No Vote on Controversial Rolesville Development

Ammons Development Group wants to clear 355 acres of Rolesville farmland for the Averette Farms mixed-use development. It would be the largest development in Rolesville history and would include 831 homes, soccer fields, children's parks and a commercial center.

Residents against the proposed development voiced their concerns Monday night at the Board of Commissioners meeting.The commissioners took no vote on the proposal, and it was unclear Tuesday when the issue could come up for a vote.

Critics said they are worried the additional residents will put a strain on roads and local schools.

"We are not going to be a small town anymore. We are going to be a city" if the development is built, opponent Glynn Roberson said.

Other residents think Averette Farms will benefit Rolesville, however

"I think it is much better to embrace it and get the tax base and do smart development versus turning a blind eye to it," proponent Kris Burkett said.

Averette Farms' developer, Andy Ammons, has argued that growth will come to Rolesville no matter what, and his proposal offers an organized way to go about it.

In 1990, 572 people called Rolesville home. By 2006, that number had nearly tripled to 1,711.

Averette Farms would also have an impact on Rolesville's water supply. If approved, the town will only have 20 percent of its allotted supply remaining.

Rolesville Planning Director Brian Hicks said the town will have enough water, even with the new subdivision, and plans are in place to ease traffic congestion should Ammons get approval.