Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting - January 21, 2026: CDBG Plan Amendments and Omnibus LUMO Text Amendment Approved
Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting - January 21, 2026
The Chapel Hill Town Council held a regular meeting on January 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting opened with a proclamation declaring January 2026 as Mentor Month in Chapel Hill, recognizing local mentoring programs. Mayor Jessica Anderson made announcements regarding winter weather preparedness, the People's Academy (March 3, 2026), the appointment of new Town Attorney Nick Yates, and an International Holocaust Remembrance Day program on January 27, 2026. The Council approved a consent agenda that included several routine items plus three additions: the Town Attorney's employment contract, a postponement of the 860 Weaver Dairy Road hearing, and the purchase of six Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons for MLK Jr. Blvd and Estes Drive. Two public comments were heard regarding the Glen Lennox development. The Council then held a public hearing and approved amendments to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program plans, and after discussion, approved an omnibus text amendment to the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) with amendments. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Consent Calendar
- R-2.1 Adopted the Town Attorney's Employment Contract for Nick Yates.
- R-2.2 Continued the 860 Weaver Dairy Road Conditional Zoning Hearing to February 25, 2026.
- R-2.4 Authorized purchase of six Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons for MLK Jr. Blvd and Estes Drive.
- Approved donations of surplus lockers to Chatham Community Library.
- Approved settlement agreement in Valentine v. Town of Chapel Hill.
- Approved amendments to 2026 Council Liaisons Board and Committee Assignments.
- Approved meeting minutes from November 12, 19, December 3, and December 10, 2025.
The consent agenda was approved by a unanimous vote on a motion by Council Member Ryan, seconded by Mayor pro tem Berry.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Rose Baragwanath (age 9) spoke against the proposed Glen Lennox development, citing potential tree loss and arguing that the developer (Grubb) knows it is wrong. She appealed to the Council to stop the project.
- Tim Crothers (journalism professor at UNC and Oakwood Drive resident) expressed strong opposition to the Glen Lennox development, stating that developer Clay Grubb told a working group he needed to build a 50,000 sq ft grocery store on the site or risk bankruptcy. Crothers noted 14 supermarkets within 4 miles and stated the supermarket would be located 30 yards from homes, violating the spirit of the development agreement. He asked the Council to represent residents against what he called a "corporate power play."
Discussion Items
6. Public Hearing: 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Plan Amendments
- Funding Programs Coordinator Melissa Peters presented the proposed amendments, noting that HUD requires a public hearing for substantial amendments (reallocation over 25% of the current year's award).
- The Town’s CDBG program objectives align with affordable housing and community connections priorities.
- Staff recommended moving $253,229 in CDBG funding from prior years and this year's grant to current 2025-26 program year activities and neighborhood revitalization funding.
- A 30-day public comment period opened December 22, 2025, closing January 22, 2026.
- Council Member Ryan requested clarification on moving Hope renovations to local funding. Affordable Housing Manager Emily Holt explained that the project would be supported through the Town's Affordable Housing funding program, with the Town Manager authorized to approve up to $100,000 for specific purposes, allowing more strategic use of CDBG resources.
- The public hearing was closed, and the resolution (R-2.3) was adopted, both by unanimous votes (9 ayes).
7. Omnibus Text Amendment to the Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) and Town Code
- Long-Range Planning Manager Tas Lagoo presented the package, which followed public hearings on October 22 and November 19, 2025, and a work session on January 7, 2026. The November 19 meeting ended in a 4-4 tie, requiring reconsideration.
- The package includes changes to development processes and development standards. The ordinance (O-1) before Council reflected the original staff proposal; a separate document contained amendments discussed on January 7, 2026.
- Council Member Ryan expressed support for the omnibus as a step toward Complete Community goals (diverse housing, connectivity, environmental protections) but voiced concern about allowing 5,000 sq ft duplexes, which could encourage larger, less affordable homes. Despite that objection, she supported the package with the work session amendments.
- The public hearing was closed, and a resolution of consistency (R-3) was adopted, both by unanimous votes (9 ayes).
- Council Member Ryan moved to adopt O-1 as amended per the January 7 work session summary (seconded by Mayor pro tem Berry). Then Council Member McCullough moved to amend O-1 according to the staff-provided January 7 amendments (seconded by Mayor pro tem Berry); the amendment was adopted unanimously (9 ayes).
- The main motion (O-1 as amended) was then enacted by a unanimous vote (9 ayes).
Key Outcomes
- CDBG Plan Amendments (R-2.3) adopted unanimously. Approved reallocation of $253,229 to current program year activities and neighborhood revitalization; moved Hope renovations to local Affordable Housing funding.
- Omnibus LUMO Text Amendment (O-1 as amended) enacted unanimously. The package includes changes to both development processes and standards, incorporating amendments discussed at the January 7 work session. The amendments address concerns raised during prior meetings.
- Consent agenda approved unanimously with three additions.
- 860 Weaver Dairy Road hearing postponed to February 25, 2026.
- Acknowledged that the next regular meeting will be on February 11, 2026 (no meeting on January 28).
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Welcome. Welcome. My assistant is here. Welcome to the January 21st meeting of the Chapel Hill Town Council. This is Council's first regular meeting of this session, and we are glad to have you join us. I am still confused that everyone is in different seats, but I will figure it out. This evening we have two items on our agenda for discussion or action. Up first, we will hold a public hearing regarding the 2025-26 community block grant funding program. And second, we'll consider action on amendments to the town's land use management ordinance. Along the way tonight, there are a couple of changes to our work that I want to note at the outset. Earlier this week, we received a request from the developer to postpone next week's hearing on the proposed project at 860 Weaver Dairy Road. With that postponement, only one discussion item would have remained on next week's agenda to make the best use of everyone's time and resources. Scheduled for January 28th. And there are a number of moving pieces. So we will have to vote on consent as amended. Others will be moved back to February. And number four, we will also vote on consent to postpone the 860 Weaver Dairy item to the February 25th regular meeting. And for anyone who may arrive or tune in later. Council members, are there any questions on that? Okay. So to get us started this evening, we have a proclamation to announce for National Mentoring Month. From our audience tonight, I'd like to invite Lori Clark. Did I see Lori? Oh, there you are. I'm glad you're here. Good evening, everyone. So tonight it gives us pleasure to recognize National Mentoring Month and to promote the powerful role mentoring plays in strengthening individuals and communities of all ages. Quality mentoring encourages healthy connections, as you can see, emotional well-being, and personal and professional growth. Studies show that young people with mentors are more likely to succeed in school, avoid risky behaviors, and pursue college or career goals. Here in Chapel Hill programs, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Triangle, the Blue Ribbon Mentor Advocate Program, and Volunteers for Youth help build meaningful relationships that open doors, build confidence, and provide lasting support for youth and adults alike. We are grateful to the leadership of these programs and to the volunteer mentors who show up consistently and make a real difference in the lives of others. In recognition of their impact, the Chapel Hill Town Council proclaims January 2026 as National Mentoring Month and invites caring adults to get involved. And may I see by a show of hands who is or has been a mentor in this room? Awesome. Awesome. Thank you for what you do. And those of you who haven't had that wonderful experience, go ahead and raise your hand to one of these groups or someone that you know, or in your own workplace. Thank you so much. Thank you. Don't escape yet. There's a picture. Council, would you like to get up there for the picture? Okay. Councilmember Rivers said yes, so let's go. So I'm gonna have you all step up. Well, can you say oh, there you go. There we go. Looking good. All right.
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