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Resident raises concerns about proposed luxury housing, DORA hours and policing after failed levy
Summary
A resident told Council that a proposed development priced at "800K to 1.5 million" is unrealistic for Waynesville's aging population, questioned DORA district hours and policing given levy outcomes, and asked whether recreational marijuana is being considered; Chief Copeland responded that the developer is no longer pursuing the land and that a moratorium on recreational marijuana is in place.
During public comment, Mathew McKeever of 759 Preston Dr. challenged the feasibility of a proposed housing development he said would price units between "800K to 1.5 million," calling that range unrealistic for Waynesville's aging population. Chief Gary Copeland interjected that the developer was "no longer interested in developing the land after the last meeting."
McKeever also raised concerns about a proposed DORA district, asking whether extended hours would benefit shopkeepers who typically close earlier and how the Village could police an expanded late-hours area following a failed police levy. Chief Copeland responded that "there was a misconception about the police levy," explaining the levy was a replacement at the current property tax rate and that the department has tightened its belt and can operate without cutting patrols. Copeland also said a moratorium is in place against recreational marijuana. Council members noted Village income tax revenues were better than expected and could supplement police funding.
