Leland Town Council approves $46 million budget, approves annexation and rezoning of 150 acres
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Leland Town Council approved a $46 million budget Thursday night, lowering the town’s property tax rate while also moving forward with a contentious annexation and rezoning proposal near the Compass Pointe community.
The budget passed in a 4-1 vote, with Council Member Frank Pendeleton casting the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about a lack of clarity in some line items. The budget reduces the property tax rate from 27 cents to 25 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Before voting on the budget, council members heard from more than a dozen residents regarding the proposed annexation and rezoning of roughly 150 acres just south of Compass Pointe, which drew a packed crowd to town hall.
Previous proposals for the site included two developments with up to 1,300 apartments and more than 23 acres of retail space.
Dozens of Compass Pointe residents spoke during public comment, many raising concerns about increased traffic and potential environmental impacts.
“Compass Pointe East Wynd is one of two entrances into Compass Pointe,” resident Steven Shapiro said. “Compass Pointe East Wynd would also be the singular avenue for these two properties for traffic. And Compass Pointe East Wynd is not designed to handle that.”
Several speakers also pointed out that Compass Pointe is not within Leland’s town limits, meaning residents impacted by the decision do not vote for the council making it.
Sam Franck, an attorney representing the landowner seeking annexation, defended the proposal, arguing it aligns with the town’s long-term planning.
“Significantly, not a single person who came up to speak to you tonight in opposition suggested that a different zoning category would be better,” Franck said. “The zoning that has been proposed here fits well. It’s consistent with your comp plan. It’s consistent with the surrounding zoning.”
In the end, the council voted 4-1 to annex the property and 4-1 to approve the rezoning for multi-family, commercial and conservation uses. Pendleton cast the only dissenting vote on both measures.
