The Village of Pinehurst continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the community with a wide range of projects. From infrastructure enhancements to community services, the Village is making significant strides to meet the evolving needs of its residents. 

Some of the key initiatives the Village is currently undertaking include: 

1. Update to the Pinehurst Development Ordinance 

Department: Planning 

Cost: $216,625  

The Village is updating the Pinehurst Development Ordinance to align with the priorities outlined in the 2019 Comprehensive Plan and to create a unified development ordinance. The contract for the project has been approved, a focus group has been selected and a consultant is set to tour the Village with staff to gather insights and guide the update. 

2. Redevelopment of Village Place 

Department: Administration 

Cost: Unknown 

To facilitate additional development within Village Place, the Village is currently collaborating with the County to explore options for their EMS building. 

3. Expansion and Renovation of Given Memorial Library/Tufts Archives 

Department: Library/Administration 

Cost: $5,600,000 - $8,000,000 

The expansion of the Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives aims to create a larger, more accessible space for residents. The project is currently under review by the Technical Review Committee, and it is expected to be bid in the near future. 

4. New Fire Facility 

Department: Fire 

Cost: $400,000 for design (FY 2028) 

As identified by the Fire Department’s BIRDIE report in FY 2020, the need for an additional fire station was recognized to enhance service delivery and meet performance standards. Staff is currently reviewing and updating the 2020 report, and a presentation to the Village Council is planned for February or March. 

5. Multi-Modal Transportation Improvements 

Department: Planning 

Cost: $100,000 budgeted; Plan to do in-house for $0 

The Village is combining its transportation plans into one comprehensive multi-modal document aimed at improving accessibility for bicycles, pedestrians and golf carts. This plan is currently under review by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). Additionally, as part of the plan, bids for sidewalk construction along Juniper Creek Boulevard in the Pinehurst No. 6 neighborhood have been received. 

6. Retrofitting Athletic Fields with Synthetic Turf 

Department: Parks and Recreation 

Cost: $1,326,663 

The Village is retrofitting its athletic fields with synthetic turf to reduce maintenance time and costs while addressing the short-term need for additional fields. The project is on track to be completed before spring sports begin, with an expected finish by the last week of February.

7. Short-Term Rental Monitoring and Compliance 

Department: Administration, Planning & Inspections 

Cost: $40,000 

To enforce the recently adopted Ordinance #22-15, which prohibits new short-term rentals, the Village has contracted with Granicus to implement monitoring software. The software is expected to launch in April. 

Additional noteworthy projects: 

• Downtown Parking: The Village is developing a comprehensive plan to address parking needs in the downtown area. 
• Document Imaging: Staff is being trained on new software to digitize documents, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency. 
• Highway 5 Improvements: The Village is collaborating with NCDOT to plan future improvements to the Highway 5 corridor. 
• Traffic Circle Improvements: Ongoing discussions with NCDOT are taking place as alternatives for the traffic circle are being developed. 
• Electronic Time-Keeping System: The Village is in the process of implementing a digital time-keeping system to improve accuracy and workforce efficiency. 
• Cannon Park Lighting: In an effort to reduce energy consumption and light pollution, the Village has replaced the lights at Cannon Park with energy-efficient LEDs, cutting electricity usage by nearly 50%. 

These initiatives highlight the Village’s continued efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents while embracing growth and innovation.