The ‘mobility hub’ the North Carolina Department of Transportation has planned for downtown Wake Forest would be the death of the present downtown.
The historic buildings, the quirky shift in building placement at Jones Avenue, the variety of shops — all would be as nothing without the people who come to downtown for those services and amusements.
If there is a “mobility hub” in the town-owned parking lot, where would those people park? How would they easily access the coffee shop, the frame and art shop, the beauty parlor, the spa, the jeweler in the local arts shop, the bars, the restaurants?
The life blood of the downtown that pumps dollars into the town’s economy is accessible, convenient parking, no charge, no limit parking. The parking lot has 54 spaces, two of them handicapped. The DOT plan would also wipe out the 12 parking spaces between the parking lot and the combination building to the north and the seven spaces on the street on the other side of the Susie Powell Garden, which would also be lost.
Just come and sit in the depot parking lot on a Friday or Saturday. See the quick turnover for some vehicles with longer stays for others. See how many people turn in, hoping for an empty space. And the handicapped spaces are needed and often both full.
The spa, for one, has a clientele mostly of older women, several of them handicapped, who depend on the two handicapped parking spaces. The two handicapped spaces across the street on Jones make the eastern side of the street accessible for many others. Someone said the women could use the future parking deck on Brooks Street. That is four long blocks and one steep hill away. Can anyone call that convenient parking?
The plan that was unveiled at the recent meeting was generic, it would fit many sites, but it certainly did not take into account the shops, bars, restaurants that are there now. And one possibility mentioned — and shown with a slide — would encompass two historic homes, part of the local historic district, the Taylor-Purefoy-Swett house and the Holding-Aycock house. Should those be demolished for a “mobility hub?”
Why not place the station farther south on South White or down on Rogers Road? Or wait to place the station until we see how the rail line is going to be realigned and place it there?
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9 Responses
Meet in the Street, Friday Night on White and the many other wonderful events that happen in downtown Wake Forest will have to move. Businesses will move away because customers won’t be able to park downtown. Construction will impede traffic on both sides of the tracks and ruin the beautiful setting of Historic Wake Forest.
We moved here 27 years ago and watched as the downtown area was revitalized and improved to attract people from all over the area. I believe this ‘hub’ will have a detrimental effect on the downtown and surrounding area. There certainly are other places in town that would be much better suited and could reduce the impact of this very large project. Some of them are noted in the responses.
Extreme? Maybe. But Historic Downtown Wake Forest will never be the same.
My family and I are really excited for the train station/mobility hub (along with several other people I know). While I understand people’s concerns about parking, a mobility hub in downtown Wake Forest could actually enhance the area’s accessibility, vibrancy and economic health.
The mobility hub would improve access to downtown areas by providing various transportation options, such as buses, bike-sharing, and ride-hailing services. As well as helping to encourage the town to improve walkability for downtown and its surrounding areas. It would actually bring more people downtown, not less.
Downtown Wake Forest should be more of a destination vs a place where people park their cars to go somewhere else. There are visionary plans to potentially add more stations in Old Forestville and on Capital Blvd. Which would be perfect for those who need to park at the station to head out of town. The alternative transportation options (mentioned above) also mean that people won’t need to take a car to get to the station either.
Mobility hubs and creating a less car dependent (aka more walkable) area actually help reduce traffic congestion. Having decreased car dependency leads to a healthier downtown environment and less reliant on parking spaces; making the area more attractive for residents, visitors and businesses. This will not only bring more people downtown, but help small businesses (new and old) thrive. I love the charm of our downtown, but it just has so much potential for new small business opportunities.
I agree that we need to preserve our historic buildings and charm. These mobility hubs are often include measures to preserve historic buildings and enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown areas.
I get it, change can be challenging! However, a mobility hub/train in downtown Wake Forest has the potential to bring numerous benefits. Helping to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, making it easier and safer for people to access downtown amenities on foot, bike or other means.
I live less than a mile from downtown and my family can’t wait for the train station. IMO the S-line project is huge step in the right direction, not only for Wake Forest but the entire State/Country.
very well stated Ryan. The Town is also actively engaged in increasing free parking as well as increasing foot traffic downtown via new plans and already budgeted funds. One might say most of the concerns are well stated and are being considered for the success of our historic downtown. We still have many, many costly issues on helping downtown become a center for small business/entrepreneurial success as we go forth. It’s not by chance downtown is “rentable” so the small local business owner can afford to be there.
Makes no since to have the NCDOT hub in Wake Forest downtown.
Why do we need more in a perfect place?
A complete waste of taxpayer money. This so called hub is only going to fill the pockets of architects, engineers and lawyers at the expense of the taxpayer. If there is a need for mass transit to Richmond, VA or downtown Raleigh; then spend a couple million $ on CNG buses. If and when those buses are filled with people waiting to get on them, then take a look at train travel. Let’s use that money for something more meaningful.
Holding and White should become a park/greenspace. Lots of old, nice trees can be found on the seven plus acres. How about leave as is or make modest plans to have a tree or two still in town.
A downtown location is a non-starter in any configuration, unless you want to completely destroy the area. The area is not at all suitable for what is in place in larger towns or cities. Downtown Wake Forest is a small town, not an urban hub.
And apologies, but adding anything else to Rogers Road is really not a great idea. North of town or well south of town might work for what is being considered, but it would be nice to see usage estimates before doing much of anything.
I want to be sure that what is being referred to by NCDOT as a “Mobility Hub” for Wake Forest is in fact a “Multi-Modal Hub” – that is, it includes accommodations for local buses, Trailways or Greyhound inter-city buses, Taxis (or other ride services). NOT just a place to park and get on a train. Downtown Greensboro, NC already has such a “Multi-Modal” station. Squeezing a small local train stop into the existing town parking lot MIGHT be possible, but it could NOT accommodate a “park & ride” lot plus all the other modes of transportation. A station like that will require a LOT more land. Another issue that always seems to be ignored in transit planning: providing train & bus service to the AIRPORT! Previous Triangle Area plans always seemed to leave out this essential connection… likely because of all the revenue being collected in those big parking lots around the airport. I would like to be able to take a train to the airport… or take a train to downtown Raleigh, have a couple glasses of wine at dinner, see a show and then ride home again (on the train) in safety. Is that too much to hope for?
I have suggested more than once that the station should be placed down at Holding and White Street where the DOT has already purchased that 7+ acre plot to allow for the straightening of the tracks and the rerouting of Holding Avenue under the tracks. There should be enough room there for the station and for adequate parking.
The solution to downtown becoming buried under vehicles is put the mobility hub at Rogers Road. There’s plenty of room. Run a local “Wake Forest Trolly” on tracks parallel to the Main Track. A cute station that actually fits the town would the the terminus. This gives the station on Rogers Road room to expand if needed. It gives the town something unique, a destination. Ditch the downtown plan, it stinks