Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership Update

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Tyria McCray-Bourda
Correspondent

CHAPEL HILL–A nonprofit dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive downtown, Chapel Hill is currently facing a significant challenge.

In an email circulated earlier this month, Sheryl Waddell, the board chair and director of Innovation Hubs and Engagement, revealed that this year, Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership (CHDP)  has experienced a nearly 50% reduction in funding due to the loss of federal support. This significant cut in funding has forced the partnership to suspend its event hosting and initiative management, activities that have been instrumental in the past.

In light of this situation, Waddell announced that the partnership will concentrate on three primary initiatives aimed at making downtown Chapel Hill cleaner, safer, and more vibrant. She also stressed that achieving these goals will take several years, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding from the town, the university, and private entities.

The first initiative focused on enhancing cleanliness and involved a collaboration with “Block by Block,” an organization that offers cleaning and safety services in urban areas. The contract with Block by Block, supported by the Town of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will enable the organization to directly fulfill the core mission of improving the cleanliness, safety, and vitality of Downtown Chapel Hill, thereby enhancing the quality of life and boosting economic vitality.

“Through our partnership, they will help keep the sidewalk-cleaning, litter-removal, graffiti-abatement, and street-furniture upkeep,” said Waddell. “They will help with rapid deployment to address messes or hazards, maintaining a polished and inviting environment. We look forward to Block by Block providing extra “eyes and ears” on the street to deter crime and improve public perception with a consistent, friendly, and uniformed staff on hand.”

Moreover, the initiative will enable the downtown partnership to provide data regarding incidents handled, interactions, cleanliness standards, and safety metrics. Ultimately, this collaboration is crucial for CHDP as it aims to foster a clean, safe, and lively district, potentially boosting property values, increasing foot traffic, and enhancing the business environment.

Waddell also highlighted that CHDP aspires to make downtown even more dynamic in the future. The partnership is actively seeking additional funding and establishing new partnerships to enhance downtown landscaping, install wayfinding signage, and hire ambassadors to assist visitors. These efforts will be complemented by programs that refresh storefronts, improve streetscape maintenance, and create unique gathering spots and attractions.

Additionally, Waddell mentioned that the partnership plans to appoint an interim director in the coming weeks and expressed gratitude to Carter Hubbard. She said, “Hubbard’s relentless efforts in keeping the partnership operational over the past few months. Her dedication has been instrumental in our continued operations, and we are deeply appreciative of her contributions.”

Tyria McCray-Bourda is a story-driven journalist whose work has previously appeared in The Carolinian newspaper in Raleigh. Attaining a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University, she has the distinction of having interviewed President Joe Biden when he was a candidate on the campaign trail, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press