Rock Quarry Road rezoning clears planning commission despite neighbors' traffic worries

The Planning Commission on June 23 recommended approval of rezoning case Z826 (Rock Quarry Road) by a 6–1 vote after the applicant added conditions to exclude certain uses and staff described the corridor context.

Applicant Hunter Winstead said the proposal aligns neighborhood‑serving retail with a planned intersection and that the submitted conditions address earlier commission concerns. The conditions forbid detention centers, vehicle fuel sales, vape/tobacco shops and internet gambling establishments at the site.

Residents, including Mary Goodson, opposed the rezoning on traffic grounds: Goodson said existing congestion on Barwell and Rock Quarry makes additional shopping‑center traffic problematic and urged a traffic study that accounts for nearby intersections and pedestrian movements. Transportation staff Barbara Godwin said Barwell Road improvements are in progress and that Tier‑3 site plans would require sidewalks and bike facilities; crossing treatments on state‑controlled Rock Quarry Road would require coordination with NCDOT.

Commissioners split over whether conditions sufficiently mitigate safety concerns; Commissioner Omokai recorded a 'no' vote citing quality‑of‑life and overdevelopment worries. Supporters said the conditions and upcoming Barwell improvements would address many issues and that the zoning would help catalyze corridor improvements.

Quote: "I do echo Miss Goodson's sentiment...Crime is an issue, but my major issue is traffic safety," Commissioner Omokai said during debate.

Next steps: The commission’s recommendation goes to City Council for final action; the applicant must meet Tier‑3 site‑plan requirements and coordinate any crossing treatments with NCDOT.