Steve Morris Responds to Concord Farms Project

Like many of you, I left Thursday’s city council meeting about D.R Horton’s proposed Concord Farms project with more questions than answers. I took time to dig into the details over the weekend before speaking publicly, because decisions like this deserve more than a quick reaction.

I have serious concerns – and I believe this plan is not ready to move forward. Until it is, I won’t support it.

Before any major residential development is approved in Concord, we need answers. What will this do to traffic on our roads? How will it impact our already crowded schools? Are we confident our water, sewer, and emergency services can support this kind of growth?

I want to be clear: this isn’t about opposing the sale of private land. Property owners have every right to consider development opportunities. But when a project of this scale comes before the city, the burden of proof falls on the developer. It’s their responsibility to show that what they’re proposing truly works for Concord, and right now, they haven’t done that.

Growth isn’t the enemy. But our city deserves development that fits the character of our community and preserves the quality of life we’ve all worked hard to build.

We also need to be thoughtful about how we communicate during moments like this. When people are encouraged to show up, but aren’t told that no vote will happen or that public comment won’t be heard, that’s a problem. It leaves people feeling like they’ve been left out of a process that directly affects their lives. That’s not how public input should work.

Concord’s been through a lot of change over the years. But what’s never changed is how much people care.

I saw that in the room last week. Neighbors showing up, paying attention, holding their elected representatives accountable – not because someone told them to, but because they want to protect the place they call home.

That’s what makes this community strong, and people deserve decisions that reflect that same care.

What kind of growth do you think reflects the values of this community? That’s the conversation we should be having. And I’d really like to hear where you stand.