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Onslow County approves four rezonings, grants for maritime patrol and public‑safety communications upgrade
Summary
At its Nov. 3 meeting the board unanimously approved four rezoning map amendments (Hemby, PRMS Investments, Ottaway Associates, Parrott), accepted a FEMA ports security grant ($240,338 with $80,112 match) for the sheriff’s marine unit, approved federal COSAP‑funded detention‑treatment positions, and authorized an 8‑year Motorola radio service/upthe
Onslow County’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 3 to approve a package of land‑use decisions, grants and service contracts that the county manager and staff said are intended to support economic activity, public safety and operational upgrades.
Rezoning decisions The board approved four separate zoning‑map amendments after staff presentations and the required public hearings: PRIZ 2025 number 20 (Hemby — to Highway Business for roughly 18.93 acres at the 258/Catherine’s Lake Road intersection), PRZ 2025 number 22 (PRMS Investments — to Residential‑10 on Pony Farm Road, 56 acres), PRZ 2025 number 23 (Ottaway Associates — Highway Business to Rural Agriculture, about 3.93 acres on Wilmington Highway) and PRZ 2025 number 24 (Parrott — Residential‑20 to Rural Agriculture, ~11.7 acres). Staff told the board that Planning Board had unanimously recommended approval of each request and that necessary infrastructure, environmental reviews and traffic analyses would be addressed during subsequent site‑plan and permit processes. After public hearings the board moved, seconded and recorded unanimous “aye” votes on each item and authorized the chairman to sign consistency statements and documents on behalf of the county.
FEMA ports and waterways security grant Sheriff Chris Thomas told the board the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a FEMA ports security grant for $240,338 on Sept. 28. The project total is $320,450, including the required 25% local match of $80,112. The grant will buy a new patrol/response vessel equipped with radar, thermal imaging and towing/rescue gear and will fund overtime for maritime patrols. The board approved the grant acceptance, project ordinance and budget amendment unanimously.
COSAP grant extension and detention treatment positions Assistant County Manager Carrie Sanders and Sheriff Thomas briefed the board on federal COSAP (Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program) funding that supports medication‑assisted treatment and case management in the county detention center. The board approved two time‑limited positions — a correctional case manager and a licensed clinical addiction specialist — which staff said will be fully funded by the federal grants.
Motorola public‑safety radio service agreement Emergency Services Director Bradley Kinlaw presented an eight‑year service and upgrade agreement with Motorola Solutions to modernize the county’s public‑safety radio system and implement a cloud‑based central management platform for real‑time monitoring. The contract’s total value was presented as approximately $3.33 million; annual costs begin near $377,000 and increase in later years. The board approved the agreement and authorized the county manager to execute contract documents; staff noted annual appropriations will be required for future years.
What the votes mean Staff and commissioners said the rezonings are intended to channel growth where infrastructure exists or where future infrastructure is planned; the FEMA grant replaces an aging marine vessel and expands patrol capability; COSAP funding expands in‑custody treatment aimed at reducing recidivism; and the Motorola agreement is intended to maintain reliable communications for first responders.
Next steps: Administrative follow‑ups will include execution of grant and contract documents, completion of consistency statements and recording of rezoning ordinances. Site plans, traffic impact analyses and environmental reviews will proceed through the county’s development review process where required.
