Carol Woods could be expanding to allow better access to the handicapped — but Chapel Hill Town Council members would also like to see it offer better access to those on tight budgets.
The council held a public hearing Monday to discuss the proposed expansion of the Carol Woods retirement community.
“We’re creating a better entrance sequence and covered drop off, and also adding an elevator to make it easier for people to move up and down,” said Dan Jewell, owner and principal architect at Coulter, Jewell, Thames, P.A.
The council suggested adding covered bicycle parking in hopes of meeting the needs of cyclists in the community.
“I would think the community sees cycling as a recreation,” council member Jim Ward said.
Del Snow, vice-chairwoman of the Chapel Hill planning board, said the board found the application to be very thorough.
At the end of the hearing, council member Matt Czajkowski inquired about the possibility of affordable housing at the Carol Woods community.
Jewell said he will address housing costs and clarify financial guidelines of the project before it comes before the council on Nov. 21.
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The Chapel Hill Town Council held a public hearing to discuss the proposed ordinance that would allow food trucks to operate in Chapel Hill.
Kendal Brown, the town’s principal development planner, said she took into account the issues raised by the council, including taxation and fairness to other restaurant owners, while drafting the new ordinance.
But Kristen Smith, who spoke on behalf of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, said there are two issues the ordinance does not address.
“Why would we bring in unfair competition with restaurants that invested in downtown?” she said.
The council also raised concerns about the fiscal impact of allowing food trucks.
“It is a multi-department issue, including planning, fire, police, and legal personnel time for administration,” Brown said.
Becky Cascio, who owns a food truck, said she is excited for a possible opportunity to be allowed to operate in Chapel Hill.
“We want to share more food, compete with people around us and hope to bring a positive impact on Chapel Hill,” Cascio said.
Possible council action is scheduled for Nov. 21.
Quotable
“As we know, most Carol Woods members support affordable housing,” said Czajkowski. “It’s a real focus in the town and on this Council.”
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