This coming Tuesday, the Pinehurst Village Council will be considering Resolution 26-12 titled "Opposing the NCDOT Proposed Plans for the Pinehurst Traffic Circle.”  Please join us in showing support for this resolution by attending the Council meeting on 2/24/26 at 4:30 in the Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Road.  Here’s why:

1.      From the “Development and Growth Policy” adopted by the Village Council last month (emphasis added):

“The Village does not seek growth for growth's sake. Development and redevelopment should strengthen Pinehurst as a community, protect its unique sense of place, and enhance livability for residents, businesses, and visitors.”

2.      NCDOT makes assumptions about growth that will impact the Circle. The questions are 1) how much growth is to be expected? and 2) where will it occur?  NCDOT has been telling us the maximum daily demand on the Circle will increase from the current 50K vehicles per day to 80K vehicles per day by 2050, reflecting an assumed growth rate of 1.75% per year.  The same assumption also shows a Moore County population increase from the current 109K people to 180K people by 2050.  Assumptions matter, and at this rate it’s no wonder NCDOT has brought us radical designs for the Circle.

3.      But new data from the office of the North Carolina State Demographer shows that Moore County will not grow to 180K people by 2050.   We will grow to 140K people, reflecting a growth rate of 1.0% per year.  At this rate, we’re likely to see the maximum daily demand on the Circle increase from the current 50K vehicles per day to 65K vehicles per day, which cuts the previously assumed increase in half.

Because their growth assumption is wrong, NCDOT can, and should, shelve the current proposal and reopen the discussion on ways to improve the Circle without destroying it.  Please speak up at Village Hall this Tuesday and support Village Council Resolution 26-12.