Davidson neighbors fear Charlotte Water hookup will bring new development

DAVIDSON, N.C. — Davidson town commissioners will vote on Tuesday night whether to extend Charlotte Water service to the Davidson Pointe neighborhood.

The town stated that when the neighborhood was built, restrictive covenants were written to provide the Charlotte Water hookup when it was available. The town also stated the Charlotte Water connection will improve fire protection for the neighborhood and could impact the Davidson Fire Department’s overall insurance rating.

But the proposal is receiving backlash from some residents of the Davidson Pointe community and people who live in close proximity. Julie Mudge, who lives nearby, said she has never experienced or heard of any issues with the neighborhood’s well water. She fears the project will lead to major development nearby.

“It seems to be proposed as a project that is just going to bring water to this neighborhood, but we feel like it is just going to bring a lot more development with it,” Mudge said.

The neighborhood splits Mooresville and Davidson and has plenty of experience with proposed developments. In 2017, Mooresville leaders voted against a project that would have brought hundreds of homes, as well as retail, commercial and office space nearby.

Resident Dr. Arielle Emmett doesn’t believe commissioners are fully grasping their concerns. She said the pandemic has made it more difficult to provide feedback and that virtual meetings aren’t the same.

“With COVID, no one can really meet,” Emmett said. “So, no one can look at each other and see each other eye to eye and say, ‘This isn’t a good idea.’”

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In a statement, Save Davidson leader Denise Beall also questioned the process leading to the project’s vote on Tuesday night.

“Although the prior board had been replaced, it seems that town employees have continued to control method, manner and timing of citizen input,” Beall said. “Citizens continue to feel left out despite their efforts to be included in a meaningful way from the start.”

The water line extension request was discussed at town meetings in February. According to the town, Charlotte Water informed staff that a decision by the town on the extension to Davidson Pointe needs to be made in March, as the design-build contract and project are underway. The termination point also needs to be determined.

Click here to view FAQs on the project, as composed by Charlotte Water and the town of Davidson.