Yellow highlight: Former Town Council Member Janice Propst
Newspaper articles chronicling the entire fight from beginning to end.
In 2008 Janice Propst formed a group "Friends of Weddington" to fight against a developers application for a private wastewater treatment plant for a proposed luxury home neighborhood "The Woods". Weddington citizens fought hard against it and in the end Weddington's town council voted against it as, "not being in harmony with Weddington's land use plan". The land is located next door to the Propst/Deal farm.
15 years later, Janice Propst's family farm is under contingent contract with Toll Brothers who has plans to design and construct a private community wastewater treatment plant for 93 homes "Deal Lake", located off HWY 84.
I've highlighted Janice Propst's quotes in the 2008 articles below:
Builder enlists water experts (this article is no longer found online, this is my copy I kept, where it all begain)....
Developer of The Woods is running tests to try to prove that proposed private treatment plant will be just as safe as other area sources.
By Ryan Basen
rbasen@charlotteobserver.com
WEDDINGTON --Developers, seeking to prove water from a plant they propose to build in The Woods development would be safe, are comparing water from a similar plant to water from local sources.
Residents oppose the project and continue to voice their opinions to town leaders.
The town planning board recommended that the council turn down The Woods by a 4-2 vote at its June 23 meeting.
The council must hold a public hearing before voting. Anderson says that during its July 14 meeting, officials likely will call for the hearing, which could then be held as soon as July 24.
Until then developers are working to prove that their Siemens membrane bioreactor plant would work and, by recycling water, be an innovative solution to N.C. 's water shortage.
IB hired Pace Analytical Services (Huntersville) to compare water samples from local sources to water from an existing Siemens membrane bioreactor and to N.C. Division of Water Quality reclaimed water standards.
A Pace associate last week filled 14 jugs of different sizes with water from each of four spots: Town Hall; a lake in Weddington's Aero Plantation neighborhood, which would abut The Woods; Aero resident Jim Badalamenti’s backyard; and a Mecklenburg County country club (IB declined to say which one).
8-10-2008
Sewer Debate Goes Public
BY ESTHER ROBARDS-FORBES - EROBARDS@CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article8998646.html#storylink=cpy
The Town Council will hold a public hearing this week to decide the fate of The Woods, a proposed subdivision that has drawn the ire of some town residents.
At issue is a proposal by developer, IB Development, and its parent company, Infinity Partners, to install a private sewer treatment system on the 200-plus acre property near N.C. 84 and Providence Road in western Union County.
Mayor Nancy Anderson has said the hearing could stretch over several evenings. The site has been moved to Weddington High School's auditorium to accommodate the crowd.
The developers want to use reclaimed water from the sewer system to irrigate lawns and landscaping in the neighborhood. They say it fits with their vision of a subdivision built using green practices.
People who live near the proposed subdivision say they are worried about health, safety, bad odors and the possibly negative effect on their property values. Nearby residents who are on well water also are concerned about contamination from the treated water that would run off lawns.
“The citizens are going to face the repercussions of this garbage,” said Janice Propst, whose family owns 200 acres adjacent to The Woods. “We can't be told with data what will happen to our ground water. We're supposed to be guinea pigs.”
The Woods would consist of 203 proposed homes that would sell for $1.2 million to $3million. Waste water and sewage from those homes would be treated by two Siemens Xpress membrane bioreactor plants, which are each small enough to fit on the back of an 18-wheeler, developers said.
The plants would be housed near the center of the community, next to the clubhouse and tennis courts. Trucks would come monthly to a sealed garage to pump away the solid waste.
The reclaimed water, which would be required to meet state standards, would be piped to two holding ponds on the southeast end of the property. That water would be filtered again before being used. Reclaimed water would not be released into any streams and residents wouldn't be able to smell it, developers say. Residents of The Woods would be on county water.
Propst, along with residents of nearby Aero Plantation and other neighborhoods, formed the group Friends of Weddington. So far they have posted signs on their property, demonstrated at Town Hall, organized a petition drive and put up a web site, friendsofweddington.org, to combat the proposed plant.
The group has hired experts such as an environmental engineer, a geologist and lawyer to help them present their case to the council Monday. They have spent an estimated $20,000 so far to fight the plant.
IB has their own group of experts who will speak at the hearing.
Melissa Emerine and her family moved from the Ballantyne area about a year ago. She remembers the smell from the McAlpine Creek treatment plant and fears the same smell would find its way to Weddington. “
“Everything that we value could be potentially destroyed,” Emerine said. IB Development says their fears are unfounded. Because of state permitting and regulation, “every drop of water in the system has to be accounted for,” said Ashley Campbell of Infinity Partners. “It can't smell. Who would buy a $2million house in a neighborhood that smells bad?”
Reclaimed water has been used for many years in Union County. The city of Monroe and the county wastewater treatment plants allow trucks to carry reclaimed water to wash streets or spray down dust at construction sites.
And now, the nearby town of Marvin is researching its own ordinances to see if private sewer plants would be allowed, said Anna Whalen, senior planner for the town.
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article8998646.html#storylink=cpy
----------Mecklenburg Times
Charlotte Observer
August 15, 2008
https://carolynsteeves.com/clips/pdf/MT%20-%20Weddington%20Woods%203.pdf
Town Unsure About Private Wastewater Plant
By CAROLYN STEEVES WEDDINGTON
There is a limited amount of sewer space in Union County and that's causing some developers to innovate in order to acquire the sewer space they need.
One such development, The Woods, has created a stir with a proposal to build an onsite, private wastewater treatment plant.
The Weddington Town Council met Monday to hear arguments from both sides and eventually decide whether or not to approve IB Development's private wastewater treatment plant proposal. There was not enough time for all of the presentations to be made and another hearing will be held next week.
''We didn't even come close to finishing the presentation," Weddington Mayor Nancy Anderson told The Mecklenburg Times. "We are far from having all the answers. We don't even have all of the questions yet."
Roughly 300 people attended the hearing, many bearing signs in protest of the private sewer proposal. Citizens are worried about the private plant having a negative impact on property values, possible environmental harm, a bad smell and other concerns.
Janice Propst, a member of the citizen's group Friends of Weddington, told The Times in June that she was concerned about the lack of infrastructure in Weddington. She said a lot of people do not consider a wastewater treatment facility infrastructure.
"I'm not against development, I just want it to be developed properly and I don't think private wastewater treatment plants are the answer," Propst explained.
She said her family has owned property adjacent to the proposed Woods property for five generations. She is concerned about a wastewater treatment plant on her property line.
Anderson said council members are determined to get as much information as possible about the issue before voting. "It's going to be a slow and deliberate process," she said. "We're going to do a very thorough job."
Philip Walton, a partner with Infinity Partners, one of the two organizations that, along with The Base Group, make up IB Development, told The Times in June that his group saw problems with sewer space in Union County and brought in an expert to look at alternatives, including a conditional septic system. When the developers found septic wasn't a viable option, an onsite wastewater treatment plant became more attractive.
Walton said there is a "shift in public dialogue about green and sustainability and the need to be more conscientious." A wastewater plant would solve the problem of inadequate sewer capacity and would beneficially reuse water, he said.
Some citizens are concerned about reusing water, but Walton said developers "certainly would not be putting either gray water or black water on lawns - that would be dangerous."
Anderson is interested to hear more about the water conservation plans, but said, "The Town Council's job is to look out for all of Weddington, not just this property ... we have to assess this and see how it fits into the big picture." However, Anderson said she needs to hear the rest of the presentations. At this point she's uncertain of how council members are leaning.
"I don't even know how I'm feeling about it yet," she said. "I am quite certain that the other council members are just patiently waiting until all the facts get out, then we'll deliberate on them."
------------
No Decision In Weddington
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article9001259.html
August 19, 2008
BY ESTHER ROBARDS-FORBES - EROBARDS@CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM
The Weddington Town Council made no decision Monday at a public hearing on the installation of a private sewer treatment plant in The Woods subdivision. Monday was the second night of testimony. The quasi-judicial hearing had been adjourned previously from the Aug. 11 meeting. The developer, IB Development, continued to present experts touting the proposed plant's safety, as well as the cleanliness of the reclaimed water that it plans to use to irrigate lawns. The hearing was adjourned to 6 p.m. Thursday at Weddington High School. ------------ August 27,2008
Weddington sewer plant draws fire
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9003221.html
WEDDINGTON The town council made no decision during the fourth night of hearings on the private sewer treatment plant planned for proposed development The Woods.
The Friends of Weddington, a group of local residents opposed to the plant, presented testimony calling the plan into question.
Rick Harmon, a geologist and hydro-geologic expert hired by the Friends of Weddington, said there likely was not enough information to determine where liquids would run in the event of a broken sewer line or spill.
The last witness for the Friends of Weddington, former Union County Public Works director Jon Dyer, testified that in his experience there is always odor associated with treatment plants, contrary to the presentation by IB.
“It will release gases that will need odor control. I am not aware of any plants with complete odor elimination,” said Dyer, who was director from 1999-2005.
He also expressed concerns that the upper part of the drainage basin The Woods property sits in may never receive county sewer if the private plant goes in.
He instead suggested that the developer install septic systems for the short term and then hook up to sewer when the county sewer lines are installed sometime in the future.
Union County currently has no permanent Public Works director.
IB Development has argued that installing septic systems would not be economically feasible. Homes in the proposed neighborhood would sell for $1.2 million-$3 million. Reclaimed water from the system would be used to irrigate lawns in the neighborhood.
Union County currently has little or no public sewer capacity to offer new residential development because the Twelve Mile Creek treatment plant is at capacity.
Closing statements and public comment will be heard at the next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Weddington High School.
This story was originally published August 26, 2008, 12:00 AM Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9003221.html#storylink=cpy
--------------
Sewer plant plan gets public airing
BY ESTHER ROBARDS - EROBARDS@CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM UPDATED AUGUST 31, 2008 10:13 AM
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9004241.html
The public finally got its say Thursday night on a proposed private sewer plant that developers want to build in Weddington.
About 150 people turned out for a five-hour public hearing, where 25 townspeople told council members what they thought. Most were against the plant that would use reclaimed water to irrigate lawns and common areas in The Woods, a proposed luxury subdivision.
“What are you going to do when one child gets hurt by (a virus that could be passed into the plant's treated water?) How are you going to live with yourselves?” John Giattino, a Weddington resident, asked the council.
A handful, including Jay Robinette, a local custom home builder and real estate agent, spoke in favor of allowing developers to build the sewer plant. He plans to build his own home in The Woods when it is approved and doesn't believe property values will be negatively impacted.
Thursday was the fifth night of public hearings, which began on Aug. 11. Many residents have attended week after week, carrying signs saying “No Sewer Plant.”
The proceedings follow a courtroom model, with attorneys representing both sides, the council serving as jury and speakers sworn in as witnesses. With Thursday's meeting, the town council finished hearing testimony and evidence. The council will begin deliberations in open session at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at Weddington High School. All hearings were moved from the town hall to the high school to accommodate large crowds.
Despite instructions from the mayor that only factual testimony could be entered into the record, residents on both sides Thursday presented opinions, concerns and fears.
Attorneys on both sides logged objections to much of the testimony, but the council will ultimately decide what to deliberate on.
“Taken as a whole, there was some testimony that could be considered and some testimony that was purely opinion testimony,” said Anthony Fox, attorney for the town.
IB Development is seeking a conditional use permit from Weddington to install a Siemens Membrane Bioreactor sewer treatment plant in a building at the center of The Woods development, planned for 200-plus acres near N.C. 16 and N.C. 84, the heart of Weddington. Homes in the neighborhood would sell for between $1.2 million and $3 million.
Witnesses for the developer spent three nights of hearings explaining the safety and invisibility of the plant.
Representatives for The Friends of Weddington, a concerned group of nearby residents, presented experts who said that inadequate planning was done to determine what would happen in the event of a sewage spill.
Former Union County public works director Jon Dyer testified that the Mundy's Run basin, in which The Woods and many other neighborhoods sit, would likely never receive county sewer lines if the plant went in.
Those speaking against the plant said they did so for many reasons:
Many were concerned about bacteria, viruses and chemicals small enough to pass through the plant, ending up on lawns and possibly contaminating groundwater. Many nearby residents use well water.
“No data is available whether it affects people's health and the long-term results of the filtration system,” said Debbie Hanrahan, a member of The Friends of Weddington.
Other speakers admitted that while the technology looked to be state-of-the-art, they felt there was not enough planning for an emergency or disaster. With the recent Hurricane Fay dumping 28 inches of rain on some parts of Florida, they were concerned that ponds for the reclaimed water may overflow and a power outage or fire could create a spill. Some said it wasn't a matter of whether a spill would happen, but when.
“They are trying to transfer the risk of their profit to us,” said resident Robert Vaughn, about IB Development.
Most of the residents in the Mundy's Run basin use septic systems while they wait for county sewer lines to be installed. Many said they fear that if the private plant goes in, there will be no incentive for the county to run the lines. They also cited concerns that their property values could greatly decrease if the plant has obnoxious smells or noise.
The Woods was originally supposed to send sewage to Mecklenburg County via a pump station, but Union County commissioners earlier this year voted down a permit for the pump station, leaving IB Development looking for alternatives.
Those who spoke in favor of the sewer plant gave several reasons:
The Woods would add a large tax base to both the town and county. That would mean more money for schools, they argued.
Some residents who live nearby said they trust the technology to be safe and not noxious.
Some called into question whether the fight is really a confrontation between pro-growth and no-growth elements in the town.
This story was originally published August 31, 2008 12:00 AM.
ffing SolutionsPolitical | Advocacy Advertising
From the Charlotte Observer
Weddington sewer discussion continues
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 08, 2008 11:01 PM
WEDDINGTON
The town council deliberated for over three hours in open session Monday night regarding a controversial private sewer treatment plant for the proposed neighborhood The Woods.
They failed to come to a decision and adjourned the meeting.
The council re-called and questioned several witnesses before going into deliberations.
The council, as a whole, did not give any solid indication of which way it might go. Council members seemed to agree that the plant did not endanger public health and safety and that all building requirements and specifications had been met.
The council could not come to a consensus as to whether neighboring property values would be harmed. They also could not agree whether the plant fit Weddington's land use guidelines.
“It's all a little unknown and it makes me uneasy,” Councilwoman L.A. Smith said. She pointed out that, if approved it could be the first of many private wastewater treatment plants in the area. Union County currently has little or no sewer access available for new residential development.
“That's not going to be in keeping with the character of our land use plan,” Smith said.
“We can't go against the land use plan. We just can't,” Mayor Nancy Anderson said.
Council members seemed worried that the developer had not consulted with Union County Public Works about how to bring sewer lines to that development and the properties around it.
“I've not heard any indication that they have even had a conversation with the county,” Anderson said.
Not one from Union County Public Works was called to testify about the future of sewer in the Mundy's Run basin, where The Woods property and several other neighborhoods sit.
The start of the hearing was delayed nearly an hour from its advertized 6 p.m. start because Councilman Robert Gilmartin was absent and proceedings could not begin without him.
“Apparently our meeting conflicts with the 8-year-old football practice schedule,” Anderson told the crowd of about 60 people that attended the meeting.
The legal representatives for IB Development, the developer of The Woods, will draft a motion in favor of approval.
The representatives for the Friends of Weddington, a group of residents against the plant, will draft a motion against the plant. Both groups will submit their motions to the council at the next meeting for the council to vote on.
The council recessed the meeting to 7 p.m. Thursday at Weddington Town Hall. The location will likely be moved if the crowd is large.
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9006971.html#storylink=cpy
--------------
Weddington Sewer Decision Expected Tonight
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9007838.html
September 11, 2008
A decision is expected from the Weddington Town Council tonight on a controversial private sewer treatment plant for the proposed luxury neighborhood The Woods. The proposed neighborhood would be located near Providence and Weddington Roads, near the heart of Weddington. Some nearby residents have expressed stuanch opposition to the plant because of concerns about odors and noise. After six meetings and more than 26 hours of hearings about the plant, the council will meet tonight at Weddington Town Hall, 1924 Weddington Road at 7 p.m. tonight. The meeting may be moved to a larger location, such as nearby Weddington High School, if there is a large turnout. This story was originally published September 11, 2008, 12:00 AM.
------------- Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9007838.html#storylink=cpy
Mecklenburg Times
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Back To The Drawing Board
Defeat of sewage plan deals setback to developers. By Carolyn Steeves
https://carolynsteeves.com/clips/pdf/MT%20-%20Weddington%20Woods%202.pdf
WEDDINGTON
The town of Weddington is out of The Woods - for now.
A month-long debate over whether or not a developer could build a private waste- water treatment plant in The Woods, a proposed upscale neighborhood in Weddington, ended last week. The Weddington Town Council unanimously voted to deny the proposal for the private wastewater treatment plant.
However, the developers
were not deterred by the loss.
Philip Walton, a partner with Infinity Partners, said he would be meeting with his engineers right away to come up with a new plan. "We'll find a way," he said. "We're not going anywhere."
Walton reiterated that they were committed to the property and the project. Infinity Partners and the Base Group formed a partnership - IB Development - to build The Woods.
Members of the citizens group Friends of Weddington were excited by the vote.
"We're thrilled that the town saw that this is not the correct infrastructure (for Weddington)," Janice Propst with Friends of Weddington said.
The crowd was filled with people holding multi-colored, laminated signs reading, "NO SEWER PLANT Please!" Weddington Road was lined with signs asking the council to vote against the proposed sewer.
And vote no they did. The Weddington council voted unanimously to deny IB Development's proposal to build a private wastewater treatment plant III their neighborhood, The Woods.
"I will reluctantly and somewhat regrettably" make a motion to deny, Councilmember L.A. Smith said. She then went through the four "findings of fact" that IB Development had to prove in their presentation.
The first finding of fact was the question of safe-
ty. The council concluded that that finding was fulfilled and they were satisfied the technology was safe.
The second finding of fact was that the use met required specifications - that all of the paperwork and applications were handled on time. The council deemed that requirement was met.
The third finding of fact dealt with adjoining property values. The develop- er side proved that the plant would not hurt adjoining property values, Smithsaid, noting that there was no evidence on either side that there would be damage to property value.
It was the fourth finding of fact that proved to be fatal for The Woods. The fourth requirement was that the proposal was harmonious with the land- use plan in Weddington and with future growth in Weddington.
The council found that they had not proven that requirement for a few reasons. Smith specifically mentioned that IB Development had not coordinated with the county. She was concerned that it would set a precedent of developers building private sewers and circumventing the system all together - thus going against the land-use plan to control growth.
The council agreed unanimously that the fourth requirement had not been met and rejected the proposal. The crowd applauded, cheered, whistled and waved their signs after the vote.
There was a late proposal by Walton to build a dry line through The Woods and work with Union County to disperse water to homes. Meter some discussion, Mayor Nancy Anderson asked whether that was not too little, too late. Smith responded that she didn't think it was too little, perhaps just too late.
While the issue has been decided for now. Walton has said the developers will continue to work to build The Woods.
Keny Hayes, a member of Friends of Weddington, understands that the issue will come up again.
I don't think The Woods project is dead," he said.
Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article9014000.html#storylink=cpy
------------
Letter to the editor
OCTOBER 05, 2008 12:00 AM
Event will help with legal fees
On Sept. 11, Weddington's Town Council unanimously voted against IB Development LLC's request to build a private sewer plant for its new development, The Woods, located on Hwy. 84 in Weddington. After a month of public testimony, the town rejected IB Development's request, since it did not meet Weddington's land-use plan.
Friends of Weddington formed, out of a deep concern that there was a real possibility of having private sewer plants across our town. With Union County's sewer-system shortage, we knew that if one private sewer plant was approved, this could set a precedent for others across our town and county.
Friends of Weddington is very grateful for the outcome, however, we could not have foreseen that it would take Weddington's town council a month to vote on this issue! After months of preparation, hiring experts and an attorney to represent the townspeople of Weddington, Friends of Weddington was left with a large legal bill.
We were fortunate to have several families across Weddington contribute money to our fight. Overall, it cost our group over $30,000 to represent the townspeople of Weddington and beyond. Friends of Weddington was able to raise over $20,000, but we are still left with a remaining bill of $10,000.
Weddington's town attorney, Anthony Fox, could have advised our town administrator, mayor and town council members that IB Development's request was against Weddington's land-use plan prior to granting a public hearing. Instead, attorneys and experts for the Friends of Weddington, IB Development LLC and the town of Weddington had to endure seven nights of costly public hearings and testimony, while the town council had to sort through tedious details regarding the proposed sewer plant.
To help raise money for our large legal bill, Friends of Weddington is inviting Weddington and Union County residents to a Masquerade fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.
Please join us for a night of music, festive food, spirits, and a silent auction.
For more details, please go to www.FriendsofWeddington.org.
We want to say a special thank-you to everyone for their support. Friends of Weddington looks forward to becoming more involved in issues that could affect our town and our county in the future.
Sincerely,
Melissa Emerine
Weddington
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.