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Board approves Vesper Village specific plan and annexation with one abstention after public comment
Summary
After public comment split between concerns about infrastructure and support from small-business advocates, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to annex and zone parcels for the Vesper Village specific plan; the motion passed 5-0 with one abstention and direction for plan enforcement going forward.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to annex and zone multiple parcels along South Main Street, Laurel Road and Highway 49 West to a specific plan called Vesper Village, advancing the developer’s master plan for a mixed-use center.
Supporters and opponents spoke during public comment before the board took the vote. Gina Hedhever, Commissioner for District 11 of Robeson County, told the board she was not opposed to development in principle but urged a smaller scale because of concerns about stormwater, sewer capacity, school and emergency-service impacts. “Please do not approve the rezoning and annexation as it stands; please make it smaller,” Hedhever said. Lisa Di Virgilio Arnold, founder of Small Town Startup, urged approval, saying the development could bring families and customers that local businesses need and estimated Vesper Village would generate “over $30,000,000 in impact fees” to invest in infrastructure, police and fire services.
Jason Rebcher of Barge Design Solutions, representing the developer, described the project's phasing and infrastructure commitments. He said the developer expects to complete the boulevard spine and initial commercial phases within roughly five years and that sidewalk connections and bonds for finishing roadwork would be part of the development processes. “We do anticipate that being done in about 5 years,” Rebcher said when asked about the boulevard timeline.
The board's formal action was on resolution 25-04 (annexation and zoning to the Vesper Village specific plan). Alderman Bradley moved the resolution and Alderman Hubbard seconded. The motion passed with five votes in favor, zero opposed and one abstention; the record later shows Alderman Hubbard abstained and was asked under ordinance/statute to state a reason for the abstention.
Board members and staff emphasized that the specific plan attaches to the property and endures with future ownership, and that the city lacks a mechanism to force land to remain undeveloped if the board had denied this application (board members noted the alternative could be piecemeal five-acre lots). During the presentation and public input, staff and the developer described commitments to sidewalk construction where the development abuts South Main, phased construction of a boulevard spine to reduce pressure on adjoining roads, and bonding requirements to ensure finish work and maintenance during build-out.
Why it matters: The specific plan establishes a fixed cap on residential units and design parameters the board said will guide future approvals and enforcement. Supporters argued the project will expand local demand for Main Street businesses and add infrastructure funding; opponents warned of added demands on schools, emergency services and stormwater systems.
City staff and the developer said they will continue to provide information to the public and the planning commission as phases advance; enforcement of the specific plan will depend on future boards and the planning commission charged with seeing terms through.
Votes and next steps: The board approved the resolution 5-0 with one abstention; staff and the developer said they will continue phased design and public outreach as construction permits and bonds are secured.
