Apex Residents Voice Concerns Over Flooding, Eminent Domain, and Growth at Town Council Meeting

Public comments highlight growing disconnect between town officials and residents, with speakers repeatedly citing a lack of communication and responsiveness from the town government.

Apex, NC, Mar. 17, 2025 — The Apex Town Council’s public comment session on March 11 brought forth a series of passionate appeals from residents concerned about issues ranging from flood risks to property rights and rapid development.

One of the most urgent concerns raised involved a blocked creek in the Walden Creek subdivision. A resident described ongoing efforts by homeowners to clear debris following a hurricane that hit the region months ago. However, recent heavy rains have worsened conditions, forming a large island of debris and fallen trees. The resident warned that if the town does not intervene soon, additional blockages could cause severe flooding downstream, potentially damaging homes in other parts of Apex. Despite repeated attempts to get town officials to address the issue, no action has been taken.

Another major topic of discussion was the town’s recent use of eminent domain to acquire private property. According to residents, the town has targeted 44 properties for acquisition in just two months, leading to frustration over transparency and fair compensation. Speakers expressed concerns about outdated property appraisals used to determine fair market value, with some assessments relying on data from 2020 instead of current valuations. They also criticized the lack of direct communication from the town before decisions were made in closed sessions. One resident pointed to a recent case where the town initially offered a property owner $669,000 but ultimately had to pay nearly double that amount after a legal dispute, suggesting potential flaws in the town’s approach to property valuation.

Concerns about government transparency were also raised, particularly regarding delays in fulfilling public records requests. One resident reported that their attorney had submitted a request related to the Veridia and Big Branch Force Main project (link), but after more than six weeks, the town had yet to provide the requested documents. Frustration mounted as residents noted that previous records requests had taken over a year to fulfill.

The town’s rapid growth and its impact on infrastructure emerged as another focal point of discussion. One speaker compared Apex’s expansion to an overgrown garden, arguing that the town cannot maintain its small-town charm while aggressively pursuing large-scale development. Concerns about the strain on schools and roadways were raised, particularly with multiple new housing developments underway. It was estimated that three developments along Old US Road alone would generate an additional 17,000 vehicle trips daily, exacerbating already congested roads. Residents questioned why the town has not conducted comprehensive traffic impact studies to address the growing demand on local infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted a growing disconnect between town officials and residents, with speakers repeatedly citing the town government's lack of communication and responsiveness. While officials acknowledged the concerns raised, residents remain skeptical about whether meaningful action will be taken.

As Apex continues to experience rapid growth, residents are calling for increased transparency, better planning, and more proactive responses from local leaders. The issues discussed at the meeting underscore the challenges of balancing development with infrastructure needs and environmental responsibility.