Board continues Longfellow rezoning after neighbors raise setbacks and blight concerns

The Fuquay Varina Board of Commissioners voted to continue consideration of a zoning map amendment for 426 and 428 Longfellow Street to its Jan. 21 meeting after residents and several commissioners raised concerns about setbacks, housing quality and site maintenance.

Planning Director Pamela Davison described the request as a rezoning from Residential Low Density to the Town Center Residential (TCR) district for two lots totaling 0.169 acres. "The requested TCR zoning and proposed townhouse development will bring the properties into compliance with current codes and standards and incorporate zoning conditions," Davison said, listing proposed conditions such as a covered entry or front porch, glazed front door, no vinyl siding and street trees.

Neighbor Danielle Caro, who identified herself as a welding instructor and resident of 414 Longfellow Street, opposed the rezoning. Caro said existing townhouse-style duplexes on Longfellow were built closer than the TCR 5-foot side setback and described safety and maintenance problems in the neighborhood. "Some of them sit at 4, some of them are sitting at 4 and a half," she said, referring to setbacks. She also described an unfinished or poorly maintained nearby property she called an eyesore and said tenants had experienced electrical issues.

Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement and inspection processes. Davison and building-inspections staff said the town typically requires an as-built survey to verify foundations and setbacks. Senior Deputy Manager Mark Matthews and staff noted code compliance complaints can be investigated on request; Matthews said code officers can typically respond within one to two business days.

Planning staff noted the property owner could develop under existing "lot of record" allowances and build two single-family houses with reduced setbacks if the rezoning is not approved. Davison said the rezoning was offered by the applicant to secure design conditions the owner would not be required to provide if developing strictly by-right.

After initial motions failed for lack of a second, Commissioner Adcock moved to continue the public hearing so the developer or builder could appear and answer neighbors' questions; the board voted to table consideration to the Jan. 21 meeting. Davison said staff will ask the developer to attend and that the board could identify additional conditions if desired.

The planning board had unanimously recommended approval at its Dec. 16, 2024 meeting. The continuation gives the board time to hear directly from the applicant and to consider whether to request additional zoning conditions or assurances about construction timing and site maintenance.