What to know about Chapel Hill's streetscape project

The Chapel Hill’s Downtown Streetscape project is currently in its second phase which will be finalized by the end of 2024. The project intends to reimagine streets, sidewalks and gathering places in the downtown area. 

Chapel Hill Economic Development Program Coordinator Sarah Potter said the project is focused on creating a vision for the downtown area that supports local businesses and allows accessibility for people using all methods of transportation. 

The project aims to improve the pedestrian experience, as well as prioritize and support safety and accessibility for all, Potter said. 

She said it was originally established as a post-pandemic downtown revitalization initiative funded through the American Rescue Act Fund.

Chapel Hill Town Council member Melissa McCullough said the project’s goal is to invigorate the downtown area and make sure that it functions year-round, rather than just during the school year.

McCullough said attracting more people to Chapel Hill’s downtown will lead them to spend more money at local business, causing an increase in town revenue and facilitating the improvement of local infrastructure. 

She added that downtown has lost several businesses, and that other shops and restaurants are having trouble staying in business. 

The first phase of the project included a mobility study, which was published online and asked the public how they commuted to and within downtown Chapel Hill, Potter said. Phase 2, the Downtown Public-Right-of-Way Master Plan, began in February of this year. 

“This phase of the project is more detailed level of design and again includes all the public realms, so we’re talking about what we call ‘building-face-to-building-face’, so that’s like sidewalks, street trees and the actual street itself,” Potter said. 

According to McCullough, the last engagement session was held a few weeks ago and allowed the public to express what they needed or wanted to incorporate into the downtown streetscape. Chapel Hill residents suggested ideas such as adding street furnishings and trees, she said. 

“People are amazingly kind of on the same page and have been trying to find and create vibrant places,” McCullough said. 

The engagement sessions have emphasized the involvement of community members with different accessibility levels, Potter said. 

Chapel Hill Town Council member Elizabeth Sharp said she’s attended presentations from other towns about how they’ve succeeded in reshaping their downtown areas.

“You sort of look at things that they’ve done in their towns and you’re just dying to do that sort of stuff,” Sharp said.

The Downtown Streetscape project’s design is challenging, Potter said, as it is difficult to balance all the needs and wants of businesses and those who prefer different modes of transit.

Sharp added that the reconfiguration of existing buildings also poses a challenge to this project. Since the downtown section of Franklin Street is a state-controlled road, the Town cannot decide to close the street.

“We do need to figure out how can we help local businesses utilize these spaces and afford these spaces,” McCullough said.

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