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Developer offers early overview of massive Williamson tract plan; residents press for conservation and infrastructure guarantees
Summary
Rock Tower Partners presented a preliminary development overview for the reszoned Williamson tract, saying the approved PUD allows up to 7,200 units but the firm expects about 6,000to6,500 units; residents and conservation groups urged strict stormwater, traffic and habitat protections and asked the town to pursue conservation funding before any buildout.
Rock Tower Partners gave Oak Islands Town Council a high-level preview of plans for the Williamson tract, a mainland site previously rezoned to a PUD, while residents pressed the council to insist on environmental protections, traffic planning and developer-funded infrastructure.
Council members reminded the chamber that the council approved the PUD and rezoning in March 2022 and instructed staff to work with the applicant on a new development agreement. A Rock Tower representative said the company is in very early negotiations and will submit a draft development agreement for town review before public hearings.
The developer told the council the PUD on the tract was approved at up to 7,200 housing units but said, "we think we're going to be more in the 6,000 to 6,500 range" and emphasized the project would be a long-term buildout. He said environmental studies, wetland delineations and state and county reviews will guide any final plan and that the team intends a multi-step negotiation with the town and public engagement.
Residents and local groups used the public-comment period to highlight specific concerns. Glenn Baker, president of the Oak Island Civic Alliance, warned that "clear cutting and deforesting over 3,000 acres changes how the groundwater absorbs the water" and urged the council to require the developer to fund stormwater infrastructure and other services rather than shifting costs to current taxpayers.
Marjorie Burnside and members of local conservation groups described the Williamson tract as part of the Bowling Springs Wetland Complex with large stands of longleaf pine and sensitive Carolina bay wetlands, saying the area has historical environmental protections and that prior DOT planning discouraged development there.
Citizens for Planned Growth announced a fundraising strategy to pursue conservation dollars from private donors and foundations to create a business case for conserving portions of the tract. Bruce Pip said his group will submit a draft resolution to ask council support for forming a citizensexploratory committee to contact potential donors.
Council members repeatedly told residents the process will be deliberate. Staff will first receive the developers draft development agreement; council members said they will review the written responses Rock Tower provides to a list of questions before negotiations or a public hearing are scheduled. The presenter estimated an ideal earliest groundbreaking in about two to three years if permits and studies proceed ideally, and said typical full buildout would take 15 to 25 years.
What happens next: Rock Tower will provide a draft development agreement to the town manager and attorney for review. Council members said they expect written answers from the developer to council questions before the town moves the agreement through planning, public hearings and any final council vote. Council reiterated it expects robust public engagement and close coordination with county and state agencies on stormwater, wetlands and traffic planning.
The council did not take any formal zoning or development action at the meeting; members said future votes would occur only after statutory review steps and public hearings.
