In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed development project at the intersection of NC 55 and O'Kelly Chapel Road, addressing long-standing challenges that have hindered progress in the area. The site, which has been under consideration for two decades, has faced three primary obstacles: limited northern access, environmental features that fragment the land, and insufficient width for street development.

The discussion highlighted the need for a strategic land swap between the town of Cary and the developer to facilitate a more viable development plan. The proposed exchange would allow for the establishment of a North-South Main Street, enhancing access and enabling development on both sides of the street. This plan would increase Cary's land from 15.09 acres to 16.5 acres while reducing the developer's site from 31.2 acres to 29.79 acres. In return, the developer would contribute approximately 40,000 square feet for a public park, which would be developed and maintained by the town.

The meeting also covered plans for improved access and circulation, including three points of ingress and egress, and a commitment to construct a traffic signal at the intersection of Alston Avenue and O'Kelly Chapel Road, pending approval from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The development aims to incorporate a mix of commercial, residential, and hotel uses, with specific commitments for ground-floor commercial space and a minimum number of hotel rooms.

Additionally, the project includes provisions for a linear public park that would connect to existing greenways, enhancing recreational opportunities in the area. The developers are seeking flexibility in land use to adapt to market demands, proposing a maximum of 400,000 square feet of office space, 1,200 residential units, and 100,000 square feet of commercial space.

As the project moves forward, the rezoning request will be evaluated, with further details on the land swap and funding to be presented to the council in accordance with state law. The anticipated timeline for the development aligns with broader infrastructure improvements planned for O'Kelly Chapel Road, set to begin between 2025 and 2029.