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Webster officials proceed with annexation of Rivercrest
By Rose Hooper
In a move they say will establish their town’s boundary, Webster board members voted 4-0 last week to annex the 43-acre Rivercrest Subdivision.
The crucial question, board member Louise Bedford said, is, “Are we doing what is best for Webster?
“I think we honestly, conscientiously and prayerfully try to do what is best for Webster,” Bedford said of the board’s action. “Everyone on this board is here because we love Webster; we have no ulterior motives or anything personal to gain.”
“I think we honestly, conscientiously and prayerfully try to do what is best for Webster.”
– Webster’s Louise Bedford.
“It never occurred to me that I might be annexed into a situation that is completely unprepared and unwilling to accommodate the continued business use and enjoyment of my property.”
– Property owner Ken Gillis
Jack the Dipper ice cream shop on N.C. 107 is included in the annexation. Property owner Ken Gillis, in a written statement to the board, requested they not act in haste, but defer the issue until he could seek legal advice.
“It never occurred to me that I might be annexed into a situation that is completely unprepared and unwilling to accommodate the continued business use and enjoyment of my property,” Gillis wrote to the board. “I wonder if the Webster town board is fully aware of the financial impact and manifest unfairness of what they are proposing.”
Gillis proposed Webster either “generate a proper business-zoned environment, or leave me to be annexed by somebody who already has one in place.”
In its annexation resolution, Webster officials did not designate a business zoning. Gillis’ property is grandfathered in as a “non-conforming business,” which will allow it to operate as long as it remains the same. If the business use ever changes, the new use would have to meet board approval.
Mayor Steve Gray will refer the possibility of a business zoning classification of the Gillis property to the town planning board.
Bedford said it would be nice if Webster could remain “an idyllic compact little community unaffected by change and the changes going on around us.
“The truth is,” she said, “we have spilled over into Bullfrog Cove, across the river and are marching up Kings Mountain. And another town is currently pushing up against our boundaries and occupying territory that those of us who are native citizens always considered part of Webster. At some point, Webster needs to say, ‘Enough.’”
Sylva town board members voted in April to annex 31 acres along N.C. 116, including homes on Griffin Road and Nanny’s Lane.
Webster board member Raymond Ledford, unable to attend the Aug. 26 meeting, submitted a written response requesting the board postpone its annexation vote.
“I would rather we ‘get it right’ than to act too hastily,” Ledford wrote. “This is a major decision as to the future of Webster; we need to find a way to help Webster residents understand the rationale.”
Ledford, who said he would respect the board’s decision, emphasized that “my only concern is that we do what is best for Webster.”
“In the long run, I think what we are doing will be good for the town of Webster,” said board member Jean Davenport. “Every action we take is based on that premise as we look out for Webster’s future.”
Board members have debated the issue at great length because a majority of Rivercrest residents signed a petition opposing the annexation.
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