Almost two hours after residents began testifying at a public hearing on Clayton's proposed expansion of an extra-territorial jurisdiction and its proposed zoning, the Clayton Town Council voted to adopt it.

An ETJ is an area outside of the town's corporate limits where the town can "exercise zoning, planning and building inspections responsibility and authority," according to documents provided by the Clayton Zoning Commission. It is an area that "may reasonably" become part of the towns corporate limits within 10 years.

In Their Own Words: Watch Town Officials Talking About The ETJ By Clicking The Video Above.

Those being considered for the proposed zoning expressed concerns about development, future annexation and poor infrastructure. One opponent to the plan called it a "patch work quilt," with "pieces here and there." Others said they wanted the town's "friendship," but not its "interference."

Councilman Michael Grannis said he "appreciated" residents coming to voice their opinions. He said he feels that many don't have a "clear understanding" of an extra-territorial jurisdiction, and explained that it is does not entail the town annexing anyone's property.

I feel it's important for this town to expand the ETJ to the limits we prescribe assuming we choose to do that," he said. "I believe there are some issues at hands with some subdivisions having lots inside and outside of the ETJ. And it's not our intention to force anything on anybody--especially annexation."

Other opponents were concerned as to whether the town would be able to provide them with necessary infrastructure in a reasonable amount of time.

I don't mind coming into the town," said Wade Holloway, a property owner in the proposed jurisdiction. "I'm going to be taken into a municipality, I want to be taken into a municipality that can help me today. I don't want to have to wait 50 years to get water and sewer."

Mayor Jody McLeod recognized that "a vast majority of those in attendance are not in favor of being in the ETJ."

Residents who live inside the proposed jurisdiction recently received letters notifying them of the public hearing, according to Mayor Jody McLeod. The Johnston County Commission gave the Town of Clayton permission to expand their ETJ to "spur growth" around municipalities.