Holly Springs Business Park Amendment Proposes New High School for Life Sciences Education
Despite its potential, the proposal has raised concerns about traffic congestion and land use.
HOLLY SPRINGS, NC, December 18, 2024 — A proposal to amend the zoning of Holly Springs Business Park to accommodate a new life sciences-focused high school has stirred both excitement and concern in the community. The initiative, discussed at a recent Town Council meeting, seeks to position Holly Springs as a biotechnology hub while addressing challenges in traffic management and land use compatibility.
The amendments propose converting a business park section, initially zoned for light industrial use, into an "innovation and institutional district." The centerpiece of this vision is a high school designed to provide students with specialized education in biotechnology, preparing them for careers in the growing life sciences industry. Grayson Taylor, a town planner, explained the significance of the project: “Requested actions tonight are to conduct a legislative public hearing, to consider ordinance RZ2409, to adopt the plan consistency statement, statement of reasonableness, and approve, deny, or defer PUD amendment, as well as approve or deny the utility allocation request.”
Opportunities and Benefits
Supporters of the proposal argue that the school represents a groundbreaking opportunity for students and local businesses. Planning Board representative Joseph Cuccurullo emphasized the alignment of the project with Holly Springs’ identity as a biotechnology hub: “The applicant intends to establish a life science-focused high school, which aligns with Holly Springs' growing identity as a biotechnology hub.” Cuccurullo highlighted the broader benefits, including workforce development and economic growth, stating, “The workforce pipeline potential of the Life Sciences High School was indeed the key to the compatibility to the business park.”
The school plans to offer a biotech track through a partnership with Wake Technical Community College, allowing students to graduate with BioWork certificates. This certification would make them immediately employable by local biotechnology companies located within the business park. “Imagine students graduating as a high school senior with a BioWorks certificate, which makes them immediately employable for the companies already set up in the business park,” said Bruce Friend, head of Pine Springs Preparatory Academy, the school proposing the development.
Additionally, the school’s proximity to biotechnology firms opens opportunities for internships and apprenticeships, fostering a direct pipeline from education to employment.
Concerns and Challenges
Despite its potential, the proposal has raised concerns about traffic congestion and land use. Taylor acknowledged the complexities of integrating a school into the business park, noting, “The size and scale of the site should be looked at closely by decision makers.”
Traffic management emerged as a central issue. The proposal addresses these concerns and includes detailed queuing systems to keep vehicles on-site and prevent backups onto surrounding streets. Taylor explained, “Impacts could be addressed with the applicant's proposed additional standards in the proposal.”
Critics of the project have questioned whether a business park is an appropriate location for a school. While the park was initially zoned for industrial and commercial use, Friend argued that changing times call for adaptive solutions: “The business park as it currently stands wasn’t designed for a school. I get that. But the business park as it’s designed right now... Things change. The economies change.”
A Transformative Decision
The Town Council must weigh the long-term benefits of a school that could enhance Holly Springs’ status as a life sciences leader against the immediate challenges of land use and infrastructure. The proposal remains under review as the town considers the broader implications for its strategic growth and vision for the future.