In a recent government meeting, the Nash County Board of Commissioners approved a significant motion regarding the development of a battery energy storage system and the Skylight solar facility. The proposal, which includes off-site computerized monitoring, received unanimous support from the board, despite some initial reluctance from members.

The meeting also featured a public hearing on a conditional rezoning request for a Dollar General store, which is set to be built on a 1.95-acre lot at the intersection of Stony Hill Church Road and West Orange Church Road. The property, currently zoned for single-family residential use, will be rezoned to a general commercial conditional zone to accommodate the new store.

The proposed Dollar General will be a single-story, 10,770 square foot building with limited parking spaces—37 paved spaces and an additional 13 designated for future use. The developer requested a reduction in the minimum parking requirements, citing that similar stores rarely utilize more than 30 spaces at peak times. This reduction aims to minimize the environmental impact by decreasing impervious surfaces on the site.

A key aspect of the development is its location within the WS3 BW watershed protection overlay district, which imposes stricter stormwater management regulations. The developer plans to utilize the 10-70 watershed development option, allowing for a maximum built-upon area of up to 70% of the lot, contingent upon the implementation of engineered stormwater controls.

The planning board recommended approval of the Dollar General project, noting its potential to serve a growing local customer base, particularly as the area has seen significant residential development in recent years. The board emphasized the need for commercial services to support the influx of new families, with over 370 new residential lots established since 2020.

Despite some concerns regarding the distance from designated commercial areas, the board acknowledged the necessity of accommodating local needs and the potential for future commercial growth in the region. The project received a favorable score of 55 points out of a possible 75 on the county's evaluation criteria, further solidifying its recommendation for approval.

The board's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing development with environmental considerations and community needs, as Nash County continues to navigate the challenges of growth and sustainability.