Saxapahaw Forward is Moving Forward!
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 21st at 6:00 pm
The Sax FWD teams have been busy over the summer, and it is now time to gather and share news and talk about next steps. Here’s what has happened:
DOT Team: Several people met with Chuck Edwards, the District Engineer for Alamance County, on July 26, 2023. Here are the notes from that meeting.
Chuck discussed historical efforts in the area -
2011 - 2012 saw community meetings with community members and the DOT - there was a focus on safety concerns at the time and DOT installed crosswalks, added some sidewalks and curb ramps, and signage and markings.
A recent meeting with the Hawbridge School discussed internal traffic management strategies and identified additional sidewalk opportunities connecting the 2 schools.
Mini roundabout option - this is currently in evaluation mode with DOT - one planned for Alamance will be evaluated and determined if feasible / acceptable for the Sax area.
Past efforts have looked at speeds and reduced them - DOT can take another look at further reductions.
Enforcement is a key factor; pavement marking and maintenance is ongoing.
Sax FWD representatives described a list of concerns, proposed interventions and suggestions - including speed tables, speed bumps, crosswalks, Art in Asphalt, signage, etc.
Chuck took notes on the list of suggestions / requests, and stated that a main barrier is Sax's unincorporation - there is no municipal authority that DOT can "contract with", other than the county. For example for the Art in Asphalt initiative, usually that is achieved through an encroachment agreement - in the absence of a municipal authority, who can DOT contract with on that agreement? Also, what authority does Sax FWD have to "represent" the Sax community at large - how does that get formalized?
Chuck asked which is the highest priority - Sax FWD reps responded that "any and all" would be welcomed. Chuck asked that suggestions get formalized - where exactly are the crosswalks wanted, what particular areas need each particular intervention - we have shared a big list with him and where should he start.
The two main challenges / efforts are: mapping where each intervention is desired, and establishing the framework for an entity / legal issues for maintenance / contractual issues.
Per Chuck, there is a statute that is geared for residential subdivisions that may be a framework for setup and maintenance - he will send the statute.
Communication with Chuck's office can continue - Sax FWD to identify a small group to be the conduit to DOT, regular (scheduled or not) checkins with Chuck's office are welcome.
Chuck encourages Sax FWD to reach out to Tonya Caddle (Alamance County Planning Director) for additional options re: county support / planning issues.
Takeaways for SAX FWD to do:
Generate a more detailed "wish list," with specific locations / suggestions of interventions
Sort out the administrative details of an entity with which DOT could form agreements with, and/or look into incorporation / municipal partnerships / etc.
Connect with the Alamance County Planning Department.
Non-Profit Team: Several people have gathered multiple times over the past two months to take active steps toward forming a non-profit called Saxapahaw Forward.
The reasons for forming a non-profit include:
Having an entity with which the DOT can contract since the community of Saxapahaw is unincorporated.
Establishing a non-profit with a tax ID and bank account for fundraising, grant writing, and funding projects.
Providing a centralized location for communication among the teams, businesses, schools, and community members like you.
The team reviewed the bylaws of a variety of different non-profits and used them to create bylaws for Sax FWD. The goals in writing these bylaws included:
Creating an entity that can clearly advocate for positive change in our community.
Providing a structure for our work, while being open to the many ways our community may work toward positive change.
Being as open ended as possible so that Sax FWD can continue to serve our community into the future.
After review by a lawyer, an application for non-profit status has been filed with the state.
Beautification Team / Asphalt Art Team / Burlington Graham MPO Team / T-shirts and More… Updates from these teams will be shared at our meeting on Thursday, September 21st.
The Beautification Team has hosted two workdays to help beautify our community.
The Asphalt Art Initiative Team met to begin exploring options.
The BGMPO Committee met in August.
Megan Jett has been working on possible Sax FWD logos and t-shirts. Here’s one example:
You may know there was an automobile accident near the Hawbridge Lower School on Friday, August 25th where an adult was injured. Our DOT Team notified Chuck Edwards and the Hawbridge School is exploring ways to ensure the safety of all pedestrians at that intersection and in that crosswalk.
There may be other updates… Come to the meeting on September the 21st at 6:00 pm to hear what has been happening and how you can be involved!
