Group sues over controversial Pittsboro development
PITTSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Chatham County group said Wednesday it is filing a lawsuit challenging the approval of a controversial development that could increase the population of the Town of Pittsboro from 4,000 to more than 60,000.
In a news release, Pittsboro Matters said the Pittsboro Town Board violated the North Carolina Constitution when it gave re-zoning approval to Chatham Park on June 9. The 7,000 acre project would be built on the outskirts of Pittsboro close to Jordan Lake.
Click here to read the lawsuit (.pdf)
"Plaintiffs state that the approved master plan and rezoning is inconsistent with the town's recently adopted land use plan, a specific requirement of North Carolina law," said the group.
Residents and town officials have gone back and forth for the last year on the Chatham Park plan. It will be the state's largest mixed-use planned development similar to Research Triangle Park.
Some have said they believe it's a great opportunity to bring jobs to the area, but others worry the plan doesn't go far enough to protect the natural environment.
"We are not seeking to stop Chatham Park," said Pittsboro Matters board member Amanda Robertson. "Instead we seek to greatly improve the process for implementing this massive development and to enhance its quality in a manner that protects and respects the environmental resources, small town character, and quality of life of Pittsboro and its citizens.
