Mayor Ronnie Currin shares, “Our region is very economically strong. Wake County is now the largest county in North Carolina. Just being a part of that sets the framework of being able to have a good economic landscape here in town.” Rolesville is currently engaged in long-term planning, with an emphasis on comprehensive land use strategies, and capital improvement projects, to ensure future growth is well-managed. He notes that the town’s isolated location north of the Neuse River, means there are limitations on development, which align with efforts to retain the characteristics of the quaint community. “We’re trying to keep the small-town charm that a lot of people like. So, in doing that, we’re trying to keep our streets small, we’re not planning for major highways and those types of things. We’re planning for maybe three-lane roads and smaller roads, a lot of walkability, a lot of biking,” he depicts. RECLAIMING MAIN STREET One of the key elements of Rolesville’s growth strategy is the revitalization of its downtown area, which was located on US Highway 401 going through the town. In 2016 a bypass was built, redirecting the highway around Rolesville, and providing a chance for the community to reclaim Main Street. “We’re lucky in that sense that we get to create almost from a clean slate, a downtown area,” conveys Economic Development Director, Mical McFarland. “In the past, you would have seen many fast food restaurants, auto parts places, and gas stations, because it was a highway. Now we’re trying to attract those smaller businesses, boutiques, shops, sit-down restaurants, and things like that.” An investment of over $23 million is being put towards revitalizing Rolesville’s downtown area. Fred Smith Company has been hired to implement a streetscape improvement project, which will include new ornamental streetlights, public benches, trees, and enhanced walkability features. “Kind of some hardscape and softscape,” McFarland details. “Throughout Main Street, we will have new crosswalks and new medians. Within some of those, there’ll be planters and some natural features, native 243 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 ROLESVILLE, NC
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