Waxhaw Leaders Request Community Feedback on Master Plan

News Summary

As Waxhaw experiences rapid population growth, local leaders are seeking resident input to create an updated downtown master plan. With a population increase of 134% since 2010, the Downtown Waxhaw Association aims to preserve the town’s charm while addressing critical issues like infill development, parking, and accessibility. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings and an online survey, ensuring that community voices guide the way forward for this thriving town.

Waxhaw Leaders Seek Resident Input for New Master Plan Amid Rapid Population Growth

Welcome to Waxhaw, a charming town that’s been on quite the growth spurt! Over the past decade, this lovely community has skyrocketed from about 9,859 residents in 2010 to a whopping 23,073 in 2023. And guess what? It’s projected that by 2025, Waxhaw will host around 24,602 residents. Talk about a population boom!

This incredible growth rate of 134% since 2010 is singing a different tune compared to the overall growth in union county, which saw only a 9.9% increase since 2020, and even less in neighboring Mecklenburg County at 8%. Local leaders are working hard to keep that delightful small-town vibe intact while welcoming all the new folks knocking at Waxhaw’s door.

Master Plan for the Future

To keep things organized amidst this bustling development, the Downtown Waxhaw Association and the town are teaming up to map out an updated downtown master plan. This isn’t just any plan; it’s designed to guide the future for the next five to ten years. With so much happening, it’s vital to ensure that hometown spirit remains strong.

The focus is on “infill development”, which means using up those unused or underutilized spaces in urban areas. It’s all about making Waxhaw better without sacrificing its unique character. Aside from that, the master plan will address other hot-button issues like parking, streetscaping projects, accessibility, and making downtown areas more walkable. Isn’t that exciting?

Time for Community Input

four in-person meetings from March 24 to March 26, along with an online survey launching on March 24. Residents can find it at waxhaw.com and downtownwaxhaw.com.

With about 120 businesses currently thriving in the downtown district and a 0% vacancy rate, it’s an exciting time for entrepreneurs. Almost 80 more businesses are eagerly waiting to jump into the community. However, with all these new residents and businesses coming in, there’s also a growing housing need for workers and newcomers, making it a big topic of discussion for leaders.

Planning for the Long Run

In 2023, Waxhaw rolled out its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, ready to set the course for the town’s future growth, with a keen focus on downtown development. There’s going to be plenty of chances for public feedback, including sessions at the spring festival in May and ongoing discussions throughout the summer. This is all designed to make sure the community’s voice is at the forefront of planning.

Once the initial input phase wraps up, the town will work with the Boudreaux Group to create a detailed 10-year implementation plan. This plan will clarify how the initiatives will take shape and who’s in charge of the action. It’s a big responsibility that comes with big changes!

Balancing Growth with Community Feel

As the town grows, residents rightfully share concerns about increased traffic, construction, and feelings of rapid change without clear planning. Town discussions have underscored the importance of striking a balance between welcoming new arrivals and maintaining that cozy downtown character that Waxhaw is known for.

With so much on the table, the efforts being made to involve the community in all phases of planning offer hope that Waxhaw can continue to thrive while keeping its warm, inviting charm.

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Additional Resources

• WSOC TV: Waxhaw Residents Encouraged to Weigh in on Potential Development
• Norada Real Estate: Safest Places to Live in North Carolina
• WCNC: Waxhaw Town Leaders Planning for the Future
• Wikipedia: Master Plan
• Google News: Waxhaw Development