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Neighbors oppose Liberty Road rezoning; Planning Commission approves conditional rezoning 8–1
Summary
After extended public comment, the Greensboro Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of a conditional rezoning for 2402 Liberty Road (R‑5 to CDRM‑18) on an 8–1 vote despite a neighborhood petition and concerns about notice, safety and spot‑zoning.
The Greensboro Planning & Zoning Commission voted 8–1 on Dec. 15 to recommend a conditional rezoning for 2402 Liberty Road from R‑5 (single‑family) to CDRM‑18 (conditional multifamily).
Staff described the proposal as a conditional rezoning that would allow a two‑unit attached product (twin homes) limited by condition. Applicant and property owner Derek McDowell (speaking as applicant) told the commission the plan is to build two attached residential units and said the project was not intended as higher‑density housing. "This is not an apartment complex, not student housing, not a high density development," he said, adding the conditional zoning provides enforceable limitations on future changes.
Nearby residents, organized by Philip Callaway, opposed the rezoning. Callaway said the neighborhood is an established, historic single‑family street and that many residents were not effectively notified of the applicant's outreach. "We are against any rezoning of our neighborhood," he told the commission, citing a petition with 29 signatures and expressing safety concerns about the site at a blind curve on Liberty Road.
Several commissioners weighed whether to continue the case to allow more community outreach. Commissioner Erica Glass argued the applicant had met ordinance requirements and cautioned the panel against imposing additional procedural conditions. The city attorney reminded commissioners that their rezoning decision must be rooted in the statutory land‑use reasonableness factors and not the identity of the applicant.
Commissioner Keith Peterson moved the recommendation for approval, and Commissioner Gilmer seconded. After debate that centered on neighborhood notification and the appropriate scale of development, the motion carried 8–1. Chair Mary Skeens said the commission’s recommendation constitutes a final action unless an appeal is filed in writing to the planning department and the appeal fee is paid within 10 days.
What happens next The commission’s vote is a recommendation to the Greensboro City Council; the council will hold a public hearing on the matter on Jan. 20, 2026. If appealed in writing within 10 days, the commission’s action will be reconsidered as described in the city’s appeal process.
