Chapel Hill Approved Fire Station and Housing Plan

The Town Council rezoned a four-acre site for a new fire station and affordable housing project.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in navy and cream, depicting a stylized fire station and housing structure representing municipal urban planning. — The Chapel Hill Town Council approved a zoning plan for a new fire station and 105 affordable housing units at Weaver Dairy Road. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local government prioritize affordable housing construction even if it requires reducing existing tree canopy?

The Chapel Hill Town Council voted to rezone a four-acre site at Weaver Dairy Road Extension and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This project includes a new fire station and up to 105 multifamily housing units.

Why it matters

The town is replacing the 44-year-old Fire Station 4, which a 2021 study identified as being in poor condition and beyond repair. The project also addresses local housing needs by reserving 25% of the new units for renters at or below 60% of the area median income.

The council authorized $10 million in bond funds for the new station and $5 million for the future replacement of Fire Station 3. The development also features a plan to incorporate a constructed wetland for green stormwater management.

The players

Chapel Hill Town Council

This is the governing body for the Town of Chapel Hill that manages local legislation, zoning decisions, and municipal budget allocations.

Laurel Street

This is the development firm selected by the town to manage the construction of the new affordable housing units.

The details

The site will feature up to 105 units and benefit from its proximity to grocery stores, medical offices, and the future NS bus rapid transit line. Laurel Street was selected as the developer for the affordable housing portion of the project, which will be financed using state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

1982: Fire Station 4 was originally constructed.
2021: The town conducted a fire department station location and condition study.
2024: A bond referendum was held for affordable housing and public facilities.
October 7, 2026: The Town Council voted to rezone the site.

Political Context

Opponents or skeptics of the plan often point to the loss of natural land, specifically citing the planned 11% reduction in the site's tree canopy. Critics frequently argue that such high-density developments in established areas can strain existing traffic infrastructure.

Residents can expect improved emergency response capabilities once the modern station is completed to replace the aging facility. The development also provides new transit-oriented housing options for those at or below 60% of the area median income.

The takeaway

This project integrates public safety infrastructure with affordable housing to maximize land utility near transit routes. Residents should monitor town planning meetings for updates on the construction schedule and the eventual decommissioning of the existing station.