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Board authorizes condemnation to secure sewer easement for new Wethers Creek High School
Summary
Board voted unanimously to authorize legal steps to obtain a sewer easement through neighboring homeowners association property after unsuccessful voluntary negotiations; action is intended to keep the high school schedule on track.
The Iredell‑Statesville Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 15 authorizing the superintendent to initiate condemnation proceedings to secure a sewer easement required for the new Wethers Creek High School. District staff and legal counsel told the board voluntary negotiations with a homeowners association had not produced the easement needed to complete sewer work and keep the project on schedule.
Director of facilities and the board attorney said the sewer route crosses a non‑buildable portion of the neighboring association’s land, and the association’s bylaws require a substantial percentage of property owners to approve conveyances — a threshold the association said it could not meet promptly. Board members stressed that district leaders had made diplomatic attempts to acquire the easement before seeking condemnation.
Board member Kevin Angel, who moved the resolution, said the action was necessary to prevent construction delays and ensure the school opens on time: "Our commitment to have the school open on time will not be compromised, and we will pursue everything that we need to do to ensure that happens," he said. The motion to proceed with condemnation passed 7‑0.
The condemnation authorization directs staff and legal counsel to proceed with the combination proceedings needed to secure the permanent sewer easement, and to coordinate construction plans with environmental and permitting requirements for the wetland area where the pipeline will be installed. Staff noted portions of the route include wetland crossings and some aerial segments where pipe will cross a creek.
Board members and staff said they will continue outreach to the homeowners association to explain the process and mitigate impacts; the district also provided survey maps and easement drawings to trustees during the meeting. The board’s action clears a major potential impediment to the Wethers Creek project schedule.
