OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting - September 10, 2025

Meeting Portal — Wednesday, September 10, 2025
BodyChapel Hill, North Carolina
SessionMeeting Portal
DateWednesday, September 10, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:38:16

Transcript — Verbatim
1:12

Good evening, everyone.

1:13

Welcome to the September tenth meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council.

1:18

Um tonight is our first meeting of the fall session, so welcome back.

1:24

Um we are pleased to have you join us.

1:26

It's also the first council meeting for our new town manager, Ted Voorhees.

1:32

So welcome, Ted.

1:33

Thank you, Mayor.

1:34

Great to be here.

1:35

Um we are very pleased to have you with us tonight as well.

1:39

Um our printed agenda for this evening.

1:41

Um we have four items up for discussion.

1:44

We have a change to item number thirteen, the legislative hearing for five six four zero Old Chapel Hill Road.

1:51

Um at the applicant's request, the item will be presented on September twenty-fourth.

1:56

Um if there are members of the public here for that item, when it comes time, we will need to open the hearing and then vote to move it to the twenty-fourth.

2:06

Um there will not be a presentation or discussion this evening.

2:10

That leaves us with three items for discussion or action.

2:13

Um first up, we have a tropical storm chantal overview.

2:17

Second, we will consider adopting adoption of a funding plan for our local affordable housing program.

2:24

And third, we'll be opening a legislative hearing for a mixed use project proposed for seven zero one Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard.

2:32

Um starting off, this evening we have three proclamations to announce.

2:37

Um the first is for Patriot Day.

2:40

Uh with us tonight to receive the proclamation are members of the Chapel Hill Fire and Police Departments.

2:46

Um would you all please join Council Member Searing up front?

3:37

Uh thank you very much.

3:39

This is a real honor for me.

3:41

My grandfather, many of you may not know was a New York City firefighter.

3:45

Um this is our Patriot Day proclamation on September eleventh, two thousand and one.

3:51

Nearly three thousand innocent lives were taken in the terror attacks on our nation, including three hundred and forty-three New York City firefighters and twenty-three police officers who died in heroic service.

4:04

Many more first responders have suffered or died from related illnesses, while countless others have been inspired to serve in the military or as first responders, including right here in Chapel Hill.

4:17

Today, by proclaiming September eleventh, twenty twenty five as Patriot Day and Day of Service, we honor the victims and their families and recognize the nearly two hundred heroes who serve in our own police and fire departments.

6:04

All right, everybody on three.

6:05

One, two, three.

6:45

Thank you all for joining us here tonight.

6:48

Your courage and commitment to protecting others reflects the very spirit of heroism we remember today and tomorrow.

6:58

And every day.

8:08

Also, I want to offer a special thank you to Ms.

8:11

Cruz, Ms.

8:12

Rocca Goldberg, and Miss Ismail for joining us tonight.

8:19

Your dedication to empowering and advocating for others is deeply appreciated, and we are always very proud to work alongside you.

8:31

Tonight, the mayor and council officially proclaim September fifteenth to October fifteenth, twenty twenty five as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.

8:44

This is a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, past and present.

9:06

It's a call to celebrate, but also to act.

9:11

Chapel Hill remains committed to confronting discrimination and ensuring that Hispanic and Latino individuals can thrive here.

9:46

Thank you.

10:22

All right.

10:33

Thank you.

10:59

Thank you again for joining us tonight and for your unwavering advocacy and support for our Hispanic and Latino neighbors.

11:07

Finally, we have Diaper Needs Awareness Month.

11:12

Our final proclamation will be read by Councilmember McCullough.

11:17

And we are joined in spirit by the diaper bank staff who have been working nonstop to meet community needs and could not be with us.

11:28

Oh, I could have done it from the day, excuse me.

11:31

I think you look great at that point.

11:36

From September 15th to 21st, 2025, Chapel Hill is recognizing diaper need awareness week to spotlight a critical issue affecting families across our community.

11:50

Nearly half of U.S.

11:52

families struggle to afford enough diapers, impacting children's health and limiting access to child care, education, and employment.

12:01

To address this need, the diaper bank of North Carolina, with help from a cadre of volunteers, distributes millions of diapers and other personal hygiene project products through trusted community partners.

12:16

We are grateful to them for the vital role they play in supporting local families year round.

12:22

And this year we want to express our deep appreciation for the 126,000 diapers they've distributed in the triangle area following Tropical Storm Chantal.

12:35

During this week and year round, we invite all residents to support this essential work and to help build a healthier, more compassionate Chapel Hill.

12:46

So especially if you've spent some of your life changing diapers, you know how important this is.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Affordable Housing██████████████████████████████████████38%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Disaster Recovery████████8%
Zoning Regulations███████7%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Public Safety█████5%
Procedural████4%
Community Engagement████4%
Land Use Management████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting - September 10, 2025

The Chapel Hill Town Council met on September 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations for Patriot Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Diaper Need Awareness Week; announcements about a vacant council seat and a welcome reception for the new town manager; a consent agenda with seven items; a detailed overview of the response to Tropical Storm Chantal; a discussion and vote on the FY26 Affordable Housing Funding Program; and two legislative hearings for conditional zoning applications.

Proclamations

  • Patriot Day (September 11, 2025): Presented by Council Member Searing, honoring victims of 9/11 and local first responders.
  • Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2025): Presented by Mayor Anderson to Pilar Rocha-Goldberg (El Centro) and Vicky Cruz (Raleigh Immigration Law Firm).
  • Diaper Need Awareness Week (September 15-21, 2025): Presented by Council Member McCullough, highlighting the Diaper Bank of North Carolina's distribution of 126,000 diapers after Tropical Storm Chantal.

Announcements by Council Members

  • Mayor Anderson announced the vacancy left by Council Member Karen Stegman; applications due October 10, 2025, with appointment on October 22.
  • Welcome reception for Town Manager Ted Voorhees on September 17 at the Chapel Hill Public Library.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • Enactment of the annual budget ordinance amendment to re-appropriate funds for prior year encumbrances.
  • Authorization to seek an affordable housing partner for potential Fire Station #4 property redevelopment and begin negotiations.
  • Support for a Governor’s Highway Safety Program grant application for FY26 in the amount of $174,986.
  • Adoption of the 2025 Update to the Eno-Haw Hazard Mitigation Plan.
  • Amendment of Chapter 21-6 and 21-12 of the Town Code to restrict through trucks on East Cameron Avenue and restrict left turns from eastbound Cameron onto northbound Raleigh Street.
  • Amendment of Chapter 8 to regulate garbage, trash, and refuse in alignment with FY26 budget modifications to loose leaf collection and solid waste services.
  • Approval of minutes from May 13, 28, June 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2025.

Discussion Item: Tropical Storm Chantal Overview

  • Presenter: Kelly Drayton, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management.
  • Key details: The storm was an unprecedented event, in the 500-1,000 year flood category. Chapel Hill conducted 72 water rescues, and Orange County 911 received approximately 2,300 calls. The town opened the Emergency Operations Center, relocated 37 public housing units to hotels, and coordinated with DSS and the Crisis Team.
  • Damage assessments: 215 residential properties and 101 businesses affected. The town awaits a federal disaster declaration for public assistance; individual and small business assistance declarations have been received.
  • Recovery: A long-term recovery group has been formed; $84,000 raised through a community giving fund. An after-action report will be published in November.
  • Council concerns: Greenway closures impacting pedestrian and bicycle connectivity; need for temporary trail solutions and clear communication. Council Member Searing inquired about using $900,000 from a parks bond for greenway repair design and suggested exploring lower-cost natural surface trails.
  • Staff response: Staff considering various options; will provide updates in weekly briefings. FEMA decision expected mid-October.

Discussion Item: FY26 Affordable Housing Funding Program

  • Presenter: Emily Holt, Affordable Housing Manager.
  • Proposed funding: $4 million from bond funds and other local sources for two projects:
    • Hillside Trace (Taft Mills Group): 190-unit affordable rental development, with units at or below 60% AMI (about $70,000). Leverages $60 million in outside funding. Located along future BRT line.
    • Hope NC: Acquisition of four units in Weaver’s Grove for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving households at or below 30% AMI.
  • Not recommended: Habitat for Humanity’s Carver Street project (12 units, homeownership) and a Community Home Trust proposal, due to lower scores and lack of project readiness.
  • Public comments: Heather Ferrell, Kathy Atwater, George Barrett (Jackson Center), and Jennifer Player (Habitat for Humanity CEO) spoke in support of the Carver Street project, emphasizing its importance for Black homeownership in the Northside neighborhood. Nate Broman-Fulks (Taft Mills) thanked the Council for supporting Hillside Trace.
  • Council discussion: Several members expressed concern about losing momentum for Carver Street and the need for homeownership opportunities. Staff noted that Carver Street could reapply in future rounds. The Council ultimately voted unanimously to approve the recommended funding plan (R-4).

Zoning Atlas Amendments

13. 5640 Old Chapel Hill Road

  • At the applicant’s request, the Council opened and continued the legislative hearing to September 24, 2025. No presentation or discussion.

14. 701 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

  • Applicant: Landmark Properties, proposing up to 200 residential units (10% affordable at 60% and 80% AMI), ground-floor retail, public plaza, and structured parking on a 2-acre site. Transit-oriented development near future BRT stop.
  • Staff recommendation: Approve subject to conditions in Ordinance A. The Planning Commission also recommended approval with urban design considerations.
  • Council feedback: General support for density and location, but raised concerns about affordability levels (request to increase share at 60% AMI), parking reduction, unit mix (want to accommodate families and non-students), stormwater management, and tree canopy loss. Council Member Ryan asked about step-backs from adjacent neighborhood and sign variance. Staff noted that bedroom mix cannot be regulated. The hearing was continued to October 8, 2025, by unanimous vote.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • Tropical Storm Chantal Overview: Received and filed as information. After-action report due in November.
  • Affordable Housing Funding Plan (R-4): Approved unanimously. $4 million allocated to Hillside Trace and Hope NC. Carver Street project not funded but encouraged to reapply.
  • 5640 Old Chapel Hill Road Hearing: Opened and continued to September 24, 2025.
  • 701 MLK Jr. Blvd Hearing: Opened and continued to October 8, 2025, with applicant to return with additional information on affordability, parking, and unit configuration.
  • Closed Session: Council entered closed session at 8:37 PM to discuss personnel matters (manager's office and attorney's office). Meeting adjourned at 9:02 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the September tenth meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. Um tonight is our first meeting of the fall session, so welcome back. Um we are pleased to have you join us. It's also the first council meeting for our new town manager, Ted Voorhees. So welcome, Ted. Thank you, Mayor. Great to be here. Um we are very pleased to have you with us tonight as well. Um our printed agenda for this evening. Um we have four items up for discussion. We have a change to item number thirteen, the legislative hearing for five six four zero Old Chapel Hill Road. Um at the applicant's request, the item will be presented on September twenty-fourth. Um if there are members of the public here for that item, when it comes time, we will need to open the hearing and then vote to move it to the twenty-fourth. Um there will not be a presentation or discussion this evening. That leaves us with three items for discussion or action. Um first up, we have a tropical storm chantal overview. Second, we will consider adopting adoption of a funding plan for our local affordable housing program. And third, we'll be opening a legislative hearing for a mixed use project proposed for seven zero one Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. Um starting off, this evening we have three proclamations to announce. Um the first is for Patriot Day. Uh with us tonight to receive the proclamation are members of the Chapel Hill Fire and Police Departments. Um would you all please join Council Member Searing up front? Uh thank you very much. This is a real honor for me. My grandfather, many of you may not know was a New York City firefighter. Um this is our Patriot Day proclamation on September eleventh, two thousand and one. Nearly three thousand innocent lives were taken in the terror attacks on our nation, including three hundred and forty-three New York City firefighters and twenty-three police officers who died in heroic service. Many more first responders have suffered or died from related illnesses, while countless others have been inspired to serve in the military or as first responders, including right here in Chapel Hill. Today, by proclaiming September eleventh, twenty twenty five as Patriot Day and Day of Service, we honor the victims and their families and recognize the nearly two hundred heroes who serve in our own police and fire departments. All right, everybody on three. One, two, three. Thank you all for joining us here tonight. Your courage and commitment to protecting others reflects the very spirit of heroism we remember today and tomorrow. And every day. Also, I want to offer a special thank you to Ms. Cruz, Ms. Rocca Goldberg, and Miss Ismail for joining us tonight. Your dedication to empowering and advocating for others is deeply appreciated, and we are always very proud to work alongside you. Tonight, the mayor and council officially proclaim September fifteenth to October fifteenth, twenty twenty five as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, past and present. It's a call to celebrate, but also to act. Chapel Hill remains committed to confronting discrimination and ensuring that Hispanic and Latino individuals can thrive here. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thank you again for joining us tonight and for your unwavering advocacy and support for our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. Finally, we have Diaper Needs Awareness Month. Our final proclamation will be read by Councilmember McCullough. And we are joined in spirit by the diaper bank staff who have been working nonstop to meet community needs and could not be with us.

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