Brunswick Planning Board holds first meeting since development approval bills introduced
BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — The balance of power over development approvals in one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties could soon change under new legislation introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly.
The proposed bills, filed last week by state Rep. Charles Miller and state Sen. Bill Rabon, would transfer final approval authority for major developments in Brunswick County from the county planning board to the Board of Commissioners.
The issue took center stage during Monday, May 11th’s Brunswick County Planning Board meeting — the board’s first meeting since the legislation was introduced.
“The planning board serves as both an advisory and decision-making body on land use and development matters in the county, with final approval authority for major subdivisions, major site plans and planned developments,” said Planning Board Chairman Clifton Cheek at the beginning of the meeting on May 11th.
Southport resident Shirley Sullivan said she believes the change would make Brunswick County more consistent with how other counties in North Carolina operate.
“It’s a step forward because most of the counties in North Carolina operate that way, the commissioners are responsible for the final approval,” Sullivan said. “I do still feel that there should be a planning board that abides by the rules that are given to them.”
Cheek said he has long believed the authority should rest with elected officials.
“As the planning board, we are appointed members by the Board of Commissioners themselves who are an elected body and I feel that the final approval should rest with an elected body versus an appointed body,” Cheek said.
The proposed changes come during a period of transition and controversy for the planning board and Brunswick County government.
During Monday’s meeting, board members also received an update on an ongoing modernization project for the county’s Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO.
“It is essentially the guidelines of all land development issues, any zoning, what you can do with the different types of zoning and how to stay in compliance with that,” Cheek said.
The board has also seen recent turnover. Last month, planning board members Jim Board and Jason Gaver resigned. Board said his resignation stemmed from concerns over the board’s authority.
At the same time, questions were raised about campaign donations connected to Cheek’s earlier run for county commissioner, prompting Commissioner Randy Thompson to send a letter asking Cheek to step down from the planning board.
The debate over development authority also comes as Brunswick County faces broader growth-related challenges. The county remains under a sewer moratorium imposed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, which prevents approvals for new sewer connections in certain areas.
Meanwhile, Brunswick County Schools is moving forward with plans to create more affordable housing options for teachers struggling with rising housing costs in the rapidly growing county.
