Emotions high at Monkey Junction annexation hearing

Inside and out, one by one, opponents of the proposed of annexation of Monkey Junction made their voices heard. City Council chambers were packed with protesters. Monkey Junction property owner James E. Dykes said, “I think the City Council needs to vote on whether or not the residents want to be part of the city or not.”

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo said, “It’s always a controversial issue, and as cities become more urban in nature, cities annex.”

The opponents were certainly heard when it came to the inevitable tax increase that comes with paying city taxes. Monkey Junction resident Laura Triece said, “It’s immoral for them to be doing this to young families, and older retired people on fixed incomes at this time.”

“We’re being annexed simply because the city of Wilmington wants to increase the funds and money for the city of Wilmington,” said Lewis Sasser of Monkey Junction.

The session overflowed with emotion, to the point that two people were arrested and charged with disrupting an official meeting. The men were escorted out of the room by police.

Council did not vote on any annexation yet. The annexation vote is scheduled to take place at the City Council meeting on May 5th, 2009.