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Voters resoundingly reject Zeltman annexation

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Click here to enlarge this photo Diane Gleason assists Don Maxey in posting a sign against the Zeltman annexation.

In a landslide, 1,413 voters cast ballots against the annexation, while 560 voted in favor of it. The annexation would have brought a 24-acre regional park and two-campus school site under the town’s control, as well as space for 275 homes, in exchange for 79 acres of town-owned land.

The Zeltman annexation has been in the town’s master plan for growth for 10 years.

After the Town Council approved the Zeltman annexation 4-1, residents unhappy with the decision petitioned to have the decision placed on the ballot.

Patty Williamson led the drive, which collected more than 1,800 valid signatures from registered voters. Phone calls to Williamson were not returned by The Gazette’s press time.

Rita Misra, an opponent of the Zeltman petition, said Tuesday she was thrilled with the response. “It’s an overwhelming feeling. I’m incredibly proud of the community.“

Misra said she believed Mount Airy was still a great place to live. “I believe the vast majority did their best to block out the chatter,“ of those in favor of the annexation, Misra said, adding that residents “exercised their right to vote“ and want to be responsible for how the community grows.

“I hope the momentum continues.“

Those who supported the annexation, such as the Mount Airy Coalition for Smart Growth, called the annexation failing “unfortunate.“

“[The coalition] will continue to advocate for smart growth, to spread the truth about growth, to bring schools and parks within our town limits, and to get the facts to as many residents as possible,“ wrote Donnamarie Needle, vice president of the coalition, in an e-mail to The Gazette Tuesday.

“It is unfortunate for our children and our town that the Zeltman annexation did not pass, and also unfortunate that the annexation's connection to water was and still is completely misunderstood.“

Jean Zeltman said she and her husband have several options for their property, but she declined to elaborate. “We’re sad for the town,“ she said.

Phone calls to Rob Scranton, president of CBI Development Group, which would have developed the property, were not returned by The Gazette’s press time Wednesday.

According to information posted on the town’s Web site and confirmed by town staff, 1,988 out of 4,906 registered voters cast ballots in Monday’s election. Included in the 1,988 total are 52 absentee ballots, and an unknown number of supplemental voter forms — those who registered to vote only in the town’s election.