Commission to Examine Cary Growth Issues

They didn't waste any time. A Cary council called for a consultant to look at the town's growth management and agreed to set up a commission todo the same. They also set the groundwork for creating roads, schools andparks before building new homes. Many builders fear this is too much toosoon.

When we think of growth, we usually think of new homes, but it also meansmore people, more cars and more school age children. Cary residents arevery concerned about growth.

"There have been some major changes, especially with the traffic," says Cary resident Delydia Allen, "and I do think it needs to slow down just alittle bit."

Rich Southard agrees. He believes it's necessary to have growth, butwonders if the planning is being done correctly.

These concerns helped elect several town council members interested inmanaging growth. Councilor Glen Lang says he wants to see roads, schoolsand parks planned before new homes are built.

"When you ask to have all the infrastructure necessary to have a goodquality of life, you're labeled anti-growth," Lang explains. "I hardly think that's an anti-growth stance. I think it's a balance growth stance."

Builders are concerned about any talk of restrictions, but they seechanges coming and are asking the council to work together as opposed tojust stopping permits or stopping water or stopping the growth.

Builders aren't the only ones scared. Lang unseated 22-year councilveteran Tom Brooks who believes Cary's growth has been well-planned andmust continue.

"The ones who proclaim that the slow growth, no growth is the only waywill find out in a very sad way that it was a a mistake," Brooks says.

What builders are very concerned about right now is the town halting orrestricting water and sewer hook-ups in new developments. But Lang saysthat won't happen as long as builders and the council can work together tomanage growth.