Residents Challenge Apex Council on Housing, Eminent Domain, and Utilities
Testimonies add urgency and emotional weight to ongoing community conversations about how Apex is growing—and who is being left behind.
Apex, NC, Mar. 26, 2025 — During a packed Town Council meeting on March 25, several Apex residents took to the podium to voice deep concerns about housing affordability, the town’s use of eminent domain, and transparency around a utility investigation. Their testimonies added urgency and emotional weight to ongoing community conversations about how Apex is growing—and who is being left behind.
Affordable Housing Advocate Urges Council to Take Action
Beth Bordeaux, a longtime Apex resident and community advocate, called on the council to address what she described as a worsening housing affordability crisis. She presented data showing that the percentage of cost-burdened renters—those paying more than 30% of their income on housing—has grown significantly across all income levels between 2018 and 2023.
Bordeaux shared personal stories to illustrate the issue, including how her daughter and son-in-law were forced to move from Apex to Morrisville due to high rent costs, despite having full-time jobs and good credit.
“This includes essential workers, seniors, single parents, and other vulnerable neighbors,” she said, urging council members to view affordable housing as a core priority in all planning and zoning decisions.
She outlined four key recommendations, including increasing funding for affordable housing initiatives and ensuring that those most affected are central to the town’s upcoming housing plan. “You have the responsibility and the power to make change,” she concluded.
Eminent Domain Criticized as Emotionally and Economically Devastating
Three residents—Elizabeth Ray Stitt, Beth Bland, and Dawn Cozzolino—spoke forcefully against the town’s use of eminent domain, particularly in connection with the Big Branch Force Main project.
Stitt revealed that a public records request she submitted showed the town authorized eminent domain actions involving 117 properties since 2019. “This is a black cloud,” she said, referring to the emotional toll of waiting years under threat of property seizure.
Bland, who recently received a notice of intent to condemn her land, told the council that the project would render a fifth of her five-acre property unusable and impact over 70 trees. She also challenged the town’s valuation of her property, calling it inaccurate and unfair.
Cozzolino echoed those sentiments, describing the process as “devastating” and accusing the town of prioritizing development over people. “It’s our property. It’s our freedoms. It’s our land,” she said, warning against unchecked growth and loss of natural space.
All three speakers also raised concerns about a lack of communication and transparency, including missing information on the town’s website and what they viewed as one-sided public messaging.
Resident Seeks Update on Utility Investigation
Mary Miskimon returned to the council to follow up on a utility petition now signed by more than 2,000 residents. She requested an update on the town’s investigation into service irregularities, noting that the process had entered a second—and reportedly more difficult—phase.
“I understand that phase two is the most challenging or difficult,” she said. “But do we have any more information on what those irregularities are?”
Her comments highlighted ongoing public interest in the review's outcome and a desire for clearer communication from town staff.
Community Seeks Transparency and Inclusion
The passionate and personal testimonies during public comments made clear that many residents feel frustrated and unheard amid Apex’s rapid growth. Whether facing housing instability, property loss, or service issues, the speakers called for more decisive leadership, communication, and a town government prioritizing equity and accountability.
As Mayor Jacques Gilbert closed the forum, he thanked those who spoke. While the council did not immediately respond to the concerns raised, the issues are expected to remain central to community discussions in the weeks ahead.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have thoughts about affordable housing, eminent domain, or town growth? Apex residents are encouraged to contact the mayor and town council members directly to share feedback, ask questions, or get involved in local policy discussions.
Contact Apex Elected Officials:
Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert
📧 Email: jacques.gilbert@apexnc.orgCouncil Member Terry Mahaffey
📧 Email: terry.mahaffey@apexnc.orgCouncil Member Brett Gantt
📧 Email: brett.gantt@apexnc.orgCouncil Member Audra Killingsworth
📧 Email: audra.killingsworth@apexnc.orgCouncil Member Arno Zegerman
📧 Email: arno.zegerman@apexnc.org
You can also find more information or submit general inquiries through the town’s official website: 🌐 www.apexnc.org