Joint Meeting of Chatham County Board of Commissioners - February 25th

Overview

• Meeting called to order.
• Focus on ensuring online participants can hear.

Chatham Park Development Update

• Significant development in 2024 with new businesses and residential spaces opening.
• Key Developments in 2024:
  • Hampton Inn and Suites: Opened a 120-key hotel in November.
  • Mosaic Events: Hosted 47 events with 17,000 guests.
  • Northwood Landing: Medley Apartments completed; new businesses like Zach's, Dunkin, and First Health Family Medicine opened.
  • Lowe's Foods Building: New tenants include Tom+Chee Nail Shiny, Jeremiah's, and Great Clips.
  • Chatham Parkway: Ongoing construction aiming for completion by 2027.

Upcoming Developments

• New Homes: Under construction with a 55+ community by Encore with amenities.
• Chatham Park YMCA: Opening in March with pools, workout facilities, and childcare.
• Future Soccer Park: Talks with local soccer clubs for a park east of the YMCA.
• Affordable Housing: Construction of 368 apartments, including affordable housing, is planned.
• UNCC Health: Plans for a new medical campus near the Water Recovery Center.

Master Plan and Zoning

• The park is now 8,500 acres.
• New sections of Chatham Parkway under construction.
• Northern section almost sold out; Disney involved in developments.

Economic Development and Jobs

• New industrial and commercial projects underway.
• Important tenants include FedEx and Will Speed.
• New school sites being planned and developed.

School District and Enrollment Projections

• Presentation by ORED from NC State.
• Discusses the impact of residential growth on school enrollment.
• Significant development expected to increase student population.
• Enrollment Projections: Chatham Park to significantly increase student numbers.

Digital Inclusion Plan

• Presentation by Brenton Hart on digital inclusion.
• Key Goals:
  • Improve Broadband mapping and connectivity.
  • Expand access to digital devices and literacy.
  • Collaborate with partners for inclusive digital growth.
  • Host events promoting digital inclusion.

Broadband Expansion

• Successful grants to expand broadband to unserved areas.
• Collaboration with ISPs and state programs to enhance connectivity.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the importance of partnerships between the county and various entities.
• Positive remarks on collaboration between school board and commissioners.

Key Takeaways

• Chatham Park is undergoing significant residential and commercial development, impacting infrastructure and school enrollment.
• Major infrastructure projects will support growth, with a notable increase in population and housing.
• Digital inclusion and broadband expansion are key focus areas to ensure equitable access to technology and education.
• Continued collaboration between county entities remains crucial for successful development and planning.