Fuquay Varina board approves sidewalk funding, library park design and downtown land purchase; school road closure OK'd

Fuquay Varina's Town Board on Feb. 3 approved several capital and land actions aimed at downtown improvements and pedestrian connections, and adopted a resolution to close part of Sunset Drive to support a Wake County Public School System project.

In a series of motions taken during the regular board meeting, commissioners authorized supplemental funding agreements with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for two sidewalk projects, approved design services for Library Park, accepted a preliminary subdivision plat, and agreed to buy 101 North Main Street to help assemble property envisioned in the town's downtown Pineywoods Park public-space plan.

Key votes and decisions

- Abandonment of Sunset Drive (SC-2024-3): The board adopted a resolution ordering the closure of roughly 860 linear feet of Sunset Drive after Wake County Public School System said the abandonment would clean up title for the school's planned expansion. Betty Parker, representing Wake County Public Schools, said adjacent property owners had signed the petition and supported the closure. A motion to adopt the resolution carried on a voice vote.

- True Love Farm preliminary subdivision (SUBPR-2024-08): The board approved the 50-lot preliminary plat for True Love Farm (7650 Trulove Road). Planning Director Pam Davison told the board the 23.84-acre SUBPR would use the town's lot-line standards (minimum 50-foot lot widths) and proposed 13.66 acres of open space (57.29% of site). The motion carried.

- Library Park design agreement: The board awarded a design contract to Site Collaborative for library park design services at a fee of $214,000, subject to town attorney review. Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Cox said the design contract covers schematic design, construction documentation, permitting, bidding services and construction management. Staff noted FY25 includes $1,000,000 in initial funding for the Library Park project and that additional construction funding will be required.

- Southeast Judd Parkway improvements (BL0054): The board approved a municipal supplemental funding agreement with NCDOT that adds $50,000 in grant funds (a 50/50 match with the town) to cover project overages, bringing the project total to approximately $823,960. Engineering Director Matt Polin said the project is expected to begin in March 2025 and run about 12 months.

- Jones Street sidewalk project (BL0038): The board approved a supplemental funding agreement adding $150,000 in grant funds (80/20 match noted in staff materials) toward a total project cost of about $1,206,300 for roughly 1,200 linear feet of sidewalk, curb, gutter and drainage connecting Main Street to the former elementary school site. Construction is expected to begin in March 2025.

- Purchase of 101 North Main Street: The board voted to approve an agreement to purchase 101 North Main Street for $1,500,000 and to approve budget amendment BA-25-14 related to that acquisition. Town Manager Adam Mitchell said the property lies inside the Pineywoods Park concept area in the town's recently adopted downtown generational plan; the 90-day examination period in the purchase agreement was noted. Manager Mitchell and several commissioners said existing businesses on adjacent parcels may continue to operate.

Board members and staff said the combination of design work, right-of-way actions and land acquisition furthers the town's longstanding goals for downtown public space, pedestrian safety and longer-term placemaking.

Implementation notes and next steps

Staff noted that the Library Park contract is subject to town attorney review to form and that additional construction funding will be needed. The two sidewalk projects are scheduled to begin construction in March 2025; funding agreements with NCDOT were approved to cover supplemental costs. The town attorney confirmed that the Sunset Drive closure followed state statutory notice and notification requirements and that adjacent landowners had been notified.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution ordering closure of Sunset Drive (SC-2024-3): Adopted (voice vote). Motion moved and seconded; board voice vote recorded as "Aye" and "Motion carries." - True Love Farm Subdivision preliminary plat (SUBPR-2024-08): Approved (motion carried by voice vote). - Library Park design contract (Site Collaborative): Approved; authorized town manager to execute, subject to attorney review (motion carried by voice vote). Fee: $214,000. - Southeast Judd Parkway (BL0054) supplemental funding agreement: Approved; $50,000 supplemental grant and 50/50 match; total project ~ $823,960. - Jones Street sidewalk (BL0038) supplemental funding agreement: Approved; $300,000 supplemental grant (town match $150,000) bringing total project ~ $1,206,300. - Purchase and sale of 101 North Main Street: Approved; purchase price $1,500,000; budget amendment BA-25-14 approved.

What this means for residents

Officials said the approved sidewalk and park design work aims to improve pedestrian connectivity and downtown public space over the next two years. The two sidewalk projects are due to begin in March 2025, and staff estimated about a year for construction on Judd Parkway and 9-10 months on Jones Street. The Library Park design phase is expected to take roughly nine months followed by bidding and construction, meaning construction start is likely a year out. Purchase of 101 North Main Street begins land assembly for a future town square concept that town leadership described as a long-range, multi-year effort.

Board members praised staff for advancing grant applications and for preparatory design work that made the projects more competitive for regional funding; Wake County and NCDOT programs were cited as funding partners throughout the meeting.