— A multimillion-dollar project is in the works for an area in Johnston County that could bring a $300 million live-work-play development called Eastfield Crossing to the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 70 in Selma.

Renderings of the massive project from AdVenture Development, a company based in Selma, show the scale of the project, which includes bringing 3,000 jobs to a project that will include businesses that span medical, industrial and manufacturing.

Chris Johnson, Johnston County's Economic Development director, says this development recognizes the growth the county is experiencing across those sectors.

Developers have proposed a massive project that includes a business park, hotels and single-family homes. They hope to transform the epicenter of I-95 into a new destination for Johnston County

The developers involved in the project were behind a similar, but smaller-scale project just outside of Pittsburgh.

Plans for the project include a food hall similar to the Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh and an area for people to enjoy biking and jogging.

Johnson said the plan could dramatically improve the county's fortunes.

"It's a huge win for the community," he said. "It's on the east side of I-95, so we're seeing development spill over. Typically, I-95 has been kind of a barrier from a development standpoint."

Johnston County residents say they are excited about the new project.

At Robbins Nest Restaurant on Wednesday, the development was a big topic of conversation.

Longtime resident John Crocker fears the project could lead to overpopulation.

"It seems a bit much to me," he said. "With the stuff we already got around here and you're going to throw something that big with that many different opportunities?"

But others say this development would be welcome.

"It will improve the economy and put more people to work and give more people different job opportunities," said Debra Parrish.

"I just think it's going to be good for the area," said Randy Summerland.