Public Hearing Explores New Bus Route

Fifteen residents spoke at Tuesday's public hearing to request money from the town's budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The budget will be finalized June 10.

Residents will have another opportunity to request funding for projects at a March 26 forum.

The budget is divided into eight sections, including community development, public transportation and housing.

The Rev. Robert Campbell, who spoke on behalf of the Roger Road neighborhood, said he thinks the area could benefit from additional bus routes and maintenance repairs.

Campbell said adding a bus route to Roger Road would give the neighborhood's children easier access to public libraries and recreational facilities in Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill Transportation Director Mary Lou Kuschatka said a new bus route could be added as soon as August.

Kuschatka said that if Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC agree to the addition of the route, the costs will be shared.

But if Chapel Hill is the only party wanting the route, the town will pay the costs for the first year.

The three parties could split the costs in the following year, if the route is beneficial, Kuschatka said.

"If the route performs up to system standards the first year, the costs will be shared," she said.

In addition to the bus route, the issue of affordable housing was raised as several nonprofit organizations requested additional funding.

Susan Levy, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Orange County, spoke at the meeting and requested a $200,000 community development grant to finance the group's work.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian nonprofit organization that works to build homes for the less fortunate.

"We've been building in this county for a year," Levy said. "We're in the process of purchasing adjacent properties."

Chapel Hill resident Nancy Milio voiced the importance of allocating money from the HOME program to provide affordable housing.

The HOME program funds housing aims to provide low-cost housing within the community. "I urge you to give a real priority in HOME money to affordable rental hosing," Milio said. "It benefits families and employers."

The Town Council met briefly following the meeting to discuss ideas for attaining more money and ways to use any excess funds.

Council member Pat Evans asked the council to consider adding a beer and wine tax, which she feels would help raise funds. "Beer and wine consumption is high," Evans said.

Council members will pool their ideas and will draft a recommended budget by April 22.

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.