News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(May 30, 2024) 

The Joint Orange County -Town of Carrboro Naming Committee is looking for public input as it considers a name for the civic building under construction in Carrboro. Save the dates for  the Chapel Hill Pride Promenade, the Juneteenth Celebration, and the Carrboro Pride Dance Party coming this June. We are still taking applications for the Jacquelyn Gist Summer Apprenticeship in the Arts, Carrboro Music Festival Performers, and Carrboro Pride Food Trucks/Vendors/Tablers. How did May just fly by?  Enjoy the weekend! 

Name That Building!

The Joint Orange County -Town of Carrboro Naming Committee is looking for public input as it considers a name for the civic building under construction in Carrboro. 

Commonly called The 203 Project for its location at 203 S. Greensboro St., this is the future home of Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources; Orange County Southern Branch Library; Orange County Skills Development Center; WCOM Radio; a teen center and performance/multipurpose uses.

Please take the survey:

• Survey in English
• Encuesta en Español

Community members are asked for a name suggestion and to share if the name falls under either geographic, historical, ecological or functional categories or a memorial category.

Public engagement for this process will be underway through June 14. The committee will review communitywide suggestions and provide a recommendation for consideration to the Orange County Board of Commissioners and the Carrboro Town Council. 

Naming Committee members are Catherine Fray and Eliazar Posada from the Town of Carrboro; Anna Richards and Sally Greene from the Orange County Board of Commissioners; and Alex Brown and Nerys Levy from the Friends of the Library. 

The Naming Committee will follow the Orange County Property Naming Policy, which states that the public facility’s name be based on geographical, historical, ecological, functional, or other factors as deemed appropriate. If a geographical reference of locational value is derived from a person's name, such as a street name, it may be used in naming the facility.

Memorial naming of this facility, in addition to the official title of the facility, may be bestowed based on the following:

• The person who is being honored by such a memorial shall have made a significant contribution to the well-being and betterment of Orange County.
• The party requesting a memorial shall submit a brief biography of the person.
• The Orange County Property Naming Policy

Freight Train Blues to feature Charly Lowry and Viv & Riley

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 31, at Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main Street. 

Featured this Friday are the following artists:

Charly Lowry

A musical powerhouse from Pembroke, NC,  Lowry is proud to be an Indigenous woman belonging to the Lumbee/Tuscarora Tribes and is passionate about raising awareness around issues that plague underdeveloped and under-served communities. Since her teenage years, Charly has established a career as a professional singer-songwriter with unique passion and voice. In addition to performing solo, for 10+ years Charly has been the front-woman for the multi award-winning band, “DARK WATER RISING."

Among her community, Native women are traditionally barred from the hand-drum and relegated to singing behind the men’s drum and/or dancing instead. Lowry defies that norm, following in the footsteps of her mentor, an artist and heir to the Tuscarora Indian Nation, Pura Fé; choosing to battle with her songs, hand drum, and guitar to deliver songs that not only tell the plight of her people but all humankind that face oppression. Robeson County, her home, is one of the most diverse counties in the U.S., and Charly celebrates that  diversity in all aspects of her life. While she may be familiar to some from her success as a semi-finalist on AMERICAN IDOL, she has maintained close ties to her Native American roots and culture. 

Viv & Riley

Gifted songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno’s first album under the name Viv & Riley is a subtle masterpiece of thought and reflection. The album brings a reflectiveness to summertime jams that speak of uninhibited joy and creative camaraderie. Coming on the heels of their acclaimed earlier albums that showed preternaturally talented songwriting from such young artists, now the songs have caught up with their lives. Now in their mid-20s, the two are building a life together, creating a supportive community, and looking back on everything they’ve been through. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, they’ve tapped into the area’s eclectic and collaborative music scene, recruiting Alex Bingham of Hiss Golden Messenger to produce the album.

More Information:

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.

May 2024 Community Update for 

the 203 Project

CARRBORO, NC -- Construction continues to progress on The 203 S. Greensboro Street Project in Carrboro.

Work performed in last 30 days:
Exterior metal panels are being installed on the west side of the building. Drywall installation is finishing on the east side and interior painting is starting on the west. Ceiling grid and light fixtures are being installed. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and sprinkler work is continuing. Spray foam insulation has completed.

Work upcoming in next 30 days:
Interior mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and sprinkler installation will continue throughout. Waterproofing and insulation will be installed at the first floor of the parking deck. Parking deck stairs and bollards will be installed. Cabinets to be delivered and installed in west side. Permanent power will be activated. 

Traffic impacts due to gas line relocation:
Dominion Energy will be relocating an existing gas line that runs parallel to the south side of the 203 site along East Braxton Foushee Street. This work will happen in June and take a few weeks to complete. During work there will be temporary street closures of East Braxton Foushee Street between Maple Avenue and South Greensboro Street.  A more detailed schedule and traffic control plan will be shared as soon as possible.  

Read more about the May 2024 Community Update for the 203 Project.

Greene Tract Community Workshop

The public is invited to the Greene Tract Community Workshop from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 9 at Morris Grove Elementary School, 215 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC. 

Come out to provide feedback on the Greene Tract Master Plan at this "Creating a Shared Vision for Our Community" workshop. 

The Greene Tract is a large parcel of land located off of Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill, near the Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood. The governments of Orange County and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro jointly own the 164 acres which make up the tract.

Register online for the workshop or request interpretation services.

Learn more about the Greene Tract.

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

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.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Juneteenth Celebration

In celebration of Black history, culture and liberation, the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill will host their annual Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson St. in Chapel Hill. The event will feature music, food, art and historical experiences. 

The parking lots at Hargraves Community Center will be reserved for vendors, event staff, and ADA spaces. Parking for attendees will be available at nearby Northside Elementary School or public lots downtown, which are free on Sundays. For more information about downtown parking, visit parkonthehill.com. Attendees are also encouraged to walk, bike, or take Chapel Hill Transit. The A Route has direct service to Hargraves and a number of other routes run nearby. Best routes from Carrboro are the J Route and CW Route. There will also be shuttles running between Hargraves and Northside Elementary School.

For more about the Juneteenth celebration, visit chapelhillcarrborojuneteenth.org  

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

Ride into Pride  | Friday, May 31 meet at 6:45 p.m. (Carrboro Town Commons)
Mark the end of #BikeMonth and celebrate the beginning of #PrideMonth. This will be an easy ride of no more than 4 miles. Ride starts at 7 p.m. 

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.

Carrboro Town Council expresses opposition to mask restrictions

 The Carrboro Town Council passed a resolution on Tuesday, May 21, in opposition to a bill under consideration by the State Legislature that would restrict the wearing of masks. 

“The Mayor and Town of Carrboro Council in the interest of ensuring the continued health, safety and well-being of its citizens stand in opposition to NC HB 237, urge our legislators to not advance HB 237, not to pass the bill as currently written and press our local municipal and county elected representative bodies to stand in opposition to this bill.”

Access the complete Resolution. 

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.