Residents protest over lack of access to meeting at Commissioners’ Building

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– Several people have expressed concerns about a perceived “private” meeting between two Brunswick County Commissioners and members of the development community.

The commissioners’ staff meeting focused on two proposed text amendments to existing ordinances. One ordinance pertains to preserving trees and greenspaces by adjusting the number of trees required on residential and commercial properties. The other ordinance involves transportation overlay zoning, which would require developers to include street buffers along major highway corridors.

Both ordinances were presented on July 8th, but no action was taken at that time. The county commissioners have asked staff to continue reviewing and discussing the proposed amendments with members of the development community.

Ash Ramos, a spokesperson for the “Stop Over-Development” group, has voiced concerns about transparency. Ramos stated, “We’re here because we feel out of the loop. Developers and lobbyists for development, both from within and outside the county, seem to be having private meetings with staff, while residents are left in the dark about decisions that directly affect us.”

The meeting on July 8th was attended by Commissioners Mike Forte and Randy Thompson. Commissioner Pat Sykes did not attend but noted that if three or more commissioners had been present, the meeting would have been publicly announced.

The Board of Commissioners has indicated that both ordinances will be tentatively revisited at their regular meeting on August 19th.