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Following a public hearing in which a majority of citizens speaking expressed opposition to a proposed annexation, Albemarle City Council voted to deny the request from CC&W Development Group of Monroe.
After receiving an overview of the project from Albemarle Director of Planning and Development Services Kevin Robinson, Director of Albemarle Planning, Greg Williams of CC&W outlined the request for annexation, which if approved, would have led to planned development of an 84-acre parcel between Judy Street and St. Martin Road, south of N.C. Highway 24-27 and to the rear of Albemarle First Assembly of God.
“What we are asking for would allow us to develop a multi-use neighborhood,” Williams told council members, adding that should the annexation be approved the development would include both single-family homes and apartments, as well as open space and amenities.
“The property would have a 25-foot perimeter buffer,” he said, adding that amenities would include a pool, clubhouse, playgrounds, walking trails and possibly a dog park.
According to city staff analysis of the CC&W application, given the acreage, site constraints and cluster requirements, the total number of single family units that could be located on the tract would be around 260, with apartments and multi-family units accounting for remaining residences.
“A total of 480 to 530 total units is a reasonable range to expect,” said Robinson.
Public feedback in the hearing was 2-to-1 against approving the annexation.
Stanly County Board of Education Chair Robin Whittaker expressed concern over the impact additional residents could have on local schools.
“The number one thing we need to consider is the strain that this would place on our already overburdened school system,” she said, citing that elementary schools in the area are at or near capacity.
“We need to ensure that our community’s growth does not compromise the education of our children,” Whittaker said in closing.
Vaughn Folks expressed concerns with increased traffic on St. Martin Road (where his home is located) and N.C. 24-27.
“We don’t want to be another suburb of Charlotte,” he said.
Todd Bowers expressed concern at the fact that apartments were part of the proposal, considering that another already-approved apartment project (Scaleybark Commons) is to be developed immediately west of St. Martin Road, with an entrance directly across from the proposed CC&W property.
“I’m opposed to Scaleybark, too,” said Bowers. “Albemarle has lots of vacant apartments now, so why do we need more?”
In closing, Bowers urged council members to consider a quote from Ellen Glasgow, who said, “All change is not progress, as all movement is not forward.”
Diane Robinson urged council members to take control of growth in and around Albemarle.
“I’m not opposed to growth,” she said, “but I am vehemently opposed to unplanned, uncontrolled and unmanaged growth.”
Robinson expressed that Albemarle council members should look to the west for an example of well-managed growth.
“You’ve got an asset here in this county,” she said, citing Locust as an example of a town that “is growing and managing it well.”
Lisa White, a 20-year resident of Locust, spoke next, and expressed support for the annexation, and somewhat less enthusiasm about Locust’s recent growth.
“Locust’s population has doubled, and not everybody likes what’s been done there,” she said, urging Albemarle council members to consider young families looking to buy homes in making a decision on the proposal.
“It’s hard for young families to find housing they can afford,” she said. “You need to make decisions with these young people in mind…and this is a really good project here.”
The only other supporter of the project to speak was Rev. Nathan Dry of First Assembly.
Upon closure of the public hearing, Councilman Bill Aldridge moved to deny the annexation request, with the motion seconded by Councilman Chris Bramlett. Upon vote, the motion to deny was approved by a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Dexter Townsend in opposition. Councilman Chris Whitley was absent from the meeting.
In other matters, the council:
● Approved a proclamation honoring late Councilwoman Jane Hartley Van Sinderen, who passed away on Jan. 9.
● Approved road closures on March 16 for the Albemarle Parks & Recreation Mini-Medley Relay.
● Approved an agreement with Creech and Associates Architects for security improvements to city facilities.
● Approved revisions to the city’s code of ordinances regarding naming of streets and areas of prohibited parking.
● Approved an incentive for employees to participate in the city’s annual United Way campaign.
● Received an update from City Manager Todd Clark on the City of Albemarle Walk of Fame project.
● Approved design concepts for signage at entrance points to the Albemarle Business Center.
● Conducted a closed session to consult with the city attorney and discuss real estate matters.
The next meeting of Albemarle City Council will take place on Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Albemarle City Hall.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.