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Planning board backs neighborhood‑business rezoning; neighbors press owner on runoff
Summary
The planning board recommended approval of ZM‑20260025 to rezone a 1.5‑acre parcel from SF‑1 to Neighborhood Business (MBD) inside a mixed‑use overlay; neighbors raised longstanding drainage and runoff complaints tied to an adjacent parcel, and town staff said remediation typically happens at redevelopment/site‑plan stage.
Staff presented zoning map amendment ZM‑20260025, a conventional rezoning to change a roughly 1.5‑acre parcel along Waxaw/Indian Railroad from SF‑1 (single‑family low density) to MBD (Neighborhood Business District) inside the mixed‑use activity center overlay. Staff said MBD aligns with the comprehensive‑plan overlay and that the applicant’s near‑term intention is to renovate the existing residence for commercial use and eventually develop a medical office.
During public comment, resident John Palmer said prior earthwork on an adjacent parcel owned by the same landowner had altered topography, eliminated a retention area and caused recurring runoff and property damage that required repeated backyard repairs. Palmer asked that the town require a 75‑foot setback from the adjoining neighborhood and seek cost sharing for mitigation. Town staff (Brandy) responded that the town is aware of prior violations by a previous owner, that staff made enforcement efforts, and that, absent active redevelopment, town enforcement options are limited; staff said the drainage problem is most effectively addressed during redevelopment/site‑plan review when stormwater controls and construction drawings must meet standards.
Denise Gibson, a Deerstein neighborhood resident of 11 years, said the parcel sits inside a small pocket of 34 homes and urged caution about precedent and neighborhood compatibility because the specific commercial uses were not identified.
The owner, introduced earlier in the staff presentation as John Lee, spoke and said his family intends a medical/dental use, that his wife is a local medical provider, and that he has discussed the drainage history with the town’s engineering staff and is willing to work with neighbors on remediation when redevelopment proceeds. Staff also reminded the board that a conventional zoning‑map amendment cannot include binding conditions; a conditional rezoning route would allow enforceable conditions but was not the application filed tonight.
A board member moved to recommend approval of ZM‑20260025 as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The planning board’s recommendation will be forwarded to town council; site‑plan review and any required stormwater controls will be part of subsequent permitting.
