Wake County residents fight annexation

Raleigh, N.C. — Some Wake County residents are fighting a proposed annexation of 10 areas, which include 160 homes.

If the annexation is approved, the Winstons, who reside in the Brookridge neighborhood, would be living in Cary town limits. The approval could take place as early as the summer.

“They’re asking us to pay Cary taxes for no services in return that aren’t already being supplied by the county,” Erica Winston said.

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Residents fight Cary annexation

Town officials said state statutes give municipalities the power to promote orderly growth.

“Under our analysis, these areas we’re studying are already urban. As a government we’re acknowledging that,” Cary Town Planner Jeff Ulma said.

Cathy Health, leader of Stop N.C. Annexation, said “forced annexations” are going on from Asheville to the Coast.

The grassroots group is lobbying the state legislature for more limits on annexation.

Town planners said most annexations are initiated by the property owners.

Statewide 85 percent of annexations are voluntary, according to the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

The North Carolina League of Municipalities is working to address concerns by proposing 20 changes to current law. The legislative commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly.