New Hanover County commissioners approved a significant rezoning initiative, paving the way for new development in Castle Hayne while simultaneously pushing to protect the natural beauty of the West Bank of the Cape Fear River.
Development: The board voted to rezone a portion of land along Castle Hayne Road for mixed-use purposes, allowing both residential housing and commercial businesses. The targeted property, bordered by I-140 to the north, Castle Hayne Road to the east, Chair Road to the south, and Emerson Drive to the west, is seen as an area ripe for development.
- Commissioners see this move as a chance to boost local business and provide more amenities for the community. The area currently lacks options for shopping and dining.
- Commissioner Jonathan Barfield emphasized the critical need for commercial development, particularly grocery stores. “For me, Castle Hayne, in many ways, is a food desert…as we are looking at developing that corridor of our county…grocery stores to me are important,” Barfield said.
Conserve: The unanimous vote on rezoning was balanced with another decision aimed at conservation. The commissioners designated the West Bank of the Cape Fear River as a “conservation land place,” with the goal of preserving its natural environment and wildlife.
- While the move does not alter the current zoning laws—meaning developers could still potentially build on the land—commissioners hope to secure federal, state, and local funding to purchase and conserve the property.
- Commissioner Dane Scalise noted before the vote, “We have heard you want to preserve the western bank. We agree with you. We also want to preserve The Western Bank,”
Housing: Additionally, the board voted to approve consideration of a Workforce Housing Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which aims to address housing affordability and availability in the region.
Bottom Line: With these moves, New Hanover County’s leadership is trying to strike a balance between fostering growth and preserving the unique environmental aspects of the area.