Chapel Hill Town Council member Donna Bell says she’s always measured her tenure with the council by her daughter’s age.
“She turned one in November 2009, and I was sworn in in December,” said Bell. “[This year], she turns 11 years old on November 22, and by then I’ll be on my way to being sworn out.”
During a conversation with WCHL’s Aaron Keck, Bell said spending time with her daughter was a key reason for choosing not to run for re-election this year.
“Someone asked her about six months ago what she would think about me [if I ran] again,” said Bell, “and she was really clear that was not something she was interested in.”
In her three terms, however, Bell helped usher in change to the Chapel Hill community through promoting social justice and smart growth. She said when reflecting on her time on council, she feels blessed and like she made an impact.
Bell listed the creation of the Blue Hill District as one of projects she is most proud of during her tenure. She pointed to the form-based code district as an example of a way to create space around the downtown to improve residents’ access to businesses.
“I remember there was a point in my tenure around five or six years in,” she said, “when I realized that part of how we create wealth and affordability in Chapel Hill is by creating density and economic development opportunities. I feel like the work we did with the Blue Hill District was in support of that and the things I’ve seen coming out of that [area], I’m proud of.”
While proud of her accomplishments, Bell freely admitted there are still many aspects of Chapel Hill she believes need to be improved. One of which is an element she has championed during her tenure: affordable housing. She said one of the town’s biggest challenges is addressing the fact of so many community members commuting into the town because they get priced out thanks the town’s high living costs.
“One of the things I’ve heard recently that I don’t understand,” Bell said, “is, ‘hasn’t Chapel Hill done enough for affordable housing?’ No, we haven’t. We are a very wealthy community who also has a very large income divide. There are people who work around us who can’t afford to live in our community.”
Ultimately, Bell said she hopes to see the town back up its reputation as a progressive town by taking further steps to be understanding and mindful of all types of community members.
“I want us to be inclusive and welcoming, and have that inclusivity and welcome be without limitations,” said Bell. “We [need to] include our apartment owners, include those who don’t make as much money as we do, and include everyone. I still feel we have some work to do on that or at least a way to be more consistent about it.”
Bell’s term on the Chapel Hill Town Council will end on December 4.
Photo via Town of Chapel Hill.
Related Stories
‹
![]()
Major Developments Moving Along in Chapel HillSeveral major development projects are underway in Chapel Hill, with some closer to completion than others. Town staff provided an update to the Orange County Board of Commissioners at a recent meeting. Carraway Village, Glen Lennox and Blue Hill District mixed-use spaces are all underway – the furthest along of which being Caraway Village – […]
Grocery Store Proposal for Glen Lennox Draws Resident Concerns, Questions Around Development AgreementIs a new grocery store right for Glen Lennox? Developers want to push forward with a project proposal, while residents question its validity.
New Chapel Hill Stop Added to NCDOT Intercity Bus ServiceThe North Carolina Department of Transportation’s intercity bus service is adding a new stop in Chapel Hill. Buses will pick up passengers at the Eubanks Park and Ride Lot in Chapel Hill four times a day. The lot is located at 2000 Eubanks Road in the Carraway Village mixed-use development. The intercity service is operated […]
Chapel Hill Council Approves 300+ New Apartments, Retail Space on S. Elliott RoadThe Chapel Hill Town Council approved a conditional zoning request for 200 South Elliott Road, paving the way for a new apartment community.
UNC Ice Hockey Club Plans $25 Million Fundraising Campaign for Arena Project in Chapel HillAfter making a splash with plans to build a rink and arena in Chapel Hill, the UNC Ice Hockey Club is about to begin its public fundraising.
Road Work Underway on Fordham Boulevard for Glen Lennox ApartmentsRoad work is underway at the Glen Lennox Redevelopment Project and contractors will be working along U.S. Highway 15-501 in the coming days. The work along Fordham Boulevard is expected to last a couple of days, according to a release from the Town of Chapel Hill. Work will include the removal of trees at the […]
Lane Closures, Reduction Expected Along Fordham Boulevard in Chapel HillMotorists using U.S. 15-501 and Fordham Boulevard in Chapel Hill will begin to see some lane closures for the next few mornings.
Carraway Village Developers Look to Add Gas Station, Climate-Controlled Storage to SiteThe Carraway Village mixed-use development project recently came before the Chapel Hill Town Council again as developers gauged the council’s thoughts on the addition a gas station and climate-controlled storage to the site. The development, which is largely based around existing luxury apartment buildings, sits on a high-traffic area of Chapel Hill. The property sits […]
Construction on Fordham Boulevard for Glen Lennox Access to Begin SoonContractors working on the redevelopment of Glen Lennox apartments will soon be working along Fordham Boulevard to improve access into the complex. According to a release published by the Town of Chapel Hill on Tuesday, motorists will see an increase in work along Highway 15-501 near Glen Lennox beginning early in February, as contractors remove […]
Donna Bell Reflects on 10-Year Chapel Hill Town Council TenureChapel Hill Town Council member Donna Bell says she’s always measured her tenure with the council by her daughter’s age. “She turned one in November 2009, and I was sworn in in December,” said Bell. “[This year], she turns 11 years old on November 22, and by then I’ll be on my way to being […]
›
