Residents press Pender County commissioners on redistricting and emergency access problems

Several residents used the Feb. 17 public comment period to raise concerns about the board’s discussion of redistricting and district voting and to request action on an emergency access issue.

Multiple speakers in Berghall and surrounding communities said the county should not proceed with a redistricting plan without moving to district voting (so that voters elect commissioners by district) and accused the process of potential gerrymandering. Speakers said at‑large voting can leave some areas underrepresented and urged that any map changes be accompanied by a plan to implement district voting with the state demographer and public map review.

Matthew Hornacek, a Hampstead resident and retired U.S. Marine, described what he said is a longstanding problem where a developer and an HOA cut an access easement and erected a fence that blocks the only road to his home, hindering emergency vehicles. Hornacek said the fire marshal and planning department have known about the problem for months and asked the county manager and board to revoke the ditch permit and enforce the county code to restore emergency access.

County staff and the county attorney indicated the issue involves easement rights, drainage and potentially civil matters between property owners, but they also pledged to investigate and attempt to convene the parties to seek resolution. The board said the county will look into whether a legal or code basis exists for county action and will follow up with the parties.

Ending: Board members asked staff to follow up with the residents, identify jurisdictional authority (including the fire marshal where appropriate), and report back at a future meeting or via staff workgroups.