Statesville council approves Hill Haven annexation after debate over sewer capacity and topography

Statesville — The Statesville City Council approved second reading of an ordinance to annex the Hill Haven subdivision (AX-25-10) at the intersection of Hill Haven Road and Shelton Avenue after public comment and extended council discussion, passing the measure 4–3.

Opponents from the surrounding area told the council the property’s steep topography and existing septic systems make high-density, slab-based construction unsuitable. “I’m asking that the annexation be denied,” said Kathy Oodie, who identified herself as a Wall Springs Road resident, arguing the land is “more suited to custom home building” and that the council should “leave it R-20 in the county.” Angela Matthews, another resident who spoke during public comment, cited state annexation law as a constraint and asked when the city would provide policing and snow removal for annexed areas. “For an annexation, NC statute 1 60 a demands that a property meet 2 requirements,” Matthews said, adding that annexed areas must be “provided with the facilities and services that are provided within the existing city limits.”

Council discussion returned repeatedly to sewer capacity and timing. One councilmember urged postponement to allow incoming council members and new counsel time to review additional information; another said staff had already validated capacity numbers and recommended proceeding. City staff clarified that capacity accounting begins when developers approach the city and that Wakefield and other potential projects had been placed on a list during early conversations.

The annexation ordinance reached the council for second reading after a split first reading. Multiple motions were raised on the floor, including a motion to postpone and a motion to approve; after debate the council voted to approve second reading by a 4–3 margin. The ordinance as approved will allow the developer to proceed with annexation steps contingent on subsequent approvals required by planning and state processes.

What happens next: The annexation clears the second-reading procedural step; any conditions related to sewer service, site layout and engineering remain matters for staff review, developer submittal and any required state approvals. Residents who spoke asked for further review of traffic, sewage capacity and stormwater impacts and said they expect the city to enforce standards if the project moves forward.