Town board approves rezoning to clear way for larger food pantry facility downtown
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Summary
The board approved REZ‑2025‑16 to rezone 220 West Academy Street from Downtown Center 1 to Office & Institutional Conditional (ONI) to allow the Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry to build a larger, one‑story facility; petitioners and pantry leaders explained demand (serving 435+ families monthly) and asked for town partnership on access and design.
The town board voted to approve a zoning map amendment for 220 West Academy Street (REZ‑2025‑16), changing the parcel from Downtown Center 1 (DC‑1) to Office & Institutional Conditional (ONI) to accommodate a one‑story building for the Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry.
Planning Director Davidson explained that DC‑1 requires a more urban, multi‑story form and that ONI provides appropriate flexibility for an office/institutional use while retaining commercial facade standards such as masonry primary materials and a 30% glazing requirement. He said the planning board had unanimously recommended approval.
Petitioner Wayne Malden of Malden Watkins Surveyor and pantry co‑director Peggy Day described operational needs: the pantry currently operates from a cramped 1,900‑square‑foot leased facility and serves more than 435 families per month, relying on volunteers and temporary storage solutions. Ray O’Brien (volunteer/advocate) urged support and noted traffic and access considerations tied to the parcel’s proximity to an old railroad spur.
Commissioners discussed cross‑access opportunities, facade compatibility with downtown character and the town ownership of adjacent land; staff said commercial development standards require cross access at site plan and that the town will work with the pantry on design to meet downtown character where practical.
A motion to approve the rezoning was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff and the pantry to collaborate on site planning, cross access and façade treatments as the project proceeds to site plan review.
Why it matters: The rezoning clears a key regulatory step for a community service facility that serves hundreds of local families each month and requires close coordination with town plans for downtown character and access.
What’s next: The pantry and town staff will coordinate on site plans, facade/elevation details and potential cross‑access arrangements as the project moves into the site plan phase.