There were protests in the streets of downtown Salisbury this afternoon as residents, angry over the city's plan to annex their neighborhoods, carried signs and handed out leaflets.

The residents live in neighborhoods West of town.

Salisbury wants to annex eight neighborhoods off of Highway 150, from the city limits all the way to Neel Road.

WBTV's David Whisenant shows us why neighbors are so upset.
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They don't want to pay the increased taxes and many say they just don't think it's right that a city can annex outside areas.

If they have their way, it could mean serious implications, not just for Salisbury, but for Charlotte, Raleigh, or any city looking to grow.

Honking horns, waving flags and signs held high were all part of the protest as nearly twenty people marched laps around the square in downtown Salisbury.

Annexation Opponent Larry Wright said, "This is a demonstration against forced annexation by the city of Salisbury, we're all residents of the Mooresville, Highway 150 area that they are trying to forcibly annex."

It's just over 2,000 acres, which covers eight subdivisions and affects about 1,700 residents.

Many are strongly opposed. "Taxes with no benefits," said one protestor.

In fact, according to city leaders, there would be benefits, like city fire, police, garbage pick up and water and sewer service.

Even so, many residents say it's un-American to annex people against their will, though state law does allow it for economic development and growth.

Those against it are fighting not just downtown, but on the state level. They are pushing for a moratorium on involuntary annexation in Rowan County and if that is passed, it could set a precedent for any city looking to grow through involuntary annexation.

The area has been targeted for annexation for 20 years, the city tried it once about ten years ago and backed off. Now they say they are committed to bringing in the area, the county commission is strongly opposed.

In less than an hour, an important meeting on this issue takes place. The city of Salisbury is holding an informational meeting for residents in the affected areas, it starts at 7:00 pm in the Salisbury Civic Center.

This is not a public hearing, that will take place on April 8.