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Raeford council tables vote on Stout Land Development rezoning after resident objections
Summary
A proposed rezoning for an 11.01‑acre Gable Drive subdivision to create 35 lots was tabled Aug. 1 after residents raised concerns about lot shape, neighborhood appearance, pond safety and traffic; the developer said homes would be entry‑level in the $285,000–$300,000 range and the project may include HOA maintenance.
The Raeford City Council on Aug. 1 tabled action on a rezoning application from Stout Land Development that would change an 11.01‑acre parcel on Gable Drive from HC (Highway Commercial) to CD‑R‑8 (Conditional District R‑8) for a proposed 35‑lot residential subdivision.
Code Administrator Felecia Locklear explained the applicant requested CD‑R‑8 status with conditions including a minimum lot size of about 9,500 square feet and the majority of lots at 10,000 square feet; the developer said calculated density would be lower than neighboring Raeford Village (R‑12). Locklear told council the Planning Board held a public hearing July 25 but could not reach a recommendation.
Several nearby residents objected to the plan’s lot shapes and appearance. Harry Andrews said the “narrow and deep lots will give the impression of a mobile home park” and that visibility from Highway 211 could affect the city’s first impression. Cheryl Holmes reiterated concerns about appearance, whether HOA covenants would deter military buyers, resale value, ecosystem impacts and strain on utilities. Larry Fellows asked that a pond be fenced to prevent child drownings; Locklear noted the Unified Development Ordinance allows the council to add such conditions if the applicant agrees.
Developer Ben Stout said homes would range from about 1,800 to 2,300 square feet, include two‑car garages and be marketed as entry‑level housing (he cited price estimates of about $285,000 to $300,000). Stout said stormwater ponds are engineered to infiltrate runoff and should not retain standing water for extended periods and that he was open to traffic‑calming alternatives to the roundabout shown in planning materials.
After discussion about traffic calming and lot layout, Councilman Wayne Willis moved to table the application until the next council meeting; Councilman Robert L. Conoly seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The application would convert a major parcel near Highway 211 into a medium‑density subdivision. Residents and the developer raised competing concerns about neighborhood character, safety and project feasibility; tabling gives council time to seek more information and possible amendments.
