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Planning board recommends subdivision rezoning at 6018 Seacrest Shortcut Road despite staff reservations
Summary
The board recommended approval of a map amendment to allow two single‑family homes at 6018 Seacrest Shortcut Road. Staff noted the request conflicts with the comprehensive plan's employment‑center recommendation; neighbors raised septic and drainage concerns tied to adjacent property.
The Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of zoning map amendment ZM20260019 to allow subdivision of a roughly 1‑acre parcel at 6018 Seacrest Shortcut Road into two single‑family homes.
Josue Pena, town planner, presented the request and told the board the parcel is currently zoned RSF (rural single family) and sits about 1,600 feet south of Unionville–Indian Trail Road. He said the Federal Highway Administration classifies the road as a major collector and the speed limit there is 45 mph. Pena stated staff's view that the proposal is "not reasonable and not in the public interest" because it does not align with comprehensive plan recommendations for that area, which favor employment‑center uses. "Because of that, the staff is of the opinion that the request is not reasonable," Pena said.
Board members asked operational questions: whether commercial uses would generate more traffic than two homes and how long the comprehensive plan's time horizon extends (20 years). Pena said market forces and property owner choices influence timing and that septic feasibility must be confirmed because the area is not served by sewer.
The applicant, Santonio Cunningham, spoke and said the intent is for both homes to remain family‑occupied. Neighbor Willette Ochsner, who lives next door, asked whether she could remain in her home and whether another house could be built there under an heir; town planners said homeowners retain control and an heir could rebuild in the future. During public comment, residents and the applicant raised drainage concerns tied to a nearby parcel; staff said the town has been aware of prior violations, had worked with the previous owner, and expected redevelopment and site plan review to address drainage issues, but that a straight zoning map amendment cannot include enforceable conditions.
A board member moved to recommend approval of ZM20260019 to subdivide the property; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board's recommendation will be sent to the Town Council for a final decision.
