Richlands board approves Francktown Road rezoning

The Richlands Board of Aldermen approved a request Tuesday to rezone property near Steed Park for residential development.

The proposal to rezone the property on Francktown Road from RA (Rural Agricultural) to RM-6 residential was approved following a public hearing.

Residents were required to sign up before the meeting to speak during public comment, and two individuals addressed the board during the hearing.

Josh Edmondson, staff planner with Tidewater Associates Inc., addressed the board during the public hearing regarding the rezoning request. Documents included in the board’s agenda packet show Tidewater Associates submitted the application on behalf of property owner Carolina Sapphire LLC.

Edmondson said the request was similar to a rezoning approval for an adjoining tract and would provide the development with a second access point to Francktown Road.

“We feel it’s very consistent with the future land use plan and the goals and policies outlined in the future use plan,” Edmondson said.

The two tracts total about 126 acres and would average an estimated 2.4 dwelling units per acre under current sketch plans, according to Edmondson.

Robert Dixon, who lives near the property, spoke against the request and raised concerns about traffic and the pace of growth in Richlands. Dixon said he replaced his mailbox three times during the past year.

“Can we not fix what we’ve got here first before we start adding to the problem?” Dixon said.

Dixon added that Richlands was a farm town and that residents did not want the town to become Jacksonville.

“I’m all for growth, but enough is enough,” Dixon said.

After public comments, Town Administrator Chris Roberson directed the board to materials included in the agenda packet, including zoning maps and a consistency statement worksheet. The worksheet outlines five considerations used in evaluating rezoning requests, and approval required majority agreement on the findings.

Alderman Marilyn Bunce made a motion to approve the rezoning, stating it was consistent with Onslow County’s comprehensive plan and Future Land Use Map. No board members voted against the measure.

About a dozen community members attended the meeting.