Wendell approves developer agreement for Wendell Commons to fund major intersection and right‑of‑way improvements
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Summary
The town approved a developer agreement with Wendell Commons LLC that shifts part of the Wendell Falls Parkway/Eagle Rock Road intersection construction work to the developer and credits that work toward the town's larger transportation project.
WENDELL, N.C. — The Wendell Board of Commissioners approved a developer agreement with Wendell Commons LLC that coordinates construction of roadway improvements at the Wendell Falls Parkway/Eagle Rock Road intersection and allocates right-of-way and construction credits between the developer and the town.
The agreement, which state law requires to be considered following a public hearing, lays out which parts of the intersection improvements the developer will construct and which segments the town will complete under a previously authorized transportation bond and professional design contracts. The developer’s work is slated to be bid and constructed in coordination with town design consultant VHB, with the developer’s contractor constructing a portion of the alignment and the town reimbursing for the town-portion of those improvements.
Why it matters
The intersection is a critical node for the Wendell Falls corridor; the project coordinates work on a mix of state and county right-of-way and advances a voter-approved transportation bond project. Staff told commissioners the developer voluntarily dedicated additional right-of-way and agreed to shift the alignment slightly north to reduce impacts on an adjacent single-family neighborhood.
Key elements
- Scope: The developer will construct specified roadway segments and associated right-of-way shown in the developer agreement exhibits; the town will reimburse the developer for the town-portion and complete the remaining design and construction via contract with VHB.
- Right-of-way adjustments: To reduce impacts on nearby single-family homes on the southwest corner, the plan shifts some roadway elements north and secures additional right-of-way from the developer’s parcel.
- Environmental and brownfield work: The agreement notes the town has engaged GeoSyntec for environmental work related to an underground storage tank onsite as part of the project coordination.
Board action and next steps
The board held the required public hearing and then voted to approve the developer agreement and authorized the town manager to sign. Staff said the developer intends to bid and begin construction under town procedures, with a target schedule to construct developer‑scope improvements before November (per the exhibits in the agreement). The town will complete the remaining project segments after developer completion and reimbursements are accounted for.
Ending
Commissioners described the agreement as an important step to advance long-planned transportation improvements funded both by the town’s transportation bond and private development commitments. Staff will return for final acceptance and recording of right-of-way dedications and construction as the work progresses.