[{"_1":2,"_118":-5,"_119":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,94,106],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6635689,"mediaKeyId","2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08","parentId",2627997,"title","Residents urge Forsyth County to press regulators on Transco pipeline safety and impacts","audioSeconds",816,"startMs",2724000,"endMs",3540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08&start=2724&end=3540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08/thumbnail_2724000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635689/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Residents-urge-Forsyth-County-to-press-regulators-on-Transco-pipeline-safety-and-impacts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635689-bca1eb8e8f553c4c7e9e140c97c4c2b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204119&Signature=iypSXh0944iNa2mYt4DvXdmYcoJ6nF80roNIU6pchvOlGD59SFC-kFqEMMFCtUBOb6XrEikWcq0JlbjdHlJTYJ74sLTlhgXi5-z10CE~8p8NjIULfMciof4uwPIxwuLM~dcPysnVVFnvUOZ~VDHQfhUF8323R1uOaujDteHUK86UOtN3Q85aR7~WxCxxS7WMCsu0Wb5ZGVEmJUzThSF~cC3Cj0VA6Ev39mPFFw6V~nPDA8OZ7FaSu2dz71QILHhZafcWRQzSpXy0cDoJ3-8UniWausgSDoHDJYHjYVnCr6Xt48EXm~9WnM~oUQxO6G8R84~t9mYv58BJmu68kmH3Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forsyth County","date","2025-03-14T13:04:37.727Z","article","A string of residents and advocacy groups used the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners’ March 13 public-comment period to raise safety, environmental and property-rights concerns about the proposed Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) pipeline slated to cross parts of the county.

Why it matters: Speakers said the project would transport large volumes of methane gas through a 42-inch pipeline located adjacent to existing pipelines, compressing risk in specific corridors and creating potential public-safety, environmental and land-use impacts for nearby neighborhoods.

What residents told the board: Jessica Rowe, a resident who said she was able to speak because this meeting was held at 6 p.m., said the county “decided not to put forth a resolution” but urged commissioners to reconsider and request more information. Rowe said the SSEP would move about 1.6 billion cubic feet of methane per day through a 42-inch pipe and that more than 90% of that gas would serve large customers outside the county.

John Calhoun cited concerns about who ultimately pays for the infrastructure (ratepayers), permanent easement impacts on property owners and methane’s contribution to greenhouse-gas emissions. Rosalyn Sloan and two children from Speas Global Elementary School described air-quality and emergency-evacuation concerns for people with asthma near the pipeline corridor. Deborah Dinsky, chair of the local Foothills Sierra Club group, said she could not find local benefits from the pipeline and urged the commission to take a position.

Additional points raised by speakers included:
- Safety history and incident rates for pipeline operator Williams/Transco, including concerns that some incidents are \"direct\" and preventable, according to one speaker.
- Potential impacts if co-located pipelines were affected simultaneously (speakers said federal safety studies typically model single-pipeline failures, not multiple adjacent pipelines).
- Questions about emergency-response costs, cleanup responsibilities and whether county residents could be asked to cover costs via utility bills.

Board response: Commissioners listened but did not adopt a formal resolution at this meeting. Multiple speakers asked the board to reconsider a previously decided stance and to send a message to regulators including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the pipeline operator. The transcript records requests from residents for a county resolution of concern or a request for additional study; no formal county action on the pipeline was recorded on March 13.

Next steps: Speakers urged the county to ask for more safety and environmental analysis and to consider a resolution that would signal to state and federal regulators that additional review is needed before construction proceeds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Meeting - 03_13_25","oneSentenceSummary","Residents and environmental and neighborhood advocates told Forsyth County commissioners March 13 they have safety, environmental and property-rights concerns about the proposed Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project and urged the board to press regulators for more analysis.","taxTitle","Forsyth County, North Carolina","taxId",5013,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635698,"Forsyth County commissioners approve technical zoning fixes, several resolutions; one sale delayed",4486,1514000,6000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08&start=1514&end=6000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08/thumbnail_1514000.jpg","/articles/6635698/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Forsyth-County-commissioners-approve-technical-zoning-fixes-several-resolutions-one-sale-delayed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635698-6fdadaf334d783b2ff83510b47caabe0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204119&Signature=ouldzAt3lONoTspUer6bHiIHCSdcMj1Wof13Jbei-3IpHKoam9omd7eNjCJcfI0z8N0VGNLgMmLg7qPXWH4Tr3Bi7BhonFd~GMHN1-oNAXtgLsaPcTRdP2h7M6MRi71YP1eQxz5ND-AkNAoi4uQz49wHTOlxA7L~dLlz7EcwcFYTg18kbBZbFFmBcrkiOwRr7YQV5N3Pc~7u5HQFc1fRuLPRmgeej~kSC99rIrKiD2zD8MtuCUAuu7Y3X-2i7DhktaicEBCQrSW5~MfSANk3Is6VziXTkXx-LoEACzVIYQPUDHebo7bFZRCTx5j9bI-MC~W9m48lgioqdz~nQ8pDNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forsyth County commissioners on March 13 approved a set of routine resolutions and technical ordinance corrections, accepted a reverted county property and postponed a negotiated sale of county land for two weeks to allow further review.

The board unanimously approved technical corrections to two previously adopted zoning ordinances — one involving the petition of Jerry Stoltz and ITAC 4 84, LLC (case referenced as F-16-38) and the other for Perimeter Point Properties, LLC (case 16-48). Chris Murphy, director of Planning and Development Services, told the board the items are “just technical corrections” to partial-lot descriptions and that no new public hearing was required because the public hearing and votes occurred previously.

Why it matters: The votes correct recorded ordinance language and do not reopen the prior public hearings. County staff said the corrections clarify parcel descriptions and remove inconsistencies that could otherwise create problems for property records and permitting.

Other actions approved without extended debate:
- A resolution recognizing March 2025 as Social Worker Appreciation Month was adopted unanimously. Denise Price, deputy county manager, read the resolution on behalf of the county.
- A resolution authorizing the county to continue an arrangement with the town of Rural Hall for production and sale of street-name signs was approved unanimously.
- A contract amendment with Neelon Labs LLC (doing business as ArcPoint Labs of Winston-Salem) for comprehensive drug screening for Family and Children’s Services was approved; the amendment authorizes up to $62,000 through June 2025.
- The county accepted a fuel-surcharge franchise report and approved meeting minutes from Feb. 27, 2025.

Sale of 3.5-acre parcel delayed: The board received an offer of $3,000,000 from VNC Land Company LLC (Visconti North Carolina Land Company) to purchase a 3.5-acre portion of county property at 5580 Sturmer Park Circle. Developer Jeffrey Deeds presented plans and described the buyer and tenant (Dash In/Dash Inn by the Wills Group). After discussion, Commissioner McDaniel moved to delay consideration until the next regular meeting so Commissioner Linville — who was absent — could comment; the board approved the two-week delay unanimously. County staff said the board currently holds 5% of the offer (about $150,000) and that no binding contract has closed.

Ordinance ordering demolition: The board voted 6-0 on an ordinance ordering removal or demolition of a structure found unfit for human habitation. County staff and the county attorney advised that, because one member of the seven-member board was absent, the ordinance will require a second reading and a second vote in two weeks before taking effect.

Property reversion accepted: The board accepted the reversion of the former Skyland School property at 2050 Big House Gaines Boulevard from Family Services, Inc. County staff said Family Services vacated the property in January 2024 and activated the deed’s reversion provision in August 2024; staff reported the property returned to county ownership in poor condition. Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the deeded reversion. Commissioner McDaniel noted staff briefings that will explore possible uses, including affordable housing, and one commissioner expressed disappointment Family Services did not maintain insurance on the building.

Schedule and planning items: The board received briefings on two Unified Development Ordinance text amendments (UDO CC-28 and UDO CC-29) concerning single-family lot sizes in multifamily districts and aligning historic resources language with North Carolina statutes (160D). Those items were presented as briefings and previously recommended by the planning board; the city council adopted them in January. No final county vote on those text amendments occurred at this meeting.

Next steps: Items requiring additional action — a second reading for the demolition ordinance and the sale of the Sturmer Park parcel — return to the board at its next regular meeting in two weeks.","Forsyth County commissioners on March 13 approved a set of routine resolutions and technical ordinance corrections, accepted a reverted county property and postponed a negotiated sale of county land for two weeks to allow further review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":90,"_53":91,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":92,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":93,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635694,"Citizens press Forsyth County commissioners for evening meetings; board split 3–3 on adding dates","/articles/6635694/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Citizens-press-Forsyth-County-commissioners-for-evening-meetings-board-split-33-on-adding-dates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635694-8172f68e49eb35e6a3c5a8d856a76c68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204119&Signature=iGxu6nfLdsl90S7a03WCvdUdi8L5BvnnSOFLq0KPSt8bOmPCXQmCou6nFktwlA9vPYvlblEWb48DUcicsUg7OkbCqXvwKd4yPue~wpAdYAWs4vdjopcGPsp25onJpru8msCl2Ukzk~79h7lpkUl6fywQoesHUPZw6N-FmGJ480oXb~LMVo2tBZ9l2kz~VQh0~l~rJH5KYtWwrQRwnXnmdrPrHfgXThcnLaRzN6fMPwMFx6Tj1MuA6Z2qzojr59y7WKC4KFKYgBY4O4ZAYlr5Y0uvOm6XHYuIe~yQy4jmWl945CXk0NJ60e9U9ZNaObEvKAFSw2kKEHGJx01yJDJDDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and civic groups called on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on March 13 to hold more meetings in the evening so working people can attend, but the board was evenly split on a specific motion to add five evening meetings.

Why it matters: Several speakers — including neighborhood associations, the Forsyth County Association of Educators and community organizers — told commissioners that the current 2 p.m. meeting schedule prevents teachers, parents, employees and others from attending. They urged the commissioners to move more meetings to 6 p.m. to boost transparency and public input.

What speakers said: Marcy West, representing Camel City United Indivisible, said evening meetings are a common local-government practice and help reach working constituents. \"Public meetings are meant for the public,\" West said. Carolyn Highsmith of the Winston-Salem Neighborhood Alliance said the 2 p.m. change created a barrier for participation and asked the board to start public meetings at 6 p.m. Trevonia Brown Gaither, a member of the Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education, and Kwame Kia Shavers, founder of Pink Vote, also urged evening meetings so more constituents can attend.

Commissioner action: Commissioner Bessie moved to amend the 2025 schedule by shifting the start time of five scheduled meetings — April 24, June 19, Aug. 14, Oct. 9 and Nov. 6 — from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioners McDaniel and Woodbury. The motion resulted in a 3–3 tie and failed.

Board retained current schedule: After the tie, a separate motion to continue the board’s current Monday briefing / Thursday meeting skip-a-week schedule passed 5–1, preserving the 2 p.m. meeting times for most sessions. The board also voted unanimously to retain the bimonthly morning (10 a.m.) discussion sessions.

Why the split: Commissioners and presenters noted trade-offs between in-person attendance and accessibility by streaming, email and phone. Supporters of evening meetings cited research and experience showing higher attendance at night; opponents cited the practicality of staff schedules, existing online access, and the board’s longstanding practice. Chair C. Martin said he reads constituent emails regularly and has used streamed briefings to gather input; Commissioner Bessie said she had previously proposed moving meetings to evenings and asked colleagues to give the change a try.

Next steps: The motion could be revisited at a future meeting; the board said it would consider the issue again when the full seven-member body is present.","Community groups and residents urged the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to move more public meetings to evening hours to increase participation. Commissioners deadlocked 3–3 on a motion to add five 6 p.m. meetings and ultimately kept the current Monday/Thursday schedule by a separate 5–1 vote.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":97,"_43":98,"_45":99,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635680,"Forsyth County accepts former Skyland School property returned by Family Services; staff to explore reuse or sale",43,4555000,4598000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08&start=4555&end=4598","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08/thumbnail_4555000.jpg","/articles/6635680/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Forsyth-County-accepts-former-Skyland-School-property-returned-by-Family-Services-staff-to-explore-reuse-or-sale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635680-7ecc5d57d881073135037d61176a79c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204119&Signature=Mcy00LmJwd2NxS3u5LcdT879uX7FsnlZsG1YqYZRB-Aux~aOp2Lz6c-nvwJxazNEREDkR-4DTA8bb77Qv3CCw0354yrLpWfnRaIkqCwN1nOpTWZyECVUnc6HJlQICiZnt~pA-PiQ~0qLZQDMylupOy47bTvgGJ1PfoFx9f8LALIHDJ7gBioLNRkD9I1I2DS5vuac2iGfhBjv6Ru9bCL0RswtDp0xQVKBlHRHNZkiqwVgIKrXhB~UdNXh5imFKhtYa4jA1EZabSe2AA-RxZr0~gNgJBMTqW0I6WyFjchHCLr6CflPLuaSb~DO0apZTqYy9zvzuaOM~FuwjIxMB1fJMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forsyth County commissioners unanimously accepted the reversion of real property at 2050 Big House Gaines Boulevard on March 13 after Family Services, Inc. informed the county it intended to activate the deed reversion provision.

Background and condition: County staff said Family Services had vacated the property in January 2024 and informed the county in August 2024 of its intent to trigger the reversion clause contained in the 1992 deed. Staff reported the property was returned in poor physical condition. One commissioner said they were disappointed Family Services did not maintain insurance on the building while it occupied the site.

Use and disposition: Commissioners voted to accept the reversion and directed staff to assess the property and pursue disposition options. Commissioner McDaniel noted previous board briefings that discussed the property’s potential use for affordable housing and recommended staff work with the community and potential partners to evaluate feasibility.

Next steps: Staff will evaluate restoration costs and market options and return to the board with recommended disposition strategies, which may include rehabilitation for nonprofit/public use, marketing for sale, or development options aligned with affordable‑housing goals.","The board accepted ownership of the former Skyland School property at 2050 Big House Gaines Boulevard after Family Services, Inc. vacated the site and activated a deed reversion clause. Commissioners noted the property was in poor condition and directed staff to consider disposition options including possible affordable housing.",{"_33":107,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":108,"_41":109,"_43":110,"_45":111,"_47":112,"_49":113,"_51":114,"_53":115,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":116,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":117,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635684,"Commissioners delay vote on $3 million offer for county parcel at Sturmer Park Circle",922,3725000,4647000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08&start=3725&end=4647","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2627997-7cf242296dcb043be233c3a85ccc5d08/thumbnail_3725000.jpg","/articles/6635684/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-delay-vote-on-3-million-offer-for-county-parcel-at-Sturmer-Park-Circle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635684-7566e4e80766ae4bdb901d47c6fb837f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204119&Signature=Kudlc-PehH6reZL2lsGV08uW9c2pEkvYcxBF8wASjJm1vU1pq1VXlNlCM~KFN4esHDhiOqrOTulAp2anqZi98r9Yya57gSXSMoYTwwncRH5MBi6n9hKFz1wmFz-3FCldupG~HTXLOpLNpfH6CgeNpee0edKFhs2jyn~vNUOEHb02-k~zE3sbyPgnwq0kAJT7ri3zdIjEnC9cIN3rnsYQpqmLcsFZrdpllVQn0XH8Y7~CWWmJHambkOJ1RahqzV~rlAsel3NOh5iqL6iEJd8PpE5WEb8~-cbyV1x7gy8PhXEOxZ3noj6PxqAWCYCUB9h~r-8XomndeACO4HRLqCaWjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners on March 13 delayed a vote on a negotiated sale of a 3.5-acre portion of county-owned land at 5580 Sturmer Park Circle after a developer presented the buyer’s concept and financial offer.

Jeffrey Deeds, representing VNC Land Company LLC (Visconti Companies), described the buyer and proposed tenant (Dash In/Dash Inn) and said the offer is $3,000,000. He told the board the buyer would prepare traffic studies and meet with NCDOT on curb cuts; he also said the buyer would work with the county to coordinate landscaping, fencing and other features to mesh with any park or county use for the adjacent remainder parcel.

Why the board delayed: Commissioner McDaniel moved to postpone consideration for two weeks so Commissioner Linville — who was absent — could participate and so staff could continue due diligence. The motion passed unanimously. County staff told the board they currently hold 5% of the offer (about $150,000) and that no binding sale has closed; staff also noted that zoning/permitting decisions rest with the city council because the property lies within the city.

What was discussed: Commissioners asked about traffic, compatibility with a previously considered park use for adjacent land, timeline for due diligence and the buyer’s willingness to work with the county on design elements. The board noted that a formal site plan and traffic analysis will be required as the permitting process proceeds.

Next steps: The matter returns to the board at its next regular meeting; staff will continue negotiations, obtain required studies and brief the full board — including the absent commissioner — prior to any final approval.","A developer representing VNC Land Company LLC presented plans for a convenience-store anchored development and offered $3,000,000 for a 3.5-acre county parcel; the board unanimously voted to delay final action two weeks so an absent commissioner can review the proposal and staff can continue due diligence.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Forsyth County to press regulators on Transco pipeline safety and impacts

Forsyth County commissioners approve technical zoning fixes, several resolutions; one sale delayed

Citizens press Forsyth County commissioners for evening meetings; board split 3–3 on adding dates

Forsyth County accepts former Skyland School property returned by Family Services; staff to explore reuse or sale

Commissioners delay vote on $3 million offer for county parcel at Sturmer Park Circle