Red Oak council approves RM-CZ rezoning for Deans Road after public hearing

The Red Oak Town Council voted 4-0 May 11 to approve rezoning of a parcel on Deans Road to RM-CZ following a public hearing in which residents and the applicant presented competing views on future use.

Kevin Varnell of Stocks Engineering presented the parcel information and described the initial subdivision request and alternative uses if the site is not developed as a subdivision. Several residents voiced concerns about drainage and possible flooding of a nearby ditch and said they preferred stick-built homes rather than mobile or modular housing. Mike Lewis said he would "rather see stick built homes to match area versus mobile homes," and Lynwood Shearin pressed whether the council's decision would affect existing mobile or modular homes.

Commissioner Sandra Russ said she believed the matter was significant enough to warrant more time and said she had not yet discussed it with the planning board; she moved initially to table the item. Commissioner Scott Briley said he views the town's future land-use plan as guidance rather than binding law and described outreach he had done with the community. Mayor Levell Langley said he did not like "telling people what to do with their property," while Commissioner Tony Bennett cautioned that approving rezoning could be a "slippery slope."

After hearing public comment and council discussion, Commissioner Briley moved to approve the rezoning to RM-CZ; Commissioner Russ seconded. The motion passed 4-0. The council did not specify additional conditions or mitigation measures in the record; officials said no further public comment was offered at the hearing.

Next steps: the approved rezoning will be reflected in the town's zoning actions and allow the applicant to pursue subdivision approvals consistent with RM-CZ zoning; staff did not announce any additional public hearings or conditions tied to the approval at the meeting.