“Viewpoints” is a place on Chapelboro where local people are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on issues affecting our community. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work, reporting or approval of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com. If you’d like to contribute a column on an issue you’re concerned about, interesting happenings around town, reflections on local life — or anything else — send a submission to viewpoints@wchl.com.
Letter to Chapel Hill
A perspective from Cort Bennett
Dear Chapel Hill and Carrboro Community Members, Business Owners, and Town Leaders,
On the evening of Wednesday, August 6th, I experienced something all too familiar to many who frequent our downtown area: an unexpectedly towed vehicle. At 5:34 p.m., I placed a pick-up order with Chimney Indian Kitchen on Franklin Street. I parked in their lot (which had ample space), briefly ran an errand nearby, and returned by 6:03 p.m.—only to find my car gone.
In under 30 minutes, a tow truck had arrived, hitched my vehicle, and vanished. Although there are signs, they don’t mention how quickly a tow can be triggered once someone steps off the property, who initiates the tow, or whether there is any grace period. This creates a system with no clear notice, no stated grace period, and no transparency—leaving visitors feeling unwelcome and less likely to return to downtown Chapel Hill or Carrboro.
What’s more unsettling is the ambiguity around how these towing decisions are made. I was told different things: first, that the property owner called the tow; later, that surveillance cameras trigger a tow the moment someone steps off a property—even if only briefly. Which leads me to believe Barnes Towing is lurking.
Is this the welcome we want to offer patrons who are choosing to spend time and money downtown?
I fully support small, local businesses. I understand the need for parking enforcement and want to be respectful of private lots. But the current system feels more like a trap than a safeguard—especially on a quiet summer evening, in an empty lot.
This kind of aggressive enforcement discourages people from coming downtown. It sours the experience of visiting and creates unnecessary tension between patrons, businesses, and the town. Ultimately, it harms the very businesses we’re all trying to support.
I urge business owners, city leaders, and property managers to re-evaluate current towing practices:
- Can signage be made clearer?
- Can grace periods be implemented?
- Can technology be used more responsibly?
- And can we prioritize community goodwill over punitive measures?
Prior to moving to Chapel Hill, I spent many years serving on the Parking Task Force of another wonderful North Carolina town. I would be delighted to offer my time, energy, and leadership to help find solutions that protect both business needs and the experience of visitors. Working together, we can create a parking system that is fair, transparent, and truly supportive of our community.
Downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro should be places where people feel welcomed—not watched. Let’s work together to create a more inviting environment that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Sincerely,
Cort, a Concerned Citizen]
“Viewpoints” on Chapelboro is a recurring series of community-submitted opinion columns. All thoughts, ideas, opinions and expressions in this series are those of the author, and do not reflect the work or reporting of 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com.
