News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(June 25, 2024) 

Last week of June! This Friday is the Carrboro Pride Dance Party, which begins with the Pride Piper Walk from Carrboro Century Center. Come out for the walk about 4:30 pm and join community as we pull the Rainbow Ram down Weaver Street to the festivities. Next week is the July 4th Community Celebration. Marking its 11th year is the Frederick Douglass Community Reading, taking place at noon on July 4th at the Century Center. Come early for a good seat!  Also in this issue is the Town Council Update including adoption of the Town Budget before summer hiatus.  

Carrboro Pride in Carrboro this Friday

Everyone is invited to the Carrboro Pride Dance Party from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 28, at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St.

The event is preceded by the Pride Piper Walk starting after 4:30 p.m. from Carrboro Century Center. Help us get the party started with the Bulltown Strutters as we roll the Rainbow Ram down Weaver Street toward Town Commons.

Join the party for food, dance and frolicking on the lawn. Live drag show performances and music by WXYC Radio DJs. Enjoy food trucks, dancing led by Oscar Garcia, a ZimZoom Photo Booth, and tables with resources, support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

Small Town Pride

The Carrboro Pride Dance Party is the culminating event of Small Town Pride, a partnership between the Town of Carrboro and the Town of Chapel Hill.

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in the Town of Carrboro, as proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee.

Carrboro is committed to standing with and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and to working to ensure that all of its residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, are treated with respect and dignity.

Learn more about Pride Month in Carrboro.

Carrboro Community 4th of July Celebration

Join us at Carrboro Town Commons from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th for the Carrboro Community Fourth of July Celebration.

The 10th Annual Community Reading of the Frederick Douglass Essay "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" will be held rain or shine. The community reading will be held at the Carrboro Century Center from 12 - 1:30 p.m. 

The Kickoff Event activities will be held at Weaver Street Market beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by The People’s Parade from Weaver Street to Town Hall at 10:50 a.m. led by the Bulltown Strutters. 

Bring non-perishable items to help support PORCH. Donation bins available at Weaver Street Market and Carrboro Town Commons.

Pre-Event Activities at Weaver Street Market

Join us on the Weaver Street Market Lawn at 9:30 a.m. for pre-event activities!  There will be a Bike/Wagon Decorating Contest along with a Costume Contest for kids! 

• 9:30 a.m. – Pre-Event Activities Begin
• 9:45 a.m. – Designing & Decorating Booths (Patriotic Tattoos, Hat Making & Decorating, Patriotic Flag Coloring, Bike & Wagon Decorating)
• 10 -10:15 a.m. – Registration for Costume Contest

Categories: Ages 1-5; Ages 6-10;  Ages 11-15; Family/Group; Bike/Trike; and Wagon/Scooter/Other 

• 10:30 a.m. – Costume Contest Winners Announced 
• 10:40 a.m. – Parade Assembly on E. Weaver Street 
• 10:50 a.m. – The People’s Parade from Weaver Street Market to Carrboro Town Hall led by The Bulltown Strutters

The People's Parade

At about 10:50 a.m., the People's Parade will begin and travel from Weaver Street Market to the Main Event at Carrboro Town Commons!  Dress up, bring your bikes and wagons, and join your fellow community members with a July 4th themed parade down Weaver!

Annual Reading of Frederick Douglass' Essay

Mayor Barbara Foushee will host our annual gathering of community members for the annual Community Reading of Frederick Douglass' essay, "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro."   The reading will occur in the Carrboro Century Center's Century Hall at 12 p.m.

Live Music at Town Hall

Our emcee will be Aaron Keck of 97.9's the Hill.  Below are the performances scheduled for this year's event:

• 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Queen Bees
• 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. - Emerald Empire Band
• 2-3 p.m. - Emerald Empire Band

Other Events and Activities at Town Hall

Join us for the following during the main event from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Town Hall:

• Senior Bing (Town Council Chambers from 1:00pm-2:30pm)
• Pie-Eating Contest(2 -3 p.m.)
  • 2 p.m. – Ages 6-8
  • 2:15 p.m.  – Ages 9-12
  • 2:30 p.m. – Ages 13-17
  • 2:45 p.m. – Ages 18 & Up

Note: Registration for the pie-eating contest is on-site at the Information Booth from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Registration is first-come, first-served and a maximum of eight participants will be accepted.  There is no registration fee, but a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian.

• Town of Carrboro Fire Department Interactive Smoke House 
• Face Painting w/ Paint Savvy
• Carnival Games and Inflatables (Bounce House) 
• Baby Crawl Contest
• Free Expression Chalk Boards
• Toddler Square
• Family Fun Photo Booth Experience
• Bubble Artist
• Stilt Walker
• Food/Drink Vendors
• Non-Profit Booths

Carrboro to hold 11th Annual  Frederick Douglass Community Reading

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee is pleased to announce that the Town of Carrboro will hold its 11th Annual Community Reading of the Frederick Douglass essay "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" on Thursday, July 4, 2024. 

The reading will occur from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. Introductory remarks will be provided by Mayor Foushee with the keynote address given by Civil Rights Historian Danita Mason-Hogans. Closing remarks will be provided by James Williams Jr., an attorney and former chief public defender.

About the Frederick Douglass Speech and Community Reading 

"What to the slave is the Fourth of July?" posed Frederick Douglass to a gathering of 500-600 abolitionists in Rochester, N.Y., on July 5, 1852. Admission to the speech was 12 cents, and the crowd at the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society was enthusiastic, voting unanimously to endorse the speech at its end. This speech would be remembered as one of the most poignant addresses by Douglass, a former slave turned statesman. Douglass gave it on July 5, refusing to celebrate the Fourth of July until all slaves were emancipated.

Frederick Douglass’ essay reflects a sobering point of view about what is commonly considered to be America’s Independence Day and is a part of the history of this country that should be recognized and remembered. The community is urged to attend and listen to the reading of this compelling work.

The reading is one of the events included in the day-long Carrboro July 4th Celebration.

• View past Carrboro’s Frederick Douglass Community Readings .
• Learn more about The Fourth of July in Carrboro.

Town of Carrboro offices closed for Independence Day

The Town of Carrboro's administrative offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. 

There will be no household waste collection on Thursday, July 4. Thursday’s collection is moved to Friday, July 5 and Friday’s collection is moved to Monday, July 8.

Emergency police, fire and rescue services may be reached by calling 9-1-1

Town of Carrboro Announces Family Financial Assistance Program (Round 2)

The Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program (Round 2) will begin accepting applications on June 24, 2024 for Carrboro families facing financial challenges with food, housing, utilities, transportation,  childcare and internet access.  

The second round of this program has been approved by the Town Council.  Partnering on the program are the Town of Carrboro Racial Equity Commission, Race and Equity team, Orange County Department of Social Services, Empowerment Inc. and the Carrboro Housing and Community Services Department.  

Pick up and drop off completed applications (English or Spanish) at the following: 

• Access applications on the program webpage.
• Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
• Hillsborough Commons, 113-B Mayo Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 
•  Fax completed applications to 919-644-3305 

The Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program will receive applications through Friday, July 26, 2024.

For more information, contact Anita Jones-McNair at amcnair@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7381 or Kannu Taylor at ktaylor@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7351. 

Fitch Lumber & Hardware Parking Lot

to close for repaving

News from Fitch Lumber & Hardware  

The main gate and front parking lot of Fitch Lumber & Hardware at 309 N. Greensboro St. will be closed on Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2 for repaving of the facility.  

All customers and vendors will need to enter and exit through the south gate off Short Street and park inside the gate on the gravel surface.  Please see image below.   We realize this will be an inconvenience to your shopping experience and will do our best to accommodate you upon arrival.

As a reminder: do not park across the street in the Carr Mill Mall Parking lot as you will likely be towed.

Check out all the public parking options in Carrboro.

Carrboro Town Council Update

Meeting agendas and updates are issued from the Town Clerk’s Office. To receive these by email or text, sign up for Carrboro Town News.

Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. Reach the Town Council with your ideas, views, and questions at Council@carrboronc.gov

Coming Up

The Carrboro Town Council will be on a summer hiatus with its next regularly scheduled meeting (a work session) set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. The agenda will be available at https://carrboro.legistar.com

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the livestream YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com

Language Access

 The Town of Carrboro offers free language translation and interpretation services to residents. Information: 919-918-7391 or info@carrboronc.gov

La Ciudad de Carrboro ofrece servicios gratuitos de traducción e interpretación de idiomas a los residentes. Información: 919-918-7391 o info@carrboronc.gov

Recap of Past Meeting 

The Council met on Tuesday, June 18, and took the following actions on the agenda posted at https://ecs.page.link/etPyk

Town of Carrboro Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. This complete agenda item with attachments is available at https://ecs.page.link/etPyk The adopted budget document will be posted at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2601/Annual-Budget-Documents

The Town Budget includes the Council’s key priorities of affordable housing, race and equity, and environmental protection.

“The Town’s annual operating budget represents Carrboro’s mission to enhancing the Town’s quality of life for our residents,” said Town Manager Patrice Toney. “This budget reflects our dedication to supporting our valuable employees, investing in critical infrastructure, and meeting the immediate needs of our community. The budget aims to include the Council’s key priorities of affordable housing, race and equity, and environmental protection.”

Highlights of the adopted budget totaling $68.3 million for fiscal year 2025 are as follows: 

• No property tax rate increase. The Town of Carrboro tax bill for the owner of a home valued at $400,000 will be $2,417.60. Note that Carrboro property owners also pay Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district taxes.
• A 10% across-the-board salary increase for Town employees. This increase consists of a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a one-time 7% salary adjustment to align with a competitive job market. 
• A Land Use Ordinance rewrite.
• Significant investment in efforts to increase affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Fund. This 1.5 cent property tax will continue for FY24.
• Resources for the Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program.
• Replacement of Fire Ladder 1 and ongoing investment in the town’s fleet.
• Completion of The 203 Project is expected in the first half of Fiscal Year 2025.
• Initial planning for renovation of town buildings.  

In other matters, the Council took these additional actions:

• Deferred consideration of a proposed paid parking program in downtown Carrboro to a future meeting date to be announced following further community engagement. Learn more and check for updates at https://www.carrboronc.gov/3008/Paid-Public-Parking-Ordinance
• Received a site assessment report on Town-owned land identified for possible affordable housing use. The Council requested staff review of the report and further community engagement. Learn more and check for updates at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2681/Exploration-of-Affordable-Housing-on-Tow
• Held a legislative public hearing and adopted revised Land Use Ordinance text amendments relating to neighborhood cafes and residential density.
• Received the Police Department Quarterly Equity Report.
• Approved Recommended Human Services Funding for FY 2024-2025. The Town Manager's Adopted Budget for FY 2024-2025 includes an appropriation of $665,068 to be distributed to local human services agencies providing services to the residents of Carrboro.
• Authorized the Town Manager to issue a Business Revolving Loan Program loan of $12,000 plus closing costs to Stevie Webb of The Cheese Shop.
• Authorized American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Fund for Revenue Replacement.
• Authorized the Town Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Orange County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Town of Hillsborough for the development of a comprehensive emergency operations plan.
• Authorized the Town Manager to award a contract to install bicycle detectors at four intersections: East Main Street at Roberson Street, Main Street at North Greensboro Street, Weaver Street at North Greensboro Street, and NC 54 at West Poplar Avenue.
• Approved the consolidation of the Truth Plaque Task Force (TPTF) and Racial Equity Commission (REC) to one commission serving Carrboro residents.
• Approved the consolidation of the Arts Committee and Recreation & Parks Commission as one to be named the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Advisory Board serving the Carrboro residents.
• Authorized an agreement with Central Pines Regional Council for a FY25-26 Transportation Demand Management Grant.
• Authorized a one-year MOU for the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness.
• Amended the personnel policy to reflect a benefit change for Town employees.
• Authorized a Global Capital Agreement to continue to receive Orange County Transit funds.
• Authorized a correction plat for the Greene Tract to properly show an easement. 
• Authorized an application for the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle Grant.

Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFoUOyZFLFE

Council Meeting Schedule

 View the 2024 Council Calendar.

Town Council 

The Town Council, which is the legislative and policy-making body for Carrboro, comprises Mayor Barbara Foushee, Mayor Pro Tempore Danny Nowell, Council Member Catherine Fray, Council Member Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Council Member Jason Merrill, and Council Member Eliazar Posada. More information is available on the Council webpage.

Do you use the Baldwin Park Playground?

We want your input!

The Town of Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department is planning to replace the playground area amenities at Baldwin Park, 400 Broad St.

Take a survey and tell us how you use the park: 

• Survey In English
• Encuesta En Español

The survey is open through Friday, June 28, 2024.

For more information, email info@carrboronc.gov .

Hot Weather Resources in Orange County

Orange County has compiled a list of resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness during dangerous hot weather.  The Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection Program (SOHRAD) offers help to people living unsheltered. 

Call 919-886-3351 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -to 9 p.m. and Saturday Noon to 9 p.m. 

Additional information can be found on the Orange County Hot Weather Resources Webpage.

News from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority - PFAS Community Chat

News from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) 

Join us for our first PFAS Community Chat featuring local environmental law, regulatory, and utility finance experts to discuss how to fund PFAS removal from drinking water. The community chat will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

PFAS, short for per-and poly- fluroalkyl substances, are a group of compounds used in a variety of industrial processes and in everyday products to increase resistance to water, grease, and stains. PFAS can be found in carpet, clothing, furniture fabric, food packaging, cookware, some firefighting foams, and other materials. This family of compounds has been around for decades, accumulating in the environment—including drinking water sources. There is no known active industry in the watersheds that feed our reservoirs.

Safeguarding Our Water: PFAS Q&A

Panelists:

• Shadi Eskaf, Director, N.C. Division of Water Infrastructure
• Jeanne Zhuang, Senior Attorney, SELC (Southern Environmental Law Center)
• Stephen Winters, Deputy Executive Director, Orange Water and Sewer Authority

Hear expert insight, get your PFAS questions answered, and learn what OWASA is doing about PFAS! Our expert panelists will discuss the challenges in funding PFAS removal from drinking water. This is an opportunity for members of our community to get insight from local experts, discuss concerns and get questions answered. We hope to see you there!

Learn more at https://www.owasa.org/pfas-and-your-water/

Do you live on a cul-de-sac?

Please place roll-out waste carts curbside by 7:30 a.m. on your collection day and allow 3 feet of clearance between your container and any other item.

Ensure cars are parked in driveways on trash collections days to ensure sufficient spacing for collection trucks to collect waste. 

Vehicles in the roadway must be parked parallel with the edge of the roadway, heading in the direction of lawful traffic movement, and with the wheels of the vehicle within eighteen (18) inches of the curb or the edge of the roadway.

Questions? Please contact the Carrboro Public Works Department at 919-918-7425 or PWorks@carrboronc.gov 

Candidate Filing Begins

Candidate filing for Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and the vacant seat on the Carrboro Town Council for Nov. 5, 2024 begins Monday, June 10, at noon and runs through noon Friday, July 5. 

More information on the Orange County Filing for Office webpage. 

GoTriangle is returning to fare

collection effective July 1, 2024

After suspending fares during the COVID-19 pandemic, GoTriangle will resume collection of fares on July 1, 2024, with new options for passengers that include digital ticketing and a Transit Assistance Pass for income qualified riders to ride fare-free. 

Youth (ages 13-18) and seniors (ages 65 and older) will still ride free (as they did pre-pandemic) after they enroll in one of the GoPass programs that allows them to use the Umo digital ticketing platform.

Learn more at gotriangle.org.

Save the Date: Manchester City and Celtic FC To Meet In Kenan Stadium July 23

The Town of Carrboro is proud to be sponsoring a trolley for increased crowds expected during the Manchester City and Celtic FC International Soccer game on July 23, 2024. The free trolley service between downtown Carrboro and downtown Chapel Hill will make it easy for visitors to support Carrboro restaurants, drinking establishments and businesses. 

English soccer teams Manchester City and Scottish side Celtic FC will play an exhibition match in Chapel Hill as part of the FC Series. It’s the second straight summer Kenan Stadium will host the FC Series after Chelsea and Wrexham played there in 2023. 

In addition to the excitement at Kenan, the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are planning a week of activities downtown including photos with mascots, pop up tee-shirt sales, and local tailgating opportunities. 

• Read the story by Laurie Paolicelli, executive director for the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau.
• Read an article about the July game on Go Heels.
• Keep your eye on Visit Chapel Hill for more information.

Boost Carrboro Business Summit

Calling all existing business owners in Carrboro and surrounding areas!  Get ready for the Boost Carrboro Business Summit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at the ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St. in Carrboro. 

Discover partners who can help grow and sustain your business. Network with entrepreneurs, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore growth opportunities.

Enjoy lights bites & tasty sips as you elevate your business.

Attendees will be able to book small group counseling services to equip their businesses with the connections and resources to grow their business in Carrboro, NC.

This event is free and open to the public with registration.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or partnerships, contact conference curator Chisa Pennix-Brown.

Chisa Pennix-Brown
Chief Curator, Give It To The People 
Email: giveit2thepeople@gmail.com
Phone: 336-809-8851

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 10 public lots all over town.

Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.