CHAPEL HILL- Flooding on June 30 caused major damage to the first floor of Chapel Hill Town Hall, and repairs could keep much of the building closed until next summer.

But Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Town Manager Roger Stancil are encouraging the council to consider this as an opportunity instead of a crisis, asking them to rethink the layout of town offices, with an eye to expediting the permitting and review process.

The price to rebuild the flooded business offices and council chamber would be approximately $249,000, but Kleinschmidt says that for just $430,000 more, the town could create a user-friendly permitting center on the ground floor that would make it easier for developers and homeowners to get projects reviewed by town staffers.

The council has a long-term plan for $4.2 million dollars worth of renovations to Town Hall, but officials say that plan is unfunded and not high on the town’s list of priorities.

However, Business Management Director Ken Pennoyer says spending an extra $430,000 now could indefinitely delay the need for large-scale renovation. He says the money could come from the town’s fund balance or bonds issued next July.

Some on the council say they want more information before committing the extra money, especially as the remodeling plan does not currently include the cost of stormwater infrastructure improvements to make sure the flooding doesn’t happen again.

The council is waiting on a report from Public Works detailing the causes of the flooding before making any final decisions.

Related Stories
‹
Transit, Stormwater Among Concerns for Redevelopment of University Place in Chapel Hill
Ownership of the University Place mall continued to receive their first round of feedback on concept plans of a reimagining of the property. The Chapel Hill Town Council shared their impressions of the initial designs last week. The council’s review of the concept plans came just eight days after Ram Realty, the ownership group of […]
Chapel Hill Officials Consider New Purpose for Old Town Hall
The old town hall in Chapel Hill has hosted the homeless for years, but municipal officials are mulling over plans to repurpose the historic building. A committee was established last year to brief the Chapel Hill Town Council on potential uses for the property, which will soon be left vacant. Megan Dale, a municipal analyst […]
Paris Miller-Foushee Launches Re-Election Campaign for Chapel Hill Town Council, Shares Priorities
The first incumbent in this fall's Chapel Hill Town Council election has entered the race, as Paris Miller-Foushee announced she is seeking a second term.
Moving to Carrboro, Karen Stegman to Leave Chapel Hill Town Council Early
Chapel Hill Town Council member Karen Stegman will step down from her seat on June 27, a few months before her term expires.
Chapel Hill Discusses LUMO Rewrite Delay, Debates the Level of Public Feedback
The Chapel Hill Town Council recently heard an update on its Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) rewrite, which is now behind schedule.
Karen Stegman Not Seeking Re-Election, Will Leave Chapel Hill Council After 2 Terms
Chapel Hill Town Council Member Karen Stegman shared in her newsletter Monday morning she is planning to finish her town council term in December, but will not file to run for re-election.
Orange County's Governments Receive Budget Proposals, Grapple With Adding Taxes or Cutting Services
The managers of three Orange County local governments recommended adding to residents' increased tax bills in their FY26 budget proposals.
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson Announces 2025 Re-Election Campaign
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson will run for a second term this summer and fall, as she announced Thursday on 97.9 The Hill.
Wes McMahon Announces Candidacy for Chapel Hill Town Council
Wes McMahon, a member of the Town of Chapel Hill Planning Commission, announced his candidacy for Town Council on Thursday afternoon. 
Chapel Hill Town Council Approves Application for Affordable Senior Housing Community at Homestead Road
The Town of Chapel Hill recently approved a zoning application for a proposed senior housing community located along Homestead Road.
›