A Closer Look at the Watersville Road Annexation

The proposed annexation of 50 acres on West Watersville Road into the Town of Mount Airy presents Town Council with one of its more consequential land-use decisions in recent years. The land sits adjacent to the Nottingham community, a large residential neighborhood of more than 300 homes. Much of the public discussion has focused on a proposal to develop the property as a youth sports complex. While the proposed complex could provide benefits to residents of Mount Airy and the surrounding region, its potential impacts would be felt most directly by those living nearby.

Public participation has largely reflected two perspectives: nearby residents concerned about potential impacts on their neighborhood, and supporters—including coaches, sports organizers, and local business owners—who emphasize the recreational and economic benefits the project could provide. Notably, the majority of public comments have come from residents expressing concerns about the project, particularly those living closest to the property.

The 50 acre parcel sits on West Watersville Road adjacent to Route 27 and the Nottingham Community.

Annexation Versus Development

The property owner and their contract purchaser, Elite Baseball, LLC, have formally requested that the Town of Mount Airy annex the 50-acre parcel on West Watersville Road. The applicant has indicated that, if annexation is approved, it intends to pursue development of a youth sports complex focused on baseball and other sports.

One of the challenges in discussing the proposal is separating the annexation request from the proposed development. While the sports complex has been central to much of the public discussion, the decision currently before Town Council is whether the property should be incorporated into the Town limits. They must consider whether the annexation is consistent with the Town's long-term planning goals, municipal growth strategy, and overall public interest.

The current annexation petition is not a vote on a final site plan, lighting plan, traffic improvements, field layout, or facility operations. It is a decision about whether the property should become part of the Town of Mount Airy.

The proposed sports complex provides important context because it represents the applicant's intended use of the property. However, if annexation is approved, the project would still be subject to additional review processes, including concept plan review, site plan review, engineering review, and other regulatory approvals required by Town code.

Property "K" is the Warfield property as shown on the Town Master Plan's Future Annexation Areas map.

Public Perspectives

Although annexation is the issue currently before Town Council, the proposed sports complex has been central to how many are evaluating the annexation request. Some of the pros and cons discussed over the last several months are below:

Considerations Raised by Supporters

• Additional recreational opportunities and field space for multiple sports would provide families in Mount Airy and surrounding areas needed space for practice, tournaments, and community events. The proposal also includes walking trails and playgrounds.

• Support for local businesses as regular patrons and tournament visitors may patronize local restaurants, shops, gas stations, etc.

• Preservation of the property as recreational and open space rather than more intensive forms of development that could place additional demands on schools, roads, and public infrastructure.

• Additional open space deeded to the town to reduce its current deficit

• Alignment with the Town's comprehensive master plan which lists this property as a future annexation area

• Greater Town control over future development. If annexed, the property would be subject to the Town's zoning, development, and adequate public facilities requirements.

• Investment in youth recreation and community amenities demonstrates support for youth recreation and organized sports and could increase Mount Airy's visibility as a destination for youth athletics and tournaments.

  
  

Supporters note that early reports on traffic impact, noise, public safety, water and sewer capacity, and lighting show the project can be managed with proper mitigations.

Concerns Raised by Opponents

• Traffic congestion on Watersville Road and nearby intersections, especially during tournaments.

• Noise from games and large crowds disturbing nearby residents.

• Compatibility with the surrounding residential area

• Change in community character from a quiet area to a busy sports hub

  
  

Residents worry that the increased activity could reduce quality of life and safety. Some question whether the Town’s infrastructure, particularly West Watersville Road, can handle the added demand.

What Happens Next?

Town Council is expected to consider the annexation request later this summer. If the annexation is approved, the property would become part of the Town of Mount Airy and proceed through additional planning and development review processes. At those stages, issues such as traffic, lighting, noise, stormwater management, buffering, site design, and other operational details would receive a more detailed evaluation.

If the annexation is denied, the property would remain outside the Town limits and future development would continue to be governed by Carroll County regulations.

Final Thoughts

While much of the public discussion has focused on the proposed sports complex, the decision before Town Council is whether this property should become part of the Town of Mount Airy. How the council answers that question may shape not only the future of this property, but also how the Town approaches future annexation requests and growth at its boundaries.

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All documents associated with this annexation request are available on the Town's website.