In a recent meeting of the National County Board of Commissioners, a significant rezoning request was approved, paving the way for a new Dollar General store and a proposed residential subdivision. The board unanimously supported the motion to rezone a commercial area for the Dollar General, with one commissioner emphasizing the developer's compliance with all conditions and the potential benefits to the community.

The discussion highlighted the community's mixed feelings about the clientele of such stores, but the commissioner expressed confidence in the store's positive impact, promising to ensure that the location is well-maintained. The motion passed with a 6-1 vote, reflecting a consensus on the need for new business opportunities in the area.

Additionally, the board reviewed a conditional rezoning request for a 137.72-acre tract owned by Marguerite F. Baker, which aims to transform the land from agricultural to residential use. The proposal includes the development of a 141-lot subdivision, with a reduction in minimum lot size from 40,000 to 30,000 square feet. This change is expected to increase residential density while restricting the types of land uses permitted, eliminating options such as manufactured home parks and landfills.

Concerns were raised during the public hearing regarding water drainage, internet access, and the impact on local property values. The developer committed to providing a vegetative buffer to screen the subdivision from adjacent properties and to extend the public water system to serve the new lots. The North Carolina Department of Transportation also mandated the construction of a deceleration lane for traffic safety at the subdivision's entrance.

The planning board had previously recommended approval of the rezoning, and the commissioners' decision aligns with the county's comprehensive land use plan, which encourages residential development in the area. The approval marks a significant step towards enhancing local infrastructure and accommodating growth in the community.