Further testing will ensure the park is safe for public use before it reopens.

Testing conducted on suspicious soils at Barber Park has revealed that there is little, if any, public health risk. The park has been closed since June 15 when construction workers found the suspicious soil about six feet below the surface. Testing showed the soil contained chromium and petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). However, the form of chromium found is unlikely to be a health risk, and the levels of TPH were below the levels that pose health risks. The City has hired a toxicologist to conduct a risk assessment and decide what further testing is necessary. The City will also hire an environmental consultant who will advise us on the best way to handle the materials on site. The park will reopen once the City has resolved all environmental and safety concerns. 

HEAT Service Begins Second Year

Rider feedback from the first year prompted changes in routes and stops.

Higher Education Area Transit (HEAT) begins its second year of public transportation service on August 20, although limited service has been offered since August 8. New this year, UNCG HEAT Route 73 service has been extended as far west as Park Terrace, and A&T HEAT Route 75 offers parallel service for the NC A&T area.
 
Updated HEAT route maps and schedules are available on the college campuses, at the J. Douglas Galyon Depot and at the Greensboro Transit Authority offices. Downloadable schedules will be available soon at www.rideheat.com.

Council to Consider Smoke-Free Ordinance

Smoke-free ordinance would apply to all City properties and vehicles.

At its next meeting, City Council will consider an ordinance that will prohibit smoking on all City government properties. During the August 6 meeting, Council members expressed concerns about the effects of second-hand smoke, as well as the decreased value of vehicles in which smoking has been allowed. If approved, the ordinance would become effective on or after January 1, 2008, following in the footsteps of House Bill 24, which prohibits smoking in state government buildings and which allows local governments to enact their own laws requiring smoke-free properties. 

Questions or comments about this newsletter should be addressed to: Elaine Tricoli, Interim Communications Manager, 373-2421 or email.