Leland Town Council discusses flood zone ordinance changes during agenda meeting

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Leland Town Council held an agenda review on Monday, with a couple of items expected to generate lots of debate.

One such topic discussed was potential changes to the town’s flood zone ordinances.

The changes are under consideration following severe flooding that occurred in the Leland community of Stoney Creek, due to Potential Tropical Cyclone 8.

Some changes discussed included limiting density in flood hazard areas or prohibiting new residential buildings in such areas.

Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Campbell said there is one option he and his fellow council members are closely looking into.

“For myself and I’m kind of in agreement with some of the council members is restricting the development in the flood zones,” Campbell said. “I think that’s an important first step or big step that would probably cover the other four steps.”

Campbell hopes any changes to the flood zone ordinance will be made before the start of next year’s hurricane season.

And changes to the town’s ordinances would only affect buildings and council member Veronica Carter said any changes need to be considered in order to protect the town’s roads as well.

“And we can’t continue to build or allow roads, town roads, as well as connector roads that our first responders may have to travel on to try to save people to be built in ways that we know we’re going to end up rebuilding them again,” Carter said. “So its not just about rebuilding the houses and keeping those people safe, we got to be able to get to those people.”

Town staff will continue to research the options mentioned during Monday’s meeting.

One of the other items councilors discussed was a proposed new crosswalk that would go from Olde Waterford Road near the Harris Teeter, across Highway 17 to Ploof Road next to the Aldi grocery store.

Council member Bill McHugh said this project will help make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross this busy highway.

“This is two of the largest commercial areas that are backed up by very large residential areas,” McHugh said. “So this is not only a matter of public safety, but it also increases walkability throughout the town. At this point, you really can or won’t walk across 17 unless you have to. Now, you actually will get to choose to and be able to do so safely.”

Construction of the pedestrian crossing over Highway 17 isn’t expected to start until spring 2026.