By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE ó The town is now officially on record calling on the General Assembly to limit the powers of the N.C. Railroad.
Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday night calling for the changes in proposed legislation to limit expansion of the rail corridor.
The resolution also specifies “that fees should not be charged to property owners along the N.C. Railroad Corridor and that the N.C. Railroad safety corridor would only be 30 feet and the permitting of buildings outside the safety corridor shall continue to be approved by Rowan County.”
Provisions of draft legislation include expansion of the safety corridor to up to 200 feet. That provision is meeting stiff resistance from towns and businesses along the track.
Town officials consulted with Rep. Fred Steen of Landis in developing the resolution. Steen serves on the committee dealing with the railroad issues.
In other matters:
– The board approved a change in the town’s sign regulations that will allow freestanding signs in the neighborhood commercial and central business zoning districts for governmental buildings, non-profit organizations, religious uses and schools.
The town’s Planning Board had recommended the change.
– Approved installation of new carpet in the Municipal Building and Police Department. Sam Miller Carpeting of Kannapolis submitted the low price of $7,321.
Officials said the carpet in the Police Department is so torn and frayed, it is a hazard to officers and the public.
Public Works Director David Ketner said a commercial grade of tile will be put in high-traffic areas at the Police Department. The tile is included in the price.
– Mayor Don Bringle asked Ketner to block off a section of broken sidewalk near the Community Building until it can be repaired.
– Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Connect Regional Vision for the greater Charlotte region.
Rebecca Yarbrough of Centralina Council of Governments gave the board a brief overview of the effort, which involves 17 counties reaching from Alexander in the northwest to Chesterfield County, S.C., in the southeast.
Yarbrough said the core values used in developing the plans and goals are:
– Sustainable, well managed growth;
– Safe and healthy environment;
– Strong, diverse economy;
– High-quality educational opportunities;
– Increased collaboration among jurisdictions.
The board appointed Alderman Allen Welter to serve as the town’s representative for the Connect workshops.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.