Many of our readers and listeners have been asking us about the removal of some trees on Franklin Street.

So we asked Meg McGurk, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.

“It’s part of the streetscape improvements on the 100 block of East Franklin Street,” she says. “And this is part of the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan that the Town of Chapel Hill adopted in 2009.”

McGurk says some of these same improvements have already taken place on West Franklin Street, Rosemary Street, and some of those connecting roadways.

She adds that they are working on improving many aspects of the sidewalk areas on Franklin Street.

“There has been limbing up of a lot of the trees,” she says, “and now there are some trees that have been removed, some raised brick planters that have been removed.

“There will be sidewalks rebuilt. Also, there are going to be trees that are placed back that have metal grates.”

The metal grates will help level the sidewalks of Franklin Street.

McGurk says one more feature that was needed to complete the project was additional bike racks for the many residents in our community that choose the two-wheeled form of travel.

“As a bike rider, there can never be enough good places to actually lock up your bike where they’re supposed to be, instead of attached to signs or trees,” she says.

“The streetscape improvements that have happened, and are happening, have really wonderfully opened up the street.”

The majority of the demolition has taken place this week, which McGurk says was intended to correspond with spring break at UNC, when there would be less foot traffic.

“In the coming weeks, you’re going to see the rebuilding of the sidewalks, the installation of the bike racks, [and] the newspaper bins and trash cans being moved around,” she says.

A release about the project says work will go forward for an estimated five weeks, weather permitting. Sidewalk closures are not anticipated. There may be changes to bus stops. If that happens, officials say they will give advanced notice.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Police: Body of Deceased Male Discovered Inside Siena Hotel; Franklin Street Reopened
A block of E. Franklin Street is shut down as authorities communicate with an individual who's barricaded themselves inside the Siena Hotel.
A New Bar, 'Extension' of Al's Burger Shack, Is Now Open in Downtown Chapel Hill
Al's Burger Shack at 516 West Franklin Street added another business to its operations, with the official opening of Puddin's Beer Shack.
Chapel Hill Police Investigating Armed Carjacking on East Franklin Street
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating an armed carjacking which took place at The Siena Hotel early Saturday morning. Police say they responded to initial reports of the carjacking at around 2:25 a.m. Investigators reportedly determined three men stole a vehicle outside the hotel, located at 1505 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, […]
Tech Company Announces New Corporate Headquarters on West Franklin Street
IotaComm, Inc., a wireless communications and data services company, will be relocating its corporate headquarters to the top floor of the office space at 200 West Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill. “We’re thrilled IotaComm is calling Chapel Hill home,” said David Putnam, the town’s economic development director. “Once again, Chapel Hill stands out among […]
Siena Hotel Leadership Recaps Busy Week Hosting Mexico Men's National Team
While they were in Chapel Hill, the Mexico men's soccer national team stayed at the Siena Hotel – catching the attention of El Tri fans.
Chapel Hill Hosts Annual Pride Promenade, Celebrates LGBTQ+ Community
Franklin Street was filled with color and celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility on Saturday, as Chapel Hill held its annual Pride Promenade.
Zaxbys Sets Opening Date for New East Franklin Street Location
The fast-food restaurant Zaxbys will hold a grand opening for its new location in Chapel Hill the morning of Wednesday, April 2, according a release from the business. Zaxbys vice president of operations Horace Williams will join local leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. in front of the restaurant, which is located at […]
Ay Por Dios! Permanently Closes in Chapel Hill; Owner Open to New Concept
Owner Edy Barahona confirmed the closure to Chapelboro on Tuesday, after Ay Por Dios! had been closed during its normal hours the prior week.
Chapel Hill Removes New Artwork at Peace & Justice Plaza, Citing 'Deep Division' Over One Detail
Chapel Hill staff removed the latest art display at the Peace & Justice Plaza on Wednesday, citing division caused by a pro-Palestine symbol.
New UNC Team Store Moving In to Former 'Library' Space on Franklin Street
A new UNC team store is now open at the storefront on 120 East Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill with Dyehard by Follett, which is described as “the preeminent fan retail experience in collegiate athletics” in a release by the university. Dyehard will offer “an enhanced in-person shopping experience,” including several pieces of merchandise […]
›