A new North Hills? Johnston County unveils multimillion dollar Waterfront District

Could Johnston County be home to the next ‘North Hills’ type of development?

A multimillion dollar plan called ‘The Waterfront District’ is in the works near Highway 42. It would bring along hundreds of housing units, restaurants, and shops with waterfront views over North East Lake.

Nearby, an area called Flowers Crossroads is 'glowing with activity,' and right across the lake is where CEO Reid Stephenson says the Waterfront District will be located. It's a huge undertaking for a rural county – and bringing about mixed responses from locals.

Signs of growth and expansion can be spotted in Johnston County, with most recent census data showing that Johnston County was the fastest growing county in the state for the last decade.

Developers are making room for the large-scale development. Stephenson describes the area as the neo-urbanism section of town.

"Currently under construction are 312 apartments. The views and North District is going to be 315 townhomes with the Waterfront District adjacent to the lake," says Stephenson.

With the Triangle’s growth creeping across the Wake County line, Dana Wooten with Clayton Chamber of Commerce shared what makes Johnston County a draw for developers.

"The appeal of Johnston County is land is more affordable," said Wooten.

However, locals have some concerns about the rapid growth and new developments.

"Knowing more people are moving into this area, it shows that this is going to be even more crowded," said Julia Morin, who lives nearby.

"You’re increasing traffic," worries Jeanine Fogarty, who also lives nearby. "You’re increasing just congestion in general."

However, Fogarty also sees an added benefit.

"Convenient shopping, more diversity of places to shop for food, to go out for dinner," said Fogarty.

The growth could transform Johnston County into an economic powerhouse.

They are set to break ground in the middle of 2023, with everything else slated to be built within a 3-5 year phased approach.

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