Mr. Jim Carpenter, Monroe Union Chamber President, was recognized to discuss
the Monroe By-pass project. He recognized Mr. Larry Helms, DOT Commissioner from
Union County, to also give his perspective on growth needs.
November 17, 2004
The fourth meeting of the Commission took place in the J. Douglas Galyon Depot
in Greensboro. Chairman Saunders recognized Sandy Carmany with Greensboro City
Council District 5 and Chair of the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation for
comments. After welcoming Commission members to Greensboro, she recognized Mr. J.
Douglas Galyon, a member of the NC Board of Transportation and the person for whom
the Depot was named. She then introduced Brent McKinney, Executive Director for the
Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, for his presentation. Mr. McKinney
described the region's unique transportation problems and emphasized the importance of
mass transit.
Jim Westmoreland, Director of Transportation for the City of Greensboro,
discussed Greensboro's top transportation needs and possible solutions, including more
state funding, a greater focus on multi-modal investments, and finding ways to reduce the
amount of time it takes to complete projects.
Phil Wylie, Director of Transportation for the City of High Point, and Stan Polanis,
Director of Transportation for the City of Winston Salem, were also recognized for their
comments and recommendations.
December 9, 2004
The fifth meeting of the Commission took place December 9, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in
the Ferguson Auditorium at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College in
Asheville, North Carolina.
The Commission first heard a presentation from Scott Shuford, Director of
Planning and Development, City of Asheville, who discussed the City's demographics,
their plans to integrate land use planning and transportation facilities, and transportation
improvements important to the City, such as passenger rail and I-26 connector funding.
The Commission next heard from Bruce Black, Transit and Parking Director, City of
Asheville, who discussed City and regional bus service and funding needs.
Jake Gilmer, Land of Sky Rural Planning Organization; Dan Baechtold, French
Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordinator; and Richard Lutovsky,
President and CEO of the Greater Asheville Chamber of Commerce also appeared before
the Commission, and discussed regional transportation priorities. Asheville Mayor Charles
Worley closed the meeting with final remarks, thanking members for attending.
January 13, 2005
The sixth meeting of the Commission took place January 13, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the
Airborne and Special operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
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