Zebulon Mayor Bob Matheny put the brakes on a project nearly a year ago that would have brought utility service to a significant swath of land that is beginning to see development.

Matheny's concern was that Wake County -- not Zebulon -- had planning authority over the land in question.

He suggested the town pursue permission from Wake County to extend its extraterritorial jurisdiction to include the property.

Last week, commissioners heard a report from Planning Director Mark Hetrick that indicated the town is now ready to make that request.

It's not the first time Zebulon has tried to gain planning control over the area, which encompasses 1,436 acres, mostly north of U.S. 64 and east of N.C. 96.

When town leaders tried that the first time, residents in the affected area voiced their concern that the town was only interested in annexing their property. Their concerns won the day and Zebulon town leaders let the matter drop.

Of course, one day that property will become part of the town proper..

The land which makes up the request is generally in Zebulon's growth pattern.

It stands to reason that, if the properties develop over time, the town will annex the land into the corporate limits.

But it's not likely to happen soon.

And since the land is already in the town's long-range planning district, it makes sense to give the town of Zebulon a role in guiding that growth.

Matheny's thoughtful foresight could bring dividends.

We trust Wake County commissioners will see the wisdom of the request and grant it in as speedy a way as possible.