Carolina North

November 28, 2005

Dr. Tony Waldrop, Vice Chancellor for Research and
Economic Development, UNC

Fully 65% of the public universities in NASUGLC have developed research parks in order to drive their local economies and position the institutions for corporate collaboration and competitive research funding. UNC has planned for a research park of its own, known as Carolina North. The park would be realized in the next 50-70 years. Dr. Tony Waldrop leads the initiative to develop Carolina North and discussed the proposal and progress in his presentation. The proposal for the park blends the needs for innovative research, residential and learning spaces with a sensitivity to the environment, transportation and the appeal of UNC's historic campus features. In making Carolina North a reality, UNC must also address issues of interest to the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities, including the proposed airport closing, existing landfills on the site and implications on K-12 education.