Carrboro Looks to develop Grocery Store on Homestead Road

Carrboro officials and candidates alike are in favor of building a grocery store on Homestead Road, but the process might be easier said than done.

Aldermen Jacquie Gist and Randee Haven-O’Donnell, who are both running for re-election this year, said the town is interested in developing commercial areas in the northern part of Carrboro.

Town officials have indicated the Homestead Community Center, which was put up for sale by the county in August, could serve as an appropriate site for a grocery store. Located at 600 Homestead Road, the center has provided recreation programs and a general meeting space.

“I thought that would be a perfect location,” Gist said. “Something that would complement the neighborhood.”

 But Craig Benedict, planning director for Orange County, said the approval process for the space could be difficult under the county’s Land Use Plan.

Residential homes and a community center are permitted in the area, but commercially developing the land would require special permission from the Board of Aldermen and the Orange County Board of Commissioners, he said.

Haven-O’Donnell said she would support a grocery store there since no store exists within walking distance, as long as it is the right size and contains the right services.

“I would like the neighborhood to weigh in on what they’d like to see,” she said.

Carrboro Alderman Dan Coleman said the community needs a place where residents can socialize and get basic necessities.

The board of commissioners set a minimum price of $275,000 for the property, said Pamela Jones, asset management and purchasing director of Orange County.

She said the first round of bidding on the community center ended Oct. 20, and the bids will be presented to the county commissioners Thursday.

She did not disclose the names of the bidders and said she is unsure how many bids were offered.

The county will then re-advertise the property and start accepting additional bids sometime in November, Jones said.

Alderman candidates Sharon Cook, Tim Peck and Sammy Slade said they think commercial development along Homestead Road would be a good idea.

Slade said that one of the issues Carrboro faces is the heavy tax burden on homeowners. The tax base could be diversified by bringing in locally-owned businesses, he said.

Cook said she is disappointed that the community center is being sold, as it serves as a meeting place and voting precinct for northern Carrboro.

They should have asked the residents to get their opinions on what should be done with the center, she said. The residents only found out the county was selling it when they saw it on the news, she said.

But she said she supports a grocery store in the area.

“A locally-owned grocery would be nice,” said Cook, who lives in northern Carrboro. “We don’t need another Harris Teeter.”

Alderman Lydia Lavelle said the board will begin holding public meetings with the residents early next year.

The board will receive a staff report on northern Carrboro in November, Haven-O’Donnell said. The report will list potential locations for commercial development in the area.

Haven-O’Donnell said she thinks the community could benefit from having businesses like a grocery store, a pharmacy and a coffee shop.



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