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Council reviews survey showing sewer easement through downtown parcel; building limitations discussed
Summary
Council members reviewed a survey map of a recently acquired downtown property showing a sewer easement that crosses the site, limiting where buildings can be constructed. Staff and council discussed options including passive uses, relocation opportunities tied to detention pond layout and further planning.
Council members examined a survey map for a town‑owned parcel near Matthews‑Indian Trail Road and discussed how an on‑site sewer easement affects future uses, including whether the site can accommodate a community center.
Council member Dennis Gay asked whether the sewer easement prevented large‑scale building, noting the easement “runs right through the middle of the property” and said that limits the ability to put a large community center there. Town staff and the town attorney responded that a sewer easement typically prohibits building directly over sewer infrastructure; staff noted easements can still accommodate passive park uses, greenways and some shelters depending on size and alignment. One staff member confirmed on the record, “That's correct. You can't build on sewer easement.”
Town manager and engineering staff told the council there is no final, detailed plan yet. The manager said the council can still place structures on the property depending on footprint and noted that reallocating detention‑pond areas could create buildable space. Council members urged further due diligence and said the survey map changes how they view the parcel’s development potential.
No formal vote was taken on specific uses; staff said they will return with mapping and alternatives showing buildable footprints, drainage/detention options and likely constraints tied to sewer and stormwater easements.
