Burgaw residents speak out against proposed housing development at planning board meeting

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — Dozens of residents gathered in Burgaw Thursday evening to give their thoughts on a proposed rezoning for more than 500 hundred homes that could come to the area.

Residents at the Burgaw Planning Board meeting heard a presentation from developer DR Horton and Timmons Group about their proposal to bring 531 units to a space located off NC Highway 53. The planning board questioned the developer about potential traffic, flooding, fire hazards, and the impact these homes would make on the population of current schools.

Many residents voiced their displeasure with the development during public comment. The board tabled the discussion and gave the applicant several questions to answer before they get around to voting on the rezoning.

“For one, I want to see what kind of income it would bring in to our tax base because right now, our schools kinds of need it. So, my number one concern is for the children and how its going to affect the tax base. Two, our hospital, how’s it going to contribute to the revenue of our local hospital,” said Matthew Boney, Burgaw Planning Board member.

The next meeting with be on May 16th.