It’s been a long journey, from 2T, the 501(c)3 formed over a decade ago, to the cooperative named Hands Four Development that was formed in 2023 to bring the retirement community Fiddlehead Corner to life.

Following its mission, 2T defined a community that would provide innovative housing that was environmentally sound, that focused on creativity and caring, with residents living close together to offer support and activities. Then came the search for land that would support that design. Once the land was located, H4D was created to purchase and develop the community.

Members were excited about the beautiful land that was located in Orange County, NC. Experts were hired to work with the Orange County Planning Department to design a community that met our requirements. Buildings fit on just 30 of the 90 acres, leaving a large, forested buffer with walking trails and streams. Community sized septic and water systems were carefully designed and approved. A Family Care Center and fitness opportunities were included, along with a small dance hall for community gatherings. 

What we didn’t plan for was the opposition we met when our plan was presented to the Board of County Commissioners. We knew we had a good plan that would house our cooperative and be kind to the environment and to our neighbors, but that wasn’t how the BOCC understood it, and in 2025 they denied the rezoning that was necessary for our “dense housing”.

We will make decisions soon about how to proceed. 

You can read more about the project’s past by visiting www.2TNC.org or clicking here.