Cousins Properties Incorporated, which is teaming up with Chapel Hill Foundation Real Estate Holdings, is inviting local residents to share their input at a public meeting as the firms begin the redevelopment phase of University Square located on Franklin Street.  

Gordon Merklein, executive director for real estate development at UNC, says for the needs of Chapel Hill residents to be met, the input of residents is necessary. 

The first of two meetings will take place tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in suite 133-G of University Square, the second meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the same location.  Merklein says the public input taken from this meeting will guide the development of a concept plan to be submitted next spring.  Some of the goals for the redevelopment are moving retail businesses closer to Franklin Street and creating a connection from West Franklin Street to campus in the process. There have also been talks of a grocery store coming to University Square. Merklein adds that Thursday’s meetings won’t be the only time the public is needed in the redevelopment phase. 

Because the property is not owned by the University, it would stay on the town’s tax rolls and produce revenue for the town.