Homeowners fight Cary annexation

Cary, N.C. — Some homeowners in the outskirts of Cary held a protest Thursday night against forced annexation.

The rally was held at Town Hall before the Town Council’s public hearing.

Organizers say the “Cary Tea Party” event was held to let officials know that “taxation without representation is unjust” – the same statement made famous by Americans during the 1773 Boston Tea Party.

“We protest because every American citizen should have the right to representation before taxation,” Cathy Health, leader of Stop N.C. Annexation, said in a release.

The proposed annexation covers 10 areas and 160 homes. Cary officials said state statutes give municipalities the power to promote orderly growth through annexation.

The Town Council could vote as early as March to proceed with annexation.

Health told WRAL News last month that “forced annexations” are going on from Asheville to the Coast.

Health’s grassroots group is lobbying the state Legislature for more limits on annexation.

Erin Winston, one of the organizers of the grassroots group StopCary.com, said the annexation would lead to another burden on taxpayers in the current depressed economy.

Winston and others say that homeowners living in the proposed annexation area are unable to pay the increased taxes that would come with being in the town and may have to relocate.

Town planners said property owners initiate most annexations.

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

The league is working to address concerns by proposing 20 changes to current law. A legislative commission that is looking at the issue will make recommendations to the General Assembly.

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another beat up on cary article....happens in raleigh but never makes the news.

ProzacDispenser
February 12, 2009 9:20 p.m.

"Town planners said property owners initiate most annexations."

Yeah, right. What a load. The only time I am aware where properties are asked to be annexed is when a DEVELOPER wants to get services extended to property they want to develop. To say the average homeowner wants to annexed - SO THEY CAN PAY MORE TAXES - is a load.

C'mon, Cary, quit trying to make it sound like you are doing these folks a favor. Get over yourself.

jgriffith3792
February 12, 2009 9:09 p.m.

my subdivision (and our HOA) never asked to be annexed, city of raligh just took us over.

we had trash collection once a week from waste mgmt. with the city, we got three trips a week for trash.

Shows you what the city will do for you.

oh, the city then hired a consultant to study the trash collection program and recommended the city move to a once a week program. WOW, smart consultant.

same with our water billing software, the consultant told them to use a tier billing structure.

james27613
February 12, 2009 8:38 p.m.

I don't agree with forced annexation. However, if you don't want it then you have to be okay with the fire department 1 mile down the street not responding while it takes the volunteer one 5 miles away 15 minutes to get there. Likewise with law enforcement. I believe these folks should be able to make their own choices and live with them. Let the homeowners vote as a group whether they want it.

Wheelman
February 12, 2009 7:31 p.m.

Forced Annexation is wrong. It is happening all over our state. We the people have to stand-up together and let our voices be heard. Join the fight. I was told about a rally in Raleigh on May 6, 2009. Keep an eye on www.stopncannexation.com for more details. Were RED, red means STOP, and for us it means STOP FORCED ANNEXATION!!!

mooremotox
February 12, 2009 6:33 p.m.