Mayor Jacques Brings Community Town Hall to Sweetwater: Apex Growth, Development, and Your Voice
- Alli Pepperling
- Oct 24
- 7 min read
Sweetwater Town Center | Community Update
On a Wednesday evening, Mayor Jacques brought his in-the-community town hall series to Sweetwater Town Center, demonstrating what it means to meet residents where they are. The impressive turnout on a weeknight spoke volumes about Sweetwater's engaged community spirit.
Mayor Jacques, who served 29 years with the Apex Police Department before becoming mayor six years ago, continues his commitment to accessibility and transparency. He emphasized an important principle: community town halls belong in the community, not in government buildings where residents must come to them.
Understanding Apex's Rapid Growth
The numbers tell a compelling story. When Mayor Jacques was growing up in Apex, the town had just 2,500 residents. Today, Apex's population stands at approximately 82,000 people, with projections reaching 100,000 by 2030. This exponential growth has transformed how the town approaches planning. The original 2045 Peak Plan was developed when Apex had 55,000 residents. The rapid acceleration of growth required updating this vision to the Peak Plan 2055, extending the planning horizon to account for development patterns no one anticipated.
The town attracts residents from across the country. During the town hall, Mayor Jacques acknowledged community members who relocated from New York, California, and other states, all drawn to what Apex offers.
How Land Use Decisions Work in Apex
Mayor Jacques walked Sweetwater residents through the land use approval process, clarifying common misconceptions about how development decisions happen.
The Decision-Making Structure
Apex Town Council consists of the mayor and council members. The mayor typically does not vote except to break ties, which has occurred only three times in six years. Most land use decisions require a simple majority of three council votes.
The Development Review Process
When developers submit proposals, they must follow the Unified Development Ordinance guidelines. Applications go through:
Staff review for compliance with existing regulations
Planning Board evaluation by community members
Final decision by Town Council
The mayor explained a critical point: if a development meets all ordinance requirements, the town cannot simply refuse it based on preference. Legal precedent from other North Carolina municipalities shows that attempts to stop growth outside established regulations result in costly litigation that ultimately raises taxes for residents. Meaningful regulation of growth requires action at the state level, not just local decisions.
Affordable Housing: A Growing Challenge
Mayor Jacques raised a thought-provoking question: Is affordable housing actually affordable in Apex? The average home sale price in Apex currently sits at approximately $654,000. This creates significant barriers for essential workers, including first responders, teachers, and many others who want to live in the community they serve but find it financially out of reach.
The town is working on incorporating affordable housing components into new development projects as part of addressing this challenge.
Balancing Commercial and Residential Development
Apex currently maintains an 80% residential to 20% commercial tax base ratio. This means residents bear the majority of the tax responsibility. The mayor discussed how the town is actively working to increase commercial development, which would help distribute the tax burden more evenly. He highlighted the Veridea project near Holly Springs as an example of mixed-use development that brings both commercial activity and institutions like Wake Tech to the area. Projects like Wilson Harbor Springs that attract large corporations help lift the commercial tax base, potentially lessening the tax burden on residents. Apex maintains the third-lowest tax rate in Wake County, though taxes continue to rise with property revaluations.
Peak Plan 2055: Your Input Matters
The Peak Plan 2055 represents a comprehensive vision for how Apex will look over the next 30 years. This planning effort addresses transportation, land use, and community development patterns. Mayor Jacques emphasized that community engagement drives this plan. A survey is currently available for residents to share their priorities and vision for Apex's future.
Participate in shaping Apex's future: Visit the Town of Apex Engagement Hub to access the Peak Plan 2055 survey and other community input opportunities.
Data Center Development: Community Concerns
When asked about the proposed data center project, Mayor Jacques acknowledged the significant community discussion surrounding it. He noted that he has not encountered a single resident who supports the project.
Residents have expressed concerns about:
Environmental impact
Infrastructure demands
Noise pollution
The project is currently working through the review process with the Environmental Advisory Board. The final decision will not reach Town Council until January or February, meaning a newly elected council (with at least two new members) will make this determination.
Mayor Jacques made his priorities clear: "I will never put a value, as far as how much money we can bring in, over human life." While the project could bring temporary jobs during construction and potentially help the tax base, these economic factors must be weighed against quality of life considerations.
Transportation and Infrastructure
The mayor discussed transportation challenges accompanying Apex's growth. The infrastructure that served a town of 55,000 residents was not designed for the current population of 82,000, much less the projected 100,000 by 2030. The Peak Plan 2055 addresses multi-modal transportation needs, including roads, pedestrian infrastructure, bike paths, and transit connections. Community input on transportation priorities is essential to ensuring the plan addresses real needs.
Staying Informed and Getting Involved
Mayor Jacques stressed the importance of getting complete information before forming opinions. Social media posts often present partial information without full context.
How to Stay Connected:
Follow Mayor Jacques on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
Download the Mayor's mobile app for direct updates
Reach out directly with questions (the mayor shares his personal cell phone number)
Attend Town Council meetings and participate in public comment periods
Complete community surveys and planning input forms
Attend Apex Peak Academy to learn all about our local government
The mayor encourages residents to reach out to him, town staff, or council members when they see information that doesn't sound right. Getting the full story helps prevent misinformation from taking root.
What's Coming: Projects in the Pipeline
Many approved development projects have not yet broken ground. The Veridea project, a 1,008-acre development on Highway 55 near Holly Springs, exemplifies this. Despite approval, construction has not started. The developers of Veridea spent three hours with the mayor understanding community priorities before finalizing their plans. This collaborative approach, where developers research what the community wants rather than imposing predetermined plans, represents a model for responsible growth.
Why This Matters for Sweetwater
The Sweetwater community's strong turnout for this town hall reflects the engaged, informed approach that makes this neighborhood thrive. Understanding how land use decisions work, participating in planning processes, and staying informed about development empowers residents to shape their community's future. Mayor Jacques's accessibility and commitment to meeting communities where they are create opportunities for meaningful dialogue. This evening at Sweetwater Town Center demonstrated how local government can work when leaders prioritize transparency and community engagement.
Take Action
Your voice shapes Apex's future. Here's how you can participate:
Complete the Peak Plan 2055 survey at the Town of Apex Engagement Hub
Attend Town Council meetings to hear discussions and provide public comment
Stay informed through official town channels and community resources
Connect with neighbors to discuss community priorities and concerns
Verify information by reaching out directly to town officials when questions arise
Community planning works best when residents actively participate. The decisions made today about development, transportation, and growth will shape Apex and Sweetwater for the next 30 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apex Growth and Development
What is Peak Plan 2055?
Peak Plan 2055 is Apex's comprehensive plan for how the town will develop over the next 30 years. The plan addresses land use, transportation, housing, and community growth patterns. Residents can provide input through an online survey at the Town of Apex Engagement Hub to help shape this vision.
What is the current population of Apex NC?
Apex currently has approximately 82,000 residents and is projected to reach 100,000 by 2030. This represents significant growth from the 55,000 population when the previous comprehensive plan was developed.
How much does the average home cost in Apex NC?
The average home sale price in Apex is approximately $654,000. This high price point creates affordability challenges for essential workers like teachers and first responders who want to live in the community.
How are land use decisions made in Apex?
Development proposals go through staff review for compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance, then to the Planning Board for evaluation, and finally to Town Council for a vote. Town Council needs three votes to approve projects. If a development meets all ordinance requirements, the town cannot refuse it simply based on preference without legal consequences.
What is the commercial to residential tax ratio in Apex?
Apex currently has an 80% residential to 20% commercial tax base ratio. This means residents bear most of the tax burden. The town is actively working to attract more commercial development to help distribute tax responsibility more evenly.
How can I participate in Apex community planning?
Residents can participate by completing the Peak Plan 2055 survey on the Town of Apex Engagement Hub, attending Town Council meetings, providing public comments during council sessions, and staying informed through official town channels. Mayor Jacques encourages residents to reach out directly with questions or concerns.
What is Sweetwater in Apex NC?
Sweetwater is a vibrant residential community in Apex, North Carolina, known for its engaged residents and strong sense of community. The Sweetwater Town Center serves as a gathering place for neighbors and hosts community events like town halls with local officials.
Discover Life in Sweetwater
Interested in becoming part of this engaged, thriving community? Sweetwater offers more than just beautiful homes. You become part of a neighborhood where residents show up on weeknight evenings to participate in town halls, where neighbors know each other, and where community matters.
The Sweetwater lifestyle combines the best of Apex living: access to excellent schools, proximity to Research Triangle Park employment centers, well-maintained amenities, and a true sense of belonging. With Apex's continued growth and development, now is an opportune time to explore what Sweetwater has to offer.
Ready to explore homes in Sweetwater or learn more about the Apex real estate market? Alli Pepperling specializes in helping individuals and families find their place in this dynamic community. Whether you're relocating from across the country like so many new Apex residents or looking to move within the Triangle area, Alli brings deep knowledge of neighborhood character, market trends, and the local landscape that makes all the difference in finding the right home.
Contact Alli Pepperling: Visit allipepperling.com to schedule a conversation about your real estate goals and discover how Sweetwater might be the perfect fit for your next chapter.
About Sweetwater Town Center: Sweetwater is a vibrant community in Apex, North Carolina, known for its engaged residents and commitment to quality of life. The Sweetwater Town Center serves as a gathering place for neighbors to connect, learn, and build community together.