More than 200 Apex residents have signed a petition asking the Town to reconsider plans for a proposed 32-acre mixed-use development.
A public hearing was held around 4:30 p.m. on Monday to discuss the proposal, including the necessary rezoning for the project to move forward.
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The North Salem Street development, which was requested for rezoning by Merit Group, includes up to 450 housing units as well as 22,000 square feet of commercial space.
Residents in the nearby Haddon Hall neighborhood of Apex say they're concerned about what the development could mean for their community.
The plans include proposed road connections at Charlion Downs Lane and Frenchurch Way in Haddon Hall, which residents say would bring more traffic through the neighborhood. Neighbors say the potential for more traffic makes them worry about street safety, especially for families with children. Additional traffic along North Salem Street, which residents say can already be chaotic, is also a concern.
Residents added that they are also concerned about removing green space, both because they value green space in their neighborhood and because they're worried about a lack of stormwater drainage with more concrete.
George Waters lives in Haddon Hall and helped organize the petition. His street could become a roadway leading to the new development if plans are approved. He says he isn't against growth in Apex, but he wants the town to be careful with how it does it.
"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."
WRAL News reached out to the Town of Apex about opposition to the plan, which did not immediately respond before Monday's meeting.
Following Monday's hearing, the planning board will recommend the proposal to the Apex Town Council.