Commissioners delay decision on F L Myers Road rezoning after resident concerns about utilities, nonconforming structure

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 voted to continue consideration of a rezoning request for a 4.06-acre parcel at 220 F L Myers Road after commissioners and neighbors raised questions about utilities, a nonconforming structure on the site and whether previous permit conditions had been enforced.

Planner Jamie Lizzie summarized the request: applicant Mackenzie Myers seeks to rezone the parcel (PID 171661) from R-1 (single-family limited) to R-2 (single-family moderate). Staff said the parcel is served by a private well and septic system and that the future land-use designation is rural. The planning board recommended approval 7–0.

Neighbors raised concerns at the public hearing. Deanna Frankie, who lives adjacent to the parcel, asked whether city sewer or water were planned and how future subdivisions might affect adjoining properties. Lizzie confirmed the lot is currently served by a private well and septic system.

Commissioners examined a separate compliance issue: staff reported a manufactured home placed on the property in 2017 included a condition that the original house be removed; that removal had not been completed. Commissioner Scott Sheehan asked why the condition from 2016–17 had not been enforced; staff said current procedures include zoning compliance checks and that removal could be enforced at the subdivision or permitting stage.

Commissioner discussion centered on whether to add conditions, require the nonconforming structure be removed before final action, or delay for staff follow-up. Commissioner Keager moved to continue the case so staff could obtain additional information; the motion, seconded by Commissioner Alan Fraley, passed unanimously. The board set the rehearing for next month.