Holly Springs Approves Downtown Social District, Bass Lake Dam Upgrades
Town council greenlights "Sip and Stroll" district, Carolina Springs development, and $724K for dam improvements.
Holly Springs to Launch Downtown Social District in May
Starting May 2, 2025, visitors to downtown Holly Springs will be able to legally sip beer or wine while strolling the area, thanks to a new Social District ordinance approved by the town council. The district, called "Sip and Stroll," will allow participating establishments to sell beer and wine in designated cups labeled for off-premises consumption within the district’s boundaries.
Liquor is not included in the ordinance, meaning spirits must still be consumed on-site at the establishment where they were purchased. The launch of the Social District will coincide with the International Food Festival.
Carolina Springs Town Center Moves Forward
The town council also approved the development plan for Carolina Springs Town Center, following a unanimous recommendation from the planning board.
During discussions, Councilman Chris Deshazor raised concerns about electric vehicle (EV) charging stations planned for the site, emphasizing the importance of installing Level 3 fast chargers. He shared a personal anecdote about choosing a restaurant specifically because it had a Level 3 charger, noting that high-speed chargers could attract more visitors to the town center.
$724K Approved for Bass Lake Dam Upgrades
In an effort to prevent future flooding, the council allocated $724,000 to raise the embankment height of the Bass Lake Park dam and add an emergency spillway.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Dam Safety division flagged the dam as vulnerable, stating its embankment is too low and at risk of being breached. Past hurricanes, including Alberto and Matthew, have caused significant damage to the structure.
The upgrades aim to reduce the risk of flooding in the parking lot and greenway trail, which have been impacted in past storms. The total project budget is set at $1.3 million.