Good problem to haveAnnexation squabbles are nothing new, but the one brewing around a proposed development in south Rowan offers a twist: Rather than resisting annexation, the landowners want it, and Kannapolis and Landis may lay rival claims to the site.
Since the owners have been in negotiation with Kannapolis for some time and asked Rep. Fred Steen to pursue the relevant annexation legislation, that municipality would appear to have the advantage here. However, the 372-acre tract alongside I-85 lies closer to Landis and officials there say they’ve also had some discussions with the landowners. So there’s some ground for their pitch regarding annexation, too, and you can understand why they feel a bit jilted in the process.
In this case, however, officials would be wise to put aside jurisdictional jealousy and work together to expedite the development, which would include manufacturing and retail businesses. While one entity may get the property tax revenue, everyone will benefit from the dollars invested and the jobs created. A piece of the pie beats the heck out of an empty plate.