NW Harnett SAP FAQ
NORTHWEST HARNETT SMALL AREA PLAN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THIS PLAN?
Since 2000, the population in the northwest quadrant of Harnett County has grown by 56%. The area remains primarily rural in nature but is increasingly experiencing increased growth
pressure expanding from Fuquay-Varina and Wake County. In 2015 Harnett County adopted the Comprehensive Growth Plan that established a vision for the County’s future and roadmap for
how to get there. This Small Area Plan will build on the momentum of the Comprehensive Growth Plan and examine the northwest quadrant of the County in more detail. The plan will look
at the area between NC 210 to the east, the Cape Fear River to the south and the Wake County line to the north.
Small Area Plans are designed to study portions of a community that are experiencing particular challenges and opportunities, and are considered a best management practice to ensure
that sound planning and development occurs. This Plan will consider land use, transportation, and economic development together and will seek to efficiently gather input from citizens
and stakeholders on these interrelated topics.
This planning process presents an opportunity for the citizens of Harnett County to tell their story and help shape the distinct vision and unique identity for Northwest Harnett County.
The interconnectedness between land uses, transportation, utilities, recreation, economic development, and other topics will be examined. Typically, land use and transportation plans
focus heavily on physical development, and address where new development should occur, what it should look like, what infrastructure improvements are needed and other high priority
topics that may be identified through the public involvement process.
This plan will be used by the County’s planning staff, the Planning Board, Board of Commissioners, development community, and others as they attempt to implement the goals and recommendations
through land development decisions, zoning regulations, and prioritization of infrastructure improvements.
WHY PLAN?
There are several reasons to create a Plan. First, it is an opportunity to frame “The Big Picture” and to state a clear vision for the future. It is also a method to involve citizens
in helping manage growth, change, and a renewal of a community. This planning process will create a road map to guide future regulations and public investment, protect community interests
and commu nicate a solid civic direction to private interests in the County.
The goal of good planning is to address existing issues and get out in front of potential problems the community may experience and encourage quality growth.