[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6605216,"mediaKeyId","2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706","parentId",2987139,"title","Pittsboro adopts ordinance regulating skate park use; commissioners debate skateboard access on public streets","audioSeconds",992,"startMs",2600000,"endMs",3592000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706&start=2600&end=3592","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706/thumbnail_2600000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6605216/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-adopts-ordinance-regulating-skate-park-use-commissioners-debate-skateboard-access-on-public-streets","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605216-8c01581d54caab375a75f81adebbe152/orig.mp4?Expires=1770595035&Signature=FdWlQqxBW-Sikeq2Dqn~WmFz91f8qZIas3jSU91oJdqirIEwggkT-8OinGGI3RxkxIzDpKc0rLBJJrdj~Kvb~HsNBIfa4IR~tt2108xX~u4rRsmv6Wkf61Dn9-Gz3Ac75O9KhpD3QzEhztZET9RIaYSp4EuB7raV0zr3j5TLcr95tHpHft4zkTYRDGPWzbW459~99HUAJpx5DJRdjZ8AgzSkZHQiXtYo0JVUBlSZZv4ddlPW64bLTwHL5W13M6ss73LluWf0R0yQP~Fyoc1zDgzcMNCjIIXvSDfntErQ8n2zTS46c~GsH6ERvHuLiXTKfUTqFyEgx0~92WFm0arLAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pittsboro","date","2025-04-15T02:07:47.423Z","article","The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted April 14 to adopt amendments to the town code addressing use of skate facilities and a new “skate at your own risk” approach for the skate park, including equipment requirements and hours of operation. Commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion about whether parts of the proposed ordinance would criminalize skateboard use on local streets and sidewalks and whether the town should treat skateboards as a valid nonmotorized mode of transportation.

What passed: The board adopted the sections as presented at the meeting that create a skate-at-your-own-risk site and specify required protective gear (helmet and elbow and knee pads) and park hours consistent with other parks (sunrise to sunset). The adopted language also included provisions staff said were added after consultation with the town’s insurance agent.

Debate over Article 3 (streets and sidewalks): Commissioners and the police chief warned that broad prohibitions could create enforcement problems and unintentionally restrict nonvehicular travel. One commissioner urged staff to examine model ordinances from other municipalities and proposed a return with narrower wording that would allow skateboard use on multiuse paths and in situations that are functionally equivalent to bicycles. Another commissioner said the town needs to prioritize safety for children and expressed concern about allowing skateboards on streets without painted bike lanes.

Enforcement and equity concerns: Several commissioners noted enforcement capacity is limited and that vagueness in the ordinance would put discretionary weight on police officers. Others said having a designated skate park is preferable to skateboarders using city infrastructure not designed for that use.

Vote and process: A motion to adopt the code sections as written carried on voice vote with at least one commissioner recorded as abstaining. Commissioners said they would revisit Article 3 language in the future if enforcement or public-safety problems arise.

What’s next: Staff was asked to review other municipal ordinances and to return with recommended language for Article 3 that clearly distinguishes skatepark rules from rules governing streets, sidewalks and multiuse paths.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 14th, 2025 - Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted April 14 to adopt amendments to the town code establishing a skate-at-your-own-risk skate park policy, equipment requirements and park hours after an extended debate about skateboard use on public streets and sidewalks.","taxTitle","Town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, North Carolina","taxId",73859,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6605221,"Pittsboro commissioners authorize application for state PARTF grant for Knight Farm Park improvements",1113,1583000,2696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706&start=1583&end=2696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706/thumbnail_1583000.jpg","/articles/6605221/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-commissioners-authorize-application-for-state-PARTF-grant-for-Knight-Farm-Park-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605221-920ace71138bade55a37aac99e455de9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770595035&Signature=OBk4uCIU3yMIACcSgHWs22rviF12xLzG4aYncKgqmgpsxXuQ3pjXHRGqqdDPNQa7BQ-Rq1nib7m52LN8Jb-0plgqje9AEOQQYCe6ECmPum4L5VN-J1tjC2OVUT3v9EotzdmTeTUw5afRDx~DRjNg0rd0B3Wky7Jb9Kx9yrSN5D5LNz8KmUSpDxqwd9KPXbUwpDs1tAn4QQYpjolcm~l-a4rFpPeLloF830y6R0nWDK9ZskTtTGqN~1aYBJUTPe3xzaKZ-qv~Eyz19RXavfDPr5~8Iy9TfE~L7AAhKbPET1ThEieJrSAQNgSK1~DH~0imPyWY5rrJ2zSuLKNMTLwVxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted April 14 to authorize town staff to apply for the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant and for the mayor to sign required certifications, a step staff said would close a funding gap for planned improvements at Knight Farm Park.

City staff told commissioners the PARTF program provides a 50/50 match and allows requests of up to $500,000, meaning the town’s maximum local match would be $250,000. Staff said the grant would be used for a first phase of improvements at Knight Farm Park and that the town also is pursuing other funding, including a $750,000 community project funding request that would narrow an approximately $800,000 shortfall for the streetscape project.

Why it matters: Town officials said the grant funding would pay for a portion of upgrades that aim to serve a wider range of ages and abilities at Knight Farm Park. Staff presented multiple concept options for the area that will be vacated when the dog park is relocated, including picnic areas, shaded solar-powered seating, a mini multipurpose court, outdoor game features such as a putting green, additional shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, a multipurpose field with a greenway connection, and a small amphitheater.

Staff presentation and community feedback: Parks and recreation staff reported a public information meeting with 26 attendees and 113 survey responses in four days. Staff also reported that an Easter event at the park drew about 77 children and roughly 116 adults. The parks advisory board (PARAB) reviewed the concepts and gave support to the recommended grant application for the area where the current dog park sits, staff said.

Commissioners’ concerns and clarifications: Commissioners asked about site details such as grading and retaining walls to address existing slopes, the relative cost of solar charging benches (staff said they cost roughly three times a standard picnic table), and the timeline for related accessibility improvements (staff said a separate accessibility grant decision is expected in May that could fund pour-in-place surfacing). Staff also said major grading work to relocate the dog park would begin the week after the meeting.

Board action and next steps: A motion to authorize staff to apply for the PARTF grant and for the mayor to sign certification carried unanimously on voice vote. Staff said it will continue public outreach, refine the concept based on survey results and PARAB input, and pursue parallel funding opportunities.","The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted to let staff apply for a 50/50 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant of up to $500,000 to fund phase work at Knight Farm Park after staff presented concept options and summarized public feedback.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6605204,"Private group pitches large indoor Sportsplex for Pittsboro; seeks town support and land",1229,7903000,9132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706&start=7903&end=9132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706/thumbnail_7903000.jpg","/articles/6605204/North-Carolina/Private-group-pitches-large-indoor-Sportsplex-for-Pittsboro-seeks-town-support-and-land","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605204-516d1c214c76a01fec1f3ae6695316f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770595035&Signature=b7GS0EF1pX~8wtxXvnnig11BZfhr4BwEgaJ1OX-GY9RISgcqM7ioX0KZDdBdTFq3YrJVuWFXw-p61NwH8iYV-JdC~-CBulsI03zCD0XxzW7X6xOgGZ3duhHv2oc5DcZa5YACepmIqZXfhjo8-o-RAVxqvc1ewtL6GrEc-8o3~uysruhjJ8g6NyUdlcHvliFR7Qex39ynZrTIOa43DMHBI1l5dQvmPUW3WO5cD1Kn8x3ZZ1ko8UbnfkKv8ehVjUzS3sVJ4tI9vWfuaWY31t60Qz3IdTky6jX~e4iY60Y-sA3zgjtrVnXqftby5AUjj~CTyImfVdSNtIo48g7AlSc1DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A private developer and community organizers on April 14 presented a proposal for a large, modular indoor Sportsplex in or near Pittsboro designed to host indoor track, basketball, volleyball and turf sports, to pursue LEED certification, and to pair rooftop solar generation with a community-solar program. The presenters told the Board of Commissioners they are seeking municipal support, including site availability or a long-term lease on town-owned land, to unlock philanthropic and private financing.

Project overview and modular approach: Supa Athletics, led by Latonya Brown, presented a concept of up to four field houses (each ~128,000 square feet) connected by a central “connector” with training, media and community spaces. The design is modular: the team said it could open a first fieldhouse (an indoor banked track that the presenters said would be the first in the state) and expand in phases. Presenters said the facility would host regional and national tournaments, school programming and community uses and would generate revenue from tournaments, naming rights and sponsorships.

Funding and public-private model: Presenters described multiple revenue streams — memberships, tournaments, sponsorships (including naming rights), and energy monetization from rooftop solar — and said many comparable projects use long-term land leases (for example, 99‑year leases) or nonprofit ownership to secure capital. They said seed philanthropic support and letters of institutional support have been obtained; presenters asked the town to consider making 14–18 acres available for initial phases to make the fundraising case viable.

Equity and programming: Supa representatives described a dual structure: Supa Athletics (a for-profit operator) and Supa Cares (a 501(c)(3)) for scholarships and community programs. They said a portion of participants already are subsidized and that a community-solar model could reduce energy bills for underprivileged households while supporting scholarship capacity for youth sports. Presenters also discussed internships and workforce opportunities in media, sports management and facility operations with local colleges.

Board reaction and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to pursue feasibility, including site suitability and soil/topography checks, and to coordinate follow-up meetings with Chatham County staff and the school system. Several commissioners urged coordinated county-and-town consideration and asked staff to present pro forma financials and a clearer ask on land and infrastructure assistance. The presenters said they will bring financial models and letters of support to future meetings. The board did not take formal action at the meeting.","Entrepreneur-led Supa Athletics presented plans for a modular, LEED-focused indoor Sportsplex that would host tournaments, school programming and community-subsidized access; presenters asked the town to consider making land available under a long-term lease or donation to help secure philanthropic and private financing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6605209,"Pittsboro passes two resolutions urging federal action on PFAS funding and tariffs",575,6187000,6762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706&start=6187&end=6762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706/thumbnail_6187000.jpg","/articles/6605209/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-passes-two-resolutions-urging-federal-action-on-PFAS-funding-and-tariffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605209-c04c7b9da336c61e5281cfe257ab8595/orig.mp4?Expires=1770595035&Signature=T0NJTU0ZNToEEzaOcJ8a4m3LTxfMAkhGhgVBBhCsEVt5A~MtPBwCMlSDiXxpLnNKmWreTp2-roL3rLib-o750vcmYEDaQ~CsJfmwPrHp5gOfDePlyUzqmDEBLhZ4TSL2Uqh68QPpqWuIFYLVyk20q2fQ0tM1XXREz8NRr9o5KsnAKn5OGi25EvZ~YnMsr1969DmW-qfhGJO215UEO6VXoj5vfEXqxrHnMdaCrYfdLyINFlutUbznUlnnaWaQVb5Y4XGtZfMgfKRLy0gxxKb~iFOGzQAtkQwL3AvZL0ZqpCPZuQhUkS8RY14n7rXCloNeLRK0CibKtjCuN1lvKlLFzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners on April 14 adopted two separate resolutions addressing federal policy: one urging the administration and the U.S. Congress to restore previously committed funding and regulatory action for PFAS (commonly called “forever chemicals”), and a second asking that executive tariff authority be returned to Congress.

PFAS resolution: Commissioner Foley presented a resolution requesting removal of administrative pauses on federal regulations and on disbursement of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act related to PFAS and PFOS cleanup and treatment. The text cited the town’s history of litigation and work related to PFAS in the Haw River watershed and asked North Carolina’s congressional delegation and the president to act to free previously committed funds for municipal and county water systems. During debate commissioners amended the resolution to add a whereas clause noting that Pittsboro operates granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration at its water plant that removes PFAS compounds, and that federal actions that slow upstream remediation could increase local operating and replacement costs for that filtration system. The amended resolution carried on a vote.

Tariffs resolution: Foley also presented a shorter resolution asking the president to rescind an executive order that imposed tariffs under emergency authority and for Congress to reassert Article I authority over duties and imposts. Supporters said tariffs raise the cost of construction materials and other goods and could harm local businesses and housing affordability; the board passed that resolution as written.

What it means: Both resolutions are formal requests to the town’s federal delegation and the executive branch and do not have the force of law. The PFAS resolution asks federal policymakers to restore previously committed funds and to reconsider directives that change EPA risk-evaluation methods; the tariffs resolution asks the president to work collaboratively with Congress on trade policy and to rescind the cited executive action.","The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions asking the White House and North Carolina’s congressional delegation to restore federal funding for PFAS-related cleanup and to return tariff authority and oversight to Congress; the PFAS resolution was amended to note the town’s existing water filtration work.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6605213,"Pittsboro staff outline Sanford Road pedestrian-safety plan; board approves traffic and parking ordinance changes near elementary school",269,3571000,3840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706&start=3571&end=3840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987139-53e85f5b649199fe8efbff5bca838706/thumbnail_3571000.jpg","/articles/6605213/North-Carolina/Pittsboro-staff-outline-Sanford-Road-pedestrian-safety-plan-board-approves-traffic-and-parking-ordinance-changes-near-elementary-school","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6605213-f3ce8d2ac1b2072fd8a6d56397dd45be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770595035&Signature=e7oTq~JxHOmvMfUcNXaj01H8lS6edSGMP6thNSNyjUKlU4Eg446Ihrzrvjo6fnlm4oSZmS1vkuB6Maoix4PHiRYOzqUeKX4g~hprmdIw0nMk-hWqm0cBl8HLt3mFgJjkr9ZXVdTaSrJWgS~kcNaIAQdqWQ8fyuKcExmOZQjqsQKzptLA4le-90MQp25-kMsFOYRiEr6WUlI~MXCZTvL9bX-lL1~w4QE72feNFesQ2c85lmRmGaQYRbyzTsZJ0hp4rzeUq7cQ7emJb2dLuzn0vwu90F74WDAMf60Jd7DuJu9LzvkeSItNdZh3py4JLnizlSQjbfGybN91WiVeZ-Dm0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff on April 14 presented a package of short-term changes intended to improve pedestrian safety on Sanford Road near Pittsboro Elementary School and the Little League ball field, and the Board of Commissioners approved two code amendments to implement the changes.

What staff proposed: Planners, police and public works staff described a site visit that identified sight-line and parking problems between the traffic circle and the school. Staff recommended (1) amending the town traffic schedules to make the intersection at Pittsboro Elementary School Road and Farrell Street a stop in all directions, and (2) amending parking schedules to create a no-parking zone on Pittsboro Elementary School Road between Farrell Street and Cotton Street and to add loading zones to serve businesses along the corridor.

Why it matters: Staff said vehicles parking on both sides of Pittsboro Elementary School Road during events at the Little League field reduce sight lines and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians crossing between vehicles. East Chatham Little League leaders and the school’s representatives told staff they had observed close calls and supported reducing on-street parking in key segments. Staff also said that additional off-street parking on adjacent town-owned property will be prepared and opened to help offset lost curbside spaces.

DOT coordination and pedestrian-beacon request: Staff said they discussed a rapid-flash beacon at the Sanford/Chatham Street crossing with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). DOT said it wanted the town to install additional street lighting before the town installed the beacon; staff said DOT otherwise approved the proposed lane markings and loading-zone locations. Staff also said Duke Energy and DOT had recently approved an application for new street lights and that installation scheduling is underway.

Board action: The board adopted the traffic-schedule amendment to add the multi-way stop and adopted the parking-schedule amendment to prohibit parking on Pittsboro Elementary School Road between Farrell and Cotton, both by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff said it will paint stop bars and markings, install the signs and deploy expanded off-street parking on town property adjacent to the ball field, coordinate the rapid-flash beacon reassessment with DOT after additional lighting is installed, and work with police on enforcement plans during peak event times.","Staff presented changes including new all-way stops at Pittsboro Elementary School Road intersections and creation of a no-parking zone on Pittsboro Elementary School Road between Farrell and Cotton streets; both ordinance amendments were approved by the board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pittsboro adopts ordinance regulating skate park use; commissioners debate skateboard access on public streets

Pittsboro commissioners authorize application for state PARTF grant for Knight Farm Park improvements

Private group pitches large indoor Sportsplex for Pittsboro; seeks town support and land

Pittsboro passes two resolutions urging federal action on PFAS funding and tariffs

Pittsboro staff outline Sanford Road pedestrian-safety plan; board approves traffic and parking ordinance changes near elementary school