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Richlands aldermen approve R-8 rezoning for Sylvester Farm; R-6 proposal in ETJ deferred
Summary
The Board of Aldermen approved Ordinance 2025-07 rezoning roughly 70.8 acres to R-8 for single-family development; a separate request to rezone a 68-acre Onslow County parcel in the town's extra-territorial jurisdiction to R-6 was discussed but the motion was withdrawn pending annexation information.
The Richlands Board of Aldermen voted Aug. 12 to approve Ordinance 2025-07, rezoning about 70.805 acres owned by Sylvester Farm Investments from R-20 and R-10 to R-8, which permits single-family homes.
Town Administrator Gregg Whitehead presented the map amendment. Eli Perry of Perry Management, representing the owners, said the applicants had scaled back an earlier proposal to R-6 after public feedback and now request R-8, and Ward Sylvester, one of the owners, said the revised plan will not remove all woodlands or stream buffers. A nearby land manager, Eddie Horne of WRH Farms, told the board he supported the rezoning. Elizabeth Bertuch spoke in opposition, citing concerns that R-8 could strain infrastructure if growth accelerated.
Alderman Marilyn Bunce moved to approve Ordinance 2025-07; Alderman Kandy Koonce seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The board did not record any conditions tied to the ordinance in the meeting minutes.
The board also considered a separate rezoning petition from Primary Land Development to change roughly 68 acres in the town’s extra-territorial jurisdiction along Gum Branch Road from R-20 and C-3 to R-6, which allows single- and multi-family housing. Junior Santiago of D.R. Horton asked about annexation and the steps to proceed. After discussion about jurisdictional and annexation issues, the motion to approve (moved by Alderman Kandy Koonce and seconded by Alderman Kent Painter) was withdrawn; no vote was taken. Town Administrator Whitehead said he will provide information on the annexation process and the item may return to a later agenda.
Why it matters: Rezoning decisions shape future housing types and density and can affect infrastructure and services. The Sylvester Farm parcel’s shift to R-8 opens the door to single-family development; the Primary Land Development request remains unresolved pending annexation and more details.
What’s next: Ordinance 2025-07 is approved as recorded in the Aug. 12 minutes. The Primary Land Development rezoning may return to a future meeting after the town provides annexation guidance.
