Cramerton commissioners approve Tri Pointe Homes conditional rezoning over neighbors’ traffic concerns, 3-2

The Cramerton Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on Sept. 19 to approve RZ23-01, a conditional rezoning that clears the way for Tri Pointe Homes to build a 66-unit single-family attached community on roughly 27.81 acres along Wilkinson Boulevard.

The plan submitted by Tri Pointe Homes Holdings, Inc., on behalf of DMC Properties, Inc. and Elegant Chaos, LLC, proposes 66 townhomes at an average density of 2.32 dwelling units per acre and dedicates 7.45 acres of open space, exceeding the Land Development Code requirement of 2.76 acres. The parcel is identified in county records as Parcel ID 214960.

Opposition from nearby Misty Harbor residents centered on access and traffic. Michael Ross, speaking for his neighborhood, said the community is generally supportive of the development but urged the board to address the fact that the neighborhood has only one way in and out. Steven Rich said he opposed the project unless traffic improvements were secured.

“Most landowners don’t want to make an easement on their property,” a Tri Pointe Homes representative said when asked about additional access; the representative added that it is often easier for a landowner to sell a parcel without granting an easement. Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins told commissioners that plans to widen Wilkinson Boulevard include a 26-foot median intended to improve traffic flow, and he said NCDOT is unlikely to approve a left-turn signal at the site.

Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley voiced concern about the single entrance and asked whether a future condition could require connection if the adjacent parcel were later developed or acquired by the developer. Watkins said staff could pursue a zoning condition requiring connection if and when ownership and development of the adjacent parcel make that feasible.

The rezoning drew a split vote. Commissioner Kincaid moved to approve the zoning text amendment; Commissioner Helms seconded. Commissioners Atkinson, Helms and Kincaid voted in favor; Mayor Pro Tempore Neeley and Commissioner Ramsey voted against. The motion passed 3-2.

Following the rezoning vote, the board unanimously approved a Statement of Consistency prepared under North Carolina General Statute 160D, which documents staff’s and the board’s findings on whether the rezoning aligns with adopted plans and policies.

The developer and town staff said any secondary access will depend on whether the adjacent property is sold or redeveloped and on NCDOT permitting. No traffic signal commitment was secured at the meeting. The rezoning approval does not itself authorize construction; the project will still require subsequent site-plan approvals and necessary permits.