NHC commissioner candidate LeShonda Wallace supports denial of Sledge Forest development
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — New Hanover County commissioner candidate Dr. LeShonda Wallace says she supports County Manager Chris Coudriet’s decision to deny the latest plans for the proposed Hilton Bluffs development in the Sledge Forest area.
Coudriet administratively denied the revised plans this week, citing public safety concerns related to the development having a single point of ingress and egress. The proposal from Copper Builders calls for approximately 1,800 residential units.
In a statement Friday, Wallace said the decision highlights the need to consider public safety and infrastructure as New Hanover County continues to grow.
“Growth should never require us to compromise the safety of the people who already live here or the families who may live here in the future,” Wallace said.
Coudriet said in his denial letter that relying on one access point for a development of that size could create risks involving emergency response and evacuation, as well as access during traffic incidents, infrastructure failures and other emergencies. He also cited concerns about maintaining access during significant flooding.
Wallace said she believes county leaders should consider roadway capacity, emergency response routes, storm drainage, environmental preservation and the readiness of public services when evaluating future development.
The county’s decision does not permanently prevent the property from being developed. Copper Builders can submit revised plans addressing the public safety concerns, and Coudriet said any subsequent plan would be reviewed as a new application.
Wallace said her position is not to oppose growth but to ensure development is supported by adequate infrastructure.
“I believe we need to plan for that growth thoughtfully,” Wallace said. “My responsibility is to protect public safety while helping create a county where people can live, work, raise families, and thrive.”
Wallace is a candidate for New Hanover County commissioner in the Nov. 3 general election.
