Newton council denies rezoning for 75-home subdivision on Startown Road after public pushback

Newton City Council voted unanimously Jan. 7 to deny a rezoning request filed by Mungo Homes that would have allowed 75 single-family homes on a 25.22-acre tract on Startown Road.

Assistant Planner Alex Fulbright told the council the applicant sought PD-H zoning to build 75 homes with about 48.6% open space; the proposal would require annexation and an estimated 1,300 linear feet of water main to serve the site. He said the plan shows one external access point to Startown Road and noted Startown Road’s recent Average Annual Daily Traffic count remained around 9,000 vehicles per day.

The Planning Commission had recommended denial, citing compatibility with surrounding lot sizes and traffic impacts. During the public hearing, several residents urged council to reject the rezoning. Joe Fulbright said traffic on Startown Road has worsened and asked when the last NCDOT traffic study was done. Sean Clark said the land was originally sold with an expectation it would be preserved. Tim Eberley told council he opposed the request and said, “Mungo homes build defective homes and is not approved by BBB.” Supporters of the project included a speaker who said deed transfers alleviated privacy concerns and that the development would add housing choice.

Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver moved to deny the rezoning, citing (1) the Planning Commission’s unanimous recommendation to deny, (2) proposed lots that are significantly smaller than the surrounding neighborhood, and (3) negative traffic impacts. Council Member Ed Sain seconded the motion and the council voted to deny the request. The motion was recorded as unanimously RESOLVED.

Planning Director Randy Williams told council that a voluntary annexation tied to the site was withdrawn by the applicant.

The decision ends the current application; any future development proposals would require separate filings and public notice.