Feb. 17 - 23, 2017
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Citizens, council continue debating PD zoning district With a second public hearing scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16, questions about a proposed zoning district seem as abundant as answers by PATTI STOKES SUMMERFIELD – When Summerfield Town Council decided to hold a Question and Answer session on Feb. 9, it hoped to clear up misinformation and address citizen concerns surrounding a proposed text amendment that
would add a Planned Development zoning district to the town’s development ordinance. The Q&A session followed the Planning and Zoning Board’s Jan. 23 public hearing, at which 48 citizens spoke almost equally for and against
the proposed PD district. It was held in Summerfield First Baptist Church’s Christian Life Center in order to accommodate the anticipated crowd – and a good thing, as more than 300 people attended. Although many drifted home a few hours after the session began at 6:30 p.m., about 40 people remained when the last question was answered shortly before 11 p.m.
...continued on p. 22
Sometime this spring, North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold design public hearings for all sections of the U.S. 158 $110 million improvements project in Forsyth and Guilford counties. Section C of the project includes a 6.5 mile-long stretch that begins at Anthony Road in Stokesdale and ends at U.S. 220; it entails a four-lane, median-divided bypass around Stokesdale. See details on p. 5
Committee continues ordinance review process Larger minimum lot sizes, what constitutes a nuisance, and dumpster screening regulations are topics being discussed by Stokesdale’s Ordinance Review Committee by STEVE MANN STOKESDALE – An ordinance like Summerfield’s, which requires developments to have an average lot density of 60,000 square feet, could take some of the pressure off Stokesdale to expand its water system, according to a member of the Ordinance Review Committee.
In unfinished business during its Jan. 17 meeting at Stokesdale Town Hall, the committee continued its discussion about lot size regulations that would ensure adequate groundwater supplies for wells. Robert Wurz, who chairs the committee, said his research of Summerfield development ordinance 4-2.1B didn’t reveal anything specifically covering lot sizes for well recharge. But during the Dec. 13 meeting of the Summerfield Town Council, an excerpt from an email sent in 2005 to former Summerfield Mayor Bill Peterson spelled that out. “The 60,000-square-foot average lot size requirement for lower density was
...continued on p. 3
There are two schools of thought. Do we try to plumb the whole town with water, or do we allow for part of the town – whoever is developing – to choose to put in a 60,000-square-foot requirement that would allow for that recharge?” Councilman Tim Jones
IN THIS ISSUE
Your Questions ............................4 News in Brief ................................5 Stokesdale Town Council ..........5 Business Notes ............................8 Bits & Pieces ................................9 Student Profiles ......................... 10 Youth/School News .................. 12 NWO Real Estate ....................... 13 Real Estate Briefs....................... 14 Room to roam? ......................... 18 Real Estate Transactions ..........20 Community Calendar .............. 21 Crime/Incident Report .............24 Grins & Gripes ...........................25 Opinions ....................................26 Classifieds ................................. 27 Index of Advertisers ................. 31
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ORDINANCE REVIEW ...continued from p. 1
designed to preserve Summerfield’s groundwater reserves,” according to an article in the Northwest Observer. That 1.38-acre regulation is a point of contention in Summerfield’s discussion of a proposed Planned Development zoning district, as the restriction currently prohibits builders from offering higher-density housing. Tim Jones, who is a Stokesdale Town Council member, said he thinks a similar lot size requirement in Stokesdale would take away some of the pressure to extend waterlines into all corners of the town, adding he’s not convinced that adding more waterlines is cheaper for the water system. “There are two schools of thought. Do we try to plumb the whole town with water, or do we allow for part of the town – whoever is developing – to choose to put in a 60,000-square-foot requirement that would allow for that recharge?” Jones asked. Joe Thacker asked whether Jones’ proposal was to prevent more lines from being run or to see if a waterline is already available. “I wasn’t suggesting that we would require folks that were developing land hooked to our water system have to
utilize a 60,000-square-foot minimum,” Jones responded. “I wasn’t suggesting changing that. Certainly, if someone wants to go up in the lot size, they can certainly do that. We’re talking about minimums. “I don’t want anybody to ever run out of water. ... We talk a lot about water, making sure people have enough water. Well, there’s more than one way to have enough water. We can make sure they have enough public water or we can make sure they have enough groundwater.” The committee will continue the discussion at its Feb. 28 meeting.
NUISANCE ORDINANCES In previous meetings, the Ordinance Review Committee had reviewed nuisance ordinances from other municipalities to compile a list of possible issues to be discussed. The committee also wanted to see what is covered by Guilford County and what Stokesdale already has approved. During the January meeting, the committee reviewed Stokesdale’s Ordinance No. 59 that deals with annoying and disturbing noises. The members determined the ordinance, adopted June 16, 2005, was comprehensive in its coverage, penalties and enforcement, and voted unanimously to leave it as written. It also voted unanimously to leave Ordinance No. 55, which cov-
Since 2008
ers loitering for the purpose of engaging in drug activity, as written. Wurz said he didn’t find any specific ordinances covering the other issues on the committee’s list: firearms/air rifle discharge, alcohol consumption on public property, begging and solicitation, or public safety. Patrick Sullivan, who attended the meeting as a citizen and chairman of the town’s Planning Board, suggested the committee think about a firearms ordinance. “There are children out, there are pets out, there are houses in places they’ve never been before,” Sullivan said. “I think there’s a risk to public safety if we don’t consider some type of ordinance about how close to a residence you can discharge firearms.” After it was noted that there is a state law about the discharge of firearms, the committee decided to explore current laws and ordinances before tackling one for Stokesdale. It also will look at ordinances from other
municipalities covering begging and solicitation.
DUMPSTER ORDINANCE The committee also made a change to Section 6-7 of the development ordinance covering dumpster screening regulations, voting 7-0 to eliminate the sentence prohibiting chain-link fencing with woven slats of opaque material. At its meeting in December, the committee had also discussed adding language that the new requirements were not retroactive. But since state law says ordinances can’t be enforced retroactively unless they involve safety or public health, that addition was not made. The ordinance will be sent back to the Planning Board.
want to go? Stokesdale Ordinance Committee will meet again Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road.
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Food Lion is undergoing some interior remodeling, but we confirmed the equipment was not related to that project. The person we spoke with at NCDOT, which had recently completed shoulder restructuring along N.C. 68, could not tell us if the equipment belonged to the department. A spokesperson with Combs, Inc., which owns the shopping center, did not know why the vehicles were parked there but confirmed the equipment was gone as of Feb. 7. The spokesperson also confirmed there is no planned exterior construction at the shopping center; she said the equipment was either left there after the parking lot was cleared from the snow in January, or it was equipment that NCDOT temporarily parked there.
Photo by Kelley Branch/NWO
No one knows for sure why heavy equipment was parked in the King’s Crossing shopping center on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale, or who it belonged to, but a spokesperson for Combs Inc., which owns the shopping center, confirmed there is currently no planned exterior construction at the center.
So sorry, in spite of what one of our readers had hoped, there are no plans for a Starbucks or any other new store or restaurant at the shopping center – at least not in the near future.
What’s happening on N.C. 68, between the Old Mill and Fogleman Road in Oak Ridge? There’s been a lot of grading. Is someone planning to build at that location soon? That tract of land was recently purchased by The Summit Church and is the future building site for its Oak Ridge campus, which currently meets at Oak Ridge Elementary School.
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When we spoke to The Summit’s Oak Ridge campus pastor Andy Cook last month, he told us the church has not yet developed building plans. The activity you see involves clearing out some of the kudzu and stabilizing the land. Located at 8039 R-1 Fogleman Road, the approximately 14-acre tract was formerly owned by Herbert and Dixie Cole, who sold it to The Summit for $400,000. Although the property has a Fogleman Road address, it doesn’t touch Fogleman; the road frontage extends along N.C. 68. The Summit originated in Kernersville in 2000; in 2013 the church opened an Oak Ridge campus with about 100 people attending services at Oak Ridge Elementary School. The Oak Ridge campus now has over 500 people attending services at the school, and attendance continues to grow.
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Last month there were some semitrailers in the parking lot of King’s Crossing shopping center at 7605 N.C. 68 in Stokesdale as well as some semitrailers and heavy equipment parked on an undeveloped tract of land on the front side of the shopping center. All of those vehicles are now gone.
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It looks like they’re building something up by the Food Lion near Stokesdale. Any idea what it is?
NEWS in brief
SUMMERFIELD
U.S. 158 bypass alternatives update STOKESDALE – Sometime this spring, North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold design public hearings for all sections of the U.S. 158 improvements project in Forsyth and Guilford counties. The $110 million U.S. 158 Improvements project will widen 18.8 miles of U.S. 158 to multiple lanes from U.S. 421/Business 40 in Winston-Salem to U.S. 220 in Guilford County. NCDOT reports the route has a high percentage of truck traffic and a high crash rate. Currently, as many as 23,000 vehicles travel on this section of the highway each day; that number is projected to increase to as many as 57,000 vehicles per day in 2035, far more than the road was designed to accommodate. The improvements project is divided into Sections A, B and C – Section C is 6.5 miles long and begins at Anthony Road in Stokesdale and ends at U.S. 220. It entails a four-lane, median-divided bypass around Stokesdale, since NCDOT cannot widen U.S. 158 through the town without it having a significant impact on
the historic central business district. What began as four U.S. 158 Bypass route alternatives in Stokesdale was culled down to two routes in 2015. The two routes still under study and consideration for construction are: Bypass Alternative 2, south of existing U.S. 158 in Stokesdale, and Bypass Alternative 3, north of existing U.S 158 in Stokesdale. The alternate routes will be displayed during public hearings held in Stokesdale and Walkertown. “It is hard for communities to remember, but U.S. 158 originates in Winston-Salem and runs all the way to Nags Head,” Karen Reynolds, an NCDOT project engineer said in a phone conversation last month. “Just this piece of it is my project, which includes Belews Creek, Walkertown and Stokesdale; we are improving it as a regional corridor … we can’t have a bottleneck in Stokesdale and leave it as a two-lane highway.” Look for announcements about a public hearing date/time for Stokesdale’s two alternate U.S. 158 bypass routes in future issues.
STOKESDALE town council
Feb. 9 / MEETING HIGHLIGHTS as reported by STEVE MANN
Mayor Randy Braswell called the monthly meeting to order and gave the invocation. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Jones and council members Frank Bruno, Tim Jones and Vicki White-Lawrence, Town Administrator/Finance Officer Kim Hemric, Deputy Clerk Diana Marcus and Town Attorney Katy Gregg were present. The agenda was unanimously adopted as written. Minutes for monthly council meetings on July 14, 2016, Sept. 8, 2016 and Jan. 12, 2017 were unanimously approved, as were minutes from weekly council meetings on Jan. 4, Jan. 18 and Jan. 25.
NEW BUSINESS Sheriff’s Report. No deputy was present to give a report, but Bruno said someone had broken into his downtown Stokesdale office through the back door. He encouraged everyone who saw a person or vehicle in an area where it shouldn’t be to call the sheriff’s department. Braswell reminded everyone of the sheriff’s “Lock It or Lose It” campaign. Finance Report. Budget Officer Philip Pulliam presented the town’s financial report for January. Revenue for the
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...continued on p. 6
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TOWN COUNCIL
already been posted.
...continued from p. 5
general fund this fiscal year to date totals $84,609.89 and expenses total $143,936.21. A CD valued at $257,626.24 was reinvested at a higher rate. Rec Association Honored. Stokesdale Parks and Recreation was recognized for being named N.C. Youth Soccer Association’s 2017 Recreation Association of the Year on Jan. 29. Representing the organization were Scott Hoffmann, executive director of the soccer program; Jayson Baynes, director of coaching for the soccer program and president of SPAR; and Brad Suggs, an assistant director of the soccer program. Extending School Zone. To bring the Stokesdale Elementary School Zone up to current Department of Transportation standards, the council first voted 5-0 to repeal a 25 mph speed limit on U.S. 158 from N.C. 68 eastward to a location 0.4 miles west of Angel Pardue Road, in effect from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after school begins and ends on school days. It then voted 5-0 to enact a 25 mph speed limit on U.S. 158 between a location 0.07 miles west of N.C. 68 and a point 0.04 miles west of Angel Pardue Road, in effect from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after school begins and ends on school days. New signs have
Addition to Vendor’s List. WhiteLawrence motioned to add Kennerly Engineering & Design Inc. of WinstonSalem to Stokesdale’s vendor list. Nikole Kennerly, company president, said her firm’s 20 years of varied engineering experience would help the town navigate through its engineering needs. To Tim Jones’ question about whether the firm works for any small municipalities with their own water systems, Kennerly said no, but the firm had previously been the on-call engineer for several small towns in the state.
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to add Kennerly Engineering to the town vendor list. Adviser/Consultant for Water System. Saying he believes the town needs the expertise of an adviser/consultant to explore Stokesdale’s options regarding a proposed regional water authority with Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Guilford County, Tim Jones presented a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services that he had patterned after one used by Wrightsville Beach. Saying he agreed with the idea and the town should act quickly, Braswell said he had spoken with two firms recommended by an N.C. Rural Water Association official and considered those recommendations to be “prequalifying.” A third firm on someone else’s recom-
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During discussion of a deadline for the RFQs to be returned, Braswell asked whether the council could hire a firm before the deadline expired if it found one it liked. Town Attorney Katy Gregg said no, explaining it could open the town up to liability if another company said they replied within the town’s deadline but weren’t considered. Bruno suggested not having a deadline, and Braswell responded, “If one of these two works from the Rural Water Association, I would want them here as soon as possible. And government doesn’t work as soon as possible, does it?” But Tim Jones encouraged the council to follow a formal process. “We’re hinging a lot if we go the informal process,” he said. “Water authority or not, this is probably the biggest decision Stokesdale will have made up to this date.” The council agreed to continue the discussion to Feb. 15 and to have Gregg review the document drawn up by Jones. Interim Water System Director. Tim Jones also had written a two-page memo proposing the town hire an interim water system director since Deputy Clerk Sandra Murrell had tendered her resignation effective Feb. 16. Murrell, who was hired as a temporary employee Feb. 9, 2016, averaged about 28 hours a week and primarily handled billing for the town’s water system. Jones said the ideal candidate in his proposal might be someone semi-retired with 20-30 years of experience, along the lines of Budget Officer Philip Pulliam.
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mendation had been contacted but not yet responded. Braswell then asked Kennerly of Kennerly Engineering if her firm would be interested and she said yes.
FEATURED ON
But the discussion quickly got sidetracked after Braswell jumped on the second paragraph in Jones’ proposal, which read: “Mayor Randy in particular deserves our thanks for investing his own personal time with our Water Sys-
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tem. However, with Randy leaving our Board in December, I would like for the Council to consider the potential gap this may leave behind. This will occur in just 8 more Town meetings so this is the time to make a plan.” Braswell, whose term as mayor expires this year, said he won’t run for reelection but didn’t plan on announcing it until closer to the filing deadline. He then said he thought it would be best for the town to hire a part-time employee to replace Murrell and Bill Jones agreed. “What you thought you would need two weeks ago all of a sudden changed,” Bill Jones said. “I think if you’re going to replace that position, what you’re looking at is a deputy clerk who can fill in and do the water until we find out what we are actually going to need (with the water system).” The council agreed to continue the discussion to the Feb. 15 weekly meeting and base the job description on one previously used to hire the deputy clerks.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS WATER SYSTEM Public Comments. Mahalia McGee of Shilling Street asked why Stokesdale got involved in discussions about a regional water authority when it has a water system that works. “I think there are a lot of citizens out here that wonder what’s going on,” she said. Braswell said the only reason that he and Bill Jones went to the water authority meetings “was to find a better water rate for Stokesdale. End of story.” The council needs to bring the water rate down, as well as the availability fee, which is $30.50 a month, he noted, adding there were “other things going on that I’m not ready to disclose yet.” Stokesdale is “hot for development” and will require a lot of water, but the only water coming to the town is through a 12-inch pipe from WinstonSalem, he continued “Are you going to stay with just one
lifeline, one artery to Winston-Salem?” he asked.
Sheriff’s Department who is in charge of the program.
Closed Session Minutes. In unfinished business from the Jan. 12 meeting, the council discussed a resolution establishing a policy for approving and opening closed session meeting minutes. Since the budget season is coming up, Braswell asked if Gregg could estimate her cost of reviewing the closed meeting minutes after Hemric’s inventory of them is complete. Gregg said she has no idea how many closed session meeting minutes there are or how much time it will take to review them.
Property. Bruno encouraged citizens to suggest town park projects for Make-aDifference Day on May 6.
“The statute requires that it’s to be done and it’s not been complied with in 20-some years,” she said. “My legal advice, given to the entire town council this time, is that it would not be wise to continue to not have this done. … You all have my billable rate by the hour and it has to be done. So you either come into compliance with the statute, or you don’t.”
Hemric said she had completed a webinar on a program that parallels the town’s billing software and would offer such benefits as a telephone portal and an online portal that are active 24 hours a day for residents to pay their water bills. Also, she is developing a Citizen’s Academy to educate the public on how government works and hopes to unveil it May 6 on Make-a-Difference Day.
White-Lawrence said she had been working on indexing regular council meeting minutes, but would switch to closed meeting minutes to help speed up the process.
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to vote on the resolution
Feb. 15.
Drop Box for Water Payments. In unfinished business from the Jan. 25 weekly meeting, Bill Jones said he would email council members a link to a website with drop boxes to consider. The council had previously voted to research drop boxes as another option for the town’s water system customers to pay their bills and possibly save the town some money. Bill Jones said both examples would be under the $500 limit the council had approved.
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to continue the discussion to another meeting.
COMMITTEE/DEPARTMENT REPORTS Public Safety/Water. Chairman Thearon Hooks continues work on developing a Community Watch Program and will contact the person with Guilford County
Parade Committee. White-Lawrence said the committee held a wrap-up meeting in mid-January and discussed the 2017 parade. Departmental/Administrative Report. Hemric praised Murrell’s work as deputy clerk and said Murrell’s resignation was on good terms. Water bills will be sent out Feb. 17.
Feb. 9 was Hemric’s one-year employment anniversary with the town and she offered a list of her accomplishments. She reminded the council that she had been hired as town clerk and was promoted to town administrator/ finance officer in August.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
to the town’s website.
Tim Jones thanked Hemric for her year’s service, thanked Braswell for his time on the water system and said he is concerned the town “isn’t advertising, soliciting, looking for the individual that has the expertise and the experience we need for our water system to help alleviate some of the pressures on the rest of our town staff and town council.”
Braswell thanked Bill Jones for his efforts with the sales tax distribution and said he would continue to help with those efforts after leaving the council. He also praised Stokesdale Parks and Recreation volunteers, and thanked Hemric and Murrell for their service. He then shared an email he had received about a study from SmartAsset, a financial technology company, which ranked Stokesdale the most affordable place to live in North Carolina. The study looked at average closing costs, annual property tax, annual homeowner’s insurance, average annual mortgage payment and median income.
Bruno chided the judges of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for deciding to “make law instead of enforcing law,” referring to the court’s decision on President Trump’s immigration executive order. He said the judges could benefit from the remaining “We the People” classes to be held Feb. 28 and March 7 in Town Hall from 7-9 p.m. Bill Jones said he wants to find a volunteer with computer skills willing to help him set up a website that municipalities all over the state can use in their efforts to get their share of sales tax distributions. Once the website is established, he said a link will be added
In closing, the mayor said his oldest son Jonathan and his wife are expecting a daughter in June. White-Lawrence commended Hemric for working on a Citizen’s Academy, saying she had participated in the Guilford County program and found it worthwhile. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
She said she had responded to more than 3,600 emails, which did not include spam, N.C. 811 requests or about 95 percent of emails about the water system; received and followed up on 1,040 phone calls; processed about 2,080 documents, not including public requests for information or special projects; submitted 27 state or municipal administrative reports; attended the Clerk’s Academy, a local government finance officers’ seminar, and a technology and digital summit for municipalities; attended 12 regular town council meetings, about 26 Wednesday meetings, 10 staff meetings, six budget meetings and two Planning Board meetings; and had more than 600 face-to-face interactions with citizens. She said she was in complete support of replacing Murrell.
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BUSINESS notes
L & T Small Engine gives historic Oak Ridge property a facelift As you approach the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and Linville Road in Oak Ridge’s commercial core, you’ll probably notice a long-standing site that many had considered an eyesore now has a new occupant – and a muchneeded facelift. Neighbors and friends for nine years, Oak Ridge residents Tom Wright and Rick Lamb have bonded through their military service – Wright was in the Navy, Lamb in the Army – and their love of “tinkering” with small engines. In October 2015, after working together to repair Tom’s lawnmower, the two enjoyed the work so much that they decided to run an advertisement in the Northwest Observer for lawnmower repair services. A year and a half later, they were receiving so many service requests for all types of small engine repairs that they decided to expand their business in the community they love. Setting their sights on the historic property at 2103 Oak Ridge Road, their
research revealed the structure was built in 1951 and first served as a Shell gas station. After the gas station closed the building was leased to various auto mechanics; most recently, cars waiting to be repaired, some on cinder blocks, filled the front parking lot and the building fell further into neglect. Wright and Lamb decided to refurbish the building, which is in Oak Ridge’s historic district, and reflect the colors of the original Shell station with an exterior repaint and sign addition that use the vintage white, black and red color scheme. While working with Oak Ridge’s Historic Preservation Commission, building owner Billy Newman and Oak Ridge Planning Director Bill Bruce, Wright and Lamb began cleaning and restoring the building in September. The previous tenants had left the building “a disaster,” Wright said. “It was absolutely disgusting. It literally took us a full month just to clean it out and scrub the walls and floors.”
Photo by Patti Stokes/NWO
L & T Small Engine Service has restored the original Shell station building near the intersection of Linville Road and N.C. 150 in Oak Ridge.
The building also housed a garage bay that had to be cleaned out, with massive amounts of left-behind oil and trash that required removal. Once it had been thoroughly cleaned out, the partners covered the bay with flooring, repaired a non-functioning bathroom and created an office area. HPC chair Ann Schneider said the commission appreciates the new tenants for their historical research and their
prompt submission of a Certificate of Appropriateness application to meet the design guidelines of the historic district. L & T Small Engine Service opened for business in their new location Dec. 1; a grand opening ceremony is planned for March 4, which will include a ribboncutting ceremony, free hot dogs and drinks. For more info, visit their website at www.landtsmallengineservice.com.
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BITS & PIECES The Northwest Guilford High School 1966-67 men’s varsity basketball team, the only team to win a state basketball championship in the school’s history, was honored at a halftime ceremony during the school’s men’s varsity basketball game on Feb. 10. All of the original team members except two (one of whom is deceased) were able to attend the game and ceremony, along with the team’s head coach, Roger Nelson (fifth from right), and assistant coach, Sandy Gann (fifth from left). Photos by Patti Stokes/NWO
Roger Nelson, head coach of NWHS’s 1966-67 men’s varsity basketball state championship team, enjoys talking with old friends and former students on Feb. 10 after a halftime ceremony was held to honor the championship team.
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role of captain once again this season as the Nighthawks entered the week with a 22-1 record, winning the MidState 3A regular season championship.
Welcome to
A weekly section in the Northwest Observer focused on our local youth and the adults who positively impact them.
STUDENT PROFILES Thanks to the coaches and teachers at Northern and Northwest High Schools for their student recommendations and input, which make it possible to recognize these talented, dedicated students for their accomplishments in academics, athletics and cultural arts.
NORTHERN GUILFORD Kelly Lomax, girls basketball by MARC PRUITT Kelly Lomax got an early indoctrination into the girls’ basketball program at Northern Guilford.
She was named a team captain halfway through her sophomore season and was a team captain last season as a junior when Northern made its late-season charge to the NCHSAA 3-A championship game before losing in the final. Lomax finds herself in the familiar
“Everyone looks up to you as the captain, so it’s important to set a good example,” Lomax said. “We make sure we’re always on time, we’re prepared, and on our ‘A’ game all the time.” Part of Lomax’s senior season was derailed after she suffered a concussion against Eastern Guilford on Jan. 27. She missed the last four games of the regular season, but hopes to be back on the court this week. “It’s frustrating having to watch games now,” she said. “It’s not how I wanted to spend my senior year. I see everyone out there having fun and I don’t want to be on the bench.” Of the Nighthawks making another postseason run, Lomax said, “Having a taste of what it is like has really motivated us to make it back. We really want to be there again, and we know what it
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A senior captain and varsity team member for all four years of high school, her roots in the school’s program took hold long before ninth grade. “I was the water girl for the team when I was in fifth grade,” Lomax said. “I met Sami (Furlough, one of Lomax’s teammates and the daughter of the team’s coach, Kim) at school and we became pretty good friends. She asked me if I wanted to help, so we helped out at practices and I’d go to all the home games. I used to go to the ‘Lady Nighthawk’ camp when I was in middle school and all the varsity players were our coaches, so I’ve been around the program for a few years.” Lomax called her freshman season “a season of adjustment” as she got acclimated to the varsity level of play.
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takes to get there. We’ll probably be a higher seed, so everybody’s going to be coming for us.” Lomax is in National Honor Society and Beta Club, serves as president of Northern Going Global, and will participate in Reading Buddies at Northern Elementary when basketball season wraps up. She hopes to attend N.C. State next year.
NORTHERN GUILFORD Zoe Foster, theatre by JONATHAN WILLIAMS Northern junior Zoe Foster knows the power of theater, where we are invited to explore both real and imaginative people and places from the past, present and future. “Theatre is what makes me genuinely happy,” Foster said. “There was a period where life was rough, but drama allowed me to have the most fun I’ve ever had.” Foster made her debut in theater as a behind-the-scenes stage manager. While transitioning into acting, she admits to getting nervous when handed a script and told to have it memorized only days before the show opened. The nerves have subsided over time, however, and as Foster has focused on developing her passion for singing and acting, she has enjoyed being a part of her high school’s productions of “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Seussical the Musical.” She is also involved in Stagelights, a Greensboro youth theatre program. “Zoe Foster is a first-year theatre student and a talented singer,” drama teacher Anna Smith said. “She always comes to class positive and is willing to
help me in any way possible.” Foster looks forward to enchanting audiences with a “tale as old as time” this May, when she will be playing the character of Mrs. Potts in Northern’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” She hopes to someday move to New York and experience all the city has to offer with Broadway, and is also considering becoming a music teacher and perhaps a college vocal music professor. Regardless of where she ends up, Foster sees musical and community theatre as always being a part of her life.
On a side note… Toughest Class: American History Favorite musical: “Shrek the Musical” Favorite show: “Shameless” Extracurricular activities: Honors choir, community theatre
NORTHWEST GUILFORD Justin Fuchs, indoor track by MARC PRUITT Justin Fuchs gave up lob shots, crosscourt winners, and aces for jumping and sprinting. A sophomore, Fuchs completed his first season of indoor track last weekend at the NCHSAA 4-A state indoor meet in what he called “disappointing fashion” – he placed 18th in the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 8 ½ inches and ninth in the triple jump (43 feet, 1 ½ inches). “My legs were sore and it just wasn’t my best effort,” Fuchs said. “Maybe I’d been practicing too much leading up to
it. I was expecting to get a Top 3 in the triple. It just wasn’t my day.” But just as with his jumping, he has the potential to go a long way in his track and field endeavors. Fuchs, who also ran a leg on the 4x200 relay team during indoor season, qualified for the USATF Hershey Youth Indoor National Championship meet in Staten Island, New York, beginning on March 12. “I qualified in the triple jump and I’m looking forward to seeing how I compete against some of the top athletes in the country,” he said. Fuchs ran track in middle school but had not competed in any of the jumping events until last spring, during the outdoor track season. He participated in his first triple jump about 10 minutes before the event began at a meet. “Coach (Marla) Lindsay came up to me and told me she needed me for the triple jump,” Fuchs recalled. “So, they started showing me how to do it a few minutes before my first attempt. I jumped about 43 feet the first time, but it was a scratch because I was over one of the boards. But I liked it enough that I’ve kept with it since.” Fuchs left behind his budding tennis career, a sport he had been playing since he was 6. “I guess I just got bored with it and wasn’t getting anything out of it like I used to,” he said. “I attended a tennis academy in Miami one summer when I was 13, but got home and realized I didn’t love it as much as the other people who were there. That’s when I decided to try something new. I love track because of personal records, and that I’m competing against other people and with myself. I never really got that from playing tennis.”
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS Forst helps Northern Guilford to third place in NCHSAA 3-A state championship Freshman Preston Forst won the 200-yard freestyle and swam a leg on the winning 200-yard medley relay team to help the Northern Guilford boys finish third in the NCHSAA 3-A state championship swim meet last Saturday at the Triangle Aquatic Center. Jeremy Lalumondier, Jonathan Wachendorfer and Bryan Hill teamed with Forst on the 200 medley relay team, which finished in 1 minute, 35.51 seconds. Forst also swam the anchor leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay that finished in second place and picked up a fourthplace finish in the 100-yard freestyle. Sophomore Gareth Williams finished third in 1-meter diving as Northern finished with 191.5 points, well behind state champion Marvin Ridge (328.5) and runner-up Chapel Hill (297). The Northern girls finished in seventh place with 138 points behind a strong showing from Caroline Daly. Daly finished fourth in the 100 freestyle and swam on two relay teams that both finished in fifth place, the 200 med-
ley relay and the 200 free relay. Madelaine Rountree, Hannah Ko, and Rebecca Glebus joined Daly on the 200 medley relay team, and Abby Schoppa, Rachel Graham and Glebus rounded out the 200 freestyle relay team.
Sigmon takes second in NCHSAA 4-A meet Northwest Guilford senior Heather Sigmon finished second in the 100 butterfly at the NCHSAA 4-A state championship swim meet last Saturday at Triangle Aquatic Center. Sigmon, a senior who will swim at Virginia Tech in the fall, touched the wall in 54.52 seconds, with Julia Menkhaus of Charlotte Catholic taking first place in 53.74. Noah Zawadzki had a fourth-place finish in 1-meter diving.
Melville tops field in 3-A Indoor Track Junior David Melville of Northern Guilford dominated the 3200 at the NCHSAA 3-A indoor track and field championship last Saturday at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem. Melville, who has won the last two
...continued on p. 12
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SPORTS
...continued from p. 11
OLBA boys win basketball tournament
3-A cross country titles, won the 3200 with a time of 9 minutes, 28.55 seconds, nearly 16 seconds faster than runner-up Gable Dershem of Cleveland High.
NCHSAA 3-A and 4-A wrestling qualifiers State championship wrestling matches will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum this weekend, and seven area wrestlers will be in action. In the 3-A classification, Northern Guilford had three wrestlers qualify at last week’s regional by finishing in the top four in their weight class. Heath Gonyer (106), Ethan King (113), and Josh King (145) will all be seeking individual state titles this weekend. In the 4-A classification, Northwest Guilford had four qualifiers: Bradley Duell (145), Jacob Blackman (152), Chris Garrison (170), and Jacob Fields (220).
youth briefs
Photo courtesy of Barbara Markum
Oak Level Baptist Academy middle school boys basketball team, front row, L to R: Head coach Dan Carter, Matthew Wachendorfer, Chase Ballard, Bristol Carter, Luke Barham, Kord Walker, Jason Hancock, Assistant coach Wes Harrell; back row, L to R: Justin Spenser, Mark Lentz, Thomas Markum, Cameron Carter, Ryan Harrell.
On Feb. 9 the Oak Level Baptist Academy middle school boys basketball team won its conference championship and a berth into the state tournament, becoming the first ever middle school sports team from OLBA to earn a conference title.
Eighth-grader Cameron Carter led the team’s scoring with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. Other key eighthgrade leaders were Mark Lentz, who had 10 points with 10 rebounds, and Thomas Markum with eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots.
Orchestra Festival, Student wins iPad mini for reading Feb. 16-17 Colfax Elementary student Leonardo
Creating naturally beautiful smiles for every member of your family Dr. Beth Borden • (336) 644-2770 1009 Hwy 150W, Summerfield
The Guilford County Schools Orchestra Festival will be held at Northwest Guilford High School Feb. 16-17, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival fosters student performance over competitive ratings and features K-12 orchestra ensembles from across the state that will perform before an audience and judges.
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Roling Stella was one of four Guilford County Schools’ students to receive an iPad mini for completing the Holiday Reading Challenge during winter break.
The challenge required students to read and record 300 minutes or more during the winter break. Those who submitted minutes were entered into a drawing with the opportunity to be chosen randomly as a winner of one of four iPad minis or one of 72 $25 gift cards to Barnes & Noble. The Holiday Reading Challenge supports GCS Reads 30, an initiative that encourages students to read 30 or more minutes a day, and is part of the district’s overall effort to improve literacy at home and school.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
Photo courtesy of Guilford County Schools
Colfax Elementary student Leonardo Roling Stella wins an iPad mini after completing the GCS Holiday Reading Challenge.
Northwest Guilford real estate briefs See which homes have sold in your area, and for how much
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18 Room to roam?
Millennials and seniors are increasing the demand for smaller new homes with modern features
REAL ESTATE briefs
There’s no place like the cover. Ask us how your business can be featured and appear as the cover story in our monthly NWO Real Estate section.
NorthRidge Phase II under construction
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Photo by Annette Joyce/NWO
Workers prepare the foundation on one of the new homes under construction in Phase II of NorthRidge in Stokesdale.
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Houses are under construction in the second phase of Northridge, located off Prince Edward Road in Stokesdale. This new phase adds 15 more lots to the 11 lots included in the first phase and opens up a scenic view to the lake that is located on the property. Patty Disney, whose husband, Francis, is developing the property, says the community has been well received thus far.
“The beauty of the neighborhood is its rural setting,” she says. “It’s drawing a nice mix of young and older people and is coming together nicely.” With construction gearing up in Phase II, clearing is already underway for the next phase of the community. When completed, the 130-acre community will offer 100 homes on one-acre lots.
Look for Southern Ideal Home Show in March 5551 N. Church St. Greensboro Beautiful 4BR/3.5BA home on large, 0.98-acre lot. Massive amount of storage space, plus 3-car attached garage.
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Looking for fresh and interesting ways to spruce up your home inside and out? Or maybe you’re looking to build a new home or remodel your existing home? If so, you’ll want to save the date for this year’s Southern Ideal Home Show, which takes place March 24-26 at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. The largest home and garden event in the Triad, the SIHS is packed with local builders, landscapers, artists, furniture makers and more.
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In addition, this year’s event features American Pickers star Danielle Colby, Tiny Home tours, Belgard feature gardens and AIDP designer rooms. Advance discount tickets are available at Walgreens for $7 and online tickets may be purchased at www. southernshows.com/hsg for $9. Tickets are $10 at the door. Those under 15 are free with a paying adult.
...continued on p. 20
138 Hunt Lane Reidsville $2,700,000 MLS 813029 Kay Tolbert 336-202-1809 Lorie Tolbert 336-202-6696
1760 Simpson Road Stokesdale $1,950,000 MLS 797395 Tom Chitty 336-420-2836
7510 Sarah Marie Drive Elmhurst Estates $1,499,000 MLS 813024 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
5805 Mashoes Court Henson Farms $1,495,000 MLS 798373 Kay Chesnutt 336-202-9687
6988 Haw View Court Jacobs Creek $1,189,000 MLS 803545 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
6306 Poplar Forest Drive Henson Farms $837,000 MLS 772996 Michelle Porter 336-207-0515
5806 Harriet Court Henson Forest $795,000 MLS 801789 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
6304 Poplar Forest Drive Henson Forest $749,900 MLS 769208 Joyce Norris 336-327-3650
5900 Henson Farm Road Henson Farms $712,500 MLS 818845 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
5802 Snow Hill Drive Henson Farms $700,000 MLS 820074 Waban Carter 336-601-6363
6333 Poplar Forest Drive Henson Forest $698,000 MLS 780630 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
7180 Strawberry Road Summerfield $678,000 MLS 789099 Tom Chitty 336-420-2836
6081 Mountain Brook Drive Ridgewood $665,000 MLS 783740 Jamie Harrelson 336-906-0607
5802 Mashoes Court Henson Farms $665,000 MLS 814319 Kevin Green 336-312-8933
6861 Matzinger Court Riverside at Oak Ridge $650,000 MLS 809452 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
7335 Pegram Road Stonewood $625,000 MLS 810616 Mark Yost 336-707-6275
6192 Moores Creek Drive Trotter Ridge $559,000 MLS 806703 Sally Millikin 336-337-7230
6244 Stanback Court Armfield $529,000 MLS 808839 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
7909 Quiet Place Village Woods $525,000 MLS 809530 LuAnne Serpas 336-517-3101
6206 Moores Creek Drive Trotter Ridge $479,900 MLS 795446 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
1804 Ole Hollow Court River Oaks $460,000 MLS 811915 Chandra Tippett 336-749-7977
8402 Chrichton Court River Oaks $449,900 MLS 792406 Mark Yost 336-707-6275 Kathy McClelland 336-314-5637
5238 Creed Drive Trotter Ridge $420,000 BHHSYOSTANDLITTLE.COM Jake Letterman 336-338-0136
7803 Wilson Farm Road Wilson Farms $364,900 MLS 817646 Melissa Greer 336-337-5233
3809 Old Berkshire Drive Moss Creek $354,900 MLS 817980 Mark Yost 336-707-6275
2204 Cedar Waxwing Cedar Chase $354,900 MLS 798971 Jake Letterman 336-338-0136
7925 Alcorn Road Oak Ridge $299,500 MLS 815248 Nancy Hess 336-215-1820
4308 Shoal Creek Prestwick $225,000 MLS 812204 Jamie Harrelson 336-889-9192
109 Tidball Ave Madison $127,000 MLS 820133 Julie Glandt 336-324-1860
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Room to roam? While larger houses are still in vogue, millennials entering the housing market and seniors downsizing are increasing demand for smaller, new homes with modern features by ANNETTE JOYCE It wasn’t too long ago that having room to roam was an ultimate goal, and homes with a large yard, four or more bedrooms, several bathrooms, at least one kitchen, a recreational room, home theater, and tons of oversized closets were in high demand. In northwestern Guilford County,
houses in that category were “selling like hotcakes,” even with price tags approaching $1 million.
While those houses are still being built and purchased, the housing market has seen some dramatic changes, beginning with the Great Recession when new home construction came to a halt, people lost their jobs and their homes. At the same time, baby boomers began to age out of the need and desire for such large homes as the next generation of homebuyers, the millennials, transitioned into the market. Born between 1980 and 2000, most millennials lack the income to financially take on the responsibility of so much square footage. More than that, they don’t have the
“The data on new home characteristics shows a pattern,” Rose Quint, assistant vice president for survey research at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), said. “2016 marked the end of an era that began in 2009 when homes got bigger and bigger with more amenities. I expect the size of homes to continue to decline as demand from first-time buyers increases.”
desire to do so.
All of these things have come together to create a different type of homebuyer – one who is much more interested in affordability and quality over quantity. Exactly what is this group of homebuyers looking for and how are local builders and real estate professionals meeting their needs?
Whether they’re empty nesters or first-time homebuyers, excess square footage often isn’t appealing for millennials, nor is it for retirees who want to spend less time on home upkeep and more time on leisurely activities.
In northwest Guilford County, the push for larger homes began over a decade ago. Coupled with demand, the high cost of land and lack of municipal water and sewer prompted builders to go larger in order to realize a desirable profit margin. The trend is slowly changing, however, as the demographics of homebuyers changes.
According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the national aver-
Regarding square footage, agents are seeing a more varied demand, pos-
Bigger isn’t always better
New Home Construction
d home e r u t a Fe
age square footage of homes built in 2016 was 2,634, down from the previous year.
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
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sibly because of the availability of larger new homes and the lack of smaller new home options. At Keller Williams Realty, Realtor Gil Vaughan has noticed an increase in the size of the average 2,800-square-foot home that most buyers were purchasing before the market crashed. “We have seen a slight increase in the size of homes as money has gotten cheaper,” Vaughan said.
“Millennials and seniors look for more quality and upscale features,” Gardner confirmed. “Many times seniors have lived in custom homes and still want luxury features, but are looking to eliminate some square footage. Due to the lack of smaller, custom homes, a great deal of them are remodeling existing homes.”
Providing more options
“However, I believe we will see smaller homes becoming more of a norm in all areas as buyers look at the amenities of the home versus the size,” he added. “Kitchens, great rooms and master bedrooms and baths will still be most important.”
The low inventory of smaller new homes has been a troublesome issue for local buyers in the last year. Roseann Staaf with Allen Tate Realtors said that while business has been good for the Oak Ridge office, the availability of smaller, more moderately-priced homes would make things even better.
Bobbie Gardner, also a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, is working with several clients who are requesting homes ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet; she hasn’t seen the size of homes desired changing much yet, but agrees that as the younger generation enters the housing market, the demand could change.
“Homes priced under $300,000 are the hardest to find,” she said. “There is also a shortage in this area for firsttime homebuyers in the $100,000 to $225,000 range. In the northwest area, only 25 percent (of the listings) fall into this price range and many of them have not been updated.”
“Buyers dictate the size of homes built in an area,” Gardner said. “Developers and builders watch the pulse of the market through sales and make changes according to supply and demand.”
When less is more While baby boomers are sometimes ready to give up square footage, they don’t want to sacrifice quality and amenities. “As the baby boomers start to retire, they are asking for smaller homes – but with a lot of the same amenities they had in their previous homes,” Vaughan confirmed. “You will also see them looking at maintenance-free or low-maintenance homes like townhomes, patio homes and condos. This will allow them the freedom to travel without having to worry about keeping up a large home and yard.”
Those looking for smaller homes with updated features often end up purchasing older homes and remodeling in order to move into, or stay in the northwest area. That’s changing, however. In Oak Ridge, when the town council updated its Land Use Plan a little over a year ago, it added a new zoning district which allows “clustered, mixed density, and/or attached single-family lots with up to two units per acre” in what is designated as a residential town core area. Developers Buddy Lyons and Eric Dischinger of LD Equity will soon break ground on the town’s first such community. Located on Zack Road in the town’s core, the 15.9 acre- development will feature 24 twin homes, averaging 2,200 square feet with a starting price of $250,000 to $300,000. The company is also finalizing design plans for another residential
community located a little farther east on N.C. 150, near Moravia Moravian Church. Homes in this neighborhood will average 2,500 square feet; most of these homes will offer three bedrooms, with some having four bedrooms and others only two bedrooms. In Summerfield, a proposed Planned Development zoning district which would allow a variety of housing options, including smaller, more moderately priced homes on smaller lots than the traditional RS-40 (minimum 40,000 square feet) zoning district allows, is being considered
Want to be a part of our next NWO Real Estate section? Reserve your ad space today (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com
Although homes offering 3,500plus square feet on lot sizes of one or more acres will still be in demand for the foreseeable future, as parents become empty-nesters and children grow into adults, quality-built homes with less square footage and modern features will become a hot commodity in the area.
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19
TRANSACTIONS Northwest-area new and existing home sales Recent home sales in and near your neighborhood impact the current market value of your home. The following is a list of new and existing home sale transactions in northwest Guilford County which have occurred over the last month. Look for more transactions in the Northwest Observer’s real estate section, now appearing in the third issue of each month.
SUMMERFIELD 5270 Bunch Road (42.24 acres) $910,000 1478 Bethan Drive (Lennox Woods) $508,000 6906 Polo Farms Drive (Polo Farms) $370,000 5807 Stanley Huff Road (Steeple Ridge) $342,000 7516 Strader Road $160,000 7515 Greenlawn Drive $150,000 1118 N.C. Hwy. 150 W. $230,000 7038 Brookbank Road $388,000 6765 Lake Brandt Road $335,000
STOKESDALE 8103 N.C. Hwy. 68 N. (13.024 acres) $195,000 8560 Belews Creek Road (2.0 acres) $247,000
7707 Front Nine Drive (Dawn Acres) $450,000 7088 Agatha Drive (Ellison Estates) $184,000 7802 Green Pond Drive (NorthRidge) $420,000 7803 Green Pond Drive (NorthRidge) $425,000
OAK RIDGE 8039 R-1 Fogleman Road (14.0237 acres) $400,000 7797 Panda Court (Bear Creek) $550,000 6909 Aplington Road (Eastridge) $153,000 7500 Hearthridge Court (Hearthridge) $574,000 6629 Linville Ridge Drive (Linville Ridge) $875,000 8517 Merriman Farm Road (Merriman Estates) $425,000 8513 Julian Drive (Pearman Estates) $410,000
6907 River Gate Court (River Gate) $377,000 6912 River Gate Court (River Gate) $435,000 8108 Daltonshire Drive (Weatherstone) $154,000 6417 Gumwood Road $230,000 1222 N.C. Hwy. 68 N. $280,000 1828 N.C. Hwy. 68 N. $235,000 8309/8311 Maloe Court $220,000
KERNERSVILLE 1574/1588 Squire Davis Road (38.234 acres) $158,500 1627 Squire Davis Road (10.167 acres) $150,000 8732 Warner Road (2.68 acres) $198,000 8138 Zinfandel Drive (Arbor Run) $647,500 4392 Williston Court (Bakersfield) $395,000
COLFAX 1860 Sandy Ridge Road (12.738 acres) $280,500 2402 Hunters Creek Drive (Pheasant Ridge) $320,000 2117 Alamar Drive (Saddlebrook) $158,500
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
SUMMERFIELD OFFICE
REAL ESTATE briefs ...continued from p. 14
Team Jobe joins Keller Williams Mike and Erica Jobe of Team Jobe recently joined the Keller Williams Realty office in Summerfield. The husband-and-wife team has 27 years of combined experience in the real estate industry and owned their own Kernersville company, Jobe Realty, for nearly a decade before joining Keller Williams. The Jobes say they love what they do – which is key to their success. “We love the people the most,” Erica said. “We’ve met the most interesting people throughout the years and have made many good, lifelong friends through real estate transactions. We’ve become part of their families.” Erica believes being part of a husband-and-wife team gives the couple a unique advantage when working with clients. “You get two agents for the price of one, in a sense,” she said. “Plus, we give clients two different perspectives when searching for their home.” Since Mike is a former deputy with the Rockingham County Sherriff’s Department, the couple decided they wanted to become involved with Homes for Heroes, Inc., a national network of real estate specialists committed to providing easy ways for our
DeDe Cunningham
Mike Jobe, Realtor
Erica Jobe, Realtor
nation’s heroes to save on a home. “This program allows us to give back to those who serve our community, including first responders, military personnel, healthcare professionals and teachers,” Erica said. “We’ve experienced firsthand what these guys and gals go through on a daily basis. This is our way of saying ‘Thanks!’” Residents of Oak Ridge, Mike grew up in Colfax and Erica was raised in Kernersville. The couple have been married for 15 years and have two children, Riley, 9, and Skylar, 2. In their free time, they enjoy digging their toes in the sand with their girls at the beach and boating at Belews Lake. Mike can be reached at MikeJobe1@ gmail.com or (336) 382-1071. Erica can be reached at (336) 382-1070 or EricaJobe120@gmail.com.
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THURSDAY, FEB. 16
Lions Club | Oak Ridge Lions Club, which helps people who are sight- or hearing-impaired, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: call Danny Yanusz at (336) 643-6424.
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meet Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield First Baptist Church, 2300 Scalesville Road (note, this is a day-of-theweek and location change from Summerfield’s usual monthly council meetings). A public hearing for a proposed text amendment to add a Planned Development (PD) zoning district to the town’s development ordinance is on the meeting agenda. More info: www.summerfieldgov.com.
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Community Choir | Stokesdale Community Choir meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday mornings at Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel Pardue Road. You do not have to read music, just enjoy singing and fellowshipping with others. More info: call Sondra at (336) 453-8017.
M - F, 7:30 - 5:30 • Sat, 8 -1
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TUESDAY, FEB. 21 Kiwanis Club | The Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford
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will meet Feb. 21 at noon at Bill’s Pizza, 1431 N.C. 68, Oak Ridge. More info: call Annette Joyce at (336) 382-8629.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22 Preservation Oak Ridge | Preservation Oak Ridge, a non-profit committed to preserving historic structures in the town, will meet Feb. 22 at 5:15 p.m. at Oak Ridge Town Hall, 8315 Linville Road. More info: call Doug Nodine at (336) 209-1999.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 Community Ash Wednesday Service | A 30-minute
submit your
events online at nwobserver.com
Your event will appear on our online community calendar and be considered for print publishing Visit our homepage and click “community calendar”
community Ash Wednesday service will be held March 1 at noon at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S. Main St. in Kernersville. The service will include scripture, prayers and the imposition of ashes. Main Street United Methodist Church (across the street) will provide a vegetable soup and sandwich lunch in the fellowship hall (suggested donation, $5 per person). More info: call Main Street UMC at (336) 993-3411.
Senior Program and Lunch | Senior Resources of Guilford will host a free program and luncheon for seniors over 60 on March 1 at 10 a.m. at Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. RSVP to Amanda Clark at (336) 373-4816, ext. 265, or ruraloutreach@senior-resources-guilford.org.
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
21
PD ZONING DISTRICT
After the board’s requested revisions were incorporated, the amendment was presented to the town council on Dec. 13. At that meeting, Spencer gave a presentation of the proposed PD zoning district which included input from Summerfield developers and property owners David Couch and Ken Miller.
...continued from p. 1
Town Manager Scott Whitaker began the evening session by explaining why the town felt a need to add another zoning option, which was largely to bring its development ordinance into compliance with its citizen-driven comprehensive plan which was adopted in 2010.
A public hearing was subsequently scheduled for the P&Z Board’s Jan. 23 meeting; following that hearing, council members and staff were – and continue to be – flooded with phone calls and emails from citizens on both sides of the issue, which led to the council’s decision to hold a separate Q&A session.
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As background, Whitaker explained that in early October, the council authorized Town Planning Director Carrie Spencer to move forward on crafting a text amendment that would add the PD zoning district, which had been discussed for over 10 years. Once crafted, the text amendment was presented to the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, which “wrestled” with it at its Oct. 24 meeting, a special called meeting on Nov. 15, and again at its Nov. 28 meeting.
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Spencer followed up on Whitaker’s overview by presenting a slide show which gave examples of PDs in other communities, visuals of property developed using a traditional RS-40 zoning versus a PD zoning, the design standards for a PD, the process a
PD zoning application would follow before receiving final approval, and the 12 stated objectives in the town’s comprehensive plan, which she described as “the law of the land.” “We live by the comp plan,” she said. “It was created so we could define ourselves rather than be defined.” Forty minutes into the Q&A session, Spencer and Whitaker began fielding questions. Robert Jones led the questions off by asking, “If the PD ordinance passes with no change after listening to town residents, can you say you took our concerns into account?” to which Spencer said the PD zoning district is based on the comprehensive plan, which was a result of two years’ worth of citizen input. Citizens were then directed to a PD text amendment info document posted on the town’s website. Spencer and Whitaker also said revisions were in process to strengthen
the connection between the comprehensive plan and the ordinance to “give it more teeth” as well as to clarify the Technical Review Committee process for a PD plan. “Because this amendment was recommended by the Zoning Board, we will make it very clear as to what changes we make between now and then,” Whitaker said. When asked if affected (adjacent or nearby) property owners would be added to the TRC, Spencer said that was a very good consideration, but she couldn’t say for sure because the town attorney was not present. Adrian Williamson asked what would stop undeveloped areas of a PD community from later being developed and Spencer answered that the developer would be required to specify all the uses within a PD, which would subsequently be recorded with the Registrar of Deeds as a binding document.
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“So it would be the effect of violating a zoning use and they would be in violation of their approval,” she said. When asked by another citizen to define the term “affordable housing,” as it relates to the varied housing options that would be included in a PD community, Spencer said the Comprehensive Plan Committee had tackled that question and, “without it being a hard and fast rule,” had deemed affordable (for Summerfield) to be $250,000 to $300,000. Whitaker added that the question was a fair one, but the council and staff had to be very careful in answering that question, as they cannot dictate the housing prices developers offer. “The goal is to move to ‘more affordable’ housing than we have right now,” he said. Councilman John O’Day clarified that one of the goals of a PD would
be to have mixed housing, with some smaller houses on smaller lots, which would be more affordable, while there would also be larger houses on larger lots. Art Gilbert said he moved to Summerfield because of the rural landscape and lifestyle, and found nothing wrong with things as they are. “My question is, is the town council going to follow the will of the people or a comprehensive plan?” he asked. When Gilbert went on to suggest something “that changes the character of the community” as much as the proposed PD ought to be put to a referendum, Mayor Mark Brown read from a legal response the town had received several years earlier about what municipalities can and cannot put to a referendum. “In most cases, towns cannot use the ballot box to collect advisory opinions,” Brown said, adding “Elected
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the parking lot of Summerfield Town Hall on the afternoon of Feb. 15, one day before a second public hearing was scheduled at the monthly town council meeting.
Water issues, the burden of higher density development on taxpayers, enforceability of the PD ordinance, “vague” wording within the comprehensive plan (such as the wording regarding whether apartment complexes would be allowed) were other concerns citizens brought up as they continued to ask questions long into the evening.
want to go? Summerfield Town Council will meet Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. at Summerfield First Baptist Church’s Christian Life Center, 2300 Scalesville Road. A public hearing for the proposed text amendment to create a PD zoning district is scheduled for this meeting, although the council will have the option of voting to postpone the hearing if it feels more time is warranted.
In the days since the Q&A session, “No PD signs” and alternative “Facts not Fear” signs have continued to dot the roadsides in Summerfield, and opponents organized a “No PD” rally in
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CRIME / INCIDENT report Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, District 1 has recently responded to the following incidents in northwest Guilford County. ASSAULT Feb. 12 | A resident of Bronco Lane in Summerfield reported that a known suspect slapped her in the face twice during an argument between 11 and 11:30 p.m. No medical treatment was required.
BURGLARY Feb. 8 | A resident of Haw River Road in Stokesdale reported that an unknown suspect burglarized her home and stole a handgun and cash worth $3,350 between Feb. 8, 2015, and Feb. 8, 2017. A possible point of entry was a ground-level window that appears to have pry marks. Feb. 12 | A resident of Glengarry Circle in northwest Greensboro reported that a known suspect forced open a back door and stole property at 3:39 p.m. Details about the stolen property were unknown at the time of the report.
MISCELLANEOUS Jan. 30 | A report of fighting/affray at Northern Middle School was investigated, but no arrests were made.
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Feb. 3 | An auto parked at Northern Guilford High School was reported to have been vandalized.
THEFT Jan. 26 | A stolen property report at Northern Middle School was investigated, but the victim declined to pursue prosecution. Feb. 1 | An arrest was made at Northern Guilford High School for theft of property. Feb. 6 | A known offender from Stokesdale stole a jacket valued at $102 and two blank checks from an unlocked vehicle in the parking lot of Bi-Rite at 8632 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale around 12:30 p.m. The offender was located at
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4:52 p.m. at the Stokesdale Service Center at 8508 U.S. 158 in Stokesdale. The victim’s checks, which had been forged, and jacket were found, and the offender was arrested. A passenger in the offender’s vehicle, also a Stokesdale resident, was arrested for two counts of forgery, possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Both were transported to the Greensboro jail and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony. Feb. 7 | An employee of Allscapes by Tindall reported that around 12:15 p.m., one or more unknown suspects stole a Redmax backpack leaf blower valued at $500 from the bed of his pickup which was in the parking lot of the Quality Mart on N.C. 68 in Oak Ridge. Feb. 8 | Dollar General on U.S. 220 in Summerfield reported an unknown suspect concealed underwear, T-shirts and socks under his clothing and left the store around 5:30 p.m. The shoplifted items were valued at $307.20. Feb. 11 | Greensboro police pulled over a known offender at 3512 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro around 7:30 a.m. for displaying a stolen registration plate. The offender, a resident of Summerfield Road in Summerfield, was also found to be in possession of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia; he was arrested and transported to the Greensboro jail.
District 1 Sheriff’s Office 7506 Summerfield Road Main number: (336) 641-2300 Report non-emergency crime-related incidents by calling: (336) 373-2222 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F www.guilfordcountysheriff.com
GRINS and GRIPES
as the other to scare people and turn them against the proposed PD in Summerfield? How about facts, not fear?
Delighted or dismayed by something in your community? Share your thoughts in words or less
The rec coach from Stokesdale who needs to remember that playing ball is for the kids. The kids heard you wanting to fight the other coach, and this is not an example we want to set.
online: nwobserver.com
Owners of the building sporting the “Family Restaurant” sign on N.C. 68 in Stokesdale. The sign is outdated, ugly and is not a good representation of our town!
40
e-mail: grinsandgripes@nwobserver.com Grins & Gripes are published based on available space and editor’s discretion.
GRINS to... The gentleman in Stokesdale’s Dollar General who gave his change back to the cashier to give to my niece, Cassie. He overheard her saying she wanted to make Valentine’s Day special for her sick “Nana.” Rio Grande Summerfield. Your wings were a big hit again this year at our annual Super Bowl party. Valarie Halvorsen (Summerfield town clerk), who went out of her way to help me with an issue. She’s a consummate professional who always goes above and beyond to help citizens in any way possible – a true gem and asset to Summerfield! Northwest Observer for a fair and balanced article last week about the Summerfield PD ordinance. And to Councilman Reece Walker who seems to be listening to the concerns of citizens!
Elementary on Wednesday. The lunch was delicious and much appreciated! Citizens of Summerfield for showing up in large numbers to the PD Q&A session. Don’t stop there – we need you at the council vote on Thursday. Voice your opinions!
GRIPES to... The person griping last weeks about folks in Summerfield littering the town with “No PD Zoning” signs, assuming those involved don’t already volunteer in town. The “travel ban” being referred to as a “Muslim ban.” All people – Muslims, Christians, Jews, etc. – are temporarily stopped from seven countries, not just Muslims. By the way, 80 percent of majority Muslim countries are not affected.
Drs. Morris and Morris Family Dentistry for supplying lunch to the teachers and staff of Stokesdale Elementary School. Your generosity was greatly appreciated.
Summerfield Town Manager Scott Whitaker. Why don’t you finish plans for the historic corner before you start micromanaging a new PD zone? Or, you could come up with some minimum housing standards for the town.
Team MOM, Maureen Shepherd, Julie McGirr, Jen Bruton and Tamantha McCollum for providing a wonderful lunch to the teachers at Oak Ridge
People who don’t know the difference between “low-income” housing and “moderately priced” housing. Or are you just intentionally labeling one
President Trump. You wanted the job, so do the job. Stop taking time off and work! This is what you get when you hire an over-privileged, entitled elitist. Stokesdale Town Council...you need to get real. It’s time to put a property tax into effect. You can’t have an incorporated town and services without one. You need a competent full-time manager, planner and someone to oversee the water system.
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25
LETTERS/OPINIONS
Hit the pause on PD Rarely, if ever, has an issue drawn more feedback – and stronger opposition – in Summerfield than the proposed Planned Development zoning district, which came to the forefront last fall when the town’s Planning and Zoning Board was asked to review a proposed text amendment for creating a new PD zoning district.
ately priced houses along with mid-size and larger houses) in conjunction with neighborhood businesses and trails, sidewalks, etc., the PD zoning district would allow higher-thantypical density development (with no stated density cap).
A trade-off for the higher density would be that a PD requires a unified development plan, wherePatti Stokes The P&Z Board held a as developing several individual publisher/editor public hearing Jan. 23, when tracts of 50 acres, for example, 48 people spoke almost equally for and into 1-plus acre lots could have the same against the district; recognizing much impact on the community at large while confusion and opposition remained, the not being aesthetically or physically contown council subsequently scheduled nected, or preserving open space. a Q&A session on Feb. 9 and well over Historic properties and other assets 300 people attended. in a PD district would be identified and Near the end of that session, which lasted well over four hours, many people said their “heads were spinning” and they were more confused than before.
If the PD zoning district were approved, property owners with 75 or more contiguous acres could voluntarily choose to apply for it – or apply for the traditional RS-40 zoning (in Summerfield, 40,000 square feet minimum lot size, but an average density of 60,000 square feet). Intended to offer a variety of housing options (i.e. some smaller, more moder-
preserved, and much more time and creativity would go into the design of the development, as well as a higher level of scrutiny from the town – and its citizens – at several points throughout the approval process. Proponents of the PD argue that continuing to develop Summerfield with only $450,000 to $700,000-and-above houses will result in a glut of houses that take longer to sell and sell at far below the market price; they also argue houses within that price range don’t meet the
needs of those with a more moderate income – policemen, firefighters, teachers, for example – nor do they meet the needs of seniors who want to downsize but remain in the community, or simply those who don’t want to, or can’t maintain large lots and large houses. Opponents argue the higher density combined with neighborhood businesses allowed in a PD would destroy the community’s rural character, further stress the water supply, add to already congested roads and burden already overcrowded local schools. Additionally, although the town’s comprehensive plan discourages multifamily housing, opinions differ as to whether apartment complexes would be absolutely prohibited in a PD. With all that said, almost all opponents – and even some proponents – feel the text amendment for the proposed PD leaves far too much to interpretation. For those reasons and more, Summerfield Town Council members should be, and I think are, anguishing as they prepare for a public hearing on Feb. 16. But with their own concerns and those of citizens who are voicing conflicting views – with equal vehemence – what’s a council to do? Hopefully, they will vote to hit the pause and take a step backward… for several reasons. Many legitimate questions were posed at the Q&A, and citizens were given assurances that the proposed PD text amendment would undergo revisions be-
Vote ‘Yes’ for PD I have received a letter to sign a petition that encourages me to vote “No” on planned development in Summerfield. It is deceptive and contradicts the very character that I would like to see preserved in Summerfield. For me, rural means controlled development that allows for meadows, pastures and farms to coexist with mixed uses that allow for a variety of housing options. I want to have teachers and firefighters as my neighbors. It is bad enough
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
fore the Feb. 16 public hearing. But as of the afternoon on Feb. 15, the revised text amendment had not been publicized. Both citizens and council members need time to see those revisions and digest them long before a vote is taken. Ideally, a PD zoning district would elicit creative, thoughtful and well-designed plans which simultaneously meet the vision of Summerfield’s comprehensive plan. If that’s the case, it has much merit in my opinion. However, there is much to gain and little to lose by postponing a decision on it – not indefinitely, but only until such time that the promised “teeth” have been put into the proposed text amendment to ensure that what is considered “discouraged” is emphatically “prohibited” (i.e., apartment complexes, three-story buildings) and what is desired by the town versus what is and isn’t permitted are very clearly distinguished. Never have more citizens read the town’s comprehensive plan, adopted in 2010, as they have in the last several weeks, nor given this much thought to how they want Summerfield to grow. The town council has a captive audience, and therefore a golden opportunity. Pushing the PD text amendment forward without pausing first will further fracture the community as well as be like going to the emergency room for a “growth check.” If the PD concept has the merit I think it does, it will withstand the test of a little more time and a lot more thought. that we will now have a four-lane highway bisecting the town and an interstate crossing N.C. 150. Our natural resources will be better preserved when it is planned for and not turned into large-tract homes and strip malls. I like the preservation of historic buildings and applaud the town council’s wise decision to continue the A&Y Trail system for the enhancement of walking and biking trails. Keep the positive energy going forward. Vote “Yes” for planned development! Pat Bailey, SUMMERFIELD
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
YARD SALES
VILLAGE PIZZA IN STOKESDALE is hir-
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE. Well-established marketing service company looking for call center customer service representatives to join our staff. Both P/T and F/T positions available. Call center experience preferred. Interested candidates please submit resume to info@ rsvpcomm.com.
ESTATE SALE, Friday & Sat., Feb. 24 & 25, 8am-5pm, 234 Sylvania Road, Stokesdale. Antiques, dolls & glassware, misc. household, furniture.
ing wait staff and delivery drivers. Competitive pay. (336) 643-8492. Experienced HARDWOOD FLOOR INSTALLER, finisher. Good pay for right person. Must have valid drivers license. (336) 669-6027. F/T LEAD TEACHER, 5-star child care center. NCECC registered, licensed, exp. pref. Benefits/403B. Call Jamie, (336) 643-7838, or email jamie.hatchell@oakridgeumc.org.
Place online at
DRIVERS CDL-A: SIGN-ON BONUS! Great benefits & hometime! Solos, teams or part-time! Run TX, FL, CO, CA. Five years OTR exp. (336) 854-0990.
DEADLINE: Monday prior to each issue
NEED HELP? Call (336) 644-7035 ext. 10 Mon - Fri • 9am -2pm
INDEX Employment ............................... 27 Save the Date ............................ 27 Yard Sales .................................. 27 Youth Sports ............................... 27 Home Services ....................... 27-29 Misc. Services.............................. 29 Misc. for Sale ............................. 29 Misc. Wanted ............................. 29 Pets & Animal Services ................ 30 Real Estate ................................. 30
Advertising sales/ marketing support PS Communications, publisher of the weekly Northwest Observer and annual/semi-annual atHome in northwest Guilford County, To Your Health, Countdown to Kickoff and northwestFINDER, seeks a part-time advertising sales and marketing support representative. Our ideal candidate will have a successful track record in advertising sales and customer service, a strong marketing background and knowledge of various forms of advertising and marketing strategies. Job entails 10 to 15 hours per week of in-house administrative responsibilities, including advertising database entry, ad scheduling and providing marketing support for existing advertisers. Additionally, 10 to 12 hours per week will be spent identifying and following up with potential advertisers while meeting monthly advertising sales goals. Base salary plus commission. Qualified candidates are invited to send a cover letter and resume to ps@nwobserver.com.
FULL-TIME GENERAL SERVICE automotive position – oil/lube tech., tire changes, etc. Competitive pay DOE. M&M Tire & Auto, 5570 US Hwy. 220N, Summerfield. Apply in person; no phone calls please.
SAVE THE DATE KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE, Fri., Feb. 24, 9am-8pm; Saturday, Feb. 25, 8am-1pm (some items 50% off on Sat.), St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., GSO. www.stpaulskidssale.com. GARDENING CLASSES, 4th Friday of each month starting February 24, at The Aristotle Institute, 2783 NC Highway 68S, Ste. 117, High Point (2 1/2 miles south of I-40). 11am to 12:30pm, $20 per class. Topic for Feb. 24th – starting seeds indoors. For more info, or to save your spot, call Dee at (336) 423-3821.
BASEMENT SALE, Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, 8am-2pm, 8034 Highway 68N, Stokesdale. Furniture, pictures, pool table, rocking chairs, lots more!
YOUTH SPORTS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN for spring sports – baseball, soccer & softball. Register by February 19 to be eligible to win a $50 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card! Visit www.stokesdaleparksandrec.com.
HOME SERVICES CLEANING STEPHANIE’S CLEANING SERVICE 10 years experience. (336) 423-9786. CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOW CLEANING, gutter cleaning, pressure washing. Fully ins. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873. MAID-2-SHINE. Excellent service, 15 years exp. Free estimates., excellent references. (336) 338-0223.
Join Gideon Grove UMC on Fat Tuesday for FREE PANCAKES & PRAYER. Come to Gideon Grove United Methodist Church, 2865 Gideon Grove Church Rd., Stokesdale, on Tuesday, February 28, between 5-7pm for pancakes, sausage or bacon and great fellowship. Call (336) 643-6042 for more information.
LIVENGOOD’S CLEANING. Church, businesses. Free est., 14 yrs exp. (336) 223-5034.
LADIES NIGHT OUT, Thursday, March 2, 6pm-9pm, Golden Antiques & Treasures, 341 Ram Loop, Stokesdale. Food, jewelry, vintage, art, skin care, raffles, handbags, and much more! (336) 949-4958.
MARIA’S CLEANING SERVICE. Free estimates, guaranteed service. (336) 552-1990.
ENCORE KIDS CONSIGNMENT Check out our spring & summer items, premiering Sat., March 4, 305 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville, (336) 993-3444.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
HOME CLEANING. Afford. rates, ref. avail., 10 years exp. Elizabeth, (336) 453-8592. MAIDS OF HONOR, INC. Triad’s oldest! $25 off! 40 years in service. Bonded staff. English speaking. (336) 708-2407.
CastleWorks WINDOW CLEANING Includes gutters, pressure washing, chandeliers and other high ladder work. Fully insured and bonded, free estimates. (336) 609-0677. www.castleworkswindowcleaning.com.
...continued on p. 28
FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
27
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
CARPET CLEANING. We clean the dirt out of your carpet, not the money out of your pockets! Call David, Cleaning Solutions, (336) 989-4318, thecleaning.solutions or find us on FB at Cleaning Solutions Carpet Cleaning.
GENERAL REPAIR & SERVICES
APPLIANCE REPAIR – Call Mr. Appliance. A step above the rest! (336) 609-5707.
LAWN CARE / LANDSCAPING
MAID 2 GLIMMER. Amazon approved. (336) 441-8388 or visit Maid2Glimmer.com.
OLD SCHOOL HOME REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT
“No Job Too Small”
Jerry & Lisa Potkay, Owners • Oak Ridge, NC
(336) 669-7252
Want to reach our readers?
Accredited A+ Rating, oldschoolsjhr@triad.rr.com BBB of Central NC
Call (336) 644-7035 for more info.
Home Repairs & Improvements • Painting Wood Rot Repairs • Bathroom Remodeling Decks and much more! • Insured
DECORATING EXPERIENCED INTERIOR DECORATOR & personal furniture shopper will help you with style, color, shopping & furniture placement. E-mail appeninc@gmail.com or call Ann Appenzeller, (336) 314-1411.
ELECTRICAL
Spring
Decks | Patios | Roofing Windows | Gutters REPAIRS | RENOVATIONS (336) 643-0531 haleyhahn.com
GARY’S HANDYMAN HOME SERVICES “Providing value for the home-ownership ex-
Licensed & insured
perience.” Gary Gellert, serving NC’s Piedmont Triad area. Garygellert@gmail.com, (336) 423-8223. JLB REMODELING, INC.
BALEX ELECTRICAL COMPANY, LLC Residential, commercial & solar electrical services. (336) 298-4192.
GENERAL HOME REPAIR, bathroom repair, small/odd jobs. (336) 644-8710, 708-0522.
Home repair, maintenance & handyman service. Licensed & insured. Competitive rates. (336) 681-2902 or www.jlbremodeling.com.
2017 edition
Coming March 31
Reserve your ad space today!
Home-grown stories about everything from maintaining and improving your home, to housing trends, history and humor of life in northwest Guilford County
L & T SMALL ENGINE SERVICE LLP “We get you mowing!” Free pickup and delivery. 2103 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. (336) 298-4314. MOWER REPAIR. Any type mower, weld and repair mower decks. Free pickup and delivery. Call or text Morris, (336) 880-7498.
What’s going on around town? Find us on Facebook for updates! facebook.com/northwestobserver
GRADING / HAULING PEARMAN QUARRY HAULING Fill dirt, gravel, sand rock, mulch & more. Joel Richardson, (336) 803-2195. GAULDIN TRUCKING, grading & hauling, bobcat work, lot clearing, driveways, fill dirt, gravel, etc. (336) 362-1150.
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
WILSON LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn care & landscaping. NC lic. irrigation contractor. 20 years exp. Hardscaping, fertilization & weed control. (336) 399-7764. GUZMAN LANDSCAPE & MAINTENANCE Pine needles, mulch, leaf removal, tree pruning, complete lawn maint. (336) 655-6490. STEVE NEWMAN TREE SERVICE. Free est. Lic/Ins. 30 yrs. exp. Bucket truck/chipper, total cleanup. Selective thinning & lot clearing. 24-hr. ER svc. OR, NC. (336) 643-1119. TRACTOR FOR HIRE - Bush hogging, grading, brush/tree removal. (336) 207-6632. CAROLINA STUMP & TREE SERVICE Complete tree service, $1 million liability, workman’s comp. Rick & Judy, (336) 6439332, carolinaStumpAndTreeServices.com. ORTIZ LANDSCAPING, complete lawn care. Trimming, cleaning, planting & mulch, gutter cleaning, patios & pavers, waterfalls, retaining walls, sidewalks, stonework. Residential and commercial. (336) 280-8981. FAY’S LAWNCARE & LANDSCAPING Snow plowing, tree pruning, general yard clean up. Pine needles & mulch. Reasonable and honest. Call Taylor, (336) 464-5215.
E&W HAULING & GRADING INC. Driveways, fill dirt, topsoil, lot clearing, bobcat work, excavating, mulch, etc. (336) 451-1282. BRAD’S BOBCAT & HAULING SVCS. LLC Debris removal, grading, gravel/dirt, driveways, concrete work. (336) 362-3647.
Contact us at advertising@nwobserver.com or (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 to secure your spot
ARBOR MASTERS TREE SERVICE Total tree removal, storm damage cleanup, shrub and tree pruning. Bobcat work and more. Free estimates. Licensed & insured. Call Joe at (336) 643-9157.
ANTHONY’S GRADING & HAULING Excavating, land clearing, demolition, dirt available. Zane Anthony, (336) 362-4035.
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HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
HOME SERVICES
MISC. FOR SALE
AREA STUMP DUMP. Yard waste, concrete, etc. Fill dirt avail. (336) 602-5820.
PAINTING – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR 32 yrs. exp. Sheetrock repair. No job too small. Insured. Brad Rogers, (336) 314-3186.
ROOFING
SEASONED OAK FIREWOOD, $80/pickup
BRAD’S BOBCAT. Mulch, landscaping, pine needles and straw. (336) 362-3647. ALL-SEASON STUMP GRINDING. Owner Alan Winfree. Free est. Call (336) 382-9875.
MASONRY MASONRY CONCEPTS, brick, block, stone, concrete & repairs. Free estimates. (336) 988-1022, www.masonryconceptsgso.com. SOUTHERN STYLE concrete & landscapes. How about a new patio or fire pit? We can help with all of your outdoor living and entertainment spaces! Fire pits, driveways & sidewalks, patios and more! Give us a call at (336) 399-6619 for all your concrete and landscape needs.
MISC. SERVICES & PRODUCTS GAS LOGS, WOOD STOVES, INSERTS, fireplaces, sold, serviced and repaired. Call Don Hill, (336) 643-7183.
PAINTING & DRYWALL
BEK Paint Co. Residential & Commercial David & Judy Long, owners
(336) 931-0600
BEKPaintCompany.com • References Available • Licensed & Insured • All Work Guaranteed
STILL PERFECTION PAINTING Reliable, skilled, affordable. Painting, pressure washing, handyman services. Scott Still, (336) 462-3683, stillperfectionpainting.com. CINDY’S PAINTING – Interior painting, wallpaper removal. References & free estimates available. (336) 708-9155.
PLUMBING WEBSTER & SONS PLUMBING, Inc. (336) 992-2503. Licensed, insured, bonded. 24/7 service. Plumbing, drain cleaning, well pumps. Give us a call, we do it all! Go to www.webstersplumbing.com for more info. BRANSON PLUMBING & SOLAR No job too small! Experienced, guaranteed. Lic. & insured. Call Mark, (336) 337-7924.
POWER WASHING PRESSURE WASHING, gutter & window cleaning. Fully insured. Crystal Clear, www. windowcleaningnc.com. (336) 595-2873.
REMODELING / CONSTRUCTION RENOVATION WORKS, INC. New construction, remodeling, additions, kitchen, bath and decks. We are a locally owned, full-service design and build company, A+ accredited with the BBB. Visit www.myrenovationworks.com or call (336) 427-7391 to start your next project. ORTIZ REMODELING – Total restoration & home improvement. Drywall, painting, kitchen cabinets, interior trim & more. Free estimates. (336) 280-8981.
RED RHINO ROOFING, based in Oak Ridge, NC. Storm damage specialist experienced with all types of roofing. BBB accredited A and listed with Angie’s List. Call (336) 9446118, or visit redrhinoroofing.com. A.L. CORMAN ROOFING INC. Res. roofing specialist serving Guilford Cty. area since 1983. BBB 25+ years w/ A+ rating. cormanroofinginc.com, (336) 621-6962. PREMIER ROOFING CONSTRUCTION Insurance specialist, free inspections, res/ comm., BBB A rating. (336) 430-9507. CLINARD & SON ROOFING, LLC Residential roofing, rubber flat roofs, roof coating, metal roofs. 30 years experience. Now accepting all major credit cards. Call (336) 643-8191 or (336) 580-3245.
MISC. SERVICES SAM’S AUTO BODY SHOP. Any type of body work. 45 years exp. (336) 347-7470. HIGHLY QUALIFIED TUTOR AVAILABLE, master’s in Education, 25 years teaching exp., math K-5, all other subjects all ages. Homework support, EOG prep. Flexible hours. (336) 317-0742.
JLB REMODELING, INC. Remodeling and additions. Fully insured. NC GC license #69997. Free est. Call (336) 681-2902 or visit www.jlbremodeling.com. BELEWS CREEK CONSTRUCTION Kitchens/baths, custom decks, garages, siding, dock work, windows, roofing, rotted wood. Sr. disc., 35 years exp. (336) 362-6343.
KIRBY AVALIR w/ all attachments, including shampoo system for all surfaces, used twice. Paid $1,000, asking $500. (336) 643-5421. SEASONED FIREWOOD, delivered and stacked, 1/2 cord, $80. Call (336) 686-6373 ALL NEW MATTRESS SETS. Still in plastic, w/ warranty. Twin, $99; Full, $109; Queen, $129; King, $191. Can deliver, layaway available. Mattress Outlet. (336) 992-0025. FIREWOOD FOR SALE, oak & hickory. Pick up or delivery. (336) 643-9332.
Got stuff? Sell it here in the
NWO classifieds submit your ad at
www.nwobserver.com MISC. WANTED $$$ – WILL PAY CASH up to $200 for your junk or wrecked vehicle. (336) 552-0328. GOLDEN ANTIQUES & TREASURES in
Your business should be here! Call (336) 644-7035, ext 10 for info. PREMIER CONSTRUCTION. Providing all of your home maintenance needs, remodeling and new construction. (336) 430-9507.
load, delivered & stacked. (336) 253-7615.
Stokesdale is always seeking vendors who LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Gated access with 24/7 camera surveillance We carry moving & shipping supplies
(336) 643-9963 • 8207 B & G Court, Stokesdale COMPUTER REPAIRS – ITBASICS.COM Inside Mailboxes & More, Oak Ridge Commons. (336) 643-0068. ERIE INSURANCE – IN KERNERSVILLE Long Insurance Services, (336) 992-5664.
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
have antiques, vintage, repurposed and collectible items. Booth spaces are 10 x 12 feet and are $200 per month, plus 10% commission. Come check us out and reserve your spot! (336) 949-4958. FREE PICK-UP of unwanted riding & push mowers, any and all gas items, tillers, gocarts, ATVs, generators, power washers, grills, chain saws, metal and electrical items, most appliances, etc. (336) 689-4167.
...continued on p. 30 FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
29
PETS & ANIMAL SVCS.
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
PET SITTING / BOARDING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
HOMES FOR SALE
KPS – KELLY’S PET SERVICES Professional in-home pet sitting. Bonded & insured. Member Pet Sitters International. Pet sitting while you are away, daily walks or runs, play, pet taxi, and more! KPS gives a portion of profits to animal charities. Call, email, or Facebook message for a free consultation: (336) 706-6706, kpsforyourpets@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/kpspets, or kpspets on Instagram.
Found a Pet? Let us know – we’ll try to help find the owner. (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.
REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OAK RIDGE, Class A office space for lease, 8006 Linville Road, 2,990-square-feet office suite, includes 5 offices, conference room, two bathrooms, kitchen/break area and filing room. $2,990/mo., serious inquiries only. Please call (336) 643-0555. OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in Oak Ridge. Mini suites available; 100 to 450 sq. ft. For more info, call (336) 643-7577. OAK RIDGE, Class A office space for lease, 8006 Linville Road, 2,990-sq.-foot office suite, includes 5 offices, conference room, two bathrooms, kitchen/break area and filing room. $2,990/mo., serious inquiries only. Please call (336) 643-0555.
We Help Everyone! SELLERS & BUYERS
(336) 643-4248
www.ANewDawnRealty.com Let our 25,000+ readers know how you can help them! Call us for advertising info! (336) 644-7035, ext. 10.
Gail H. Kerber REALTOR /BROKER ®
This monthly section in the Northwest Observer offers a comprehensive overview of what’s happening right now in our local real estate market.
Stunning one-owner home in desirable Arbor Run features main-level owner’s suite, enormous kitchen area, keeping room, elegant formal areas and beautiful, level, 1.89-acre homesite. $499,900.
Ramilya Siegel CRS, GRI, SRES, Chairman’s Circle Award ( 336 ) 215.9856
ramilya.siegel@atcmail.com www.allentate.com/RamilyaSiegel
lford t Gui thwes
Nor briefs 14 es tate real
(336) 327-1165
kerbappeals@gmail.com
The Northwest Observer Bringing your community news home for 20 years!
www.kerbappeals.com Call me for professional buyer and seller services!
Delivered to every mailbox with an Oak Ridge, Stokesdale and Summerfield zip code, available at 70 area business locations, and shared online every week at www.nwobserver.com.
Gil Vaughan Realtor ®/Broker
(336) 337-4780 JustCallGil.com
HOME FOR RENT
7616 Trebbiano Drive
Want to be a part of our next NWO Real Estate section?
Want to reach our readers? Call (336) 644-7035, or email advertising@nwobserver.com for advertising information. h 13 See whicsold in your
homes have how much area, and for
OAK RIDGE, 3BR, 2BA, office/den, deck, large yard. (336) 644-8710, 708-0522. Selling or renting? The Northwest Observer reaches EVERY MAILBOX with an Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale zip code. Advertise it here!
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
ord
Realtors, get your real estate listings noticed “ by placing showcase ads in our classifieds. Contact me for more info.” Laura Reneer, associate publisher (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 • advertising@nwobserver.com
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
t Guilf 18 Nortehwes briefs real estat
Reserve your ad space today (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 advertising@nwobserver.com
index of DISPLAY ADVERTISERS
Support our
advertisers, and tell them you saw their ad in the Northwest Observer A/C & HEATING Stokesdale Heating & Air.......................9
ACCOUNTING By the Book Accounting .....................21 Carlotta Lytton, CPA, PA ....................21 Kimberly Thacker Accounting .............32 Samuel Anders, CPA, MSA, PC ...........21
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Piedmont Truck Tires, Inc. ..................22
BUILDERS Brian Thompson Homes .....................16 Builders MD ........................................18 Disney Custom Homes .......................17 Don Mills Builders ...............................16 Friddle & Company .............................16 Johnson & Lee ....................................17 Kicking Clouds ...................................14 KW Builder by Design .........................19 Naylor Custom Homes .......................17 R&K Custom Homes ..........................16 Ray Bullins Construction .....................17
CHILDREN’S SERVICES Guardian Ad Litem Program ................9
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES Oak Ridge Chiropractic ........................3
CHURCH First Baptist Church of Summerfield ......5
DENTIST Beth Borden, DDS ..............................12 DeVaney Dentistry ..............................23
FUNERAL SERVICES Forbis & Dick, Brooke Chapel .............32
Every week, the NWO fills mailboxes and hits the streets – and is posted online at nwobserver.com and shared with over 12,000 community members on Facebook
HEALTH & FITNESS YMCA of Greensboro ...........................8
HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES BEK Paint Company ............................29 Carpets By Direct ................................24 Creative Garden Spaces .....................21 Haley Hahn Home Solutions ..............28 House of Stars ....................................21 New Garden Landscape & Nursery ......7 New Garden Select ............................26 Old School Home Repair .....................28 ProStone................................................6 Stokesdale Storage .............................29
LEGAL SERVICES Attorney Bill Barbour ..........................10 Law Office of Susan Greeson .............23 Scott Tippett Law .................................3
MEDICAL CARE, EYE CARE, PT Bethany Medical Center .....................25 LeBauer Healthcare .............................5 Novant - Northwest Family Medicine .. 11
PET SERVICES & PRODUCTS Bel-Aire Veterinary Hospital ................21 Northwest Animal Hospital ...................4 Stokesdale Veterinary Hospital ............32 Veterinary Hospital at Oak Ridge.........21 Westergaard Kennels ..........................25
REAL ESTATE A New Dawn Realty ............................30 Berkshire Hathaway Yost & Little ........15 Bobbie Gardner, Keller Williams ..........20 Dede Cunningham, Keller Williams ....20 Gil Vaughan, Keller Williams ...............30 Jason Smith, Smith Marketing ............16 KERBAPPEALS – Gail Kerber .............30 Ramilya Siegel, Allen Tate ..................30
Over 11,300 copies are directly mailed to every home with an Oak Ridge, Stokesdale or Summerfield zip code
An additional 2,000 copies are distributed for free pickup at more than 70 locations throughout northwest Guilford County
Want to come along with us? For advertising information, contact Laura Reneer or Annette Joyce (336) 644-7035, ext. 10 | advertising@nwobserver.com
RETAIL BiRite Food Center .........................2, 32
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FEB. 17 - 23, 2017
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Postal Patron
Oak Ridge, NC Permit No. 22
PO Box 268, Oak Ridge, NC 27310 • (336) 644-7035
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ECRWSS
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Stokesdale Forbis&Dick Funeral Homes
Your full-service funeral home
Pet Dental Health Month
20% OFF all dental procedures
Your friends and neighbors providing kind, caring service for over years. Stokesdale 8320 Hwy 158, (336) 643-3711 Greensboro 1118 N Elm St, (336) 275-8408 5926 W Friendly Ave, (336) 299-9171
Serving Stokesdale, Greensboro, Oak Ridge & Summerfield • forbisanddick.com
Dr. Mindy Wesely • Dr. Amelia Hubbard 8208 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale • (336) 643-8515
stokesdalevet.net
FREE rabies vaccines for sasquatches!
Certified Vet
Find specials and updates on our Facebook page
Individual & Small Business Bookkeeping & Payroll Individual & Corporate Tax Returns
facebook.com / StokesdaleBiRite
PO Box 469 • 8400 US Hwy 158, Stokesdale
(336) 644.2741 • kim.thacker@att.net
Located at 8632 Hwy 158, Stokesdale • www.stokesdalebirite.com