In 2004 and 2005, UNC-Chapel Hill released a concept plan for the proposed Carolina North research campus in north central Chapel Hill. The Village Project felt the UNC plan fell short by being overly reliant on the automobile (17,000 parking spaces) and not providing enough housing for those who would work in an employment center of 20,000 jobs.
On nights and weekends, The Village Project put together an alternative plan for Carolina North which was released to the public on June 29, 2005.
Prominent features of The Village Project plan include:
- 260 acre footprint
- 5.9 million square feet of UNC space
- 730,000 square feet of commerical space
- 90,000 – 360,000 square feet for schools
- 8,000 housing units
- Light Rail and Commuter Rail transit
- 6,000 parking spaces
Download the Village Project Concept Plan (PDF-4.6 MB)
Press Coverage of the Village Project Concept Plan
Chapel Hill Herald:
“Village Project Plan Offers Alternative” July 3, 2005
Raleigh News and Observer:
“Group Would Tweak Campus” By Karen Hauptman. June 28, 2005
“Carolina North Options Hailed” By Karen Hauptman. June 30, 2005
Chapel Hill News:
“Roses to The Village Project” July 6, 2005
“An Alternative Vision for Carolina North” By Mark Schultz. Nov 20, 2005
Village Project Opinion Pieces on Carolina North:
“Where is the vision in all the planning for Carolina North?” Board members Kathy Buck and James Carnahan. Jan 25, 2004 The Chapel Hill News.
“Planning summit need for big project” Letters to the Editor by Board Member James Carnahan and Jean Earnhardt. April 7, 2004 The Chapel Hill News.