Council approves Borden Mills redevelopment into 144 apartments and townhomes with preservation conditions

The City Council on Nov. 3 approved a conditional rezoning (CZ6‑25) to redevelop the Borden Mill complex into a mixed residential project with 144 apartments and townhouse units and associated public‑realm improvements.

Planning staff said the site is identified in Goldsboro’s Envision 35 plan as high‑density and that the project includes substantial site work: sidewalks on both sides of North William Street, an easement and construction of a 10‑foot multi‑use path, rehabilitation of historic features (water tower, smokestack, pedestrian bridge) under Department of Interior/North Carolina Historic Preservation Office standards, and active open‑space amenities. Staff recommended approval with conditions that specify workforce/market‑rate housing only (not low‑income Section 8), historic rehabilitation approvals, subdivision standards, and an enhanced western screening wall.

Applicant David Perry (property owner) told the council the development team vetted the project and that similar mill‑reuse projects in other cities had positive outcomes; he emphasized the project is market‑rate and workforce housing, not subsidized low‑income housing. Planning staff noted the project’s building elevations and site layout and emphasized that rehabilitation of contributing historic structures will require N.C. State Historic Preservation Office review in accordance with Department of Interior rehabilitation standards.

Limited public comment was broadly supportive; council voted unanimously (6‑0) to adopt the conditional zoning with the stated conditions. Staff said the applicant must meet subdivision, stormwater, and administrative site‑plan requirements before building permits.

The rezoning establishes conditions that preserve the site’s historic features while allowing dense residential reuse and adds active green spaces and pedestrian connectivity along North William Street.