Warsaw sees growth, surge in housing development

WARSAW — Much of the news on the growth in Duplin County has been focused on the Wallace area due to the large number of new homes and businesses coming to town. However, Wallace is not alone.  Warsaw is seeing its own wave of growth, according to Richmond Dugger, the town’s new zoning and code enforcement director.

Dugger, who assumed the role just three weeks ago, told Duplin Journal he’s been busy since assuming his new role.

“We are busy with new housing in particular, along with some potential businesses seeking zoning approval,” Dugger said. Business development is in its early stages, with housing growth happening faster, according to Dugger.

“Most of what I’m seeing is individual homeowners building,” he said. “We have a fair number of them. We have 60-something zoning permits out for houses spread out all through the town.”

What is bringing people to Warsaw? Dugger has insight into that due to his opportunity to speak to people seeking zoning and building permits in town.

“We’re getting a lot of folks from the larger cities, Wilmington in particular,” he said. “They’re moving here because of insurance and storms in the coastal area. They are close enough to enjoy the beach when they want to, but it’s not in their face when a hurricane hits.”

The traffic, congestion and overdevelopment in Wilmington are also factors.

“That’s the second thing I’ve heard,” Dugger added. “(Warsaw’s) not built up nearly as much as the towns closer to Wilmington. We’re kind of the next one out. Whatever the reason they are moving to Warsaw, we’ll welcome them to town.”

With Dugger’s newness in the position, he has some personal insights as to what may be missing.

“Nobody in these small towns seems to be requiring, or looking at the people moving into the area, to offer proffers for schools or medical (services),” Dugger said. “That’s a big deal in the big cities. They’ve been doing it for years. It hasn’t gotten to the small towns yet.”

With more people arriving, Dugger says there’s a need to think beyond housing.

Dugger fears that if towns don’t consider what growth means to everything from schools to infrastructure, it could place the burden on long-time residents of a small town.

“If we are going to grow, we’re going to have to have the infrastructure to support it,” he said, adding that without any proffer or contributions from new people moving into the area, the local people could be left holding the bag.

“It’s going to have to come from the local people who are pretty much taxed out, in my opinion,” he added.

On the commercial side, one notable project is already underway. A former bank building at the corner of West Hill Street and Highway 117 is being converted into an upscale billiards venue.

“They are going to have team-type billiard championships,” Dugger shared. While Warsaw’s growth may be on a smaller scale compared to Wallace, town officials believe it’s just the beginning.