WINSTON-SALEM -- Winston-Salem's City Council has approved a new plan for the area that includes heavily traveled Hanes Mall Boulevard and Stratford Road.
The updated Southwest Suburban Area Plan actually encourages more development in the area.
Phillip Buck has lived at Summerlin Ridge Townhouses for about three years.
"I do love the location. I'm close to everything, right by the mall,’’ said Buck.
It's hard to believe this quiet complex is behind some of the big box stores on Hanes Mall Boulevard.
"Traffic gets a little bad sometimes,’’ said Buck. “I work out by University Parkway, so it's close."
Commercial development is heavy along Hanes Mall and Stratford Road. The new Southwest Plan encourages more development in the area -- but of the mixed use kind.
"Other forms of development that can work along with the commercial development, to be more of a holistic environment, people can live, work and shop in the same environment,’’ said Paul Norby, the City/County Planning Director
Multi-family apartments are already springing up down Stratford, along with office and medical space.
"Things like that that can help round out those environments so that people have the chance of maybe even walking to things they want to go to," said Norby.
The plan also includes pedestrian improvements like more sidewalks, and a future look towards alternative transportation including light rail by Hanes Mall, along Stratford on an existing rail line.
Some people like the plan.
"I would be fine with that. I may end up moving a few miles away from here, but it'll still be in the central location,’’ said Buck.
The plan also includes keeping green space, recommending much of the area southwest of Stratford and Hanes Mall be kept agricultural or single family homes.