![Mark Marcoplos, a member of the Board of County Commissioners for Orange County, discusses reasons for the failure of the light rail initiative at Graham Memorial on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Marcoplos cites "high cost, bad faith partners... [and] outright animosity from the legislature that put all these hurdles" before the Board. He was hopeful that the light rail could generate tax revenue, help in subsidizing affordable housing, creating jobs, relieving congestion and help lower emissions to combat climate change. "A lot of people that didn't pay attention to what we could have had will never know what we missed."](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/dth/9984bd30-26b3-47a8-9f7c-b062950d8017.sized-1000x1000.JPG?w=800)
After over a decade of work, the light rail is dead. What happened?
“We can blame Duke today, but I think our problems started back three years ago."
CITY & COUNTY
UNC Health Care looking to expand patient care with new Eastowne development
UNC Health Care and the Town of Chapel Hill are hoping to meet the growing needs of local residents with the development of Eastowne Medical Park which is bringing more access to medical care to the Chapel Hill area.
Mandarin magnet program and vacant seat discussed at CHCCS Board of Education meeting
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education discussed three pressing topics at its meeting on Thursday.
What affordable housing could look like in Chapel Hill thanks to this new funding
With homelessness, housing costs and inaccessible assisted living resources on upward trends, the Town of Chapel Hill is beginning to combat these issues with funding for new housing projects.
Will there be regulations on Airbnbs in the near future?
Short-term rentals are a growing industry throughout the nation, and Orange County is no exception. With almost 300 active Airbnbs and HomeAways in Chapel Hill, Town officials discuss the consequences of the increasing presence of short-term rentals. Legislators discuss the possibility of putting a cap on the number of short-term rentals in an area and requiring permits for these homeowners. They also talk about adding regulations on the number of renters, noise ordinance, partying, parking, insurance requirements and health and safety.
Police Reports: April 3 - April 4
A roundup of crime in Chapel Hill and Carrboro from April 3 and 4.
Who is CHALT, and what do they do in Chapel Hill?
CHALT advocates for causes like the environment and affordable housing. It also supports local representatives that match their beliefs.
What's going on with the construction in Carrboro?
Carrboro is building a roundabout to improve the flow of traffic.
All Up In Your Business: Rise’s rebranding brings biscuit-based desserts
While donuts will still be available at Rise, they're moving out of the spotlight to make room for new biscuit recipes.
Chapel Hill Police reports: March 31 — April 1
A roundup of crime logs in Chapel Hill from March 31 to April 1.
What to know about the new site for a cooperative preschool
The Chapel Hill Cooperative Preschool is in the process of building a new school combining its two locations.
Alderman Bethany Chaney isn't seeking reelection, but her work in Carrboro isn't over
Bethany Chaney, a member of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, announced that she will not be seeking reelection at the end of 2019, but wants to remind people that she's all in until she's gone.
Duke Energy ordered to clean up after itself
Concerns about potential pollution are finally being addressed as the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality required Duke Energy to make major changes to its coal ash stockpiles.
Orange County GOP convention encourages participation in a blue county
The Orange County Republican Party also elected precinct chairs, reaffirmed the state party platform and made amendments to their current platform.
What will be blooming in downtown Chapel Hill this spring?
Grow your green thumb and get creative with miniature gardens this spring.
Want to get involved in the Chapel Hill government? This may be the academy for you
This five-week program, run by the Town of Chapel Hill, hopes to increase engagement between citizens and town government.
Hillsborough residents and UNC students team up to fight water pollution
The March 16 event — led by the Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services Division — removed approximately 8,556 pounds of litter from from Bellevue Branch Creek.
Orange County Dems are looking for another 'blue wave' 2020, but will they get it?
“We can’t count on a blue wave like a natural occurrence, it’s got to be a man-made wave and a woman-made wave."
Here's how you can help Chapel Hill win the water conservation challenge
Chapel Hill and Carrboro engage in friendly competition to conserve water, and you can get involved.
