
By Rose Laudicina
Staff Writer
Roy Lloyd Farm covers 40 acres and encompasses large ponds, beautiful old trees and sprawling pastures. It is the last parcel of land of its size available in Carrboro, and plans are being put into motion to make it the town’s newest development.
The farm is located on the corner N.C. 54 and Old Fayetteville Road, across from Carrboro Plaza.
Interim Town Manager Matt Efird said that Argus Development has submitted a concept plan for the property, though plans are still in the very early formative stages.
Thus far, one meeting has been held with the neighbors who live adjacent to or near Lloyd Farm, providing developers a chance to introduce themselves and discuss with residents what’s wanted and not wanted on the property.
Jack Smyre of The Design Response of Cary, the project’s principle planner, said that after meeting with the neighbors and joint advisory boards in Carrboro, planners were starting to develop an illustrative plan, with elements of what would be included in the development.
Smyre said that out of the 40 available acres, they plan to use 24 acres for the development, anchored by a grocery story about the size of an average Harris Teeter – 50,000-55,000 square feet.
In addition to a grocery store, the development would include other retail shops and room for offices above those shops; however, according to Smyre, there are no plans for the space to include residences.
“This is not a major mixed-use development. It will be primarily retail, which is Argus Development’s specialty,†he said.
Some residents have expressed concern about the development, as it will be situated almost directly across from Carrboro Plaza, which houses a Food Lion grocery store.
Smyre said he recognized that concern, but that the grocery store that would go into the new development will be larger then the Food Lion and will carry a wider variety of products.
In addition, Smyre said he has heard from a number of Carrboro residents that they typically go to Chapel Hill to shop for groceries because parking can be hectic at Carr Mill Mall. A grocery store at this location would provide not only Carrboro residents with another option, but also those coming into town from western Orange County looking for services, he said.
Smyre emphasized his desire that everyone, from town government to the neighbors, be on the same page regarding what services the development should provide.
“We are taking a no-drama approach,†Smyre said. “We are being very open and transparent, and we don’t seem to be completely scaring anybody off.â€
I am SO GLAD that Carrboro is finally getting an alternative to its current shopping choices, please hurry up and build this!
It breaks my heart that this beautiful western gateway to town will be lost, and all for retail of questionable value. Do we really need a fourth grocery store in a ten block radius–the Harris Teeter at Carr Mill, the Food Lion and Carrboro Plaza and that on Jones Ferry Road, plus Weaver Street Market serving a different clientele, certainly meet my needs. How many “choices” do we need? I think its likely that if successful it will put one of the other establishments out of business.
Let’s just hope we dip into another recession that pushes this project off the table. Carrboro Plaza is depressing enough.