change in March meeting for Umstead PAC

Scott Letchworth has notified us that the Umstead PAC meeting has been changed due to scheduling issues and will be held Wed., 3/4/09 at 7:00 pm at the visitor's center.

still waiting for information

We communicated with Mr Reuter Of NC Parks last week for an updated status on the Graylyn issue. He stated that they had several meetings over the past week and expect to share something soon.

We also noted that the compilation of the public comments on Graylyn can be downloaded from the Umstead website at www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wium/access.php

Run Bike Umstead

Another issue that may be of interest is the Earth Day Celebration 2009 Walk/Run/Bike Umstead on 4/18/09. Our friends at TORC are leading the mountain bike rides. For more information, check it out at www.visitraleigh.com/event.details.php?id=13352

Raleigh's comprehensive bike plan

An issue that is likely to be of interest to many of you is Raleigh's Comprehensive Bike Plan. The draft can be downloaded from www.greenways.com/raleighbike_download.html. A public hearing is scheduled for Tues., March 3 at the Raleigh Municipal Building.

Parking ban at Reedy Creek and Trenton

Raleigh City Council was recently asked to issue a parking ban in the Trenton Woods neighborhood. They opted to undertake a study before taking action. We oppose the additional ban on parking and appreciate the decision to delay action without further study. To recap actions to date, all city council members were contacted 1/17/08 with a link to the petition. Rodger Koopman and Philip Isley were responsive but indicated that it was more of a state government issue. Mayor Meeker was very supportive in our meeting of 6/4/08 (ee 6/7/08 post). Actions needed: Contact city council members with your opinions. While this may not be your preferred point of access, the issue impacts all of us so please take action. Please see below for a sample position statement with the e-mail addresses.

To:
Mayor Charles Meeker (charles.meeker@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
Mary-Ann Baldwin (mary-ann.baldwin@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
Russ Stephenson (russ.stephenson@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
Nancy McFarlane (nancy.mcfarlane@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
Rodger Koopman (rodger.koopman@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
James West (james.west@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
Thomas Crowder (thomas.crowder@ci.raleigh.nc.us)
Philip Isley (philip.isley@ci.raleigh.nc.us)

In reference to the issue of a parking ban on the streets of Trenton Woods and other neighborhoods surrounding Umstead State Park, I respectively ask you to please consider the numerous petitioners who signed a petition to restore parking at the Reedy Creek Road entrance to Umstead State Park (www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/609803273). I appreciate the action to study the issue rather than approving it without discussion. I request that the city take action to remove the all current signs prohibiting parking on Reedy Creek Road and Trenton and that the city delay any further action prohibiting parking at this area until the city and/or state can restore parking access for park users. I would also appreciate any action the city makes in providing parking at the Reedy Creek Road and Graylyn Drive areas for the numerous park users.

Richland Initiative

An Access Umstead supporter, Adam Meyer, has been working to preserve the natural environment and recreational opportunities of the Richland Natural Area to include Umstead State Park and has shared information that should be of interest to you.

The City of Raleigh is accepting comments on is Comprehensive Plan 2030 through 1/31/09 to be included as part of the revised draft and an extended deadline of 2/28/09 for comments to remain under consideration. To see the city's Comprehensive Plan, please check planningraleigh2030.com. This is another opportunity allowing your input on Raleigh's future to include land use, transportation, environmental development, etc.

For information on Adam and his efforts, check: www.saverichland.org

Results of the Public Comment on Graylyn

We received the following update from Mr Peek providing results of the public comment on Graylyn. Please note that the final course of action has not been decided.

I'm mailing this CD to you today and I wish I could've gotten it to you sooner. To save you just a bit of work: our count was 249 comments and we received thoughtful comment on all sides of the issue. That's one of the more gratifying results of an exercise such as this. Something over 150 of the comments favored Alternative C or some slight variation, although I stress once again that the solicitation of public comment is not to be considered a referendum. Nonetheless, the division administrative team and planners will consider all the comments carefully in deliberating a possible course of action. My thanks for the role that you and Access Umstead have played in the process thus far.
chp
Charlie Peek