Possible Path Paving Prompts Protest

GOVERNMENT

CHAPEL HILL – Chapel Hill says the town’s Everywhere to Everywhere (E2E) greenways plan is something they’re doing for the public. Mendel Drive resident Edward Marshall says that paving a woodland pathway connecting Mendel to the Timber Hollow neighborhood is something Chapel Hill is doing to the public.

This week, Marshall sent the town a petition signed at the time of writing by 392 people, requesting Chapel Hill drop any plans to pave the path: “We do NOT need more asphalt, more trees cut down, and chaos. Leave us alone!” Chapel Hill Communications Manager Alex Carrasquillo said the town has received the petition, though it doesn’t impose any binding obligations on the town.

Everywhere to Everywhere: what is it?

The E2E FAQ page says that “when complete, the network’s 25+ miles of greenways will result in 57% of Chapel Hill residents living within ¼ mile of a transportation greenway, making greenways a reliable form of everyday transportation as our area grows.” As with most municipal projects, one of the first steps is a feasibility study to identify the top-priority projects and provide cost estimates. The Department of Transportation has funded the study with a $1 million grant.

Carrasquillo says Chapel Hill’s 2020 Mobility and Connectivity Plan identified existing informal paths that are now being considered as possible E2E projects. The website says the factors Chapel Hill considers include:

Will paving an informal path make it safer and easier for residents to get around?
Will paving make the path more accessible for people using strollers, wheelchairs, or experiencing mobility challenges?
Would paving a path provide an easier route for kids or teens walking or biking to school?
Can town crews carry out the work without hiring an outside contractor?

Marshall’s objections

The E2E project began last year. Marshall told The Local Reporter he had no idea the Mendel Drive pathway might become part of it until several city staffers showed up to assess it recently, while he was walking his dog in the area. He said the town has looked at the path twice before, then backed off paving it in the face of community objections.

Marshall’s petition makes it clear that third time is not the charm for him. “Mendel Drive Extension pathway is cherished by residents, walkers, runners, and nature enthusiasts alike,” the petition says. “It is a beautiful, unpaved trail bordered by forest trees on both sides with pathways for walking into the forest which walkers, people with pets, bike riders, seniors and others use daily.” Paving it “could disrupt wildlife habitats, cut down trees, harm existing plant life, and increase the area’s carbon footprint. Additionally, paving can lead to higher maintenance costs in the long run, an expense that taxpayers should not have to shoulder.”

Marshall dismissed the town/s public hearings on E2E as an “illegitimate process” that hadn’t changed the town’s plans. He said an overwhelming majority of Mendel residents wanted the path dropped from E2E.

Chapel Hill’s website says that while the town welcomes community feedback, “the overarching goal of community connectivity guides this work.”

What lies ahead

The website says there are no decisions yet on which paths to prioritize, but Chapel Hill could begin work on some of the projects later this year. The money for the work will come from the town’s excess 2026 fund balance. No decisions have been made on which paths to pave first, and not every informal path will be paved over. “Informal, unpaved trails will continue to exist throughout town.”

The website says the Chapel Hill community has expressed support for improving connectivity. However, the town will arrange for more community engagement when it needs feedback on specific connections.

Fraser Sherman has worked for newspapers, including the Destin Log, the Pensacola News-Journal and the Raleigh Public Record. Born in England, he’d still live in Florida if he hadn’t met the perfect woman and moved to Durham to marry her. He’s the author of several film reference books and has published one novel and several short story collections. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press