Wake County is calling all residents of its eastern region to voice their opinions and ideas about the area's development over the next decade. In an initiative to include public perspective in the urban planning landscape, local planners are providing multiple platforms for community members to participate in the shaping of their neighbourhood's future. With an area that spans 46,000 acres and is home to about 16,000 people, the Eastern Wake segment is the fifth zone under consideration in the PLANWake comprehensive planning strategy, according to a statement on Wake County website.
The county is no stranger to soliciting public opinion, as it has already approved plans for Lower Swift Creek, Middle Creek, Lower Neuse, and Western Wake. This phase targets an area bordering Franklin, Johnston, and Nash counties, which is poised for significant changes in the homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, farms and infrastructure that will define the local environment in years to come. The planners emphasize that community feedback isn’t just a nice-to-have; it's a critical element driving the projects that eventually materialize.
Emphasizing the importance of resident participation, Don Mial, vice chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, told Wake County, “Community input is the foundation of smart growth. We want to hear directly from residents about what they value in their neighborhoods and how we can ensure this area thrives for generations to come.”
Interested individuals have a suite of options to throw their two cents in. The county's website features an interactive map where ideas and suggestions can be pinned to specific locations. A community survey is also available for those looking to provide more structured feedback. For those interested in real-time dialogue, a virtual public meeting is scheduled for March 6, and registration for this event is open. Furthermore, resident’s who are looking to stay informed can sign up for email updates through the county's dedicated webpage for this initiative.
