Second time around

Next Monday night, Wendell commissioners will be asked to decide the question of whether to allow the development of the second phase of Pepper Pointe to move forward. via Eastern Wake News

[PepperPointe Resident]

I live in this subdivision and I do not oppose the second face. I think that it is ridiculous that everyone is complaining about this. We need more houses and businesses to come to Wendell. There aren't even any restaurants here. You have to go to Knightdale or Zebulon to go out to eat. If all the new subdivisions that want to expand are stopped then no one is going to want to buy houses here. I personally would like to be able to sell my home when the time comes. If people don't want traffic in the subdivision then they should have moved out in the country somewhere. When you live in town you have to deal with things like traffic. I think that it would be great to have the subdivion grow. These are nice houses and thats what attracted myself to the neighborhood. What is wrong with more of the same?

[Charlie]

On the assumption that you are a new resident to Wendell, let me offer you my explanation of what is happening as regards Pepper Pointe 2. What I have to say is my point of view that may not be shared by others.

Pepper Pointe 2 was only the spark that has started a long overdue upheaval in the “business as usual” leadership of Wendell. Over many years the same town Commissioners have been elected and re-elected. There has been no challenge to their power and they have done what they will. Unfortunately for you, and me, their decision regarding housing in the town of Wendell has been far off the mark. They have consistently voted in favor of lower priced housing and allowed developers to do as they wanted without any real vision of the problems they were creating.

Now the town has an overabundance of lower priced housing that cannot generate sufficient tax revenues to pay for the services it is asked to provide. These statements by the towns Financial Director say it all:“While the proposed Fiscal Year 2007-2008 operating budget contains funding for many of the town’s needs, more needs exist than there are revenues in which to address those needs.”

So, where are we now? We have Pepper Pointe 1 which has developed into a very nice neighborhood. The homes are assessed, on average about $198,000, paying about $1100.00 a year in tax revenues to Wendell. Conversely, the existing homes in town are assessed at approximately $109,000 each paying about $698.00 in taxes. Still, the towns Commissioners continue to approve less expensive home development. Where will the money for the town services come from? Increased taxes or reduced services?

What I have described is only the tip of the ice-berg. There are many more facets to this situation, such as: storm water runoff-traffic-congestion-scho ols-commercial development and, not least of all, perception. Perception as relates to Wendell itself. How does the town appear to persons and businesses that might consider moving here? Is Wendell perceived as a “bedroom community” consisting of lower priced housing and a population with less discretionary income? An elitist statement, perhaps, but is it the truth? Would be interested in your opinion.

In response to your indignation, I say get involved. Plan to attend one town meeting a month to see for yourself what’s happening. Ask your neighbors that are more deeply involved in town affairs what you can do to help. I know we are all busy with our families and life in general, but this is our town and it needs a little help now and then.