By Gene Galin
Siler City, NC – In an informal yet insightful lunchtime conversation at the Broken Spit, the three guys from Pittsboro having lunch (Eric Andrews, Greg Stafford and I) sat down with North Carolina House Minority Leader Robert Reives to discuss the pressing issues facing their community. From the hotly debated topic of annexation to the challenges of balancing growth and preserving the rural character of Chatham County, our conversation touched on the complexities of local governance and the future of the region.
Annexation: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Annexation has emerged as one of the most polarizing issues in Chatham County, as communities wrestle with the implications of expanding town boundaries. This is a subject that has been a source of tension and debate in Chatham County. As Reives explained, annexation, particularly non-consensual annexation, often triggers fear and uncertainty among residents. “Annexation has been one of the most contentious issues,” Reives noted, emphasizing that misunderstandings about the process contribute to the anxiety. He recalled instances where residents believed that municipalities could forcibly annex their land without consent, leading to widespread concern.
“Annexation is such a hot topic,” Reives acknowledged, recounting the intense reactions from residents when Pittsboro’s annexation bill came up. The fear of losing control over one’s property, or being subjected to unfamiliar regulations, looms large. Reives emphasized the need for clear communication to dispel misconceptions, noting that many people are unaware that annexation, especially non-voluntary annexation, is a voluntary process.
“The hardest part is helping people understand that it’s voluntary and that nobody can come and take your house or land,” Reives explained. However, the crux of the issue often lies in the differing perspectives on what kind of growth is desirable, with developers and residents sometimes at odds over the future of their community
We discussed specific cases, including a recent annexation proposal in Goldston that sparked significant local opposition. Eric Andrews highlighted the dilemma faced by property owners who might prefer to fall under county jurisdiction rather than a town’s more restrictive regulations.
This misunderstanding can escalate tensions, as seen in Goldston, where the potential annexation of land for industrial use has sparked controversy. Reives pointed out that while developers might prefer town annexation for the benefits it brings, such as infrastructure and services, residents often resist due to concerns about changing community dynamics.
The Impact of Growth on Chatham County
Growth in Chatham County, particularly in the western region, was another major topic of discussion. The county’s rapid development, driven by the influx of new residents and businesses, has brought both opportunities and challenges. Reives, who grew up in Sanford and has deep roots in the area, spoke passionately about the need to manage this growth in a way that benefits all residents.
“We’ve got to recognize that growth is going to happen,” Reives said. “The real question is, what kind of growth do we want, and how do we handle it?” He emphasized the importance of strategic planning to ensure that development does not erode the rural character that many residents cherish. The conversation touched on the tensions between urban and rural areas within the county, with Reives noting that Chatham County is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing North Carolina.
The discussion also delved into the economic implications of growth. Reives cited the example of Wolfspeed, a semiconductor company that recently chose to expand in Siler City. He described this as a “game changer” for the western side of the county, which has struggled economically in recent years. “Wolfspeed meant the world because I know what getting Wolfspeed to Siler City means. It’s a big deal,” he said, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic revitalization.
Rural-Urban Divide: Bridging the Gap in Chatham County
The conversation naturally turned to the broader issue of the rural-urban divide, a theme that resonates not just in Chatham County but across the state and the nation. Reives pointed out that Chatham is a microcosm of North Carolina, with the eastern and western parts of the county representing different worlds in terms of development and lifestyle.
“In many ways, Chatham County reflects the broader challenges of the state,” Reives said. “The eastern side is more developed, while the western side remains largely rural. Balancing the needs and aspirations of both areas is no easy task.”
This divide is not just geographical but also cultural, with residents of rural areas often feeling marginalized or misunderstood by their urban counterparts. Reives emphasized the need for greater education and communication to bridge this gap, helping residents understand that growth and urbanization do not necessarily mean losing their rural identity.
“People are always worried about growth, but it’s about making sure that growth benefits everyone,” Reives argued. He pointed to the importance of maintaining the character of rural areas while providing opportunities for residents to thrive economically and socially.
Balancing Development and Preservation
As the conversation shifted to the issue of balancing development with preservation, we explored the complexities of maintaining Chatham County’s unique character while accommodating new growth. Reives shared his thoughts on the need for thoughtful land use planning and the importance of supporting local agriculture.
“One of the challenges we’ve had on the western side of the county is that some of the farmland has been sold off because people don’t want to keep it,” Reives explained. He stressed the need for policies that help landowners preserve their farms while also providing opportunities for economic development. Our discussion also touched on the role of government in facilitating growth while protecting the interests of residents.
We pretty much acknowledged that not all growth is welcome, particularly when it comes to large industrial projects that can disrupt the fabric of rural communities. Reives spoke about the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of the county. “We have to make sure that the growth we have is the kind of growth that people want,” he said.
The Challenge of Housing Affordability
One of the most pressing issues facing Chatham County, and indeed much of North Carolina, is the lack of affordable housing. With home prices in the county skyrocketing—now averaging over $600,000—many locals find themselves priced out of the market.
Chatham County’s rising home prices, driven by demand from new residents and the expansion of the Research Triangle, have made it increasingly difficult for long-time residents to afford to live in the area. Reives expressed sympathy for those who have been priced out of their hometowns, noting that this issue is not unique to Chatham County.
Andrews shared a poignant anecdote from his time coaching at Northwood, recalling how former students, eager to return to their hometown after college, found themselves unable to afford housing in the area. This, he noted, is a common story that reflects the broader challenges of housing affordability in growing communities.
“Chatham County has the highest average home price in the state,” Eric pointed out. “It’s heartbreaking to see people who want to come back home unable to do so because they can’t afford it.”
We discussed the challenges facing young families and retirees who want to stay in the county but cannot afford the escalating costs. We all agreed that addressing housing affordability would require a multifaceted approach, including increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving existing homes, and exploring innovative solutions like land trusts.
Economic Development and Job Creation
The conversation also turned to the topic of economic development and job creation, with Reives highlighting the successes and challenges in this area. He spoke with pride about the Wolfspeed project, which he described as a pivotal moment for Siler City and the western part of Chatham County. “It was really a big deal to get them,” he said, noting that the company chose North Carolina over other states, including New York.
Reives also discussed the importance of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas. He emphasized that economic development is not just about attracting large companies but also about creating an environment where local businesses can thrive. The group discussed the potential for Chatham County to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.
Water and Infrastructure: Meeting the Needs of a Growing Population
As Chatham County continues to grow, so too does the demand for infrastructure improvements. Water, in particular, has been a significant issue, with some communities facing outdated or inadequate systems that struggle to meet the needs of residents.
Reives highlighted the recent success in securing funding for water infrastructure in Goldston, a small town in the county that has long struggled with water quality issues. This funding, he explained, is crucial not just for ensuring safe and reliable water for residents but also for supporting future growth.
“Getting water money for Goldston was a big win,” Reives said. “
The Role of Local Government
Throughout the conversation, Reives emphasized the critical role that local government plays in shaping the future of Chatham County. He spoke about the challenges of representing a diverse constituency with varying needs and priorities. “You know you’re going to make somebody upset,” he said, acknowledging the difficult decisions that come with the job.
Reives also reflected on the importance of transparency and communication in government. He praised the efforts of local officials to engage with residents and ensure that they are informed about important issues like annexation and development. “What I like is figuring out how government can stay out of the way and where it can step in to help make things better,” he said.
A Community at a Crossroads
As our conversation at the Broken Spit drew to a close, it was clear that Chatham County is at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming years will have a profound impact on the future of the community, shaping everything from the character of its towns to the opportunities available to its residents. For Reives and the three of us at the table, the challenge is to find a way to balance growth with preservation, ensuring that Chatham County remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.
In the words of Reives, “We’ve got to recognize that growth is going to happen. The real question is, what kind of growth do we want, and how do we handle it?” It is a question that resonates not just in Chatham County but across the state and the nation as communities grapple with the complexities of development in the 21st century.
Watch on YouTube – 3 Guys from Pittsboro Having Lunch at Broken Spit with Robert Reives – Part 2 – 8.6.24
00:17 Discussion on the importance of having an agenda for meetings
- Implementing an agenda helped the group become more organized and productive in their discussions
- Further discussions on the hot topic of annexation, specifically regarding Goldston and Rock Cor
02:15 Discussion on voluntary annexation and its controversies
- Voluntary nature of annexation explained, reassuring that no one can forcefully take land or property
- Controversies arise from differing rules and restrictions between county and town jurisdictions
04:05 Discussion on development and infrastructure near Wake County Chatham County line
- Challenges and concerns around density, sewer systems, and residential development in Chatham County
- Impact and significance of bringing Wolfspeed to Siler City and its role in development
05:56 Discussion on the importance of the chip manufacturer industry in Chatham County
- Emphasized the significance of attracting chip manufacturers to the region
- Reflecting on the history of manufacturing in Siler City and the impact of industry changes
07:42 Importance of thoughtful growth planning
- Communities should focus on determining the type of growth they desire and plan accordingly.
- Challenges related to preserving farmland and passing down agricultural traditions.
09:22 Importance of government assistance for water infrastructure in Goldston
- Robert Reives expresses pride in securing water money for Goldston to fix critical water line issues.
- Reives highlights the challenges faced by governments in balancing assistance with expectations from constituents.
11:11 Discussion on rural vs urban challenges and unity in Chatham County
- Chatham County as a microcosm of North Carolina, highlighting the differences between East and West regions
- Emphasizing the need for greater education to address rural challenges and focus on common goals beyond partisan divides
12:57 Balancing growth and maintaining rural character
- Urbanization can coexist with rural charm without losing what we love about rural areas.
- Ensuring sustainable growth to allow future generations to return home.