Wilson Library at UNC is a treasure trove of documents related to the history of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. On one visit, we came across the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Transportation Plan from 1976, which we scanned – in full. Written in March of 1976, the document talks about the formation of Estes Drive, Umstead Drive, Piney […]
From the archives
Posted inFrom the archives
Chapel Hill, 1968: The Death of Elliott Woods?
By the 1960s, Chapel Hill had a reputation as a place with progressive values, with legislation like its open housing act underscoring the town’s standing as a liberal beacon in the South. But Brooks argued that at best, Chapel Hill was just like many other places and, at worst, especially problematic because of the hypocrisy of many of the town’s residents.
Posted inChapel Hill
A push to build In-Cho-Co in Chapel Hill: ‘Is all of this Town’s vaunted liberalism phony?’
Shumaker’s editorial ends by acknowledging the desire by some in the community to prioritize “residential exclusiveness” and “the purity of zoning,” but suggested that some things were more important, including the Inter-Church Council’s housing project.
Posted inChapel Hill
In-Chu-Co: The protests start in 1968
The day before the town council was set to vote on its plan to build 39 apartments for moderate-income people in Chapel Hill, the members of Inter-Church Council, which headline writers charmingly called “In-Chu-Co,” had to be optimistic.
Posted inBike and Walk
Black History Month Community Bike Ride: A Recap
Earlier this week, I participated in the inaugural Black History Month Community Bike Ride. Hosted by Triangle Bike Works, the 5-mile ride was led by founder Kevin Hicks and assisted by Next Chapel Hill-Carrboro and local cycling advocacy groups, including RecycleRy, the Carrboro Bicycle Coalition and the Bicycle Alliance of Chapel Hill. Civil rights historian […]
Posted inTransportation
Today is the 50th anniversary of Chapel Hill voters approving the bus transit system
Our favorite local historian and voter guru Gerry Cohen reminded us earlier that today (February 20, 2023) is the 50th anniversary of the Chapel Hill, NC referendum to levy public transit property tax, which was necessary to obtain a grant from the federal government for purchasing buses. The levy passed 64% to 36% and bus […]