A homeowner in Pender County is raising alarms over access issues stemming from a recently approved subdivision, Vineyard Trace, which has led to the fencing off of their established driveway. For nearly two decades, the family has relied on this driveway, clearly marked on GIS aerial maps, as their primary access point. However, the final plat for Vineyard Trace failed to accurately reflect this access, violating county code 5.3 0.2 b.

The situation escalated when the Homeowners Association (HOA) erected a fence, effectively cutting off the family from their property without prior discussion. The homeowner recounted their first interaction with the HOA president, who was measuring for the fence and stated he was blocking access simply because he could. After facing threats of trespassing, the family had to involve law enforcement, who informed the HOA that they could not block the driveway, but the HOA proceeded anyway.

Compounding the issue, the county's approval of a ditch through the family's dirt road access easement has rendered it impassable during rain, as the ditch does not connect to a culvert or drainage system. This poses a significant risk, as it obstructs emergency services' access to the home. The homeowner emphasized that these issues could have been avoided and warned that with over 7,100 homes already approved in the area, many more property owners could face similar challenges unless action is taken.