Annexed Cary residents still waiting for water service

In 2003, Jenny Griffin and owners of 21 other properties in the Stephens Road area were annexed. She and seven other property owners on the road said they requested town water and sewer services for resale value.

By state law, a town has to provide water and sewer service within two years of annexation, if homeowners request it within 10 days of being annexed.

"No property owner along Stephens Road signed in that initial date that would be required to be complete in two years," said Town of Cary engineer Tim Bailey.

Engineers for the town went to the area in August 2008, Bailey said, but the process includes surveying property, obtaining permits and bidding the project, as required by state law.

Griffin said she is frustrated that she has been paying property taxes in Cary for six years.

"I think it's a shame that any town, be it Cary or any town, takes you into the city and charges you that much money and not give you any services," she said.

Bailey said that if residents were having problems with their wells or septic tanks, the town would expedite the process.

The services are expected to be installed by the end of 2010, Bailey said.

"We will move that schedule as much as we can," he added.

Griffin said she has her doubts.

"I will make you a thousand-dollar bet right now that in 2010, there will be no water and sewer down here," she said.