Town staff want to hear residents’ critiques and suggestions for the “opportunity site” plan, which could put a mix of multi-level development, a boutique hotel, a public park, a farmers market and more in downtown Cary.

Here’s what you need to know before you go to the 6 p.m. meeting at Town Hall:

Location, location, location

The new downtown park and development would sit on about 13 acres, surrounded by Academy, Walnut, Park and Walker streets. So far, Cary has paid almost $10 million to buy up much of the land.

The town will preserve at least two properties, including the Pasmore House and the John P. Hunter House, which are part of a historic district. The town will clear much of the rest of the land.

Downtown debate

Local leaders have talked about a downtown park since the early 2000s, but the vision has shifted considerably over time. While some early plans showed a park sprawling across most of the block, the town now may resell some of the outer ring of land to developers.

Already, it’s likely that a boutique hotel, The Mayton Inn, will go on one corner of the block. Other sites could be sold for retail or residential use.

Besides the money for the land, the town has set aside $2 million of bond money to plan and build the park.

Your opinion

The plans for the park aren’t final – they will likely go before the Cary Town Council for approval sometime in the next few months. That’s why the town is asking for public opinion now.

A strong outcry at the Tuesday meeting could sway council members’ opinions on important issues, such as the proper mix of development and parkland.