Planning Commission defers Turtle Cove rezoning after extensive opposition and legal concerns

The Mecklenburg County Planning Commission voted on Jan. 15 to defer consideration of Scot Jaster’s proposed rezoning for the Turtle Cove development until the Feb. 19, 2026 meeting after an extended public hearing with extensive resident opposition and a legal presentation from an adjacent property owner.

KCI Associates’ Chad Sary described Turtle Cove as a roughly 440‑acre multi‑phase project with 31–59 acres in Mecklenburg County; he said the developer planned about 340 single‑family lots in neighboring North Carolina and that the county portion would be limited to marina and associated commercial uses. Attorney Brian Pearce, representing an adjacent owner, told commissioners he believed the proposal is inconsistent with the Mecklenburg County Comprehensive Plan and said he was concerned the rezoning could amount to "illegal spot zoning." The Zoning Office reported 179 emails opposed and 4 in favor of the rezoning.

Numerous residents raised environmental and safety concerns tied to increased boat traffic and wakes in shallow lake areas, potential impacts on drinking‑water resources and wildlife, effects on property values, and possible traffic impacts on secondary roads. One resident also cited the proximity of Parkinson's Pit and university‑recorded archaeological finds near the proposed site. After hearing public comment, Charles Reamy moved to defer the application; David Brankley seconded and the Commission approved the deferral to allow additional review and information to be provided to commissioners ahead of the next meeting.