By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
The board approved fees for the Historic Carrboro Plaque Program, recently launched by the Carrboro Appearance Commission.
The program “seeks to recognize structures of historic character and relevance in the town of Carrboro,†said Tom Wiltberger, a member of the Appearance Commission. The program ran a plaque design contest in the spring and selected the design of Linda Misiura, a local graphic designer.
According to Wiltberger, the commission estimates that Carrboro has more than 75 buildings that are eligible for the voluntary program. Two applications have already been received, approved and awarded plaques.
To qualify for the program, a building must be more than 75 years old, be located in Carrboro, retain its original character, be in a good state of preservation and contribute to the historical or architectural nature of its neighborhood.
Plaques are $135, which covers the cost of the plaque, shipping and administrative costs for maintaining the program’s inventory of historic information. For more information, contact Wiltberger at 968-6169 or tom@terranovaglobal.com
In other town business, the board heard from Town Manager Steve Stewart regarding Carrboro’s plans for Halloween. Because Chapel Hill has cancelled park-and-ride service to downtown Chapel Hill, Carrboro officials expect visitors to use parking in Carrboro.
Stewart said town officials are working with Carrboro and Chapel Hill police to try to limit visitors from parking in Carrboro just to walk to Franklin Street. In addition, officials met with Carrboro restaurant and bar owners Wednesday morning to discuss preparations for Halloween.
Chapel Hill officials canceled park-and-ride service in hopes that it would discourage out-of-town visitors from coming. Last year, the Franklin Street celebration drew about 80,000 and cost the town about $220,000.
The board also considered an update to the town code requiring appliers of fertilizers to grassed areas of two acres or more to be certified in nutrient management or to develop a nutrient management plan for lands receiving fertilizer.
The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes in January.