Friendship Innovation Park - Put On Hold
The Holly Springs Town Council paused the expanded Friendship Road project for six months.
A developer’s plan to build a mixed-use development near Amgen, a bio-manufacturing plant currently under construction, faced a significant setback during the October 17th town council meeting. The designated area located between Friendship Road and US 1.
A bit of history
The Friendship Innovation Park, which includes Amgen, received approval in September 2021 as an industrial development. In March 2022, the town council approved a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) permitting for mixed-use properties to be constructed near the future plant.
Fast Forward to 2023
In August, Jonathan Keener with the Trustwell Group presented a revised proposal to the planning board, which expands the original plan to include about 150 more acres for a mixed-use development. The new proposal would include a new interchange at US 1 to help with traffic flow.
The planning board, approved this plan by 6-1 vote. The objection vote came from the board member who resides in this area.
The project which requires a public hearing, began in September. During this meeting, homeowners expressed their concerns about the potential for increased traffic on the already congested road. The larger project discussion was postponed to October 17 which allowed the applicant, Trustwell Group, to participate. Keener returned for the town council hearing to present the entire project, which include its design plans.
Several homeowners and Holly Springs planning board member Roger Bess, voiced their concerns about permitting residential construction at the site. Bess, who lives near the property, said “no” to the new project during the planning board meeting.
A few board members also expressed concerns about the current traffic situation and whether the necessary infrastructure was in place. Council members feel Trustwell needs to give the town a better picture of all the road improvements happening between Amgen, Helix and this project. Some council members have concerns the work may need more major upgrades for roads, utilities and infrastructure. Councilman Shaun McGrath proposed a motion to postpone the issue for six months, citing UDO ordinance 7.1 A 1 which states: “Assure the timely provision of required streets, utilities, and other facilities and services to new land developments;”
The council ultimately voted 3-2 in favor of tabling the project. Councilmen Tim Forrest and Aaron Wolff gave the dissenting votes. Later in the council meeting, Wolff and Forrest shared their perspectives on tabling the project.
The next discussion of the project will involve two (or three) new board members who will be elected November 7th.