In the 1960s and 1970s, clean soil was dug up from 828 MLK Jr. Blvd., and coal ash and other debris was used as structural fill. The police headquarters was built on the site in 1981. In the ensuing decades, we’ve learned that coal ash (which is the byproducts of coal combustion) is pretty nasty […]
Posted inChapel Hill, Events
Should Chapel Hill’s July 4th celebration have drones instead of fireworks?
Chapel Hill recently posted a survey about the future of its 4th of July celebration. They want to know: should they continue using fireworks or should they switch to drones? I’m on team drone. Here’s why: I miss the show in Kenan Stadium For decades, fireworks in Chapel Hill were in Kenan Stadium. But in […]
Posted inBike and Walk, DCHC MPO
How to give public comment on North Carolina’s State Transportation Improvement Program, 2026–2035
North Carolina State’s Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is “a 10 year State and Federal-mandated plan that identifies the construction funding for and scheduling of transportation projects throughout the state.” Last week I received notice that NCDOT was “requesting community input” (actually, a 45 day public comment period is required) on its 10-year STIP via a […]
Posted inChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Events around town, Things to do with kids
What’s happening in Chapel Hill and Carrboro: Week of July 1
? A symposium on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act will be held July 2 at the Chapel Hill Public Library. Register online for a full day of conversation and fellowship about the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. ? Fireworks are Thursday at Southern Village Community Park and we have all […]
Posted inAnimals, From the archives
After 30 years, Chapel Hill’s missing concrete hippopotamus is returning to North Carolina
Last December, Allen Baddour shared a story about a mysterious concrete hippo statue that stood proudly in a tributary of Bolin Creek, before it disappeared. The story captivated the community, and even made the local news: It’s been gone for almost 30 years exactly. But now, we’ve learned, the 1000-pound concrete hippo is on the […]
Posted inCarrboro, Chapel Hill, Things to do with kids
July 4 2024 in Chapel Hill and Carrboro: How to get to fireworks and the parade, and where to park
It’s time, once again, to celebrate America. Here’s what’s going on in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Parade and community reading of Frederick Douglass Essay Each year, Carrboro celebrates the 4th of July by holding a people’s parade – with prizes! – and an annual community reading of the Frederick Douglass essay “The Meaning of July […]