A message from Molly Leight, our city council representative for the South Ward
Dear Washington Park Neighbors,
I just want to fill you in on City Hall and neighborhood doings.
Highway 52 and the Salem Connector: We all need to keep up with these plans for reworking the 52 corridor and exit ramps, especially the proposed Salem Connector from Vargrave to downtown. There is concern that closing some of the exits (3rd, 4th, 5th) will isolate the east side of W-S from the west. The closing of the Stadium Drive exit and the construction of the connector is of major concern to the institutions and neighborhoods in this area of the city because it could isolate us and cause increased traffic problems. Please educate yourselves by visiting Business40NC.com and comment on what could have long-term effects on Washington Park.
Stormwater Ordinance: We almost have an ordinance! It has been a long, hard haul and is still not quite to my liking. My major concern is that the ordinance in its present form is only requiring 30-foot buffers along streams through a development. I feel that we ought to specify undisturbed buffers (not planted ones) and that they ought to be larger, depending on the size of the development.
Tree Ordinance: The Winston-Salem Neighborhood Alliance got a grant that funded a mediated committee for 1½ years to lay the groundwork for this important ordinance. (Read the Winston-Salem Journal editorial on March 30 about Winston-Salem as a Tree City and the Letter to the Editor on the same subject.) The Planning staff is now writing the ordinance and it is going to be very important that we have active participation in the public comment period to shape the final version.
The search for the new Police Chief is proceeding. I understand that there have been a huge number of applicants. The dreaded Budget season is upon us. We are in a tough situation this year, with a reduced income and the attempt to not reduce services. Of course, there are many things we would like to add: increased funding for the arts, citywide rodent baiting, etc. I won’t go into the LONG wish list!
The Gateway: I want to give you a heads-up about stirrings concerning the hillside. I understand that the WS/FC school system is considering the hillside as a location for a new school. The WP neighborhood and other neighborhoods in the Gateway area were supportive of the original site plan and rezoning for a small school that would leave the majority of the hillside intact. If the rumors are correct, what is planned is as big or bigger than the dormitory plan that you turned down, partly because of its unacceptable size and environmental impact.
Council Member offices: We have offices in City Hall! As soon as I am moved in, come visit me. I will work with staff to set up a web site that will indicate office hours, but even with office hours, you know where to reach me at any time!
Molly mleight@triad.rr.com