Latest news with #Pittsboro
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First phase of Disney's Asteria community gets go-ahead from NC town
The first phase of Disney's North Carolina development cleared its first hurdle when the Pittsboro Town Board unanimously approved a preliminary plat Monday for the Asteria community. Asteria General Manager Matt Dean, with Arizona-based DMB Development, introduced the project team, but did not offer more details about the 1,550-acre Storyliving by Disney project that will be built northeast of the U.S. 15-501-U.S. 64 interchange. 'We're excited to bring forward this Asteria phase one preliminary plat application to the town and look forward to building a meaningful and long-term relationship with you for years to come,' Dean said. The commissioners did not ask any questions before voting 5-0 to approve the 217-acre preliminary plat. It includes 494 single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes and quadplexes along tree-lined streets. Roughly 25 acres on the neighborhood's eastern border, near the Haw River, are designated for a 'commons area.' The project also includes more than 29 acres of open space, mostly along the site's stream buffers, and 18 acres of public park land that will be built in another section of Chatham Park. DMB Development paid $23.3 million for the site in March — the first of nine planned building sites that could eventually add 4,000 homes between Chatham Park's Mosaic mixed-use district and the Haw River. Asteria comprises roughly 18% of the 8,500-acre Chatham Park development, which could nearly double Chatham County's population, bringing about 60,000 people, 22,000 homes and 22 million square feet of business, medical and commercial construction. Disney Imagineers are working with DMB Development to plan recreation facilities and project amenities, including parks, a clubhouse, wellness and recreation center, restaurant, swimming pools, trails and community garden, as well as special Disney-themed events, artist-led classes and storytelling dinners. Disney could design, own and operate less than 55 acres of 'core amenities' in Asteria, according to an April 2024 letter sent to the nonprofit Haw River Assembly. One of the biggest concerns for Pittsboro residents is how the community will coexist with the Haw River and the surrounding forest, downtown business owners and residents told The News & Observer last week. Most of Asteria could meet the same construction and conservation requirements as Chatham Park, which has been criticized by some residents and local environmentalists for clear-cutting, erosion and stormwater runoff. A smaller portion is outside the Chatham Park planned development area and would be subject to town rules. The next step for DMB Development is working with builders to incorporate town board feedback into detailed plans, including proposed landscaping and architecture. Town staff will review those plans and sign off on construction. The project would only come back to the town board if there are major changes. Pittsboro town spokesman Colby Sawyer has said the town does not have a timeline for its process, but Disney officials have said the first Asteria homes could go on the market by 2027.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Baby hawk rescued from Chatham highway
PITTSBORO — Thanks to the quick thinking and teamwork of two Chatham County Sheriff's Office employees, a young hawk is safe and receiving care after a dangerous brush with traffic. CCSO Investigator Jon Murray was heading home after his shift on May 15 when something unusual caught his eye near the intersection of NC 22 and NC 42. Sitting motionless in the road was a baby hawk, vulnerable as vehicles passed close by. 'It wasn't trying to fly away,' Murray said. 'It just sat there while cars went right by it.' Realizing the bird was likely injured or too young to fly, Murray carefully secured it in a blanket and contacted the Chatham County Sheriff's Animal Resource Center for assistance. Animal Resource Officer Justin Green responded and took custody of the hawk, which appeared to have fallen from its nest. Green transported the raptor to Holly's Nest Animal Rescue, a local licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, where it will remain until it's old enough to survive on its own. 'We're grateful Jon spotted it when he did,' Green said. Holly's Nest, 309 Lazy Waters Lane north of Sanford, specializes in the care and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife and partners regularly with local agencies to ensure animals receive the help they need.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Drake Powell 2024-25 season review
The 2024-25 season was a disappointing one for the North Carolina Tar Heels as they never really found their groove. After a slow start, they were able to win enough games down the stretch to get into the NCAA Tournament where they beat San Diego State in the First Four before losing to Ole Miss. Now, as we head into the offseason it's time for our player reviews. And next up is freshman Drake Powell. Advertisement The five-star recruit grew up a die-hard Tar Heels fan, so it was an easy choice for the Pittsboro native. He saw his stick rise since he committed to the program a few years back and there was high expectations for him in his first year as a Tar Heel. 2024-25 stats: 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game, 48.3 percent field goal shooting in 37 games (24 starts) Season in Review Mar 18, 2025; Dayton, OH, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) shoots the ball in the second half against the San Diego State Aztecs at UD Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images It was a bit of a slow start for Powell in terms of stats but you could tell from his game that the skillset was there with the talented freshman. With UNC's slow start overall, the program had a bit of a negative appearance on it which impacted players. Advertisement But for Powell, once he worked out the kinks in terms of getting used to the college level, he got better and better as the season went on. He scored a season-high 18 points in the loss to Michigan State in the Maui Invitational, which can be considered his breakout game. From there, he had 10 games in which he reached double figures including of scoring in double figures in three of four games in late December and into early January. Powell eventually found himself in the starting lineup due to his defensive presence but also from his offensive game getting better. He eventually earned a bigger role at the end of December as conference play began. Powell finished the year shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 38 percent from the three-point line. What's next? Mar 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) shoots the ball during the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images Powell has a big decision to make. Does he test the NBA draft waters and then go pro? Or does he come back to North Carolina? It's very unlikely he would enter the transfer portal and go elsewhere as he would have a prominent role on next year's roster. Advertisement But testing the draft waters is something that is likely to happen. Powell has earned praise from draft evaluators as some have a first-round grade on him. He's popped up in the first round on a few mock drafts so far and if he tests the water and improves his stock, he likely his going pro. His decision will be important in terms of next year's roster. The chance to come back and elevate his game and take UNC back to the NCAA Tournament is intriguing. That's especially the case as he will likely have a starting spot and can play alongside Caleb Wilson. This will be a very interesting next few weeks for Powell in terms of his future. This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Drake Powell season review
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2024-2025 UNC basketball starter receives NBA Draft Combine Invite
Though he didn't leave UNC with a championship in his back pocket, Drake Powell lived out a childhood dream by playing for the team he grew up cheering for. Powell, a freshman who played his high school basketball at Northwood High School in Pittsboro, North Carolina, committed to the Tar Heels and quickly became an integral part to their success. UNC typically put Powell on the opposition's leading scorer, which paid off in the form of chase down blocks, steals or not allowing room to drive for easy layups. Advertisement Powell also proved to pack a decent scoring punch, averaging 7.4 points per game across 37 appearances (24 starts), for North Carolina during its 2024-2025 season. Standing at 6'6" and also shooting nearly 40 percent from the perimeter, Powell's game will translate well to the NBA. Speaking of professional basketball, Powell recently received some good news, earning an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine from May 11-18 in Chicago. Powell's invite comes roughly two weeks after he declared for the NBA Draft. Though Powell is leaving the option open to a UNC return, a strong showing at The Combine will keep him in the Draft Pool. Advertisement RJ Davis is out of college eligibility, but you might be shocked to not see his name on the above list. The 2023-2024 ACC Player of the Year averaged 15.6 points per game over his 5-year career, including a career-best 21.2 during that same campaign. Selfishly, I hope Powell returns to the Tar Heels, who have a spot to fill at small forward once again. Powell proved that his game is NBA-ready after just one season in Chapel Hill, though, so I wish him well in whatever decision he makes. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions. This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC freshman Drake Powell invited to 2025 NBA Draft Combine
