“We are just about to kick off updating our comprehensive plan, and that future land use component will be critical for Rolesville,” Gruber acknowledges.“Our current future land use map isn’t functioning well enough for us because it was last done in 2017. We’re looking at a specific residential density to keep that small-town charm. However, we also need rooftops to bring in more commercial and nonresidential development.” The current land development ordinance includes zoning districts that mandate a balance of commercial and non-residential development alongside residential projects, promoting balanced lifestyle opportunities. RESIDENTIAL OFFERINGS Mayor Currin highlights the town’s housing dynamics, where the tax base ratio is 92% residential and only 8% commercial. “We don’t have to focus on neighborhoods, we don’t have to focus on attracting residential. It kind of comes naturally in Wake County,” he maintains. “We get all types, from single family, apartments, and also townhouses, we have a blend of all and that’s not a big issue.” He adds that the area of focus is on providing affordable housing options. Along with this, Rolesville is working to attract workforce and veteran housing, and options for seniors.“Our population of senior citizens has grown, so we’re working at 55 and over communities and trying to facilitate those. And we’re trying to be attractive to veterans who have special housing needs,” says the mayor. Rolesville currently has several neighborhoods in various stages of planning and development which Currin estimates will add another 2000 or more single-family homes to the community. He points out that according to recent data, these approved housing developments have the potential to increase the town’s population from about 11,000 to at least 22,000. AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE With proximity to the research triangle area, and renowned institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NC State, the town is well-positioned. 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 ROLESVILLE, NC
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