Dear Mayor Lavelle and Carrboro Town Council Members-

Within Orange County there is a gap of nearly 5,000 homes needed for our community members who are living at or below 30% area median income (approximately $18,000/year). Unfortunately, this reality is only growing worse for so many of our neighbors and friends with homelessness increasing 39% from 2017 to 2020.

As residents of Northside, potential residents of Northside, and allies within the greater Orange County, we envision a neighborhood that is vital, family friendly, socially cohesive, multi-generational, mixed-income, and diverse. We envision a community that celebrates its strengths and opportunities, while honoring the neighborhood’s cultural and historic legacy.

On September 28th, we have the opportunity to make powerful change and provide stable, safe, homes for members of our community. We urge members of the Carrboro Town Council to vote to approve the rezoning of 106 Hill St. This rezoning will allow PeeWee Homes to build three flood-resistant units with minimal impervious surfaces totaling 300-400 square feet per home. These units fill a critical need for our neighbors who are transitioning out of homelessness and into a new stable phase of life.

With three new homes on Hill St., our future neighbors can transition to long term, permanent, safe housing and have homes of their own. Creating housing within the context of community is life-affirming. A community where they are not isolated but in community with neighbors, next door to a local park, near jobs, with access to transit, and so much that they need to thrive. This upcoming vote is life changing.  We can move someone from surviving to thriving. We have the opportunity to allow for someone to put money aside so they can manifest their wildest dreams.  

This project also helps our community meet its affordable housing goals of housing all citizens, housing diverse populations, housing folks who are in most need in a variety of housing styles and prices, and by using available town-owned land. A vote in favor of this proposal is a clear commitment to address the demands raised in the House Us Now March that demonstrated the immense community support for affordable housing for those in most need who are living at or below 30% AMI.

Don’t isolate us. House us now.

Respectfully-