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
‹
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 […]
New Spanish Tapas Restaurant Opens After Renovation of Familiar East Franklin Street Space
Próximo, a Spanish tapas and wine bar, officially held its opening for customers on Friday at 173 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
A New Chapel Hill Bar Pays Homage to Historic UNC Facility and A Beloved Pet
Wednesday marks the opening of Max's Tin Can in Chapel Hill, a bar the owner says he wants to become a "neighborhood local" for downtown.
Purple Bowl Finds Silver Linings and Plans for New Business With Its Chapel Hill Relocation
The Purple Bowl is close to fully moving operations to its new West Franklin Street home, with plans to open in September.
FC Series Brings July Jolt to Local Businesses; Owners See Potential For More
The biggest brands in international soccer popping in for an exhibition at Kenan Stadium is an invaluable boon to downtown businesses.
VooDoo Wing Company to Open Chapel Hill Location on July 31
A growing wing company has set its sights on opening its first North Carolina location in the coming days, with the location in downtown Chapel Hill. VooDoo Wing Company plans to open on East Franklin Street on Wednesday, July 31, management and ownership told Chapelboro. The location will be the business’ ninth after it was […]
LOOK: Manchester City's English Premier League Trophy Visits Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ahead of Manchester City's exhibition match in Chapel Hill, the title-winners' Premier League trophy took a visit to the college town.
›