WakeUP Speaks to Wendell Town Board

Wake County's population is due to double in 25 years, growing by 100 people per day. So reported WakeUP's Executive Director, Karen Rindge, speaking before the Wendell Town Board of Commissioners on October 26. The topic: Growth issues facing all towns in our county, and the solutions to solving planning for rapid growth, increasing traffic, growing schools and a polluted drinking water supply. These are priority issues for WakeUP Wake County, which is why WakeUP recommends implementing a regional transit system, water conservation and stormwater runoff measures (using incentives) and using new funding options to encourage growth to help pay its fair share of the costs of infrastructure. 

Rindge praised the Wendell commissioners for addressing water quality by approving a strong stormwater control ordinance that will require the latest in new low impact development technology on new buildings. Also, Wendell will benefit from a new commuter bus line between Zebulon, Wendell and Raleigh.

Following Rindge's presentation, the town board unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the "Reality Check" guiding principles for good growth planning, including: 1.) expanding public transit, 2.) protecting green spaces like forests, farmland and water and 3.) creating vibrant centers with increasing density in urban areas (especially around transit). The board amended the resolution to include a fourth principle: Development should pay its fair share of the costs of growth.