Town keeps control of prime real estate

WESLEY CHAPEL, N.C. — The town of Wesley Chapel is claiming victory after a Channel 9 investigation into 80 acres of land along a busy road.

A state senator wanted to take control of the prime real estate, but after Eyewitness News investigator Paul Boyd questioned whether he was overstepping his power, the senator backed off.

Residents in Wesley Chapel were not happy with what they described as a major overreach by the state.

Two weeks ago, Sen. Tommy Tucker, R-Union, filed a bill that would have taken away development control of that large property, which is next to one of the busiest intersections in Union County.

The land at the corner of Cuthbertson and New Town roads are highly sought after because of proximity to school, but the town has very strict developmental guidelines.

Tucker's de-annexation bill could have set a dangerous precedent by stripping away local control.

Wesley Chapel Mayor Brad Horvath said Friday that Tucker is now backing away from the bill after Channel 9’s reporting.

The senator will now give local leadership the opportunity to maintain control of their own zoning laws.

The Wesley Chapel Council will now look at modifying its bylaws to allow for a solar farm to be developed on the property. There is less concern about traffic impact with that form of land use on the site.

Channel 9 also investigated Tucker's involvement in local developments two years ago.

Mayors said developers were sidestepping local rules and going straight to the senator to get their way.

He's tried de-annexing land in Wesley Chapel and was successful in Marvin.

Channel 9 dug through a list of campaign donations and found thousands of dollars from developers.

At the time, Tucker said there was no conflict of interest.

Cox Media Group