Union County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Union County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Data Centers and Cryptomining Regulations
The board will consider a text amendment to the Development Ordinance that would set rules for where and how data centers and cryptomining operations can operate in Union County. As these facilities look for places to build across the region, this decision could shape what kinds of large industrial tech operations are allowed near residential areas.
Intersection Driveway Spacing Requirements
New county rules will require driveways on 45 mph and 55+ mph roads to be set back further from intersections, improving safety and reducing traffic crash points.
Minor Subdivision Definition and Applicability
The county is looking at tightening rules on land splits by changing how many lots you can carve out before triggering heavy county review. Right now, cutting up to eight lots is considered a minor subdivision with minimal hassle, but commissioners want to drop that to four lots to help slow down farmland loss and manage rural traffic.
Cost of Community Services and Residential Break-Even Study
The county is moving forward with a study to evaluate the fiscal impact of different land uses—agricultural, commercial, and residential—to help guide future growth and land-use decisions.
State-Mandated Building Code Fee Increases
The county had to adjust building permit fees because the state moved code enforcement from insurance to the Department of Labor, requiring local fees of $100 for commercial and $25 for residential permits to fund state operations.
Marvin Intersection Project Funding Request
Mineral Springs Mayor Rick Becker spoke in support of a USDOT BUILD grant application for intersection improvements along Highway 75, which would help eliminate bottlenecks between Monroe and Waxhaw.
Resolution of Public Censure for Board Member
The land use board voted to publicly censure one of its own members for violating rules around quasi-judicial hearings, such as having fixed opinions before a case or talking about cases outside the official meeting. This highlights the board's strict focus on fair and legal decision-making.
Variance Request for Undersized Residential Lot on Richardson Road
Augustine Properties requested a variance to build a single-family home on a half-acre lot that was previously split without going through formal subdivision approval. Neighbors and board members raised concerns that granting the variance would violate lot size rules and set a precedent for higher density or future subdivision of surrounding farmland.
York Heavy Industrial Rezoning Request
An applicant requested a straight rezoning of 26 acres along US 601 from residential-agricultural to heavy industrial. Neighbors and planning staff highlighted severe code enforcement concerns, unpermitted dumping, and environmental encroachment into flood zones.
Minor Subdivision and Lot Definition Standards
The county is reviewing its minor subdivision rules to help protect farmland and slow down rapid residential growth while still allowing families to divide property for relatives. Commissioners discussed loopholes like splitting lots across roads and directed staff to study potential solutions.
Public Schools Statutory Funding Formula
Commissioners agreed to add public school funding to their legislative agenda to push back against state funding formulas. Local leaders argue the state is pushing too much financial responsibility onto counties and want to open a dialogue with lawmakers.
School Funding Transparency and Interlocal Agreements
Commissioners raised concerns over school district funding requests and voted to demand a detailed line-item budget from UCPS. They also tied certain teacher supplement funds to an interlocal agreement.
School Capital Planning and Facility Needs
UCPS requested a bond referendum for the November 2026 ballot to fund facility upgrades and expansions, including Parkwood High School, Piedmont Middle School, and the Wolf School. Commissioners voted to delay the request until 2028 to let existing school debt fall off and minimize tax impacts.
Sheriff's Office ALPR Program and Compliance
Residents urged the board to withhold funding for the Sheriff's Office automated license plate reader program until the department fully complies with state privacy laws and adopts robust written policies.
Beulah Church Road Commercial Operating Hours
A developer requested longer operating hours (6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) for an approved shopping center parcel at Beulah Church and Waxhaw Indian Trail roads. Nearby homeowners expressed worries about early morning noise, lighting, and increased traffic from potential tenants like coffee shops and clinics. The board recommended approval after adding strict rules for solid sound-barrier walls and daytime-only dumpster pickup.
House of Pearls Residential Recovery Facility Rezoning
The House of Pearls is seeking a conditional rezoning on Camden Road to build a faith-based residential drug rehabilitation campus for up to 80 women. Supporters and graduates shared powerful personal testimony about how the program saves lives from addiction, while the board evaluated land use consistency and master plan development standards.
Union County Water Capital Program and Crooked Creek Capacity
Staff presented an $845 million 15-year capital improvement plan for water and wastewater infrastructure, highlighting major challenges and high costs associated with expanding the Crooked Creek treatment plant or managing future growth capacity.
FY 2027 County Health Plan Adjustments
The county is restructuring its self-insured health plan for employees due to a $5 to $7 million funding deficit, introducing higher deductibles, co-pays, and discontinuing certain drug coverages to manage rising claims.
Union Parkwood Battery Energy Storage System
RavenVolt and Union Power proposed building a battery storage facility on Lancaster Highway to help store cheaper nighttime energy and lower daytime peak costs. Neighbors and board members raised questions about fire safety, emergency response, and potential impacts on electric bills.
South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center (SPRAC) Progress
Staff and consultants provided an update on the construction and operational rollout of the South Piedmont Regional Autopsy Center, which serves a nine-county region and is funded by state grants and autopsy fees.
Public Swimming Pool Safety and Regulation
Union County health officials oversee 208 public swimming pools, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards, water quality, and drain safety to prevent drownings and illness outbreaks.
Veterans Support and Advocacy Services
The county's Veterans Service Office helps local veterans navigate complex federal benefits, secure disability ratings, and connect with housing and mobility assistance.
Election Results
Keep an eye on the 2026 primary election results to see who's taking the lead in local Union County races. These outcomes will determine the candidates shaping our community's future leadership.
Union County Food Innovation Center ("The Barn") Project Advancement
The county is moving forward with the Food Innovation Center project, partnering with Wingate University and local municipalities to create an agricultural and economic development hub. With construction contracts and funding in place, groundbreaking is set for March.
Winter Storm Fern Emergency Sheltering
Emergency management and human services staff reviewed the successful activation and staffing of the Monroe Middle School emergency shelter during Winter Storm Fern. Staff highlighted cross-departmental collaboration and coordination with utility and medical needs.
Public Comment Policy
Monroe settled a lawsuit and threw out its strict public comment rules, so you now have a lot more freedom to speak your mind at local council meetings. It's a big win for free speech and makes it easier for regular folks to hold local leaders accountable.
Cyber Security
A local town government in Union County just got hit by a cyber attack, raising major red flags about how secure our local data and digital systems really are. It's a wake-up call for anyone who trusts the city with their personal info.