Efforts to redevelop central Holly Springs as a mixed-use Town Center advanced recently with the approval by the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission for the rezoning of 22.4 acres to general commercial, MXD-1 mixed-use.

The land, 13 tax parcels on Hickory Road, currently is zoned for commercial, office/institutional and light industrial uses. The rezoning is expected to go before the City Council in November.

The Town Center plan calls for a new City Hall and event green surrounded by loft homes, townhouses, cottage homes, stores and offices.

To pay for infrastructure improvements — and ensure present residents aren't burdened by the costs — the city intends to use a tax allocation district and seek approval from the state Legislature for a community improvement district. A master developer is expected to be in place by year's end, with a groundbreaking in 2017. Information: http://bit.ly/2bO2dIX

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Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo