Raeford council unanimously approves three rezonings for businesses and a residential subdivision

The Raeford City Council unanimously approved three zoning changes at its Oct. 2 meeting that will allow two small commercial sales and a residential subdivision. Mayor John K. McNeill, III presided.

In the first item, the council approved a request by Kristian Norton and Dorothy Norton to rezone a 0.53-acre parcel (PIN# 694341101058) on E. Central Avenue from R-8 (Residential 8,000) to NB (Neighborhood Business) to accommodate placement of a business. Councilwoman Mary Neil King moved to open the public hearing; the Planning Board had recommended approval after an adjacent owner, Timothy Nance, asked whether sewer would be extended. Code Administrator Felecia Locklear said the parcel lies in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and that it was unlikely the city would fund an extension of sewer service; septic approval would likely be required. In regular session Councilman John Jordan moved and King seconded approval of the rezoning; the vote was unanimous.

The council then approved Toya Lindsay’s request to rezone the property at 1003 Fayetteville Road (PIN# 694351701002) from R-8 to NB so the lot could be sold for commercial use. Locklear briefed the council on permitted uses in NB zoning, noting that convenience stores without gasoline sales are allowed but gasoline sales would likely be infeasible on the lot because of its shape and size; buffers would be required between business and adjacent residential properties. An adjacent property owner, identified as Mr. Pope, voiced concern about what type of business might locate there and was given contact information for follow-up. The Planning Board recommended approval; the council approved the rezoning unanimously.

Finally, the council approved Annod LLC’s petition to rezone a 5.1-acre parcel on Stevens Street (PIN# 694351801159) from R-8 to R-6 to permit a subdivision that would include a new public street. Dell Crawford of Crawford Designs told the council that rezoning to R-6 would allow a more efficient street layout and better access for emergency and sanitation vehicles and would avoid creating a cul-de-sac exceeding 500 feet. The Planning Board recommended approval; the council approved the rezoning unanimously and directed that the applicant return for preliminary subdivision review with design plans.

All three rezoning motions carried without recorded opposition. Next steps vary: the Annod LLC rezoning proceeds to preliminary subdivision design and review; the NB rezones will proceed under the city’s permitting process, subject to any septic approvals, required buffers and special-use permitting where applicable.

Meeting attendance included Mayor John K. McNeill, III; Councilmen John Jordan, Robert Conoly and Wayne Willis; Councilwoman Mary Neil King; City Manager Dennis Baxley; Code Administrator Felecia Locklear; and applicants and members of the public who spoke at hearings.