Today the 2nd annual Chatham County Development Briefing was held at the Governor's Club. Here are some of the key points mentioned by the *speakers:
The population growth in the Triangle Region of NC has increased 57% in 15 years.
We are part of Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion that spans from Raleigh to Atlanta.
In July 2006 the census bureau estimated 60,052 people lived in the entire county. The estimate for 2035 is 117,131 for just the EASTERN part of the county, where most of the growth is concentrated.
In short, estimates are the population will triple in the next 20 years.
Over 20,000 new homes are planned for the next few years. Many of these are in the concept stage. The economy is the wild card in knowing exactly when or IF all these homes will be built. Fewer than 5,000 are under construction and another 7,273 have been approved.
Chatham has a huge income and wage disparity. The per capita income is the 3rd highest in the state and the average weekly wage is below the state average and ranks 37th in the state.
This due in large part because 60% of the residents of Chatham travel outside the county to work. The well paid jobs at RTP, in medicine and at universities are outside our county.
Employment is concentrated in the lowest paying sectors; manufacturing, agriculture, and food service. Siler City. in western Chatham, had three plant closings in as many weeks.
The location of the Briefing illustrated the disparity beautifully.
According to George Lucier, Chair of the Chatham County Commissioners, infrastructure has not been able to keep up with growth. However, the BOC and BOE are working hard to get ahead of the curve with these and additional plans:
- Additional water supply capacity is due to be upgraded and completed by 2010.
- Wastewater permits from the DENR for 19 million gallons per day would be a critical first step and a huge accomplishment because Chatham Coujnty currently has no wastewater allocation
- A new high school is scheduled for completions by August 2011
- A new middle school to open in August 2010
- Renovation of Northwood High School is scheduled for completion by August 2008
- Build a new elementary school to open about 2013
*Speakers included:
Paul Black, Principal Planner for Triangle J Council of Governments
Diane Reid, President Chatham County Economic Development Corp.
George Lucier, Chair Chatham County Commissioners
