YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1978 w w w. j a m e s t o w n n e w s . c o m
weekly edition
April 22-28, 2026 Vol 48 No 17 | 1 Section | 6 Pages
Planning Department creates a walk audit The scheduled public hearing for a rezoning request for 4909 Guilford College Road was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the April 13 Jamestown Planning Board meeting. However, Town Planner José Colón took the opportunity to update the Board about upcoming events at the meeting. “We’re excited to announce the Town will soon start the Main Street Corridor Study, which focuses on transportation analysis and improve-
ments from Dillon Road to Teague,” Colón said. “[It] focuses on the core downtown area.” He thanked Board members Robert Garland and Susan Stringer for being on the steering committee for the study. Both are business downtown owners. “I feel like they have a good cross-connection of issues and understanding of issues that deal with our downtown,” Colón said. “More updates and opportunities for public input related to the study will be shared with the Board and the public directly. As part of the study, we will have some public input.”
The study is basically about transportation, but Colón hopes discussion will include Land Development updates, mixed-use zoning districts, etc. He noted that the opening of Jamestown Parkway has changed the traffic in downtown. “Seeing where the impacts are going to be, when I was a Council member, we talked about lowering the speed limit on Main Street,” said Board member John Capes, pointing out safety should be a priority. Colón said the Town would be conducting a oneday “walk audit” in the late summer or fall for the West Main Street area in coordi-
N.C. House plans to cap property tax increases By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com Relief from high property taxes might be in sight after a N.C. House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform recently recommended the full House amend the state constitution that would limit county property tax increases. Lawmakers are exploring options and are still in discussion. According to a press release by House Speaker Destin Hall, a levy limit would cap the total amount of property tax revenue local governments can collect, typically tying increases to factors like inflation and population changes. In many states with similar laws, higher increases are only allowed with
voter approval through referendums. “Property tax hikes are overburdening North Carolina families, who are footing the bill while some local governments take in far more than inflation and population growth can justify,” Hall said, noting the proposed limits are aimed at curbing what he called “runaway” tax increases and protecting taxpayers. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would ultimately go before voters as a constitutional amendment appearing on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. If passed by the General Assembly, Gov. Josh Stein would have no power to veto changes to the state constitution. It would be too late to prevent property tax increases for the 202627 fiscal year.
Limits of Freedom exhibit at Jamestown Library By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com A traveling exhibit at the Jamestown Public Library titled “Limits of Freedom” chronicles experiences of both free and enslaved African Americans in Guilford and Rockingham Counties. Their experiences, from service in the Revolutionary War to work along the Dan River illustrate the reality of enslaved people. Stories in the exhibit have been passed down through generations. Through a series of 12 panels, littleknown history comes to light. The traveling exhibit is curated by the UNCG HisPhoto by Carol Brooks tory Department, with supOne of the panels in the “Limits of port from the America 250 Freedom” traveling exhibit at the North Carolina initiative, Jamestown Public Library through managed by the North Carolina Department of Natu- April 24. ral and Cultural Resources. Many local historic sites from this The recent work of Dr. LaTarea are featured. anya Bowman, Ruby Sapp Leach Noted on the timeline are such (see Jamestown News March 26, dates as 1816 when Quakers and 2025, “Never-enslaved blacks others organized the North Caro- from Jamestown helped in emanlina Manumission Society to free cipation”) and others has brought enslaved people. Jamestown’s to light the close-knit community Richard Mendenhall was a found- of Florence, home of free people er of the Society, which worked of color, many of whom actively within the legal system to free opposed slavery. Several local enslaved people. A false-bottom people are featured in a photo of wagon at the Mendenhall Home- the erection of the historic marker place in Jamestown is known to on Penny Road about Florence. have transported slaves to freeThe exhibit runs through April dom. 24.
nation with Age Friendly Guilford. “That area needs a little bit of love,” he said. “A walk audit is an assessment of pedestrian environment that evaluates safety, accessibility and comfort for walkers in a specific area,” he explained. “It engages community members, including residents, local officials and stakeholders to gather insights and advocate for improvements in the walking environment.” Walkers will have a checklist of things to look for, like a raised sidewalk that would be a hindrance, not only to walkers,
but those in wheelchairs, cyclists, etc. “Both the Main Street study and the walk audit are great initiatives to set up for future funding for improvement,” Colón said. The final update is a civic review by the Planning Department on the website. “It will be the Town’s new online permitting software.” Colón said of the upcoming portal. “Soon, applicants will be able to apply for permits from the website directly rather than filling out paper forms and applications.” Paper applications are still available. Included in the permits
are development clearance certificates, sign and temporary sign permits, etc. Board member Sherrie Richmond suggested Jamestown hand out tourist information to the Garden Club of North Carolina’s annual meeting in May as well as other meetings. She said the Historic Jamestown Society will be doing brochures. Capes suggested putting out information with QR codes. The Planning Board meetings may be viewed live at www.youtube.com/c/ TownofJamestownNC. Click on “live.” They are also available after the meetings.
Montessori school opens in converted horse stable By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com Having worked in commercial Real Estate for years, Gina Hensley has been involved in many projects with clients who wished to redesign spaces. But turning an old horse stable into a school certainly proved to be a challenge. It began as a desire to create a learning space for her three grandchildren. It could not be just any space, however. HensPhotos submitted ley was interested in the MonOutdoor fun benefits health and creativity. tessori system of education. She fully understood the concept of Montessori learning. Her godparents had started a Montessori school in 1966 in Deerfield, Ill. She and her brother had attended a Montessori school and she had been an assistant teacher in one for a while. Her children also had received a Montessori education. “I thought about hiring a teacher for my grandchildren Originally filled with stalls, the building now severs as a see school, page 2 learning center.
Child’s play = learning.
New parking violation scam targeting North Carolina drivers By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson has issued a consumer alert about a text scam targeting drivers with a fake parking and toll violation notice. "Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and this fake court notice is designed to scare you into acting fast," said Jackson. "Don't fall for it. If something feels off, call my office." The official-looking text claims the recipient has an out-
standing parking or toll violation that has led to an enforcement action against them and demands that the person either pay immediately or risk severe legal consequences, including a court appearance, fines, or driver’s license suspension. It notes a case number, court hearing date and a judge and clerk of court, both fake. It includes a QR code aimed at tricking recipients into handing over their money or personal information. Jackson said anyone receiving the text should not respond and
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By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com
immediately delete it and block the sender. Anyone concerned learning if they really do have a parking or traffic violation should contact the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 919-715-7000 or visit https:// www.ncdot.gov/dmv. Official government agencies will not call, text or email you to obtain your personal information or demand money. They will not accept payment through a prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app.