Carrboro Film Fest Preparing for Big Return
Carrboro Film Fest is bringing the movies back to Carrboro this November! Now in its 16th year, Carrboro Film Festival will run from Friday Nov. 19 to Sunday, Nov. 21, at The ArtsCenter, and includes six feature films and four blocks of short films.
Features include Theirs Is the Kingdom Documentary Screening (pictured above) on Saturday, Nov. 12. In a small church in Asheville, NC, parishioners and visitors encounter a fresco mural unlike any other. It’s a mural not of saints, nor of the rich and powerful, but rather of people battling homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. From the first sketch to the final unveiling, Theirs Is the Kingdom illuminates the beauty and intricacies of the artwork while revealing the gritty and moving realities of those depicted.
Attendees will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and masks will be required.
Public Input Invited on Region’s Future Transportation Plan
Input Requested by December 7
If you’re interested in deemphasizing highway widenings and more support for public transportation as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, now is the time to give your input on our region’s future transportation system.
The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public input on the transportation improvements that should be included in the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The 2050 MTP identifies future highway, bus, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation projects for this region over the next 30 years.
The DCHC MPO will use the public input received on the draft 2050 MTP, call the Preferred Option, to identify where roadway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation investments will be needed in the coming decades. The Preferred Option deemphasizes highway widenings and provides more support for public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, and roadway modernization investments to meet the region’s climate and equity goals.
Residents and other stakeholders are asked to review the Preferred Option on the DCHC MPO website at https://www.dchcmpo.org/what-we-do/programs-plans/transportation-plans/2050-metropolitan-transportation-plan and provide comments by email to andrew.henry@durhamnc.gov or by calling (919) 560-4366, ext. 36419 no later than Tuesday, Dec. 7.
About the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization
The DCHC MPO is responsible for planning and programming state and federal transportation projects in all of Durham County and the urbanized areas of Orange County and Chatham County. To learn more, follow the DCHC MPO Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up-to-date on news about their transportation planning efforts.
Celebrating Carrboro’s First DC Fast-Charging Station
CARRBORO, N.C. -- We’re celebrating Carrboro's first new electric vehicle (EV) DC fast-charging station! It’s located at Carrboro Plaza, 104 NC Highway 54, Carrboro, NC 27510.
Watch our video from the November 12, 2021 ribbon cutting event at https://youtu.be/rfMzI-38Bdk
Our continued support of electric vehicles is part of the Brighter Future initiative, a pledge made by all of North Carolina’s 26 electric co-ops to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 50 percent by 2030 and have net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Piedmont Electric Cooperative was awarded funding from Phase 1 of the NC Department of Environment Quality Volkswagen Settlement to install Carrboro’s first DC Fast-Charging station at Carrboro Plaza. The Town of Carrboro contributed funding to Piedmont’s match for the grant, as the project aligns with goals to reduce community transportation emissions in the Community Climate Action Plan.
DC fast charging is essential for high mileage/long distance driving and large fleets. The quick turnaround enables drivers to recharge during their day or on a small break as opposed to being plugged in overnight, or for many hours, for a full charge.
This station joins a growing network of electric vehicle charging stations in Carrboro. A Level 2 charging station is currently located at Carrboro Town Hall. Two stations are being installed in the Carrboro’s Rosemary Street Parking Lot and at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which will be operational by Spring 2022.
Public Hearing of the Draft 2022-242 Comprehensive Plan
Thank you for all your thoughtful feedback on the Preliminary Draft Plan. The Public Hearing of the Draft 2022-2042 Comprehensive Plan reflects input received to date and will be the subject of the Town Council Public Hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. Learn more at https://www.carrboroconnects.org/prelim-draft-plan
Changes in the draft plan may be made following comments at the public hearing -- so if you haven't participated yet now is the time! Submit your comments by emailing publiccomment@townofcarrboro.org. To make public comment during the hearing you can email the same address and request the Zoom login information.
The meeting can be viewed live via any of the following platforms:
Please reach out to the Planning Department at 919-918-7324 with any questions. As always, thank you for your time and participation in this process!
Reducing Stormwater Runoff Pollution
Stormwater is formed when rainwater makes its way into storm drains or runs off our properties directly into streams. On its journey to the stream, stormwater can pick up harmful substances that pollute our watershed. There are many sources of stormwater pollution unique to autumn, and we need your help to control them.
Leaf and any landscaping debris dumped into a stormwater basin or near a waterway can cause harmful nutrient accumulation. Leaves swept into the street can easily enter storm drains and make their way into the nearest creek or block drainage pathways.
Dispose of yard debris in an appropriate manner, never in the street or stream! You can:
Fall is the time for seeding and fertilizing your lawn. If excess fertilizer is applied, however, it cannot be absorbed by the soil and washes away with the rain. If you are working on a landscaping project in your yard this season, be mindful of bare soil that can also run off into streams and cause sediment pollution.
- Save time and money by first having your soil tested to determine the amount and type of fertilizer needed.
- Do not use fertilizers immediately before a rainstorm, and do not apply them in excess.
- Sweep any seed and fertilizers off sidewalks, driveways, and roadways to keep it out of the waterways.
- Always follow the directions for safe application and disposal whenever you use a chemical product. Use the minimum effective amount.
- Choose native grasses that have deeper roots and naturally thrive in this area without chemical assistance and are more drought tolerant.
A little extra caution while you keep up with your fall to-do list can make a big difference for the health of our watershed, and remember we all live downstream. Contact Carrboro Stormwater Division for more information or to report an issue, 919-913-2999 or stormwater@townofcarrboro.org.
Shop Local Goods at The Bazaar
The November Bazaar is scheduled for Sunday, Nov 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at Carrboro Commons (301 W. Main St.). Dine on local food & drink and shop handmade goods from 30+ local vendors.
Masks & social distancing encouraged. Kids and leashed dogs welcome!
More information: https://bit.ly/3jqjHjY
America Recycles Day - Nov. 15
From Orange County Solid Waste Management
Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day – a day that highlights the importance and impact of recycling. According to the EPA, the recycling rate has increased from less than 7% in 1960 to the current rate of 32%, but we know there is still more work to be done to increase the recycling rate.
Why is there a day dedicated to celebrating recycling? Well, recycling has a lot of positive benefits; one study shows that recycling and reuse practices accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages.
Recycling can directly benefit YOUR Orange County community by:
- Reducing the amount of waste sent to the Sampson County landfill
- Reducing the emissions from trucks hauling waste to the landfill
- Preventing pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
- Helping create more jobs in your area. If every household in the Carolinas recycled 2 more bottles a week, it would create an additional 300 jobs!
- Supporting local manufacturing and businesses
- Conserving natural resources like timber, water, and minerals
Small steps make a big difference. To learn more about how you can incorporate reducing, reusing, and recycling into your daily routine and take the #BeRecycled Pledge, visit https://kab.org/programs/ard/pledge/. Read more about Carrboro’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at https://www.townofcarrboro.org/DocumentCenter/View/8961/Community-Climate-Action-Plan---Updated-Oct-2020.
Visit http://orangecountync.gov/2206/What-Goes-in-my-Blue-Recycle-Cart to see what you can and can’t recycle in Orange County.
For a more in-depth guide on how to discard, recycle, and donate items check out the A-Z Recycle Guide at http://orangecountync.gov/150/A-Z-Recycle-Guide.
Town Council Update
Meeting agendas and updates are issued from the Town Clerk’s Office. To receive these by email or text, sign up for Carrboro Town News at townofcarrboro.org/signup
Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. Reach the Town Council with your ideas, views, and questions at council@townofcarrboro.org
Coming Up
The Town Council will meet virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, to consider the agenda at bit.ly/3Hix9AP that also will be posted at carrboro.legistar.com
Past Meeting
The Carrboro Town Council met virtually Tuesday, Nov. 9, and took the following actions on the agenda posted at https://bit.ly/2ZYckcO
- Contract with Wetherill Engineering -- The Council authorized the Town Manager to extend the contract with Wetherill Engineering to complete the bid documents and participate in the bid process for the Jones Creek Greenway.
- Parking Lease with Main Street Properties – The Council authorized the Town Manager to renew the existing lease on 150 daytime and 250 evening and night parking spaces in the parking garage at 300 E. Main/Hampton Inn through 2023.
- El Centro Hispano: The Council received a presentation on the Casa for Employment and Leadership (CEL) Program.
- Update on Draft Bike Share – The Council received an update on the development of an RFP (Request for Proposals) to select a bike share service provider to create a unified system for Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
- Police Department Quarterly Equity Report – The Council received a brief overview of the quarterly equity report for the third quarter of 2021.
About the Town Council
The Town Council is the legislative and policy-making body for Carrboro, consisting of seven elected members: Mayor Lydia Lavelle, Mayor Pro Tempore Barbara Foushee, Council Member Jacquelyn Gist, Council Member Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Council Member Susan Romaine, Council Member Damon Seils, and Council Member Sammy Slade. More information is available at http://townofcarrboro.org/248/Town-Council
OWASA Holding Public Information Session Ahead of East Main Street Sewer Project
Orange Water and Sewer Authority will be holding a public information session from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, ahead of a sewer line rehabilitation and replacement project on East Main Street in downtown Carrboro.
The upcoming project will invest in upgrades for the community’s sewer infrastructure on East Main Street in Carrboro from the intersection with Rosemary Street to the intersection with Greensboro Street. The project will include replacing approximately 2,000 feet of sewer line, replacing eight manholes, installing two new manholes, and point repairs at two locations in the project area.
OWASA staff will be on site at 300 East Main Street on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to answer questions about the project.
- Construction on this project is expected to begin in January 2022 and be completed by June 2022. That timeline could be extended by weather or other factors.
- Normal work hours during the project will be Sunday through Friday 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Traffic will be impacted during the construction hours with a signed detour established. All travel lanes will be open at the end of each work period with no lingering impacts to vehicle traffic expected.
We understand this project will have an impact and apologize for any inconveniences associated with the project. The investment in the community’s infrastructure will help ensure OWASA continues to safely convey and treat the community’s wastewater and mitigate sewer blockages that can be costly to fix and have a negative impact on the environment.
If you are unable to attend the public information session, you can contact OWASA Utilities Engineer Deepthi Kalyanam via email or (919) 537-4215 and sign up for future email updates as the project progresses.
Everyone 5 or Older is Now Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Information from the Orange County Health Department
The Pfizer vaccine is approved for ages 5 and up, and the Moderna and J&J vaccines are approved for ages 18 and up.
Getting vaccinated is free and convenient. Check out www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot to see the schedule of walk-in and pop-up clinics, or visit www.myspot.nc.gov to choose a time and date that works for your schedule! StarMed (http://starmed.care) is partnering with Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools to offer vaccination clinics for children ages 5-11 years old.
You may also call 919-913-8088 to schedule.
Honoring Local Veterans
CARRBORO, N.C. -- Mayor Lydia Lavelle has proclaimed Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 11, as a day to remember the invaluable contribution of our veterans, and urges all residents of Carrboro to take every opportunity to honor our veterans today. Thank you to all who have served.
"On Veterans Day and every day, we celebrate their immeasurable contributions, draw inspiration from their example, and renew our commitment to showing them the fullest support of our gratitude," Mayor Lavelle said.
In a ceremony held outside Carrboro Town Hall, the following Town of Carrboro employees who are veterans were honored for their service and sacrifice:
Fire Department:
- Eddie Renegar – Marine Corps, Corporal
- Scott Trombley – Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class
Police Department
- Tony Frye – Army, Sergeant
- Michael Metz II- Army, Specialist
- Joseph Thomas – Marine Corps, Corporal
- Anthony Westbrook- Army, Sergeant
Public Works:
Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources:
- John Gaegler – Air Force, Sergeant
- Steve Harward – Navy, Lieutenant
Please read the entire proclamation at https://www.townofcarrboro.org/DocumentCenter/View/10157/2021-Veterans-Day
Photo caption: Local elected officials Mayor Lydia Lavelle, Damon Seils, Susan Romaine and Randee Haven-O'Donnell gathered to honor all veterans and to recognize Town of Carrboro employees who are veterans.
Carrboro Farmers’ Market Hours Changing Soon
Mark your calendars - the Carrboro Farmers' Market hours are changing soon!
- The last Wednesday afternoon market of the year is Wednesday, Nov. 17
- The special Pre-Thanksgiving Market will be Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 3-5 pm
Use SNAP/EBT benefits at the Carrboro Farmers' Market! The Market offers unlimited Double Bucks to SNAP/EBT customers: for example, $20 from your EBT card = $40 to spend at the market. Stop by the Welcome Booth for more information. Se habla Español!
Visit carrborofarmersmarket.com for more information.
Gallop & Gorge 8K race
The Gallop & Gorge 8K race is scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 25.
Expect traffic delays around this time on W. Weaver Street and Main Street. Feel free to cheer on the runners!
There are two ways you can participate in the run:
- The in-person race starts at 8 a.m. The course starts and finishes on Weaver Street in downtown Carrboro.
- A virtual option is also available. You can run when and where you want, and submit your virtual results by December 5.
The Gallop & Gorge 8K race is the final race in the 17th annual Le Tour de Carrboro race series, sponsored by the Cardinal Track Club.
For more information, visit https://www.cardinaltrackclub.com/
Thanksgiving Holiday Service Changes
The Town of Carrboro will observe the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25-26.
Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed.
Trash will be collected two days early the week of Thanksgiving.
- Wednesday’s trash route will be collected on Monday, Nov. 22
- Thursday’s trash route will be collected on Tuesday, Nov. 23
- Friday’s trash route will be collected on Wednesday, Nov. 24
- There will be no yard waste collected the week of Thanksgiving.
More information https://www.orangecountync.gov/1741/SWM-2018-Holiday-Schedule
Carrboro Restaurant Featured in INDY Week
Thanks to our wonderful restaurants and businesses for following public health guidance throughout the pandemic. We also appreciate how some have kept a great sense of humor through it all!
Read the full article from The Indy at https://bit.ly/3C5j4mv.
