Resident faults developer work at 498 Longfellow; town says fines issued and legal options available

A Fuquay Varina resident raised long-standing complaints Tuesday about construction at 498 Longfellow, saying the site is an “eyesore” and asserting the lot’s purchase price, rezoning and the developer’s actions suggest the project should not have proceeded.

Speaking during the public comment period, the resident identified the site and said it measures about 0.172 acre and was bought for about $82,000. He said the property’s rezoning from RLD (residential low density) to TCR (traditional center residential) and a planning commission 4–1 vote in 2023 allowed development he and neighbors oppose. “Highest and best use,” he said, was the phrase that still “haunts” him when he sees the finished work.

Mayor Masengill and town staff responded that the town is enforcing its codes. The mayor said the contractor “has been fined several times” and staff, the town attorney and code enforcement have been engaged. Town staff described site work already completed: removal of rotten trusses that had been exposed to weather while utilities were relocated, hauling off damaged materials, and deconstruction of a second-story portion judged not structurally sound.

Town staff said statute allows the town to require the contractor to provide a completion schedule and to place the contractor on a timetable; if the contractor cannot provide a viable plan the town attorney has advised other options, including pursuing measures to return the site to a suitable condition. The town manager said staff intends to put the contractor on a clock to provide a completion schedule and that other enforcement options discussed with the town attorney remain available.

The board did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they will continue fines and enforcement and pursue legal remedies if necessary.