Homeowners fight Cary annexation

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.

Posted 8:54 p.m. Feb 12, 2009 — Updated 9:12 p.m. Mar 9, 2009

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.

“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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