Pittsboro adopts climate-action vision, residents press town to protect trees and demand smaller Chatham Park plans

PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners on May 12 adopted a climate action plan vision statement and framework and directed staff to proceed with community outreach, adding explicit land-use language at the board's request.

The board approved the vision and framework by voice vote and appointed two board liaisons — the mayor and Commissioner Bonitz — to an internal staff task force that will shepherd plan development. Staff said they plan two public community meetings in late June, will collect survey responses and present a draft plan to the board in August or September with a target final adoption in September or October.

Public comments preceding the vote were extensive and focused on climate, tree canopy protection and the proposed Chatham Park South Village small-area plan (SAP). More than a dozen residents from Pittsboro and Chatham County urged the board to require multiple, smaller SAPs for Chatham Park rather than a single large plan covering roughly 5,000 acres; they said smaller, phased plans would preserve oversight, protect existing tree canopy and allow the town to respond to changing conditions.

Speakers also urged the board to prioritize higher-density development inside town limits, protect mature trees and expand green space and multimodal transport options to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Some speakers asked the town to strengthen the unified development ordinance (UDO) with a robust tree ordinance and to align the climate action plan with concrete land-use protections.

Staff presented a draft vision statement that reads in part: "Pittsboro will embrace smart, sustainable growth that protects our natural resources, preserves green space, and reduce costs while enhancing community resilience." At the board's request, staff agreed to add explicit land-use language to ensure the plan addresses how growth and density policies tie to resilience goals.

Board members discussed how the plan should be updated or reassessed over time; staff indicated the operationalization section will recommend how to measure progress, identify funding strategies and set review intervals. The staff team will include planning and sustainability staff and the mayor and Commissioner Bonitz will serve as the board liaisons on the task force.

Ending: Staff will schedule two public meetings, continue stakeholder outreach and return a draft plan to the board in the summer for review.