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Hello, neighbors! Spring has sprung in Chapel Hill, and downtown will be extra yellow this weekend as the Savannah Bananas descend upon Kenan Stadium. But that's not all to be excited about - we broke ground with community partners on an affordable housing project, the Big Book Sale is at the library this weekend, and the bocce courts at the Community Center got an upgrade. |
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Chapel Hill Goes Bananas
On April 11 and 12, the Savannah Bananas will be in town for games at UNC's Kenan Stadium.
Here's what to know:
- Downtown businesses are offering lots of food and drink specials, whether you're going to the game or just enjoying the atmosphere.
- Downtown Chapel Hill will be very busy. Slow down and watch for more pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
- Downtown parking lots and decks will fill up quickly. Some are also subject to special event fees.
- The Tar Heel Express will be running. Shuttle passes are on sale now.
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Movies Under the Stars on April 10: The Sandlot
Batter up! Bring your crew and your ballpark spirit to a free screening of "The Sandlot" at Hargraves Community Center on April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Grab a blanket, choose your viewing spot on the baseball field, and enjoy a family-friendly movie night.
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Community Partners Break Ground at Affordable Housing Project
Last week, we broke ground with other community partners on a future 100% affordable residential community, Homestead Gardens. The neighborhood will include 87 homes, with a mix of apartments and townhomes that offer both rental and homeownership opportunities.
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CARE Team Extends Operating Hours
The Crisis Assistance, Response, and Engagement (CARE) team is extending its operating hours. Teams will now be ready to serve Chapel Hill and Carrboro Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The CARE team responds to a variety of 911 and crisis calls that do not require a law enforcement response. The team is a partnership between Orange County and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
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Parks and Rec Receives Grant for Soccer Clinic
NC Amateur Sports and the NC General Assembly awarded Parks and Recreation a $1250 grant that will support equipment purchases for the Neighborhood Soccer Clinic. This clinic is a free program for youth ages 7 to 11. It's a collaborative effort between Parks and Rec, student-athletes, and members of the Soccer Analytics Club from Chapel Hill High School. The spring clinic is full, but registration for the fall clinic begins August 18.
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Update on Cedar Falls Tennis Courts Progress
Work continues on the Cedar Falls Tennis Courts, and we expect construction to finish by early summer. Right now, the contractor is currently working on the tennis courts' electrical systems, the ADA-accessible path, and landscaping. Court resurfacing will start once temperatures reach at least 50 degrees for 24 hours during the application.
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Bocce Ball Courts Get an Upgrade
The bocce ball courts at Community Center Park are more popular than ever, so we've rebuilt them to meet the demand. We worked with the bocce ball community on a new design that adds accessibility features for people with mobility restrictions, and we added another court.
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Big Book Sale This Weekend
Calling all book lovers and bargain hunters, The Friends of Chapel Hill Public Library spring Big Book Sale and annual basket raffle are nearly here! Shop from thousands of gently used books with prices starting at just $1. All proceeds support the library.
Friday, April 10: 2 - 5:30, Friends members only
Saturday, April 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 12: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., fill your own bag for just $10
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Lights Out for Bird Migration
Spring migration starts mid-March and lasts through the end of May. Here are some easy ways you can help the birds make safe passage:
- Minimize outdoor lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Turn off lights in your home and office when not in use
- Close blinds and drapes at night
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Share Your Thoughts about Our Community Development Block Grant Funding Plan
We invite you to a Public Hearing at the April 15 Council meeting, where you can share feedback about our 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding plan. These plans determine how the Town spends CDBG funding on affordable housing and community development this year, and your comments will help determine the final funding plan.
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Council met for a work session on Wednesday, April 9. They received updates on:
- Economic Development
- Rewriting Our Rules - A Land Use Management Ordinance
- Planning in the Southern Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Read the agenda.
Council will meet again for a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15. They're expected to discuss:
- Local Affordable Housing Funding Program Allocations
- Public Hearing: 2026-27 CDBG Annual Action Plan Draft
- Climate Action Implementation Update
- Public Hearing to Consider Awarding an Incentive Grant
The agenda will be posted later today.
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Be a Juneteenth Vendor
We're looking for art vendors, nonprofits, and food vendors to participate in the 5th annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19. It's free to apply and participate!
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Historic District Commission
Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. |
Legislative Breakfast
Thursday, April 16 at 8:30 a.m. |
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Ongoing
Rosemary St. road closure
OWASA is replacing an aging water main along W. Rosemary St., which will require significant road closures and detours.
Streets in the areas of E. Franklin, Battle, Gimghoul, Country Club, and Laurel Hill utility work
March 23 - May 22, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Utility workers will work in these areas section by section, not all at one time. Traffic will remain open, and temporary lane closures, pedestrian management, and traffic control measures will be used as needed.
Barbee Chapel Rd., Old State Hwy 54/Stancell Dr., Littlejohn Rd. at 54, and intersection of Barbee Chapel Hill at 54 road work
March 9 - May 30, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lane closures through the area. In some instances, flaggers will maintain traffic. In others, signs will be posted to direct traffic.
119 Bennett Way sidewalk closure
Feb. 16, 2026 - Dec. 31, 2027, 24/7
The sidewalk will be closed to accommodate protective fencing around the property to secure the site during land-clearing activities and underground utility installation.
207-209 Meadowmont Ln. sidewalk and bike lane closure
Present to August 2026
Drivers should remain alert to bicyclists merging into the main travel lane.
Long-term lane closure: S. Columbia St. UNC steam tunnel replacement
Present to Dec. 2027
One lane will be closed between South Rd./McCauley St. and Cameron Ave.
Columbia St. Carrington Hall work
Present to December 2026
A pedestrian detour is in place along S. Columbia St. near Medical Dr. as crews work on Carrington Hall.
NCDOT Project
Pope Rd. near Beaumont Rd. culvert replacement
NCDOT Project Details
Road closed with detour from March 17 to June 5, 2026.
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