News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(May 23, 2024) 

You see them all around town - collecting trash, trimming trees, maintaining streets and so much more. We recognize this special team during Public Works Week that works tirelessly – often behind the scenes and after hours – to keep our town running! We're also celebrating outstanding statewide leaders to be honored at the Power 100 Awards -- including Mayor Barbara Foushee and  Town Manager Patrice Toney! Monday is a holiday, and Town offices will be closed. This Memorial Day, we remember those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces, and the victims of war around the world.  Check this issue for information on a local ceremony planned by the Orange County Veterans memorial committee. 

Mayor Foushee proclaims Public Works Week

It’s Public Works Week (May 19-25), proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee. The theme of this year’s national observance is “Advancing Quality of Life for All.” 

Carrboro Public Works makes important contributions to the community by providing reliable solid waste collection; loose leaf collection; street, greenway, and right-of-way maintenance; snow removal; stormwater facility maintenance; mowing and landscaping of Town properties and rights-of-way; tree trimming and removal; ball field preparation and maintenance; facility maintenance; vehicle and equipment maintenance; and cemetery maintenance and cemetery plot sales.

“The Town of Carrboro is very fortunate to have a really great team of employees at Public Works,” Public Works Director Kevin Belanger said. “They work tirelessly – often behind the scenes and after hours – to make these things happen and keep things running in the town. I’m honored to be part of this team.” 

In the 2024 biennial community survey, Carrboro Public Works earned residents’ highest ratings of satisfaction, with 91.4% of residents indicating they were satisfied or very satisfied with the department’s services. 

The Town’s proclamations and resolutions are posted at https://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions

Carrboro This Week Graphic Photo Caption: Carrboro Public Works employees enjoyed a lunch on Tuesday, May 21, to celebrate Public Works Week.  

Mayor Barbara Foushee and Town Manager Patrice Toney to be honored at

POWER 100 Awards

News Release from Black Business Ink

Black Business Ink will honor 100 of the most influential leaders and organizations across the state at its second annual Black Business Ink Power 100 Awards Ceremony. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28 at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, 300 N. Elm St., Greensboro. 

This year’s POWER 100 cohort represents individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations hailing from nearly two dozen municipalities across North Carolina. Elected officials, spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, judges and college presidents are among the honorees. Among the honorees are Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee and Town Manager Patrice Toney. 

The inaugural Power 100 celebrated the 20th anniversary of Black Business Ink, a monthly magazine founded by publisher and editor Richard L. Williams. The first issue of the magazine was unveiled in May 2003 at the State of Black North Carolina Conference, also founded by Williams. The conference brings together leaders from across the state to address disparities in Black and Brown communities. 

For the second year, the Power 100 has served as the singular event of the State of Black North Carolina Conference. Previous conference participants included, among others, former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles; former Supreme Court Chief Justice Henry Frye Sr.; and former president of Spelman and Bennett colleges Dr. Johnnetta Cole. 

“Congratulations to each of the esteemed honorees who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the betterment of our communities across the state,” Williams said. “Black Business Ink applauds the extraordinary achievements of these outstanding leaders who represent their respective fields with distinction.” 

The honorees were selected based on community nominations and affirmed by an independent Black Business Ink advisory panel. 

For more details or ticket information, visit blackbusinessink.com

Freight Train Blues to feature Thomas Rhyant and the Legendary Singing Stars

The upcoming  concert of the Music Maker Foundation’s Freight Train Blues series is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street. 

Featured this Friday are the following artists:

Thomas Rhyant

After decades of touring in gospel quartets, Rhyant launched a solo career. His prowess for vocals and nimble acoustic guitar work are clearly felt in his touring tribute to Sam Cooke, whom he claims as his greatest influence. These days, Rhyant uses music to tell the stories of those who came before him, allowing people to not only understand but emotionally connect with history. 

Legendary Singing Stars

The Brooklyn-Based Legendary Singing Stars have carried the gospel tradition into the 21st century in the sixty-plus years since its founding. In the decades since their founding, the Stars have gone by different names, changed their band mates, and cut several successful records. Founder Billie Hardie left to form his own gospel group in 1970, and rejoined the Stars in 2008 at the request of the group leader Tommy Ellison.  Today, Hardie shares lead vocal duties with 21-year-old Michael Boone, who has been performing with the group since age 15 and grew up frequenting the Singing Stars’ NC shows. Despite a 63-year age difference, the two vocalists have great chemistry on stage and share a similar vision and talent. 

The Town of Carrboro proudly presents the Music Maker Foundation’s Freight Train Blues series of live concerts every Friday evening between May 3 and June 21, 2024, at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street. Concerts start at 6:30 p.m.  The series is a collaboration among  Music Maker Foundation; the Town of Carrboro; WUNC 91.5 FM; and The Forests at Duke. Funding for this year’s series was also provided by Spark the Arts.

Bring your picnic, lawn chairs and blankets for a free evening of live music on the lawn. Beer and food will be available for purchase at the events. 

Find more about free public parking available in downtown Carrboro.

Check out the full line up and learn more about Music Maker Foundation and Freight Train Blues.

Chat with a Town Planner! Planning,

Zoning & Inspections hosts open houses

Come chat with a Town Planner about text amendments to the Land Use Ordinance at one of our open houses coming up. There is no appointment required for these drop-in sessions.

Open Houses at Carrboro Town Hall (Council Chambers, 301 W. Main St.)

• 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 28
• 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29

The Town Council is holding public hearings on June 4th and June 18th for text amendments to the Land Use Ordinance. Planners will be available for in-person questions about the amendments and to help people learn more about the public hearing process.

Public Hearings:

• June 4: Text Amendment Updating and Clarifying Water Quality Buffers, Road Buffers, Setback Exceptions, and Fences (4438 (townofcarrboro.org))
• June 18: Text Amendment Relating to Cafes and Residential Density in Certain Zoning Districts (Town of Carrboro - File #: 24-094 (legistar.com))

Planning staff will also be happy to share with community members updates related to ongoing and upcoming Town projects including:

• The 203 Project
• Pollinator Week
• Safe Routes to School
• Walking & Biking Projects

Memorial Day in Carrboro

Town of Carrboro offices will be closed Monday, May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

The Orange County Veterans memorial committee is planning a Memorial Day Program at 8:45 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the Veterans Memorial Site, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, NC. Mayor Barbara Foushee will provide the welcoming remarks for the program. Learn more about the 2024 Memorial Day Program.

The proclamation acknowledges Memorial Day in Carrboro as a day to remember those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces, and to the victims of war around the world. Mayor Foushee encourages all residents to affirm and celebrate Carrboro’s commitment to nonviolent, peaceful solutions to conflict.

Read the 2024 Memorial Day Proclamation.

Yard waste and loose leaves will not be collected on Monday, May 27 due to the holiday. Residents who normally receive yard waste or loose-leaf collection on Monday, May 27 will be serviced on Tuesday, May 28.

Carrboro 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.

Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. Reach the Town Council with your ideas, views, and questions at Council@carrboronc.gov

Coming Up
The Carrboro Town Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. The agenda will be available at https://carrboro.legistar.com 

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/

Recap of Past Meeting 

The Council met on Tuesday, May 21, and took the following actions on the agenda posted at https://ecs.page.link/GGpgV 

• Appointed Greg Randolph to the Orange County Climate Council. 
• Authorized a fuel tank project award to JF Petroleum Group, the maximum award of which will be $474,000 to be funded out of ARPA revenues. 
• Approved the HOME Investment Partnership Program’s Annual Plan activities for FY 2024-2025. The Orange County HOME Consortium leverages resources, including private, state, and local funds, to fulfill and enhance the impact of federal HOME funds. The Town of Carrboro’s contribution is $12,387.
• Approved a request for an extension of the date when a Conditional Use Permit would otherwise expire for a Mixed-Use Building at 603 Jones Ferry Road. 
• Approved a request for an extension of the date when a Special Use Permit-A would otherwise expire for a Commercial Use Building at 201 North Greensboro St. 
• Set a public hearing for Oct. 11, 2024, to consider amendments to the Land Use Ordinance to revise language associated with advisory board and commission attendance policies and procedures.
• Endorsed the Town’s 2024 Bicycle Friendly Community application with endeavors to implement policies and infrastructure necessary to make Carrboro a community where bicycling is always a travel option regardless of age and ability.
• Authorized the finalize payment for services completed by FORVIS, LLP as an independent auditor to the Town of Carrboro for FY 2023, including audit services, explanation of findings, and preparation of financial statements; and the award of a contract for the Town's annual independent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 to FORVIS, LLP.
• Held a Legislative Public Hearing for Conditional Zoning at 400 North Greensboro St. for the purpose of developing a three-story multi-family residential project. After hearing input from members of the public, the Council adopted an ordinance amending the Carrboro Zoning Map.  

Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/Rx3VBpVdbjo?si=0SUbGOB9uv3sIyo7

Language Access
The Town of Carrboro offers free language translation and interpretation services to residents. Information: 919-918-7391 or info@carrboronc.gov

La Ciudad de Carrboro ofrece servicios gratuitos de traducción e interpretación de idiomas a los residentes. Información: 919-918-7391 o info@carrboronc.gov

Council Meeting Schedule 

 View the 2024 Council Calendar.

Town Council 

The Town Council, which is the legislative and policy-making body for Carrboro, comprises Mayor Barbara Foushee, Mayor Pro Tempore Danny Nowell, Council Member Catherine Fray, Council Member Randee Haven-O’Donnell, Council Member Jason Merrill, and Council Member Eliazar Posada. More information is available on the Council webpage.

Celebrate Small Town Pride this June!

Carrboro and Chapel Hill are pleased to host Small Town Pride this June! Join in our local traditions to celebrate the Pride community. 

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month is celebrated nationally and locally each year in June. Through Small Town Pride, we affirm community values ensuring that all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with respect and dignity. Local events in Carrboro and Chapel Hill will recognize local LGBTQ+ leaders, artists and activists, and highlight history, resources and businesses.  

Small Town Pride Events in June 2024

Chapel Hill Pride Promenade | Saturday, June 1 from 12 -3 p.m. (downtown Chapel Hill) 

Wear your colors. Wave your flag. Walk with Pride! This march starts at Peace & Justice Plaza, 179 E. Franklin St., and ends at 140 West Street Plaza, 140 W. Franklin St., for a celebration with food, music, art experiences, and more. Learn more about the Chapel Hill Pride Promenade.

ORGULLO LATINX PRIDE | Saturday, June 8 from 5-9 p.m. (Carrboro Town Commons)

Celebrate Latinx Pride! Come out for local food trucks, drag shows, music, and crafts for the kids. This is a space to celebrate and share the diverse cultures, identities, and experiences of the local Latinx LGBTQ community. Organizers from El Centro Hispano aim to create an event that fosters unity, inclusivity, and empowerment by showcasing our community’s talents while providing social, healthcare, and advocacy resources, and family fun.  Learn more about Orgullo Latinx Pride.

Pride Piper Walk | Friday, June 28 at 4:30 p.m. (Carrboro Century Center)

Join local officials to help roll Rainbow Ram down Weaver Street from the Century Center to Town Commons for the Carrboro Pride Dance Party.  Learn more about the Pride Piper Walk.

Carrboro Pride Dance Party | Friday, June 28 from 5-8 p.m. (Carrboro Town Commons) 

Join the party for food, dance and frolicking on the lawn. Live drag show performances and music by WXYC Radio DJs. Food trucks, dancing and tables with resources, support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.  Learn more about the Carrboro Pride Dance Party.

If you’re interested in participating as a vendor or by setting up a table at the Carrboro Pride Dance Party, fill out the online application form.

Bike Breakfast Recap 

 It's been a fantastic Bike Month! Thanks to everyone who stopped by and participated in the annual Bike Breakfast earlier this week. We enjoyed coffee from Open Eye Cafe, biscuits from Neal's Deli, freshly blended smoothies courtesy of the famous bike blender, and lots of great giveaways from Go Chapel Hill, Bike Carrboro and the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill.

Mayor Foushee proclaims Period Poverty Awareness Week in Carrboro

Mayor Barbara Foushee has proclaimed the week of May 20 -28, 2024 as Period Poverty Awareness Week in Carrboro. 

Approximately half of the population will have a period every month for decades of their lives. Period supplies are a necessary product, each month, for millions of people across the country, however national surveys and research studies report that one in four menstruating individuals struggle to secure enough period supplies to meet their needs each month due to a lack of income.

This lack of period supplies, known as “period poverty,” can adversely affect individuals health and well-being. Period poverty is a public health issue, and addressing period poverty can lead to improved health and economic opportunity, thus ensuring all people have access to basic necessities.

Carrboro is proud to be a home to trusted community-based organizations, including Period Power, a program of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, that recognizes the importance of period products and distributes period products through various channels.

Mayor Foushee expresses gratitude to period supply banks, their staff, volunteers and donors for their service, and encourages Carrboro residents to donate generously to supply banks, product drives and those organizations that collect and distribute period products to those that are struggling with period poverty so that all of Carrboro’s people can thrive and reach their full potential.

Read the full Raising Awareness Regarding Period Poverty & Recognizing Period Poverty Awareness Week Proclamation.

Do you use the Baldwin Park Playground?

We want your input!

The Town of Carrboro Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department is planning to replace the playground area amenities at Baldwin Park, 400 Broad St.

Take a survey and tell us how you use the park: 

• Survey In English
• Encuesta En Español

The survey is open through Friday, June 28, 2024.

For more information, email info@carrboronc.gov .

2024 Carrboro Music Festival

Performer Application Now Open

The Town of Carrboro is now accepting online applications for the 2024 Carrboro Music Festival. The application deadline for submissions is May 31, 2024. 

The Carrboro Music Festival is a celebration of local musicians throughout Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County.  The festival also includes performers from surrounding counties located between the Triangle and Triad regions of the state. 

For more information, visit: www.carrboromusicfestival.com

Apply to be a performer at the 2024 Carrboro Music Festival.

Save the Date: Manchester City and Celtic FC To Meet In Kenan Stadium July 23

Fans from all over the country and the world are coming to town to watch a soccer game on July 23, 2024. 

English soccer champions Manchester City and Scottish side Celtic FC will play an exhibition match in Chapel Hill as part of the FC Series. It’s the second straight summer Kenan Stadium will host the FC Series after Chelsea and Wrexham played there in 2023. 

In addition to the excitement at Kenan, the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are planning a week of activities downtown including photos with mascots, pop up tee-shirt sales, and local tailgating opportunities. 

Read more about the July 23 soccer match.

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.