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Residents press commissioners on development, blocked access and transparency during public comment
Summary
Multiple speakers at the Pender County Board of Commissioners’ Aug. 18 meeting urged stronger oversight of subdivision approvals, protections for private driveways, clearer public notice and more open discussion in public meetings.
At the Aug. 18 meeting of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, a string of public commentators raised complaints about local development practices, access to private property, the county's use of closed sessions and requests for more town halls.
Jacob Farrow, a 4-H youth representative, and other introductory items opened the meeting. During the public comment period, Jennifer Hornacek described losing access to her family driveway after the Vineyard Trace subdivision was approved and fenced by the HOA. Hornacek said the final plat did not reflect her driveway and that grading created a ditch through an access easement that leaves the dirt road impassable in rain, potentially blocking fire and EMS access. She told commissioners: "No one should have to go through what I'm going through." County staff said they had the property identification and were coordinating with departments to review the documents.
Maple Hil…
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