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Newton Council approves rezoning for 125-unit Smyre Farm Road planned housing development
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Summary
The council rezoned 36.63 acres at 1466 Smyre Farm Road from R-20 to PD-H, allowing 125 dwelling units (90 single-family, 35 townhomes). The Planning Commission recommended approval with a condition to relocate a trail; residents raised concerns about setbacks and road capacity.
Newton City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request that will allow a 125-unit planned housing development at 1466 Smyre Farm Road.
Planning Director Randy Williams told the council the 36.63-acre site (Catawba County PIN 3649-14-43-2340) was proposed to be rezoned from R-20 (Single Family Residential) to PD-H (Planned Development - Housing). The applicant, Morrow Investment Group, LLC, submitted plans showing 90 detached single-family homes and 35 townhomes. Williams said the site has frontage on Smyre Farm Road, which is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and that city utilities—water, sewer and electric—are available to the site.
Representatives for the applicant described the project as a smaller subdivision than their typical work, noting that house prices would be under $400,000 and that a homeowners association and rolled curbing are planned. Residents at the hearing voiced concerns about required setbacks and whether existing neighborhood roads could handle additional traffic. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval with a condition that a natural surface trail be relocated away from the northeast portion of the property. Council closed the public hearing and voted to approve the rezoning.
The approved zoning change allows the developer to proceed with detailed site work and subdivision approvals; NCDOT will determine any off-site road improvements related to project access.