WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on Monday, Aug 5, on the plan for the western bank, a rezoning request and more.
Public hearing on changes to plan for the western bank
Commissioners voted to continue the public hearing for the Western Bank comprehensive plan amendment and directed staff to revise the amendment and explore possible state, federal and other sources of funding.
The NHC Planning Board earlier this month voted to not recommend a proposed amendment to the western bank of the Cape Fear River’s comprehensive plan. The meeting agenda stated that out of over 2,500 emails received by planning staff, “almost all” of them were opposed to potential development due to flooding concerns. Another stakeholder said that the strict rules about low-density, low-impact development would make it infeasible due to the expense of building on the site.
Still, commissioners can vote contrary to the planning board’s recommendation, meaning that the amendment could still get passed following the public hearing.
“This is, this is a much necessary, like very necessary, step in the right direction. And It doesn’t stop. This is just momentum to move forward and continue to preserve the natural environment that is so unique about New Hanover County in Wilmington, North Carolina in general,” Commissioner Dane Scalise said.
Public hearing to discuss the proposal for 133 townhome units
Brightwater Development Company approved building 133 townhome units on 12.68 acres at 5322 Carolina Beach Rd., near its intersection with College Road.
To do so, the company wants a new conditional zoning district for the area. A previous conditional rezoning was approved by commissioners back in Oct. 2023, but since then the proposal has decreased from 200 units to 133 units.
The planning board recommended the proposal with the condition that the buildings would have a maximum height of three stories, that roadway connections to nearby neighborhoods would be paved and gated in approval from the fire marshal and that the development had a minimum 20-foot easement for potential future sidewalks or multi-use paths.
You can find the full meeting agenda online.
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