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Commissioners deny two housing rezones over traffic and environmental concerns, approve Whitebridge commercial rezoning
Summary
The board denied a conditional rezoning for a 104‑unit townhome project in Hampstead and a 55.6‑acre single‑family rezoning in Long Creek amid resident concerns about traffic, schools and wetlands; the board approved a separate Whitebridge commercial rezoning to add General Business zoning at a Highway 17 node.
The Pender County Board of Commissioners acted on multiple rezoning requests at its April 20 meeting, denying two proposed housing projects after extended public opposition and approving a commercial rezoning at Whitebridge Road and U.S. 17.
Walnut Grove (Hampstead): Planning staff had recommended approval of a conditional rezoning to allow 104 attached townhome units on about 19 developable acres, noting the proposal exceeded open-space requirements and avoided mapped wetlands. The planning board had recommended denial. After public comment — focused on traffic on the single‑access St. John's Church/Jenkins corridor, school capacity and impacts on an historic neighborhood — Commissioner Springer moved to deny the rezoning. The board voted to deny the conditional zoning; the motion noted traffic and school planning as central concerns.
Long Creek (55.63 acres): A separate conditional rezoning to create 85 single‑family lots on 55.63 acres also met strong neighborhood opposition. Neighbors and long‑term residents testified that Scott Road and nearby crossings flood frequently, that soils in the area include clay and marshy ground unsuited for many conventional septic systems, and that adding 85 lots would increase runoff and septic risk. Although staff recommended approval, the board voted to deny the rezoning after commissioners cited density, septic/flooding risk, and community fit; the board flagged that the owner could still pursue by‑right development options that would not return to the commission.
Whitebridge commercial rezoning: By contrast, the board approved a general‑business (GB) rezoning for three parcels at Whitebridge Road and U.S. 17 where commercial development already clusters. Staff and the planning board supported the change because the parcels sit in an established commercial node and would consolidate zoning to support retail, offices and contractor space along a primary corridor. The motion to approve was approved by the board.
What it means: The two denials underscore the board's sensitivity to traffic congestion, school impacts, septic suitability and wetlands in decisions that would increase residential density. The Whitebridge approval signals continued county support for corridor‑oriented commercial growth at U.S. 17.
Provenance: Walnut Grove discussion (staff start SEG 2340; applicant presentation and traffic timing SEG 2727–2949; public comments SEG 3020–3330; denial vote SEG 3360–3508). Long Creek presentation and vote: staff presentation SEG 3538–3720; applicant and engineering SEG 3727–3850; public comments SEG 4220–4496; denial vote SEG 4910–4950. Whitebridge rezoning presentation and approval SEG 4986–5223.
