Wake Forest approves annexation and rezoning for Waite Avenue site after public hearing

Wake Forest commissioners unanimously approved a petition to annex two parcels and rezoned 4.48 acres at 1621 and 1701 Waite Avenue after a public hearing in which neighbors sought more information about plans for a public safety facility.

At the meeting Mayor Vivian Jones opened the public hearing. William (Will) Allman, the civil engineer on the project, identified himself as representing the applicant and said the annexation and rezoning processes were proceeding together. Allman said the applicant had held a neighborhood meeting on Nov. 13, 2024 and that he was available to answer questions.

Neighbors repeatedly urged greater transparency about the proposed public safety station. Margaret Watkins said she had trouble communicating with staff in the preceding weeks and criticized the lack of a site plan, arguing a site plan is important "so the public can weigh in." Watkins said she did not oppose a fire station but that the quasi-judicial process limited public input.

Resident Robert Baker Nicholas, who lives at 1705 Waite Avenue next to the proposed site, told commissioners the location would affect his family and asked that planners "please consider" accommodations for his nonverbal autistic son within the project design. Loretta Humphrey, who attended a nearby meeting, raised broader concerns about traffic and the cost of additional services as the town grows.

Commissioners discussed the procedural options earlier in the public hearing — whether to approve annexation subject to rezoning or to wait and act on both together — and ultimately voted to adopt the annexation and the rezoning as presented.

The record shows motions to approve the annexation and to rezone the properties were made and seconded; both measures passed unanimously.

The town did not present a site plan during the hearing; commissioners and staff noted procedural limits of the current agenda item and that detailed design and additional approvals could follow if the rezoning and annexation are in place.

The approval places the parcels under town land-use jurisdiction so the applicant may proceed with next steps required to establish the public safety facility. Commissioners did not adopt specific design conditions during the hearing, and no vote record indicated any individual commissioner opposed the annexation or rezoning.

Residents and commissioners said they expect further public engagement during later permitting steps when site plans and operational details are developed.