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Burke County approves MOU to phase sewer capacity for Chestnut Springs housing project
Summary
The Burke County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding to allocate limited sanitary‑sewer capacity in phases to a proposed 31.6‑acre Chestnut Springs development on Miller Bridge Road, enabling an initial buildout while preserving capacity for future projects.
The Burke County Board of Commissioners on March 16 approved a memorandum of understanding that will phase use of constrained sanitary‑sewer capacity for a proposed Chestnut Springs housing development on Miller Bridge Road.
County Manager (Brian) told commissioners the project, proposed by local developers Travis and Scott Mann of Pisca Brothers Developments, would occupy roughly 31.6 acres and ultimately include about 85 homes targeted at $250,000–$300,000. The county presented an asset‑inventory finding that the Indian Hills pump station serving the eastern part of the county has limited remaining capacity — roughly equivalent to about 150 single‑family homes — and that replacing or upsizing the station likely would cost on the order of $10 million and take more than three years for design and construction.
“As that end of our county continues to be the area where we’re seeing the most development and growth, this is really a pinch point where we have to be dynamic in our policy,” the County Manager said, describing a phased approach the county and developers negotiated to allocate capacity over time so projects can proceed without exceeding sewer limits. The manager characterized the MOU as a nonbinding partnership of intent to manage remaining capacity transparently and deliberately.
Why it matters: Burke County staff said the phased allocation is intended to allow near‑term housing starts while preserving system reliability and avoiding unplanned overloads into the City of Hickory treatment system. Commissioners and staff noted the local housing supply shortfall and the county’s desire to prioritize projects that advance workforce and attainable housing goals.
What was approved: The board approved the MOU as presented, subject to review by the county attorney, on a 4–0 vote. The MOU as described would allow an initial small phase (the manager said developers could have about a dozen homes ready as early as July) followed by additional phases aligned with measured build‑out and sewer system monitoring.
Financial and implementation notes: The manager said upgrades to Indian Hills pump station are expensive and multi‑year; the MOU does not obligate the county to immediate capital spending but creates a process to allocate scarce capacity. Commissioners requested continued engagement with neighbors and careful monitoring of build pace and infrastructure impacts.
Next steps: The board approved the MOU and authorized county staff and counsel to finalize any revisions. Developers will pursue conditional zoning and permitting, and the county will manage phased allocations against remaining sewer capacity and related permitting.
