In a split vote, the Town of Archer Lodge will allow developers of a subdivision to make two payments instead of one towards a $1,000 fee the town charges for each subdivision lot in lieu of open space or recreational land set aside in the communities.
When the Heritage Subdivision first started, the Town of Archer Lodge was not even incorporated. Now, developers want to add a second and third phase and must get approval from the 6 year-old town.
When the project began, Heritage paid $400 per lot to Johnston County in lieu of dedication of land for open space. Since the property is now within the town limits, the developer will be required to pay $1,000 per lot, one of the highest fees of any municipality in the area.
In a 4-to-1 vote, the town will allow developers to pay $400 up front per lot, then the final $600 payment when a zoning permit is issued prior to the start of construction of the home.
Councilman Mark Wilson voted against the measure saying he believed the developer should have to pay all the money up front. As many as 80 lots are being proposed in two additional phases of Heritage.
Most other government agencies in the area charge a lower per lot fee. Johnston County charges $400, Wake County $0, Wilson’s Mills $400, Benson $200, Clayton $350-750. Two towns charge higher fees: Garner $1,147, and Zebulon $1,625 per lot.
