2021-10-04 Regular Meeting
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 222
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on October 4, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.
in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice-Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.;
Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple.
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pastor Gayle Tabor of Church on Tap provided the invocation and Commissioner Barfield led the audience
in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that Consent Agenda Items #9: Approval of New Hanover County Board of
Education Application for NC Education Lottery Funds for FY22 Capital Projects; and #10: Budget Amendments would
be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion and consideration and requested a motion to approve
the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Olson-Boseman, to approve Consent Agenda Items 1
through 8 as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Special Meeting held on September 3, 2021, Agenda
Review held on September 16, 2021, and Regular Meeting held on September 20, 2021.
Adoption of Resolution to Approve the Donation of Riot Gear and Dive Equipment to the Pender County Sheriff's
Office – Sheriff’s Office
The Commissioners adopted a resolution approving the donation of riot gear and dive equipment to the
Pender County Sheriff’s Office.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII,
Page 13.1.
Adoption of Indigenous Peoples' Day Proclamation – County Manager
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing the second Monday in October, October 11, 2021
as Indigenous Peoples' Day in New Hanover County.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XLIII, Page 13.2.
Adoption of Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation – County Manager
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness
Month in New Hanover County.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XLIII, Page 13.3.
Adoption of National Substance Abuse Awareness Month Proclamation – Health and Human Services
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing October 2021 as National Substance Abuse
Awareness Month in New Hanover County.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XLIII, Page 13.4.
Adoption of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation – Health and Human Services
The Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing October 2021 as National Breast Cancer Awareness
Month in New Hanover County.
A copy of the proclamation is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book
XLIII, Page 13.5.
Adoption of a Resolution Appointing Map Review Officers – Planning and Land Use
The Commissioners adopted a resolution appointing the Map Review Officers.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII,
Page 13.6.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 223
Discussion and Approval of August 2021 Tax Collection Reports – Tax Department
In response to Commissioner Zapple’s questions, Tax Collections Supervisor Trina Lewis stated that bills
went out in July 2021. Between the mailing and the increased number of real estate closings, tax bills are being paid
earlier.
Additional information: The Commissioners accepted the tax collection reports of New Hanover County,
New Hanover County Fire District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of August 2021.
Discussion and Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education (NHC BOE) Applications for NC Education
Lottery Funds for FY22 Capital Projects – Finance
In response to Board questions, New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Facility Planning and Construction
Director Leanne Lawrence confirmed that the $600,000 for safety and security at various location is for items
identified in the 2019 security audit report generated by True North Group. NHCS is prioritizing and implementing
the items campus by campus. For the 2021 school year $1 million was allocated through the state lottery fund. The
Board of Education also allocated $1 million in the 2021-2022 year and of that, $600,000 will come from lottery
funding and another $400,000 from capital. Work is done incrementally, $1 million at a time, per fiscal year to
address specific items identified in the risk assessment. She can provide a copy of the security audit but will not be
able to discuss specifics of what NHCS is doing in a public forum.
As to the partial roof repair at Holly Shelter Middle School, Ms. Lawrence explained that the entire roof
does not need to be replaced, just two sections. The $350,000 for interior painting at Ashley High School is part of
routine maintenance. Due to the size of the campus, the project cannot be done in one summer and is done in
phases. She further confirmed that the funds in the agenda item are coming from the state lottery funds.
As to the process for the school district to utilize the state lottery funds, Chief Financial Officer Lisa
Wurtzbacher explained that each year there is an amount assigned to the County by the state. The school district
must go through this application process and after the applications are approved there will be a formal budget
amendment that she believes will go through the NHC BOE and then returned to the Board for consideration. She
further confirmed that what is reflected on the information in the packet is the remaining balance that is available
for the school district to pull from.
Commissioner Barfield stated that he feels that it is important that the Commissioners have a running tally
of what has been invested in safety and security. He believes it will help the Board understand what has been spent
in total as well as what is needed in the future to complete the process. It is important to have a full understanding,
so the County is not overspending or underspending and there is clarity on what the Board is investing in. Ms.
Lawrence responded that she would provide the information.
Additional information: The Commissioners approved the New Hanover County Board of Education
applications for NC Education Lottery Funds for FY22 capital projects. The total for the nine project applications is
$1,757,500. The unallocated balance of the Public School Building Capital Fund after this action is $1,182,859. The
applications will be submitted to the NC Department of Public Instruction and once approved, a budget amendment
will be submitted to the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners for approval. A copy of the
application is on file in the finance department.
Discussion and Adoption of Budget Amendments – Budget
Commissioner Zapple expressed appreciation for budget amendment 22-015 to support the home
delivered meals program and congregate meal drive-up services.
In response to Commissioner Zapple’s questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that budget amendment 22-012
contains line items for funds from the remaining loan proceeds for the stormwater services program equipment and
the Department of Environmental Management equipment purchase for the landfill. Budget amendment 22-013
relates to various escrow funds that the County holds for things such as subdivision deposits that must be paid back
once the commitments are met.
Additional information: The Commissioners adopted the budget amendments for Health - 22-010; Senior
Resource Center - 22-015; Stormwater - 22-014; Purchase Order Rollover - 22-012; and Grant Rollover - 22-013.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board on Consent Agenda
Items 9 and 10 and noted that Consent Agenda Item 8 was approved under the earlier motion.
Motion: Chair Olson-Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Rivenbark, to approve Consent Agenda Item
#9: Approval of New Hanover County Board of Education Application for NC Education Lottery Funds for FY22 Capital
Projects and adopt Consent Agenda Item #10: Adoption of Budget Amendments. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that 20 minutes for the Consent Agenda during the regular meeting is
excessive. In the future if a County Commissioner has this many questions, the questions probably need to be
addressed before the regular meeting or the county manager needs to be notified to move them to the regular item
portion of the agenda.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 224
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in
Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 13.7 and copies of the budget amendments are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes
and is contained in Exhibit Book XLIII, Page 13.8.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN UPDATE AND RECOGNITION OF TAMERA YOUNG AS THE
FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN INSPIRATION AWARD
Sheila Evans, Chair of the New Hanover County Commission for Women, provided a brief update on the
commission’s activities noting that the first meeting was held on June 25, 2020. Since that time the full commission
and subcommittees have met in virtual format with the executive director of NC Council for Women, members of
Women Organizing Women, League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear, Downtown Rotary, NC State
Representative Deb Butler, and organizations including but not limited to GLOW, WILMA, Junior League of
Wilmington, The Women Encouragement Living and Learning Place, American Association of University Women, and
Northside Co-Op. It hosted a Healthcare Town Hall in March 2021 and sponsored International Women’s Day
through the UNCW Department of Education. In person meetings have included a work session at the Willowdale
Urban Farm and review of the historical documents of the prior iteration of the commission. There is currently a
logo contest with the school system, DREAMS, and some other organizations to create an updated logo for the
commission. Due to Covid-19, the October 2021 Biz Mix/Networking event has been postponed to 2022. She
expressed appreciation for the Board adopting the resolution calling for the ratification of the Equal Rights
Amendment (ERA), which helped recognize Women’s Equity Day. Some members attended the Office of Diversity
and Equity’s Intentional Collisions event and the commission also helped sponsor the Inaugural Equity Awards Ball.
Ms. Evans further stated that exploration work has started on advocating for similar commissions to be
established in neighboring counties. The New Hanover County Commission for Women is only one of five in the
state. One of the most important things the commission is doing right now, as it is charged with the task to advocate
and be a source of information on the status of women in New Hanover County, is a women's pulse survey to obtain
data on women’s needs and perceptions.
Ms. Evans concluded the update stating that the commission has also created the New Hanover County
Commission for Women Inspiration Award and that the inaugural recipient is Tamera Young for being an example
of empowerment and inspiration to this community. She then asked YWCA Lower Cape Fear CEO and commission
member Velva Jenkins to join her to make the award presentation to Ms. Young.
Ms. Jenkins stated when she and Ms. Young’s mother would watch their daughters playing basketball years
ago, little did she know that Ms. Young would grow up to be a successful, well known, inspiring, beautiful young
woman. Ms. Young is the all-time leading scorer at E.A. Laney High School. During her senior year, she led the
Buccaneers to the 2004 conference championship and in 2012, was inducted into the E.A. Laney Hall of Fame. She
played collegiately at James Madison University (JMU) in the Colonial Athletic Association, majored in kinesiology,
and set numerous records in college, including the conference all-time scoring record. In 2018, Ms. Young was
inducted into the JMU Athletic Hall of Fame. She was the first female from JMU to be drafted to the Women’s
National Basketball Association (WNBA) as a first round draft pick by the Atlanta Dream in 2008. She was with the
Atlanta Dream for one and a half seasons, Chicago Sky for eight and a half seasons, and then two seasons with the
Las Vegas Aces. She retired as a 12 year WNBA veteran and is also an entrepreneur and CEO of TY1 Gear LLC. Ms.
Young exemplifies empowerment and is an inspiration to this community. Throughout her basketball career, starting
at Girls Incorporated and then E.A. Laney High School, she has given back via her basketball clinic for kids and Kill
Cancer 3-on-3 Basketball Charity Tournament held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. She has been and continues
to be a role model for kids, showing them that dreams do come true, as well as a role model for women to follow
their dreams. Ms. Jenkins then presented to Ms. Young, on behalf of any New Hanover County Commission for
Women, the first New Hanover County Commission for Women Inspiration Award.
Ms. Young expressed appreciation for the recognition and the award. She thanked her family and friends
for their support. Without that support system she would not be where she is today, nor would she have had the
ability to make her dreams come true.
Commissioner Barfield congratulated Ms. Young on the award noting that he knows some of her family and
that Rubin Sloan is his oldest child’s godfather. He thanked her for being who she is, for being a role model for all in
the community and hoped that God would continue to bless her in her endeavors, and her family.
Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Evans for the update and Ms. Young for attending the meeting.
NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT UPDATE
Spence Broadhurst, New Hanover Community Endowment Chair and President stated that Vice-Chair
Hannah Gage would also be providing a portion of the update. The members of New Hanover Community
Endowment (NHCE) Board are the first in a lot of ways. They are a diverse board with 46% female, 23% African-
American, and 8% LatinX. However, the board is mostly diverse in its energy and perspectives which has served them
well. Each member recognizes the responsibility in front of them and considers it an honor to lead the NHCE. NHCE
meets each week to work on building the foundation for the endowment. The board also divided into three
committees with one being governance, chaired by Hannah Gage, which is tasked with building the structural
foundation of the NHCE to last in a perpetual manner. The second is the investment committee, chaired by Bill
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 225
Cameron and the third is the chief executive officer search (CEO) and communications committee, chaired by
Steadman Stevens. He then asked Ms. Gage to provide an update on the work of the governance committee.
Ms. Gage stated the goal of the governance committee has been to build a strong and lasting endowment
in service to the community. Work began with putting the policies and processes in place to protect the integrity of
the operation, strengthening the bylaws, and aligning the conflict of interest policy in accordance with federal and
state laws. Policies have been established as required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) such as a whistle blower
policy and document retention, reduction, and destruction policies which were in place before filing the 990 tax
returns. A very intentional process for the selection of the two NHCE appointees was adopted. The two members
are chosen specifically to increase diversity and ensure that underserved communities always have a voice at the
table. The two appointees, Drs. Edelmira Segovia and Khadijia Tribié Reid, have already had a profound impact on
the conversation. A policy has also been established for the 15-member community advisory committee. Members
of the committee will be selected after the public listening sessions are complete. It is one more effort being made
to ensure that this community always has input, and the board stays connected to the people it serves. There will
be two community listening sessions with the first one on October 26, 2021. The purpose is to listen to the
community and learn what the community has to say about the needs and opportunities that exist in NHCE’s service
area.
Ms. Gage further stated that the board is very focused on education and has attempted to learn everything
it can from other foundations about best practices. Meetings so far have been held with the Duke Endowment,
Golden LEAF Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield
Foundation. The Dogwood Health Trust, located in Asheville, is a startup and of comparable size to NHCE, and is a
result of the sale of Mission Hospital to HCA. It is about 18 months ahead of NHCE and their experience has been
relevant to NHCE. The advice they gave early on was to go slow and NHCE has heeded that advice. A meeting was
also held with the North Carolina Grant Makers Association to learn about effective grant making, how to be
strategic, and focus on the real needle moving initiatives that will drive transformation. Local education sessions
have also started to understand the landscape of need in this community. Each member is committed to the work
of change and grateful for the opportunity to build something extraordinary for the community.
Mr. Broadhurst stated the governance committee and the entire NHCE board has been busy and active in
building the foundation of the NHCE. He received notification around January 20, 2021 that the NHCE was probably
going to receive about $1.2 billion through the closing of the hospital sale. Upon notification, the investment
committee got to work to immediately develop a three-prong strategy with the first prong being preservation of the
capital. Once the money comes in it must be safely secured, which was done first in capital preservation and investing
the proceeds in very low risk, very low cost, and very low return investments. Second prong was the development
and approval of an initial investment policy that guided the board through the transition to a full policy, and in that,
has been the start of incrementally investing portions of the proceeds from the very low risk, low cost, low return
investments into equities and incremental capacity and then to move a portion of those into publicly traded equity
index funds with the ultimate goal of investing approximately 60% in those types of equities. The third prong is a
more permanent direction. NHCE has engaged an independent national investment advisory firm to assist it in
developing a permanent investment policy to replace the initial policy and preparing the request for proposals for
potential investment managers to serve NHCE going forward. The investment policy should be in place within the
next 60-days and then the request for proposals (RFPs) will go out soon after that.
Mr. Broadhurst further stated that the first step of the CEO and communications committee was to develop
a mission, vision, and values statement which was an incredible process for the board to be involved in. The members
wanted to have a mission, vision, and values but wanted to go farther and state what is NHCE’s commitment in
addition to the mission, vision, and values. The statement is included in the handout provided to the Board before
the meeting and is succinct, but very intentional. He encouraged the Board to review the information in the handout.
The CEO search has been going on for some time and is a nationwide exhaustive search to find the right leader. As
mentioned earlier the advice was to go slow before going fast and NHCE board has been very intentional about this.
It has worked through from a large group of potential candidates to a narrower group, and the hope is to have that
th
completed before the end of the year, if not before. The October 26 community listening session will start at 7:00
p.m. and be held at the Wilmington Convention Center and will be streamed live on the County’s government
channel. He concluded the update stating that the NHCE members recognize the opportunity, accept the
responsibility, and are truly honored to have been chosen to lead the NHCE.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Broadhurst stated that the grant criteria, announcement of same,
acceptance of proposals, and making the first grants are targeted to occur in 2022. However, the community listening
sessions must be held first and then the community advisory group will be appointed. The timeline is laid out in the
handout that was disbursed to the Board.
Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Broadhurst for the update.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM - 2020-2021 FINAL REPORT
Brad Rosov, M.Sc. Senior Marine Biologist/Project Manager with Coastal Protection Engineering of North
Carolina, stated that the monthly monitoring of seven tidal creeks, a total of 19 sampling sites, within the County
has been done since November 2007. There are also three sampling sites at Airlie Gardens Lake. The creeks included
in this study are Pages and Futch Creeks, which drain into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and Lords, Mott,
Barnards, Smith, and Prince George Creeks, which drain into the Cape Fear River. He then presented the 2020-2021
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 226
Water Quality Monitoring Program Final Report highlighting the results of the water quality samples collected and
analyzed for biological, chemical, and physical parameters from the following monitoring stations:
New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring Program:
Methods: monthly sampling from July 2020 – June 2021
Physical, biological, and chemical (Airlie Gardens only) parameters are utilized
Results:
2020-2021 Summary Results:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Mott Pages Smith
Parameter George
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
Creek
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved Oxygen GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR GOOD
Chlorophyll-a GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Enterococci GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR FAIR GOOD
2019 – 2020 Results:
Prince
Barnards Futch Lords Mott Pages Smith
Parameter George
Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek Creek
Creek
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved Oxygen GOOD FAIR GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR GOOD
Chlorophyll-a GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD
Enterococci GOOD GOOD GOOD FAIR FAIR GOOD GOOD
Long-Term Enterococci 2008-2021 Results:
Airlie Gardens Lake Monthly Monitoring:
AG-IN (northern part of lake), AG-Floating Dock (FD), AG-Outfall (OUT)
Physical Parameters, Orthophosphate, Nitrate/Nitrite
Airlie Gardens Lake Water Quality Results:
AG-
Parameter AG-IN AG-FD
OUT
Turbidity GOOD GOOD GOOD
Dissolved Oxygen FAIR GOOD GOOD
Chlorophyll-a FAIR POOR POOR
Nitrogen levels have been higher, on average, at AG-IN while Chlorophyll-a has been
higher, on average, at AG-FD and AG-OUT
Constructed wetlands and recent dredging may improve water quality in the future
Conclusions:
Turbidity and Chlorophyll-a levels continue to be deemed to be “good” in all creeks
Dissolved Oxygen levels fluctuate with water temperature
Overall, Enterococci bacteria have improved over the long-term study period
Enterococci bacteria remain elevated at Pages Creek
Water quality within Airlie Gardens appears to be driven in part by nutrient-laden stormwater
runoff which may spur algal blooms and reduced dissolved oxygen. Additionally, the recent
work on the lake could have stirred up bottom sediments adding to the overall levels of
nutrients as indicated by sampling.
Source Tracking via Thermal Imaging at Pages Creek:
Deployment of a UAV (drone) in partnership with UNCW’s Socio-Environmental Analysis Lab
Temperature differentials detected (residential properties and areas adjacent to sewer
infrastructure)
Sites ruled out, some remain
Follow up and Next Steps:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 227
Follow up sampling indicated Enterococci bacteria groundwater seeps
Additional testing needed and PCR tracing to determine human signature
In response to Board questions, Mr. Rosov stated that public health would make the determination whether
it is safe swim or fish in Pages Creek due to the enterococci levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
set forth standards that help determine if there are too many bacteria in the water and unsafe for swimming. He
cannot speak to the medical side, but when the EPA standard of 500 colony forming units per milliliter has been
breached an individual has a higher risk of getting gastrointestinal illnesses. It is ultimately up to an individual to
determine whether they feel safe or not to swim, fish, etc.
In response to further Board questions, Mr. Rosov stated that the report results are provided to the
Planning and Land Use staff who are coordinating with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) to share the
information. Long Range Planner Dylan McDonnell stated that after the thermal study was completed the results
were shared with CFPUA so an investigation into the Pages Creek lift station infrastructure could be done. Staff will
continue to work with CFPUA knowing that the testing targets are close to the lift station infrastructure.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Rosov for the presentation.
PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF A REQUEST BY CRAIG JOHNSON, APPLICANT ON BEHALF OF THE PROPERTY
OWNER, SOCOL, LLC, TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 5.1 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 4606, 4618, & 4626 SOUTH
COLLEGE ROAD FROM R-15, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO (CZD) R-5, CONDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL MODERATE-HIGH
DENSITY DISTRICT, IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A 20-LOT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, CONTAINING A MAXIMUM OF
40 DUAL-UNIT ATTACHED HOMES (Z21-11)
Chair Olson-Boseman opened the public hearing and requested staff to make the presentation.
Senior Planner Nicole Smith presented the request by Craig Johnson, applicant on behalf of the property
owner, SOCOL, LLC, to rezone approximately 5.1 acres of land located at 4606, 4618, and 4626 South College Road
from R-15, Residential District to (CZD) R-5, Conditional Residential Moderate-High Density District, in order to
develop a 20-lot residential development, containing a maximum of 40 dual-unit attached homes. The subject
property is located west of South College Road and south of Jasmine Cove Way. The site is situated between low-
density residential to the north and west, a place of worship to the east, and a moderate density residential
development to the south.
The site has been zoned R-15 since 1969. The purpose of the R-15 district is to provide lands that
accommodate very low to low density residential development that can serve as a transition between very low-
density residential development patterns and smaller lot, more dense residential areas of the County. The purpose
of the R-5, Residential Moderate-High Density District is to provide lands that accommodate moderate to high
density residential development on smaller lots with a compact and walkable development pattern. The applicant is
proposing to rezone 5.1 acres to (CZD) R-5, Conditional Residential Moderate-High Density District to construct a 20-
lot residential development. The proposal includes dual unit attached structures, which equates to an overall density
of 7.8 dwelling units per acre (du/ac).
Primary access to the development will be from Jasmine Cove Way, a public local street. As currently zoned,
the subject site would be permitted up to 13 dwelling units at 2.5 du/ac under the performance residential
standards. A development of this scale is estimated to generate approximately 14 trips during the peak hours. The
proposed development is estimated to generate about 32-42 trips during the peak hours, for an increase of about
19-28 trips in the peak hours. There is one approved Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) in the vicinity, Whiskey Branch, and
study details are in the agenda packet. The one active subdivision in the area, Whiskey Branch, has approximately
290 remaining units until full build out.
Based on the current general student generation rate, the increase in homes would result in approximately
six additional public school students than would be generated under the current zoning. The general student
generation rate provides only an estimate as different forms of housing at different price points yield different
numbers of students. Over the past four years, staff has seen a decline in the number of students generated by new
development. Additionally, the student population is anticipated to only grow by approximately 1,300 students over
the next 10 years based on the recent New Hanover County Schools Facility Needs Study.
The request is generally compatible. The intent of the R-5 zoning district is to serve as a transition between
mixed-use or commercial development and low to moderate density residential development. The proposed project
would allow for an increase in housing diversity. While connectivity is difficult in the location due to the existing
development pattern and roadway configuration in the area, the proposed development will connect to Jasmine
Cove Way. Future residents will also have access to an existing Wave transit stop on South College Road, located
between Jasmine Cove Way and Pine Hollow Drive to access nearby goods and services. The proposed zoning is
generally consistent with the recommendations of the 2016 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Comprehensive Plan)
because the project provides for the types of uses and density recommended in the General Residential place type
and the proposal will provide a transition between a place of worship and the established low and moderate density
residential neighborhoods.
The Planning Board considered this application at its September 2, 2021 meeting and recommended
conditional approval (6-0), finding the application to be consistent with the purposes and intent of the
Comprehensive Plan and found approval of the rezoning to be reasonable and in the public interest. The Planning
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
REGULAR MEETING, OCTOBER 4, 2021 PAGE 228
Board also attached a condition to the approval that each residential structure shall include an attached garage
consistent with the elevations submitted with the revised petition. Staff concurs with this recommendation. If the
rezoning is approved, the project will be subject to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and zoning compliance
review processes to ensure full compliance with all ordinance requirements.
Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Smith for the presentation and invited the applicant to make remarks.
Amy Schafer, attorney with Lee Kaess, PLLC, on behalf of the applicant, Craig Johnson with River Birch
Investments, LLC, and property owner, SOCOL, LLC, provided the following information on the project:
Overview:
Location:
4606 S. College Road
Approximately one mile north of the intersection of Carolina Beach Road and College Road
Zoning:
Current Zoning R-15
Proposed Zoning R-5
Project:
40 single family dual unit attached homes on 52x96 foot lots, 12-feet of separation between
buildings, approximately 1,600 square feet for each unit, three bedrooms, four parking spaces,
two car garage, two parking pads (9x18), and sidewalks, 7.8 units/acre, amenitized
stormwater pond, and close to transit
Traffic:
Access is directly off College Road via Jasmine Cove
TRC approval, including roadway improvements, required
Trip generation for 40 homes:
Davenport evaluated the intersections at South College Road/Jasmine Cove Way and South
College Road/Wedgefield Drive and considered Whisky Branch Development TIA
It is a transit oriented residential project close to services
Stormwater:
This project will have onsite stormwater management and follow all permitting requirement
through the TRC process
The property is approximately ¾ surrounded by drainage ditches
New Hanover County stormwater management is not aware of any current drainage issues in
the area
County and City will work together on joint ditch areas
Factors for Approval:
How would the requested change be consistent with the County’s policies for growth and
development, as described in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, applicable area plans, etc:
The dual unit single family residential use permitted in R-5 would support multiple areas
of the Comprehensive Plan:
Creates a mix of housing types to promote diversity and strengthen residential areas.
Strategic Plan Focus Area: enhance the self-sufficiency of individuals and families
Goal II: Support workforce development and prosperity for all
Goal IV: Use public infrastructure to leverage private investment
How would the requested zoning change be consistent with the property’s classification on
the 2016 Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map:
General Residential focuses on lower density housing up to approximately eight units per
acre and typically single family
What significant neighborhood changes have occurred to make the original zoning
inappropriate, or how is the land involved unsuitable for the uses permitted under the existing
zoning:
New Hanover County added R-5 zoning district to allow for a range of housing types up
to eight units per acre to accommodate a compact, walkable development pattern:
Density of 8.7 units/acre to the north
Density of 2.6 units/acre to the south
R-5 is a transition zone:
Density of 7.8 units/acre proposed
How will this zoning serve the public interest:
This project will serve the public interest by providing additional needed housing; adding
to the mix of housing types available; and meeting a community need for housing within
a price range found lacking in the housing needs study completed by New Hanover County
and the City of Wilmington.
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Ms. Schafer concluded the presentation stating that the requested change to R-5 zoning is consistent with
the County’s policies for growth and development, as described in the Comprehensive Plan. The requested zoning
change to R-5 is consistent with the property’s classification as General Residential on the 2016 Comprehensive
Plan’s Future Land Use Map. Significant changes have occurred in the County to make the zoning of the property
inappropriate. This zoning will serve the public interest to allow for more housing types in a needed price range.
Chair Olson-Boseman announced that no one signed up to speak in favor or in opposition to the request,
closed the public hearing, and opened the floor to Board discussion.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Schafer explained that Jasmine Cove Way will provide the primary
access to the development. The subject property is benefitted by the access easement but is unsuitable for heavy
traffic. Jasmine Cove Way is a public road and abuts the subject property which is why the main entrance will be via
that road. People will not drive through the other neighborhood to access the subject site. Mr. Johnson stated that
the price point is dependent on lumber prices but is currently planned to be between $275,000 to $325,000.
In response to additional Board questions, Charlie Crazier with Intracoastal Engineering stated that the
stormwater pond will be sized for both state and local requirements. The County’s requirement is a 25 year pre- and
post-storm overflow, and it will also be checked for the 100 year storm. The emergency outfall is at the back where
there is a large channel that runs along the backside of the property, across the property to the north of the site.
The main overflow structure would run to the same location as the emergency overflow. It will cross Pine Hollow
Drive via a 36-inch or 42-inch pipe that is solely for the ditch. It crosses the road and runs along the backside of the
lots towards Carolina Beach Road to eventually come out about where the EMS building is located. The emergency
vehicle access does meet the requirements for the vehicles to ingress and egress the subject property. It is a 26-foot
wide road which equates to two full lanes with curb and gutter and is a private road that will be built to the cross
section of the NCDOT road.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Chair Olson-Boseman MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Hays, to approve the proposed rezoning to a (CZD)
R-5 district. The Board finds it to be consistent with the purposes and intent of the Comprehensive Plan because the
project provides for the types of uses and density recommended in the General Residential place type and the
proposal will provide a transition between a place of worship and the existing low and moderate density housing.
The Board also finds that approval of the rezoning request is reasonable and in the public interest because the
proposal supports the County’s goals of providing for a range of housing types and opportunities for households of
different sizes and income levels. The Board further approves the inclusion of the condition that each residential
structure shall include an attached garage consistent with the elevations submitted with the revised petition.
Commissioner Zapple stated that he knows the TRC will consider the amount of impervious surface on the
subject site and that any water on it is going to have to be absorbed by the retention pond. He would like for the
TRC to be aware and take into consideration the amount of concrete and asphalt covering the site.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board. Upon vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF AREA 1
(MASONBORO) OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ADOPTED October 6, 1969 is hereby incorporated
as part of the minutes and is contained in Zoning Book I, Section 1, Page 26.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak on non-agenda items.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Project Grace Schematic Design Update.
Chris Boney, LS3P Chief Relationships Officer Vice President / Principal provided a schematic design update
for Project Grace as follows:
Architectural Vision:
Project Grace will be the repository of our collective history, a forum for future generations to
learn and grow, and a gathering place for all citizens
To do this, the design will:
Be authentic to Wilmington’s unique history
Inspire future generations through modern form making
Reinforce the urban fabric with careful massing and placement
Showcase the unique character of the museum and library
Architectural Narrative:
Wilmington’s built urban fabric has evolved over centuries to reflect Wilmington’s patterns of
growth – from a maritime center of commerce and shipping to a thriving naval stores producer, to
a railroad and industrial center, to a hotspot of tourism and development today. This evolution
leaves us with many built markers of memory and historical precedent. These can take the form
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
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of built architecture such as our historic brick buildings, or remnants of urban life such as retaining
walls and brick streets. It is important that Project Grace be undergirded with elements that
recognize this past to make the project feel like it belongs in downtown Wilmington.
This place is:
A museum where stories are experienced
A library where stories are discovered
A gathering place where stories are told
Mr. Boney stated that at its core Project Grace is a place where stories form the fabric of the place. He
provided an overview of what is desired in terms of place to be celebrated such as the ballast stone retaining walls
which came in at the bottoms of ships and then were cast ashore and reused as building materials over centuries
and the brick and terra cotta buildings downtown of which many were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There
is also a desire to celebrate shipbuilding and the way that ships during World War II and prior were built along this
shore. The ribs and the form make amazing tectonic structures that should be celebrated. As far as places people go
when they gather, Williston High School and New Hanover High School are the places that bring a person back home
and marks memories. This is part of the community and is part of who the community is. Finally, a bit more poetically,
the idea of paper and the translucency of it and the way that libraries are really about books and paper. These are
poetic qualities that can be brought into the interior of the library to make it feel like a place that is full of light,
which the current library lacks, and can really be something inspirational to future generations. All the elements
were brought into the current design. He then provided an overview of previous examples such as the Billie Jean
King Library, Tyson Central, Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, where inspirations from the communities were
brought forward to create libraries, museums, and spaces that were built in other urban environments.
In an overview of the exterior design, Mr. Boney noted as previously discussed the museum is at the front
on an urban plaza with large picture windows and terra cotta tiles. The urban plaza can be used as a gathering place
with steps and where schoolchildren can gather as they get out of buses, and it has a roof that is inspired by the
shipbuilding traditions and is made of translucent polycarbonate glass. It is light and airy and provides protection
from sun and rain and can be utilized for special events. There is also a roof deck with green roof elements where
programs could take place for both the library and the museum but are visible from the street below:
Third and Grace Streets:
In looking at the corner of Second and Grace Streets, it is predominately the library and what is being
proposed is all glass with varying levels of transparency. There are reading terraces on the corner for both adult and
children, secured from the street below. Loading would occur along Second Street, adjacent to the current parking
deck. There is a ballast stone wall that runs the entire length of Grace Street. It recalls our history and can be done
in a way that celebrates the future and will be an outdoor museum and laboratory for both the museum and the
library. There is a desire to work with the Historic Wilmington Foundation and others to find the stones, harvest
them, and place them in a way that provides area seating, along with the idea that some of the stones can be
inscribed with names of famous authors. The library and the museum are fully exposed to the city and along the
street for all citizens:
Second and Grace Streets:
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Mr. Boney then provided an overview of the museum and library interior floor plans noting that the lobby
and shared spaces are shown in yellow. The library is in pink, and the museum is in blue. There is a shared multi-
purpose room and classroom with folding walls right off a large library, a ticketing area for the museum that will
move into the main exhibits, as well as a theater that will function as an observatory and type of facility. The swath
is going to be in the main window up at the corner. When entering the library, there is a transition down in grade
into the children's zones, the circulation desks are up at the front, and then stairs leading up to the next level of the
library. Loading is seen in the lower left hand corner coming off Second Street with shared building spaces in the
rear. First floor:
The second floor is predominantly library spaces with the adult collection as well as the North Carolina history room,
and meeting rooms that open into a two story open lobby that look down into the floor below. On the right hand
side there is the upper part of the theater from the museum, as well as the health and nutrition exhibits. Second
floor:
A person can then circulate further up to the third floor, which is mainly museum spaces with the changing exhibit
room. Some more multipurpose education rooms, science matters exhibit which opens on to a generous outdoor
roof terrace where the museum, library, and public access spaces can be provided with outdoor exhibits in a
protected environment. Third floor:
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 35
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Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Boney for the update and opened the floor to Board discussion.
Commissioner Barfield stated that the most transformational library he has probably ever been in was the
James B. Hunt library. He is excited about what is going to happen with Project Grace with this transformation and
continuing to transform downtown Wilmington. He knows there is a policy in place that does not allow groups
outside of nonprofits to utilize the space for events and he hopes that policy can be revised as he can see this as a
destination for many to host events. To him it is the perfect gathering place. Again, this is transformational for
downtown Wilmington and for the young boys and girls in this community. He expressed appreciation for the work
of Mr. Boney and the team, and the efforts made to intertwine as much of Wilmington as possible in the design.
Vice-Chair Hays thanked Mr. Boney for his presentation and feels that the presentation in and of itself is a
story. It is a story about who this community is, where this community wants to go, how this community wants to
get there, and who this community strives very hard to be which is all about the education of our children and
helping them.
Commissioner Zapple stated that schematic design looked fantastic. Clearly the integration between the
library and museum is intentional and is a terrific concept. Patrons will have a fulfilling and meaningful visit while
being entertained as well as learning throughout the entire day.
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that it is an exciting day, and she is glad to see the County still moving forward
with the project. A wonderful job was done by everyone involved to bring the project to this point.
Senior Dental Health Program.
Commissioner Zapple stated that a project that has been, for a variety of reasons, delayed over the last five
to six years involves the Senior Resource Center (SRC) being able to utilize a mobile dental unit to provide senior
dental exams and basic dentistry at no cost. He asked that County Manager Coudriet investigate moving the project
forward and report back to the Board with cost and expense information for Board consideration. Senior dental and
the issues surrounding that are miserable within the County’s senior population and can be very harmful. Oftentimes
dental care arrangements for a senior are left up to family members or a spouse to manage when that person is no
longer able to do it themselves, and often does not happen. The results can be infections, loss of teeth, and can lead
to severe quality of life issues. It is a much needed service in the community and especially the senior community.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 5:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Clerk to the Board
Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
meeting. The entire proceedings are available online at www.nhcgov.com.