Wake County approves land transfers to build Wake 3 health and education district with Wake Tech and WakeMed

The Wake County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 18 authorized a package of land transfers and related actions to support development of the Wake 3 Health and Education District, a coordinated campus vision involving Wake County, Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) and WakeMed.

Facilities Design and Construction Director Mark Forstini reviewed the plan and maps showing existing boundaries, the proposed realignment of Swinburne Street and New Campus Drive, and the long-range campus vision. Forstini read the project goals: “Eliminate the siloed approach to training and treatment, further expand health and education collaboration, revise infrastructure enhancing the pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and then enhance the neighborhood to better serve the community and improve community access to health and education services.”

The board authorized seven actions in a single motion: disposition contracts transferring approximately 7.78 acres at 2901 Holston Lane to the trustees of Wake Technical Community College and approximately 5.14 acres at 10 Sunnybrook Road to WakeMed; a third amendment to the memorandum of understanding among the three partners to continue joint planning; a short-term lease for 10 Sunnybrook to allow continued operation of the county public health center until the new building and parking deck are operational; authority for the county manager to sign subdivision plats and development applications; authority for the chair to execute termination and release agreements needed to convey clear title; and authority for the chair to execute special warranty deeds for the transfers, all subject to terms acceptable to the county attorney.

Forstini and Wake Tech and WakeMed representatives told commissioners the transfers are at no cost to the receiving entities, and Wake Tech and WakeMed will build and maintain the proposed roadway realignment and associated infrastructure. County staff said the transfers are intended to enable Wake Tech to obtain building permits and WakeMed to implement its campus master plan. Wake Tech announced a groundbreaking for its health sciences center and simulation hospital on Sept. 16; staff aim to complete conveyances by Sept. 30.

Commissioners praised the collaboration during the discussion, noting the project’s alignment with Wake County strategic goals for community health and education access. Commissioner Waters noted a target “25% increase” in nursing enrollment capacity as a result of expanded facilities; county staff indicated that figure as a target for nursing and some other programs.

The board approved the package in a single motion and voice vote; no public speakers addressed the item at the hearing. County staff will execute the contracts and conveyance documents under terms acceptable to the county attorney.