On Sept. 5, Chancellor James Moeser, in his State of the University address, confirmed that Tony Waldrop, vice chancellor for research and graduate studies, will take the helm for planning of the property.
The 575-acre tract, which lies in northwest Chapel Hill and parts of Carrboro, is expected to be developed into a state-of-the-art mixed-use complex that would include research facilities, residences for students and families, retail and recreation.
Officials expect to start building in 2007.
Waldrop will work with the Horace Williams Advisory Committee to plan for the tract.
"One of many things that attracted me to Carolina it is a much more planned community," he said. "There are more activities like schools and housing planned for the area in addition to research and academic purposes."
The committee, composed of faculty, students, administrators and community members, has guided the conceptual development of the site. Chapel Hill Town Council members Jim Ward and Flicka Bateman will sit on the board along with two aldermen, who have yet to be named.
"The letter from the chancellor indicated they were happy to have members of the Town Council on the committee," Ward said. "But it also said they did not anticipate any meetings to discuss plans in the near future."
Ward expressed an interest in the project as a concerned resident who lives in an area bordering the tract. "I think the plan ought to consider the natural value of the property and identify this as its largest use," he said.
Student Body President Justin Young and Graduate and Professional Student Federation President Mikisha Brown will sit on the committee as student representatives.
