Tag Archive for: #cityofhenderson

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After Missed Test, Kerr Lake Regional Water Reports Nitrate Levels ‘Not Detected’

The Henderson-Kerr Lake Regional Water System recently sent notices with customers’ water bills indicating an annual EPA-required test for nitrate was not conducted, due to being “overlooked,” during the compliance period of 2018.  The notice read, in part:

“Henderson-Kerr Lake Regional Water has not met monitoring requirements. We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not our drinking water meets health standards. During the compliance period [2018], we [‘did not monitor or test’ or ‘did not complete all monitoring or testing’] for contaminants [nitrate] and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water during that time.”

The notice listed January 24, 2019, as the violation awareness date and further indicated that no action was required of customers.

According to Clarissa Lipscomb, director for the Kerr Lake Regional Water Plant, the required test has since been conducted and the results were returned from the lab indicating nitrates were “not detected.”

Dabney Drive

Section of Dabney Dr. to Close This Evening for Sewer Line Repair

-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

Dabney Drive will be closed for through traffic from Coble Boulevard to Roanoke Avenue beginning Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 10 p.m. The work should be completed by 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

This closure is necessary to repair a sewer line across Dabney Drive. The City of Henderson does not anticipate any interruption of water or sewer service to customers during the repair.

Traffic will be detoured around the closure utilizing Coble Boulevard, Nelson Street and Roanoke Avenue.

Local traffic will have access to and from properties within the closed portion of Dabney Drive.

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Trihalomethane Violation Notices Sent With Recent Henderson Water Bills

– Public Notice, City of Henderson

Recently, the Kerr Lake Regional Water System sent out notices that told about a total trihalomethane violation. Two notices were sent out in December for the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2018 and one in January 2019 for the 4th quarter of 2018. Total trihalomethanes are a disinfection byproduct that is created by adding the disinfectant chlorine to water in order to make it potable for drinking. The organics in water that occur naturally react with the chlorine and create total trihalomethanes.

Henderson tests a total of 4 sites every quarter per state regulations. One of the sites that are tested had readings over the MCL (maximum contaminant level) determined by EPA standards. The maximum contaminant level for trihalomethanes is 80 parts per billion. Anything over this amount is considered a maximum contaminant violation and public notification is required at that site.

Due to the LRAA (local running annual average) being above the MCL, a system-wide notice was required to be sent out to all customers of the City of Henderson. These were the notices that were received in the water bills of December 2018 and January 2019.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Christy Lipscomb, KLRWP Director, at (252) 438-2141 or clipscomb@ci.henderson.nc.us.

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Daeke, Henderson City Councilman, Talks Dabney Dr. Rezoning

Garry Daeke, Henderson City Council member, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide further insight into the Council’s recent discussions on the possible rezoning of three lots at the corner of Lynne Avenue and Dabney Drive in Henderson.

Currently zoned for either residential or light commercial traffic, the Council has tabled the discussion on rezoning the lots for a heavier commercial use until their next meeting in February.

Further complicating any final rezoning decision is the concern over increased traffic volume in an already congested area along with uncertainty on the NCDOT’s current plans for the restructuring of parts of Dabney Drive.

“We know traffic on Dabney Drive is pretty bad most of the time, especially on Fridays and weekend,” said Daeke. “The corner of Lynne Avenue and Dabney has some particular concerns about ingress and egress traffic. For example, when you turn right off Lynne Avenue, you turn immediately into the right lane turning into the old Henderson Mall. Traffic also has difficulty turning left there and generally has to turn right.”

Daeke said one consideration to address safety concerns would be to make the area an out parcel of the mall and design the entrance and exits of any businesses that occupy that space to be accessible only through the mall parking lot.

According to Daeke, what the DOT has planned for Dabney Drive will also play into consideration. “We hope what the DOT does to Dabney Drive will help with that area, but we need more information before making a decision.”

As of now, Henderson City Council members are aware that the DOT is focusing its Dabney Drive surveying efforts from the intersection of the old mall to Interstate 85.

While Daeke said there have been talks that the lanes near the old mall intersection will be redesigned, the Council has not yet received an indication if that includes measures such as adding medians or changing the entire structure of the traffic flow.

Looking ahead to the future, Daeke said there are additional plans for Dabney Drive that include making the current road a one-way from the corner of Oxford Road and Dabney, all the way to the interstate. This plan also includes the addition of another one-way street running parallel along the old railroad line.

As with any project, costs and logistics are major considerations. “Some properties would be affected by this plan and that issue would need to be addressed. The plan we’ve been shown includes bike and pedestrian lanes and sidewalks; it’s a beautiful plan,” said Daeke.

While up to the DOT to fund any such project, Daeke said he believes “Dabney Drive needs it for growth in the future and for safety.” He suggested the implementation of the plan would be at least 5-10 years down the road.

Remembrance:

In an aside from the main interview topic, Daeke also discussed his fond memories of the late Mary Emma Evans, a former Henderson City Council member, on the occasion of her recent birthday.

“Mary was a sweet lady and a dear friend. She always called me ‘Daeke,’ which made me laugh. She always cared so much for the community and was wonderful to work with.”

“Something that she used to always say to me that I’ll never forget is, ‘We can disagree and we can have different opinions; that doesn’t have to mean we have to be disagreeable.’ She was always about compromise and working together to find a solution. We miss her and may she rest in peace”

To hear the interview in its entirety, please click here. Daeke’s interview portion of the Town Talk segment begins at the 14:27 mark.  

Young St. in Henderson to Become One-Way; Court St. Traffic Flow to Reverse

-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

CITY OF HENDERSON – TRAFFIC FLOW CHANGES

On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Young Street will become a ONE-WAY street. Traffic will flow from Garnett Street to Chestnut Street. DO NOT enter Young Street from Chestnut Street.

Court Street will continue to be a ONE-WAY Street but the traffic flow will be reversed. Traffic will now flow from Young Street to Montgomery Street.

 

Local Youth Encouraged to Register for 5th Annual African-American Quiz Bowl

-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center

Come enjoy friendly and educational fun as the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department hosts the 5th Annual African-American Quiz Bowl from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

The competition is open to 6th – 12th graders and will be held at the City Council Chambers located at 134 Rose Avenue in Henderson.

Questions will be based on African-American history in America, in North Carolina and locally in Henderson and Vance County.

Teams will consist of 3-4 participants. Registration deadline is Friday, February 15, 2019; a study guide is provided.

For more information, or to register, please contact Shantel Hargrove at shhargrove@ci.henderson.nc.us or 252-430-0382 or Gregory Kelly at gkelly@ci.henderson.nc.us or 252-431-6099.

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Heavy Rains, Melting Snow Cause Multiple Untreated Wastewater Discharges

-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

The City of Henderson experienced heavy rains and melting snow on December 14, 2018, causing flooding throughout the area that resulted in discharges of untreated wastewater.

The first discharge of an estimated 51,000 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road was discharged into Sandy Creek.  The second discharge of an estimated 21,600 gallons at Redbud Pump Station, located at 51 Vance Academy Road was discharged into Redbud Stream.

There was also a bypass of approximately 28,050 gallons of untreated water on the same day due to infiltration/inflow at the intersection of Pinkston Street and Farrar Avenue and Neatherly Street.

Both are part of the Tar Pamlico River Basin. The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on December 16, 2018, and is reviewing the matter.

For more information contact the Henderson Water Reclamation Facility at 252-431-6080, Public Services ORC Joey Long, Jr. at 252-226-4492, or Public Works Director Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.

Waste Industries Announces Holiday Pick Up Schedule

-Information courtesy Esther J. McCrackin, City Clerk, City of Henderson

Waste Industries will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22, 2018. To make up for the missed day, regularly-scheduled Thursday pick up will be done on Friday, November 23; regularly-scheduled Friday pick up will be done on Saturday, November 24.

Waste Industries will also be closed Tuesday, December 25, 2018, in observance of Christmas and Tuesday, January 1, 2019, in observance of New Year’s Day. For the time period of December 25-28, 2018, and January 1-4, 2019, regularly-scheduled pick up will be delayed by one day.

For additional information on the holiday schedule for the Vance Granville branch,  please visit the Waste Industries website by clicking here.

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City Manager Frazier Talks Redevelopment Master Plan, Veterans’ Memorial

City Manager Frank Frazier was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to provide listeners with updates regarding the City of Henderson.

Major topics of discussion included the City’s Redevelopment Master Plan, the progress of the Breckenridge outdoor pavilion in downtown Henderson and the creation of a Veterans’ Memorial in the city.

Henderson’s Redevelopment Master Plan

The City of Henderson is currently working with a firm to develop a master plan for redeveloping areas that have been in decline for several years. “We are looking at areas to redevelop in such a way as to help aid growth and help our tax base,” said Frazier. “Unfortunately, a lot of funding sources have declined through the years.”

According to Frazier, the plan would start with an area that the City feels redevelopment efforts would benefit the most. “We will begin with an area that we feel will be successful and will grow. We don’t want to bite off too much more than we can chew.”

Redevelopment efforts are expected to include the reconfiguration of existing streets, the addition of sidewalk or greenways, studying existing infrastructure and remodeling or building new homes.

“We are also looking at areas for small industrial or commercial use to appeal to businesses,” said Frazier.

The entryways into the city, including Andrews Ave., I-85 and parts of US-1, are also being reviewed. “In conjunction with the master plan, we’re looking at our corridors in order to improve the view when coming into the city,” said Frazier.

City of Henderson and Vance County leaders are all keen on heavily factoring the downtown area into the redevelopment plan. “Downtown has to be marketed as a destination where people can come and enjoy the city,” Frazier said. “We are a friendly town and we want you to have confidence that you can run a successful business here.”

Part of that marketing campaign is already underway as City officials are busy developing drafts of new signage to appeal to drivers on I-85 as well as around town. Many drafts are completed and the City is now working on receiving estimates for printing, according to Frazier.

Frazier believes the completion of the years-long I-85 construction work will bring more visitors to the area as well. “A lot of the I-85 work is winding down, thank goodness. From what I understand, it’s even a little ahead of schedule.”

While the redevelopment plan is still a work in progress with timeframes being determined, Frazier expects to have some preliminary mock-ups to share with both the City Council and the public in the next 2-3 weeks.

“We think it’s important that whatever we do, the public fully understands what we are trying to accomplish.”

Breckenridge Outdoor Pavilion/Veterans’ Memorial

The architectural firm hired by the City has completed their blueprint for the outdoor Breckenridge pavilion. The pavilion, to be located near the Henderson Police Department in downtown Henderson, will serve as the last piece of the overall Breckenridge Commons project and as the corner piece of the block.

“Right now, the City has obtained pricing from several contractors and we are waiting on a few additional bids,” explained Frazier. “My goal is to have something back to the City Council at our November meeting.”

City officials are also currently working with veterans on creating a Veterans’ Memorial to be located on the back of the Henderson Police Department.

Speaking of the area comprising the police department, Perry Memorial Library, McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the future site of the outdoor pavilion, Frazier said, “We feel that the memorial would tie all of these things together; a new park for our veterans.”

In order for the memorial to become a reality, Frazier said fundraising would be necessary. He believes the very nature of the memorial would make any fundraiser for the project a success.

To listen to the interview in its entirety, click here.

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City of Henderson Land Planning Committee Meeting Cancelled

— courtesy of the City of Henderson, NC

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Land Planning Committee meeting scheduled for October 4, 2018 has been cancelled until further notice.