Wilmington’s Northside residents upset over proposed rezoning plans

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Big changes could soon be coming to a section of the Northside part of the City of Wilmington.

Wednesday night the Wilmington Planning Commission voted to approve a proposal to rezone several acres in that area.

“It won’t be long before they be coming in here trying to put anything they want to here,” Northside resident, Gladys Hardy said.

Many residents are upset with the planning commission’s decision to approve rezoning for nearly 10-acres.

“Well my reaction is like they didn’t hear what what I said,” Hardy said. “It was like the plans were already made and regardless of what I say the plans are going on.”

The plan rezones parts of Anderson, Fanning, Hanover, and 10th Streets from office and residential use to an urban mixed-use zone.

The rezoning aims to preserve existing and vacant buildings, create more non-profits like Dreams of Wilmington and the Community Boys and Girls Club which are already in that area, and create the possibility for affordable housing. Now that is something many say is far overdue.

“Affordable housing is really where the focus should be. And it needs to be where people can live, work and play. And so I would also like to emphasize the need for jobs here in Wilmington,” upset resident said.

For decades many have complained about wanting their own grocery store but say they do not see that happening. To see what could be developed under the rezoning, click here.

Despite what may come to the area, some are worried about the affects it would have on those already living in the community.

“I feel like I’m going to lose the value on it trying to keep it up,” Hardy said. “And when they start building eventually they’re gonna come in and want to, you know, force me out too.”

As for the Wilmington Planning Commission they hope the rezoning helps to clean up and improve that area of the Northside of the city.

Although the planning commission approved the rezoning request, it ultimately comes down to the city council.

The city council has the final vote and they would also have the final decision on what would be developed in the area.