It’s been an ongoing debate now for many months: what should be the long-term future home of Tar Heel men’s basketball? UNC officials have floated the idea of building a new arena on the Carolina North campus, but that’s gotten significant pushback – led by a group called the Committee for a South Campus Arena, headed up by former UNC trustee Rusty Carter.

Visit RenovateSmithCenter.org for more on their efforts.

Now, that committee has unveiled a proposal that would not only preserve the Smith Center, but also transform the area around the Dean Dome into a “Village at South Campus” that could include a hotel, restaurants, retail and entertainment space, more student housing, and a pedestrian mall along part of Skipper Bowles Drive. And they’re renewing their call to Chancellor Lee Roberts to join them in the effort.

Renditions of a possible ‘Village at South Campus,’ via the Committee for a South Campus Arena.

Rusty Carter joins Aaron to discuss the latest developments.

97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live.

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