Public Health & Safety

The Wrong Post-Storm Priorities in Chapel Hill

Many thanks to the Chapel Hill News for reporting on the issue of street and sidewalk cleaning. It would have been nice if some of the people who were critical of the town's response to cleaning sidewalks can be interviewed, but I understand that time is short. One thing that I think everyone would agree on is that the folks in public works at the Town of Chapel Hill have been working (and are continuing to work) very hard on cleaning streets. So, thanks to them.

I find it unfortunate that the reflexive response to the call for better sidewalk maintenance is "who is going to pay for it." I'm not aware that anyone on twitter or elsewhere has been arguing that the town should be responsible for clearing all the sidewalks the way it (and the NC Department of Transportation) is responsible for clearing roads. The issue is that there's a large gap between what the town does now, which excacerbates the problems people have when they're trying to walk, and what the town could do without assuming responsibility for clearing all the sidewalks.

Bike and Sidewalk Safety and connectivity

I just sent this to the mayor and council email. Everytime I bike or drive by the ghost bike I promise myself I am going to say something so now or never. The bikepath/sidewalk on the up/north side is officially one way even for the the segment that takes one from the Bolin Creek Greenway to the stop light where one can cross safely to go various directions.  "I am sorry to see that after six months the solution to the accidents near Hillsborough and MLK is a sign saying do not enter. When Bolin Creek Greenway reaches MLK many people will want to ride their bike south to the Hillsborough MLK intersection to go in various directions. It makes no sense to prohibit that movement. If you are worried about the driveways just place warning signs at those points. (Are joggers also prohibited from running that way.) As an aside when our son was young our rule when riding on the sidewalk was to stop, look and walk at all driveways but I do believe it should be the drivers responsibility to make sure it is safe to eneter or leave a drive.

Town of Carrboro Community Forum on Policing

Date: 

Monday, June 29, 2015 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: 

Town Hall, 301 W Main Street, Carrboro

Know Your Rights: Youth and Policing Forum

An event announcement from Orange/Chatham public defender James Williams:

  • Do you know how to respond to police during a traffic stop?
  • Did you know regardless of your citizenship status, you have constitutional rights?
  • Do you know you are not required to consent to a search of yourself?

Panel Discussion Moderated by Dr. Rodney Coleman

While everyone is welcome, it is being planned primarily by and on behalf of young people. It is really important to encourage our youth, particularly mid-teens to mid-twenties to attend. Representatives from the bench, bar, law enforcement, and community will be among the panelists. Refreshments will be provided.

Date: 

Saturday, February 28, 2015 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Location: 

Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson Street, Chapel Hill

Town Hall Series Starts Next Week

Starting next week, I'll be hosting a series of four Town Hall events that each focus on a different issue in our community: downtown Chapel Hill, social and environmental justice, economic development and working together in Orange County. 

I want these events to be an opportunity for residents to engage and take an active role in shaping the future of our town. All you need to bring is an open mind and ideas for how we can build a more vibrant, livable community. Here's the schedule:

Issue: Downtown Chapel Hill
When: Wednesday, Feb. 25th at 5:30 p.m.
Where: DSI Comedy, 62 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Click here to see full event details and RSVP for the downtown Chapel Hill Town Hall.

Issue: Social and Environmental Justice
When: Saturday, Feb. 28th at 1 p.m.
Where: Rogers Road Community Center, 101 Edgar Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

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