News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(Nov. 21, 2024) 

Check this issue for an update on pump track improvements at MLK Park, a recap of Tuesday's Council meeting, and a joint message from Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee and Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson about OWASA's community water bill assistance program.  Note that the trash collection schedule moves up two days early next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Check this issue for the happenings this fall around Carrboro! 

Thanks for Lightening Up! 

Thanks to everyone who walked or rolled over to the Libba Cotten Bikeway and joined us for this year's Lighten Up event.

Town staff distributed lights, slap bracelets and other visibility accessories, and road safety information for pedestrians and cyclists.

Lighten Up is a safety-focused event that equips current cyclists and pedestrians with lights and reflective safety gear as a part of our Transportation Demand Management program.

Learn more about Lighten Up on our Biking webpage.

Carrboro Public Works Recognized with Cleantech Innovation Award

The Carrboro Public Works Department was selected for the 2024 Cleantech Innovation Award in Transportation for a street resurfacing project that that brings environmental benefits while extending the life of roadway pavements. 

The result is an integrated approach to roadway management that extends the life of asphalt surfaces while reducing air pollution and battling urban heat. This is a perfect example of Town of Carrboro departments prioritizing climate action goals.

The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster created the annual Cleantech Innovation Awards to recognize cleantech initiatives, projects, and innovations from companies, organizations, and government agencies that have contributed to the growing cleantech ecosystem in North Carolina. 

The awards celebrate a range of creative solutions from water technologies to renewables and new transportation models, among others. The awards are judged by leaders from the cleantech industry and public sectors. 

Care to Share Day in Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 to be Care to Share Day in Carrboro, in conjunction with the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). 

In 2023, Care to Share provided $26,000 of utility bill support to 130 households.

During November, we celebrate thankfulness for what we have and encourage all to remember that clean water is critical to public health and the vitality of our community. 

Donations can be made to the program by OWASA customers as part of their monthly bill or by a direct donation to Care to Share HERE. All of the funds donated to the program will directly help local residents in need. 

• Read the proclamation.
• Photo: Receiving the proclamation from Mayor Barbara Foushee (right) were OWASA representatives Denise Battle (left) and Brianna Carter (center).

Carrboro Honors Transgender Day of Remembrance

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 to be Transgender Day of Remembrance in Carrboro.

Around the world, many countries make it illegal for transgender people to live as their authentic selves.

The United States has one of the highest rates of murder of transgender people, particularly for women of color. In 2022, at least 32 transgender people were killed because of hate, fear and violent attacks. In 2023, at least 35 transgender were killed, and sadly so far in 2024, 25 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been fatally shot or killed by other violent means, the majority of which were Black and Latinx.

There is significant incidence of misgendering or misnaming transgender victims of crime in police reports, indicating that the number of transgender victims of violence and murder is likely far higher than what is officially reported. Local law enforcement is not required to, and frequently fails to, report hate crimes, including murder, specific to the LGBT community.

According to the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, published by the National Center for Transgender Equality, North Carolina is in the top ten states from which respondents moved because of state laws targeting transgender people for unequal treatment.

Transgender Americans are making historic progress, highlighted by nondiscrimination laws enacted in several states and an increasing number of transgender elected officials, signaling greater public support for transgender equality and respect for their contributions to society. Congress and the executive branch must follow suit and act to protect and preserve the lives of transgender individuals through inclusive legislation.

The Town of Carrboro urges all residents to reflect on the challenges facing the transgender members of our community, and to work to ensure that social, cultural, and legislative progress continue to be made so that all people can safely live as their true selves.

Read the full proclamation.

Pump Track Renovation Underway 

Earlier this month, Carrboro Communication & Engagement staff spoke with Nature Trails on-site foreman Clayton Newman and trail artist James Hudson about progress on the pump track improvements underway at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1120 Hillsborough Road.

Hudson said that the rebuild of the track, which began in October, is progressing well and on schedule for completion in January 2025. The renovation will include a different track layout with taller features to improve users confidence and skills while still being accessible and friendly for all ages and skills. "We have simplified in some ways and added fun in other ways," Hudson said. "We are putting our own flavor and flare on this design." 

A friendly notice is that residents should respect the construction fence. Tampering or using the facility during this phase can change the shapes that are being carefully formed prior to being coated in asphalt. Hudson said that anyone curious to know more are welcome to waive him down and have a chat. 

Did you know? A pump track is a purpose-built track for cycling. It has a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" — generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing. 

For more information, contact the Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department at 919-918-7364 or RecParks@carrboronc.gov  

Swearing-in Ceremony of Newly Elected

Council Member set for Dec. 3

Following results of a Nov. 5, 2024, special election, Cristóbal Palmer will be sworn into office as a member of the Carrboro Town Council during an organization meeting set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. 

The special election was held to fill Mayor Barbara Foushee’s unexpired Council term through December 2025. 

Leaf Collection in Carrboro

Have you noticed leaf piles around town? It’s certainly that time of year. The Town of Carrboro would like to remind everyone that leaves should not be piled into traffic lanes, bike lanes or sidewalks, as they become a dangerous public safety hazard.

Residents should also check collection schedules for yard waste and leaves, so that piles do not remain at the curb longer than necessary. 

Typically, residents receive yard waste and loose-leaf collection twice per month, either on the first and third Mondays of the month or the second and fourth Mondays of the month. It’s important to note that although the collection day is Monday, depending on the volume of material placed at the curb, the routes may take more than one day to complete.  

• Check your solid waste collection schedule.
• Note the holiday schedule.

Requirements for Leaf Pickup

• Don’t put leaves in the street or block sidewalks, bike lanes or storm drains.
• Optional use of a roll-out cart which is collected with an automated side loader refuse truck. 
• No plastic or paper bags are allowed. No plastic bags allowed.
• Keep the gutter clear. Allow at least 1 foot between the curb and the leaves.
• Don't block stormwater grates.
• Loose leaves waste must be free of all debris.  No dirt, sod, rock, or concrete. 
• Separate loose leaves and brush. Piles that contain limbs, brush or other yard waste will not be picked up.
• Place your leaf piles away from trees that have overhanging branches less than 14 feet from the ground, or lower branches that protrude into the lane of travel. These branches pose hazards to our equipment.
• Park vehicles at least 10 feet away from piles.
• Do not place leaves in lanes of travel (bike lanes/travel lanes).
• Help keep your neighborhood safe for people walking, biking, and driving by placing your trash, recycling and yard waste carts where they don't block the sidewalk, bike lane, or traffic flow.

More Information about Leaf Collection in Carrboro

• Loose leaves are picked up at no extra charge to our residents. 
• This program helps to keep gutters and storm drainage grates clean and working properly through the winter.
• Carrboro’s Loose Leaf Collection Program is year-round. 
• Often, when residents see our machinery approaching, they will come out and move their parked vehicles so we can access their leaf piles more easily. The crews appreciate this, as it makes the process go more smoothly.
• The Town recycles leaves as compost. Diverting these natural materials from the solid waste stream helps extend the usable landfill space and keeps methane-producing materials out of the landfill. FREE leaf compost is available to Carrboro residents. 
• With appreciation and recognition to the New Hope Audubon Society, the Town is encouraging residents to follow their "Leave the Leaves" initiative. Leaving leaves where they fall, or close thereby, saves time and money and recycles nutrients into the local ecosystem. 
• Learn more about Leaf Collection in Carrboro.
• Contact Carrboro Public Works at (919) 918-7425 or PWorks@townofcarrboro.org

Suspect Charged in Sexual Offense

Involving a Juvenile

On Nov. 12, 2024, at 2:53 p.m., the Carrboro Police Department responded to a report of a sexual assault of a minor in the Lake Hogan Farms area. 

Investigation identified the suspect as Mark Roy Saba, 34, of Raleigh. He was charged with one count of Indecent Liberties with a Child and one count of Solicit a Child by Computer, both felonies. He was confined in the Orange County Jail with a bond of $10,000. No additional information is being released at this time.

If you have additional information on this, or any, incident involving Saba, please contact the Carrboro Police Department at (919) 918-7397 or Inv. E. Velazquez at (919) 918-7413.

Media point of contact: Captain. R. Daniels at (919) 918-7418 or rdaniels@carrboronc.gov

Support Small Business Saturday in Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) as Small Business Saturday in Carrboro.

According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses in the United States. These small businesses are responsible for 61% of net new jobs created since 1995, and small businesses employ 46% of the employees in the private sector in the United States. 

Sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S. stays in the local community and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business purchasing local goods and service.

The Town of Carrboro supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities. We urge everyone to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday— celebrating its 15th year in 2024 – and Shop Small throughout the year.

• Read the full proclamation.
• Photo: Carrboro Business Alliance members receiving the proclamation  (left to right) are Bridget Pemberton-Smith, Abhi Sivadas, Chris Baldwin, Mayor Barbara Foushee and Miles Fitch. 

Town Council Update

CARRBORO, NC -- The Town Council is scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, Dec. 3. 

Following results of a special election, Cristóbal Palmer will be sworn into office as a member of the Carrboro Town Council during an organization meeting set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. The special election was held to fill Mayor Barbara Foushee’s unexpired Council term through December 2025. 

The Town Council meets at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or can view the livestream YouTube.com/CarrboroNC  OR at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ ;

The livestream will be available  at https://www.youtube.com/live/kk3abBRgNSA?si=rzLw5PtIn2GY-2n4

Past Meeting Recap 
The Carrboro Town Council met on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and considered an agenda posted at https://carrboro.legistar.com

Council actions included the following:

• Adopted resolutions/proclamations including Care to Share, Small Business Saturday, and Transgender Remembrance Day. Find these posted at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions
• Received the Police Department Equity Report. 
• Received a summary report on the 2024 Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program.
• Received a summary report of race and equity initiatives for 2024.
• Approved a Title VI Plan.
• Adopted the 2025 Meeting Calendar.
• Adopted the 2025 Town Event Calendar.
• Authorized the Town Manger to negotiate and enter into a contract with Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks, LLC for the purchase of Smeal fire apparatus, an aerial ladder truck.
• Approved the consolidation of the Affordable Housing Advisory Commission and Human Services Advisory Commission as one to be named the Housing and Human Services Advisory Commission and adopted recommended charges.
• Approved the Affordable Housing Advisory Commission’s funding recommendation to approve the funding application from Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. The grant of $79,391 from the Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund will be used to conduct critical repairs and modifications for four Carrboro homes owned by low-income households. These repairs will support homeownership retention and the ability to age in place.
• Approved to reallocate unexpended funds from the Chapel Hill High School Homestead Road Multiuse Path Project (Ordinance No. 13/FY 2022-23) to repair the pedestrian bridge and authorize the Town Manager to execute a contract to complete the repair.
• Authorized the Town Manager to amend the contract with Wetherill Engineering to extend the contract period to provide time to complete the bid documents and participate in the bid process for the Jones Creek Greenway.
• Authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract amendment with Sungate Design to increase the total contract cost by $10,000 to complete the preliminary design and associated bid documents and bid processing related to Phase 1 of the Morgan Creek Greenway.
• Authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract amendment with DRMP, the design firm for the South Greensboro Street sidewalk, to complete the preliminary design. 
• Authorized the Town Manager to award a contract for planning services to update the Safe Routes to School Strategic Action Plan.
• Scheduled the quasi-judicial public hearing for the South Green SUP-A project for Jan. 21, 2025.
• Approved an application for the 2024 North Carolina Mobile Sources Emission Reductions Grant. This state opportunity is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) program.
• Approved an application for a 2025 Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant.
• Held a quasi-judicial public hearing for Newbury Architecturally Integrated Subdivision (AIS) at 904 Homestead Road. The subdivision of land along Homestead Road was approved. The developer plans to subdivide the 10-acre property and create 36 dwelling units consisting of both single-family homes and duplexes, and up to 10 additional accessory dwelling units. 
• Met the consultant team and received an update on the schedule of activities planned in relation to completion of the Land Use Ordinance Rewrite project. CodeWright Planners, in conjunction with Civility Localized, McAdams, City Collective, Fox-Rotschild, and Noell Consulting, will be providing professional services to the Town for this work.
• Received the FY25 First Quarter Budget Update. 

Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/3Y9lU-E5ei8?si=eYv2_ee2mNhnRn3x

ABOUT CARRBORO CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. You can reach the Town Council with your ideas, views and questions anytime at Council@carrboronc.gov  Meetings are open to the public to join in person at Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. OR via Livestreaming at YouTube.com/CarrboroNC    

• Regular business meetings are generally held the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Work sessions are generally held the second Tuesdays of the month. Public comment is not accepted during work sessions, and votes are not taken.
• Agendas (and meeting videos) are posted at https://carrboro.legistar.com/ ;   
• The Town of Carrboro offers free language translation and interpretation services to residents. Information: 919-918-7391 or info@carrboronc.gov 
• Sign up to receive Council Updates with meeting agendas and post-meeting recaps at www.carrboronc.gov/signup (choose Carrboro Town News)
• Learn more about your Town Council at https://townofcarrboro.org/248/Town-Council ;
•  Questions? Reach Town Clerk Lamar Joyner at 919-918-7309 or townclerk@carrboronc.gov 

Celebrate Holiday Magic at the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade

The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Get festive and watch arts, cultural, and community groups make their way through downtown! 

“As a team, we’re really excited to end the year strong and bring community together one last time in 2024,” says Xavier Vallejo, Community Arts & Culture’s Special Events Coordinator. “Folks can expect to see plenty of cheer teams, marching bands, cultural performances, and more.” 

The parade begins at the 140 West Franklin Street Plaza, travels along Franklin Street, continues onto Main Street, and ends at Carrboro Town Hall. 

 “I am excited that the Town Council will be joined by staff and community members in this year’s parade with our uniquely styled Carrboro Team entry,” said Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney. “We look forward to joining community in kicking off the holiday season.” 

Deciding not to rake leaves is a simple way to support the environment and local biodiversity while also making yard maintenance easier and more sustainable. 

Pledge to Leave Your Leaves  online or in-person at the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. and pick up a free yard sign! Yard signs measure 18 x 24 inches, are made of sturdy, weather-resistant materials, and are printed with low-VOC vegetable-based inks. There is a limit of one free yard sign per household per year.   

The Town of Carrboro is partnering with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, Orange County, the New Hope Bird Alliance, and Keep Durham Beautiful to encourage community members to Leave the Leaves, support biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce pollution. 

Did you know that leaves are natural fertilizers and help protect wildlife? Nature’s bounty provides an opportunity to put fallen leaves to good use. 

Learn more about Leave Your Leaves.

Thanksgiving Holiday Service Changes

Town of Carrboro offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29. 

Due to the holiday, household trash collections are two days early the week of Thanksgiving.

Wednesday’s waste collection route will be collected on Monday, Nov. 25; Thursday’s waste collection route will be collected on Tuesday, Nov. 26; and Friday’s waste collection route will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 27. 

Yard waste, loose leaves, and bulk waste will not be collected during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 25-29).

Learn more about Holiday Service Changes in Carrboro.

20th Annual Gallop & Gorge 8K 
set for Thanksgiving Day

The final race of the 20th annual Le Tour de Carrboro series is the Gallop & Gorge 8K scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.

The race will begin and end on Weaver Street in downtown Carrboro so expect traffic delays in that area. View the full race route below. 

There will also be an opportunity to give back to your community.  Collection boxes will be available for non-perishable food items to be donated to the Interfaith Council Food Pantry.

Grab a cup of coffee, some non-perishable items to donate, and come out to cheer on the runners before you begin your Thanksgiving festivities at home.

The race's 2024 Community Partners include Carrboro Boy Scout Troop 845, Carrboro Family Garden, Meals on Wheels of Orange County, Optimist Club of Chapel Hill, Orange County Rape Crisis Center, Table and UNC Get Real & Heel Cancer Exercise Program.

Learn about the race.

Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources

Monthly Events Newsletter

View the Monthly Events Newsletter and discover all of the exciting programs and special events that are coming up!

Check out the Monthly Newsletter.

Save the Dates for Carrboro’s Holiday Events

Join The Town of Carrboro in celebrating the holiday season and save the dates for these upcoming festive events.

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

Join us at Carrboro Town Hall as we gather and celebrate the festive season!

We welcome all community members to join members of the Town Council along with local schoolchildren from Carrboro and McDougle elementary schools as we officially kick off the season with music and the lighting of the community tree. 

In collaboration with our participating schools, we have partnered with Porch to hold a canned food drive. Please bring non-perishable items to the tree lighting and place in each designated box. Let's see which school can collect the most donations!

This event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in front of Carrboro Town Hall, 301 W. Main St. 

Chapel Hill – Carrboro Community Holiday Parade

The annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Holiday Parade is kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade route begins at 140 West Plaza, travels along Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, proceeds to Main Street in Carrboro, and ends at Carrboro Town Hall.  

Join us for a festive, entertaining, safe, and inclusive community parade to celebrate the winter holiday season. Stake out your curbside spot and watch arts, cultural, and community groups parade through town. 

Kids, Cookies & Candy Canes

Join our holiday celebration for children of all ages! Bring the family to the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and enjoy some holiday fun!  Join us for cookies, crafts, and a children's show.

Visit the Events Calendar on our website to learn more about all our upcoming events.

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 10 public lots all over town.

Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.