New Hanover County denies latest Hilton Bluffs site plan over safety concerns

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet has administratively denied the latest site plan for the proposed Hilton Bluffs development, citing public safety concerns with having only one way in and out of the approximately 1,800-home development.

In a letter dated Sept. 16 to Copper Builders, Coudriet said he reviewed the updated site plan submitted Aug. 3, comments from the county’s Technical Review Committee and subsequent revisions from the developer. The latest plan removed two previously proposed secondary access roads on Tall Oaks Drive and Dekker Road, leaving a single access road to Castle Hayne Road.

Coudriet said the change raised significant public safety concerns and directed the Technical Review Committee not to move forward with further review or a determination on the most recently submitted plan.

According to the county manager’s letter, relying on one access point for a development of about 1,800 residential units could delay emergency response and evacuations and create problems during traffic incidents, infrastructure failures or other emergencies. The letter also raises concerns about flooding potentially affecting the road and limiting access for residents and emergency responders.

The county’s concerns also included fire safety. Coudriet wrote that requirements such as adequate water supply, enhanced hydrant spacing and fire sprinkler systems in all dwelling units would not resolve the broader concerns created by having only one entrance and exit.

“The removal of the two previously proposed secondary access points fundamentally changes the public safety and public policy considerations associated with the project,” Coudriet wrote in the letter.

The denial does not necessarily end the proposed development. Coudriet said Copper Builders can submit a new plan addressing the public safety concerns, including at least one additional point of ingress and egress, or pursue other review processes available under the law. A revised plan would be reviewed as a new application.

Save Sledge Forest, a group opposing the development, welcomed the decision. The organization said more than 25,000 people oppose the Hilton Bluffs project and credited community members who submitted comments, signed petitions and attended meetings.

The group acknowledged that the denial does not necessarily mean the end of Hilton Bluffs, noting that the developer could submit another plan addressing the county’s concerns. Save Sledge Forest said it will continue advocating against the development and for permanent conservation of Sledge Forest.