NHC Planning Board approves rezoning for Carolina Beach Rd development opposed by nearby residents

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An unpopular proposed housing development was the main item on Thursday night’s New Hanover County Planning Board agenda.

The proposed development would be built on 1.16 acres of land located along Carolina Beach Road between Little Pony Trail and Red Lighthouse Lane.

The planning board discussed changing the zoning from moderate-density residential to moderate-to-high density residential to allow for the construction of eight single-family homes on the property.

Several residents against the development spoke during the meeting, including Julie Thompson, who voiced concerns about the development’s location along a curve on Carolina Beach Road.

“I just fear that somebody is gonna get hurt because you can not see around that curve,” Thompson said. “And when they’re doing 55 miles an hour, it’s, it’s dangerous.”

Robert Chaimowitz lives on Red Lighthouse Lane, next to the property, and also spoke during the meeting.

He said only one person is living on his street who is in favor of the development.

“I still don’t understand why our president of the association wants this project done over here,” Chaimowitz said. “He says, this president, got 18 signatures, like from where? You can’t get a signature from number 1, you can’t get a signature from a renter, it’s ridiculous.”

The board unanimously approved the rezoning, with board member Pete Avery saying the development would work well within the existing neighborhoods.

“I just don’t see traffic being a major problem, I don’t think it’s incompatible with the neighborhood and it probably the highest, best use of the property,” Avery said.

The rezoning will now go before the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for further approval during their meeting in March.