Wendell Town Council Approves Fee Waiver for Eagle Rock Road Water Connection

During the Wendell Board Meeting on July 28, 2025, significant discussions centered around two key items: a fee waiver request for the annexation and rezoning of 529 Eagle Rock Road and a resolution for the purchase of property adjoining Wendell Park.

The first item involved a request from ESP Associates on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to waive fees associated with the annexation and rezoning of 529 Eagle Rock Road. This request is part of a project aimed at connecting properties reliant on well water to municipal water, thereby reducing health risks associated with a leaking underground storage tank at a nearby site. The DEQ is funding the water connection, but the property owner at 529 Eagle Rock Road would still need to pay annexation and rezoning fees totaling $950. The board expressed strong support for the fee waiver, emphasizing the importance of providing safe drinking water to residents and improving their quality of life. The motion to approve the fee waiver was unanimously passed.

The second item on the agenda involved a resolution authorizing the town manager to sign a contract with Wake County for the purchase of approximately 32.246 acres of property adjacent to Wendell Park. This acquisition is intended for active recreation development, which is not permitted under the county's open space bond funds. The town will reimburse Wake County for the property at a cost of approximately $448,430. The agreement includes provisions for annexation into the town, ensuring public safety jurisdiction and facilitating future development of recreational facilities, including athletic fields and a greenway connection.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the town's commitment to enhancing public health and recreational opportunities for its residents. The approval of the fee waiver and the property acquisition are steps toward addressing community needs and supporting future growth in Wendell.