Seven people, three open seats.

Candidates running for Apex Town Council are different, but all agree one thing: the Veridea development is a big deal.

The coming of the 1,000-acre community was announced last June. The $60 million dollar project that may be built in town will include office space, commercial and retail development along with residential units.

Many candidates said the development will be good for the town.

"I think developments like Veridea have a lot of potential for the community," candidate Jody Smith.

But there are many concerns about the large development.

"It could change the face of Apex. Currently I have reservations because of what the developer is asking from the town. It's flexibility I don't think the town is ready to give," said incumbent Gene Schulze.

For example, the developer wants no restriction on lights, signs or parking.

Candidate Lance Olive said, if elected, he would try to reach middle ground with the developer.

"The developer is proposing many ordinance changes that are very different, and one thing I want to do is manage that gap so we can get to a place where the developer comes to an amicable meeting that is good for Apex as a whole," Olive said.

Incumbent Mike Jones and others worry it could take away the small town charm.

"We've got to be careful about how we deal with the proposal. It could change Apex forever," Jones said.

Candidate Tom Haynie agrees.

"The Veridea project is going to have a big impact on Apex and I want to keep this small town feel that we feel down town and all over Apex."
Others want to remind the public that there are many other projects besides Veridea in the works and growth must be managed.

"I want to make sure the growth in Apex is good growth and that it lives up to our demanding standards," candidate Scott Lassiter said.

Margo Bills said she wants to help keep that growth under control.

"I want to make sure we have the infrastructure in place before we grow to much," Bills said.

When the project is completed, it will increase the tax base by more than $6 billion.