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Bicyclist Struck in Chapel Hill Hit-and-Run; Police Seek Suspect
#073
Bicyclist Struck in Chapel Hill Hit-and-Run; Police Seek Suspect
Issue #073
In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…
⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 86o and Sunny
📰Chapel Hill Council Adopts Affordable Housing Project for East Lakeview, Other Council Meeting Highlights
📰Bicyclist Struck in Chapel Hill Hit-and-Run; Police Seek Suspect
📰North Carolina Drivers May Soon Use Digital Licenses
📰Chapel Hill With New Eyes: A Bluebird for Spring
🗓️Upcoming Events (Congrats Graduates!)
🤪Just For Fun: Buggin’ Part 8 in the Series
📢Have an Event You’d Like to Share? Let us know! Click Here to Give Us the Deets!
📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here! Want to nominate a business? Email us at [email protected]
Q; Where Were You Yesterday?
A: I experienced a family emergency on Wednesday that delayed the delivery of Thursday’s issue. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused.
This Saturday, we will send out an issue to make up for our missed weekday issue.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Best regards,
Elana Etten, Editor-in-Chief, and the Editorial Team
Chapel Hill Council Adopts Affordable Housing Project for East Lakeview
The Chapel Hill Town Council adopted the concept plan for East Lakeview Residential, a proposed development at 5640 Old Chapel Hill Road. The plan includes a mix of 36-50 apartment units, 30-40 townhome units, and a small amount of commercial space. During the public comment period, community members supported the housing initiative but expressed concerns about building height and traffic safety. A second plan for 350 units on Old Chapel Hill Road will be reviewed next week. The East Lakeview project is part of the Parkline East Village neighborhood, promoting walkable, mixed-use developments. Residents and council members emphasized the need for green spaces and coordinated development efforts.
Other highlights from the June 5th council meeting:
Council Meeting Highlights:
Budget Approval: Chapel Hill Town Council approved the FY 2024-25 budget, which totals nearly $157 million—a 4% increase from last year. The budget includes a tax increase of 2 cents, a property tax rate of 59.2 cents, and a 6% cost of living adjustment for public servants.
ADA Accommodations: Community member Isaac Woolsey advocated for improved ADA accommodations, citing challenges with employment and accessing nightlife and events due to limited public transportation.
Bond Referendum: The council discussed a proposed 2024 bond referendum, which includes five bond orders for affordable housing, public buildings, streets and sidewalks, parks and recreation facilities, and open space and greenways. A public hearing for each bond referendum is set for June 17.
Affordable Housing Projects: The council approved resolutions to begin construction on the Tanyard Branch Trace affordable housing community and adopted a concept plan for East Lakeview Residential, which includes a mix of apartment units, townhomes, and commercial space.
Other Key Changes and Developments:
Tanyard Branch Trace: Resolutions R-7 and R-8 authorize the town manager to execute a development contract and ground lease for the Tanyard Branch Trace affordable housing community. Construction is expected to begin in this fall of 2024 and complete in the winter of 2026.
Bicyclist Struck in Chapel Hill Hit-and-Run; Police Seek Suspect
Chapel Hill police are searching for a woman in her 20s who fled after hitting a bicyclist at the intersection of W. Franklin Street and Kenan Street on Thursday morning around 9:55 a.m. The bicyclist was transported to UNC Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect's vehicle is a black, older-model Honda Pilot, likely with damage to the right side doors. The driver, described as having long hair and wearing a green tank top and flower-patterned pants, initially stopped but left the scene without providing information. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call 911 or contact the Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760. Read the full story here.
North Carolina Drivers May Soon Use Digital Licenses
North Carolina may soon offer digital driver's licenses, accessible via mobile devices if a proposed update to transportation laws is approved. The DMV has been advocating for this change to improve privacy and convenience for drivers. Public interest is high, but legislative approval is needed. Other states have implemented or are exploring similar options.
While that legislation is in the works, the NCDMV is introducing a new driver’s license design with over 50 security features, including a new polycarbonate composition, to combat fake IDs. The new design, featuring North Carolina symbols, marks the first major update in nine years. The rollout precedes the deadline for obtaining an N.C. Real ID, is required for certain federal activities. The current design will remain valid for years, gradually phasing out as new IDs are issued.
Hillsborough Residents to Experience Water Disruptions for Repairs
Hillsborough will have planned water outages on June 8 and overnight from June 12 to 13 for necessary repairs and valve installations. Affected areas include Hasell Street, West Tryon Street, N. Churton Street, Warner Lane, and adjacent streets. Residents should sign up for OC Alerts for updates and contact the Water Treatment Plant if issues persist after service restoration. Click here for more information.
Chapel Hill With New Eyes: A Bluebird for Spring
Yes, empty plates. After the first bite, I couldn’t slow down to snap a picture.
Brunch Bliss at Bluebird: A Birthday to Remember
This Memorial Day weekend was extra special, thanks to my niece Jewel, who flew in from Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate my birthday. Jewel knows how much I love brunch, so she planned a delightful surprise: a brunch at Bluebird in Chapel Hill. Bluebird, renowned for its French-inspired cuisine, had recently been voted a top spot in a Chapel Hill Insider poll, and we were eager to experience it for ourselves.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere at Bluebird was inviting. The decor was charming, bright, airy, and elegant, and we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. Our server was attentive and quickly brought us water, setting a positive tone for the meal.
Initially, we were excited about a quiche featuring Kalamata olives and bacon, but the menu had changed to goat cheese and spinach. Jewel decided to stick with the quiche and brunch potatoes, while I chose the brioche French toast with strawberries and cream, along with a side of soft scrambled eggs.
When our food arrived, it exceeded all expectations. Despite my initial worry about the lack of salt and pepper on the table, my soft scrambled eggs were perfectly seasoned and incredibly fluffy—easily the best I’ve ever had. Jewel’s brunch potatoes were another highlight, seasoned to perfection and utterly delicious. The goat cheese and spinach quiche she shared with me was exquisite, making me almost regret not ordering it myself. Who am I kidding? I totally regretted not ordering it myself.
However, my French toast did not disappoint. The brioche was light and airy, topped with sweet strawberries and cream, making it the best French toast I’ve ever tasted outside of my own kitchen. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that left us both raving about the meal.
Happy Birthday to me! Exquisite shortbread for celebrating!
To top off the meal, the server surprised us with complimentary shortbread after overhearing that this was a birthday brunch. Normally, I don’t get excited about shortbread, but this is an exception. Can you imagine shortbread that does NOT make you choke due to dryness? At Bluebird, it is a reality.
Our brunch at Bluebird was more than just a meal; it was a delightful experience that reinvigorated my appreciation for well-crafted food. The meticulous balance of flavors and the impeccable service made me feel like the world is a brighter place with such culinary treasures in it. Seriously. I am actually excited about food again.
Honestly, before that Sunday, I was just a fan of breakfast food. I didn’t really understand the obsession with brunch. Now, I get it. If you haven’t already and live near Chapel Hill, a visit to Bluebird is a must. You owe it to yourself to enjoy having tastebuds. Their brunch is not just food; it's an experience that will leave your soul smiling. Check out them out online here!
