Holly Springs (NC) Town Council Approves Grigsby Rezoning and Development Plan, and Previews Upcoming Development Activity
Council approved routine consent items, finalized a rezoning, and received updates on upcoming town events and three development proposals expected to return in the months ahead.
Holly Springs, NC, Dec. 18, 2025 — The Holly Springs Town Council moved efficiently through routine business at its business meeting earlier this week, approving a residential rezoning near downtown, and receiving a combination of town updates and development previews outlining what residents can expect to see on future agendas.
Consent Agenda Approved Without Discussion
Note: A Consent Agenda groups together routine or noncontroversial items that are considered administrative in nature and typically do not require separate discussion. These items are approved collectively in a single vote unless a council member requests that an item be removed for individual consideration.
During the meeting, Council unanimously approved seven items on the Consent Agenda (detailed document), covering routine administrative actions, infrastructure coordination items, and financial compliance requirements.
Council first approved the minutes from the November 10th workshop and November 18th business meeting, formally adopting the official record of actions and discussions from both sessions. Members also approved a minor budget amendment of approximately $8,000 to transfer private contributions to the Parks and Recreation Department for donation benches, memorial trees, and plaques, an adjustment that does not affect the Town’s overall budget.
The Consent Agenda also included approval of Police K-9 Risner's medical retirement and authorization to transfer the dog to his handler, Corporal Dustin Gillam, following a medical event that prevented Risner from continuing active duty. Consistent with standard law-enforcement practice, the action transfers complete care and responsibility for the dog to the handler.
Council further approved the Town’s acceptance of Grigsby Avenue and Pine Avenue from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), shifting long-term maintenance responsibility for both streets from the state to the Town. Members also adopted a supplement to the Town’s Engineering Design and Construction Standards, updating the technical requirements used to guide public infrastructure design and development.
In addition, Council provided municipal concurrence on a speed limit for Holly Springs Road, a procedural step required to coordinate with NCDOT. The agenda packet did not specify the affected roadway segment or the proposed speed change.
The Consent Agenda concluded with approval of an amendment to the Town’s audit contract for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, allowing adjustments to the existing agreement to ensure the annual financial audit is completed in compliance with state requirements.
Council Takes Final Action on Grigsby Avenue Rezoning
Under New Business, the Council took final legislative action on the Grigsby Avenue Residential Rezoning and Development Agreement, approving the rezoning, associated utility allocation, and development agreement.
The project covers approximately 5.8 acres near Waterpoint Drive and Womble Park and includes 21 residential units, comprising a mix of detached homes and townhomes. The proposal had previously completed a public hearing and Planning Board review in November.
Prior HSU Coverage: Grigsby Avenue Rezoning Draws Resident Pushback as Applicant Highlights Safety, Environmental Protections (11/22/25)
With Council’s approval, the project may now advance to the construction drawing phase, which includes detailed engineering review and infrastructure coordination before any building permits are issued.
Manager’s Report Includes Town Updates and Development Previews
During the Manager’s Report, Town Manager Randy Harrington provided Council with several upcoming town updates before transitioning into a Development Services presentation focused on future land-use activity.
Harrington announced that the Holly Springs Hopper microtransit program will launch on January 5th, followed by a January 7th ribbon-cutting for the Holly Springs Road project, with additional public outreach planned around both initiatives. He also highlighted a January 10th ribbon-cutting and open house at Sugg Farm to celebrate the opening of the community garden, nature play area, and sensory trail.
After Harrington, Development Services staff delivered a quarterly preview of anticipated land-use cases, a practice intended to give Council early awareness of projects moving through the development pipeline and allow for high-level feedback before formal applications are submitted.
Staff previewed three projects (detailed document) expected to return to Council in the coming months:
4917 Friendship Road (map), where an applicant is seeking to rezone property from Rural Residential to a Business & Research Technology Conditional Zoning District to allow a 14,000-square-foot office and warehouse building with outdoor storage. Early discussion addressed differences in tree-preservation requirements across zoning districts, screening for outdoor storage, and anticipated utility considerations, including a potential development agreement regarding sewer service.
5617 Sunset Lake Road (map), where a Montessori school expansion is proposed south of Optimist Farm Road. The project would require rezoning to a Rural Residential Conditional Zoning District, as required for school uses under the town’s ordinance, and includes additional school facilities and a daycare component.
2420 Avent Ferry Road (map), a roughly 32-acre site proposed for split rezoning to allow 53 detached homes and a neighborhood commercial parcel of approximately two acres, envisioned for future retail use.
Staff emphasized to the Council that the preview was informational only, with no votes or formal actions taken, and that details may continue to evolve before the projects are formally added to a future agenda.
Next Town Council Meeting
The next town council business meeting takes place at 7:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026, at Town Hall (map)