<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1cAItD_1ATsaQt100" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1cAItD_1ATsaQt100" width="870" height="450" ></figure>Growth tied to demand, including spillover from Wilmington housing marketKENANSVILLE — Last week, Wallace Town Council member Glenn Price delivered a detailed briefing on anticipated residential growth in Wallace to Duplin County Commissioners, warning that rapid development could place increasing pressure on local schools.Price said the issue is both significant and time-sensitive as more than 1,000 new housing units are planned or under development in and around Wallace. Much of the construction is concentrated near major corridors such as N.C. 41, where available land and existing water and sewer infrastructure have made development more feasible. Price said the area is also benefiting from regional growth tied to nearby job markets, particularly in the Wilmington area.As new homes are built and occupied, officials expect a corresponding increase in school enrollment, particularly at Wallace Elementary School and Wallace-Rose Hill High School. Both schools are already operating near capacity, with some reliance on mobile classrooms.Price said the full impact of the growth may begin to be felt within two to three years, with more significant strain possible within four to five years as additional housing projects are completed.“This issue is not gonna affect just the town of Wallace, but it’s gonna affect Rose Hill, and also Teachey,” said Price.Although municipal leaders do not control school funding or operations, which fall under county authority, Price stressed that early coordination will be critical to avoiding overcrowding and ensuring adequate planning.“Classrooms, shared spaces, and support services will be challenged to keep pace,” he explained.According to Price, several major housing developments are either underway or in advanced planning stages. Among them is Rockfish Pointe, a 32-lot subdivision adjacent to Wallace Elementary School, where infrastructure is already in place. The Eastwood development includes 42 homes, with construction progressing and prices between $375,000 and $425,000. Additional projects include Crossroads, a planned 208-home development awaiting a lift station upgrade to start building, and Bryant Farm, a large mixed-use development approved for 276 apartments, 221 townhomes, and 254 single-family houses.Price said these projects, combined with other planned developments and annexations, could bring more than 1,100 new housing units to the area.“Even at that number of homes and one kid. You’re looking at pushing your school system,” he explained.Wallace officials estimated that new single-family homes are $350,000 on average.“Imagine that we’re able to get these homes built … You’re looking at $2.3 (million) for the county in taxes. The town will probably see $2.1 (million) approximately,” he explained.According to Price, Wallace Elementary and Wallace-Rose Hills officials have indicated they may be able to absorb limited growth in the short term, but both schools are already using portable classrooms, and space for expansion, particularly at Wallace Elementary, is limited.Commercial growth is also accelerating alongside residential development. New businesses under construction or planned include locations for Royal Farms, Wawa, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Waffle House, as well as additional retail.Beyond Duplin County, development pressures are extending into neighboring Pender County, where additional 569 homes are being considered near Interstate 40. Price said the cumulative effect of regional growth underscores the urgency of long-term planning for schools.“We have a duty as a council to make sure that the board is aware of what’s going on in Wallace and the magnitude of growth that we expect to see,” said Price.</div></body>

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KENANSVILLE — Last week, Wallace Town Council member Glenn Price delivered a detailed briefing on anticipated residential growth in Wallace to Duplin County Commissioners, warning that rapid development could place increasing pressure on local schools. Price said the issue is both significant and time-sensitive as more than 1,000 new...

Development surge brings opportunity, pressure to Wallace

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KENANSVILLE — Last week, Wallace Town Council member Glenn Price delivered a detailed briefing on anticipated residential growth in Wallace to Duplin Count

Development surge brings opportunity, pressure to Wallace

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