2026.08.20 Environmental Advisory Board Meeting Part I

The Town of Apex Environmental Advisory Board held a meeting on August 20, 2026, focusing primarily on environmental concerns related to local development projects and rezoning cases. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments from residents expressing concerns about a proposed high-density apartment project at 1328 Center Street, highlighting issues such as reduced environmental buffers, increased impervious surfaces, traffic impacts, and loss of tree canopy. The board also reviewed rezoning case 26CZ09 for the Prince Farms Planned Unit Development, discussing environmental conditions including stormwater management, native plantings, and solar energy provisions. The board voted to approve the rezoning with conditions, including a recommendation for 10% of single-family homes to have solar installations, although the applicant did not fully commit to the solar condition. Additionally, rezoning case 26CZ10 related to the Veridia Sustainable Development expansion was presented, emphasizing its comprehensive environmental enhancement plan and sustainability standards. The board approved this rezoning with one dissenting vote. The meeting included updates on new procedures for environmental review of rezonings, upcoming environmental events, and discussions on potential community environmental designations. Overall, the meeting involved detailed deliberations on environmental conditions tied to development projects and the board's role in recommending zoning conditions to mitigate environmental impacts.