Applicant withdraws rezoning request after neighbors cite traffic, wetlands and easement concerns

An applicant seeking to rezone a 25.03‑acre property on Stargazer Lane in Newport from R15M (single‑family residential) to B1 (general business) withdrew the request at a Jan. 13 public hearing after neighbors described traffic, safety and wetlands concerns.

Greg from the Carteret County Planning Department told the board that the property, occupied by ProGreen Turpin Landscape, was cited in a notice of violation on Aug. 21, 2024 because a landscaping business is not a permitted use in R15M. The property is adjacent to the Croatan National Forest and surrounded by low‑density residential parcels; staff said 30 owners were notified and that the planning commission had recommended denial 4‑0 at its Nov. 12, 2024 meeting.

Neighbors who spoke said the access road is narrow and that heavy trucks and equipment associated with the business have created safety and nuisance problems. Lindsay Moore, who lives at 166 Stargazer, told the board she had stopped letting her children walk that route because, she said, "I can no longer allow them to walk down the road because of the ProGreen trucks paying no attention to them on the road." Other residents described trucks widening the dirt easement, cutting trees, and vehicle turn‑arounds that they said encroach on wetlands and private yards.

The applicant, Michael Hall, said he has operated and expanded the business at the site and disputed some claims about road blockages. "We do run a legal business," Hall told the board, and he said he has spent money on road maintenance and employees' wages. Hall said he had not obtained a recent survey required for a conditional rezoning and asked to pursue corrective steps.

Several commissioners urged the owner to pursue a conditional rezoning with a current survey and to meet with neighbors to address concerns. County attorney and staff explained options: deny consistent with the planning commission's unanimous recommendation, table the request, or allow withdrawal and resubmission with a conditional request later. Facing the likely outcome if left unchanged, the applicant withdrew the request and was advised to obtain a survey and reapply with a conditional rezoning that would allow the board and neighbors to consider specific, enforceable conditions.

The board did not approve a rezoning. Commissioners and staff also said they would look into the underlying notice of violation and any outstanding timelines associated with compliance or fines.