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Figure 1. Comparative 1990 Populations <br /> <br /> 1990 <br />Geographic Area Population Percent <br /> <br />Midland Plan Area 4,372 4.4% <br />Remainder of County 94,563 95.6% <br />Total County Population 98,935 <br /> <br />Source: 1990 U.S. Census of Population <br /> <br />RESIDENTIAL <br /> <br />The Midland area has experienced steady <br />population growth over the last thirty years, <br />and little of that growth can be attributed to <br />single events or housing developments. <br />Instead the population increase has been <br />through scattered housing development <br />along with some smaller subdivisions. A <br />closer look shows that this area has kept <br />pace with the remainder of the County in <br />growth and that the pattern of residential <br />growth remains largely rural. Overall, the <br />Midland Township contains only 4% of the <br />total population of the County (Figure 1). <br /> <br />The population of the Midland Township, <br />which is approximately the area of this plan, <br />has grown from 2,355 in 1960 to 4,123 in <br />1990 to approximately 5,000 at the end of <br />1996. The growth rate between 1960 and <br />1990 of 75% exceeded the overall County <br />growth rate of 45% in the same time span, <br />although it does not compare to the <br />explosive rates in the Harrisburg and Poplar <br />Tent Townships. Midland's growth has been <br />significant and should not be overlooked. <br /> <br />Since 1990, the Midland Township has been <br />growing at almost 3% a year. (See Figure 2) <br />Although there has been growth, the entire <br />planning area still only has a population of <br />approximately 5,300 people in 1,985 <br />households as of the end of 1996. <br /> <br />The pattern of development in this area has <br />remained largely rural. Isolated large lot <br />subdivision development, such as Cabarms <br />Acres, McManus Meadows and Log Cabin <br />Estates has occurred, but the lack of water <br />and sewer has inhibited more dense <br />development. <br /> <br />The widening of NC Highway 24/27 and <br />extension of water and sewer lines in the <br />area will provide the opportunity for change <br />in the pattern of development. The road <br />improvements will effectively shorten the <br />distance to Charlotte employment areas and <br />make the area a more viable "bedroom" <br />community. Utility improvements will <br />increase the ability to develop land, <br />especially in terms of density. Land that <br />previously was limited by septic suitability, <br />will be developable at a density that is only <br />limited by community zoning standards. <br /> <br /> <br />