StarNewsOnline.com: The Voice of Southeastern North Carolina:
"Facing a crowd of people equally divided on the issue, commissioners were split 3-2 in their decision. Residents in favor of rezoning want the convenience of more services in their neighborhood. Those against rezoning fear the project will hurt the pristine waters of Futch Creek and create more traffic problems
Vice Chairman Bill Caster said both sides made good points, but he could see the benefits of allowing commercial development on the property. He said he also agreed with property owners who argued that residential development isn’t feasible.
Other commissioners voting for the rezoning were Bill Kopp and Bobby Greer. Commissioners Ted Davis and Nancy Pritchett voted against it.
The commissioners’ decision went against the recommendation of the county’s planning staff but was in concert with the Planning Board’s direction, which suggested rezoning only part of the 26 acres located between the 8600 and 8700 blocks of Market Street.
Before the vote, Planning Director Dexter Hayes explained that most property in the area is residential, but a handful of recent changes allowed some business development.
His concern was about setting a precedent, making it difficult for the commissioners to deny future requests for rezoning along that same stretch of Market Street."
Rezoning on Market Street
