Hampstead

Groups take sides on incorporation

The battle over incorporating Hampstead has gained momentum in recent months as two bills dealing with the issue have been introduced in the N.C. General Assembly.

On March 28, Rep. Carolyn Justice, R-Pender, introduced a bill that would put a binding referendum on the November ballot and, if passed, would make Hampstead a town as early as 2008.

Weeks earlier, Sen. R.C. Soles, D-Columbus, introduced a bill that would allow residents to vote on whether to make Hampstead a town, but also would place a two-year moratorium on annexation and incorporation.

While the fight is far from over, lines already have been drawn between those who are for incorporation and those who are against it. Two groups have formed to deal with these issues: Join Our Town and Save Our Community.

Join Our Town was established last September with the aim to get a referendum on the November ballot to give Hampstead residents the opportunity to vote on the issue of incorporation.

They say incorporation is an opportunity for Hampstead to take control of its destiny. The group wants to improve Hampstead by adding paid firefighters to the local fire department, increasing police patrols in the area, installing more street lights and by having more control over zoning.

Members of Save Our Community, established last month, argue that Hampstead has everything it needs without being incorporated. Incorporation will add taxes and an extra layer of government.