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Cramerton approves Withers Ravenel contract, 4-1, to overhaul Land Development Code
Summary
After debate over whether to amend or overhaul the existing rules, the Board voted 4-1 to hire Withers Ravenel to update the Land Development Code at a negotiated cost of $81,900, with $37,000 proposed in FY2024 and $45,000 from the current budget.
The Town of Cramerton Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 on May 4 to approve a contract with Withers Ravenel to perform a 12-month overhaul of the town’s Land Development Code. Assistant Town Manager Josh Watkins told the board staff solicited proposals, interviewed three firms and negotiated a total project cost of $81,900, with $37,000 budgeted in fiscal year 2024 and $45,000 from the current budget.
Commissioner Atkinson argued that the existing code could be amended, potentially with Planning Advisory Board assistance, rather than undergoing a complete overhaul. Mayor Nelson Wills and several other commissioners said an updated code will help shape the town’s future identity and implement goals in the recently adopted Land Use Plan. Commissioner Kincaid moved to approve the contract and Mayor Pro Tempore Susan Neeley seconded; the motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Atkinson casting the sole no vote.
The contract authorizes the consultant to review current ordinances, draft a revised ordinance and assist the town through the public-input process. No amendments to the contract were recorded at the meeting. The Board discussed forming a steering committee; Mayor Wills expressed interest in serving on that committee alongside Commissioners Atkinson and Kincaid.
The board action authorizes staff to finalize the contract with the Town Attorney and Town Manager and moves the code-update project into the consultant-led drafting and public-engagement phase.
