Dozens show up at wrong meeting to voice concern over proposed development

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — In Pender County, dozens of residents showed up to a planning board meeting this afternoon ready to voice their opinions about a proposed development, but there was some miscommunication about the meeting.

Residents thought the meeting was going to be a follow up meeting about proposed apartments and a grocery store between Hughes Road and Deerfield Drive along Highway 17.

The senior planner said the meeting was actually just a monthly meeting for the planning committee to discuss the whole county. Homeowner Robin Jones said even though there was some confusion, she was glad to see a crowd.

“It was very good to see how many people showed up,” Jones said. “It was amazing to see how many people showed up, because it was not really a letter mailed to us, so social media is very effective in that regard.”

Jones is concerned about the proposed development, because of the apartments.

Planners said the meeting was to discuss density permits throughout the whole county and no action was taken. The senior planner said the next board meeting for the proposed development will be scheduled later this month.