Newton council approves rezoning for 73-unit planned development on E NC 10

Newton City Council voted 5–1 on Dec. 5 to approve Rezoning 2023-7, allowing Neill Properties to rezone roughly 11.94 acres along E NC 10 Highway for a planned development of 73 attached single-family homes.

Assistant Planning Director Alex Fulbright told the council the site, identified by Catawba County parcel numbers in the staff report, is designed for 73 units with 175 parking spaces (73 driveway spots, 73 single-car garages and 29 on-street spaces), or about 2.39 spaces per dwelling. Mr. Fulbright said city water, sewer and electric services are available to the site and cited a 2021 average daily traffic count of about 3,700 vehicles on NC Highway 10. He also said the Planning Commission recommended approval 4–1 contingent on revisions to meet minimum PD-H requirements and address parking concerns.

The council discussed buffers between the proposed homes and nearby higher-speed corridors. Council Member Beverly Danner asked whether a safety buffer could be required between homes and Highway 70, expressing concern for residents’ safety. The council ultimately approved the rezoning with Council Members John Stiver, Ed Sain, Jerry Hodge, Roy Johnson and Jody Dixon voting in favor and Council Member Beverly Danner voting against. The motion to approve was made by Council Member Ed Sain and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver.

Planning staff said the project site is shown as Middle Intensity Residential in Newton’s October 2023 Comprehensive Plan and that townhomes are identified as a compatible housing type. Mr. Fulbright also summarized public notice steps: newspaper publications, on-site posting and mailed notices to adjacent and nearby property owners.

The rezoning approval allows the developer to proceed with the planned development process subject to any conditions the council or staff require in subsequent plan reviews. Ordinances and resolutions referenced at the meeting are on file with the City Clerk.