Burke County approves rezoning for Evans Construction's Ashton Drive property

The Burke County Board of Commissioners convened on April 21, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including community development proposals and public concerns regarding local zoning changes.

The meeting commenced with a discussion led by community members about the condition of Duke Energy property, which has reportedly become a dumping ground for trash near Lake James. Residents expressed their desire for the county to take action to clean up the area and maintain the lake's integrity.

Following this, the board moved to public hearings regarding zoning matters. The first item involved a request from Ryan Honeycutt to rezone a 0.27-acre property located at 2907 NC 18 South from residential to general business. Deputy County Manager Alan Glines presented the case, noting that the property has historically been used for commercial purposes. The planning board had previously voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning, citing alignment with the county's strategic plan for business growth. The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning request.

The second public hearing addressed a request from Mickey and Debbie Evans to rezone a 1.15-acre parcel on Ashton Drive from residential to general business. This request was met with opposition from local resident Terry Swanson, who voiced concerns about the impact of increased truck traffic on the residential neighborhood. Swanson highlighted the area's growth as a community with new homes and families, arguing against the need for additional commercial activity.

In contrast, Mickey Evans defended the request, stating that the rezoning would allow for safer parking of construction equipment and would not increase traffic or activity beyond current levels. He presented petitions from neighboring property owners in support of the rezoning, emphasizing that most residents had no objections to the change.

Despite the Evans' arguments, the planning board had previously voted against the rezoning, citing community concerns. The commissioners deliberated on the matter, considering the balance between supporting local businesses and maintaining the residential character of the area. The discussion included potential conditions for the rezoning, such as limiting operational hours.

The meeting concluded with no immediate decision on the Evans' request, leaving the door open for further discussion and consideration of community feedback. The board's next steps will likely involve continued dialogue with residents and further evaluation of the proposed zoning changes.