Fire marshal says Hilton Bluffs can proceed with one access road

CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — The controversial Hilton Bluffs development can move forward with plans for 1,800 homes and just one access road.

New Hanover County Fire Marshal David Stone initially approved the single-road plan in June but reversed that decision about a month later while proposed access points through neighboring communities were being considered in separate county appeals.

During Wednesday’s New Hanover County Technical Review Committee meeting, Stone said state law prevents him from requiring a second access road, despite concerns about emergency access and safety.

The development will still have to meet additional fire-safety requirements, including sprinkler systems in every home and roads that meet state standards.

“It would need to be 26 feet wide exclusive of curbs, unless you do valley curbs that are engineered for the weight of the fire apparatus,” said Stone.

Stone said the developer attempted to secure a second access point through neighboring properties, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

The revised plans still need changes before the Technical Review Committee can approve them.