Harnett County Planning Board approves commercial rezoning and comprehensive growth plan

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 21, 2025, where significant discussions centered on a proposed rezoning request and the final presentation of the Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Development Plan.

The meeting began with a request from 1960 Properties LLC, represented by Mr. Chan Ho, to rezone a 1.19-acre property located at 520 Co. Rosser Road from a residential to a commercial zoning district. The property, which has been vacant since the demolition of its residential structures in December 2024, is surrounded by both residential and commercial developments, including a convenience store and a post office. County staff recommended approval of the rezoning, citing its compatibility with the future land use plan. The Planning Board had previously voted 5-0 in favor of the request, although some community members expressed concerns about the intended use of the property. The commissioners decided to postpone the vote on the rezoning until the next meeting to ensure all members could participate.

Following the rezoning discussion, the board moved on to the Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Development Plan, presented by Stewart Engineering. The plan, which has been in development for over a year, aims to address the rapid growth in Harnett County and includes extensive public engagement, with nearly 1,800 survey responses collected. The comprehensive plan outlines strategies for land use, economic development, transportation, and housing, emphasizing the need for a mix of residential options and the preservation of agricultural areas.

Key recommendations from the plan include the establishment of village districts to promote local commercial development and reduce reliance on outside businesses, as well as the implementation of agricultural protection overlays to safeguard farmland. The plan also addresses housing affordability, suggesting measures to accommodate diverse housing types and prevent homelessness.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the importance of transportation planning and the need for improved infrastructure to support the county's growth. The commissioners expressed their commitment to reviewing the comprehensive plan and its recommendations in future meetings, aiming to guide Harnett County's development effectively over the next decade.