Planning board unanimously denies rezoning for over 300 townhomes off Carolina Beach Road

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - The New Hanover County Planning Board unanimously denied a rezoning request for a total of 337 new homes off of Carolina Beach Rd south of Monkey Junction.

The request was brought by James Yopp with River Road Construction on behalf of the applicant and property owner, Hoosier Daddy, LLC. The developers wanted to use 42 acres including 5741 Carolina Beach Road and areas on Shiloh Drive to build 10 single-family homes and 327 townhomes.

The developers requested a change from its current lower-density residential zoning (R-15) to moderate to high-density zoning (R-5) with a density of about eight dwelling units per acre.

During the time for public comment, more than a half-dozen people spoke against this request and only one voted in favor.

Members of the planning board mentioned concerns about the density of the proposed project and its potential impact on traffic. Board member Pete Avery stated the project is not consistent with the surrounding community, and the density would negatively impact adjacent neighborhoods.

The developer, James Yopp, also asked for a continuance of the rezoning request to be heard again by the planning board. The board denied that request before voting to deny the rezoning request.

County staff recommended approval of the development because of its consistency with the county’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan and its consistency with recommendations for that area.

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