Wendell approves annexation for 304-acre ‘Haven at Wendell’ 55+ community; developer commits expanded stormwater, park and roadway improvements

WENDELL — The Wendell Board of Commissioners voted to annex and rezone about 304.06 acres for the Haven at Wendell, a revised Lennar proposal retooled as a 55-and-older community and reduced to 793 dwelling units from an earlier 931-unit proposal.

The board approved the ordinance and a companion development agreement in November, with a 4–1 vote on the rezoning and unanimous approval of the development agreement that formalizes public benefits including a turnkey roughly 10-acre town park, nearly a mile of public greenway, enhanced stormwater controls and off-site transportation improvements. Collier Marsh, an attorney for the applicant, told the board the changes were made after “50 different meetings” with stakeholders and that the project was redesigned to address resident concerns.

Why it matters: The package ties land-use change to substantial infrastructure investments. Town staff recommended approval, citing plan consistency, and Lennar’s commitments include enhanced stormwater measures beyond typical local standards, roadway improvements tied to a traffic-impact analysis (TIA), and utility extensions the company says will require assurances of water and sewer allocation to permit buildout.

What the developer pledged: Tucker Ennis of Lennar said the redesign shifted the product mix to larger single-family and villa-style homes, added open space and pushed densities down. The project commits to age-restricted occupancy consistent with the federal Housing for Older Persons Act and the North Carolina Fair Housing Act exception; as Collier Marsh summarized, "We went from 931 units to 793," and added buffers, a constructed wetland and other green stormwater infrastructure (GSI).

Stormwater and traffic details: The applicant and its consultants described multiple new stormwater commitments. Josh Shin, stormwater practice lead at McAdams, said the project now includes detention measures for the 1-, 10-, 25-, 50- and 100-year storms, a constructed wetland for nutrient and pollutant removal, and a rare site-specific "volume control" requirement that aims to reduce 100-year peak flows by 15% at a neighbor’s parcel. "We're meeting and exceeding the DEQ and town requirements," Shin said. Traffic projections submitted with the rezoning show daily trips falling from roughly 8,000 to 3,400 with the 55+ conversion; peak-hour trips drop by larger percentages, and the developer pledged off-site signal and roadway improvements identified in the TIA.

Public response: The hearing drew a large turnout and contrasting views. Supporters including nearby residents and local civic leaders said the 55+ product meets market demand, lowers peak-hour traffic impacts and secures a larger amenity package than might otherwise be built. Opponents — including area farmers and long-time residents — warned the scale of the development would accelerate loss of farmland, increase traffic on Roseville and Davistown roads and create long-term integration challenges with existing neighborhoods. "If we keep letting things go like we're going, we may have to depend on it too," farmer Glenn Perry said, arguing that the project would harm farming and natural habitat.

Enforcement and next steps: The applicant said age-restriction enforcement will rely on required annual certification filings tied to the federal exception that allows housing for older persons, and the HOA will enforce occupancy rules. The development agreement approved by the board also includes a public-park dedication, greenway construction and assurances around transportation and utility commitments; the town authorized its manager to sign the agreement. The project still needs utility capacity assurance, final engineering and applicable state and federal permits.

What the board decided: After public comment and a lengthy staff and technical presentation, a motion to annex and rezone was approved 4–1. The development agreement passed shortly afterward and the town manager was authorized to execute it. Future administrative and permitting steps include final engineering, signal warrant analyses tied to construction thresholds and compliance with DEQ/DWR/Army Corps requirements for wetlands and buffers.

What's next: The developer said it will seek required permits and continue phased construction subject to the town’s utility allocations and final approvals; neighbors and the town will monitor implementation of stormwater controls and the HOA enforcement of the 55+ occupancy restriction.