Attention! The circle in Pittsboro is at Level F! I repeat, Level F!

By Dan Cahoon
Posted Friday, July 27, 2007

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Pittsboro, NC - What exactly does level F mean? Fun? Friendly? Fascinating? Other words that start with F? This was from the lawyer representing Pittsboro Plunder, I mean Pittsboro Place (proposed retail and housing development on East 64). He told the county commissioners and our fabulous mayor that "no matter what, the circle will be at level F" in a matter of time. I would love a rubric that detailed what level F means (how much traffic etc.) and how someone calculates this "level".

I probably won't understand the exact statistical methods for measuring traffic in this fashion, but I am curious nonetheless. This particular measurement may be practically meaningless and is used primarily as a gauge for traffic planners. I don't know what can be done about level F but it sounds ominous. I know what F word I use when I almost get creamed by big trucks and SUVs that don't even slow down at the circle. As I have posted before though, caution is the best strategy when encountering stupid and inconsiderate drivers.

I also heard about a possible bypass that could alleviate some of this level F type traffic (and ease the possible traffic nightmare
developing from a large shopping center on 64 west), as well as dire warnings about what could happen to our charming downtown.

The impassioned objections shared by the many brave opponents to Pittsboro Place Monday night were articulate and informative. I especially enjoyed Barbaras' stirtorian comment to the assembled people. In my opinion she shut Pittsboro Place down right there. Many other folks also had excellent information and opinions that also should let the commissioners know exactly how the majority of Pittsboro residents feel about non sustainable development in our town. The proponents for the
development had a rather weak argument in my opinion. Many mentioned that they wanted something "to do" in Pittsboro. This made me think about "doing" in PBO.

There is much "to do" in Pittsboro and surrounding lands. We have a growing arts culture here (if you take time to participate). There are cool movies played outdoors in two locations recently. The mill has hosted several worthwhile productions and hopefully will host more (if the place can be made hospitable. Practicing lines when you can see your breath freeze is an interesting experience). First Sundays usually have some interesting characters walking about. We have some terrific restaurants and hang outs if you come at the right times. Local churches are welcoming and open to all. Just walking around Pittsboro is a joy. I wish I could do it more as part of my daily work routine.

No, we do not have a place for teens to "hang" out. No mall. No "joints" where young people can be seen and see. I don't know if we
really want something like that. I am sure young people would like someplace where they could go and do that sort of thing. When I was a kid we drove up and down Stratford road trying to be cool. It was called cruising then and we thought it was the top of the tops. I participated in this many times but ultimately found it to be oppressively boring. My friends didn't understand why I chose a good book over a cramped VW filled with cigarette smoke.

No, you can't buy underwear in Pittsboro ( I have been to Family Dollar. They do not carry my brand of underwear). You can't buy Nike or Addidas or any other high dollar commercial shoe in Pittsboro. You can buy excellent GOOD shoes at New Horizons on Hillsborough Street. They are also high dollar but worth every penny (and sustainable!). You can't buy cheap brand new clothes made in China in Pittsboro, but you can buy the same stuff at the Thrift Shop if you go often. There is no bowling alley or movie
theater in PBO. We cannot currently purchase a bloomin' onion in Pittsboro (no worries mate) or a margurita made with koolaid and cheap tequila. We don't have a Dicks or an REI (I would actually look in those stores, sorry, can't afford anything right now). We don't have Cary shopping in Pittsboro. It is true.

But I don't want it here. I have seen my home town, Winston-Salem, grow in this fashion. When I was young I went to see President Ford open the largest Mall in North Carolina at the time (Hanes Mall). It quickly became a mecca for teens and others to hang out in and walk in air conditioned splendor. I participated with others for years by "hanging out" at the mall. I even worked there for awhile. It got old. That sort of thing always gets old and then you have empty stores, desolate parking lots and a distinct lack of trees, flowers and fields.

In my home town, the mall just grew and grew and then the road out to the mall grew and grew and grew until the creeks and valleys that I used to roam (by myself, the other teens didn't find my passion for the outdoors very appealing) and explore were paved over and turned into rainwater retention ponds, parking lots, and 4 lane roads that were and still are congested with polluting cars. It is no longer a beautiful place. It is a nightmare. I shudder when I return there and visit. That area is the reason I am here. That sort of development turns my stomach. I don't want or need any of the mass produced items available at those sorts of places. The only reason I go to Lowes Home Improvement is because I can't get what I need anywhere else. J. Henry's will order it for me if I plan ahead (I don't usually).

Pittsboro and the surrounding area is teaching me a new way to live. I am learning to make my life work with resources readily available. I am learning that local is best. I am learning that I don't need Marshall's (never did frankly) or a bowling alley (I can bowl, in fact I collect bowling balls). I do like watching movies on a big screen but I am learning it is more fun in a parking lot or field with good friends and a glass of wine. I am learning to spend my money on sustainable goods and therefore make a positive impact on local and global economies.

As an aside, I must share with you my experience in emptying the drop boxes for the PTA Thrift shop. Each week this summer I have filled my truck and trailer with items donated to the thrift shop. The boxes are jammed full each week with clothing, toys, obsolete electronics, books, strange indescribable items (it is like a mystery) and distressingly, trash (please don't put trash into the drop boxes). When I empty these boxes I think about how much stuff we buy and where it came from. We have too much. We buy too much. We don't need that stuff. We don't need the stores to buy it in.

I think I know what Level F means. It means we are on the verge of letting convenience and consumerism take over our wonderful community. I think we can encourage sustainable development and keep our dollars local. In fact, I am counting on it.

Come to the meeting next Monday night (July 30) and hear what your neighbors and friends have to say about plunder in Pittsboro. Hear what outside developers have to say. Look our county leaders in the eye and let them know you care.

Let them know you are at level F!