Square upgrade meetings topic

CHAPEL HILL — UNC and Cousins Properties, the university’s development partner on reshaping University Square, will host two public meetings to discuss the redevelopment at 3:30 and 7 p.m. Oct. 15. The meetings will be held in Suite 133-G of University Square, next to Ken’s Quickie Mart.

Although the first meeting is primarily for tenants of University Square, the public is invited to attend either meeting. The same material will be presented at both sessions. Parking is available on site. Chapel Hill Transit service is available via most routes.

Chapel Hill Foundation Real Estate Holdings and Cousins Properties, a national developer based in Atlanta that specializes in mixed-use projects, hired Elkus Manfredi Architects in September to oversee the development of the 12-acre property. The firm was selected because of its experience with mixed-use urban development in a university setting. Chapel Hill Foundation Real Estate Holdings purchased the tract and the existing buildings for $45.75 million.

Among the goals for the redevelopment are moving retail businesses closer to Franklin Street and creating a seamless connection from West Franklin Street to campus. Because the property is not owned by the university it would stay on the town’s tax rolls and produce revenue for the town.

The development team envisions both a vibrant and commercially viable project that will enhance the quality of life at the University, in the town and in the region.

Skelton to help with fundraiser

CHAPEL HILL — Page Skelton, creator of the Cackalacky condiment brand and, more recently, the Booze Bait fishing lure company, will be donating his unique products to the Music Maker Relief Foundation’s upcoming fishing tournament and fundraiser.

The fishing tournament and benefit, called the Wahoo Hoo-Ha!, will take place in Hatteras, N.C., on Oct. 16 and 17. The weekend event will culminate in an awards dinner on Saturday evening followed by a concert featuring Cool John Ferguson, Big Ron Hunter & Captain Luke at the Hatteras Convention Center.

“To some folks, music, sauce and fishing might seem like an odd combination,” Skelton said. “But, in my mind, these things are inextricably intertwined with America’s rich cultural fabric. And, it’s a real thrill to be a very small part of the effort to help our traditional artists rise above poverty.”

For more details about the Music Maker Relief Foundation and the Wahoo Hoo-Ha! fishing tournament, log onto http://www.musicmaker.org

To learn more about Skelton’s Cackalacky and Booze Bait creations, log onto www.Cackalacky.com and www.BoozeBait.com

Town to seek downtown plan

CHAPEL HILL — Downtown Partnership Executive Director Jim Norton and Town of Chapel Hill Economic Development Officer Dwight Bassett hope to issue a request for funding and solicit bids from consultants to work on a downtown master plan this fall.

The two have been working together to develop an outline for the plan. It would be a long-term, comprehensive document that would guide the future of the downtown with regards to development concepts and potential property uses.

Free parking talks under way

CHAPEL HILL — The Downtown Partnership is in discussions with the Town of Chapel Hill about new parking meters and the possibility of free parking after 6 p.m. at selected parking lots.

The Partnership is working with the town to appoint a Parking Advisory Committee to oversee policy and parking operations, as recommended by the Parking Study, and the Partnership has worked with the town to make more parking available for tailgating during UNC home football games.

Public-private partnerships are being sought to make more parking available for downtown visitors on privately owned property.