Monday, July 7, 2008

Vision for Morrisville

In a speech at the Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville’s Mayor promoted the commercial development of retail “big box” stores, offices, apartments and restaurants. We don’t believe that this vision is shared by the majority of residents. It is contrary to our Town’s “Mission” and “Vision” Statements, which is “dedicated to preserving quality of life” and to “preserve small-town values.” Also, it is not supported by Morrisville’s limited road, water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.

Morrisville’s commercial development of 43% far exceeds surrounding neighborhoods: Cary 26%, Apex 18%, Raleigh 29%, Wake Forest 20%, and Holly Springs 9%. With recent Board approvals, rental apartments will soon exceed owner-occupied residences. Many perceive the Board has “never finding a development it didn’t like.” Morrisville is only about 10 square miles. How many high-density commercial services, stores, offices and apartment buildings can we squeeze in? This is not community building, and it is not acceptable.

Morrisville’s great appeal is primarily as a residential community of attractive one-family homes in highly desirable neighborhoods. Within minutes, we provide access to all services. We are in close proximity to major employment centers, prime recreational facilities and key transportation hubs and arteries. Our residents in owner-occupied homes provide a vital and sizeable tax base. Maintaining and enhancing Morrisville as a prime residential community is the “vision” we should be seeking.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The road congestion, not only on Hwy 54, but also on Cary Parkway where it crosses 54, is really alarming. And, wow, the big mall apartment office retail fiasco proposed at that corner doesn't even exist yet. Can you imagine?? What WERE they thinking?

Anonymous said...

I moved to Morrisville for the small town feel in the middle of everything I could ever need. As I watch the town grow, I am amazed to see "out of control" growth with no end in sight. Our road infrastructure can not continue to handle the growth. The town can not fix most of the conjection issues because the main artery road projects are controlled by the state. Until we can get a better handle on our infrastructure, we should be limiting our growth and stop thinking about the all mighty dollar and how we can increase our tax base.