When Robert Dowling accepted the offer Joe Cook and two colleagues extended in 1997 to head what would become Community Home Trust, Cook had one and only one directive. He shook hands with Dowling and said, “Don’t screw up.” And 22 years later, we can testify that Dowling heeded that advice. Having launched the nonprofit […]
All posts tagged Community Home Trust
Community Home Trust’s next chapter
Posted by Nancy Oates on November 18, 2019
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2019/11/18/community-home-trusts-next-chapter/
When helping hinders
In a recent episode of the TV show The Good Doctor, the main character, an autistic surgeon, wants to minister to his friend who is undergoing chemo. The surgeon tries reading a novel aloud, pushing electrolyte juice, taking his friend’s vitals. The friend, sick and exhausted, tells the surgeon to leave. The rebuffed surgeon shouts, […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on February 18, 2019
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2019/02/18/when-helping-hinders/
Noisy Neighbors
Chapel Hill’s noise ordinance aims to ensure reasonable peace and quiet for residents in their homes. Typically, people use the law to rein in loud parties or construction projects that go on into the wee hours of the morning. Does that mean people who work from home or cover night shifts and sleep during the […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on March 12, 2018
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2018/03/12/noisy-neighbors/
Better planning for affordability
Last year, when Orange County commissioners proposed a $5 million bond to be used for affordable housing, I pushed for a plan. The county commissioners instead offered a slogan — 1,065 homes for $5 million — that was so unlikely to be achieved that it didn’t rise to the level of a goal. Trying to […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on June 26, 2017
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2017/06/26/better-planning-for-affordability/
Giving back
When it comes to charitable giving, I wish “deep pockets” meant “bottomless resources.” But in reality, people and organizations have a finite amount of money they make available to donate to nonprofits. Competition for those dollars is fierce, as you may have guessed by the number of solicitations you have received in the past several […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on December 19, 2016
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2016/12/19/giving-back/
It’s wonderful — and tax deductible
Every time I see a long line of Chapel Hill residents queued up at Town Council meetings to give an impassioned speech about some project or issue dear to their hearts, I’m reminded of what an overall pretty good place Chapel Hill is to live. All of those people wouldn’t be spending their discretionary time […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on November 28, 2012
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2012/11/28/its-wonderful-and-tax-deductible/
Council rejuvenated
Council members showed their better selves at last Monday’s meeting. They asked questions that indicated they had read and understood the reams of material in their binders. They stood firm on what they thought was best for the town. They called out 123 West developer Cousins Properties about discrepancies in the number of parking spaces […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on November 19, 2012
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2012/11/19/council-rejuvenated/
Back from break
Town Council resumes meetings tonight, presumably refreshed and rarin’ to go after its 3-week spring break. Tonight’s agenda includes a number of interesting items, and perhaps a little gift. Community Home Trust starts the festivities with a petition for the town to commit to designating 13 of its parking spaces at 140 West Franklin for […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on April 16, 2012
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2012/04/16/back-from-break/
Why not live here?
At last night’s Town Council meeting, town business management director Ken Pennoyer and a band of technology professionals waxed eloquent on the wonders of Gig U, the ultra-high-speed connectivity coming to town. Following the presentation that detailed ways the new service would improve our lives, Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt crowed, “Why doesn’t everyone want to live […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on March 20, 2012
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2012/03/20/why-not-live-here/
Who belongs?
Yet another Town Council meeting ended after midnight last night. That’s late for the members of the deliberative body making decisions about what’s best for our town. I believe all nine council members hold some type of job other than to represent us. I doubt they serve on council solely to support themselves. When you […]
Posted by Nancy Oates on February 14, 2012
https://chapelhillwatch.com/2012/02/14/who-belongs/