[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6462144,"mediaKeyId","5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f","parentId",5811898,"title","Council approvals: annexation, zoning, Piedmont School amendment and housing-authority reappointment","audioSeconds",1021,"startMs",3084000,"endMs",4105000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f&start=3084&end=4105","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f/thumbnail_3084000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6462144/High-Point/Guilford-County/North-Carolina/Council-approvals-annexation-zoning-Piedmont-School-amendment-and-housing-authority-reappointment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462144-11155aed7bc20eadd80464c554bc1ece/orig.mp4?Expires=1773749246&Signature=Admlnqnc5ROYdRJ-w5vvwYKuCX5uP0iwP3AFVlhhGFx3~~o-RcCOywpRuKEh8WFuh8OWgIHt~dd-LjJvFZ5BXOxSTxMeG1JaTd0SYgatHBZR0XSz8n9ZP3hYEP6gXxMTSKgy-ZgM2v7-ZI1YuxJQA9jOiLvxRy4fnLCCzT9qDUrz7hva1wvrcYc6chz1~qxSXi0GWovs8z3AIWArNHfkEav78weNItHhrYpe84VXpyhRNfBcY4nTbh5W6M7oOQ3uRi38HWWxDFpN66BTA3BMvBCCq8S9fV6UD2k9Xg5p7NSH9VjHRASs6TqGEGDWYRR4d2-WZ8p3hxiwX6hRmLmAEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","High Point","date","2025-09-22T23:37:21.04Z","article","The High Point City Council approved several items at its meeting, including a minor amendment to a special-use permit for Piedmont School, an annexation and associated zoning for an employment-center parcel, a reappointment to the High Point Housing Authority, and a lease agreement with High Point University for a boathouse.

Votes at a glance:
- Item 2025-394, Minor amendment to special-use permit 24-01 (Piedmont School): Council approved the minor amendment, which increases approved building area for phase 1 by 494 square feet. Motion carried by voice vote (motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Moore; second by Councilmember Andrew).

- Item 2025-373, Annexation (SRBC 1 LLC, annexation 25-02): Council opened and closed a combined public hearing and approved annexation of a 2.3-acre tract in the northern planning area to allow access to city utilities. Staff said the annexation is consistent with the 2045 Comprehensive Plan and the property abuts city limits on three sides; the council approved the annexation by voice vote. (Motion to approve moved by the mayor; second by Councilmember Holmes.)

- Item 2025-374, Zoning map amendment associated with the annexation: Council approved an employment-center zoning designation for the annexed parcel. Staff told the council EC zoning prohibits heavy industrial uses, limits outdoor storage and requires a minimum building setback of 40 feet from adjacent single-family lots; the council approved the zoning with a consistency statement included in the staff report (motion moved by the mayor; second by Councilmember Andrew).

- Item 99, Reappointment to the High Point Housing Authority: Council approved the listed reappointment (motion by Councilmember Holmes; second by Councilmember Johnson).

- Item 2025-388, Lease agreement with High Point University for a boathouse at O'Connor/Ocala Lake: See separate coverage. The council approved a resolution authorizing the lease by voice vote (moved by Mayor Cyril Jefferson; second by Councilmember Andrew).

Several of these items followed public hearings conducted by staff and the Planning & Development Department; when public speakers raised questions about traffic, buffering or future uses, staff and applicants described required buffers, setbacks and limitations built into the requested zoning. When neighbors asked about the intensity of potential industrial uses, staff emphasized that the EC district is intended for limited-intensity employment and that site constraints (topography and required buffers) will shape development.

These approvals clear the way for staff to continue permitting and implementation steps. Where applicable, staff committed to share additional evaluation and ranking information (for transportation projects) or detailed site-plan documents with interested property owners and neighborhood groups.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","High Point City Council Meeting | 9-22-25 | 5:30 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","The High Point City Council approved a set of routine land-use and personnel items, including a minor amendment for the Piedmont School, an annexation and accompanying zoning for an employment-center site, a reappointment to the High Point Housing Authority, and the lease agreement with High Point University for a boathouse.","taxTitle","High Point, Guilford County, North Carolina","taxId",4908,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6462149,"Open Door Ministries pulls plan for 5 Points site, officials and neighbors debate homelessness and neighborhood impacts",4657,1271000,5928000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f&start=1271&end=5928","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f/thumbnail_1271000.jpg","/articles/6462149/High-Point/Guilford-County/North-Carolina/Open-Door-Ministries-pulls-plan-for-5-Points-site-officials-and-neighbors-debate-homelessness-and-neighborhood-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462149-1cd5471f6b077de9bf209dec0514b24b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773749246&Signature=TQyVh-P8gESzPcHfwKdi1~tni1KyclKUPfM0kGbI~wKgCF2j40vN3M8BwmQ04qM2uZYujjgreK7GhtPf1sdiFzv1e-~F0WmNwRtbN~qUkFo-2R~0TR7oo~5Xe2LSNfUDIKsArXi-DAKpyfy~6NuX3tUOQJoNKjPrGWqiGRP8MJ56ZWLbqVFKcAaxCqd1BttFe0ELWn8ov~v6ruDafVR9M2grqTGKzDDoyGCic64YyKcJ8-McdElAwNioJJeYwK4BJb-GzWoQlBCqSSVz5emXunL8x0FAHFjwNPRlsgOpbXw18yqmXMNDf6r6tDd~-CFObAOsMhNZVOY~WEvtb3dypg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Open Door Ministries announced to the High Point City Council that it will not move forward with a proposed facility at the 5 Points property, though the organization said it will continue work on a planned care center and look for an alternate location within city limits.

Ryan Ross, executive director of Open Door Ministries, told the council his organization will continue to expand services but will look for a different property after “we will not be moving forward with the proposal on that property.” Ross described the breadth of Open Door’s work, saying the organization delivered more than 330,000 meals in 2024 and that in 2024 it served over 21,000 individuals—about 17.8% of High Point’s population—through its food and assistance programs.

Neighbors from the 5 Points area voiced strong opposition to siting a large-scale homeless facility in their residential neighborhood, while several speakers urged more transparency and ongoing engagement with residents. Sandra Bethea, representing the 5 Points Association, said residents were not opposed to people experiencing homelessness but opposed placing “a large scale homeless compound in the middle of our underserved residential neighborhood.”

Business owners and other residents warned of perceived impacts on safety and property values if a large shelter is placed in 5 Points. Ron Spencer Jr., owner of 5 Point Styles, told the council that the neighborhood already faces economic challenges and said a large shelter could further harm local businesses and home values. Several speakers asked the city to consider smaller, distributed facilities with robust services rather than one large center concentrated in a single neighborhood.

Others at the meeting urged officials to consider the full range of Open Door’s services and the organization’s partnerships with congregations and other providers. Aurel Henry, who said he works with Open Door, described the organization’s daily meal services and food pantry efforts and asked the council to confront misinformation about the group.

Mayor Cyril Jefferson reminded the public that special use permit applications for shelters or other projects can trigger quasi-judicial procedures under North Carolina law and that council members must manage ex parte communications to remain impartial if a formal special-use hearing occurs.

Open Door and city staff said the organization intends to continue developing a care center concept—offering meals, possible medical and mental-health services, and other supports—but will seek another site within city limits. Council did not take a vote on a land-use application for Open Door at this meeting; the organization’s withdrawal of the specific 5 Points proposal means future proposals would be the subject of new staff review and any required public hearings.","Open Door Ministries told the council it will not pursue its previously discussed site in the 5 Points neighborhood; speakers at the meeting debated the organization's role in the city and neighborhood residents urged that large shelters not be sited in the middle of their community.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6462154,"High Point council approves lease with High Point University for boathouse at O'Connor/Ocala Lake",2806,2056000,4862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f&start=2056&end=4862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5811898-0a3a3762bef15c35dbb245cc580d316f/thumbnail_2056000.jpg","/articles/6462154/High-Point/Guilford-County/North-Carolina/High-Point-council-approves-lease-with-High-Point-University-for-boathouse-at-OConnorOcala-Lake","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6462154-f938059de0ba6a4ad5d2ab68a8a19e18/orig.mp4?Expires=1773749246&Signature=Hxew1kPzY3wJ5ZizqV3aTKvWCtXHTCmG9g-o4AvTL0v9Namf-hWJQQTm8c6aafWtvyIyN2o9ZlG8tNS2PR8o34fKgI~mAdZAVZo0u1eyxvsRBqhotHQznJmVGieORltMkiPrCBKlt-4os5ukCg4YBYo3JV6qcV0ylCSwLOQuABEzRdiAPQi~oTHyVy1oSwfkEGVONZ5OehAe~XsxJN7D9~bLJsoecEPfe63bD0Pqo5W-o3goyVBE197rTljJlwvwVaEObdlfiHQdj8J1Cy4Fkjckl0jnvYOIOZzbwc8EWmZ8Bym0T1q97MJBgTMe0nMLf6mX51stDvNsyf1cfwdbjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The High Point City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing a lease agreement with High Point University for a boathouse and associated facilities on O'Connor/Ocala Lake.

Council approved the measure by voice vote after public comment from residents, members of local sailing and rowing clubs, and university representatives. Mayor Cyril Jefferson moved to approve the item; Councilmember Andrew seconded the motion and the council approved the resolution by voice vote.

Supporters—including High Point University athletic director Dan Hauser and coaches Jessica Dietrich and Burton Wicker—said a boathouse is necessary for a Division I rowing program and argued the facility would bring events and visitors to the city. “We are investing around $15,000,000 over the next 6 to 8 years,” Athletic Director Dan Hauser told the council, describing planned scholarships, staff salaries and facilities investments. Head rowing coach Jessica Dietrich said the program needs on-site storage and that small regattas could bring teams and visitors to High Point.

Residents and other lake users urged safeguards for continued public access and sensitive design. Lydia White and other residents said initial media reports had been misleading about the project scope and raised concerns that a new building or its architecture might discourage community use of the lake. “My main concern is that the architecture will deter community use and eventually it will be eliminated,” said Lydia White, a local resident and sailing club member.

City staff and project representatives described the planned structure and landscaping in detail. Architect John Connette said the building design uses brick, lap siding and a metal roof to match neighborhood character. Jamestown Engineering Group’s Dan Pritchett said the site plan includes a landscape buffer that requires an opaque screen fence and supplemental plantings along the property line adjacent to a residence; he said the plan’s only fence is part of the required landscape buffer, not a perimeter security fence. “There’s quite a large landscape buffer required in addition to the fence,” Pritchett told the council.

Parks and Recreation Director Lee Tillery told the council staff works to balance multiple lake uses—sailing, rowing, fishing, kayaking and other recreation—and that most boat launches occur at Ocala Marina, preserving multiple access points. Council members asked staff and the university to clarify practice times and any temporary lane or access impacts when events occur; Councilmember Amanda Cook requested published schedules for practices and any temporary lane changes.

The contract approval was taken as a resolution authorizing a lease agreement; the council approved the resolution by voice vote with no roll-call tally recorded in the minutes.

The lease agreement and site plan will be administered by city staff; the approved site plan includes the landscape buffer and opaque screening elements noted by staff. The council and staff said they expect continued coordination among the university, parks staff and community groups to minimize conflicts and preserve public access.

The council’s approval concludes the council-level decision to authorize the lease; implementation and any subsequent building permits or city approvals will follow the city’s permitting and site-plan review process.","The High Point City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing a lease agreement with High Point University for a boathouse and associated site work at O'Connor/Ocala Lake after public comment from residents, university coaches and lake users and answers from city staff about site plans, landscaping and fencing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approvals: annexation, zoning, Piedmont School amendment and housing-authority reappointment

Open Door Ministries pulls plan for 5 Points site, officials and neighbors debate homelessness and neighborhood impacts

High Point council approves lease with High Point University for boathouse at O'Connor/Ocala Lake