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City council preliminarily rezones Cuthbert and Christensen parks to Natural Preserve
Summary
Council approved first reading to rezone Cuthbert Park and Christensen Park (including Pigeon Point boat landing) from suburban residential zoning to a T1 Natural Preserve district to protect them from future development; the action followed a planning commission recommendation and neighborhood testimony in favor of preservation.
On March 11 the City of Beaufort’s council approved first reading ordinances to amend the city zoning map and reclassify two small municipal parks — Cuthbert Park and Christensen Park (including the Pigeon Point boat landing) — from T3S Suburban District to T1 Natural Preserve.
Planning staff said the T1 district restricts development broadly and reserves the parcels for natural-preserve and park-related uses while still permitting park structures such as small shelters or gazebos. The city is the applicant for both rezoning requests; planners said the moves were prompted by neighborhood inquiries and were intended to add an extra layer of protection against future private development.
Kurt, the city planner presenting the items, said the Planning Commission recommended approval for Cuthbert Park by a 6–1 vote and recommended the same zoning for Christensen Park. Residents from nearby neighborhoods, including Pigeon Point, spoke in favor of preserving the parks and described them as “hidden gems” used by children, dog walkers and neighbors. Kay Merrill, a nearby resident, testified that neighborhood volunteers had helped plant trees and install benches and urged the council to protect the spaces.
Council discussion noted that other city parks such as Washington Street Park and Basil Green have different existing uses and facilities that might make T1 designation less appropriate without additional review — staff said those parks include programming and built infrastructure that could be constrained by the T1 district. Councilmembers discussed whether to bring additional parks forward for similar zoning changes and asked staff to advise on a coordinated approach.
No roll-call vote was read into the record; council approved first reading and then completed required individual public hearings and votes on each of the two parcels as distinct items. Council followed procedural direction to open and close public hearings for each parcel before voting. The ordinances will return for second and final reading at a subsequent meeting.
