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05/13/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop
Biltmore House Bill 236 – Biltmore Lake Annexation Repeal passed the House Finance Committee and will be heard on the House Floor Monday evening March 28, 2011! Here is the text of H236 http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H236v0.pdf It will be most supportive and helpful to our Representative, Tim Moffitt, who has been pushing this issue on our behalf to weigh in on this matter with members of the House. Below is a draft of a note you may wish to use as a guideline that addresses the main point. You may, however, want to use your own comments to make it more personal. "Dear Representative,
I note that H236, the Repeal of Forced Annexation of
This,
along with other annexation reform legislation, is long overdue. Voters
across our state have been patiently waiting for reforms of NC statutes
regarding annexation. A soon to be introduced Annexation Reform Bill
will hopefully address the many inadequacies of the present law.
Nonetheless, in the interim, repealing the aggressive overreach of
Please
support H236 - I thank you for your service to our state, and remain respectfully,
For contact information for House Representatives, go to the NC General
Assembly site,
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ link
to House Information, then Contact Information, then House Member
Reports. Here you have two options - a list with each member and their
e-mail address, or you can use a bulk mail link
houseE-mail@ncleg.net which sends
a mass e-mailing. Nonetheless, we understand the best way to be read
and heard is to use the Representatives individual e-mail address.
Please take a few minutes to THANK Rep. Moffitt for his leadership in
this effort. His email address and phone number is provided here for
your ease in contacting him.
Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net 919-715-3012
03/26/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop Biltmore Lake Annexation Update Apparently some senators in the NC Senate are getting "cold feet" pertaining to the local bills on forced annexation. (For example -- as in our case -- the local bills Tim Moffitt has sponsored: a) to repeal the forced annexation of Biltmore Lake Community and 2) a moratorium on forced annexation in Buncombe County.) They are called "local bills" because they pertain to a specific locality. There are several other local bills that would protect other local areas across North Carolina who also face an aggressive municipality. The gist of the message contained below is that we need to urge the Senators to "put the local bills on the calendar in regular committees for passage." Also, we are being asked to find out if the senator supports the local bills or not, and report that information back. Please take some time to make some phone calls or write some letters to the senators listed below. Most effective ways to contact legislators: 1) personal scheduled visit, 2) letter via regular mail, 3) phone call, 4) email. Let's let Raleigh hear another round of voices from the mountains! Thank you SO much! It has been pointed out this newsletter, at first distribution, did not specifically state the urgent action needed. While we mention below there is an acceptable plan for S27 (Moratorium) in the House, the Senate needs to be urged to consider the LOCAL bills in order that those communities under the gun right now are protected. Please urge the Senate to put the bills on the calendar in regular committees for passage. Ask the Senator if he/she supports the local bills and report that information back to us please.
hings are happening every day at the General Assembly in Raleigh. The House has placed SB 27, the “Moratorium” bill, in the House Rules Committee, which for years has been a graveyard where bills go to die. On the Senate side, word is that there is no enthusiasm on the part of the Republican majority for the recently received House local bills. Last night, Tony Tetterton, FAC Vice President, attended a dinner in Nash County where Speaker of the House Thom Tillis addressed the gathering. The Speaker clarified the plan for SB 27, which is to hold it in Rules until April 1 and if the League of Municipalities has not “signed on” to the reform bill by that date, SB 27 would pass the House in rapid fashion. The intent obviously is to not have to worry about a veto proof majority for the reform bill. The Speaker is very aware of the situation of those communities currently undergoing annexation, and this is why their local bills are moving through the House. But the bills apparently face an uphill battle in the Senate. For years now we have been sending out newsletters. Many of you have acted when asked. Some have not but NOW is the time for all of us to pick up the phones, get on the computer to write our Senators, or better yet, see them in person. Please do SOMETHING. The new Senate majority must hear from us. The Senate decision to act will likely be made behind the scenes during normal Senate Republican caucus meetings. Call, write and visit BEFORE that meeting. Use what follows as your guide: (If calling or visiting, please remember the legislatures week is Monday through Thursday lunch.) · The Senate is sitting on House passed local bills that would bring relief to victims of abusive cities. o “Local bills” are important because they do NOT have to be signed by the Governor. · Here are the excuses we've heard: o If we approve one, where will it stop? (This is the one thing that scares the Senators the most) We ask, is there really a time limit on justice and doesn't this sound like they are willing to turn a blind eye to an injustice? o It would be "meddling" in local affairs. We say: Didn't the General Assembly give the cities the power to annex in the first place? Didn't they abuse it? (Unequivocally, YES) o Let the courts decide. This is almost laughable; the citizens go into court with a gagged mouth and the judges are required to wear blinders. A NC Supreme Court Justice even said “…there is no room for judicial construction” and “Plaintiffs’ remedy lies with the General Assembly.” In other words, only the General Assembly can help us. · The powerful lobbying arm of the League of Municipalities has thwarted annexation reform for too long and continues to be defiant, continuing to pretend to respond to citizens’ “legitimate concerns” with their 20 “changes.” Why is the League now given consideration when it wants to play by outdated rules and remains inflexible? · Victims of forced annexation have had NO local representation; we cannot vote for city officials that would impose their laws, previous debt, and taxes on us. This is why we have sought relief from the General Assembly · The current legislature gained power by an overwhelming concern of citizens worried about government running amok. Forcedannexation in North Carolina is running amok. It is time for THIS legislature to fix this. For a printer friendly version of this information download the PDF HERE Below is a list of the decision makers to copy/paste in your email "To:" column: "Senator Andrew Brock" <Andrewb@ncleg.net> , "Senator Austin Allran" <Austina@ncleg.net> , "Senator Bill Rabon" <Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net> , "Senator Bob Rucho" <Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net> , "Senator Brent Jackson" <Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net> , "Senator Buck Newton" <Buck.Newton@ncleg.net> , "Senator Dan Soucek" <Dan.Soucek@ncleg.net> , "Senator David Rouzer" <David.Rouzer@ncleg.net> , "Senator Debbie Clary" <Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net> , "Senator Don East" <Done@ncleg.net> , "Senator Fletcher Hartsell" <Fletcherh@ncleg.net> , "Senator Harris Blake" <Harrisb@ncleg.net> , "Senator Harry Brown" <Harryb@ncleg.net> , "Senator Jean Preston" <Jeanp@ncleg.net> , "Senator Jerry Tillman" <Jerryt@ncleg.net> , "Senator Jim Davis" <Jim.Davis@ncleg.net> , "Senator Jim Forrester" <Jamesf@ncleg.net> , "Senator Kathy Harrington" <Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net> , "Senator Louis Pate" <Louis.Pate@ncleg.net> , "Senator Neal Hunt" <Nealh@ncleg.net> , "Senator Pete Brunstetter" <Peterb@ncleg.net> , "Senator Phil Berger" <Philbe@ncleg.net> , "Senator Ralph Hise" <Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net> , "Senator Richard Stevens" <Richards@ncleg.net> , "Senator Rick Gunn" <Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net> , "Senator Stan Bingham" <Stanb@ncleg.net> , "Senator Thom Goolsby" <Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net> , "Senator Tom Apodaca" <Toma@ncleg.net> , "Senator Tommy Tucker" <Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net> , "Senator Warren Daniel" <Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net> , "Senator Wesley Meredith" Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net, We have to put the pressure on them, Doug Aitken Fair Annexation Coalition
3/16/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop
Biltmore A little news: Today Rep. Tim Moffitt filed House Bill 236 - Biltmore Lake Annexation Repealed. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H236v0.pdf
This bill is similar to H5 Kinston Annexation Repealed and H37 Lexington
Annexation Repealed bills that passed the House yesterday and will be
sent to the Senate. Providing they pass the Senate, these two bills
will become law without Governor Perdue's signature. BTW, both local
Buncombe Reps. Keever and Fisher voted NO to
the
H236 presumably
will experience opposition from
In other annexation news, Senate
Bill 27 - Involuntary Annexation Moratorium passed
the Senate yesterday on a 38-11 vote. Both local Senators Apodaca and
Nesbitt voted YES.
This bill is on its way to the House now. It would be a nice gesture to
send a Thank You note to
Rep. Moffitt as well as Senators Apodaca and Nesbitt.
Rep Tim Moffitt -- Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net
Senator Tom Apodaca – Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net Senator Martin Nesbitt -- Martin.Nesbitt@ncleg.net
For more important additional information regarding annexation activity,
please read the FAC update reproduced below.
*************************************************************
There has been some rapid movement in both the
Senate and the House on various annexation bills.
We need to really work hard to keep the momentum going.
First the Senate:
There has been good movement on SB 27, the Moratorium Bill. I expect it
to be voted upon on the floor on Thursday and moved to the House side
very soon.
You should be aware that the position the NCLM has taken is to forego
the Moratorium Bill and move directly to the Annexation Reform bill. It
is obvious the League wants to rush through a reform bill to keep any
changes to a minimum. They have touted their "Twenty Points", which
really should be called "Twenty Tweaks."
It is obvious the General Assembly needs to pass the Moratorium Bill as
soon as possible, so work can continue on the Annexation Reform bill --
a bill which would encompass realreform,
and which would not allow the decades of abuse to continue.
Second the House:
So, I am asking that you write,
call, visit, and e-mail Speaker
of the House Thom Tillis to let him know your feelings about the
Moratorium Bill. Be sure to thank him for his support of the various
local bills he has allowed be heard, but stress
the importance of quick action on the Moratorium BIll.
Here is his contact information:
Representative Thom Tillis
Speaker of the House
16
Phone: 919-733-3451 Email: Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net
Numerous local bills are in various stages of activity in the House. "HB
5 Kinston Annexation Repealed," and "HB 37 Lexington Annexations
Repealed" have both passed their third reading and are on their way to
the Senate this week. "HB 56, Rocky Mount Annexations Repealed," "HB 180
Wilmington Annexation Suspension," "HB196 for Goldsboro Deannexation,"
are in line to be heard in the House Government Committee. In addition,
Rep William Brisson will introduce a local bill in a day or so to throw
out
Here is a potential problem: I have heard that some Senators are
not "hot" on these local bills. The words I have heard are "We
should not be meddling in municipality business."
First, the General Assembly is the body that incorporates each city.
Second, the General Assembly has delegated the authority to annex to the
city, but has always retained the right to annex or de-annex. Ultimate
responsibility for annexation rests with the General Assembly. One
only has to look at the number of "local" bills introduced each year to
shoot large holes in the theory that the General Assembly is "meddling"
in the city's business.
And, why the bills to stop ongoing annexations, or in
The answer is simple really: Justice.
Or, if you prefer, Equity.
There has been neither justice nor equity for the annexed citizen under
the current law.
If you think there has been justice, please show me where. In the
courts? Nope. The courts are limited to reviewing three procedural items
only. The courts have demonstrated to we citizens time and again that
their hands are tied, and have told us, if we want justice, then our
avenue should be with the legislature.
And as far as the plight of those cities who "have done it right and in
good faith," well, I am sorry about that. My concern is with the citizen
who has "done it right and in good faith" and who has gotten screwed
every time.
To those elected officials who are concerned with all the above, my
final thought is that the Constitution of the State of North Carolina,
Article One (Bill of Rights) Section Two, says,"All political
power is vested in and derived from the people; all government of right
originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is
instituted solely for the good of the whole."
I see nothing in this Article about "all power resting in the cities",
nor "any government of right originating with the cities."
Let all fifty Senators know they have a chance to, for once, provide
justice to the people of
Sincerely
Doug Aitken
If you wish to send a generic email to all the Senators at once, you can
copy paste this into your "To:" line...
"Sen Andrew Brock" <Andrewb@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Austin Allran" <Austina@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Bill Purcell" <Williamp@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Bill Rabon" <Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Bob Atwater" <Boba@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Bob Rucho" <Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Brent Jackson" <Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Buck Newton" <Buck.Newton@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Charlie Dannelly" <Charlied@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Clark Jenkins" <Clarkj@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Dan Blue" <Dan.Blue@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Dan Clodfelter" <Danielc@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Dan Soucek" <Dan.Soucek@ncleg.net>,
"Sen David Rouzer" <David.Rouzer@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Debbie Clary" <Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Don East" <Done@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Don Vaughan" <Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Doug Berger" <Doug.Berger@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Ed Jones" <Edwardj@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Ellie Kinnaird" <Ellie.Kinnaird@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Eric Mansfield" <Eric.Mansfield@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Fletch Hartsell" <Fletcherh@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Floyd McKissick" <Floydm@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Gladys Robinson" <Gladys.Robinson@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Harris Blake" <Harrisb@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Harry Brown" <Harryb@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Jean Preston" <Jeanp@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Jerry Tillman" <Jerryt@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Jim Davis" <Jim.Davis@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Jim Forrester" <Jamesf@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Josh Stein" <Josh.Stein@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Kathy Harrington" <Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Linda Garrou" <lindag@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Louis Pate" <Louis.Pate@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Malcolm Graham" <Malcolmg@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Martin Nesbitt" <Martinn@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Michael Walters" <Michael.Walters@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Neal Hunt" <Nealh@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Pete Brunstetter" <Peterb@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Phil Berger" <Philbe@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Ralph Hise" <Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Richard Stevens" <Richards@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Rick Gunn" <Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Stan Bingham" <Stanb@ncleg.net>,
"Senator Stan White" <Stan.White@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Thom Goolsby" <Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Tom Apodaca" <Toma@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Tommy Tucker" <Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net>,
"Lt. Gov Walter Dalton" <Walter.Dalton@nc.gov>,
"Sen Warren Daniel" <Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net>,
"Sen Wesley Meredith" <Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net>,
************************************************************************
03/03/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop
Please check your local TV news broadcast on WLOS (Channel 13) tonight, March 3, 2011 at 11:00 p.m. for an important new update on Biltmore Lake Annexation.
3/3/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop
Biltmore Lake Annexation Update
Very Important! Here's the latest news about Senate Bill 27 - Involuntary Annexation Moratorium Bill. Please help by sending your emails to these senators. Ask them to act on this bill now and to pass SB 27 without change.
Senate Bill 27, Annexation Reform, has been sent to Finance for consideration. It is not on this Committee's Tuesday calendar, but it may be there on Wednesday.
When it was voted out of the Senate State and Local Government Committee last week to the Finance Committee, two League of Municipality lobbyists were seen giving each other "thumbs up" signals.
One of the Co-Chairs of the Finance Committee is Senator Fletcher Hartsell (R) who, though a co-sponsor of this bill, made a comment in the State and Local Government Committee to the effect that those cities currently undergoing annexations should be excluded from this moratorium.
Senator Harris Blake (R), agreed with the thrust of Senator Hartsell's comment. We need to ensure that these Senators know how strongly we feel about this bill moving to the Senate floor for a vote. Perhaps I am putting two and two together and getting five, but this concerns me.
Please write to each member of the Senate Finance Committee at the e-mail addresses listed below and urge them to:
1. Take up Senate Bill 27 now.
2. Pass it without change.
Please remain polite in your correspondence. You can be firm but remain polite in getting your ideas across. Thank them for their support for REAL annexation reform.
All three primary sponsors of this bill are on this Senate Finance Committee+: Senators Brock, Goolsby, and Newton
The email address of co-sponsors of this bill are found below in bold**
Below is the entire list of this Committee for your info and use.
**Co-Chairman: Sen. Fletcher L. Hartesll (Rep): Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net
**Co Chairman: Sen. Bob Rucho (Rep.): Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net
**Vice-Chairman: Sen. Tom Apodaca (R): Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net
**Vice-Chairman: Sen. Kathy Harrington (R): Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net
**Vice-Chairman: Sen. Bill Rabon (R): Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net
Members:
Sen. Harris Blakem (R): Harris.Blake@ncleg.net
+Sen. Andrew Brock (R): Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net
**Sen. Harry Brown (R): Harry.Brown@ncleg.net
Sen. Peter S. Brunstetter (R): Peter.Brunstetter@ncleg.net
Sen. Debbie A. Clary (R): Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net
Sen. Daniel G. Clodffeler (D): Daniel.Clodfelter@ncleg.net
Sen. Charlie S. Dannelly (D): Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net
**Sen. Warren Daniel (R): Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net
Sen. James Forrester (R): James.Forrester@ncleg.net
Sen. Linda Garrou (D): James.Forrester@ncleg.net
+Sen. Thom Goolsby (R): Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net
Sen. Neal Hunt (R): Neal.Hunt@ncleg.net
Sen. Clark Jenkins (D): Clark.Jenkins@ncleg.net
Sen. Eleanor Kinnaird (D): Ellie.Kinnaird@ncleg.net
Sen. Floyd B. McKissick Jr. (D): Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net
**Sen. Wesley Meredith (R): Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net
Sen. Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. (D): Martin.Nesbitt@ncleg.net
+Sen. E.S. (Buck) Newton (R): Buck.Newton@ncleg.net
Sen. William R. Purcell (D): William.Purcell@ncleg.net
Sen. David Rouzer (R): David.Rouzer@ncleg.net
Sen. Josh Stein (D): Josh.Stein@ncleg.net
Sen. Richard Stevens (R): Richard.Stevens@ncleg.net
**Sen. Jerry W. Tillman (R): Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net
Sen. Michael P. Walters (D): Michael.Walters@ncleg.net
Sen. Stan White (D): Stan.white@ncleg.net
Sen. Austin M. Allran (R): Austin.Allran@ncleg.net
Sen. Bob Atwater (D): Bob.Atwater@ncleg.net We must keep the momentum. I can assure you that the League lobbyists are there every day, pounding on the legislature, urging them to see things the League's way.
Sincerely,
Doug Aitken
Fair Annexation Coalition
If you would prefer to send a generic email to all members of the Finance Committee you can copy/paste this into your "To" line: "Senator Andrew Brock" <Andrewb@ncleg.net>, "Senator Austin Allran" <Austina@ncleg.net>, "Senator Bill Purcell" <Williamp@ncleg.net>, "Senator Bill Rabon" <Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net>, "Senator Bob Atwater" <Boba@ncleg.net>, "Senator Bob Rucho" <Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net>, "Senator Buck Newton" <Buck.Newton@ncleg.net>, "Senator Charlie Dannelly" <Charlied@ncleg.net>, "Senator Clark Jenkins" <Clarkj@ncleg.net>, "Senator Dan Clodfelter" <Danielc@ncleg.net>, "Senator David Rouzer" <David.Rouzer@ncleg.net>, "Senator Debbie Clary" <Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net>, "Senator Ellie Kinnaird" <Ellie.Kinnaird@ncleg.net>, "Senator Fletch Hartsell" <Fletcherh@ncleg.net>, "Senator Floyd McKissick" <Floydm@ncleg.net>, "Senator Harris Blake" <Harrisb@ncleg.net>, "Senator Harry Brown" <Harryb@ncleg.net>, "Senator Jerry Tillman" <Jerryt@ncleg.net>, "Senator Jim Forrester" <Jamesf@ncleg.net>, "Senator Josh Stein" <Josh.Stein@ncleg.net>, "Senator Kathy Harrington" <Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net>, "Senator Martin Nesbitt" <Martinn@ncleg.net>, "Senator Neal Hunt" <Nealh@ncleg.net>, "Senator Pete Brunstetter" <Peterb@ncleg.net>, "Senator Richard Stevens" <Richards@ncleg.net>, "Senator Stan White" <Stan.White@ncleg.net>, "Senator Thom Goolsby" <Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net>, "Senator Tom Apodaca" <Toma@ncleg.net>, "Senator Michael Walters" <Michael.Walters@ncleg.net>, "Senator Warren Daniel" <Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net>, "Senator Wesley Meredith" <Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net>
02/20/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter
Buehler (Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack,
Carol Keleher, Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an
organization of residents whose primary mission is to stop Asheville
in its attempt to forcibly annex Biltmore Lake. To join our legal
fight, please send a check for $200 payable to BLCAC, c/o Dieter
Buehler, Treasurer, 93 Mountain Drive, Biltmore Lake, NC 28715.
For more information, visit
www.stopasheville.com. Contact us at
blcac@stopasheville.com.
Biltmore No action occurred Wed or Thurs 2/16-17/2011 regarding Senate Bill 27 - Involuntary Annexation Moratorium. Schedules were adjusted to allow different work and to attend Governor Perdue’s budget presentation. It is projected further activity on the annexation moratorium will happen this coming week. That gives all who didn’t have the time to email the Finance Committee Senators this week additional opportunity to do so before they vote on Senate Bill 27 – Involuntary Annexation Moratorium next week. See links for the Finance Committee Senators below: Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net, Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net, Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net, Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net, Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net, Harris.Blake@ncleg.net, Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net,Harry.Brown@ncleg.net, Peter.Brunstetter@ncleg.net, Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net, Daniel.Clodfelter@ncleg.net, Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net, Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net,James.Forrester@ncleg.net, Linda.Garrou@ncleg.net, Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net, Neal.Hunt@ncleg.net, Clark.Jenkins@ncleg.net, Ellie.Kinnaird@ncleg.net, Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net,Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net, Martin.Nesbitt@ncleg.net, Buck.Newton@ncleg.net, William.Purcell@ncleg.net, David.Rouzer@ncleg.net, Josh.Stein@ncleg.net,Richard.Stevens@ncleg.net, Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net, Michael.Walters@ncleg.net, Stan.white@ncleg.net, Austin.Allran@ncleg.net, Bob.Atwater@ncleg.net, When the date for the Finance Committee to hear SB 27 becomes available, we’ll notify you via another BLCAC Update. Thank you for your strong efforts to help bring about positive annexation reform.
On Tuesday, the
The room was packed with Red Shirts, and two of them made short,
eloquent statements. Kent Dozier, already annexed against his will by
Then Tony Tetterton, FAC Vice President, shared with the Senators the
comparative research he has done between Thanks to everyone who made it to this fairly short meeting. I know many Red Shirts have emailed me expressing their regret that their schedules were already set -- not to worry, as there will be many more opportunities, believe me. We will do our best to keep you posted on the progress of the various bills in the House and Senate. After Governor Perdue's State of the State speech on Monday, the Republicans gave their response. Here is what Senator Berger, President Pro Tem, said about annexation: "To help you protect your property rights, we will pass a moratorium on forced annexations."(Video)
The press has been full of annexation stories lately -- Other organizations around the state have been very involved in the push for Annexation Reform: The John Locke Foundation, FreedomWorks, and Americans For Prosperity were all at the Senate Committee meeting yesterday.
Here is a great story from the http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=7406 Thanks to Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, and the John Locke Society for their support of annexation reform! Sincerely,
Doug Aitken ********************************
02/18/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore
You helped by sending
emails to the members of the State & Local Government
Committee - now would be an excellent time to do
the same for the members of the Finance Committee. Same
message; thanks for what you are doing for citizens of NC and please vote
YES on SB
27 – Involuntary Annexation Moratorium.
Go to -- http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ -
Follow this chain: - Tool Bar ( Committees ), Senate Standing Committees
– Finance
Finance Committee Members
02/15/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop
Biltmore
Senate Bill 27 - Annexation Moratorium – vote
will be called this week.
*** The State
and Local Government Committee discussed
the Bill last week but did not vote on it. This
Committee will be meeting this Tuesday,
February 15th, @ 12 noon in Room 1124, If you can, take time to attend this meeting to show citizen support. Your presence will be very helpful to counter the lobbying of the League of Municipalities. The passage of this bill will be a ‘bell-ringer’ for annexation reform.
If it's not possible go to Follow the links to get a listing of each member of the committee. It is easy to copy/paste your message to every individual Senator. · http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ -- type this into your browser to open the Home Page of the North Carolina General Assembly. · Click on COMMITTEES in the tool bar - · Click on Senate Standing Committees - · Click on State and Local Government (near the bottom of the list) - · Here you can click on individual Senator names.
When you click on a Senator's name, this will open the
pre-addressed, email message template where you will write and
send your personalized message. 17 Senators to whom you will
send your email. It’s not difficult.
Send that email even if you plan to travel to
02/14/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol
Keleher, Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an
organization of residents whose primary mission is to stop
Biltmore
Ok, folks, if you need more reason to go to Raleigh on Feb 02, 2011 to show support for annexation reform, here it is: An Act to Adopt a Moratorium on Involuntary Annexation http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H9v0.pdf.
Call a friend, ask a neighbor, or enjoy some quiet time during
your drive to
Ladies and gentlemen, legislators need your support! It is
clearly time for all of us to get off the backsides to help get
the law changed. This moratorium bill, if passed, will give
House Representatives and Senators time to work through
the often messy legislative process. 50 years is a long time
for anything but overhaul of an out-dated law that continues
to affect countless lives throughout
No doubt the North Carolina League of Municipalities will be
weighing in on this situation. The League's office is two
blocks away from the Legislative Office Building and their
horde-of-lobbyists will be "button-holing" every House
Representative and Senator providing ream after ream of
"evidence" why changing the annexation law will cause
irreparable harm to North Carolina. Never mind the fact
Here's the info you need to contact government officials: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/
President Pro Temp Senator Phil Berger
2008
16
House Speaker Rep. Thom Tillis
2304
16 W. Jones Street, Room 2304
919-733-3451
Senator Tom Apodaca
2010
16
919-733-5745
Senator Martin Nesbitt
1129
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1129
919-715-3001
Representative Susan Fisher
504 Legislative Office Building
919-715-2013
Representative Tim Moffitt
1025
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1025 919-715-3012
Representative Patsy Keever
1317
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1317
919-733-5746
Gov. Beverly Perdue
Constituent Services Office
800-662-73-952
919-733-2391
When you call or email, thank them for their service and ask
them to support annexation reform including passing the
Involuntary Annexation Moratorium.
For those traveling to
Got questions? Contact
us by replying to this email. No
questions, great. Send
your emails and make your calls! It’s
up to you to help get annexation reform passed.
Reproduced below is the text of House Bill 9 – the moratorium
bill.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
SESSION 2011
H D
HOUSE DRH11003-ST-8 (11/17)
Short Title: Involuntary Annexation Moratorium. (Public)
Sponsors: Representatives Dollar, LaRoque, L. Brown, and R.
Brown (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to:
*DRH11003-ST-8*
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT TO ADOPT A MORATORIUM ON INVOLUNTARY ANNEXATIONS.
3 The General Assembly of
4 SECTION 1. No
resolution of consideration, resolution of intent, or annexation
5 ordinance may be adopted under Part 2 or 3 of Article 4A of
Chapter 160A of the General
6 Statutes from the date this act becomes law until July 1,
2012. If any annexation proceeding has
7 been initiated under those Parts prior to the date this act
becomes effective but the annexation
8 ordinance has not yet been adopted, any provision of law
requiring any action or notice by the
9 municipality or any person within a certain period of time is
tolled during the suspension of
10 authority provided by this section. Nothing in this section
shall prohibit municipalities from
11 developing policies, planning, collecting data, or developing
materials with respect to potential
12 future annexations under Part 2 or 3 of Article 4A of Chapter
160A of the General Statutes.
13 SECTION 2. An
annexation ordinance adopted under Part 2 or 3 of Article 4A of
14 Chapter 160A of the General Statutes that has an effective
date on or after the day this act
15 becomes law shall not become effective until July 1, 2012,
unless the municipality by
16 ordinance adopts a new effective date later than July 1,
2012, for the annexation ordinance. An
17 annexation ordinance that was adopted under Part 2 or 3 of
Article 4A of Chapter 160A of the
18 General Statutes prior to the effective date of this act and
is the subject of litigation in any court
19 on the effective date of this act shall not become effective
until after July 1, 2012, unless the
20 municipality by ordinance adopts a new effective date later
than July 1, 2012, for the
21 annexation ordinance.
22 SECTION 3. Any
litigation pending in any court of this State shall be stayed
upon
23 enactment.
24 SECTION 4. If
any municipality has adopted its budget ordinance for the
25 2010-2011 fiscal year prior to the date this act becomes
effective and the total amount of
26 assessed valuation estimated in that budget ordinance has
been reduced because of this act, the
27 municipality may amend the budget ordinance to account for
this act including establishment of
28 a different tax rate.
29 SECTION 5. If
any provision of this act or its application is held invalid,
the
30 invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications
of this act that can be given effect
31 without the invalid provisions or application, and to this
end the provisions of this act are
32 severable.
33 SECTION 6. This
act is effective when it becomes law and expires on June 30,
34 2012.
01/29/2011
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an
organization of residents whose primary mission is to stop
Biltmore
Annexation reform is required to level-the-playing-field so everyone has
a say in the matter and ‘it’ will be coming to-a-head during this
legislative session.
The BLCAC Steering Group has been telling you about the show-down a
‘brewing and now we need your help. In addition to emails, letters and
calls to our local representatives, we absolutely need residents
to set aside their daily plans and go en mass to
One should plan to arrive mid-morning (10:00 AM), perhaps visit with
local representatives, have lunch in the cafeteria, observe floor
proceeding from the gallery and expect to depart mid to late
afternoon. And, of
course, wear RED. A
few hundred red
shirts really
stand out among all the blue business suits.
Why all the show and glow? Because,
the
WEDNESDAY, FEB 02, 2011 – RED SHIRTS in
If you have interest in car-pooling, please reply to this BLCAC
update and we will attempt to connect interested individuals.
*************************************************************
For your review, we offer the recent bulletin from the Fair
Annexation Coalition [FAC].
The number one reason for this message is to pre-alert you to a
scheduled Red Shirt visitation day at the General Assembly on
Wednesday Feb 2, 2011.
The idea is that our new Legislature will have had one week under
their belts and the anticipated Moratorium Bill will have been
filed. (By the way, I have been advised this bill will include
annexations not yet finalized -- i.e. still in the courts -- as well
as put a hold on any future annexations while the current law gets
revised.)
Look for more specifics on this Red Shirt visit to follow as we get
closer. For now, please mark your calendars for WEDNESDAY,
FEB 2, 2011.
We plan on visiting both the House and the Senate members. I will
have some simple handouts for you to use if you desire. Plan on a
mid morning arrival and visits, lunch in the cafeteria (in your red
shirts of course), and then up in the galleries when the session
starts. We don't have a specific session start time as yet, but it
will almost certainly be in the afternoon.
We have come too far not to press ahead and change this abusive law.
Please plan to join us on Wednesday,
Feb 2, 2011in
Again, more details will be coming.
Other annexation news:
1. NCLM Reporting:
The NCLM took great glee in reproducing on their website a DISPATCH
article concerning the NC Court of Appeals ruling on the
Annexation ruling is a gut-punch to opponents
The lead horse coming up lame down the backstretch. A 20-knot wind
disappearing during the middle of a regatta. A six-run lead in the
ninth-inning being compromised with a closer’s shaky curve.
That’s how opponents of the City of
After more than a year of anticipation, the appellate court finally
dealt the nearly fatal blow to the Citizens United Against Forced
Annexation. Although the group can still appeal the court of
appeals’ ruling to the N.C. Supreme Court, the state’s highest bench
isn’t forced to hear the case and only chooses to hear a fraction of
the cases that aren’t unanimous decisions. The opponents have 35
days to make a decision on whether to seek the state’s highest court
for a final decision.
Let's just wait and see how much glee there will be in the League
Headquarters next year at this time.
2. Senator Berger's
comments: Here is
a good article on what Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tem of the
Senate, has to say about annexation reform:
3.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/01/18/article/greensboro_may_annex_new_land
4. Another case on
Appeal: Annexation
opponents across the state are flooding the court system with
annexation cases.
Do you recall my mentioning that it will be 2024 before some
neighborhoods in Fayetteville
Read about it here:
5.
Here is the link (happy reading): http://www.aarp.org/work/retirement-planning/info-09-2010/10-worst-rated-states-for-retirement.html
Again, please mark your calendars for Wednesday
Feb 2, 2011.
See you in
Sincerely,
Doug Aitken
Fair Annexation Coalition
********************************************************************
01/22/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol
Keleher, Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization
of residents whose primary mission is to stop
BILTMORE LAKE ANNEXATION UPDATE Tim Moffitt, our newly-elected representative in
the North Carolina House, has invited his supporters to his swearing-in
ceremony this Saturday. As you may know, he is a strong proponent of
annexation reform, including a moratorium on all annexations including
those in the court system. All the details of the ceremony are included
in the press release shown below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 5, 2011
Representative-Elect Tim Moffitt To Be Sworn in January 8, 2011
Representative-Elect Tim Moffitt (R-Buncombe) will be sworn in by North
Carolina Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday
January 8, 2011 at the Buncombe County Courthouse in the Superior
Courtroom on the 5th Floor.
Representative-Elect Moffitt said, “It is an honor and a privilege to
represent the residents of Buncombe County in Raleigh. Our State is
facing unprecedented challenges and will require strong and decisive
leadership. I look forward to helping chart a new direction for our
State, resolving the challenges we face today and creating immediate and
long lasting opportunities for tomorrow.”
Please join him for the ceremony at the Buncombe County Courthouse at
6:30 p.m. on January 8, 2011. Parking is located in the parking garage
across from the Courthouse. Please begin arriving around 6:00 pm.
For more information on Representative-Elect Moffitt’s Swearing-In
Ceremony, please contact him at (828) 651-8550.
1/6/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop Asheville in its attempt to
forcibly annex Biltmore Lake. To join our legal fight, please send a
check for $200 payable to BLCAC, c/o Dieter Buehler, Treasurer, 93
Mountain Drive, Biltmore Lake, NC 28715. For more information, visit www.stopasheville.com. Contact
us at blcac@stopasheville.com.
BILTMORE LAKE ANNEXATION UPDATE
As we enter 2011, the steering committee felt it timely to update you on
our case and other related events. Regarding our lawsuit against Asheville, our attorney has been pulling together all the necessary material and exhibits for the record of appeal and filing same with the clerk of the Court of Appeals. After 60 days (early March) we should learn when our case will be on their calendar.
The Fair Annexation Coalition (FAC) group has been developing a strategy
regarding annexation reform to bring to the new legislature in Raleigh.
Since the recent election, we find that we have more receptive and
sympathetic ears in the new assembly. While this is a most welcome turn
of events, it would be unrealistic to expect that everything on our
agenda will be easy to enact. Rest assured that the opposition (League
of Municipalities) is working overtime to ingratiate themselves with the
new leadership and players in Raleigh. It would be naïve to think that
all necessary reforms are a slam dunk, but our prospects to make headway
look more promising than they have in decades.
The end of 2010 brought our treasury additional and unsolicited funds
from residents. We would like to think that as some of you were writing
checks for your real estate taxes at year end, you were reminded of the
significant savings you have enjoyed the past four plus years due to our
efforts. We thank those of you that have stepped up in this fashion,
and if any others feel so motivated by this example, our treasury is
always open for contributions. It will make our job that much easier
down the road when we need to raise additional funds to see this through
the final stages of the appeal process.
We anticipate a number of annexation reform bills will be introduced
during the first few weeks of this legislative session. How long it may
take to get anything passed and what it will look like is anyone’s
guess, but we will keep you advised as matters progress on all fronts.
Finally, feel free to contact our representative, senator, and the
leadership in Raleigh on the need to take advantage of this opportunity
to bring about long overdue reform to the annexation statutes.
1/5/2011
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop Asheville in
its attempt to forcibly annex Biltmore Lake.
To join our legal fight, please send a check for $200 payable to BLCAC,
c/o Dieter Buehler, Treasurer, 93
Mountain Drive, Biltmore
Lake, NC 28715.
For more information, visit www.stopasheville.com. Contact
us at blcac@stopasheville.com.
Biltmore Lake Annexation Update
What happened -- what to expect:
It’s encouraging to see the realignment of the NC representatives supportive of annexation reform and important to recognize the great-distance the citizens of North Carolina have come as we get closer to actual reform. However, it is important to also realize the North Carolina League of Municipalities will again engage an all-out campaign to block annexation reform. The League gains additional financial support via increased membership fees as municipalities grow through forced annexation. Accordingly, the League encourages cities to expand their land area and population via forced annexation. The League employs lobbyists whose job it is to pressure legislators to vote against annexation reform. Grass-root citizen actions have already made a big difference combating the League’s efforts. Continued action will help change a bad law. Sending emails, letters, or phone calls to NC representatives is important. Your help is critical. We’ll call upon you when that help is most appropriate and we’ll keep you informed regarding the timing for that action. Thank you for your continued support. It doesn’t get done without you. 12/07/2010 BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler (Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher, Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop Asheville in its attempt to
forcibly annex Biltmore Lake. To join our legal fight, please send a
check for $200 payable to BLCAC, c/o Dieter Buehler, Treasurer, 93
Mountain Drive, Biltmore Lake, NC 28715. For more information, visit
www.stopasheville.com. Contact
us at blcac@stopasheville.com.
Biltmore
Annexation reform should not be a partisan issue. Nevertheless, you
will recall former Democratic Senator Tony Rand (retired) and
former Buncombe County Democratic Senate Majority Leader Martin
Nesbitt the past two years stymied Senate hearings on annexation
reform bills. That situation should change with recently elected
representatives and the projected new-leaders of the NC legislature.
When you get to the bottom line, citizens confronted with forced
annexation don’t care what party affiliate a legislator is. They [WE]
simply want them to honestly work to level the playing field so those
being forced into a municipality are afforded a say in that
transaction. However, it appears, based upon the recent changes in the
For your review, we offer the recent notice from the Fair Annexation
Coalition [FAC]. A link to the North Carolina Board of Elections
provides significant information about this election. Of the 6.2
million
ANNEXATION REFORM is not a dead issue in
************************************************************************
Across the state, supporters of annexation reform won. Those who have
been among the many roadblocks to reform lost, or in one case are in
danger of losing.
11/05/2010
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop
FORCED ANNEXATION AND THE CANDIDATES As you go to the polls November 2 (or in early voting which starts October 14), please consider how those on the ballot feel about forced annexation. While it isn’t the only issue to consider, it is an important one.
We have scoured websites and contacted all the candidates for their
views on forced annexation. Here is the list of all those who have
stated
they
support reform of the current annexation law, including a binding
referendum of residents targeted for annexation:
HOUSE DISTRICT 116
Tim Moffitt
SENATE DISTRICT 48
Tom Apodaca
Chris Dixon
Most of the other candidates on the ballot don’t impact forced
annexation. The exception is the judicial candidates. As you know, our
case will be heard by the appeals court in the coming months. So,
appellate court judges matter. They can’t speak about an issue that may
come before them, so we can’t tell you whether they are friendly or not
to forced annexation. We urge you to do your own research on the judges
before voting. You can find a sample ballot and read their statements
here:
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/
The closest early voting location for Biltmore Lake residents is:
Oak Forest Presbyterian Church
880 Sand Hill Road
October 18-29 10 am – 6 pm (Monday – Saturday)
October 30 8 am – 1 pm (Saturday)
10/13/2010
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop Asheville in its attempt to
forcibly annex Biltmore Lake. To join our legal fight, please send a
check for $200 payable to BLCAC, c/o Dieter Buehler, Treasurer, 93
Mountain Drive, Biltmore Lake, NC 28715. For more information, visit www.stopasheville.com. Contact us at blcac@stopasheville.com.
Biltmore Lake Annexation Update Legal procedures, appropriate documents, exhibits and legal briefs are being developed in preparation for the Appellate Court hearing. The date for the court hearing is yet to be established but, at the earliest could occur late this year but more likely early next year. Please note that although things are relatively quiet as it relates to Biltmore Lake's annexation fight, for other areas within the Asheville area they are not so. You have read about the proposed 'hostile take over' via forced annexation of the Royal Pines and Cooper's Hawk Drive area of southern Buncombe County by Asheville. Folks it never ends --- municipalities struggling to increase their revenues to pay for over- extended and bloated governmental initiatives continues. Accordingly one of the ways many land-grabbing municipalities, under cover of a 50 year, outdated law, operate to generate additional monies is to force nearby neighbors to pay excessively higher taxes via FORCED ANNEXATION. And so it is that the good folks of Royal Pines and the Cooper's Hawk Drive neighborhoods find themselves under siege by Asheville. You, no doubt, recall how you felt when you first learned of the heavy-handed outreach of Asheville to grab your property back in the fall of 2007. You how have an opportunity to help demonstrate support for this new struggle to ward off Asheville by the neighbors of Royal Pines/Coopers Hawk Drive. Their march down-the-path of involuntary annexation is just beginning.
Here
is an announcement by annexation opposition residents of Woodfin and
their effort to assist the southside neighbors in their efforts against
forced annexation. Can you
help?************************************************ 10/10/10
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol Keleher,
Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization of
residents whose primary mission is to stop www.stopasheville.com. Contact us at blcac@stopasheville.com.
Biltmore Lake Annexation Update Legal procedures, appropriate documents, exhibits and legal briefs are being developed in preparation for the Appellate Court hearing. The date for the court hearing is yet to be established but, at the earliest could occur late this year but more likely early next year. Please note that although things are relatively quiet as it relates to Biltmore Lake's annexation fight, for other areas within the Asheville area they are not so. You have read about the proposed 'hostile take over' via forced annexation of the Royal Pines and Cooper's Hawk Drive area of southern Buncombe County by Asheville. Folks it never ends --- municipalities struggling to increase their revenues to pay for over- extended and bloated governmental initiatives continues. Accordingly one of the ways many land-grabbing municipalities, under cover of a 50 year, outdated law, operate to generate additional monies is to force nearby neighbors to pay excessively higher taxes via FORCED ANNEXATION. And so it is that the good folks of Royal Pines and the Cooper's Hawk Drive neighborhoods find themselves under siege by Asheville. You, no doubt, recall how you felt when you first learned of the heavy-handed outreach of Asheville to grab your property back in the fall of 2007. You how have an opportunity to help demonstrate support for this new struggle to ward off Asheville by the neighbors of Royal Pines/Coopers Hawk Drive. Their march down-the-path of involuntary annexation is just beginning. On Monday September 13, 2010, they will be informed what to expect via the City Planners at the Public Hearing to be held at the Charlotte Street Public Works Building in downtown Asheville. Here is an announcement by annexation opposition residents of Woodfin and their effort to assist the southside neighbors in their efforts against forced annexation. Can you help? ************************************************ Hi everyone! Hope you've had a great summer. Unfortunately the NC General Assembly met and left with no change in the forced annexation law, which means that we still have our work cut out for us. On Monday we have an opportunity to show our displeasure of forced annexation, and at the same time show our support for the people of Buncombe County who live in the Royal Pines and Cooper's Hawk Drive areas. These two areas are under attack by the City of Asheville with their intent to strong-arm the property owners into the city limits. There is strong opposition from the folks, and in an effort to demonstrate to the larger community that we don't like forced annexation anywhere, we are holding a rally and protest. This will coincide with the public information meeting conducted by the Asheville City Council. Please come on over for a short time. You can make a big impact! If you remember how you felt about being assaulted by forced annexation, just think how nice it would have been to have had other residents of the county standing in solidarity with you. The more we can have public exposure like this, the more the state government will feel pressure to change the law, and local governments will feel the pressure of unpopularity, especially at election time. Here are the details: Monday, September 13, 4:45 – 6:15 PM, Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St. This is a VERY visible location with lots of room on both sides of the street for people to congregate and wave signs. And it's during rush hour. We could get some good media coverage. Wear red! Bring a homemade sign. A word about parking: we'd like to leave the close parking spaces open so the people from Royal Pines and Cooper's Hawk Drive can find a place near the building. A large parking lot is on the corner of South Charlotte and Davidson Streets, so finding a spot shouldn't be difficult. Come early if you can!
Thanks! Hope to see you there! StopWoodfin.org Steering Committee 259-9160 ************************************************** If you can help by showing up to demonstrate your displeasure with Forced Annexation, please plan accordingly. Thank you for your ongoing support. 9/11/2010
BLCAC Steering Group: Jerry Jensen (Chairman), Dieter Buehler
(Treasurer), Steve Bratsch, Jerry Coffey, Beth Gurnack, Carol
Keleher, Bill Newman, Mary Lou Sartoris and Dwayne Wiseman
Biltmore Lake Community Action Committee (BLCAC) is an organization
of residents whose primary mission is to stop www.stopasheville.com. Contact us at blcac@stopasheville.com.
Biltmore
· BL Annexation Notice of Appeal filed
· Turtle postcard – post on Monday 6/07/2010
· S494 – call Sen. Nesbitt
· 6/17/10 Rally in
The Notice of Appeal was filed on Friday, June 04, 2010. Thank
you to everyone who financially supported this effort with your
contributions. It would have been wonderful if ALL neighbors who
are benefiting from this action would have helped but – maybe – they
will see fit to help later; after all, three + years of tax
saving should be worth something to them too. When additional
milestones during the appeal process are reached, further updates
will share that news. Thanks again to all who support this effort
to fight Forced Annexation. Contributors' Honor Roll www.stopasheville.com.
On the legislative front, remember to mail your Turtle postcard on
Monday, June 07. He may be slow but carries a powerful
message. Please insure you use the correct zip code and include
your personal message to the Senators. Bees, Cardinals and Turtles;
oh my....
This is an important legislative effort and needs our support! Annexation
reform supporter Senator
Larry Shaw has
asked Senate Majority Leader Senator Martin Nesbitt [
·
Be polite.
·
Be persuasive.
·
Be persistent.
|