Right-Sized Budget
The Waxhaw Board of Commissioners adopted a right-sized budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 during its June 9 meeting, approving a spending plan that preserves essential services, funds critical road projects, maintains the current property tax rate, and reduces spending by more than half a million dollars from the Town Manager’s original recommendation. The budget vote…
Lame Ducks Sell Out Waxhaw
The Olivia project in Waxhaw was forced through last night by three lame duck commissioners. They approved 302 apartments, even lowering the town’s parking standards to please the developer. Residents United, Commissioners Divided Citizens filled the room and spoke out against the plan. Commissioners Wedra and Daunt stood with them. Wedra moved to deny the…
Rehobeth Upzone
On May 27th, 2025, the BOC voted to annex and upzone 47 acres off Rehobeth Rd, paving the way for at least 100 more residential units in our town – the Rehobeth Upzone. The existing county zoning was R-20 (about 2 houses per acre). The new Waxhaw zoning is now R-4 (at least 4 houses…
Ethel St Rezone
On May 27th, 2025, the BOC voted to reject a request of the owner of a 4.48 acre property off Ethel Street to rezone from R3 to NC – the Ethel St Rezone. The property has a large pond, which would need to be drained. Neighbors complained that the narrow gravel road that leads to…
Waxhaw Embraces State Handcuffs
As discussed in this previous post, the NC state legislature eviscerated local control over zoning on December 11th by placing onerous restrictions on down zoning (any change that reduces density). This seems intended to lock in profits for developers, as higher density residential developments tend to be more profitable than those with lower density. Waxhaw…
Atrium Development
On November 26th, 2024, the BOC voted to accept a conditional rezone that allows for the construction of a 190-unit age-restricted (55+) apartment building – the Atrium Development. The existing zoning of Economic Center requires that non-residential uses be built and well-established before any residential units can be constructed. Beginning with a suggestion by outgoing…
Attack/Shun/Stalk
On September 24th, the BOC voted to deny the application of the current Planning Board Chair, and an application from a well-qualified Military Veteran. No reason was given. Details here.
Insulting the Neighbors
Insulting the Neighbors – On June 25th, the BOC voted to send an insulting resolution to the Union County Board of Commissioners. The main purpose of this resolution was to complain about the BOCC’s decision in April to remove the eastern spur of the Waxhaw Parkway from its transportation plan. However, the resolution also contained…
Arbor Dr 2 Acre Rezone
On June 25th, 2024, the BOC voted according to the expressed preference of local residents to rezone a 2 acre piece of property on the corner of Old Providence Rd and Arbor Dr. The existing zoning was R3, which meant the owner could’ve built 6 houses by right (without BOC approval). Arbor Dr 2 Acre…
DeWitt Denied
On June 11th, the BOC denied a new development for the first time in many years. This project of 312 residential units deviated from Waxhaw’s Land Development Code in many ways, and perhaps the crucial factor was the lack of a necessary easement in the small commercial section. DeWitt Denied. On April 16th, the Planning…
Emerson Rezoning
On May 28th, 2024, the BOC voted to rezone the 111-acre Howie property for a developer project of 700+ residential units – another Emerson Rezoning. This property was previously rezoned in 2021 from one per acre to four-plus houses per acre. The Tuesday vote on the Emerson project was not a clear choice between higher…
Graham Annexation and Rezoning
Graham Annexation and Rezoning – On April 23rd, 2024, the BOC voted to annex 168.58 acres of Mel Graham’s property into the town and zone it to a higher density than the previous county zoning. No development plan has been formulated, but this will lead to a minimum of 240 new residential units.
Firearms Permit Process
On April 9th, 2024, the BOC voted to create a permit process to allow an expanded use of muzzleloaders and shotguns on qualifying private properties – we now have a firearms permit process.
Smoke Shop Limitation
On March 12th, 2024 the BOC voted to limit the distance between smoke shops and their proximity to schools – smoke shop limitation. Planning Board Chair Daniel Farris worked hard to bring this forward.
Downtown Signage
On February 27th, 2024, the BOC voted to eliminate backlit signs from the downtown signage area. The helps to preserve the character and small-town charm of our downtown.
Adelina Rezone and Annexation
On November 28th, 2023, the BOC voted in favor of a new development of 486 residential units on 226 acres – Adelina rezone and annexation.
Developer Transparency
On Nov 14, 2023, the BOC voted in favor of improved neighborhood meeting signs and other requirements for prospective developers – improving developer transparency.
Social District Test Run
On September 26, 2023, the BOC voted to try out the Social District concept during the Autumn Treasures event.
Private Sewer Ordinance
On July 25, 2023, the BOC approved an amendment to the Water and Sewer Requirements ordinance, allowing for private water and sewer connections when Union County Public Works is unable to provide public utilities. (facilitates development that is independent of county capacity)
Roger’s Pond Subdivision
On January 24th, 2023, the BOC voted to approve the Roger’s Pond subdivision – 124 residential units on 61.5 acres. It was originally rezoned in 2022.
Cottage Park Rezone
On January 24th, 2023, the BOC voted to approve the rezone request for the Cottage Park development – 225 residential units on 29.5 acres.
Yarbrough Village Annexation and Rezone
On January 10th, 2023, the BOC voted to annex 242.28 acres into the town and rezone it to a higher density for the Yarbrough Village development – 502 residential units.
Amavi Annexation and Rezone
On October 25th, 2022, the BOC voted to approve the annexation and rezone of 33.8 acres for the Amavi development – 136 residential units.
Villages of Waxhaw Subdivision
On October 11th, 2022, the BOC voted to approve the Villages of Waxhaw subdivision – 32 residential units on 7.3 acres.
Town Campus Loan Increase
On August 23rd, 2022, the BOC voted to increase the loan for the new town campus from $18M to $20.8M.
20% Property Tax Hike
On July 22nd, 2021, the BOC voted for a budget which did not compensate for the enormous rise in property values post-revaluation. The revenue neutral rate of 32 cents for every $100 of value was ignored. By maintaining the rate of 38.5 cents, property tax revenues subsequently shot up by about 20%. To justify this,…
High-Density Rezones
On March 9th, 2021, the BOC voted to adopt a new zoning map (Click here and skip to page 397). For comparison, click here for the old map. This had the effect of rezoning multiple properties to higher densities, most notably the Howie farm right beside downtown – paving the way for the proposed Emerson…
Extra Year in Office
On January 26th, 2021, the BOC voted in support of moving municipal elections to even years, which would’ve effectively granted themselves an extra year in office. Initially this item was on the consent agenda, but Commissioner Morey moved to remove it so there could be discussion. The resolution still passed, but did not have any…
Old Town Village Rezone
On Nov 23rd, 2020, the BOC voted to rezone the land for the Old Town Village development – 66 residential units on 9.9 acres. This is a rare example of the Mayor breaking a 2-2 tied vote because a Commissioner was absent. The subdivision vote for this development occurred on July 27th, 2021. The first…
Preserve at Forest Creek Rezone
On August 25th, 2020, the BOC voted to rezone for the Preserve at Forest Creek development – 504 residential units on 212 acres.