[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6252945,"mediaKeyId","3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26","parentId",3184395,"title","Oak Ridge council adopts resolution opposing state zoning reform bill; urges local solutions","audioSeconds",364,"startMs",4463000,"endMs",4827000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26&start=4463&end=4827","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26/thumbnail_4463000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6252945/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-adopts-resolution-opposing-state-zoning-reform-bill-urges-local-solutions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252945-041af11b99351a7d7ecdd75f5553657f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149801&Signature=cyu5d5rYayfVes0z80MMBpTldriacz8uCuz3Ab9n-D3XcT9g8KonqJ1qcE1Xlz8j75UVdde9hoqxhVZ7pFNZxAO6GFuUF-9oxehR5UyLPm7FVxepxlqwDijeAo7rj~Ls3r13LdLpwO2AN~eBFXy3Y2IbzPtQG9PChjgPeo0mbTN~b4M2dPK05pTzYRj3PwNT~dkYVKP7Mgu~4zHA2sDilTSgdm9cF0fhyUY8LiWxblbb4F3aCvr5t28DBomsk3IZNS1boCE3vJbzZmTz22rkVvmudXWIRwfTatltYi6eEy3UDQ1FJYRR1OK0ArCrlgk9R0UxLT4xw-wl9JpZ2w2lTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-02T14:12:42Z","article","Oak Ridge — The Town Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing a North Carolina General Assembly bill that council members said would substantially narrow local zoning authority and impose one-size-fits-all statewide standards.

Councilwoman Snyder introduced the resolution calling out House Bill 7 65 (as cited in the meeting) and related measures that, according to the resolution text, would curtail local elected officials’ zoning decision-making power, alter planning and advisory-board roles and mandate new density, street design and parking standards.

“Whereas HB 7 65 would eliminate local elected officials decision making powers related to zoning ... the Oak Ridge Town Council believes that local officials create a thoughtful and deliberate approach to local planning and zoning,” the resolution states, reflecting language council discussed in the meeting. Members said they were acting to defend local planning, preserve the town’s rural and historic character and encourage state lawmakers to collaborate with municipal officials on housing and growth strategies.

Council members asked residents to stay alert because aspects of the bill could appear in other legislation; they also encouraged public engagement with the League of Municipalities and with county and state representatives to develop locally tailored housing solutions.

What’s next: The resolution is an official local position; councilmembers said they will continue to monitor related bills and to coordinate with regional municipal advocacy groups.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Of Oak Ridge Town Council Meeting May 1st 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council passed a resolution opposing a North Carolina House bill that members said would strip local land-use authority and impose statewide zoning rules. Councilmembers urged residents to monitor related legislation and affirmed the town will continue local planning efforts.","taxTitle","Town of Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina","taxId",57591,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6252950,"Council delays decision on town-park pedestrian lighting to June for full cost analysis",1121,6007000,7128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26&start=6007&end=7128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26/thumbnail_6007000.jpg","/articles/6252950/North-Carolina/Council-delays-decision-on-town-park-pedestrian-lighting-to-June-for-full-cost-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252950-103aaea7bb9aab44693ef56ec36aafc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149801&Signature=S8rM4GU3FrgzIpAspDjumGlJCgUi-5k6dKJtyEhf-f9gZhtKXtjidhU-Q7BdnWEoAffLXULd59kUsrHvl6igY-zzcIGmfjomXZp6KwpSxsS13hZ4rf818S4OePyLRfYe~fwf-xnsJxe3PWiZwk0OfVrrwewqh5Vi9EKdYxp~ZfdD2IGeWuVxu5VxjxUXzoISf2hTjP5GlibiloUEsW49KqtkTlGwpnIbyZJEAELjXqvVOK9fWMVGjXB7ZtPUWak224hCpvuwlw86L0hNgbuGmheOm~8REzzhenteVKWjFJxhUZpLVIJuouOJV8F-OwfF7eHzIsN~-XpbbGvyWRwdRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge — The Town Council postponed a vote on proposed pedestrian-scale lighting at the Town Park entrance and sidewalks, asking staff to return in June with a full, apples-to-apples total-cost comparison of the two dissimilar proposals.

Staff presented two options: a local contractor’s proposal (bollard-style fixtures) that would require town ownership of equipment, an upfront capital outlay and the town’s responsibility for maintenance after warranty expiration; and a Duke Energy option for pedestrian-scale street poles that would be installed and maintained by Duke under a contract requiring the town to pay a monthly fee (staff cited approximately $308 per month under the Duke proposal).

Council members raised concerns about lacking a contract from Duke with explicit terms, the long-term maintenance burden and the appropriate comparative lifespan and replacement costs for bollards. Several councilmembers said the Duke option may be cheaper over a longer lifespan once maintenance and replacement of owned equipment are considered and noted that paying a fixed monthly fee spreads future costs over time. Others favor owning assets to avoid recurring monthly service fees.

Council voted to continue the item to the June meeting and directed staff to obtain: (1) the Duke Energy contract language and firm pricing; (2) a detailed cost estimate and maintenance/ replacement schedule for the bollard option; and (3) a life-cycle net present value comparison that captures installation, maintenance, replacement and energy costs over a realistic planning horizon.

Why it matters: The lighting links new sidewalks and the restored farmhouse to parking and the broader park system; the solution will affect capital planning, maintenance responsibilities and long-term operating costs for the park.","Faced with two dissimilar bids — a Duke Energy leased-pole option and a bollard installation bid from a local contractor — the council voted to postpone a decision on lighting the farmhouse/sidewalk area at Town Park and asked staff for a comparative lifecycle cost analysis.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6252955,"Council adopts revised water fees; $2,000 connection fee proposed, waived during construction window",380,4433000,4813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26&start=4433&end=4813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26/thumbnail_4433000.jpg","/articles/6252955/North-Carolina/Council-adopts-revised-water-fees-2000-connection-fee-proposed-waived-during-construction-window","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252955-34b733ca795d79511ffac0e6c24c9253/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149801&Signature=XY6hLS~iXKw8UScdX4L4sNnnHGtsfCkRdK4e~dt42qXqU4H5s4T~rHubsFsYIwiRxMTgsJMXcS2VI72Y-aSWnP8cSQWLuUY2xkaenvlnDp-AjZMAkQgtRQuwj3p4LEB9QEZMh33FMZc87Pvf-2KrgN-9uah-Asklpc4iEVmZw1BVE2aITKKwSITRZZA4ln2Z9FYjIgHAIwDV~yn9gTGQuNpxKndPXqeObDwkW9NKqrcclpnnYAn6u7mynMvtZuLNVF5aEVoxB~0UTq5L6tF9QpTREutVIZi12WSA65gIbp6bShUVAxGzQIfXYPoSvVDBfDC7z-w01~6t14zxIGogDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge — The Town Council approved an updated water fees and charges schedule recommended by the Water Advisory Committee that establishes a one-time service-connection fee for certain new hookups and sets policy for meter charges and annual review.

The new schedule establishes a proposed water service connection fee of $2,000 intended to cover costs of installing a service tap and, where needed, boring under a roadway to reach the main. The Water Advisory Committee also recommended waiving the connection fee during the preconstruction and construction phases of the NC-150 to Linville Road water main to encourage property owners to connect during the construction window. A separate $500 meter fee will apply to parcels in the Honeycutt Reserve area because developer-provided infrastructure differs from other mains.

Committee and council members said the single connection fee averages the expected cost across properties that will require standard taps and those that will require more costly bores under right-of-way. The committee also recommended annual review of the water fees schedule.

Council approved the revised fee schedule and the temporary waiver through completion of construction on the NC-150 to Linville Road water main; staff will finalize administrative details, publish the fee schedule and notify property owners of connection procedures and timing.

Why it matters: The fee establishes a consistent town policy for recovering installation costs tied to the new municipal water service that the town is expanding; the temporary waiver is intended as an incentive to increase early connections while the main is being installed.","The council approved a revised water fees and charges schedule recommended by the Water Advisory Committee, including a proposed $2,000 service-connection fee for new hookups to planned mains (with a temporary waiver during main construction) and a $500 meter fee for certain parcels already provided service.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6252959,"Oak Ridge council approves lease authorization and Parks & Rec recommendation for house at Linville Road",228,2804000,3032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26&start=2804&end=3032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26/thumbnail_2804000.jpg","/articles/6252959/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-approves-lease-authorization-and-Parks-Rec-recommendation-for-house-at-Linville-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252959-dfc25b2a5fcce85a6727fe962fec00d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149801&Signature=dWVrc8kr5NwTySrY-T6IMgnWZFfD74dUO-R0gMszxGDrtcHpRhDN6pzYRvYlGihi6gULOQBHKppZHwALgaO1Edoxi1QsMob2zbdZS8fx1g6Rw9lHIPXxPC0eIn5CpNIYuE893kE5J~~hTLmv8gKLpChyPuDAcfl-hjSnoF1vcbFCaCHvDKk8f8Y8m76s89JlNF7tJ4nxl5ccK4EB6OsnhZxy2UDpPLonVa9b~bFbMQwB547NCkUO-hXCDVssUVDYTRnAchrNoVXLQLSFMdrVRi1zT-kUJ6LbEfVaiP5XZ3fKXayn93fEmqCSQSvA4zz4oBowAf1PVZ0LbymzhZ9Zfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge — The Town Council approved a resolution authorizing lease or rental of the town-owned property at 8326 Linville Road and accepted the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board’s recommendation to place the home on the rental market under a property-management agreement.

The council first adopted a resolution declaring the property surplus to short-term town needs and authorizing staff to pursue leasing. Council removed a line in the resolution that had asked residents to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior to staff or law enforcement.

Parks & Rec recommended the town contract with a private property manager to lease the house under a 12-month term. Parks & Rec presented recommended terms to the council, including a security deposit equal to one month’s rent and an allowance for up to two pets subject to a pet deposit. The board recommended a privacy fence around the rear yard, estimating installation handled by park staff with an estimated cost the board stated in the meeting; council later approved a white vinyl fence at an estimated cost not to exceed $2,800.

Parks & Rec and staff also recommended routine park-staff lawn maintenance around the leased property. The council approved the Parks & Rec recommendation and the fence installation; council members said the rental income would reduce the town’s carrying cost for an unoccupied property.

What was discussed: Council members asked whether the recommended property manager would offer month-to-month leases (staff said the recommended manager uses 12-month leases) and whether park staff would maintain the lawn inside the fenced area (staff said mowing and routine maintenance inside the fence would be part of the lease terms if the fence were installed). Council members also noted the fence cost equals a portion of the expected rent months and accepted that trade-off to get the house occupied.

Numbers and clarifications: At the council meeting staff presented the Parks & Rec recommendations as part of a staff memo. The transcript captures the board’s recommended rent figure and some deposit amounts, but notation in the meeting transcript is garbled in places; staff documents will be the authoritative source for final advertised rent, exact deposit amounts and lease terms. Council voted to approve the Parks & Rec recommendations and to proceed with property management and lease placement.","Council approved a resolution declaring town property at 8326 Linville Road available for lease and accepted the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board’s recommended rental terms and property improvements, including installation of a privacy fence.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6252964,"Oak Ridge council sends proposal to add “event centers” back to staff after public debate",1064,1259000,2323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26&start=1259&end=2323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184395-dfced5c3db6b9116d275e19d8fcb7f26/thumbnail_1259000.jpg","/articles/6252964/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-sends-proposal-to-add-event-centers-back-to-staff-after-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252964-ead63e70613fdc26454a753d5edb74f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149801&Signature=QgTGyaVENU2iLv8qm5bCLZYHphrb3zh7UjnF8UkNAfIK8dKbBneITvoRlh4ag7RUPEcR6tZ2ylZy~DUQgTWm5eE6FThmCF0k76eeoeJ-fk~L9-UjlbpdUpi8VKHXWNUjjTW5atSbVZj27i7LwmfuuNYxFVsnq0LKu8Oc0aGlFX1miay-wARnGSYNtaFNS4VenVCj0bxTuSoIpzmbxL14z~9eviS85O4XSo6VfCk8rObp0UBzrSqf2qqtt7AgMBJOks6ERunIm8E5zmZAyjv2bsCNgvNlS1~MJEydGUV3FfJ4GBIjez8k1T9CU8DRXQSROjossgepS7L7noLLDxNixQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oak Ridge — The Town Council opened a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to add “event centers” as a permitted or special-use category in multiple zoning districts and voted to send the draft back to staff for revision after residents, Planning & Zoning and the applicant debated its scope and process.

The amendment would add event centers as a use in commercial districts and as a special-use permit in agricultural (AG) and RS-40 residential-agricultural districts. The council’s action sends the proposal back to staff and Planning & Zoning for more detail on district placement, buffers and minimum lot-size or other safeguards before the council takes a final vote.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change would allow property owners and entrepreneurs to pursue a formal, regulated pathway for venues such as wedding sites, corporate retreats or small conference spaces. Opponents said the RS-40 designation — which includes large-lot residential and semi-rural parcels that back to neighborhoods — is the wrong place for uses that can produce traffic, noise and late-hour activity.

Developer and land-use consultant Bill Rico, speaking for Land Solutions, told the council the town presently hosts informal events but lacks a defined event-center use. “Event center is a stand alone use currently [that] does not exist in the town of Oak Ridge,” Rico said, arguing that a special-use permit (SUP) process would allow neighborhood input and conditions such as hours and decibel limits.

Jason Strack, who represented the Planning & Zoning Board’s discussion, said the board unanimously opposed the amendment as written because of the RS-40 inclusion and concerns about the timing and availability of public input on future SUP applications. “Our primary concerns are lack of ability for public comment regarding these special use permits being issued,” Strack said in outlining the board’s objections.

Residents at the hearing disputed one another on whether a special-use permit runs with the land or the owner and on whether the amendment was drafted for a specific parcel. Planning staff clarified that under current ordinance a granted SUP becomes an overlay on the parcel and remains attached to the property unless conditions, nonuse or revocation end it; staff also said applicants may propose conditions limiting transfer as part of their permit application, though that is a negotiated condition rather than a default.

Council members raised similar tradeoffs: some said the SUP process allows site-specific conditions and enforcement; others said rezoning processes allow broader public comment and are harder to change once approved. Several council members asked staff to study minimum acreage, setback and parking requirements and to clarify standing and participation rights for neighbors during SUP proceedings.

The council moved to refer the text amendment back to staff and Planning & Zoning for revisions that would (at a minimum) re-examine inclusion of RS-40 and consider specific development standards such as minimum acreage, buffers and hours. The motion passed by council majority.

What’s next: The amendment will return to Planning & Zoning and staff with instructions to refine district definitions, consider minimum lot sizes and clarify public-notice and hearing procedures for SUPs before the council schedules a new public hearing.","Town council opened a public hearing on a proposed zoning text amendment to add “event centers” as a listed use in several zoning districts, heard extended testimony for and against, and voted to send the amendment back to staff and planning for revisions and more study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Ridge council adopts resolution opposing state zoning reform bill; urges local solutions

Council delays decision on town-park pedestrian lighting to June for full cost analysis

Council adopts revised water fees; $2,000 connection fee proposed, waived during construction window

Oak Ridge council approves lease authorization and Parks & Rec recommendation for house at Linville Road

Oak Ridge council sends proposal to add “event centers” back to staff after public debate