Developer withdraws proposed Maco Road development agreement after public opposition
BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — A developer has withdrawn a proposed development agreement for a massive Brunswick County project that could have brought more than 12,000 homes to the area after residents and county commissioners voiced strong opposition during a public hearing Monday night.
The hearing on the proposed Strategic Maco Road Project drew a packed crowd to the Brunswick County Government Center, where dozens of residents gathered to learn more about the proposal and share concerns about its potential impacts.
The project, proposed by Strategic Real Estate Partners LLC, would have included more than 12,000 homes, commercial centers, and schools across more than 4,300 acres between Maco Road, also known as N.C. 87, and Town Creek Road—plans called for construction to begin in 2028 and unfold over five phases spanning approximately 35 years.
County staff stated that the development would generate more than 100,000 vehicle trips per day once fully developed. Staff also identified at least 15 concerns with the proposed development agreement and recommended that commissioners not approve it.
During a presentation to commissioners, Richard Collier, an engineer with McKim & Creed representing the project, said the development would provide infrastructure improvements that would benefit both new and existing residents.
“Public utilities, roadway improvements, and all these things benefit the new residents and the existing residents in this area,” Collier said.
Despite that, residents who spoke during the public hearing raised concerns ranging from flooding risks on the property during major storms to traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations.
Melissa Papp-Shelton told commissioners she was particularly concerned about traffic conditions along Maco Road.
“Maco Road, the speed limit is 55, it’s basically like a highway and it’s a two-lane road with not a lot of room to expand,” Papp-Shelton said. “Everybody goes 70, so the speed limit is 55, the cops aren’t out there ticketing so they’re going 70. Also there’s 18-wheelers that use it as a cut-through from Andrew Jackson to Ocean Highway and they’re going 70 miles an hour, 18-wheelers loaded with logs or hogs. It’s incredibly dangerous.”
Following the public hearing, several commissioners expressed reservations about the proposal, with none indicating support for the agreement in its current form.
Commissioner Pat Sykes said she was concerned about the project’s density, which would have averaged nearly three homes per acre. Commissioner Marty Cooke questioned whether roads in the area could accommodate the expected increase in traffic.
Commission Chairman Mike Forte said the proposal had generated more public concern than any other project he has seen during his time on the board.
“Nothing has created more angst than this project. It’s unbelievable to me,” Forte said. “There is, as everybody has stated, it’s way too big.”
Following the commissioners’ comments, a representative for Strategic Real Estate Partners LLC gave county staff a notice withdrawing the proposed development agreement.
The withdrawal ends consideration of the current agreement but does not prevent the developer from submitting a revised proposal in the future.
