Welcome to our newest section in the magazine. In every issue, we’ll ask residents how they feel about certain topics that are usually reserved for the pages of local social media. Here’s how they responded.
Kathryn Young
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
How long have you lived in Holly Springs?
Since 2003
If you could write one law for Holly Springs, what would it be?
Holly Springs residents don’t need any more laws. How about just following the ones we already have, like obeying speed limits, no passing in school zones, following Town noise ordinances, etc.
What restaurant has your go-to meal, and what is it?
For quick and inexpensive Mexican, I love Fiesta Mexicana. I always order the chicken and cheese enchilada combo with rice and beans. When the boys choose a dinner location, we go to Buffalo Wild Wings. I usually order the Jack Daddy burger, or a salad with boneless wings in the honey BBQ sauce.
Superstreets (The U-turn sections of Hwy 55 Bypass)— better or worse for traffic flow- and why?
As far as I can tell, the superstreet U-turns don’t help with the flow of traffic, especially if you define “flow” as constantly moving. I can’t think of a time where I didn’t get stuck at a traffic light for ONE car to make a u-turn. I have a 4-mile commute from my home to work, and it normally takes me 15-20 minutes when I leave home at 7:40am. Would it be worse if we had traditional 4-way intersections with traffic lights on the bypass? I don’t know!
What is your favorite thing about Holly Springs?
My favorite thing about Holly Springs is the small town feel. We have just about everything my family needs close to home. My boys’ schools are walking distance from our home, we have the stores our family needs, the restaurants we like, the library and cultural center, Womble Park, and the Hunt Center. I love being out in town knowing I’m going to run into a friend or neighbor. I didn’t have that growing up in the suburbs of NYC.
East of 55 or West of 55 – which is better?
West is best! Why? Because we live on the West side!
What is Holly Springs missing?
Nothing that I can think of. Holly Springs has everything that my family needs.
What’s the best thing to come to Holly Springs since you’ve lived here?
The best thing to come to Holly Springs since we moved here has been grocery stores. When our family first moved to Holly Springs in 2003, the only grocery store was Food Lion on Main Street. We would go to Apex to shop. When the Lowes Food on Bass Lake Road was built we were ecstatic! But that was back in 2002 or 2003. Who knew 16 years later we’d have two Harris Teeters, a Walmart, and Target for groceries!
Is growth good or bad for Holly Springs, and why?
I think growth is good. Holly Springs has grown substantially since we moved here in 2003 and has a lot to offer its residents. I will say that now I think it’s time to slow things down. I feel like we are losing that “country feel” that lured us to this area.
Do you plan to leave Holly Springs at some point?
I don’t plan on leaving Holly Springs any time soon. I’d love to stay in our current home, so one day when my boys are grown with families of their own, they can come back to their childhood home.
Devin Giovachhini
Realtor
How long have you lived in Holly Springs?
My family and I have lived or had our home in Holly Springs since 1997. My military career took us away from here for nearly 5 years, 2005-2009. We missed Holly Springs and chose to come back to our home to raise our 3 daughters after I retired from the Navy.
If you could write one law for Holly Springs, what would it be?
This is a tough one. If I have to come up with a law, it would be that we need solid ordnances to protect our historical structures, that is, whatever is left.
What restaurant has your go-to meal, and what is it?
My go-to meal is always with one of our locally-owned and run restaurants. We believe in supporting our local families who have made the decision to put their heart and soul here in Holly Springs.
Superstreets (The U-turn sections of Hwy 55 Bypass)— better or worse for traffic flow- and why?
While many people argue the Superstreets are stupid, I’m on the side of the argument that if we had more traditional intersections I would spend a lot more time in traffic. I like them and think they help with the flow of traffic. Having lived in Europe where traffic circles are everywhere, I would like to see them here more.
What is your favorite thing about Holly Springs?
My favorite thing about Holly Springs is the people! Whatever side of an argument or cause, we have the most passionate people. I don’t always agree with some points of view, though I would rather have citizens engaged than ambivalent about our town.
East of 55 or West of 55 – which is better?
I think both sides of 55 have much to offer. The East side has the proximity to services and access to parks like Bass Lake Park while the West side offers quick access to Harris Lake County Park.
What is Holly Springs missing?
While I love to support our ACE Hardware, it would be nice to have a lumber yard closer.
What’s the best thing to come to Holly Springs since you’ve lived here?
My wife says Target and Marshalls, I really like having an Ace Hardware adjacent to my neighborhood.
Is growth good or bad for Holly Springs, and why?
Growth is a sticky wicket. On the one hand, you have the growth which helps us with services, entertainment, food choices. On the other hand, some might argue it will affect our way of life here in Holly Springs.
Having been here for over 20 years and roughly 30,000 residents ago, I believe there is a happy medium. Ultimately what this town is about…is the people.
Passionate caring families that want a great place to live, raise kids and retire. Every time someone new moves here it only adds to the dynamic of our town.
Do you plan to leave Holly Springs at some point?
After living abroad and all over this country while serving, we have put roots down here, therefore we have no intention of leaving Holly Springs.
Paolo lauretti
Senior Channel Manager
How long have you lived in Holly Springs?
4 1/2 years.
If you could write one law for Holly Springs, what would it be?
That’s easy. Everyone in the town would be a deputy, and any time they can produce evidence of someone doing something illegal, it would be valid evidence court, and the offender could be charged. From texting and driving, to littering, to passing illegally, there are so many things that people do, that they would never do with an officer watching.
What restaurant has your go-to meal, and what is it?
That depends on what I’m in the mood for. Although there isn’t just one go-to place or meal, I do have to say I’m, usually up for the Acme Pizza lunch special of a slice and Caesar salad. I get to eat a slice (which I shouldn’t) then I feel better about eating it when I eat the salad along with it.
Superstreets (The U-turn sections of Hwy 55 Bypass)— better or worse for traffic flow- and why?
I see the benefit of the Superstreets. I think people spend less time focusing on those times that they have to U-turn, and focus on the fact that when you’re NOT U-turning, you get to blow through the intersection that would normally have a light. The streets are there to benefit those that are not turning, not to inconvenience those that need to turn left or go straight through the intersection. My complaint is that people often ignore the NO U-turn signs on those left turns, or start in the inside lane for the turn, and swing it wide into the outside lane. It’s not that hard people – FOLLOW THE LINES.
What is your favorite thing about Holly Springs?
There are a few things I really like about Holly Springs. Topping the list are the schools and the safety of the town.
East of 55 or West of 55 – which is better?
Depends on what I’m looking for. I don’t discriminate.
What is Holly Springs missing?
Publix (or Wegmans).
What’s the best thing to come to Holly Springs since you’ve lived here?
Definitely Suburban Living Magazine. Wait – I am getting paid for this; right?
Is growth good or bad for Holly Springs, and why?
Growth is a good thing when done responsibly. The town I grew up in is stagnant. There has been virtually no growth. Growth is a much better option. I don’t like traffic any more than the next guy, but I do enjoy being able to stay local for the things I need and want. I will confess that part of me would like the neighborhoods to stop being built, but I also understand that it’s part of the process.
Do you plan to leave Holly Springs at some point?
There are no plans to leave before the kids finish school. I like to think this will be the last house that we ever own, but I can’t be sure that will be the case. I can’t think of anyplace I’d rather live, but since when does the husband have the final say?
