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2026 Draft UDO available for review & comment thru Nov 10
The Town of Wake Forest began the process of rewriting its UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) in the summer of 2022. Following over two years of in-depth analysis, broad public engagement, and a thorough drafting process, the draft UDO was proposed for adoption in December 2024. That same month, state legislation was introduced and enacted that limited the ability of local governments, state-wide, to make certain zoning map and ordinance amendments. After careful evaluation of the law, the Town is moving forward with full-scale repeal of the current UDO and adoption of a new, comprehensively rewritten UDO rather than an amendment of the existing ordinance.
Since 2025, Town staff has been updating the draft UDO that was circulated in December 2024 to ensure it is consistent with changes in state and federal law. Staff also made minor revisions to address issues identified since the last draft was completed.
The 2026 Draft UDO is now available for review and comment at Engage Wake Forest. Community members are encouraged to review the draft document before it moves forward for a public comment session and recommendation at the Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. Town officials expect the UDO to be brought forward for a public hearing and adoption by the Board of Commissioners in January 2027.
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Deadline to complete Downtown Traffic Study survey Nov 6
The Town of Wake Forest is conducting a study to recommend strategies that improve downtown mobility for people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving. The Board of Commissioners authorized the Downtown Traffic Study (DTS) earlier this year in anticipation of downtown redevelopment and major infrastructure changes, including the NCDOT S-Line rail corridor project.
The DTS will examine traffic volumes, intersection performance, impacts to historic districts, and the effects of upcoming S-Line infrastructure, including a Downtown Mobility Hub, road closures, and grade separations.
Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions by completing the Downtown Traffic Study Survey. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will be available until Friday, Nov. 6.
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“Pictures with Santa” offered during Downtown Holiday Open House, registration opens Nov 9
"Pictures with Santa" will be offered at the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. White St., during the Downtown Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 5. A limited number of slots are available, so advance registration is required beginning Monday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m.
Designed to reduce wait times, each reservation will indicate the time guests should arrive at the line-up to have their photo taken with St. Nick.
"Pictures with Santa" taken during the December 5 Downtown Holiday Open House will be available after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
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Joyner Park playground closed Nov 9-13
The E. Carroll Joyner Park playground, situated behind the Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road, along with a portion of the parking lot on the north side of JPCC, will be closed Monday-Friday, Nov. 9-13.
The temporary closures are necessary to allow a contractor to use heavy machinery to remove kudzu from trees and ground-level grasses along the adjacent hillside.
Signage will be posted to inform the public of the temporary closure.
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HRC accepting 2027 Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo applications through Dec 4
The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) will host the 2027 Minority & Women-Owned Business Expo on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 1-4 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. Free and open to everyone, the event is designed to increase recognition and opportunities for minority and women business owners in the Wake Forest community.
The HRC is now accepting applications from minority and women-owned businesses that wish to participate in the 2027 expo. The online application is available through Friday, Dec. 4.
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Town offices closed Nov 11 for Veterans Day, trash & recycling collection not affected
Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Yard waste and loose leaf collection will also be suspended on November 11, but trash, recycling, and bulk waste collection will not be interrupted. Go Wake Forest and the Wake Forest-Raleigh Express will also follow their normal schedules.
During the week of November 9, yard waste crews will attempt to complete the normal five-day yard waste collection cycle in four days beginning with Monday’s route and ending with Friday’s route. So, for example, on Monday and Tuesday, crews will attempt to run the Monday and Tuesday routes and a portion of Wednesday’s route, then on Thursday and Friday, they will finish Wednesday’s route and complete the Thursday and Friday routes.
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Wake Forest earns 36th consecutive financial reporting award for Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
For the 36th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Town of Wake Forest for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This year’s award is for the period ended June 30, 2025.
The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving over 28,000 government finance professionals. Its Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the Town and its management.
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Free Paper Shredding Event Nov 14
The Town of Wake Forest and Skylift Garage Doors will co-sponsor a drive-thru paper shredding event on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – or until the two paper shredding trucks are full. Free and open to the public, the shred event will take place rain or shine in the parking lot of the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, 235 E. Holding Ave.
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This week's Traffic Alerts
South Brooks Street
Thru Friday, Nov 20 | 7 am-5 pm daily
Park Construction of NC, a contractor working on the Wake Forest Water Main Replacement & Repair Project, will close the portion of South Brooks Street from East Roosevelt Avenue to Elm Avenue daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 20. The temporary closure is necessary to allow crews to install a water line. A signed detour will be in place directing motorists around the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area if possible and take an alternate route. Please note: Access to all businesses along South Brooks Street will be maintained throughout the duration of this project.
Wait Avenue/NC 98
Thursday, Nov 5-Friday, Nov 13 | 9 am-4 pm daily
Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future site of Wake Forest Fire Station #6, will reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic a portion of Wait Avenue/NC 98 in the vicinity of Middlegame Way/Bowling Forest Thursday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The temporary lane closure is necessary to allow crews to vacuum test sewer manholes and fill a culvert underneath Wait Avenue/NC 98. Signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
Burlington Mills Road
Thru late January 2027 | 9 am-4 pm daily
Fred Smith Company, a contractor working at the future Johnson Hyundai, 10012 Capital Blvd, will initiate lane closures along portions of Burlington Mills Road between Capital Boulevard/US 1 and Urial Drive daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. through the end of January 2027. The lane closures are necessary to install a storm drain and make roadway improvements. Signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area and take an alternate route.
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GFiber installations scheduled for week of Nov 2
During the week of November 2, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, ITS contractors will install GFiber (formerly Google Fiber) fiber cables along the following Wake Forest streets:
- Forestville Road from Coach Lantern Avenue to Malmesbuy Lane
- Ligon Mill Road from Burlington Mills Road to Song Sparrow Drive
These fiber installations will often require lane reductions along portions of these streets. In such instances, signage and flaggers will be in place to manage traffic flow and safely direct motorists through the work areas. Delays may occur, so motorists may wish to avoid these areas and take an alternate route.
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Tickets on sale for Wake Forest Community Christmas Dinner
Tickets for the 79th Wake Forest Community Christmas Dinner (WFCCD), celebrating volunteerism and the beginning of the holiday season, are now on sale at The Forks Cafeteria, 339 Brooks Street, in downtown Wake Forest.
The dinner is open to everyone and has become an annual holiday tradition in Wake Forest. Always scheduled on the first Monday in December, the 2026 dinner will be on Monday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at The Forks.
Tickets are $25 each and in addition to dinner will include entertainment from the Sleigh Belles, a Raleigh-based professional a cappella trio that blends classic holiday tunes with contemporary favorites. Their performance is sponsored by the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment.
The highlight of the evening is the volunteer award recognition of the 2026 Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year and the Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Wake Forest Mayor Ben Clapsaddle. The evening will conclude with a holiday sing along.
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Tickets on sale for two performances of “Adam Pascal: Broadway Unplugged” Nov 14
Tickets are on sale for “Adam Pascal: Broadway Unplugged” on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (WFRC), 405 S. Brooks St.
Broadway star Adam Pascal will perform highlights from throughout his extraordinary career. Best known as the original “Roger” in Rent, Pascal also originated “Radames” in Aida and brought unforgettable leading performances to Cabaret and Something Rotten! Experience this rock-musical powerhouse in an intimate evening of acoustic Broadway favorites.
Advance ticket prices start at $30, $45, and $50 and are adjusted based on demand and availability.
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Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians & more invited to audition for Renaissance Centre’s “Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase" Nov 17
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., will host auditions for its “Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and more are invited to audition for this celebration of local talent.
The “Stars of the Forest Talent Showcase” will consist of two performances on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off Nov 21
Help us ring in the holiday season and launch our annual Holiday Donation Drive during the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 21, from noon-4 p.m. in downtown Wake Forest!
Free and open to the public, our Holiday Kick-Off will offer a slew of activities the entire family can enjoy, including community performances, children's craft activities, and more!
You will also have the chance to learn more about several Wake Forest Cares initiatives and how they are making a positive difference in our community.
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NCFST to host canned food drive at Farmers Market Dec 5
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) will host a canned food drive on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Wake Forest Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market is located along South Taylor Street behind the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.
NCFST volunteers will be onsite accepting donations of non-perishable foods, including canned meats (tuna, chicken), canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, and cereal. Please note: no glass containers can be accepted.
All donations will be used to stock local mini food pantries and help feed those in need in Wake Forest.
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Holiday Happenings easy to find on Town website
Wake Forest offers a variety of yuletide events in November and December guaranteed to deliver a hearty helping of holiday spirit for your entire family.
From the "Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kickoff" and "Lighting of Wake Forest" to "Calls from Santa" and "Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: Run Run Rudolph," the 2026 holiday season is jam-packed with fun-filled happenings guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.
You can stay current on all our holiday events by visiting and bookmarking the Tis the Season portal on the Town website. It provides easy access to event dates, times, locations, and more, so be sure to mark your calendars, so you don’t miss a thing.
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Rogers Road Grade Separation Project expected to begin in late 2026/early 2027
The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will begin constructing a bridge on Rogers Road (S.R. 2052) over the CSX S-line railroad in the same location as the existing at-grade rail crossing in late 2026 or early 2027.
The proposed bridge will include:
- two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction
- one 12-foot left turn only lane
- a five and a half-foot concrete sidewalk on both sides
Meanwhile, the bridge approaches will include a five-foot concrete sidewalk on both sides of the roadway with a four-foot buffer from traffic.
Prior to the start of bridge construction, NCDOT will implement a temporary traffic pattern along Rogers Road that will allow motorists to avoid the construction area and reduce traffic disruption.
Community members can sign up to receive project updates. For more information, email Rogers-Rd-WakeForest@publicinput.com or call 984-205-6615 (Code 1830).
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2026 Police Department Turkey Drive continues
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of its 20th Annual Turkey Drive. Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations.
Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or check to this year’s Turkey Drive should contact Sr. Officer R. Wilkinson. All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.
On Saturday, Nov. 21, the Police Department will accept monetary donations and donations of frozen turkeys at the WFPD Substation, 225 S. Taylor St., from 9 a.m. until noon.
Police officers and staff will then distribute the turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 23, from 7-9:30 a.m., at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.
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Sign up to receive NCDOT updates on Capital Boulevard North Upgrade (Raleigh to Wake Forest)
Final design and development is underway to improve traffic congestion and travel times on Capital Boulevard (US 1) between I-540 in Raleigh and Purnell/Harris Roads in Wake Forest.
The proposed project would convert the road from a four-lane, median-divided roadway with partial access control (private driveways and side streets) to a six-lane controlled-access highway with interchanges.
Controlled access means ramps at interchanges would provide entry onto the roadway, cross streets could have overpasses built over them, and private driveways would be prohibited.
The project was studied as a possible toll road from January 2024 to November 2025. That evaluation has ended and the project is proceeding as a traditional, non-tolled roadway.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2031. To learn more and sign up to receive NCDOT email and text updates, visit the Capital Boulevard North Upgrade (Raleigh to Wake Forest) project page.
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PRCR Fall & Winter Program Guide
The 2026-27 Fall & Winter edition of RecConnect, the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) program guide, is available online and at several Town facilities, including the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; Wake Forest Center for Active Aging (WFCAA), 235 E. Holding Ave.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.
Check out “RecConnect” for complete details on recreational programs, events, and activities for all age groups, including preschool, youth, and adult, scheduled from September 2026 through February 2027.
Program registration continues. Register online and in-person at JPCC, FPCC, and AMC during normal business hours. Online registration closes two business days before the start of a program. For more information, call the PRCR Department at 919-435-9560.
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Wake Forest Fire Department offering CPR classes for Wake Forest residents
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) offers monthly American Heart Association CPR Certification classes for Wake Forest residents at the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, 235 E. Holding Ave.
Attendees can enroll in a four-hour or seven-hour class. In the four-hour session (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), participants learn CPR and how to correctly use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, a medical device that can help restore a normal heartbeat in certain situations. In the seven-hour class (9 a.m.-4 p.m.), participants learn CPR, how to use an AED, and basic first aid. Students who complete either session earn American Heart Association CPR Certification.
The cost for either class is $40 per person, including the cost of the workbook. Preregistration is required. Please note: Only community members with a Wake Forest address are eligible to enroll in these classes.
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Knox Homebox program gives Fire Department quicker access during emergencies
The Wake Forest Fire Department (WFFD) offers a life-saving initiative that provides firefighters with the safe and efficient entry they need into the homes of vulnerable residents during fires, medical emergencies, and welfare checks.
The Knox Homebox Program involves homeowners purchasing a steel lock box and firefighters locking their house key inside it. Fire crews have a master key that opens the box in the event of an emergency or other urgent need.
The lock box starts at $227, but as a special bonus, the WFFD will install the box at no charge.
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Stay connected by downloading the Town of Wake Forest App
The Town of Wake Forest (TOWF) offers a free smartphone app that provides direct access to useful information about Wake Forest and encourages two-way communication between the Town and its residents.
Over 19,000 Android and iPhone users have downloaded the app allowing them instant access to important information about Town programs, services and events. Among its many functions, the TOWF app allows iPhone and Android users to:
- Receive breaking news messages
- Utilize “SeeClickFix” for prompt action on street maintenance, lights, potholes and graffiti, using the app to send a photo and exact location of the problem
- Access information about Town-sponsored events and events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre
- Access information about the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging
- View Town job openings
- Utilize the “Waste Wizard”
- Access contact information for every Town department.
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Rules for motorized scooters, electric bicycles & electric assisted bicycles
In January, the Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to Chapter 30, Article III Section 30-1, and 30-90 thru 30-92 of the Code of Ordinances regarding motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles, pedestrian right-of-way, and requirements for helmets.
The updated ordinance allows motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles to operate on shared streets, greenways, parks, multi-use paths, and bicycle lanes – but not on sidewalks. It also requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle helmet when operating one of these vehicles.
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Other highlights of the amended ordinance:
- Motorized scooters must have a maximum speed of no greater than 15 mph.
- Electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles powered by motor only must have a maximum speed of no greater than 20 mph.
- A motorized scooter or an electric bicycle may not operate on any road with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.
- No motorized scooter, electric bicycle, or electric assisted bicycle shall exceed a speed of 10 miles per hour while being operated on a greenway, in a park, or on a multi-use path.
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NCFST Mobile Market
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival are pleased to provide a mobile grocery store across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., (typically) on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m. – rain or shine.
PLEASE NOTE: In November and December, the Mobile Market visits Wake Forest on the first and third Thursday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m.
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Special Events Policy
Special events are a key contributor to Wake Forest’s exceptional quality of life. In addition to numerous Town-organized annual events, such as Friday Night on White, Fireworks Spectacular, Good Neighbor Day, and Halloween Boo Bash, Wake Forest residents also enjoy many “Community Events.”
Community Events are Town-permitted special events in a public area (Festival Street/East Owen Avenue, South White Street, etc.) that a business, church, community group, or other organization plans, manages, pays for, and executes after applying for and receiving a Special Event Permit. Examples of “Community Events” include Meet in the Street (Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce), Cars & Carnivores (Wake Forest Rotary Club), and the Lighting of Wake Forest (Wake Forest Downtown, Inc.) – just to name a few.
As part of the Town’s process for permitting Community Events, Wake Forest staff must approve the event location and may require the involvement of Police, Public Works, and/or other Town departments, as necessary.
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Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale
The Town of Wake Forest is offering Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History for $30 each.
Authored by Wake Forest resident and former “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.
Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.
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Check out WFTV 10
WFTV 10 is on the air on Spectrum Cable Channel 10 and streaming online.
WFTV 10 is the Town of Wake Forest's government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town's Communications Department, WFTV 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. For those who don't subscribe to Spectrum Cable, WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video and as a function of the Town App.
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WFTV 10 Schedule
Board of Commissioners work sessions are broadcast live on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Work sessions are then re-broadcast over the next week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Regular meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are broadcast live on the second Tuesday of each month, then re-broadcast daily the following week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
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Monthly meeting schedule
The following monthly meeting schedule is in effect for the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting
Second Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Third Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
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“Show Some Love” by picking up litter along streets & roadways
The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to join the “Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean” campaign by picking up trash in their neighborhoods and along local streets and roadways. The initiative allows volunteers to pick up litter on a one-time or ongoing basis. Participants may also choose the area they wish to clean or request direction to high need areas around town.
To aid the effort, volunteers may reserve litter kits at no charge by completing the online reservation form. Each litter kit includes reflective vests, gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags, data collection sheets, hand sanitizer and litter education materials. A special thanks to Lightbridge Academy for donating the litter kits.
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Secure your load!
Loose trash in trucks creates litter along Wake Forest roadways.
Help keep Wake Forest roadways clean by securing any trash in your truck bed. When you throw trash in the back of your truck, it inevitably blows out and becomes litter on the roadside. In fact, half of all litter is blown, not thrown! Roadside litter costs millions of dollars to remove, decreases property values and has a negative impact on tourism.
The NC Department of Public Safety reports that an even bigger problem is unsecured loads in the back of trucks. At high speeds, even large items can fly out and hurt or startle other drivers causing accidents. Put trash into built-in containers. Use tarps, cargo nets and tie-downs to secure any loads. #KeepWFclean
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-News, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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