A significant zoning request took center stage at the Mooresville Planning Board meeting on September 23, 2025, as officials considered a proposal for a 35.61-acre site on McCrary Road. The request, identified as CZ 20 25-20, aims to rezone the land from Iredell County residential agricultural to a conditional traditional neighborhood, allowing for the development of 77 single-family homes.

Patrick Werner, a planner with the Planning and Community Development Department, presented the details of the proposal, emphasizing its alignment with the town's strategic goals for economic vitality and housing development. The project is designed to create a community with a density of 2.2 dwelling units per acre, significantly lower than the maximum of 8 units per acre permitted under traditional zoning. This lower density is partly due to environmental considerations, as the site is located within a critical watershed area, limiting impervious coverage.

The proposal includes plans for three large open spaces totaling over three acres and commitments to enhanced architectural designs for corner lots. Additionally, the development will address traffic concerns by widening McCrary Road and improving infrastructure along the road's frontage.

During the meeting, board members raised questions about the implications of the zoning change, particularly regarding the annexation of the property and the feasibility of building at the proposed density given the area's current infrastructure. Some members expressed concerns about the potential for increased traffic and the adequacy of utilities to support the new homes.

The applicant, represented by land use attorney Colin Brown, assured the board that the project would meet all necessary requirements and address community concerns raised during a neighborhood meeting held earlier in July.

As the board deliberates on this request, the outcome could significantly impact the future development landscape of Mooresville, balancing the need for housing with environmental and community considerations. The next steps will involve further discussions and a vote on the rezoning request, which could pave the way for new residential opportunities in the area.