At a public hearing on Monday afternoon, town officials heard concerns from over 200 Apex residents who have signed a petition asking the Town of Apex to reconsider a proposed 32‑acre mixed‑use development in the North Salem Street area. The project, submitted by Merit Group, would require rezoning and would add up to 450 housing units and roughly 22,000 square feet of commercial space.
Neighborhood worries focus on traffic and safety
Neighbors in the nearby Haddon Hall community voiced particular anxiety about new road connections at Charlion Downs Lane and Frenchurch Way. Residents argue that additional traffic could jeopardize street safety, especially for families with children. They also pointed to existing congestion on North Salem Street, describing it as already chaotic, and warned that the development could exacerbate the problem.
Loss of green space and storm‑water concerns
Petition signers also highlighted the removal of existing green space, emphasizing its value for recreation and its role in managing storm‑water runoff. They fear that replacing grass and trees with more concrete will increase flooding risk and diminish the neighborhood’s character.
Resident organizer calls for responsible growth
George Waters, a Haddon Hall resident who helped organize the petition, clarified that he is not opposed to growth in Apex. “We’re not anti‑development. We understand that this parcel up there is a great spot for development; it’s a great opportunity, probably a lot of great stuff you could do up there,” Waters said. “What we want to see is development up there — responsible development, that takes into account the context of the thriving neighborhood that’s already here.”
Town’s next steps
WRAL News reached out to the Town of Apex for comment on the opposition; the town did not respond before the meeting. Following the hearing, the planning board will forward a recommendation to the Apex Town Council, which will decide whether to approve the rezoning request and move the project forward.
Why this matters to Apex families
The debate underscores a broader conversation about how Apex balances growth with preserving the quality of life for its families. While new housing can help meet demand, residents are urging town leaders to weigh traffic impacts, safety for children, and the preservation of green spaces before committing to large‑scale projects.
Community members are encouraged to continue participating in the planning process, attend future council meetings, and stay informed about any decisions that could affect the Haddon Hall neighborhood and the wider Apex area.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
