CARY, N.C. — Fast-growing Cary is working on its reputation as a land-grabbing town.

In the last 25 years, Cary grew by 40 square miles -- all by annexation.

Some rural neighbors living near Cary's borders said they do not like the urban sprawl headed toward them.

"They're getting what they asked for. Whatever bad rap they have, they've earned it," said Chatham County commissioner Patrick Barnes. "They got bashed in Chatham County. I was part of the bashing. I don't regret a bit of it, but I think they learned a little bit from that."

Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister said the town's bad reputation is undeserved. He said 98 percent of the annexations involve people asking to be included in the town's borders.

"I think that speaks very highly of the quality of life we have in the town," he said.

Cary is now developing an annexation policy it hopes will ease some of the tension. Barnes met with Mayor McAlister about Cary's annexation, and he said he is not crazy about it. The town will take public input March 29 at the Cary Senior Center.

Reporter:

John Bachman