10/06/2025
I am Debra Myatt Fields, candidate for Angier Town Commissioner in Ward 01 in the November 4th election. (Don’t forget to vote!!! Your vote matters!!!)
In an effort to give you all some insight into my thoughts and concerns around some current town issues that have arisen in conversations with citizens and town leaders, I am outlining a few of those concerns and my opinions.
You may be experiencing issues not covered sufficiently here. If not, I encourage you to reach out and challenge me with your questions. I have a lot to learn but I am anxious to dig in and get better prepared for this job.
Storm Sewer and drainage issues in Ward 3 and All of Angier:
Town leadership has a plan for addressing the known issues In Ward 3 and is currently wading through the process which admittedly was started several years ago.
In the September Citizen’s Town Hall meeting, Mayor Jusnes discussed plans for water/sewer repairs, replacement of water lines with larger lines, a new water tower in (almost completed), along with a new pumping station. All of which will aid in improving water pressure issues, and will ensure stability of water lines and sewerage for many years to come.
Growth in Angier and its effects:
among many of the town’s residents I have encountered and posts I have seen reflected in social media, opinioms on growth range from desire for extensive growth, to limiting further expansion and focus on existing community. While opinions vary on this topic, I personally understand the need for population growth in order to attract the commercial and industrial development the town desires. I personally would not like to see Angier become ‘a Cary’ for instance. Instead, I would like to see our small town character maintained by preserving and enhancing our historic downtown area, and to find ways to expand on that theme throughout Angier in our comprehensive development plan. However, we need catch up on infrastructure to accommodate our current and future residents while also factoring in what it would take to accommodate the commercial and industrial growth we hope to attract. The Comprehensive Town plan contains considerable detail reflecting future structured changes and improvements desiged to attract people to this area to live, work, and patronize our businesses. A future land use plan currently in place has already implemented restrictions on high density residential development to make sure our growth is thoughtful and measured. I fully support that effort.
The Community Development Advisory board in concert with the town’s planning department are working toward projects in town related to historic preservation and town beautification, for creating a cohesive ‘look’ for Angier in town and in the 55 and 210 corridors. I am particularly interested in these ideas/projects.
Questions around ingress/egress for new park:
I feel (and have expressed) that the town will need to devise a solid plan to accommodate the traffic through neighborhoods already beleaguered by traffic issues, prior to moving forward with the the park development. I personally feel that this should be considered a priority in the planning for the new park. I am aware that town leaders are diligently working toward a solution for this issue. I hope to encourage a continued focus on that effort.
Concerns around crisis prevention: ‘Crisis prevention’ is a broad topic requiring a variety of solutions. While current policies exist and are utilized by Angier police, I am interested in exploring this topic further with Chief Thompson. Specifically around people experiencing a mental health crisis. I know he has addressed this being a part of his team’s working policy, I just want to know more about the extent of that policy and what training has been implemented in this area.
Impacts of bypass related to commercial business growth:
The bypass is sparking interest from commercial developers and current Angier business owners who are starting to look at relocating businesses to the bypass. I believe this a great add as it gives us space to develop significant commercial entities for Angier close to town. I do not believe that the bypass would negatively impact the already steady flow of people into downtown of locals who are currently enjoying our small businesses. Downtown will soon be further enhanced by the addition of more restaurants, bakeries, etc which will only draw more people into downtown from surrounding areas. People will always frequent a popular business or restaurant in downtown because it has its own personality and appeal. It is clear that Angier is already becoming a destination as is evidenced by the large crowds who are attending events, and who are also patronizing our small businesses along with Angier-ites.
How to effect change (among the areas of concern for you): I would encourage folks to attend public board and committee meetings. attending in person not only gives you access to future plans, It may illuminate for you how lengthy and complicated the process of implementation can be, along with all the people and money it takes to effect change or to complete a project. Attendance would also give you the opportunity to ask questions or make suggestions, and receive answers in real time.
Traffic issues resulting from increased population: There is no one simple solution to the multiple areas of concern in town, although the bypass is assumed to be a partial solution for Hwy 55 traffic. I know for myself, living on Hwy 210 in town, traffic already backs up to in front of my house on a daily basis. The bypass will not cure that issue. This is an issue that I would continue to pursue as to how to improve the traffic flow on 210. Changing the timing on the 2 stop lights may be a help although I know the request has been made for the appropriate entity to make those changes and we are still waiting…. Perhaps posting maps with alternate routes through town from the east end of 210 through town, or taking Old Stage Rd ahead of getting to downtown Angier (for those going to Raleigh), for example.
Minority inclusion in public events: After hearing from attendees of the recent citizen’s town hall event on this topic, it was made clear that more work needs to be done in this area. I believe this may require further input from residents in our minority communities to let the town know their specific needs and how they can feel included and reflected in future events. I hope to be involved in those activities, in addition to spreading the word on ways people can participate and/or encourage attendance in planned events related to these endeavors.
If you have other questions you would like to see addressed contact me through my campaign page or email me at [email protected].
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