Who is impacted?
I grew up in Mint Hill, a small town that changed rapidly due to unchecked development. I watched as large tract home developers moved in, building high-density neighborhoods with little regard for local capacity. The impact was immediate and personal: fire departments, EMS, and police were stretched thin. Schools became overcrowded, and access to healthcare grew more limited. Many of the homes were bought up by institutional investors and rental agencies, making it harder for local families—especially the next generation—to afford to stay in their hometown. That same pattern is beginning to take shape here, threatening the way of life that so many of us cherish.

What is at stake?
If we don’t act, we risk losing more than just open space—we risk losing our communities. Out-of-town developers rely on underwriting formulas that only work when they can pack in density—typically one home per 0.09 acres, with at least 60 homes required to make their numbers work. While that suits their business model, it overwhelms our public services and weakens the foundation of our local economy. Even more concerning, the profits often leave the county and the state entirely. Without thoughtful regulation, we will continue to see housing prices soar beyond what local families can afford, and we will continue to watch our towns become unrecognizable to those who built them.

Why is now the time to act?
We are at a critical turning point. Growth is happening, but we have a chance to guide it in a way that benefits our community instead of burdening it. That’s why I’m proposing a common-sense lot size requirement: a minimum of 0.15 acres for properties on city water, and 0.50 acres for properties using septic systems. This policy encourages quality over quantity. It allows local builders and families to re-enter the market and reduces dependence on high-density, out-of-state development. By putting thoughtful guardrails in place now, we can ensure growth that respects our infrastructure, maintains the character of our community, and secures opportunity for future generations.