At the February 10 Waxhaw Board of Commissioners meeting, one principle guided the evening’s decisions: Residents First.
Commissioner Farris was absent due to the birth of his son, Connor. Congratulations to the Farris family.
Legislative Priorities Structured Around Residents’ Interests
The Board unanimously approved a focused list of legislative priorities divided into two categories:
- Policy Changes
- Project Advocacy
Importantly, the submission was limited to six clearly identified items. State legislators had specifically asked municipalities not to send lengthy lists and not to include road funding requests.
By keeping the list disciplined and strategic, the Board demonstrated that putting residents first also means being credible and effective in Raleigh.
Policy Change: Supporting HB170 to Restore Local Authority
The most significant policy item was support for HB170, legislation that would restore down-zoning authority removed by SB382.
SB382 significantly limited the ability of towns like Waxhaw to reduce development intensity or density without triggering legal and financial consequences. In practical terms, it weakened local land use authority and reduced the town’s ability to respond to resident concerns about growth.
Before last year’s election, the previous developer-friendly majority on the Board treated SB382 as a non-issue. Discussion of its impacts was minimized, and a planned staff presentation outlining the law’s consequences was removed from the January 30, 2025 retreat agenda.
Today, the situation is different.
With the election of three Waxhaw Wall commissioners, the Board now has a full majority committed to the message we ran on: growth decisions should reflect the will and welfare of Waxhaw residents — not outside interests.
Supporting HB170 is a concrete step toward restoring that balance.
This is what it means when we say Residents First — protecting the town’s authority so that decisions stay closer to the people who live here.
Project Advocacy: Focused and Responsible
In addition to policy changes, the Board approved a concise list of project advocacy items.
Commissioner Daunt made the motion to:
- Limit the submission to the six previously identified priorities
- Remove items 7–15 from the packet
- Revise the skatepark language to clarify that the request is for repair and improvement only — not a multi-phase expansion
The rationale was straightforward: focused advocacy strengthens outcomes for residents. When legislators provide clear guidance, respecting it improves our credibility and effectiveness.
The motion passed unanimously, 4–0.
Bicycle and E-Bike Ordinance Adopted
The Board also adopted a new ordinance updating Waxhaw’s bicycle, e-bike, and recreational device regulations.
The ordinance:
- Defines Class 1 and 2 e-bikes (up to 750 watts and 20 mph)
- Allows bicycles on sidewalks unless otherwise posted
- Prohibits motorized devices on sidewalks
- Sets a 10 mph sidewalk speed limit
- Sets a 15 mph limit in parks and greenways
- Requires helmets for riders under 16
- Requires lights and reflectors at night
- Establishes a civil penalty of up to $50
The update modernizes town code and improves pedestrian safety, ADA accessibility, and clarity across streets, sidewalks, and greenways.
A brief moment of humor occurred when the Town Clerk initially advised that the entire three-page ordinance needed to be read aloud. Commissioner Gemignani began reading it before the Town Attorney clarified that a full reading was unnecessary.
A Clear Direction Forward
The February 10 meeting demonstrated a meaningful shift in governance. Legislative advocacy is now disciplined. Land use authority is being defended. Messaging is clear.
For residents who voted for accountable growth and stronger local decision-making, the message from this meeting was unmistakable:
This New Waxhaw Board Puts Residents First.