Residents voice concerns over Chatham Park's massive development plans

Community concerns over Chatham Park's development took center stage at the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners meeting on May 12, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding the evolving plans for the area. Carol Hewitt, a local resident, expressed her discontent with what she described as a "bait and switch" regarding the development's vision.

Hewitt recounted the history of Chatham Park, highlighting how it transformed from a series of smaller, charming villages into a sprawling 4,800-acre plan that many feel strays from initial promises made to the community. "We spent hours and hours looking at this," she said, referring to the extensive community discussions that preceded the current development proposals. "We were told these would be little villages, and now it feels like we’re getting something entirely different."

Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among residents who fear that the original vision for Chatham Park is being overshadowed by larger, more commercialized plans. The shift from a community-focused approach to a more extensive development model has raised questions about the future of the area and the impact on local residents.

The Board of Commissioners is expected to continue discussions on the development plans, with community input remaining a critical component of the decision-making process. As the conversation evolves, residents like Hewitt are urging leaders to stay true to the original commitments made to the community, emphasizing the importance of transparency and engagement in shaping the future of Chatham Park.