Cary To Hold Meeting On Walnut Street Corridor Development Monday

town of Cary

wants to do something about it.

Leaders are considering widening Walnut Street between Jones Franklin Road and Cary Towne Center to accommodate shoppers. However, the idea is not going over well with everyone.

The idea is to widen and develop part of Walnut Street, while keeping peace with the neighbors. More than a dozen neighborhoods will be affected.

Residents said that there is already too much traffic in the area, and some are selling their homes.

"We have to play our TV at night to drown out the noise," said a Walnut Street resident.

"Around Christmas, and that kind of thing, we have to go around to the back of the neighborhood to even get out," another resident said.

Town leaders said they are trying to create a zoning district.Last week, residents came to a town meeting to look at maps and charts and mark their likes and dislikes. The town is holding another meeting Monday night.

Cary leaders said that their vision is development without over-development -- a solution that will not hurt the heart of the town.

"We're hoping to come up with a solution that's acceptable and won't hurt people," said a town leader. "That's our job -- to come up with standards that actually fit."

One idea from Cary planners is to build offices and boutiques with limited hours and limited traffic.

Monday night's meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the ballroom of the Cary Senior Center, which is located in Bond Park.