Residents of Lords Creek voiced strong opposition during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed apartment complex at the entrance of their community. Concerns centered around safety, traffic congestion, and inadequate infrastructure, with multiple speakers highlighting the potential dangers of merging increased residential density with existing road conditions.
Pamela Bartley, a local homeowner, expressed her worries about the lack of an acceleration lane at the entrance, stating that the current setup forces drivers to accelerate from a complete stop to 55 mph in just ten seconds, creating a hazardous situation. She also raised issues about drainage easements on her property, which exacerbate flooding during heavy rains, and questioned whether the necessary infrastructure would be in place to support the new development.
Tommy Dean Stubbs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the area already struggles with traffic from two neighboring developments. He warned that adding more units would create a \"danger zone\" for residents trying to exit their neighborhoods. Similarly, Beth Bergen pointed out that the proposed complex would be disconnected from essential community services, making it reliant on cars and contributing to traffic problems.
Jerome Wilmerlein, who gathered signatures against the development, reported overwhelming opposition from residents, citing concerns about traffic, flooding, and the overall suitability of the project for the area. He argued that the site, currently wooded, would worsen drainage issues if developed into concrete structures.
In response, the applicant's representative, Miss Wolfe, defended the project, stating that it would provide much-needed housing and that the North Carolina Department of Transportation had raised no significant issues during their preliminary review. She acknowledged the need for sidewalks and suggested that the project could help address some of the community's infrastructure challenges.
However, opposition continued with Nancy Steele, who argued against the necessity of more apartments in the area, citing existing vacancies and advocating for single-family homes instead. She expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of government regulation in managing housing prices and emphasized the importance of community investment through homeownership.
The meeting highlighted a significant divide between community members advocating for safety and infrastructure improvements and developers seeking to expand housing options in the area. As discussions continue, the future of the proposed apartment complex remains uncertain, with residents calling for careful consideration of the potential impacts on their community.