Southern Pines council approves Humane Society annexation, clears Trimble Plant Road development amid housing and tree concerns

The Southern Pines Town Council on Jan. 13 unanimously approved an annexation to allow the Moore County Humane Society to connect a new facility to municipal water and cleared a preliminary development plan for Trimble Plant Road, while residents pressed the council for clearer communication on housing decisions and updates about tree removals in Knollwood Heights.

Director Grieve of the Southern Pines Planning Department told the council the Humane Society petition would annex 12.472 acres and include portions of the NC 22 and Wayner Road rights-of-way as allowed under state statute, but would not include the Aviation Drive right-of-way because of an existing annexation agreement with Whispering Pines. "The petitioners are asking to annex 12.472 acres," Grieve said, explaining the annexation is needed so the facility can connect to municipal water. Councilmember (unnamed, Speaker 5) moved to adopt Ordinance AX-03-25, the motion was seconded by Councilmember…