New Hanover County kicked off its first Board of Commissioners meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 6. The Board approved three separate rezoning requests unanimously. But one additional approved item received some pushback.
Located in the northern part of the county, the six and a half acre site previously allowed for single-family homes, mobile homes, and multi-family housing such as apartment buildings.
The new zoning allows more units, and only single-family homes, like townhomes, on smaller lots. Commissioner Rob Zapple expressed concern about existing infrastructure near the site:
“We need another high school or we need some other conditions that will take the pressure off of these overcrowded schools. So adding more townhomes into that area -- considering that, I’m having great difficulty supporting the project at this point.”
Zapple was the only one who voted against the rezoning request. Commissioner Jonathan Barfield mentioned similar concerns, but voted for it.
Other approved rezoning requests include a townhome development off Carolina Beach Road, an office building off Market Street, and a development of single-family homes in Castle Hayne. A special use permit request for a private boating facility along the Cape Fear River has also gained approval.
Rob Zapple is a member of the WHQR Board of Directors.
