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Town and school district outline Willow Run land swap and changes to North–South connector requirements in workshop
Summary
In a workshop on the Buckwalter/Willow Run tract, town staff and the Beaufort County School District discussed a property purchase, a $2.5 million payment to transfer development rights to the town, proposed changes to the 9th amendment that would alter who must build portions of the North–South connector road and include clawbacks and a one‑time 5–25 year buyback option for the district.
At a workshop the planning commission heard a multi‑hour overview of proposed amendments to the Buckwalter (Willow Run) concept plan and the 9th amendment that would accompany the Beaufort County School District’s purchase of several parcels intended for a future K–8 facility and supporting uses.
Kevin Icker, director of growth management, told commissioners the district is under contract to buy parcels collectively called the Willow Run Tract. He said the town has negotiated a purchase and land‑swap structure whereby the town would pay the district $2,500,000 in exchange for development rights while the district would retain an option to purchase back commercial rights under limited conditions. “What we're gonna be doing is actually the town is gonna be, part of that purchase agreement is to the town will be paying $2,500,000 to the school district, and in return, the town will get all of the development rights,” Icker said.
Staff explained the proposed change would remove certain triggers that currently require the district (or future commercial developers) to construct the full North–South connector as part of phased commercial development, while retaining design and construction standards, clawbacks and obligations tied to development triggers. The town and district are negotiating easement terminations, land swaps to secure at least 10 acres of upland for municipal purposes, and a capacity study that shows multiple potential program layouts (for example, a 168‑unit multifamily option or options with fewer units plus a performing arts center).
Commissioners asked detailed questions about the 25‑year buyback option, deed restrictions, the ability to transfer development rights elsewhere in the PUD, and how roadway and intersection costs would be divided. Staff said the town expects a final draft for public hearing in coming weeks and emphasized many details remain under negotiation; the commission will review and make recommendations when a formal amendment and development‑agreement changes are submitted.
