Planning Board recommends rezoning 7.3 acres on Red Oak Road to Business-1, sends request to Town Council

The Town of Nashville Planning Board on an evening meeting recommended approval of a rezoning request for 7.3 acres on Red Oak Road, forwarding RZ2025-01 to the Town Council for final action.

The rezoning would change the parcel from A-1 (agricultural) to B-1 (Business) to allow commercial uses. Town staff described the site as a 7.3-acre undeveloped tract split by the road and partially inside the town limits and partially in Nash County’s jurisdiction. UNC Health Nash representatives said they plan a medical office at the site if rezoned.

Laura Hall McAdams, a UNC Health representative who opened the applicant presentation, said the site was “as close to perfect as we could get,” citing visibility from Red Oak Road and proximity to U.S. 64. A conceptual plan presented by the applicant showed about a 10,000-square-foot medical office building. Jason Brennan, introduced as vice president at UNC Health Care, said the facility is part of UNC Health Nash’s strategy to expand primary care locally and that the organization expects to bring “2 or 3 new doctors next summer.” Bennett staff and the applicant described plans for on-site water wells and a private septic system rather than immediate connection to town utilities; staff said a soil scientist provided information indicating the soils could support an on-site septic system and that septic and well permits would be issued by the county environmental health department if the project advances.

Board members and the public asked about stormwater, floodplain, wetlands, traffic access and future sewer connections. Staff said the property is not in a floodplain but lies in the Stoner Creek watershed; NCDOT told staff no traffic impact study was required for this rezoning, though the applicant’s consultant had performed a traffic review and recommended left-in/left-out access for safety. On utility connections, staff noted the town ordinance requires connection only within 200 feet; the applicant said cost and scheduling motivated the choice to proceed initially with septic and well, and that UNC Health Nash would connect to town sewer in the future if it is extended.

Al Joyner, who identified himself as the owner of adjoining property, spoke in opposition, saying he preferred to keep surrounding land agricultural. “I’m not gonna make you happy. I’m here to object to this ... I love to keep my farm formed,” Joyner said. He also asked whether development would encroach on his land; board and staff clarified the proposed work would not require crossing his property.

After deliberation, a board member moved to recommend approval of RZ2025-01 to rezone the specified portion to B-1 (Business) for allowable business uses and not limited to a single medical use. The motion—read to state that the rezoning is consistent with the 2021 Town of Nashville comprehensive land use plan’s designation for highway service commercial use—passed by unanimous voice vote and will be considered by the Town Council.

The board’s recommendation is advisory; the Town Council will hold the final public hearing and vote on the zoning map amendment.

Votes at a glance: RZ2025-01 — Planning Board recommends approval; outcome: recommended to Town Council (unanimous voice vote).