13-acre property from becoming a gas station or worse. That is not true. When sold commercially and re-zoned town would approve a conditional rezoning. If you owned a $1 million property in Summerfield would you give it away or say no value? Well – that is what they did with this investment, and no discussion why. Mayor BJ Barnes said, “When he is all done he will allow the entire council to vote.” This is how he is running the town and government in the closet. He overbuilt a jail that is half empty with limited parking – and now is overspending in Summerfield too. (Ed. Note: For ten years Scott Whitaker, and for five years, Finance Officer Dee Hall, have refused to provide a comprehensive spreadsheet with total expenditures requested for town capital projects. The town has excellent detailed financial spreadsheet for the ball fields and other capital projects
in the past, and that information is especially helpful if there is a problem. With the current mindset we may never know the true total cost of the new town hall.) Transparency is a word frequently used by Whitaker, Barnes, Sessoms and others, but their government decisions and spending our money is not transparent. GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY by Christopher Muscato We are talking about government transparency or the idea that the people have a right to know, what their government is doing, and the government has an obligation to provide that information. Transparency can be the difference between a functioning democracy and bringing sharks into the fish tank. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY To understand why transparency matters, we need to go all the way back to the founding of the United States. The founding figures of this country decided that governments existed to serve the people, and protect the natural rights of its citizens. The only government that could truly represent the will of the people was the republic. In building a republic, the founders asked people to give their elected representatives the authority to speak on their political behalf. That’s what you’re doing when you elect a congressman/woman. However, since you’re entrusting someone with this power, you want to make sure that they are actually representing your interests. Thus, one of the cornerstones of the republic is the idea that the government must always be accountable to the people. Citizens need to know what their representatives are doing, where their tax dollars are going, and how the government is handling various issues. This prevents politicians from abusing their power or misusing taxes since the people can always hold their leaders accountable. In short, Americans quickly decided that transparency was necessary to guarantee good government. The systemic withholding of information from the public continues in other areas too. April 13 2021 Public Comments at Town Meeting. It was stated that two things were missing from the Agenda – status of David Couch development and new Town Hall. Mayor was asked to tell the people what directions they gave for the Couch project, and the
people need an update. The people are opposed for good reasons, but Mayor BJ Barnes is not going to listen. He routinely gets angry, raises his voice and threatens people if you disagree with him. Mayor BJ Barnes and Scott Whitaker response, not beyond saying all of that was not accurate…” Request, “Explain what was not accurate.” “No response.” Mayor BJ Barnes started hollering and threatening the speaker about her “assertions.” “You know what the rules are,” with his arm outstretched, louder voice, and shaking his finger… Attorney Hornik stated “No negotiations with David Couch.” Mayor BJ Barnes, “Absolutely zero negotiation going on with anyone… still talking stage…. No negotiations going on with David Couch. Only talking stage with Mr. Couch and the county.” “Nothing further to add at this time.” Later in the same meeting it was disclosed that the: “Town attorney Hornik received $6,700 in legal fees for numerous meetings with Couch and Couch’s attorney!” Kept repeating, “Just conversation, just talking.” The $6,700 equals 33 hours at $200 an hour, and Whitaker and finance officer Dee Hall said it could be more. If “just talking,” why are the taxpayers paying $6,700 or more for the town attorney? What about time from manager and mayor? This has been going on since mid-September, seven months. “Comment,” “somehow...” “Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement” Scott Whitaker requested again at the April 13 meeting for council to approve this Agreement/Contract, “So that the town could take $20,000 from David Couch to cover town attorney and consultant bills while they work with Couch and his attorney.” Hornik and Whitaker said this will save the town money because if the project does not go through the town will not have spent all that money on the attorney! Can Mayor BJ Barnes be trusted to share accurate information with the good citizens of our town? Based on his time as Mayor – NO.
THE CITIZENS HAVE SPOKEN As far as the Couch project goes it is a sticking point with me. I have no interest in the changes in the land, literally and figuratively, and do not want it done. There is collusion between the developer, mayor and council, and Barnes with his dynastic weight pushing for the developer to get it done – in spite of what the good people of Summerfield want and need.
The Couch project is the tipping point where one event makes major change, and all of a sudden everything is changed forever and no going back. For Couch it is about the money, for many of us it is about the community and home that we love. We moved out to Summerfield to get away from the high traffic/inner city life of Greensboro. It would be HIGHLY disappointing to see Summerfield turn into the same thing. No 4 lane roads and 2 units to the acre. I do not want commercial water, sewer and fire hydrants to accommodate a large area of increased density for residential and commercial. I’ve found myself saying I can’t believe Summerfield is still trying to let Mr. Couch have his way with development but then again we are dealing with politicians. Maybe if Mr. Couch gets delayed someone will rise up and we can vote these people out. I’m looking for some common sense in Summerfield. As referenced in the most recent Scoop publication, the proposed development is inconsistent with Summerfield’s Comprehensive Master Plan and the citizens’ vision for the Summerfield community. Summerfield incorporated to specifically prevent the City of Greensboro from continuing its urban sprawl. The citizens of Summerfield have made it clear they have no interest in services from the city of Greensboro, no high-density development, no commercial development. It seems to me that Mr. Couch is going to get what he wants, money always does. Sad for Summerfield.
I read in the Northwest Disturber newspaper about the proposed new Town Hall. Mayor Barnes sure gets upset when actual facts clash with his (mostly self-serving) adjusted facts. Barnes has been in government “jobs” for so long he has forgotten, if he ever knew, how Business assesses value.
His arrogance, Manager Whitaker, wants a showpiece on Hwy 220. Barnes supports that wish, since Barnes is in part responsible for his continued employment. There seems to be a rush to get controversial things done before the public can be back in person at any kind of town meetings. A much better place for Town Hall is the old school property on north Summerfield road. The county or school board doesn’t want to sell? Barnes can huff and puff and threaten and such and make it happen. But better to build a new multi-million tax-exempt structure on a prime piece of commercial real estate which also has the benefit of being low enough for flooding during hurricane-spawned rain and has a serious hill for beautiful background. Septic and even water for Gordon Hardware building? Buy the property just west of present town hall, raze the poor forlorn little house there, and use the land for septic field and maybe even putt-putt golf course. Oh, I forgot, Whitaker and owner/operator of Gray Gables (and the little house) can’t seem to get along with each other. Whitaker the public servant needs to be replaced. Then lots of problems solved. Summerfield resident for 38 years – “escaped” from Greensboro. NO water, sewer, or high density development. The water cost for Greensboro City Water/ Sewer is outrageous. It includes a surcharge for run off and is subject to water shortages during dry conditions. Greensboro’s water sources, Lake Townsend, Brandt, and Higgins can barely sustain its current population. Don’t do anything. Love it the way it is. We don’t need any more building of apartment or single family homes. Developer profits at taxpayer expense.
THIS IS ONLY A SMALL SAMPLE! SUMMERFIELD SCOOP
“Current Town Council on a Power Trip” Power and money have a way of being good bed partners when it comes to politics. One fuels the other and the other fuels the rage and this is when things get out of hand and people, regardless of political affiliation, show how things get out of control and go to the extreme and it is the tax paying citizens who end up being left holding the bag.
We have an eco-centric town mayor who, after he lost a reelection for something that he held for over 20 years, needed to find a new venue in which to vent his rage. And he has done so with the town, and the towns’ money, a method of spending to which he has a history of executing on multi million dollars projects, overcompensating and spending far more than is ever needed in the first place. Why does the town of Summerfield, 11,000 people, need a Town Hall which will probably come into the range of $5 million, including the property, to build? Are we such a bastion of problems to solve the world that we need such a mega center and wish to bring together 20 people, on average, to a meeting place of this caliber? One of the first observations we noticed with the spending of this money, is we don’t even have the caliber of people serving on the council who need such an expensive venue to vent their personal vendettas in public. Whose interests are they serving, theirs or the public? The posturing and egocentric individuals on counsel is beyond what the town has seen in years. They feel they can do no wrong, spend as much money as possible, and everybody is supposed to agree to this. With COVID, they have definitely taken advantage of the situation and definitely have used this to deter any counter protesting through public speaking of people coming forward. They’ve made sure that nobody can really vent any disagreement and they control this on a very fundamental level. How far will this council extend the spending of tax paying money and increase the debt and wages the town will have to pay for property expenditures and additional employees, with benefits, over the years because of their current need to build infrastructure that the town does not need?
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HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR YOU! TOWN COUNCIL CONTACTS
TOWN STAFF CONTACTS
PLANNING BOARD
TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE (TOS)
BJ BARNES, MAYOR (term ends 12/21) 2709 Pleasant Ridge Road Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 643-5972 – home BBarnes@Summerfieldnc.gov
SCOTT WHITAKER TOWN MANAGER Town Hall: PO Box 970 Summerfield NC 27358 NC Hwy 150 & Summerfield Rd. (336) 643-8655 – town hall (336) 520-7469 – cell
RICHARD L. (DICK) FEULNER, CHAIR (term ends 2/21) (336) 643-5680 DFeulner@triad.rr.com
JANE DOGGETT (term ends 7/21) (336) 644-1582 DoggettJA@gmail.com
TIM SESSOMS, MAYOR PRO-TEM (term ends 12/21) 6507 Horseman Trail Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 803-0322 – cell TSessoms@summerfieldnc.gov LYNNE WILLIAMS DEVANEY (term ends 12/23) 7503 Strawberry Road Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 215-5335 – cell LDevaney@summerfieldnc.gov JOHN O’DAY (term ends 12/23) 7013 Mustang Court Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 392-6517 (336) 643-0804 JOday@summerfieldnc.gov TERESA PERRYMAN (term ends 12/21) 7401 Greenlawn Drive Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 643-2610 TPerryman@summerfieldnc.gov REECE WALKER (term ends 12/23) 7475 Strader Road Summerfield, NC 27358 (336) 706-3195 RWalker@summerfieldnc.gov
BRAD RENTZ Planning Technician/ Enforcement Officer (336) 643-8655 BRentz@summerfieldnc.gov CHRIS YORK, TOWN PLANNER (336) 643-8681 – town hall cyork@summerfieldnc.gov LANCE HEATER, TOWN CLERK (336) 643-8655 – town hall Clerk@summerfieldnc.gov DEE HALL, FINANCE OFFICER (336) 643-8655 – town hall dhall@summerfieldnc.gov CHERYL GORE, MANAGER ASSISTANT/ EVENTS COORDINATOR (336) 643-8655 – town hall CGore@summerfieldnc.gov JEFF GOARD, PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR (336) 643-8655 – town hall JGoard@summerfieldnc.gov TOWN ATTORNEY Robert (Bob) E. Hornik Kevin Hornik The Brough Law Firm Chapel Hill, NC
GEORGE (JEFF) DAVIS, VICE CHAIR (term ends 7/23) (610) 308-0958 GJD8650@aol.com KATHY ROONEY (term ends 7/22) (336) 643-7878 – home (336) 209-0378 – cell info@rolfingassociates.com TRUDY WHITACRE (term ends 2/21) (336) 643-2131 – home TKWhitacre@gmail.com WALTER DOGGETT (CLARK) (term ends 10/23) (336) 202-8899 KG4HOM@hotmail.com
ZONING BOARD ALTERNATES
CLINT BABCOCK (term ends 7/23) (336) 918.0256 Clint@vettedude.com RYAN MOATS (term ends 7/21) (336) 580.3905 RyanCMoats@yahoo.com
RACHEL SOWERS (term ends 7/22) (919) 800-9594 Rachel_Sowers@yahoo.com CARY GENTRY (term ends 7/22) (336) 215-1820 GentryCDWeather@gmail.com BILL KING, VICE CHAIR (term ends 7/22) (212) 388-1751 Nyckings2nc@gmail.com PAUL LAMBRECHT (term ends 7/21) GINGER LAMBRECHT (term ends 7/23) 7707 Summerfield Road Summerfield NC 27358 (336) 255-0402 - Paul (336) 456-4502 - Ginger Paul.Lambrecht@volvo.com GingerLambrecht@gmail.com TRUDY WHITACRE (term ends 7/21) (336) 643-2131 TKWhitacre@gmail.com NEALA JONES, SECRETARY (term ends 7/21) (703) 447-0548 nealandave@hotmail.com ONE OPEN POSITION AT THIS TIME
WWW.SUMMERFIELDNC.GOV VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE TOWN WEBSITE: CLICK ON COMMITTEES AND BOARDS FOR LINK TO THE APPLICATION AND GENERAL COMMITTEE ORDINANCE. THERE IS ALSO A ZONING BOARD.
LAND USE STEERING “AD HOC” COMMITTEE
GUILFORD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NEW! Members to this important committee were by invitation only and their working meetings are secret dates and place. Request that they have ALL meetings open to the public for us, the property owners!
Contact Information: 301 W Market St. Greensboro NC 27401
KATHY ROONEY Representing Zoning Board 7130 Rabbit Hollow Rd, SFD (336) 643-7878 Info@Rolfingassociates.com BILL KING Representing TOS Tails and Open Space 5270 Bunch Rd., SFD (212) 388-1751 NYCKings2nc@gmail.com MARK BROWN 6212 Hoseshoe Dr, SFD (336) 681-6730 Edard48@aol.com TERRY HELMS Representing Summerfield Merchants Assoc. 7014 Equestrian Trl, SFD (407) 405-4402 Terry@HelmsMarking.com
JESSE DAY Consultant, PTRC Piedmont Triad Regional Council 1398 Carrollton Crossing Dr. Kernersville, NC 27284 (336) 254-4614 JDay@PTRC.org
The following link is an easy way to send an email to the mayor and council members. https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/e-mail-city-council
MELVIN “SKIP” ALSTON, BOARD CHAIR DISTRICT 8 (336) 324-3515 Salston1@guilfordcountync.gov
www.Greensboronc.gov click on Government
J. CARLVENA FOSTER, VICE CHAIR DISTRICT 1 (336) 365-0692 cfoster@guilfordcountync.gov
Questions? Call the City Contact Center at 336-373-CITY (2489). Mail to: PO Box 3136, Greensboro NC 27402-3136 (336) 373-2396 – phone for all of the following (336) 574-4003 – fax for all of the following
KATIE “KAY” S. CASHION AT-LARGE (336) 274-6272 (H) kcashion@guilfordcountync.gov CAROLYN Q. COLEMAN DISTRICT 7 (336) 641-7670 (O) (336) 202-0316 (C) ccoleman@guilfordcountync.gov JUSTIN CONRAD (336) 641-7717 (O) jconrad@guilfordcountync.gov CARLY COOKE (336) 580-6813 CCooke@guilfordcountync.gov
SCOTT MUTHERSBAUGH Representing HOA Homeowner Associations MARY BETH MURPHY of Summerfield (336) 604-9647 7506 Shadow Creek, SFD MBMurphy@guilfordcountync.gov (336) 675-0542 Scott27358@gmail.com ALAN PERDUE (336) 451-6707 (mobile) CHRIS YORK APerdue@guilfordcountync.gov Town Planner (336) 643-8681 CYork@summerfieldnc.gov
CITY OF GREENSBORO
JAMES UPCHURCH (336) 690-9570 JUpchurch@guilfordcountync.gov They need to hear from you! NO to commercial water, sewer, and higher taxes for developer infrastructure. NO higher taxes anywhere in Summerfield! NO to higher density!
Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro NC 27401 Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm
Please contact and tell them to keep Greensboro water and not construct anything through the Greensboro watershed for commercial water/sewer to Summerfield. What would they do with Summerfield sewerage? NANCY VAUGHAN, MAYOR (336) 373-2396 | Nancy.Vaughan@greensboro-nc.gov YVONNE J JOHNSON, MAYOR PRO TEM 4311 King Arthur Place, GSO 27405 (336) 375-5173 | (336) 255-3060 - cell Yvonne.Johnson@greensboro-nc.gov MARIKAY ABUZUAITER, AT LARGE 3601 Brassfield Oaks Dr, GSO 27410 (336) 601-0286 MICHELLE KENNEDY, AT LARGE (336) 202-8421 | Michelle.Kennedy@greensboro-nc.gov SHARON HIGHTOWER, DISTRICT 1 (336) 373-2286 – voicemail | (336) 317-4953 – cell Sharon.Hightower@greensboro-nc.gov GOLDIE E. WELLS, DISTRICT 2 (336) 373-2391 – voicemail | (336) 317-4590 – cell Goldie.Wells@greensboro-nc.gov JUSTIN OUTLING DISTRICT 3 (336) 373-4638 – voicemail | Justin.Outling@greensboro-nc.gov NANCY HOFFMANN DISTRICT 4 57 Folkestone Dr, GSO 27403 (336) 856-8128 – work | (336) 255-1306 – cell Nancy.Hoffman@greensboro-nc.gov TAMMI THURM DISTRICT 5 (336) 373-3688 – voicemail | (336) 601-0435 – cell Tammi.Thurm@greensboro-nc.gov
ABOUT GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER: The Greensboro Science Center offers three fascinating attractions in one wild destination! We are the only facility in North Carolina that offers an aquarium, museum, and zoo. Spend the day with us and come nose to beak with playful penguins, get eye to eye with awesome otters, explore the human body, experience Mother Nature’s fury and fun, and encounter exotic animals like gibbons, meerkats, and lemurs! Timed tickets are available; walk-ups are welcome if space allows. WELCOME BACK!
THE GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER‘S EXPANSION PLANS WILL FILL YOUR MIND WITH WONDER BY RICK STATON, 2021
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science.” -Albert Einstein The Natural Science Center was founded in 1957 by The Junior League of Greensboro where it started out as a Museum. The zoo was added and the aquarium was opened in 2013. The Greensboro Science Center is exciting now and great plans for the future too. The Gateway Project is the next marvelous expansion project underway at Greensboro Science Center. I saw the start of this project firsthand. It will collaborate the City of Greensboro and the organizations involved to build The Battleground Parks District, and will revitalize the 400-acre area that surrounds the Greensboro Science Center, Country Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, among others, and the start of the Greensboro Science Center’s Gateway Project. The Battleground Parks District will be transformed into the “Central Park” of Greensboro! The project categories will include: Playful - Areas for reflection, nature play zones, boardwalk around the lake, zip line across the lake, a promenade for artisans and food trucks to enjoy. Inspired - An outdoor amphitheater overlooking the lake which will be shared by the Science Center and the City of
Greensboro to provide educational and entertainment programming. The Greensboro Science Center’s mission has been to inspire scientific curiosity and encourage personal discovery about life and the natural world. The Gateway Project will open an opportunity to fuse the arts and science. As the guests arrive at the Greensboro Science Center, a Science-Inspired Sculpture will greet them on Lawndale Drive. Their entrance plaza will have an art and technology facelift, giving them opportunities to bring dynamic experiences to their guests before they walk into the building. The Lobby will offer suspended multimedia displays that will tell interactive science stories from the cosmos to the center of the earth. Inside the Aquarium, Shark Reef will become a new Indo-Pacific Habitat with underwater cameras and storytellers to help guests dive deeper. An entrance from the zoo to the lower level of the museum will immerse guests in “science below the surface” with their new exhibit, WUNDERWORLD. This exhibit will feature gems, minerals and geological formations to animals and adaptations. Subterranean science of all types will welcome guests into this adventure. In “Creepy Crawly Creations”, guests will
experience web weavers to hive builders, and learn more about the major role these creatures play in their new insectarium. The Gateway Project will allow guests to discover the cultural and physical landscapes found in communities’ worlds away. “It’s A Slow World” is another exciting exhibit which will offer guests a peek of the lives of sloths and tortoises. Gibbon 2.0 will become more accessible to both humans and animals. It will offer portals and tunnels to provide new perspectives and engagement. The gibbons will gain a new water feature and a new addition, Asian small-clawed otters. Meerkat 2.0 will be an expanded multiseason space, as well as a bridge that will allow the meerkats to explore above the heads of the guests. Tiger 2.0 will enhance the surroundings of the majestic Malayan tiger, as they witness conservation stories and learn about efforts to save these endangered creatures. Another wild experience in “Predator Path” will send the guests into the grasses of Africa to engage and walk in the “paw prints” of tigers. Domes of Discovery will be located throughout the zoo, including a connective space between the Greensboro Science Center and the Battleground Parks District.
The night and day transformation of the Greensboro Science Center made possible by The Gateway Project will provide an after-hours venue for education and entertainment to a diverse group of families, teens and adults. In partnership with Lincoln Financial Foundation, new sensoryfriendly nights will welcome families to experience an environment more suited for their needs.
On May 20, 2021 The Revolution Ridge will open for GSC members and open to all guests May 21, 2021 at 9am. It will house Pygmy Hippos, Flamingos, Okapi, Red Pandas, Kookaburras, Cassowaries and a Cat Habitat for Sand Cats, Fishing Cat and Servals. It will also include Kiwanisauras Greenhouse Adventure, and house a fully equipped Veterinary Clinic with a transparency for guests to watch surgeries, checkups, etc.
This year, 2021, Winter Wonderlights will be spread out more in the zoo. They are hoping to bring in more guests this year. Last year’s attendance was about 64,000 guests. It was an amazing festival of lights.
4301 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro NC 27455 Phone: (336) 288. 3769 Email: Info@GreensboroScience.org
General Admission for Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo: Adults (14 – 64) $16 Seniors (65+) $15 Children (3-13) $15 Children 2 and under Free Best Value - Annual Membership $37.80 for Greensboro residents with photo ID and $42 per person for non-residents. Membership includes unlimited Free Admission to the Science Center and unlimited admission to other Museums or Aquariums in North Carolina – includes 300 ASTC Members – Association of Science and Technology Centers. Membership includes additional Free and discount beneifts, although may vary while under Covid guidelines. This is terrific value and an opportunity support our amazing Greensboro Science Center. They also offer a fun location for birthday parties, camps for girls and boys, which include Robotics Lab Camp, Space Exploration Camp, and Cool Camps. You can enroll online for the camps. Scholarships are available.
9am to 5pm – Open 7 days a week, yearround. Zoo closes 4pm seasonally. Petting Zoo: Weekends only 10am to 4pm
UPDATE!
The Greensboro Children’s Museum will reopen Saturday, May 29. 220 N Church St, Greensboro, NC 27401, (336) 574-2898, gcmuseum.com They also offer birthday parties, summer camps and possibly field trips later in the year. Monday 9am – noon (members only) Tuesday, Wed and Thurs.: 9am-5pm Friday 9am-8pm Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 1pm-5pm Admission: All ages: $10 plus NC sales tax Babies under 1 year: Free
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MAY 2021