Board approves amended special-use permit for Lincoln Charter School satellite complex with lighting and access conditions

The Lincoln County Board approved an amended special‑use permit (SUP 525A) for a satellite recreational complex associated with Lincoln Charter School. County planning staff summarized proposed amendments to a previously approved site plan for an 87‑acre site on Old Plank Road, including relocation of the football stadium to the road frontage, a reduced performing arts center footprint (roughly 27,000 square feet, down from an earlier 70,000 square‑foot concept) and specific operational conditions.

Jeremiah, county planning staff, read proposed conditions into the record: stadium lighting would be limited to scheduled practices and games and turned off shortly after events; LED fixtures would be targeted and shielded to minimize spill; parking and site lighting would be controllable by photo‑cell and turned off after closing hours; the Mount Zion Church Road access would remain closed during regular operations and be used primarily as an exit during very high‑traffic events; signage would indicate Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office representatives are authorized to enforce site rules. The applicant’s representative, Rob Brown, said campus gates are typically unlocked at the school’s existing campuses and that locking the proposed gate could limit intended public use and raise fire‑marshal concerns; he said the project team was working with the school system and neighbors to identify practical solutions.

A nearby homeowner who testified said the single issue that would satisfy most neighbors was a guarantee that a gate would be locked when the site was closed. The applicant and the school staff indicated ongoing communications and pledged to continue to work with neighbors. Following the public testimony the board voted to approve the findings of fact and to approve SUP 525A with the conditions presented.