HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2025 Agenda Review Minutes
Minutes of the New Hanover County Planning Board Agenda Review
July 8, 2025
An agenda review of the New Hanover County Planning Board was held on July 8, 2025, at
3:00 PM in the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Dr.,
Conference Room 138 in Wilmington, North Carolina
Members’ Present
Colin Tarrant, Chair
Pete Avery
Clark Hipp
Hansen Matthews
Kaitlyn Rhonehouse
Members Absent
Cameron Moore, Vice Chair
Kevin Hine
Staff Present
Rebekah Roth, Director of Planning & Land Use
Ken Vafler, Operations Supervisor
Robert Farrell, Development Review Supervisor
Katia Boykin, Planning & Land Use Supervisor
Lisa Maes, Administrative Supervisor
Zach Dickerson, Senior Planner
Ryan Beil, Development Review Planner
Shauna Bradley, Administrative Specialist
Katherine May, Development Review Planner
Virginia Norris, Long Range Planner
Meeting called to order at 3:03 PM
Review of the Regular Meeting Agenda
Item 1: Rezoning Request (Z25-11 Alexander Road – Mixed Use)
Staff provided an overview of the rezoning request submitted by attorney Sam Samuel Potter
of Equitas Law Firm LLP on behalf of Golden Ventures One LLC. The request involved
rezoning approximately one acre of land located at 7715 Market Street, 7718 Alexander
Road, and 7740 Alexander Road to CDB 2 (Regional Business) and CDBG R-5 (Moderate
Density Residential). The proposed development included three components under a single
application: a convenience store with fuel stations, a fast-food restaurant with a drive-
through, and 12 townhomes. The project encompassed multiple parcels that would likely be
subdivided, with the commercial components zoned CDB 2 and the residential portion
zoned R-5.
A signiflcant issue was identifled on June 24th when underground utilities were discovered
on the site, potentially impacting the stormwater pond design. At the time, it remained
unclear which of the two proposed stormwater ponds would be affected. Due to this
uncertainty, staff recommended continuing the rezoning item to the August Planning Board
meeting or until a revised site plan was submitted.
Although the applicant had been informed of the issue, they had not yet conflrmed the extent
of the impact. Staff emphasized the importance of preparing for the public hearing despite
these uncertainties and conflrmed they would be ready to present the current flndings. If the
underground utilities resulted in substantial design changes, the applicant could request a
continuation. Staff also noted that feedback from the Department of Transportation (DOT)
regarding stormwater pond placement was still pending.
The Board’s discussion centered on stormwater management concerns, particularly related
to the low-lying area around Market Street and the site’s history of fiooding.
2. UDO Maintenance Amendment – Sign Regulations Update
Staff provided an update on the ongoing maintenance amendment to the Unifled
Development Ordinance (UDO) relating to sign regulations. The amendment focuses on
clarifying standards, modernizing regulations to refiect technological changes (particularly
digital signage), and aligning provisions with current legal precedents. Originally, staff
planned to release a public comment draft following the July 10th meeting, but additional
internal analysis was needed. As a result, the release had been delayed until August.
3. Destination 2050 Update
Staff gave a high-level update on the Destination 2050 planning initiative. Feedback received
during the May joint meeting with the Board of Commissioners was being reviewed and
incorporated into ongoing work. Staff was also monitoring the impacts of recent budget
decisions to better understand the County’s direction before scheduling the next joint work
session. No date had been set for the session, but staff committed to notifying the Board
once it was flnalized.
Staff Updates:
Annual Training for Boards and Committees
Staff announced that annual training for boards and committees would begin in August. The
flrst session was scheduled for the August agenda review meeting and would also include
onboarding for a newly appointed Planning Board member. Staff was currently flnalizing the
training content, which was expected to take 45 minutes to an hour. Board members were
invited to submit topic requests to be included in the session. Additional sessions may be
scheduled based on member availability or interest.
Staff also noted that the new board member would be formally appointed at the July 21,
2025, Board of Commissioners meeting. Chair Colin Tarrant's flnal meeting will be July 10,
2025, and elections for a new Chair and Vice Chair are scheduled for August 7, 2025,
Planning Board meeting.
Meeting Adjourned 4:08 PM