A UNC official assured the initial stakeholder advisory committee meeting for Carolina North development that the trail network will remain intact, even the section of the Pumpkin Loop trail that swings out into the development area. The speaker was Tiffany Lacey, executive director for real estate development.
According to a News & Observer report, the university would intervene with the trails only to improve their condition, build more trailheads, or provide more benches and bathrooms, Lacey said. However, during the construction process, residents can expect to have their hiking routines disrupted. Lacey said that during construction, the typical ways to access the trails will likely be cut off.
“One of the first things we’ll be looking at is where can we provide additional trail access off the existing street network and provide additional parking,” Lacey said. “When we get to that moment in time, that will be very much communicated with the community.” Construction is expected to start in summer 2027. For background info check carolinanorth.unc.edu website.
The adopted state budget allocated $35M for planning and development at Carolina North.