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Neighbors urge denial but Gaston commissioners approve rezoning on Charles Raper Jonas Highway
Summary
After public comments raising traffic and safety concerns, the Gaston County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 approved a rezoning request to allow light commercial use of a 2.48-acre vacant parcel in Mount Holly.
The Gaston County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 voted to rezone a vacant 2.48-acre parcel on Charles Raper Jonas Highway in Mount Holly from RS-20 (single-family 20,000 sq. ft.) to C-1 (light commercial) despite neighbors’ concerns about traffic and noise.
Jamie Lizzie, Planner I in Building and Development Services, summarized staff findings: the site (PID 179668) is vacant, surrounded by commercial, industrial and residential districts, and the proposal complies with the future land-use designation. The Gaston County Police provided a comment noting potential noise and traffic impacts depending on the type and size of events permitted under the requested zoning. The planning board recommended approval, 7–0.
Several residents urged denial at the public hearing. Joshua Brown of Mount Holly told commissioners the site sits on a two-lane hill with frequent backups and crashes and said neighbors oppose increased traffic and potential off-site impacts. “None of the residents that live directly around that want to see that with kids coming through there,” Brown said, citing recurring dumping and vegetation overgrowth at the site.
Susan Barsnicka, who said her family once owned the farm that included the parcel, cited traffic and stormwater concerns and asked the county to deny the rezoning until specific plans — including hours of operation and liquor-license intentions — are disclosed. “Where’s the water gonna go?” she asked, noting increasing storm events.
Commissioners discussed proximity to a stoplight and the potential for improved egress to reduce impacts. Commissioner Keager moved to approve; Commissioner Donna (last name not specified in transcript) seconded. The motion passed with the board voting in favor; the clerk then read the consistency statement. No conditions limiting hours or uses were recorded on the rezoning approval at the meeting.
Staff said they received no phone calls opposed during the re-notice period but that multiple written comments and emails were provided to the commission from nearby residents. The record shows the planning board recommended approval, but neighbors at the hearing asked the commission to delay or deny the request until concerns about traffic, stormwater and site plans are addressed.
