The Village of Pinehurst has released its FY 2026 Quarterly Strategic Operating Plan update for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2025, highlighting significant progress across multiple council priorities, including public safety, infrastructure, redevelopment planning, and regulatory improvements.
Library Construction Moves to Active Phase
The Given Memorial Library project has officially entered the construction phase. During the quarter, all contract documents were executed, and the project kickoff meeting was coordinated. Since then, the formal pre-construction meeting has been held, and the building permit has been issued. Routine coordination meetings will continue.
Village Place Redevelopment Planning Advances
Work continues on long-range planning for the Village Place area and potential relocation of Public Services facilities. The Village received responses to its Request for Statements of Interest and met with interested parties to discuss redevelopment concepts at a high level. Based on those conversations, the next step will include a formal appraisal and financial analysis to evaluate redevelopment options.
The Village has also closed on property along Murdocksville Road that includes an option for future Public Services relocation, positioning the community for long-term flexibility.
New Firefighters and Quick Response Unit Improve Emergency Coverage
During the quarter, the Village was awarded a SAFER grant that will fund 75 percent of the cost of six new firefighter positions. The firefighters were hired and began operating in early January as part of a new Quick Response Unit.
The goal is simple: reduce response times. In emergency situations, seconds matter. Faster arrival times can directly affect outcomes in medical and fire emergencies. The Village will analyze response time data over the coming months to measure the effectiveness of the new unit and guide future deployment decisions.
Planning & Development Ordinance Rewrite Completed
The Village’s Planning & Development Ordinance (PDO) Rewrite has been completed and is now available on the Village website. The updated ordinance provides a clearer, more modern regulatory framework aligned with Pinehurst’s long-term vision. Village staff thanked council and community members for their extensive input throughout the process.
Short-Term Rental Oversight Continues
The Village maintained active oversight of short-term rentals (STRs) during the quarter. Staff responded to nuisance complaints, coordinated with police patrols, addressed building code issues at noncompliant properties, and issued notices of violation where appropriate. Noise monitoring equipment that measures decibel levels, not conversations, will be deployed in recurring problem areas.
Additionally, neighborhood signage reminding visitors to be considerate of residents has been advanced, and a letter will be sent to STR operators prior to peak season, encouraging proactive property management.
Sidewalk and Greenway Projects Progress
Multi-modal improvements continue throughout the Village. Phase I of the Juniper Creek Boulevard sidewalk was substantially completed, and Phase II bidding has moved forward to complete the loop. The Dogwood brick walkway project is now underway, and sidewalks were installed along Pine Vista.
The Village continues coordinating with NCDOT to secure a federally approved contractor for the Airport Road greenway design. Construction for the Juniper Creek loop is tentatively scheduled to begin in early April, with anticipated completion by late July or early August.
Looking Ahead
Village Manager Doug Willardson noted that the quarter reflects steady, measurable progress across multiple initiatives.
“These projects reflect our continued focus on public safety, infrastructure, thoughtful growth, and neighborhood quality,” Willardson said in a press release. “We’re not just planning — we’re executing.”
The Village will continue providing updates as milestones are reached and as additional items requiring council direction move forward.
For more information, visit www.vopnc.org.
For Moore news delivered straight to your inbox, please click here to sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel e-newsletter.
Contributed article.
















