The Wake County government meeting held on June 16, 2025, addressed significant community concerns regarding the expansion of a local landfill and its implications for residents and infrastructure. The meeting featured public comments from several community members, highlighting the potential negative impacts of the landfill's growth.

James Etchells, a resident living near the landfill, voiced strong opposition to its expansion. He expressed concerns about the landfill's unlined structure, which could lead to environmental hazards, particularly regarding leachate contaminating local water sources. Etchells also pointed out the heavy truck traffic associated with the landfill, which exacerbates congestion on already busy roads, particularly Smithsdale Road, where traffic studies indicated an "F" rating for current conditions. He warned that the anticipated increase in traffic from a new 280-acre subdivision would further worsen the situation, potentially leading to dangerous conditions on the roads.

Sheila Prosser, another community advocate, emphasized the importance of preserving local farmland and natural environments. She called for responsible planning to accommodate the growing population in Eastern Wake County while advocating for those unable to attend the meeting due to various constraints. Prosser urged the commissioners to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions on the community and the environment.

Amanda Bambrick, representing Meridian Waste, acknowledged the concerns raised during the meeting. She indicated that the landfill's new ownership was seeking to address community issues and emphasized that their plans were limited in scope. Bambrick's comments suggested a willingness to engage with the community and address the concerns raised by residents.

The meeting underscored the tension between community development and environmental sustainability, with residents advocating for careful consideration of the landfill's expansion and its broader implications for local infrastructure and quality of life. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue between the county officials, developers, and the community as Wake County continues to grow.