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.

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