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Council approves Kaylor Ridge rezoning over single dissent, conditions set for Nelson Drive
Summary
The Newton City Council approved rezoning ~83.92 acres for the Kaylor Ridge housing development to PD‑H, allowing 265 single‑family homes; approval included a condition requiring Nelson Drive be upgraded to DOT standards. Vote: 5‑1.
Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver and the Newton City Council on Sept. 5 approved a rezoning request to convert about 83.92 acres on the city’s east side from manufacturing designations (M‑1 and EM‑1) to Planned Development‑Housing for a project called Kaylor Ridge.
Assistant Planning Director Alex Fulbright told the council the plan proposes 265 detached single‑family homes and about 20.98 acres of open space, with two external access points to NC Hwy 16 and Mt. Olive Church Road. Staff estimated the development would generate roughly 2,650 vehicle trips per day and said city water, sewer and electric are available to serve the site. Fulbright also noted the Planning Commission recommended approval with a condition limiting pavement in stubbed rights‑of‑way outside a 40‑foot perimeter buffer.
During public comment, neighbors raised traffic and infrastructure concerns. Resident Annie Sigmon said, “bigger is not better,” and others pressed for improved sidewalks, repaving and additional police staffing. Several speakers warned Nelson Drive and nearby neighborhood streets are deteriorated and questioned whether the street network could safely absorb the new traffic. One resident objected to the project name; another submitted petitions opposing the subdivision.
Council Member Beverly Danner said her objections were based on planning and infrastructure rather than zoning policy. Council Member Jody Dixon moved to approve the rezoning with the condition that Nelson Drive be brought up to Department of Transportation standards; the motion, seconded by Council Member Ed Sain, passed with Dixon, Sain, Jerry Hodge, Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver and Roy Johnson voting in favor and Danner opposed (5‑1).
The council record shows the Planning Commission had previously found the proposal consistent with the city’s land‑use plans. The council did not set a specific timetable for construction; a city staffer said staff would follow up with the developer about neighborhood connections and other engineering details.
The city attorney recused himself from this item because he is an adjacent property owner; an outside attorney presided for the public hearing. The ordinance and related documents are on file in the city clerk’s office.
