KATIE LEWIS

News

Town recognizes historical buildings

By KATIE LEWIS | November 17

Franklin Street and downtown Chapel Hill are rich in memories and historic buildings. The Chapel Hill Historical Society and the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill, along with town and business leaders, unveiled two of seven plaques Friday morning that will recognize some of those buildings. The plaques are part of a project that honors businesses that have been a part of the town and its history for many years.

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Housing rules might change

By KATIE LEWIS | November 16

The Chapel Hill Town Council took a step Monday night toward amending language in a town ordinance that could help create more affordable housing. The town defines affordable housing as any unit that is affordable for individuals or families whose incomes are at or below 80 percent of the area median income for a family of four. The council requires that 15 percent of units in a residential development be devoted to such housing.

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Residents wary of development plan

By KATIE LEWIS | October 19

Residents living near a proposed subdivision expressed concern over the development's high density and environmental impact at Monday's Chapel Hill Town Council public hearing. Sunrise Ridge, which will include 14 single-family homes, 24 triplex units and 12 duplex units near Interstate 40, has sparked controversy since it was first proposed more than two years ago. John Tyrrell, president of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, presented the concept plan for the project at the meeting.

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New shop stocks unique gifts

By KATIE LEWIS | September 30

Across the train tracks in Carrboro and next to a clothing exchange and purchase boutique, sits a new store with painted iron furniture in the window and an iron bench by the street. Nested, which opened Aug. 15 without much publicity, features unique gifts for the home, decorative objects, fine crafts, greeting cards, furnishings and conversation pieces at all price ranges. Jenny McMillan, the store's owner, said there are not enough places to buy special and unique items in the area.

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Leaf blowers spark debate at meeting

By KATIE LEWIS | September 28

Several residents showed up at the Chapel Hill Town Council meeting Monday night to sound off on a proposed ban on the operation of leaf blowers within town limits. Council member Cam Hill, who first suggested the ban when he made an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2001, was the impetus behind the proposal - and his ideas drew arguments from both sides. Diana Steele of Mason Farm Road said Monday that she has walked the streets of Chapel Hill for 50 to 60 years, and that only recently has she begun to find those walks unpleasant.

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Fest fosters town unity

By KATIE LEWIS | September 27

Downtown Carrboro was alive and kicking Sunday when the Seventh Annual Carrboro Music Festival took to the streets. The music festival was held from 1 p.m. until midnight on 19 indoor and outdoor stages and featured local bands, street artists and plenty of things to entertain attendees. During Sunday's festivities, the streets were packed with children on bicycles, skateboarders, street artists, voter registration booths, children hula-hooping, spontaneous dancing and balloon-animal makers.

KATIE LEWIS

Town recognizes historical buildings

Housing rules might change

Residents wary of development plan

New shop stocks unique gifts

Leaf blowers spark debate at meeting

Fest fosters town unity

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