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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-30 Agenda Review NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 AGENDA REVIEW, JANUARY 30, 2025 PAGE 420 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met January 30, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. for Agenda Review in Conference Rooms 138-139 at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Bill Rivenbark; Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce; Commissioner Dane Scalise; Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell; and County Attorney K. Jordan Smith. Chair Rivenbark called the Agenda Review meeting to order stating that the purpose is for the Board to review and discuss agenda items for the February 3, 2025 regular meeting agenda. Consent Agenda Item #5: Approval of the Award of Bid for the Construction of Smith Creek Park Phase - 2. Parks and Gardens Director Tara Duckworth provided an update on the planned enhancements at Smith Creek Park. The park was acquired in two phases, 85 acres in 2002 for the developed section and another 85 acres in 2011, with the intent of creating a nature-focused space. After extensive community engagement, the project emphasizes maintaining a natural, imaginative setting while improving accessibility. The plan includes paving the one-mile perimeter trail, constructing a new entrance road off East Emerald Lake Drive, adding a small parking lot, and installing a picnic shelter with restrooms. The enhancements will impact less than 10% of the 85-acre expansion, ensuring much of the space remains untouched. Environmental educational features will also be incorporated. In response to frequent requests, a new restroom will be placed near the new entrance, providing better access for visitors. The distance between the new and existing restrooms is significant, making this addition a necessary improvement. She confirmed that the expansion aligns with the 2017 master plan, which prioritized open space and accessibility. The parking lot will be similar in size to the existing one, with an estimated 40 spaces. Ms. Duckworth acknowledged that there have been a few community members who have expressed concerns about changes but provided assurance that the project enhances the park while preserving its natural character. The improvements, including ADA-compliant pathways, will benefit all visitors while keeping much of the area undisturbed. The Board expressed appreciation for the balanced approach to accessibility and conservation. Regular Agenda Item #7: New Hanover County / City of Wilmington Workforce Housing Advisory Committee Annual Update. Planning and Land Use Director Rebekah Roth stated that Tom Gale, Chair of the Workforce Housing Advisory Committee, was not present for the agenda review, but will be provided an update of the Board’s comments before Monday. Board appreciation was expressed for the committee’s work. Regular Agenda Item #8: Continuance of Special Use Permit (S24-04) - Multi-Family in B-2 - Request by Bayshore Townhomes, LLC, applicant, on behalf of Bee Safe Porters Neck, LLC, property owners, for a special use permit for a 62 unit multi-family development with 1,800 square feet of commercial space in a B-2, Regional Business district on a 3.21-acre parcel of land located at 8138 Market Street. County Attorney Smith stated that there has been a request by Grady Richardson, representing a nearby HOA, for a continuance for this matter. The applicant, through their attorney, Gary Shipman, has consented, and both parties have agreed to reschedule for April 7, 2025. Only the governing board can grant the continuance, as notice has already been issued. Mr. Smith further stated the recommendation is for the Board to grant the continuance to April 7, 2025 during this meeting to alleviate the parties from having to attend on Monday. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark stated that based on the information received today concerning Agenda Item 8 for Special Use Permits S24-04 and S204-05 from Grady Richardson, attorney for Marsh Oaks HOA, and with the consent of Gary Shipman, attorney for the applicant, and asked if there is there a motion to approve the public hearing being continued until the April 7, 2025 regular meeting. Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chair Pierce to approve the continuance of Agenda Item 8 for Special Use Permits S24-04 and S204-05 based on the request from Grady Richardson, attorney for Marsh Oaks HOA, and with the consent of Gary Shipman, attorney for the applicant, to the April 7, 2025 regular meeting. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 4:10 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.