Chapel Hill Review

The week of May 19-25, 2024, has been proclaimed as Public Works Week by the Council in an effort to acknowledge the significant contributions made by public works professionals to maintain safety and functionality within the community. These professionals are integral to the smooth operation of town services throughout the year.

Memorial Day, which falls on May 27 this year, will see most municipal offices closed and some services affected. Notably, Chapel Hill Public Library and Chapel Hill Transit will not operate, while most Parks and Recreation facilities and administrative offices will be closed. However, Homestead Aquatic Center will remain open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residential trash collection will be postponed to Wednesday, May 29.

The town is also working on updating its land use rules (LUMO) in order to create a more connected, sustainable, accessible, and inclusive community. A public information meeting is scheduled for May 20 and May 22 to provide further information about these changes.

In an effort to enhance road safety, a new rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) has been installed at the crosswalk at Granville Rd. and Estes Dr., increasing visibility for pedestrians crossing the street. In addition, thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), repairs are being made to downtown sidewalks and sidewalks on E. Franklin St., improving ADA accessibility.

In other news, Chapel Hill Community Center Gym and Nate Davis Sr. Gym are receiving new basketball goals; Orange County's shred-a-thon is scheduled for Saturday, May 18; Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation is celebrating Kids to Parks Day on May 18; a Juneteenth celebration is planned at Hargraves Community Center on June 16; a bike rack unveiling and bike ride for Veterans is happening on May 25; Pride Promenade kicks off Small Town Pride on June 1; Chapel Hill received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Energy; and National Police Week is being recognized from May 12-18.

Lastly, a new Mobile Crisis Team has been established to extend support in Chapel Hill and Orange County. The C.A.R.E. Team was recently featured on CBS17.