MEREDITH LEE MILLER

News

Domestic crimes befuddle police

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | February 20

Since 2003, the numbers of reported incidents of domestic violence in the area have been increasing, and police aren't sure why. The Chapel Hill Police Department saw a 6.8 percent increase in the number of domestic-disturbance calls in 2005. According to a report released Thursday, 562 domestic-disturbance calls were made this year, up from 526 in 2004. Sabrina Garcia, the department's sexual assault and domestic violence specialist, said she could not pinpoint why the numbers are on the rise.

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Late-night clubs see rise in violence

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | February 20

The Chi Hi club only has been open for about three weeks, and already it has seen its fair share of scuffles - something it seems to share with other late-night establishments. The weekend of Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, fighting broke out among dozens of people in the Rosemary Street area after the club, at 136 E. Rosemary St., closed at 2:35 a.m. Sunday, according to police. Chapel Hill police spokeswoman Jane Cousins said about 300 people were leaving the club when fighting erupted. The fighting continued at the nearby parking deck, but no arrests were made in the incident.

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Downtown storefronts to sport new looks

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | February 10

Several changes are in store for the local business scene, reinforcing the perception that Franklin Street has become a place of chronic turnover. Recently, it was announced that El Rodeo and Hector's restaurants are moving; East End Martini Bar is expanding; and a Mexican chain might move into the old VisArt Video spot on West Franklin Street, which has sat vacant since summer 2004. "I think one of the most exciting things about the downtown is that there's always going to be some level of activity," said Liz Parham, executive director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.

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'Eclectic' eatery to target older pack

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | January 20

This spring, an empty spot once occupied by a concert and art venue will be transformed into a casual eatery that specializes in unique beers. Co-owner Josh Wittman said he plans to open a new restaurant this spring at 307 E. Main St., in Carrboro - the former location of the Temple Ball Gallery. Temple Ball left the Main Street location July 31 when its lease expired, and its owner decided not to renew. Wittman said the location was appealing because it sits right between Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and people can easily walk there.

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New group head signals fresh start

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | August 30

Liz Parham, the new executive director of a local economic development group, says she knows that downtown is the doorstep to Chapel Hill and the University. But when it’s littered with cigarette butts, chewed-up gum, cardboard and fliers, it can be a turnoff for would-be patrons.

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Downtown stores rise, fall with on-campus population

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | August 30

For the ever-shifting lineup of locally owned businesses downtown, summertime is a parched time in more ways than one. Most downtown merchants see the beginning of the University’s academic year, when thousands of students wander off campus to browse the offerings on Franklin Street, as relief from the slow days of summer.

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Theater ends 60-year run

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | August 30

After more than 60 years in downtown Chapel Hill, the Carolina Theatre has closed its doors. “It was always a vanity project to have a big, beautiful theater in Chapel Hill,” former owner Bruce Stone said. “But it was never self-sustaining.” Stone has owned the theater since 1993, but the theater was completed in 1942, local historian Doug Eyre said. Eyre said one of the new theater’s attractions was a special double seat. The seat was originally made to fit one man who was about 350 pounds when he died.

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Downtown body to eye members

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | April 27

Replacing its chairman, finding a niche and clarifying open meetings laws made the first year chaotic for a local economic development group. And just as the Downtown Economic Development Corporation seems to have gotten its bearings, the group is preparing to face more change. Members of the group must decide soon if they need to have such high-ranking University and local officials on the board.

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'After Chill' remains cool

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | April 19

Amid rumors of gang activity and a past speckled with violent disputes, police took extra precautions to ensure that Sunday’s 34th annual Apple Chill festival was safe. Officials were relieved by the lack of violence reported this year. Extra police forces were on hand to patrol Franklin Street on Sunday for the festival and the unofficial “After Chill” celebration that followed, which has been under scrutiny because of some violent incidents in the past.

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Council taps into keg debate

By MEREDITH LEE MILLER | April 12

Members of the Chapel Hill Town Council reiterated their support of beer keg registration Monday but were critical of recent bills introduced in the N.C. General Assembly to establish the controversial policy. The council received information about two bills introduced in the legislature in late March that would place restrictions on the sale of kegs in an attempt to curb underage drinking. N.C. House Bill 855, whose primary sponsor is Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, requires that a special purchase-transportation permit be obtained to buy kegs.