Union County board reviews Needham's rezoning request for mixed-use residential property

In the heart of Union County, under the bright lights of the county hall, the Board of County Commissioners convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss pivotal zoning changes that could reshape local neighborhoods and economic landscapes. The meeting featured three public hearings, each addressing significant rezoning petitions that could impact both residents and future developments.

The first item on the agenda was a straightforward rezoning petition for a 42-acre parcel in New Salem Township, known as the Needham rezoning. Senior Planner Bjorn Hansen explained that the request aimed to rezone approximately one acre of the property from a mix of residential and light industrial to solely residential. This change was prompted by the property owners' desire to sell their home, which had been caught in a split zoning issue. Carl Needham, the property owner, expressed his urgency to finalize the sale and relocate, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation for his family and the prospective buyers.

Amanda Nelson, a potential buyer, echoed Needham's sentiments, sharing her concerns about the delays caused by the zoning complications. She highlighted the challenges of moving her family and enrolling her son in school, urging the commissioners to make a timely decision. The board ultimately decided to move the rezoning petition to the business section of the agenda for further consideration, reflecting the community's pressing need for resolution.

The second public hearing focused on a conditional rezoning for a proposed self-storage facility named 4 Rivers, located near the busy interchange of Lawyers Road and I-485. Hansen detailed the plans for an 80,000-square-foot facility, which would provide much-needed storage options for residents in the area. The proposal garnered support from the Planning Board, despite some concerns from the nearby Stallings Town Council, which preferred to keep the area residential. The applicant, Britney Linz, assured the commissioners that the facility would be aesthetically pleasing and would not significantly increase traffic, as self-storage facilities typically have lower visitation rates compared to retail spaces.

The final public hearing addressed the TKC Land rezoning, which sought to transform a parcel on Highway 601 into a discount retail store. This proposal also received a favorable recommendation from the Planning Board, with the potential to enhance local commerce while adhering to necessary environmental and transportation regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners faced the challenge of balancing community needs with development opportunities. The discussions highlighted the intricate relationship between zoning laws and the lives of residents, underscoring the importance of thoughtful planning in Union County's growth. With decisions pending on these significant rezoning requests, the future of Union County's neighborhoods and economic landscape hangs in the balance, awaiting the board's final verdict.