The Great Migration: How Our Community Must Prepare for Growth
In recent years, a notable shift has emerged in the residential patterns of many Americans. The bustling urban landscapes, once considered the epicenters of opportunity and modern living, are witnessing a significant exodus. People are packing their bags, leaving behind the towering skyscrapers and congested streets, and heading toward smaller, suburban towns in search of a better quality of life. This phenomenon, often referred to as "The Great Migration," presents both an exciting opportunity and a unique set of challenges for these receiving communities such as Waxhaw, NC located in Union County.
While the influx of new residents promises economic growth and cultural enrichment, it also underscores the urgent need for Union County to plan and adapt.
For decades, our area has allured people from all over America with our top ranked schools and low crime rates. In January 2023, North American Van Lines, Inc. released their annual migration map that details where Americans moved during the trailing 12 months. The map uncovered a sizable trend of Americans leaving high cost-of-living areas for warmer climates with more reasonable housing conditions, noting southern states received the largest amounts of movers.
Top inbound states uncovered within the map include South Carolina (66%), North Carolina (64%), Tennessee (64%), Arizona (57%), and Florida (56%).
“Across the board, a clear trend of Americans leaving expensive, highly taxed, and cold states for warmer states with lower tax burdens can be observed, at both the state and city level.”
Agreed - and these trends have been continuing in Union County throughout 2023 and will be into the future.
Union County Commissioner Richard Helms stated in a WBTV interview regarding sewer capacity that, “If you want to harm our economy, do nothing!”. It was in that same interview that the late Chairman Rushing essentially told newcomers to go elsewhere - a rather hurtful message to newcomers seeking a new life in Union County (see the video below).
WBTV interview regarding sewer capacity in Union County NC
That same sentiment of “go elsewhere” persists today with some current members of the Union County government as well as a few new candidates for elected office who identify as “Walls” - and they are determined to keep newcomers out.
Failing to plan for growth leads to overburdened infrastructure, from roads to sewage systems, creating daily inconveniences and potential health hazards. Without forward-thinking, housing shortages will skyrocket rents and property prices, pushing out long-time residents and altering the community's character. Additionally, insufficient educational and healthcare facilities can compromise the quality of life and future opportunities. Lastly, a reactive rather than proactive approach can erode trust in local leadership, fostering community divisions and stalling future development initiatives. In essence, neglecting to anticipate and manage growth can jeopardize the very essence of what makes a town unique and livable.
Look back to the 2014 Union County Comprehensive Plan and you’ll see that there has been growth in student population every year since the 2002 – 2003 school year. Union County additionally acknowledged that,
“According to the Enrollment vs. Capacity worksheet produced by the school system, ten of the schools exceed 110% capacity, including four of the nine middle schools. Twenty- three percent of elementary schools, 50% of middle schools and 18% of high schools exceed 100% capacity.”
A map was provided on page 65 that illustrates the location of the facilities. Can you guess where they’re located? - Western Union County.
Fast forward to today and the most recent Union County 2050 Comprehensive Plan states,
“Despite projections of tens of thousands of new residents in Union County over the next decade, Union County Public Schools does not project construction of any new schools solely for overcrowding in the next ten years, although it is developing plans to upgrade or replace old facilities.”
Reading that statement seems to indicate that school capacity isn’t an issue at all - for a long time to come. That’s really odd given repeated complaints from the current Union County Board of Education regarding growth in Western Union County. Consider this, the construction of a new school cluster is twice the cost today as it was just 5 years ago, and it will be even more expensive tomorrow. Any elected official who’s paying attention to the growth trends would certainly be considering school expansion in Western Union County; but they’re clearly not thinking about our future.
The Union County Comprehensive plans have highlighted challenges with wastewater capacity and the need for improvements for decades. The continued neglect to plan for wastewater growth is having dire consequences for our community. As the population continues to expand, the outdated and undersized wastewater systems will continue to be overwhelmed, and that can lead to untreated or inadequately treated sewage entering local waterways.
This not only poses severe environmental risks, damaging aquatic ecosystems, but also heightens health threats from waterborne diseases. Furthermore, overburdened systems can result in sewage backups into homes and streets, causing property damage and public health crises. The lack of foresight in wastewater management can also lead to costly emergency repairs and upgrades, burdening taxpayers and potentially delaying other vital community projects. In essence, failing to anticipate and address wastewater needs can compromise the health, environment, and economic vitality of our community.
So what if Union County is failing to plan for our future? What does any of this have to do with Waxhaw?
Everything is connected. When Union County officials fail to proactively plan for growth, especially in crucial sectors like schools and wastewater management, they will be facing heightened financial pressures that directly affect Waxhaw. Reactive interventions are generally costlier, and a surging population places undue stress on existing infrastructure, leading to more frequent and expensive maintenance or replacements. Unplanned scenarios also result in additional costs, such as environmental penalties or temporary schooling solutions. Moreover, to manage these unplanned expenses, Union County may start issuing bonds (every 2 years), incurring long-term interest. Such accumulative financial strains will translate to significantly increased taxes for residents.
This is the “go elsewhere” mindset from groups who identify as, “Walls”: Reduce and/or stop growth as much as possible, deplete cash reserves, then start issuing bonds. Sound familiar? It should because this is the strategy that Union County has in store for all of us. There are more bonds coming and they’re telling everyone, “don’t worry, we’re not raising taxes because voters are approving the bonds.” A bond is a tax - and all of this is happening as a result of neglecting growth for decades.
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
The recent influx of residents moving from urban centers to Union County underscores the vital importance of effective planning. Our once quiet communities are now facing immediate needs related to housing, traffic, and essential public services. Beyond the present challenges, there's a call for enhanced infrastructure, ranging from transportation solutions to expanded educational facilities. Economic balance is key, ensuring both newcomers and long-term residents benefit from growth without saturating job markets. Furthermore, sustainability shouldn't be overlooked, with a focus on protecting local ecosystems while developing. Lastly, fostering a sense of community cohesion, blending the traditions of old residents with the aspirations of the new, becomes paramount. Proactive, long-term vision in growth management will ensure that Union County remains harmonious and prosperous for generations to come.
Without foresight and preparation, what might seem like a boon today could quickly become a burden, straining local resources and altering the very essence of what made Union County attractive in the first place.
The challenges we face are complicated and not simple.
Vote Informed.
Ask the questions.
Contact your elected officials.
#Truth
#BridgesNotWall