Zebulon, Wake County : a community diagnosis including secondary data analysis and qualitative data collection
Creators: name: Gary, Cynthia M.
name: Cunningham, Mary Ellen
name: Johnson, Kristy S.
name: Mansfield, Alyssa J.
name: O&apos;Keefe, Kelly M.
Publisher: name: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries
Year: 1998

description: This document was created to identify and clarify points of interest and concern that are of significance to community members of Zebulon, North Carolina. The document is divided into two main sections. The first is a compilation of secondary data collected for Zebulon, and when possible, for Wake County and the State of North Carolina to use as comparisons. The second section addresses various topics brought to light during interviews with both community members and service providers within the Town. In essence, this document examines the congruence and differences between secondary data and the community’s perceptions concerning various topics of interest. Over the course of the interviewing process, many members of the Zebulon community shared their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences to help illuminate the most salient issues. The subsequent characteristics were identified as some of the most important, and hence, contributed greatly to the completion of this document: Community Characteristics: The small town of Zebulon is known as “The Town of Friendly People” and does a great deal to live up to its name. Many of the Town residents have lived there for a long period of time. Consequently, many residents enjoy familiarity with one another, close family ties, and a sense of history and community in the area. There is widespread community support within the Town from both individuals and community organizations such as churches, civic groups, and service agencies. Although Zebulon is a rural town, it now faces some issues more typical of urban centers. These issues are rapid and expansive growth, ethnic and language diversity within the population, public housing, increased crime and drugs, and growing industry and commercialization. The rapid change and growth that Zebulon has experienced in the last several years brings with it many needs and challenges, many demanding the attention of the Town and County governments. There is significant interest among residents and Town officials in handling the change and growth in Zebulon, especially concerning meeting the needs of the community through the provision, improvement, and assurance of services. Directions and Challenges: Zebulon is in the midst of a period of growth and change that the Town never before experienced. The recent annexation of Wakefield is an example of the community’s expansion, and one that illustrates some of the concerns facing Town Hall. The addition of more people means an increase in need for existing services and perhaps the development of new services. While growth is a welcomed sight for some members of Zebulon, many see it as a movement away from the traditionally held values and familiarity that come from living in a small town. The adjustment period has already started for some individuals in the community, but many steps have yet to be taken to make the Town accessible to everyone who calls it home. Several of the churches and civic organizations have offered their services to help new members to the community feel welcome, namely the growing Hispanic population. In addition, the new police chief has made a commitment to actively involving the police department in the community, thus showing one example of how the Town and its residents can work together to make Zebulon a better place for everyone. As continued growth and change face the Town, community members and service providers are preparing to address the challenges these bring. Many of the people interviewed have strong feelings and opinions about their Town and the direction in which it is moving. The greatest endeavor for Zebulon may focus on communication among Town officials, services providers, and community members to ensure a future that benefits all living and working within Zebulon.