Council member: Backroom deal led to controversial Wesley Chapel development

WESLEY CHAPEL, N.C. — There are new allegations that a local mayor made a backroom deal involving a controversial senior housing development.

On May 9, Wesley Chapel’s Town Council approved plans for the development to be built off Highway 84. Now, Town Council member Mike Como is telling Channel 9 the decision was really made weeks before; even before a public hearing.

When Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster asked Como how he knows that happened, he replied, “Well I sat with the mayor 45 minutes before the meeting. (The) meeting was at 7 (p.m.). At 6:15, I sat at a desk with him and he told me it didn't matter what the public said, that the decision had already been made.” When asked how he responded, he said, “I was flabbergasted."

More than 100 people came to the public hearing on April 27 including Wesley Chapel resident Amanda Fuller, who has voiced her opposition to the development for several months.

"People are just really concerned about traffic,” Fuller told Channel 9. “The infrastructure of our town just can't support cramming a lot of houses on 24 acres. And we just feel like we weren't listened to."

Despite a petition and fight from residents, 60 senior homes will be built near Wesley Chapel Elementary school.

Foster asked Mayor David Kapfhammer, “There was no verbal or written agreement with the developer prior to the public hearing?” He replied, “Absolutely not.”

Kapfhammer said he and other council members talked to residents and the developer to find a happy medium.

"All of those discussions I think are being referred to as back door deals right? But it's part of a legislative process we need to go through in order to be able to bring the right kind of community to Wesley Chapel," Kapfhammer told Channel 9.

Como maintains it was wrong and said, "All this was pushed through before the pulse of the people was taken."

Wesley Chapel residents are filling out a survey now that asks their opinion on different types of development. Village council members aren't expecting results from these for another couple of weeks, but they already approved the senior housing development.

Channel 9 also called the developer for comment and did not hear back.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group