Nick Kirkland confirms Yergan Road Apartments will not harm adjoining property values

The Garner Town Council convened on August 19, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, notably the proposed development of the Yergan Road Apartments. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by licensed appraiser Nick Kirkland, who conducted a property value impact analysis regarding the new apartment complex.

Kirkland's analysis focused on two main aspects: whether the development would negatively affect the value of adjoining properties and if it would harmonize with the existing character of the area. He emphasized that his findings indicated no substantial negative impact on property values, asserting that the proposed development aligns with the zoning regulations and nearby land uses.

Kirkland presented data from various residential sales adjacent to existing apartment complexes, noting that single-family homes are particularly sensitive to nearby developments. His research included examples from Garner and Fuquay, where he found mixed results. In some cases, homes near apartments sold for less, while others sold for more, suggesting that proximity to apartment complexes does not uniformly decrease property values.

The analysis concluded that the proposed Yergan Road Apartments would not injure the value of adjoining properties and would be consistent with the scale and character of the surrounding area. Kirkland noted that the average and median sales data from his matched pair analysis indicated a slight positive impact on property values.

Following Kirkland's presentation, the council reviewed the compliance of the proposed development with local ordinances. It was confirmed that the project meets all relevant requirements, including open space standards, stormwater management, tree canopy coverage, and parking provisions.

The council's discussions also highlighted that the proposed use aligns with the town's transportation plans and other adopted policies, reinforcing the notion that the development is in harmony with the town's zoning intent.

In summary, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to ensuring that new developments like the Yergan Road Apartments are thoroughly evaluated for their impact on the community, with a focus on maintaining property values and adhering to local regulations. The council will continue to monitor the project's progress as it moves forward.