Front Yard Perimeter Fencing….Is It Good For Your Neighborhood

The City Council is beginning the process of a potential ordinance concerning tethering and chaining animals.  If this ordinance is adopted, any rules pertaining to fencing need to be in place so a home owner will know what is allowable in their neighborhood. 

 

Front yard perimeter fencing may be acceptable in some neighborhoods depending on the materials used, the type housing in the neighborhood, etc.  It may enhance in some cases and not in others. 

 

I look forward to discussing this issue with neighborhoods and building a plan that fits theirneighborhood.  If you’re still not sure what you’d like in your neighborhood….just ride around.  Although many people believe that they are protected by restrictive covenants…you’d be surprised how many subdivisions are not.  Many have a sunset of 30 years.

 

Below is a blog concerning fencing that I wrote in July 2008. I have reposted this hoping it may help explain some of the thought process concerning this subject.

 

Would you like a 6 foot, chain link, barbed wire fence in the front yard beside your house?   That is exactly what is happening in different neighborhoods in Sanford.  There is currently no ordinance regulating this type fencing. Unless your neighborhood has  restrictive covenants regulating fencing, this could happen in many areas of the city.

 

There is no doubt the aesthetic value of  homes and neighborhoods decline with this type fencing.  It also sends a negative tone to the neighbors, and to the people passing by, to see a barbed wire fence in a front yard. The important question we must ask is why these residents feel they need this type fencing?  

 

There could be many different reasons:

• Is safety the concern?  Do these residents not feel safe in their home?

• Are these residents trying to keep something inside the fence?  Do they have pets that could possibly be a danger to the rest of the neighborhood?

• Are these residents from other cities or environments that commonly have these type fences? 

 

This is a very complicated issue.  All of the above reasons must be considered.  City Council began addressing the issue of fencing in 2006.  During this period, an ordinance was almost brought before Council for a vote.   Revisiting the different details continued to move this issue backward instead of forward. There are many things that must be considered when discussing this subject.

 

Things that must be considered: 

• What types of fencing will be allowed?

• What heights would be acceptable?

• What about decorative fencing?

• How will walls on property lines be classified?

• What would the setbacks be for front yards, side yards, and back yards?

• Would existing fences be grandfathered or would there be a sunset date for removal of the fences out of code?

 

There are many, many questions that need to be answered.  East Sanford  seems to have the majority of front yard fences.  This problem is beginning to move to other areas of the city. I could not imagine a six foot, chain link, front yard fence in any neighborhood in Ward 1.  I do not believe they should be in any areas zoned residential, however this could happen in most neighborhoods.

 

I have asked that this subject be revisited by Council as soon as possible.  There will be more discussion on this issue very soon.  If you have any questions or comments, please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.  You may also contact any Council Member. Their contact numbers are located on the city web site.  www.sanfordnc.net.

No…She Doesn’t “Got Milk”

If you’ve ever noticed the beautiful flowers on the street corners in downtown Sanford, you may have noticed the milk jug lady.  This is of course our own Helen Hnks.

Helen has been a devoted member of Downtown Sanford Incorporated (DSI) since the mid 1990′s.  Although she does not own property or a business in downtown, she still feels that being a part of DSI and helping our downtown grow is very important.  When ever there’s a project that needs volunteers….. you’ll find Helen.

The flowers on the corners downtown have always been a challenge for DSI to maintain.  Working on a limited budget DSI needed volunteers to help with this project. The job of “flower keeper” in downtown was filled by none other than guess who……….that’s right, Helen Hinks.

If you happen to see Helen carrying her milk jugs filled with water on the streets downtown, please thank her for ALL she does for our city.  I for one can’t think of anyone that helps out more and is always there.

Thank you Helen….very much!

If you would like to volunteer to help with any project in downtown Sanford please call DSI Director David Montgomery at 919-775-8332.

DOT Sign Crews….. Reaction Time Slow In Sanford

Street signs in our city need some attention.  There are leaning signs, faded signs, over grown signs, and worse of all damaged signs. 

The City of Sanford street crew replaces and maintains any sign located on a city maintained street.  This includes speed limit signs, stop signs, and street markers.  The city crews have done a good job maintaining the signage on city streets.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the state DOT sign crew.  Signs on state maintained roads and leaning, twisted, faded, over grown and damaged.  Many request have been turned into the state for sign maintenance and repair.  Although some request are honored……many go for a great deal of time before action is taken, if at all.

In the first picture above a highway information sign was damaged during an accident on Carthage Street.  Although this has been reported to DOT several times, the sign is still on the side of the road almost a year later.

The second picture shows a damaged speed limit sign located on Carbonton Road.  When reported to DOT the sign was simply removed, not replaced. 

The third sign is an adopt a highway sign and was damaged last week on Wilkins Drive.  This sign has been reported and awaiting action. 

It makes a person wonder why these signs were there at all if it’s not worth replacing. It also gives the appearance that the city does a poor job of maintaining their signage.  This is simply not the case.  It is truly the states responsibility. 

If you have any sign issue in your neighborhood or onany street located inside the city limits, please call -Street Superintendant Magna Holloway at 919-775-8326 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.  State sign of city sign, we’ll be glad contact the proper department for you.

The 2nd Century Project…..A Good Night….A Good Idea….The Next Step

The 2^nd Century unveiling event on Thursday, October 2^nd, was a great event.  There are many individuals that worked very hard in the research and development of this branding and promotion project.  Thank all of you for your hard work and contributions.

Special thanks should be given to Four Oaks Bank and their board members for their tremendous contribution. Four Oaks sponsored the entertainment and food for the event in Depot Park. The Band of Oz was great and the hot dogs hit the spot.  Thanks again Four Oaks.

I’ve had many people ask me how I felt about the 2^nd Century project.  How the city would participate in the project in the future?  Finally, would there be any public funding for such a project?

I believe the 2^nd Century project is the next step for our community in choosing how we would like community to appear, grow, and prosper in the future.  This begins by getting many groups and organizations “on the same page.” 

Many ideas the group has discussed are, and have been, in motion.  For example, the city and county has a land use plan.  A very well thought out land use plan.  Certain aspects of this plan continue to evolve, but there is a plan.

 The city is actively working on an up-to-date streetscape plan.  Downtown Sanford has had several revised versions in past years, however the current in-work plan will include much more than just downtown. This design plan and study were part of the 2008/2009 city budget. 

Gateway improvements are in the works too.  They were, for lack of terms, “put on hold” until the 2^nd Century project was officially launched.  This was done in anticipation of possible signage and logo changes, etc. 

I believe the city government and the citizens of Sanford will embrace this project together.  I cannot see how this project could be a success without all the governing body’s participation in some form or fashion.  If the city council chooses to participate in this project it will require some public funding.  

If you “buy in” to the 2^nd Century project… then you believe in the branding, logos, marketing concept, etc.  The branding process will take time. Some of the branding requirements would be new pole banners in downtown, license plates for government automobiles, logos for vehicles, sign changes for public buildings, logo changes for water towers, signage for gateways, etc. If this idea is embraced by the community, then the citizens have decided they do indeed want the brand and logo to represent their community. That being the case……. these items should be paid for with public funds.  This would be the public contribution to a private/public partnership.

The 2^nd Century group plans to fund the project for the first 2 years with private funding.  I applaud their efforts.  There are many marketing ideas and studies, etc. that will require funding.  I wish them great success.  This will take a great deal of time, hard work and money. In the end, I believe for 2^nd Century to succeed the city will have to be committed and that means with some funding……… at the very least committed to the community branding phase of this project.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

 

Sign…Sign…Everywhere a Sign

 

Politics sometimes gets a little messy.  This year seems a little messier than others. I’m not referring to the differences between the candidates, or their passion for what they believe is right for our community, state, or nation.  I’m referring to the quantity of political signage this year…..the signage that has become litter….and the way campaign signs make our landscape look this time of year.  

This is in no way a “rock” thrown at any candidate or any party.  To have supporters that will put your sign in their yard, or supporters to put signs along roadways (where permitted), is an important part of campaigning. I  put up several hundred yard and street signs myself during my campaign, and will probably be putting them up again in 2009.

If you are going to put up a political sign, please do not put them in the right-of-way.  If you do, city crews may remove the sign for being out of code.  Place your sign behind the street light poles or behind the water meter tap.  Both of these areas are out of the street right-of-way and your sign should not be bothered.  If you do have a sign picked up for some reason, it can usually be found leaning against the back wall of the Federal Building on Carthage Street.  

Four more weeks of campaigning.  I wish every candidate good luck and thanks for trying to make a difference……win or loose. I for one was glad to see election day in 2005, regardless of the outcome. I  hope everyone involved with installing signs will help remove them quickly after the election. 

For more information on street right-of-ways and signage, please call Street Superintendent Magna Halloway at919-775-8326 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Roadside Litter……Who’s Picking It Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One goal of the city council this year was to improve the appearance of Sanford.  A piece of that puzzle was to focus on the litter problem along city roadways and find a permanent solution.   The city has tried many different approaches in efforts to control roadside litter.  Unfortunately, these ideas have prove to be unsuccessful.

The city has contracted state inmate labor to remove litter from our roadways.  These crews must be transported and supervised by city staff.  Combined with the Adopt-A-Highway program, this plan seems to be working much better than previous efforts.   https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/AAH/CountyList.aspx

The Adopt-A-Highway program consist of businesses or civic groups cleaning up certain sections of state roadways.  The state erects a sign on that section of road listing the company, or organization that is helping with the clean up. 

Each sponsor is required to remove the litter from both sides of the roadway four times a year.  In some cases there may be requirements for extra clean up, depending on the area.  Some companies use employees to preform the clean up.  Private contractors are also used by some companies.  Either way, the trash is put into orange plastic bags, put into a pile, and picked up later by state DOT crews. 

Litter is a problem in our city.  There are many people working to solve this problem.  Public Works, law enforcement, and many civic organizations just to name a few.  To be successful it will take an effort from us all. 

If you have any suggestions, questions or comments on how we can improve in litter removal, please call City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201, or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Tall Grass Along The Road Ways………Who Cuts What ……and When?

 

Have you ever driven past an area of our city and wondered why the grass was so tall, or why the city hasn’t mowed it?  If so, then you’re not alone. 

The city is responsible for all mowing along city streets and right of ways.  City crews have worked hard to mow on a more frequent basis. Compared to years past, I’d would have to say that the crews have done a pretty good job.  How much rain we receive is also a determining factor.  City buildings, Depot Park, sewer easements, green space owned by the city, flower beds, etc.  are all maintained by the city crews.  This also includes many of the flower beds along the highway bridges and underpasses of US Hwy 1 and Hwy 421.

The State Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for mowing state roads and highways.  DOT contracts this service out each year. The contractor mows road sides five times a year. This mowing begins in the spring and every 4 to 6 weeks the contractor is suppose to mow the required areas.  The first, third, and fourth mowing each year consist of just the road side areas.  The second and third mowing consist of the entire right of way owned by the state.  This means everything on both sides of the road, medians, etc.

In some areas the DOT scheduled mowing just does not seem to be frequent enough to keep our city looking as it should.  The city crews weed-eat around signs and flower beds. (the state does not weed-eat) Unfortunately, these flower beds and signs are usually surrounded by very tall grass.  This is not how the system is suppose to work.   I believe this schedule is proving itself to be an unacceptable answer to our mowing needs in certain areas inside the city limits.  

City staff is very aware of this problem. They are currently meeting with the state discusing how scheduling may be improved in these areas so they are cut more frequently. Several options are on the table. This problem should be solved before next years mowing season begins. 

How our city looks and is maintained is very important.  If there are areas that you believe need improvement in Sanford please call City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201, Councilman Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587 or any council member.

Problems With Any City Service?……… Who Are You Going To Call?

A few months ago, I received a phone call from a city resident concerning trash pick-up in the neighborhood.  As I rode through the neighborhood on the way to this persons house, I discovered the problem wasn’t the trash pick-up…..it was the container let down. 

I phones Larry Craig at the city who alerted Waste Management there was a problem on that route.  It took about 15 minutes and there were Waste Management employees there picking up the cans and any debris that may have fallen on the ground.  They drove the entire neighborhood to make sure it was corrected. I was later informed that the problem with their driver and/or truck had been resolved.  Problem solved.

The point is this…..Sometimes things are not quite right for one reason or another. Unfortunately, that is the case.  How the city responds to the problems is what’s important.  If you have any problems with Waste Management or any city service, please call any council member, the city manager, or the specific department ( streets, water, etc.) that can help correct your problem.  Large, small…..or even very small, please let us know.  We are all here to fix any problems you may have if at all possible. 

All phone numbers are available on the city web sight.  www.sanfordnc.net  on the left hand side just click phone directory.

Steve Brewer 919-770-9587    City Manager Hal Hegwer 919-775-8201

Cole Street Parking Lot a Success – 2 Years Old This Month

It has been two years since the renovation of the Cole Street Parking Lot located on the corner of South Steele Street and Cole Street.

The lot was origanilly the sight of Steele Street Methodist Church.  The church moved to the corner of Curry Drive and Wicker Street (Hwy 42 west) in the 1970′s, and is now Saint Luke Methodist Church. 

The county acquired the property for additional parking for county offices located in the WilrikHotel building.  The county moved to the old hospital and the Wilrik building was purchased by Progress Energy and renovated in the early 90′s, the lot was no longer needed by the county. 

Downtown Sanford Inc. leased the lot from the county for additional parking in the downtown area.  The lot had very little traffic at that time for several different reasons.  Insufficient lighting was a major deterrent during evening hours. The lot being of gravel and dust, lack of handicap ramps, and no entrance on Steele Street, all contributed to the lots lack of use. 

In 2006 the lot was acquired from the county by the city council and the council voted to renovate the lot.  S.T. Wooten Corp. was awarded the contract for curbing and paving.  P.R. Faulk installed the new lighting.  The city crews landscaped the islands and other areas to complete the project.  The final cost was approximately $165,000 for the total make-over.  Approximately $125, 000. of this money was part of Downtown Sanford Inc.’s saved contingency fund from the special tax district.

Today the lot is an important part of our growing downtown area and has a great deal of traffic.  The county has also moved the Board of Elections and Emergency Management into the building across the street from the lot.  These new residents have more traffic than the previous tenants.  It’s great to see an project like this one be such a success. Hopefully, there will be many more successful projects in our near future.

If you have any questions on this issue please call David Montgomery at 919-775-8332 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Old Rescue Squad Building….Going, Going, Gone!

  

The demolition of the old Rescue Squad building on McIver Street is now complete. In just five days……now you see it…..now you don’t.  What a difference, and in just a few days. 

City staff secured the funding to purchase the buildings through a grant from the state.  This grant was awarded for the removal of blight in the East Sanford area. The demolition cost was approximately $25,000.

One more step in right direction, improving the appearance of our city. Bob Bridwell and the Community Development Department staff worked very hard on this project. Thank you all for your hard work, it is truely paying off.  All anyone has to do is look around and take notice. 

If you have any questions about this issue, please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Demolition and Property Cleanup in Sanford… How? When? Why? Who Pays for the Cleanup?

Video by Randall Yow from You Tube on East Sanford decay.

Condemned house on 7th Street in 2007

Same house as of August 21st, 2008

Corner of Ray Ave. & Seventh Street

 

 

Randall Yow has produced a five minute video on You Tube that shows several unsightly areas in East Sanford. He makes a point to show how nice areas like Depot Park, the old city hall, and the Kelly MarCom building on Charlotte are today. He then shows three properties that are in need of demolition or repair. He ask people to call the city manager and county manager. 

 

Some important question or information has been left out of this video.

 

• What is the history of each property? 
• Who is responsible for these properties?
• Who will pay for the cleanup of these properties?
• Why hasn’t Randall Yow called the governing bodies to discuss this issue? 

 

There are several houses in our city that have been condemned by Code Enforcement.  This doesn’t mean the building will be destroyed.  This means that currently minimum housing requirements have not been met and/or the property is unsafe. Most condemned buildings are refurbished. Buildings that cannot be refurbished begin the demolition process.

 

There is a lengthy, legal process the city must go through to demolish a property owners building.  A hearing is held through Code Enforcement.  Hopefully, the property owner will take care of the problem through voluntary demolition.  The city has been very successful with this approach.  If voluntary demolition is not an option, the City Council must vote to demolish and award the bid for demolition.  The property owner is informed of the Council’s decision. The building is demolished and the property is cleared of debris.  Keep in mind, from the very beginning, after each decision is made during the process, the property owner has a set period of time to respond.  That is what makes demolition a very lengthy process.

 

It is important to note that the house in the video was demolished on August 18th, 2008.  This house had been scheduled for demolition for some time.  Equipment problems suffered by the contractor delayed demolition.

 

There are two collection processes that city uses for demolition.  During voluntary demolition the city assist the owner in obtaining a contractor to demolish the building.  The property owner pays all fees for the demolition.  Forced demolition is paid for by the city.  A tax lien is placed on the property at the courthouse.  This helps assure the city will be reimbursed for the cost of demolition.

 

The McIver School building is privately owned by Sandra Wilson.  She is currently working with a group to restore portions of the building.  This group has an active soup kitchen that serves citizens on the weekends at that location.  It will take time to restore this old building.  Remember W.B. Wicker took years.  It also had grants, public-private partnerships, etc. to transform that property into a nice facility. McIver School will be a very slow process, and be very costly. The good news is that the process has begun.  The building is secure and is fenced in the front for safety.

 

In the case of the API building (old Roberts Company) on Market Street, the building collapsed into the street.  The city pushed the debris out of the street, back onto the property.  The owners were then contacted and advised of the situation.  The company is bankrupt. The final cleanup, and cost associated with the cleanup, may fall on the city and county. The legalities of this issue are complicated.  The city is working very hard to resolve the issue with this property.

 

I am very glad Mr. Yow is concerned about our city.  His heart is in the right place. He is just not aware of all that has been done, and is being done.  In 1995 Depot Park was an old parking lot with a junk pile, a rusty train, and a building in disrepair.  The old city hall and Kelly MarCom buildings were in disrepair before renovation. 

 

 

Progress is being made.  This progress is taking place faster than you think.  If you compared 2006 to 2008, you would see a great deal of improvement in our city on many fronts.  We still have a good ways to go. I can assure you….we are headed in the right direction.

If you have any questions about these issues, please call City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201, or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT

Pocket Park Named in Honor of Walter McNeil Jr.

Walter H. McNeil

 

The neighborhood “pocket park” on the corner of Martin Street and Pineland Street was officially named the W. H. McNeil Jr.Park by the Sanford City Council. The naming was in response to a request from the residents of the neighborhood.  These residents generated a petition during their National Night Out celebration and presented it last week to City Council.  The petition requested the park be named in honor of Councilman Walter H. McNeil for all his efforts in improving their neighborhood.

Walter McNeil has a long history of working to improve the city and his Ward.  He was appointed to the City Council in December 1980.  He filled the vacancy left by Rex McLeod who was appointed Mayor.  At that time, McNeil’s seat was at-large and for a two year term.  During his third or fourth term, the city was divided into the current Ward system and terms were extended to four years.  At the end of his current term, McNeil will have served the citizens of the City of Sanford for almost thirty-one years. 

The area where the park is located is one that McNeil has been working to improve for quite some time.  Crime is an important issue that has been at the forefront in the neighborhood.  No parking signs were installed in the areas where individuals would “hang out,” and new increased street lighting is to be installed in the very near future.   Community police, community watch, mobile police unit, National Night Out, etc. are all measures that were put in place to help deter crime in the area.  There is still room for improvement, but there is no doubt that the neighborhood is headed in the right direction.

There has been some discussion concerning the naming of this neighborhood pocket park.  I believe that you have to look at each situation individually, and consider each one on its own merits.  In this case, the neighbors wanted to name their neighborhood park.  It is great to see them want to take ownership and show pride in their neighborhood assets.  That’s what being a neighborhood is all about.

The fact that Walter McNeil is on the City Council, or is still alive should not matter.  Establishing a policy to try and make future Councils decisions for them is not the answer.  If they disagreed in later years they would just change the policy.  Council is elected to make decisions on issues as they arise and on their own merit, not to tell future Councils how to make decisions during their terms.

Naming a city asset in honor of an individual is a very important issue.  All the facts must be considered.  You must ask yourself, is this the right thing to do? In the end, each council member should look into their heart, and make their decision.  The dedicated, continuous service to the citizens of Sanford since 1980 clearly shows an individual that is well deserving of this honor.  I believe the right thing to do in this case was to honor the neighborhood residents request, and name their “pocket park“ the W.H. McNeil Jr. Park.

 

Eliminating Pole Signs

There are many challenges in making Sanford an aesthetically pleasing city.  Roadside litter is an obvious, on going concern.  City crews have worked hard on this issue. Hopefully, there will be a noticeable improvement with the additional inmate crews contracted to pick up roadside litter.  Litter is just one of many different items that have an impact on the appearance of our city.

The elimination of “pole signs” was another step in the right direction in improving our appearance.  The pictures above show the before sign and after sign view of each property. Two years ago, code enforcement began informing merchants with pole signs that this type signage was not allowed within the city limits. Although there are a few signs that show up here and there, most merchants understand and have complied with the ordinance.

Posters, playbills, advertisements, etc., nailed, stapled, or attached to utility poles are also no longer permitted.  One good rain and the nice poster becomes an eye soar.  City crews remove these type signs also. 

City Council is working hard to make Sanford an aesthetically pleasing city.  How aesthetically pleasing our city is will always be a challenge and a very important one.  We only have one chance to make a first impression, and first impressions are ever lasting.  New ideas to improve our appearance are continually being brought to the forefront. I believe this hard work is paying off.  Hopefully our appearance, and how we feel about our appearance, will continue to improve.

If you have any questions on this issue please call City Manager, Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

7th Birthday Brings a New Coat of Paint for Band Stand at Depot Park

It has been seven years since the completion and dedication of the Progress Energy Pavilion, then CP&L, band stand in Depot Park.  It’s hard to believe it was 1995 when Joni Martin made a presentation to the Sanford Rotary Club with the new idea.

I’ll have to admit that at the time I didn’t think there would ever be enough interest generated to make the idea become a reality.  Even after the construction began I had my doubts about how the area would be accepted, and the facility utilized, by the citizens of Sanford.  I never believed that the funds could be raised to build such a beautiful place.  I am very happy to say that I was wrong.  Depot Park, although taking a long time to complete, has indeed become the focal point of our downtown.

 This week the band stand is getting a much needed, new coat of paint.  After getting off to a slow start, the band stand gets quite a bit of use these days.  There is the Thursday Night Concert Series from May until September.  With the installation of a new sound system and movie screen, the new movie night in the park will be coming soon.  There are also many groups that utilize the band stand and have bands, choirs, cheerleading exhibitions, etc. throughout the year.   Downtown Sanford Incorporated (DSI) is in charge of all the scheduling and booking of the park.

There are many people that contributed to Depot Park and helped make it the success it is today.  It shows how a community can come together and make things happen.  There were many hours of planning and fund raising by the individuals on the Depot Park Committee.  The number of changes that had to be made due to the “unknown” was amazing.  It was indeed a challenge. The citizens of Sanford should be very thankful there are such dedicated people in the community.

Happy Birthday Depot Park, and thank you Joni Martin, Depot Park committee members, the city staff, and all the generous contributors for making our city a better place to live.  You are the ones that made it happen.

For more information about Depot park contact David Montgomery at 919-775-8332 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Storms Temporarily Close Sanford Golf Course

Sanford Golf Course will be closed to regular play today. Maintenance crews are hard at work cleaning up debris from last nights severe thunderstorms.  There are several large pine trees that were snapped off at the top. Some are laying across fairways and around a few greens.  Large limbs, sticks,pine cones, etc. cover many areas on the course. 

As crews work on the course, this will not effect the approximately eighty children attending golf camp this week. They won’t let Mother Nature stand in the way of them improving their game.  It is great to see the youth of our community learning more about the game and having fun.

Hopefully, the course will be able to open Tuesday.  Please call the Sanford Golf Course at 919-775-8320 for more information.

NOTE: THE COURSE OPENED TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th AT 9AM.

Front Yard Fences

Would you like a 6 foot, chain link, barbed wire fence in the front yard beside your house?   That is exactly what is happening in different neighborhoods in Sanford.  There is currently no ordinance regulating this type fencing. Unless your neighborhood has  restrictive covenants regulating fencing, this could happen in many areas of the city.

 

There is no doubt the aesthetic value of  homes and neighborhoods decline with this type fencing.  It also sends a negative tone to the neighbors, and to the people passing by, to see a barbed wire fence in a front yard. The important question we must ask is why these residents feel they need this type fencing?  

 

There could be many different reasons:

• Is safety the concern?  Do these residents not feel safe in their home?

• Are these residents trying to keep something inside the fence?  Do they have pets that could possibly be a danger to the rest of the neighborhood?

• Are these residents from other cities or environments that commonly have these type fences? 

 

 

This is a very complicated issue.  All of the above reasons must be considered.  City Council began addressing the issue of fencing in 2006.  During this period, an ordinance was almost brought before Council for a vote.   Revisiting the different details continued to move this issue backward instead of forward. There are many things that must be considered when discussing this subject.

 

Things that must be considered: 

• What types of fencing will be allowed?

• What heights would be acceptable?

• What about decorative fencing?

• How will walls on property lines be classified?

• What would the setbacks be for front yards, side yards, and back yards?

• Would existing fences be grandfathered or would there be a sunset date for removal of the fences out of code?

 

There are many, many questions that need to be answered.  East Sanford  seems to have the majority of front yard fences.  This problem is beginning to move to other areas of the city. I could not imagine a six foot, chain link, front yard fence in any neighborhood in Ward 1.  I do not believe they should be in any areas zoned residential, however this could happen in most neighborhoods.

 

I have asked that this subject be revisited by Council as soon as possible.  There will be more discussion on this issue very soon.  If you have any questions or comments, please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.  You may also contact any Council Member. Their contact numbers are located on the city web site.  www.sanfordnc.net.

 

Restrictive Covenants….are you protected?

              

There are many neighborhoods throughout the city of Sanford.  Some are new, well planned projects that have green space, sidewalks, decorative lighting and more.  These developments were reviewed by the Planning Department and must be in compliance with the Sanford/Lee County UDO. (Unified Development Ordinance) The UDO was adopted in 2006. It ensures all building and development in Sanford and Lee County comply with this strict set of rules and guidelines. Above and beyond the UDO requirements, almost all of these new neighborhoods have a set of restrictive covenants.

These restrictive covenants can cover many issues.  Examples of covenants would be to limit the number and type of indoor and outdoor pets, regulate fencing, landscaping requirements, satellite dish placement, regulate the number of automobiles allowed at a residence, regulate where automobiles may be parked, etc.  There are many good covenants, and there may be a few bad ones also. 

Covenants are designed to help a neighborhood remain attractive, and help the neighbors live in harmony.  In newer developments, restrictive covenants are documented with the property deed and recorded.  Hopefully, individuals are advised of these restrictive covenants when discussing the possible purchase of property in the development. If not, all covenants should be disclosed during the closing process when purchasing the property.

Older neighborhoods, developed in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, may have had restrictive covenants attached to their property. Unfortunately, in most cases these covenants were never recorded, and/or had a sunset period for these restrictions.  In either case, the property owners are left unprotected by any type neighborhood restrictive covenant. They must now rely on city ordinances to help keep harmony, and protect the esthetic value of their neighborhood.

The City Council and staff work very hard to protect all neighborhoods throughout the city.  This is done by setting guidelines or ordinances.  These ordinances are enforced by city staff and Code Enforcement.  This is a never ending and evolving process.  What may have been acceptable to the majority several years ago… may be unacceptable to the majority today.

Council is constantly confronted with new ordinance possibilities and challenges.  Interior furniture on front porches, homes with tall fences on property lines (front yard included) with barbed wire, cars parked in the front yard, storage buildings in the front yard, satellite dishes in the front yard, are just a few.  Some residents want the rules relaxed and others want stricter guidelines.  In 2006, Council began to strengthen many existing ordinances and has since adopted several new ones.  Other possibilities are still in the discussion stages.  This is an effort by Council to continually improve the esthetics of neighborhoods and the city as a whole. 

A cleaner, safer city is the goal. We are making progress……..believe it or not……..one step at a time.

If you have any questions concerning your neighborhood or the city, please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587 or the council member from your ward. 

 

 

Changing signs…

 

Top picture shows old street marker. Bottom shows nes street marker.

You may have noticed the new street marker signs, located on different street corners, throughout the city.  This is a result of a new process the Street Department is using to produce the signs.  This new process improves the signs visibility, is much more durable, and saves production time and money. 

In the past, street markers were installed on top of the same sign pole as stop signs.  The State Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer allows this practice on State maintained roads and is requiring “stand alone” signs at these locations.  Many of these signs were removed by the DOT and damaged in removal process.  That is where most of the new signs are being installed at this time. 

There is no plan to replace all the signs right away.  The old signs, while not as visible and attractive, are serviceable and do the job.  As signs are damaged or become worn they will be replaced.  Replacements are not limited to corner signs.  Signs that hang across intersections will slowly be changed to the new look.  The city currently replaces this type sign at a rate of 2 or 3 a week. 

If you have any questions concerning these signs or any street issue please call the Street Superintendent, Magna Halloway at 919-775-8326.