Planners are inviting the public to weigh in on the growth and development of a 15,000-acre area of eastern Wake County along the lower Neuse River and the future southern loop of I-540, a critical road project that’s expected to transform the Triangle.

The 23-square-mile Lower Neuse area borders Johnston County and includes parts of the City of Raleigh and Town of Garner. It is home to approximately 12,300 residents. Explore the story map here.

This is the third of seven distinct areas the County is focusing on as part of its new comprehensive plan, known as PLANWake, which charts a course to guide growth over the next 10 years. The Wake County Board of Commissioners has already approved area plans for Lower Swift Creek and Middle Creek.

There’s a lot going on in this part of the county currently — including the Complete 540 project, which would extend the Triangle Expressway and complete the 540 Outer Loop around the greater Raleigh area. Municipal planners are also working on the Raleigh Southeast Special Study Area and comprehensive plans for Garner and Knightdale, which include parts of the Lower Neuse area.

Community Feedback is Needed

A major component of the planning process is community input. Insight from those who live, work and play in this area will drive projects that are developed with the community’s needs, desires and visions in mind.

“Residents’ participation is critical as we continue to put our comprehensive plan into action,” said Susan Evans, vice chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “These are decisions that will impact the area for years to come, so we need to understand how residents want to see their community develop and hear any concerns they may have.”

There are several ways to participate, and more opportunities may be added in the future. Visit wake.gov/LN to:

• View an interactive map and share ideas.
• Take a community survey.
• Register to attend a virtual public meeting on July 13.
• Sign up for email updates.
   

Residents can also contact staff directly at areaplan@wake.gov or 919-856-6310 (option 8).

Planners will spend the next several months talking to the community and expect to have a draft plan ready for review by late 2023/early 2024. Full details can be found at wake.gov/LN, and information about the overall area planning process is located at wake.gov/AreaPlans.