Political Road Signs

I will NOT be putting out any political road signs. This will help prevent litter and roadside clutter. I hope to have signs printed for supporters to put in their private yards and for polling places on election days, but other than that--No Environmental Degrading Road Signs. 

Recycling

I would like to ask the ASU Technology Department to design recycling bins for apartment buildings--bins that don't tip over and that facilitate the separation of recycling. The current recycling system for apartments in town is uninviting--no wonder recycling is on the decline in town. If successful, the bins could also be implemented throughout town. If we make recycling easy and attractive, people will recycle!

As for other environmental concerns such as "Zero Waste," I believe that if we design systems to address these concerns and make it easy for people, they will be glad to accommodate.

Viewshed

I would like to try to encourage landowners who have land that is critical to the viewshed to enact conservation easements. In return, these landowners would receive either tax credits or development transfer credits. These landowners deserve some respect. Let's reward them with incentive-based initiatives. There are examples of this includiing the former Mayor of Boone--Wade Brown--who donated some of his land on the hillside above Wal-Greens.

Solutions to Encourage Walking and Reduce Automobile Dependence

I would like to see the Greenway Trail expanded throughout town so people could use it as a viable alternative to get around town. This trail would be connected to neighborhoods, schools and commercial districts. I would also like to see more new neighborhoods in or near town. Neighborhoods that incorporate sustainable development techniques such as solar technology, energy efficiency, rain gardens, and water conservation. These new neighborhoods could also help increase our housing options and perhaps affordability. 

I would also like to see more student housing closer to campus. This is where most students prefer to live and this is the only way to truly reduce dependence on the automobile. The best areas for this would be (1) along West Howard St. between ASU and the Wilcox Emporium and (2) along East Howard St. between Dan'l Boone Inn and The First Presbyterian Church. This could become a high-density, mixed-use area with student housing on the upper floors and retail on the lower floors. Another added advantage of this area being used for student housing is that it doesn't encroach on any existing neighborhoods in Boone. 

Parks

I would like to see a park that connects the ASU campus to King St. It would be similar to the one in Chapel Hill that connects the UNC campus to Franklin St. The perfect place for this would be behind ASU's Turchin Art Center. Right now, students walking from King St. to campus have to traverse through asphalt parking lots. Wouldn't it be much better to walk through a park? This space couId also be used as a gathering area after performances at either the Turchin Center or the Valborg Theater. I know there is a street running through this area that connects the new parking deck to Howard St., but this could be incorporated into the park by lining the street with trees.

Usable Green Space

Whenever we are designing new parks and greenspace for the town, we need to make sure that they are not only aesthetic, but also inviting for use. Nothing makes a town more enjoyable than usable greenspace--no matter how big or small the greenspace is.

A Festival Promoting Zero Waste

Remember the Spring Festival during the 1970's at Varsity Gym? This would be similar, but instead we would block off either King St. or Hardin St. (similar to the Kraut Creek Festival--only larger). This event would be open to EVERYONE-including students. Local businesses and craftspeople as well as ASU organizations could set up booths to introduce themselves to the community. The event could possibly be used as a fund raiser for community projects such as the Greenway Trail. A 5K race could start the fest off. Feature a band for entertainment. Food could be served on breadbowls and deposits could be charged on silverware to promote "Zero Waste."   

An Alternative Energy Research Park

Wouldn't that be cool! An Alternative Energy Research Park in Boone. After all, if we can get alternative energy to work here, we can get it to work anywhere! It's time for The Research Triangle to share the wealth. The Park could also provide some high value jobs to the area.