I have to say that besides Eubanks Road, Hillsborough (or of any of our municipalities) is about the worst place I can imagine putting our future waste transfer station. Apparently the two sites being looked at there are in an economic development zone. Unless they are planning for it to heavy industrial development, it doesn't seem like a good fit. (The DTH has a small graphic of the top 10 sites and Hillsborough's response to the two sites on their doorstep.)

These suggestions are so off the wall that I am wondering if they're preparing us for something really awful. I am ready for the Commissioners to get rid of the siting consultants and step up to take some responsibility for our county's garbage for a change.

From http://www.historichillsborough.org/calendar :

From http://www.historichillsborough.org/calendar/ :

2nd Saturday Hillsborough Guided Walking Tour, 10am & 2pm, The Alexander Dickson House, 150 E. King St., Hillsborough. Explore Hillsborough's history on a 90-minute guided walking tour through its historic district. $2-$6, More Information at 732-7741

A recently-completed feasibility study has smiled upon the idea of rail service in HIllsborough, and the town is purchasing land for a future station. Amtrak and NC DOT say it makes financial sense, but they also say that it can only work if the town gets serious about long-term planning.

Just in time for the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, which some think is overly reliant on sprawling growth and not doing enough smart land use planning!

The town would need to further develop and adopt a concept plan of how rail service would fit into overall community development, such as plans for land use, road networks and transit, bike and pedestrian access. The rail service would need to coordinate well with other modes of transportation.

A comprehensive review of the local rail infrastructure, including nearby road and pedestrian crossings, would be needed.

As a vegetarian, I don't personally endorse this enthusiastic celebration of eating pig, but it seems like a great community institution.I do appreciate their effort to reduce the amount of waste being generated this year.

Hillsborough Hog Day, now celebrating its 26th Year, is a fun-filled family barbecue and entertainment festival, presented by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Hillsborough Hog Day is Orange County's largest festival, and a major fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce.

From the Chapel Hill Herald:

For one night only, watch films written by local authors Lee Smith, Allan Gurganus, Michael Malone and Daniel Wallace and adapted by Duke University students for the screen. Enjoy complimentary popcorn as you listen to the authors read short passages from their works and answer questions, together with Duke University film Professor Benfey.The festival will be at the Burwell School Historic Site on May 29th at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and tickets ($12), call (919) 732-7451 or visit http://wwww.burwellschool.org.

Burwell School Historic Site is at 319 N. Churton St. All proceeds benefit the continuing programming and preservation of the Burwell School Historic Site.

Hillsborough budget proposal calls for tax rate increase of nearly 8%

http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1073114.html

Proposed $18.5 million budget would raise Carrboro tax rate 4.9%

http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1073116.html

notable quotes:

"The economy has really made it difficult," said Peterson, who noted that Chapel Hill and Carrboro also are facing local property tax-rate increases.

 -- Hillsborough Town Manager Eric Peterson

"I don't recall, at least in recent history, a more dim outlook in terms of revenue projections," -- Carrboro Town Manager Steve Stewart.

From the web:

Solutions for America Event with President Bill Clinton in Hillsborough!

When

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 1:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Where

Orange County Baseball Field
Corner of N. Hassell St & W. Queen St
Hillsborough, NC 27278

From OrangeDems.org:

Tuesday, April 29th - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm – “Greet, Meet, Eat, and Learn,” sponsored by 6 Hillsborough precincts. Location: Kelsey's Occoneechee Steak House, 378 S. Churton, in Hillsborough. Various topics for discussion include: Voting information (ballots, who can vote, age limits, etc.); informal meeting candidates; who can vote in which primary; voting for county commissioners; information on the transfer tax.