Graham Wood Rezoning Sparks Heated Debate Over Neighborhood Center Plans
Town Council Votes to Approve Controversial Residential Development Despite Strong Resident Opposition
Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 19, 2025 — A fiercely contested rezoning proposal for the Graham Wood property at 1432 Avent Ferry Road drew passionate debate at the March 18, 2025, Holly Springs Town Council meeting, exposing deep divisions between residents, town officials, and developers.
The proposal sought to rezone the 35-acre site from Rural Residential (RR) to Mixed-Use Residential Conditional Zoning District (MXR), allowing for 120 residential units—82 single-family homes and 32 townhomes—on land that has been designated as a commercial neighborhood center since the 1990s.
While the developer argued that commercial use was no longer viable, many residents and planning board members pushed back, citing severe traffic congestion, pedestrian safety risks, and concerns about the town’s long-term planning vision.
A heated exchange between council members and residents underscored the frustration surrounding this development.
"I haven't voted for a single rezoning on Avent Ferry Road in seven years, and I don't take this decision lightly. The owner of this property had portions of his larger property at the time condemned to build the Holly Grove schools in the early 2000s. How do you think he felt about that? He has actively been trying to sell this parcel for the last 10 years, which is within his right."
This comment from a council member highlighted the tension between property rights and community concerns and the long-standing struggle to determine the best use for the land.
The Developer’s Case: A Changing Market
The developer defended the plan, arguing that commercial development was no longer feasible and that the proposed residential community would integrate with the town’s vision by providing housing for older adults.
“The planning board asked if the primary reason for not proposing a neighborhood center was due to traffic. Applicant answered yes, and that comparatively speaking, the trip numbers are staggered, and that traffic produced by senior living is significantly low compared to a regular neighborhood development.”
Additionally, the developer committed to infrastructure improvements, including:
Realignment of Cape Side Avenue for improved traffic flow
Pedestrian connectivity to Avon Ferry Road and Cass Holt Road
A greenway extension linking to future parks and trails
Homes were projected to cost between $400,000 and $800,000, with the intent of attracting empty nesters and older residents.
But many residents were skeptical, especially about the age-restricted 55+ designation:
"55 plus is not senior living. I'm six years away from that. Technically could have a baby any day. I think that if we call this senior living, we're deluding ourselves. This is not a decrease in traffic. These people are probably working age as well."
This criticism directly challenged the developer’s assertion that the project would reduce traffic impact, instead arguing that residents in this age range still commute daily.
Opposition From Residents: “The Roads Are Already Failing”
Resident opposition was fierce, with traffic congestion and pedestrian safety being major points of contention.
"If you arrive on Avon Ferry, making a left turn onto Cass Holt at 6:55 to 7:25, it will take you approximately 20 minutes to go 200 meters. In fact, the high school routinely blanket excuses all tardies because even the buses can't get to where they need to go on time."
Residents also pointed out the dangers of increased U-turns, particularly with the lack of a proper traffic light:
"This development will encourage that for everyone to make a right and then they'll make U-turns again in the child care centers and at the entrance of Holly Glen."
Another emotional plea came from a resident who shared a terrifying experience involving their child:
"My beautiful daughter there, Nadia, has almost been hit twice while walking to and from school. And let's not forget on September 22nd, 2023, a nine-year-old child was hit by a car in this very area."
These statements underscored how personal the issue had become for families, with real-life safety incidents reinforcing community concerns.
Loss of Commercial Space: “This is Not the Town We Were Promised”
A key issue was that the site had been planned for commercial use for over 30 years, and some residents argued that allowing residential zoning would permanently alter the area’s economic potential.
"The concern was raised that converting designated commercial areas to residential areas could jeopardize this target, affecting future tax revenues."
Others felt betrayed by the shift away from the town’s carefully crafted development plan:
"A comment about transparency. If the council no longer intends to follow the comprehensive plan, then please update it. Be transparent with current and future residents so they know they are signing up for suburban sprawl and not the thoughtfully planned community this town council and the town has been built on."
This was one of the most pointed criticisms of the night, accusing the council of deviating from the town’s long-standing vision.
Town’s Response: Infrastructure and Traffic Mitigation
Town staff attempted to address concerns, explaining that pedestrian safety enhancements and road realignments would improve conditions for current and future residents.
"I would be to leave a dangerous intersection. We have an opportunity here for this realignment to happen with a proper signalization and a safer walk. Only more foot traffic is going to be coming from these neighborhoods to Eagles Landing Park here in the next couple of years. And without it, you have an unmet intersection with unsafe visibility and a continued danger."
Despite these assurances, many residents remained unconvinced, arguing that the town should address existing infrastructure issues before approving further development.
Final Vote: Council Approves Rezoning Despite Pushback
After hours of debate, the council voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning, with an added commitment to improve pedestrian safety features.
"Motion to approve the proposed development agreement with consideration from the town attorney and the applicant’s team to work through additional visibility enhancements for the lighted crosswalk at Avon Ferry and Cape Side."
While the developer and council members who supported the project celebrated the approval, many residents left frustrated, vowing to continue advocating for road improvements before any additional development.
Conclusion: A Community Divided
The Graham Wood rezoning debate exposed deep fault lines in Holly Springs, pitting growth against infrastructure readiness, property rights against long-term planning, and residents’ concerns against the town’s push for development.
"Will the council remember for protecting the small-town charm that drew families here, or decide that dense housing and development that outpaces infrastructure is best? Your decision will shape the future of Holly Springs."
With ongoing concerns about infrastructure, traffic safety, and the town’s commitment to its comprehensive plan, this battle is far from over.