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Local Government
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By Administrator
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Tuesday, 23 April 2013 14:56 |
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RALEIGH, (AP) — Some North Carolina lawmakers are pushing legislation that forbids local governments from adopting their own building design standards in most cases.
The Senate bill that passed the Commerce Committee on Tuesday says that local governments can't control design features such as color, exterior materials, interior layout and other style elements. Exceptions are granted for historic districts, in cases of safety and complying with other laws or flood insurance programs.
Supporters argue they're spelling out what the law already says and that local regulations drive up prices and restrict the market. Opponents argue aesthetic standards also serve legitimate public functions and the loss of local control prevents municipalities from meeting individual needs.
The bill now heads to the Senate floor. It already cleared the House in March.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 14:57 |
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Local Government
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By Administrator
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Sunday, 21 April 2013 09:13 |
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BRYSON CITY, (AP) — A Native American tribe is planning to form its own social services agency to protect children on a North Carolina reservation.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is taking the action in part because of the death of a 15-month-old girl. Tribal leaders say Swain County social services workers didn't do enough to protect Aubrey Kina-Marie Littlejohn. Aubrey was a member of the tribe, and she died in 2011.
A special committee will appoint a board for the proposed social services agency. Committee member Ruth McCoy says once the board is appointed, it will hire a director.
McCoy is the great-aunt of Aubrey, whose death sparked outrage in the Native American community.
Currently Swain County and three others provide child protective and other services to the sprawling reservation. |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 21 April 2013 09:18 |
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Local Government
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By Administrator
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Sunday, 21 April 2013 09:07 |
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HIGH POINT, (AP) — The world's largest furniture market kicks off with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory apologizing to industry executives after first proposing to cut state funding for the trade show.
McCrory held a private meeting at the High Point Market on Saturday with 40 furniture industry leaders who objected to the governor's proposal to cut state funding for the organization that sets up the twice-a-year event.
The High Point Enterprise reports McCrory took the blame for proposing to cut $1.6 million in state funding nearly in half by mid-2014. The governor says he didn't make clear to his budget-writers to preserve state spending on the market that attracts about 80,000 furniture buyers and sellers to High Point.
Furniture industry executives praised McCrory for his willingness to reverse his initial decision. |
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Last Updated on Sunday, 21 April 2013 09:07 |
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Local Government
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By Administrator
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Friday, 19 April 2013 16:05 |
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WINSTON-SALEM, (AP) — North Carolina transportation officials have approved plans to improve nearly 90 miles of secondary roads in Surry and Alleghany counties.
The Winston-Salem Journal reported the transportation department awarded a contract of nearly $3 million to Blythe Construction of Charlotte for the work.
In Surry County, work will be done to improve 71 miles of road. In Alleghany County, work will be done on about 16 miles.
Work is expected to begin later this month and be completed by Oct. 1. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 19 April 2013 16:06 |
