Carrboro Embraces Future with Sustainable, Affordable Housing

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Author

Elana Etten
March 01, 2024

🌦️Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 51o and Light Rain.

🏆Chapel Hill's Economic Initiative Aids Small Businesses Facing Redevelopment Displacement

🏗️Carrboro Embraces Future with Sustainable, Affordable Housing

🎭Is He Dead? - East Chapel Hill High Production

🗓️Chapel Hill Local Events

đź’«Just for Fun: March Madness Trivia

Chapel Hill's Economic Initiative Aids Small Businesses Facing Redevelopment Displacement

Wade’s Hair Studio & Co. on Rosemary

The Town of Chapel Hill's Economic Development Office has launched a grant program aimed at supporting Downtown small businesses affected by the redevelopment of Rosemary and Franklin Streets. Utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated in 2021, the Downtown Small Business Relocation Grant Program seeks to bolster local businesses integral to the area's economic prosperity. The program offers financial assistance for various expenses including space improvements, relocation costs, lease payments, and down payment aid for purchasing commercial premises. This initiative reflects the community's dedication to preserving the local businesses that form the backbone of Downtown Chapel Hill's vibrant economy.

In a notable development this January 2024, three local businesses were awarded grants exceeding $20,000 each, demonstrating the program's commitment to providing substantial support during the challenging process of relocation. These grants represent a significant step towards maintaining the unique character and economic vitality of Chapel Hill's downtown area amidst its transformation. The beneficiaries of this grant include Cosmic Cantina, a beloved Mexican eatery affected by the Porthole Alley project; Purple Bowl, a health-focused café uprooted by redevelopment plans for its location; and Wade’s Hair Studio & Co., a local salon in walking distance of the Chapel Hill campus and has become a staple for UNC students, making way for a new hotel. These businesses, chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, received financial aid to cover moving expenses and improvements at new sites, underlining the town's strategy to retain its cherished local businesses through ongoing redevelopment phases.

Carrboro Embraces Future with Sustainable Affordable Housing

In a recent meeting, the Carrboro Town Council took decisive steps towards the development of a new residential project at 1307 W Main Street, adjacent to Carrboro Plaza. The council's approval of key amendments paves the way for a notable transformation in the area's housing landscape. These changes include an elevation in the maximum building height from 50 to 65 feet, a boost in residential density beyond prior limits, and the introduction of commercial spaces, which can occupy up to 20% of the building's ground floor.

At the heart of this development, spearheaded by Jim Spencer Architects, is a commitment to affordable housing. The plan includes dedicating approximately 20% of the units—seven to eight out of an anticipated total of 34 to 38—as affordable housing options. This move aligns with Carrboro's strategic objectives of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing community living standards.

Jim Spencer, the face of the development team, shared his excitement about the project's potential to embody Carrboro's ambitious planning and sustainability targets. This development is seen as a critical step towards actualizing the town's vision for a more robust and sustainable urban environment.

However, the project has not been without its concerns. Council Member Randee Haven O’Donnell raised questions about the nature of the housing units, specifically whether they would be available for purchase or rent. This underscored the complexity of implementing development projects that aim to balance community needs with sustainability and growth.

The council's decision to proceed with this project underlines a strategic approach to tackling Carrboro's housing challenges. By endorsing this development, the town aims to strike a balance between encouraging growth and maintaining its core values of community and environmental stewardship.

ECHHS Performing Arts presents Is He Dead? by Mark Twain

Take in a little theatre this weekend out at our local East Chapel Hill High School! Enjoy Mark Twain’s comedy, Is He Dead? for only $7 per person if you buy in advance. Performances will be this weekend only on March 1st and 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

Synopsis:

When you're a poor painter and you're in love with a girl whose father is in debt, what can you do? Why, fake your own death, of course, & watch your estate's worth skyrocket! This comedic romp by Mark Twain went unproduced during his time because it pokes fun at a fictionalized version of the revered French artist, Jean Francois Millet. This 2017 adaption by David Ives is three parts mistaken identity farce, cross-dressing burlesque, and biting social satire about fame, greed and who decides the value of art.

This show runs for two (2) hours with a fifteen-minute intermission. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes before the curtain to allow for parking. Late seating is strongly discouraged. You can buy tickets here or in the Events links below 👇

The production will be performed at East Chapel Hill High School Performing Arts, Mainstage Auditorium, 500 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514.

⬇️Here is what’s going on in the Chapel Hill local area⬇️

March 1, 2024:

March 2, 2024:

March 3, 2024:

March 4, 2024:

March 5, 2024:

  • Primary Election Day

  • Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

March Madness Trivia

The UNC vs. Duke basketball rivalry is among the most storied in college sports, highlighted by close and competitive matchups. Check out these fun facts about UNC-Chapel Hill and its close rivals:

  • As of February 2024, these teams have faced off 261 times, with UNC leading the series 144-117.

  • Remarkably, 49 of these meetings have been when both teams were ranked in the Top 10, with UNC holding a slight edge at 25-24.

  • Image credit Chapel Hill Insider