How we develop and plan for growth is always a hot topic in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area.

David Shreve is the President of Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population, which is an organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Shreve will be delivering a lecture Wednesday at the Chapel Hill Public Library entitled “The Myths that Shape Economic Development.”

“Myths associated with job creation, housing affordability, and broadening of the tax base,” is how Shreve describes the lecture.

Shreve says the lecture will focus on the idea that many of the decisions we make for development are based on assumptions rather than factual evidence.

He says the conversation will focus on key questions; “What are the weaknesses of the rationalizations we often make and the assumptions we make? What does the evidence show us?

“And when you’re dealing with issues of economic development, community clues, jobs, housing affordability, and the like.”

Shreve says his organization, ASAP, has not had policies they can point to of changing the way development is handled in Charlottesville, but says the goal is to educate the public.

He adds there are many similarities to development in Charlottesville and Chapel Hill because of the universities the towns house.

“There are unique considerations when it comes to college towns,” he says. “How they grow. How they develop. Particularly in this age. It’s something I consider a relatively new phenomenon.

“College towns have always been distinct in some ways. But with respect to economic development, and growth, and real estate patterns, we have seen a new structure emerge in the last generation.”

The lecture will begin at six o’clock Wednesday in Room A of the Chapel Hill Public Library and is scheduled to last until eight o’clock with time for questions.

Refreshments will be served.

This event is sponsored by the Chapel Hill Alliance for a Livable Town.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Animal Control Searching for Fox in Chapel Hill After 2 People Bitten
Two people are receiving treatment after they were bitten by a fox Friday afternoon. Animal Control officers are active in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill: Budget Update, Timeline, Library Funding, and More
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 14, discussing town news and events. She discussed the recent public hearing on the town's proposed budget, which saw many community members speak on library funding and more. She also discussed upcoming events in the community and more.
Victim Identified in Chapel Hill House Fire; Investigation Into Cause Still Ongoing
The Chapel Hill Fire Department said one person died in a house fire on the corner of Redbud Lane and Honeysuckle Road Monday morning.
NCDOT Warns of Traffic Delays as Pedestrian Work Continues on Highway 54
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists to be aware of potential traffic delays along North Carolina Highway 54. The delays come as the NCDOT works with a contractor to install pedestrian infrastructure at three key intersections along the highway. As was first reported in January, crosswalks with traffic signals will be installed […]
During Bike Month, Chapel Hill Highlights Resources to Expand Bicycle Use and Improve Safety
Alongside the town's Vison Zero efforts through Vision Zero, Chapel Hill Transit offers trip coordination using its bus routes and greenways.
UNC Reports More Than $17 Million in Direct Economic Impact from Savannah Bananas Visit
According to a release from UNC, the recent visit from the Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill generated an estimated $17.1 million.
Al's Burger Shack Hailed as 'Best Cheeseburger in North Carolina'
The website Fast Food Club named Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill as the best cheeseburger in North Carolina in a new list, which sought the best cheeseburger in every state. “The beef is locally sourced, the toppings are creative and seasonally inspired, and every burger is cooked with the kind of attention usually reserved […]
Chapel Hill-Headquartered Insurance Agency Earns Statewide Award, Top 3 Recognition
The local property and casualty insurance agency All About Insurance was recently awarded the Sapphire Agency Award by Auto-Owners Insurance.
No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget
Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.
Chapel Hill: Budget Priorities, Timelines, and Feedback
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 7, discussing town news and events. She talked about the recent budget presentation from town manager Ted Voorhees. She talked about there being no tax increase, and highlighted some key areas where there may be funding increases. She also previewed that the town would be providing more feedback opportunities, and more. She also discussed commencement weekend in Chapel Hill.
›