Called the Shovel Ready Sites program, the project would target properties in which the landowner is willing to let the town have a role in marketing and developing the land. The town and the county would pay to develop infrastructure such as water and sewer lines to the site and the property would be marketed to potential buyers.

The property owner would reimburse the local governments for the cost of the improvements once the property sells.

Wendell officials tried a similar effort two years ago, but it fell flat when property owners in the area couldn't all agree to an arrangement with the town.

This effort is different in that it doesn't require the town to gain purview over multiple tracts of land. The town can strike a bargain with a single property owner, or a handful of owners and begin improving and marketing the property without amassing all the land the town targeted two years ago.

Reed Whitesell, the town's economic development consultant, explained the process in a letter to commissioners. "The site certification process increases the property value and provides the seller with assurance that their property is being actively marketed on a national and even international, basis by Wake County," Whitesell wrote.

Under the terms of the deal, Wake County would assist in paying for the improvements to the property and Wake County's Economic Development office would market the site.

Commissioners were unanimous in their support of the idea, but there were questions about the town's obligations under the arrangement and some disagreement over who exactly should approach the property owners to guage their interest in the program.

Commissioner Sid Baynes offered to speak with land owners who might be interested in participating, but James Sauls, with Wake County Economic Development, said it would be best if someone from his office were part of those initial conversations. "But we would be glad to have someone from the town help us open those doors," Sauls said. The program doesn't come free.

Engineering costs for a 100-150 acre site would run between $45,000 and $75,000. That cost would be split between the town and the county.