Ruby Sinreich's blog

Tomorrow (1/21/03) the Chapel Hill Town Council will hold public hearings on some major (and some minor) zoning changes. On the table are the creation of the town's first-ever Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD). This NCD would apply to Northside (where I live), and I was on the commitee that developed the proposal. The biggest change is the banning of duplexes (which I opposed). That is probably what most peope will speak about at the hearing, although there are also concerns about the proposed cap of 2,000 square feet per dwelling (which I supported). I think the NCD is sorely needed, and this is a good step. But it doesn't really confront the problems that face our downtown, working-class, near-campus neighborhood. Some people don't think it can address those things. I think it could have... but anyway.

Big meetings tonight:

• Horace Williams Citizen's Committee: Responding to Council review of HWCC report.
• Northside NCD: Responding to Council review of the Northside Conservation District and looking at next steps including establishing design guidelines.
• Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board: Possibly eliminating advanced placement classes for middle school in favor of more/better programs for non-advanced kids.

I don't have time to write all that I want to say aboust these right now, but I'll try to post an update later...

I couldn't be happier to see students energetically pursuing more involvement in local government, and to see the Town Council welcoming them with open arms. There is clearly a need for more students to serve on Town advisory boards. But I have to ask: Where you been, students?

Student voter turnout in local elections seems to be getting worse, in spite of the fact that there have been candiates that were under 30 in the last 3 municipal elections, and an actual real-live student in the 2003 race! In fact, I campaigned on these issues myself in 1999, but got no traction with students.

So now they are asking for reserved seating on the Planning Board and boards. Students might want to try applying for it like every one else does.