The Chapel Hill Town Council is marking its territory, sending a clear signal to UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor James Moeser that the town sees itself as independent from the university. Moeser wants to create community committees to be involved in assessing university projects and he seems to be proceeding as if the council will automatically endorse the idea. But Chapel Hill council members are chafing. Perhaps the most telling comment on the incredible power of UNC comes from Councilman Cam Hill, who said this of the Moeser-led effort:
“I don’t feel our involvement is essential, or even a good idea,” Hill said. “The fact is, the university has gotten just about everything they’ve wanted [in past development plans], with almost no fuss or bother.”
Indeed, UNC-Chapel Hill also is quite adept at securing federal dollars.
