Hickory council approves two annexations, a Lake Hickory no‑wake zone and several appointments

HICKORY, N.C. — The Hickory City Council on April 1 unanimously approved two voluntary annexations, voted to forward a proposed no‑wake zone at Lake Hickory Marina to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for final action, approved routine consent items and appointed two residents to local advisory bodies.

The council approved a voluntary contiguous annexation of roughly 15.828 acres at the terminus of Seventh Street SE (property owner: Kinzel Enterprises LLC) and a voluntary noncontiguous annexation of about 1.32 acres at 3420 Main Avenue SE (Conover address; owner: US 12 LLC). Planning director Brian Frasier told the council staff had concluded both annexations complied with applicable state statutes and that adequate public services would be available; staff recommended approval of both annexations. Both motions carried unanimously.

The council also approved a resolution asking the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to establish an expanded no‑wake zone at the Lake Hickory Marina on Limbaugh Lane NW that would extend across to encompass the city Riverwalk. Planning director Frasier said the request followed a commission safety investigation begun in August 2024 and completed in February 2025, and that staff recommended the change to "enhance safety, protect recreational boaters and infrastructure…