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Southampton County Planning Commission elects officers, adopts schedule and hears project updates
Summary
The commission elected Mr. Drake chairman, Mr. Randall vice chair and Mr. Prince secretary; it adopted the 2026 meeting schedule (moving the July meeting to July 16), approved prior minutes unanimously, introduced a new recording secretary, and received development and staffing updates.
At the January meeting the Southampton County Planning Commission completed officer elections and routine administration before moving into project updates. Members elected Mr. Drake chairman and Mr. Randall vice chairman for 2026 and approved Mr. Prince as secretary; each action was approved by voice vote and recorded as unanimous. After the votes Mr. Drake thanked members: “I can't do this job without you all,” he said.
The commission reviewed the 2026 meeting calendar and agreed to move the July meeting from July 9 to the third Thursday, July 16, because of Fourth of July scheduling conflicts; the schedule was adopted with that change. Commissioners also approved the November 13 minutes (as corrected) and the December 11 minutes by unanimous vote.
Staff introduced Lisa Barnes as the new recording secretary; she declined to make remarks but was welcomed by members.
Planning staff provided project updates: the Keith Estates subdivision has received initial approvals and is roughly 90% complete on early site work, and site plans for a feed store on Route 460 have been conditionally approved pending financing and building plans. Staff also described an asphalt plant expansion and related site improvements that are active in the county.
Commissioners raised staffing concerns for the planning and permitting offices, noting a growing workload and multiple requests for proposals. Planning staff said hiring and workload distribution are on the departmental agenda and that additional environmental engineering and inspection capacity may be pursued.
The commission also discussed broader land-use issues, including data centers and battery storage. Members asked staff to compile model ordinances and examples from other localities (some have used moratoria or technology-overlay districts) so the commission can evaluate options before any formal application arrives.
The commission set its next meeting for Thursday in February and adjourned following a final voice vote.
