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Council approves rezoning of airport-adjacent parcels to support aviation-compatible industrial uses
Summary
The council unanimously rezoned nearly 30 acres near Pitt-Greenville Airport to “unoffensive industry” to allow airport-compatible development; presenters cited FAA oversight and job and economic development benefits.
Greenville City Council voted unanimously on March 13 to rezone 29.719 acres north of Belvoir Road and west of North Memorial Drive from residential districts to IU (unoffensive industry), clearing the way for airport-compatible development.
City staff told council the site sits within the airport footprint and includes areas the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will regulate; the rezoning aligns the city’s zoning with the airport’s long-term layout plan and the city’s comprehensive plan, which designates the area for industrial and logistics uses. Staff recommended approval; the Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval earlier.
Why it matters: Airport officials and the rezoning’s supporters said the property offers one of the only parcels directly adjacent to the runway that is suitable for hangars, aircraft maintenance and related aviation-support businesses. Supporters framed the rezoning as an economic-development step expected to create jobs and support regional air service.
Presentation and public engagement - Chief Planner Shante Goosby summarized the site’s location, stormwater and watershed considerations, and the future land-use plan’s industrial/logistics designation for much of the area. Staff noted potential jurisdictional wetlands and riparian buffers and said stormwater requirements include nitrogen and phosphorus reduction. - Pitt County–Greenville Airport Authority representatives and airport consultants described a multi-step FAA review that will follow rezoning, including an airport layout plan amendment and an environmental assessment with public comment. Airport representatives said they had held multiple community meetings about the proposal.
Council discussion and vote - Council members noted the airport’s role in regional economic activity and thanked staff and the airport for public outreach. Several councilors said the airport’s additional capacity and supporting industrial uses would help attract employers and expand tax base. - The council approved the rezoning 6-0.
What council approved - Ordinance rezoning approximately 29.719 acres to IU (unoffensive industry) consistent with the airport layout and the comprehensive plan; staff will continue coordination with FAA requirements, environmental review and engineering as projects are proposed.
Sources: Staff presentation by Chief Planner Shante Goosby; remarks by airport representatives and consulting engineers.
