Burke County approves zoning change for Evans Construction on Ashton Drive

The Burke County Board of Commissioners held a significant meeting on April 21, 2025, where they addressed two key rezoning requests that could impact local business development and community dynamics.

The first item discussed was a request from Ryan Honeycutt to rezone a 0.27-acre property located at 2907 North Carolina 18 South from Residential 2 (R2) to General Business (GB). Deputy County Manager Alan Vines presented the case, noting that the property has historically been used for commercial purposes, despite its residential zoning. The Planning Board had previously reviewed the request and voted unanimously in favor of the change, citing the alignment with Burke County's strategic plan to support local business growth. The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning, which will also adjust the future land use map to reflect the new designation.

The second request involved a 1.15-acre parcel on Ashton Drive, brought forth by Mickey and Debbie Evans of Evans Construction. They sought to rezone their property from R2 to GB to facilitate the parking of construction equipment. While the Evans family has operated their business in the area for decades, the Planning Board recommended denial of the request due to concerns from neighboring residents, particularly regarding potential impacts on the residential character of the area. During the public hearing, local resident Terry Swanson voiced her opposition, emphasizing the need to maintain the neighborhood's residential nature and expressing concerns about increased truck traffic affecting children in the area.

In contrast, Mickey Evans argued that the rezoning would not increase traffic or activity beyond current levels and highlighted support from nearby property owners, presenting petitions from those in favor of the change. After deliberation, the commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning, citing the need to support local businesses while implementing a buffer to mitigate impacts on adjacent residential properties.

These decisions reflect Burke County's ongoing efforts to balance community needs with economic development, as the board continues to navigate the complexities of land use and zoning in a growing area. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the future landscape of Burke County, influencing both business operations and residential life in the community.