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Board unanimously approves rezoning for TowneBank branch along Route 58
Summary
After a public hearing and planning-commission recommendation, the Southampton County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a rezoning and proffers for a TowneBank location on a roughly 16-acre parcel along Route 58; the approval includes buffering, access controls and phased off-site right-of-way improvements.
The Southampton County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Sept. 23 to approve a rezoning and proffers for a roughly 16-acre parcel along Route 58 to accommodate a TowneBank branch and future commercial development.
Greg Schmidt, applicant representative, said the project is consistent with the county comprehensive plan for commercial use and that the first phase—construction of the bank—maintains existing median openings and includes streetscape buffering to preserve the corridor’s rural character. Traffic engineer Devin Simpson of Kimley‑Horn said Phase 1 provides full access for the bank and that Phase 2 would contemplate additional U‑turn movements and median modifications at a later date.
Members of the public raised questions about a restricted-crossing U‑turn (RCUT) configuration and potential conflicts with adjacent driveways (including a Dairy Queen driveway). The applicant and traffic engineer said Phase 1 does not implement an RCUT and that Phase 2 (no immediate timeline) would be designed to limit conflict points and preserve arterial traffic flow. Several nearby homeowners said they supported the project and its buffering.
The county planning commission had recommended approval 6–0; following the public hearing and a motion from a supervisor to accept that recommendation, the board approved the rezoning by voice vote.
