Council update: Carolina North information meeting TONIGHT
Sally Greene
At Monday night's Council meeting, we took an important step forward
with Carolina North when we approved approved a special use permit
for UNC's Innovation Center, the first building to go there. The
permit allows a three-story, 80,745 sq. ft. building on eight acres
at the corner of MLK Boulevard and what is now Municipal Drive. In
response to citizen and Council input, the university raised its
energy efficiency commitment for this building to 25, rather than 20,
percent greater efficiency than standards set by the American Society
of Heating, Refrigeration an Air Conditioning Engineers. Further,
anticipating the larger development agreement that we are working
toward for the whole Horace Williams tract, we confirmed that
whatever agreements we reach with that agreement regarding stormwater
management and other issues will apply to this property as well.
Meeting TONIGHT
Tonight is an opportunity for citizens to learn more about the
ongoing planning for Carolina North as well as to raise issues and
express concerns. The meeting is at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. From the
Council's perspective, the more comment we have at this stage, the
better. We are on a schedule to approve an agreement with UNC for
developing about 133 acres of the property, the first 50 years of the
proposed development of Carolina North, by the end of June.
Other opportunities for comment are:
Feb. 19, 7 to 9 p.m.
March 4, 1 to 5 p.m.
April 1, 7 to 9 p.m.
For more information, you can call the Planning Department at
968-2728. Additional material is online at http://
www.townofchapelhill.org/carolinanorth
Remembering Roland Giduz,
As you may know, Chapel Hill recently lost one of its proudest
citizens: Roland Giduz. From serving on the Board of Alderman to
running a newspaper to many things in between, Roland gave his all to
the Chapel Hill community. The People's Channel, where he had started
producing community programming even before the station officially
became The People's Channel, is planning an especially appropriate
tribute. From Chad Johnston's email notice:
"In the summer of 2008, Mr. Gudiz graciously donated his entire
archive to The Peoples Channel. Shortly thereafter, TPC staff
created a weekly time slot to highlight the historical interviews,
tours and conversations. 'Keep on Rollin’' airs Monday nights at 6pm
and Tuesday at 6am and Noon. The program title came from Roland’s
signature spirited farewell as he would leave the station: Keep the
good times rollin’!
"The Peoples Channel has scheduled a nearly all day block of Mr.
Gudiz’s programming, Wednesday, February 4th to celebrate his work.
Community members are also encouraged to visit The Peoples Channel’s
facilities Friday January 30th, from 2-9pm to share their stories,
thoughts and feelings on video to contribute to the archive and
programming day. Community members may also call in their comments
to be recorded, at 919.960.0088 any time during those hours."
I second this appeal to come out and contribute to the kind of
tribute that Roland would have very much appreciated.
Thanks to all of you who support our community in all the ways that
you do. As always, please be in touch with issues of interest or
concern.
Sally