Apex Residents Voice Concerns and Ideas at Town Council Meeting
Discussions ranged from affordable homeownership initiatives to frustrations over state-level agreements affecting local development.
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Apex, NC, Feb. 28, 2025 — The Apex Town Council’s latest public forum, held February 25th, allowed residents to raise concerns and advocate for housing, infrastructure, and communication improvements between the town and its citizens. Discussions ranged from affordable homeownership initiatives to frustrations over state-level agreements affecting local development.
Addressing the Challenges of Affordable Housing
Several residents urged the town to take concrete steps toward helping first-time homebuyers, arguing that ongoing studies should lead to actionable plans rather than further analysis. One speaker pointed to a 2021 affordable housing plan recommendation, emphasizing the need for immediate support.
"What we need is an actionable plan to implement this recommendation rather than another analysis," the speaker stated. They highlighted young professionals and essential workers' struggles in affording homes, calling for town-backed homeownership counseling and down payment assistance.
Others advocated for increased partnerships between the town and housing organizations to promote affordable housing education. "The idea for this was for the town to develop partnerships with pro-affordable housing advocates to coordinate an education campaign," one resident explained, adding that housing fairs in 2023 and 2024 were positive steps, but more needs to be done.
Frustration Over NCDOT Encroachment Agreements and Communication
The town’s agreements with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) became a major point of contention, with some residents expressing frustration about a lack of transparency in how these agreements are shared with the public.
"It would be nice if we could figure out how the town could communicate to us what’s happening when, instead of me chasing it," one resident stated, noting their repeated efforts to obtain information about a particular encroachment agreement. The resident described a process where they had to personally track down documents and updates rather than the town making such information readily available.
Concerns centered on the lack of proactive communication about agreements that impact neighborhoods, particularly regarding infrastructure projects that could have long-term financial implications. Some attendees pointed out that key documents were not posted on the town’s website, leaving residents with no choice but to continuously follow up with town staff to stay informed.
The heart of the issue is whether agreements made between the town and NCDOT fully consider future costs, landowner impact, and long-term feasibility. While NCDOT has broad authority over transportation infrastructure, residents believe the town should be more transparent about how these agreements are negotiated and how they affect local property owners.
The Future of Temporary Sewer Mains
A temporary sewer main along US 1 also drew concerns, as some residents warned that the town’s current approach could result in significant additional costs down the road.
"I have one of those properties that is subject to this," a resident stated, questioning the town's long-term strategy. "At what point is DOT going to tell the town, ‘Hey, it’s time to move this temporary sewer main’? You are going to pay for this twice because you have chosen to continue on the north side. If you put the sewer main on the south side, you won’t have to relocate it."
The underlying frustration stems from a perceived lack of foresight in planning infrastructure projects. Concerns exist that a "temporary" designation could lead to unnecessary expenses in the future. If NCDOT eventually requires the town to relocate the sewer main, taxpayers could be forced to fund a second round of construction rather than implement a more permanent solution from the start.
The town has yet to provide a definitive timeline or criteria for when or why relocation might be required, leaving property owners uncertain whether their properties could be affected and how much it will cost. For some, the issue highlights broader concerns about how the town prioritizes long-term infrastructure investment and whether cost-effective planning is being pursued.
Tree Inventory and Environmental Impact
Environmental concerns were also raised about the town’s tree preservation policies and whether Apex is doing enough to protect its urban canopy amid ongoing development.
"When we talk about how Apex is weak on trees, I like to point out what DOT requires," one resident said, drawing attention to NCDOT’s higher standards for tree inventory and preservation than the town’s policies.
Under NCDOT regulations, any tree greater than four caliper inches in diameter—measured six inches above the ground—must be documented before a project can proceed. Residents questioned why Apex does not have similar or stronger requirements, given the town’s rapid growth and increasing land development.
Some attendees felt that Apex does not prioritize tree conservation like other municipalities or state agencies. With ongoing development projects altering the town’s landscape, some believe a more comprehensive inventory and preservation plan is needed to prevent excessive tree loss and environmental degradation.
Additionally, concerns were raised about how tree removal impacts stormwater management, air quality, and the town's overall aesthetic. Without stronger protections, some fear that development could move forward without adequate consideration for the natural environment, reducing green space and increasing the town’s vulnerability to flooding and heat islands.
Ongoing Dialogue and Next Steps
The council members acknowledged the concerns raised and assured residents that their input would be considered in future planning decisions. While no immediate actions were taken, the meeting underscored the ongoing tensions between growth, infrastructure demands, and the need for better communication between the town and its residents.
As Apex expands, these discussions will likely remain central to future council meetings, with residents pushing for policies that balance development with sustainability, affordability, and transparency.
Take Action
For residents with questions or concerns regarding these issues, the Apex Town Council can be contacted through the following channels:
Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert – Phone: (919) 249-3301 | Email: mayor@apexnc.org
Town Clerk Allen L. Coleman – Phone: (919) 249-1260 | Email: allen.coleman@apexnc.org
Town Manager Randy E. Vosburg – Phone: (919) 249-3303 | Email: randal.vosburg@apexnc.org
General Town Council Contact – Email: council@apexnc.org