The Wake County government meeting held on June 16, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding the proposed expansion of the Shotwell Landfill. The meeting featured public comments from local residents and representatives from conservation organizations, highlighting the potential environmental and historical impacts of the landfill's expansion.

The first speaker, representing the Triangle Land Conservancy, urged the commissioners to deny the franchise amendment for the landfill. They pointed out that previous amendments had already increased the waste intake and tonnage limits, as well as allowed for a recycling facility. The speaker emphasized that this was the sixth request for changes to the landfill since its original approval, warning that even small amendments could collectively harm the historic rural farmland in Wake County. They noted the county's significant investment in land protection in the area and expressed concerns about the proposed dirt storage area, which could negatively affect local waterways leading to the Neuse River, a crucial drinking water source.

Following this, Patricia McCullers, a local farmer, addressed the meeting, stressing the historical significance of the Shotwell area. She highlighted that it is one of the last remaining scenic historic landscapes in the United States, listing various historic sites and farms that contribute to the area's cultural heritage. McCullers passionately opposed the landfill expansion, citing risks to water quality, wildlife, and the preservation of rare species.

The meeting continued with additional public comments, including a statement from James Etchells, who was next in line to speak. The discussions underscored a strong community sentiment against the landfill expansion, with residents advocating for the protection of their environment and historical sites.

In conclusion, the Wake County meeting revealed deep community concerns regarding the proposed landfill expansion, with calls for the commissioners to reconsider the implications of their decisions on local conservation efforts and historical preservation. The commissioners are expected to deliberate on the matter further, taking into account the public's passionate opposition.