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Wendell adopts downtown streetscape master plan to expand sidewalks, outdoor space and parking strategy
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Summary
The Wendell Town Board approved a downtown streetscape master plan that redesigns sidewalks and public space between Second and Fourth streets, changes some on-street parking configurations, and reserves Pine Street as the first implementation project.
The Wendell Town Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan on Sept. 8, approving a concept-level design intended to expand pedestrian space, improve accessibility, and create more outdoor seating and event space in the core downtown area.
Mayor Virginia Gray and staff presented the plan, which covers the stretch between Second and Fourth streets and Cypress and Pine streets. The plan aims to create safer, more comfortable walking routes, additional outdoor seating areas for restaurants and events, and new parking strategies that rely on added spaces on Second, Fourth and side streets while converting some Main Street spaces from angled to parallel parking.
Consultant Daniel Whatley of Withers & Ravenel assisted the presentation and described the plan’s goals: ADA-compliant sidewalks, more multipurpose public space, and enhanced connections to the South Main Street Greenway. The plan proposes a mix of street treatments addressing different street functions—Third Street as multimodal, Main Street as a festive pedestrian corridor—and includes landscaping and strategic bollard/planter placement for event security.
A parking study presented with the plan found weekend peak demand created the greatest pressure; staff said re-striping and surface improvements at Campground and Depot should add spaces, and Pine Street is identified for the first implementation project, which is in the town’s budget for design work.
The board discussed a signal warrant analysis for Third and Main Street and were told the analysis shows a traffic signal is not currently warranted; staff recommended retaining the intersection as an all-way stop and using funds instead to advance broader downtown design work.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Joyner moved to approve the downtown streetscape master plan; the motion passed with the board voting in favor.
Why it matters: the plan provides a blueprint for downtown public-space changes and a near-term implementation project (Pine Street) that the town expects to fund and design in the coming year. Proponents said the design will support restaurants, events and nonmotorized connections to the greenway.
The plan is a concept-level document; specific construction drawings, cost estimates and project schedules will follow as the town advances implementation phases.
