Commissioners hold public hearing on Destination 2050 plan; no adoption after extensive public comment
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Summary
Staff presented the Destination 2050 draft comprehensive plan (county unincorporated areas/CAMA). Twelve members of the public spoke in support with specific priorities; commissioners agreed not to vote and postponed further action to allow more time for public input and staff review.
County planning staff presented Destination 2050, the proposed comprehensive plan for New Hanover County’s unincorporated areas that also serves as the county’s CAMA plan. Staff described the plan’s structure, four integrated goals (quality of place; infrastructure and support services; environmental stewardship and resilience; coordination and engagement), and three major refinements from the 2016 plan: an "infill residential" place type, a "corridor commercial" category to preserve corridor service capacity, and a community mixed‑use classification focused in northern county master plans.
"The comprehensive plan is the county's long range policy framework for land use in unincorporated areas of the county," planning staff Rebecca (speaker 25) said, and emphasized that the plan does not rezone property but will guide future zoning and capital decisions.
The board opened public comment and heard from 12 supporters representing neighborhood residents, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, Sierra Club and other local organizations. Speakers praised the plan’s focus on resilience, tree canopy protection, stormwater and flood risk, and stronger guidance to coordinate infrastructure with growth. Multiple commenters urged stronger, measurable actions (tree canopy goals, stormwater investments, UDO alignment) and requested protections for vulnerable neighborhoods and natural areas. Several residents raised concerns about density in established neighborhoods and asked for careful transitions in corridor areas.
After hearing public testimony, commissioners said they wanted additional time to review written comments submitted over the weekend and to refine language on transitions, corridor design, and infill guidance. Commissioners moved to postpone a vote; the board closed the public hearing and agreed to reopen the public comment period at a later date before any adoption vote.
What happens next: Staff will work with commissioners to address points raised in public comment and return the plan for additional consideration; the board signaled it will solicit further public input before an eventual vote.
