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Planning board recommends several city‑initiated rezonings; residents press for buffers, access safeguards
Summary
The board recommended approval of three city‑initiated rezonings—Pollock Street (C‑4), MLK Jr. Boulevard (map cleanup), and 1822 South Glen Burnie Road (C‑4)—and heard residents express concerns about potential traffic, reopening of a closed road, and buffering near homes and an elementary school.
The New Bern Planning & Zoning Board on July 16 recommended that the Board of Aldermen approve several city‑initiated map amendments intended to resolve split zoning and support redevelopment projects.
A staff presentation described a small Pollock Street parcel (0.119 acres) that the Housing Authority may acquire as part of a CNI (Choice Neighborhoods Initiative) redevelopment; the board recommended forwarding the rezoning from C‑5A to C‑4 to avoid split zoning once parcels are recombined.
On the larger MLK Jr. Boulevard item, staff said three properties (just under 80 acres) include split zoning that the city sought to resolve. Nearby residents urged the board to ensure a long‑closed road would not be reopened to cut through a small residential neighborhood and to keep children safe at the adjacent elementary school. "It's a very peaceful neighborhood. We're not looking for any changes," said Karen Laneville, a long‑time homeowner.
For 1822 South Glen Burnie Road, staff explained the parcel is largely developed with commercial uses and owner consent was obtained to clean up the map by making the property fully C‑4. Some nearby property owners asked the board to require strong buffering and landscaping if redevelopment occurs to reduce noise and preserve rental housing.
In each case the board voted to recommend approval and forward findings that the amendments are consistent with adopted land‑use plans and in the public interest. Staff said more historical context and a property history section would be added to the staff report for the Board of Aldermen where neighbors raised concerns about reopening private access. The items will proceed to the Board of Aldermen for final action.
