Consultant Selection Phase

In November 2020, City staff released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultants interested in leading this project. The RFQ was open into December, after which staff reviewed consultant team responses, held interviews, and selected a team to lead the project.

Kickoff Survey

The Wakefield Small Area Study began in February 2020, but the COVID-19 emergency required the City to pause and reevaluate how to conduct projects with the public. During this time, a kickoff survey was issued to prepare for the project. The goal of the survey was to ensure that the project addresses the wants and needs of the community

The project description that was included in the RFQ was open to public comment in February and March 2020. The survey and comments showed the community has an interest in the following topics:

• Walking and biking in the area
• Driving in the area
• Parks and greenway trails
• Urban design

The survey also showed that it was important to include Wakefield Pines Drive in the study area. As a result, the study boundary was changed, and a greater emphasis was added to the issues of interest to the community. In addition, several questions were also added to the RFQ for consultant teams to answer.

Where is the study area?

This study will look at areas along Falls of Neuse Road, between the Neuse River and Capital Boulevard. The study area also includes Wakefield Pines Drive, Forest Pines Drive, and some of the commercial and residential areas along these roads.

What is the goal of the Wakefield Small Area Study?

The goal of the study is to understand the community’s vision for the area and to identify projects and policy guidance that implement it. Like other small area studies, this study will produce a new section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan that provides area-specific policy guidance for the Wakefield area

What is the goal of this phase?

This phase began in April 2021 and was about better understanding the issues and opportunities present in the Wakefield area. The goal was to learn in more detail where the transportation, land use, urban design, parks, and greenways of the Wakefield area are and are not working for the community. Public participation in this phase shaped the solutions and ideas that were proposed in the next phase. To begin the fact-finding phase of the study, the project team reached out to organizations and individuals with a connection to the study area. These meetings were held with community, civic, environmental, development, and public safety stakeholders.

• Community and Advocacy
• Community and Civic
• Development
• Emergency Services
• Parks and Environment

How can you participate?

This phase collected input from the community through a virtual survey and interactive map. View the full survey results.

City staff held an Ask-A-Planner event on May 3 to answer questions about the project. A recording of the event is available here.

View the recording of the draft recommendation presentation or view the slide deck. A survey was open between July 3 through July 16. View the survey results.

What is the goal of this phase?

This phase began in June 2021 and was about moving from understanding the issues to thinking about potential solutions. The goal was to understand what options are in our toolbox and which the community prefers.

How can you participate?

September 2021: Have questions or want to weigh in? The project team will be available for a virtual event on September 21, 2021, at 7 p.m. to discuss the recommendations, answer questions, and take comments.

Access the virtual event on Zoom or call in at +1 301 715 8592, Meeting ID: 854 7847 4901 Passcode: 323136

July 2021: The results from this phase were used to compile draft study recommendations that address the community’s vision and preferences. The draft recommendations were presented to the community in a virtual community meeting on July 29 at 6 p.m. View the meeting recording and take the survey on the draft recommendations. A survey was open between July 3 through July 16. View the survey results.

June 2021: This phase presented the results from the last survey and ask some follow-up questions. An online open house was available between June 16 and June 30. View the survey results from the online open house. A virtual Ask-A-Planner event was held on June 23 at 7 p.m. View the meeting recording.