Chapel Hill needs to do the following to protect our environment:
 

• Strengthen the Tree Protection Ordinance. We need to protect our mature, canopy trees and emphasize the need for adequate green space requirements for new development. Right now, developers plant saplings in place of the large canopy trees that were cut. These saplings will take decades to grow to any substantial size. Either the developer should build around these trees or incorporate the trees in their design. Additionally, the penalty for clear cutting the trees should be harsher. At this time, the developer only has to pay an insignificant amount compared to the cost of the development project.

 

• Plant canopy trees along roadways to make for a pretty streetscape, to help absorb carbon, and to keep our town looking green.

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• Conduct an environmental impact study on the land before making a land use decision to know what is allowable. We should know what is feasible before moving toward making a decision.

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• Preserve the Rural Buffer, which is a beautiful aspect of our town, and generally try to preserve our green spaces. This will help to clean the air and absorb greenhouse gas emissions.

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• Salvage waste from demolished buildings for reuse instead of sending it to the landfill.

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• ​Encourage local businesses to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy. For example, the town switched to all LED lightbulbs and did mechanical upgrades in Town Hall, the Wallace parking deck, and Homestead Aquatics Center. The reduction in Carbon from this project is equivalent to taking 100 cars off the road.

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• Encourage sustainable development. Buildings account for 39% of greenhouse gas emissions. We can create buildings with zero carbon emissions now. For example, the Sancar Turkish Cultural Center on East Franklin Street is completely sustainable. Buildings of up to medium height can be made sustainable with solar panels. We need to encourage development with this as a goal.​

 

• Design buildings to reduce environmental impacts such as storm water runoff into the streets, make sure that they include fewer impervious surfaces, and design with renewable energy as a top priority such as using solar panels, daylighting, or create rooftop gardens.

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• Protect our green space, parks, and wildlife habitats. ​

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• Support an alternative means of mass public transportation, such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. It is a fast and efficient transportation option which will provide an alternative to car transport and help ease traffic congestion.

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• Go electric. Install more electric charging stations for vehicles throughout the town. Having a full electric fleet is a laudable goal.

 

• Consider a bike sharing plan to encourage people to get out of their cars and walk and bike more once safe bike lanes are fully established.

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Our environment is vital to our future, and Chapel Hill has a chance to be a leader as a sustainable, green town.

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