Chapel Hill’s urban form is changing rapidly. Projects such as 140 West Franklin and Greenbridge dominate the skyline, and Breadmen’s might soon be replaced by a 10-story mixed-use development. Though high density development is vital to a more sustainable urban future for the town, it is hindering the flourishing of public space in downtown and is too expensive for many residents.
Today’s tactical response, PARK(ing) Day, celebrates what the town ought to permanently implement in its urban core — accessible, high quality public spaces.
A permanent park in an on-street parking space on Franklin Street would add to the vitality of downtown, as they have done in cities across the United States.
The scale of Chapel Hill’s fare-free transit system is impressive. And the town made the right move by seeking building proposals over the surface lot next to 411 West.
But it can continue to take a stand against giving more space to cars by limiting the allocation of new parking spaces. The only thing building more parking will do is entice residents to drive more, which would further clog our streets and contribute to localized air pollution.
Despite calls for more parking, the town was losing money on the 140 West lot in February. Why should the town build more parking lots if there are spaces left empty already? Chapel Hill is not all suburbs, unlike some places that so many of its student residents hail from, nor should it transform itself into a low-density, auto-centric town as it grows. It’s a town with a character that, 50 years ago, wasn’t defined by parking lots in prime locations.
Growth is a serious issue facing the town. The local government estimates the population will grow by about 12,000 in the next 10 years.
If the town wants this growth to be wealth inclusive and have a light environmental footprint, it must reconsider its current approach to affordable housing.
