Board backs R‑6 residential rezoning east of future NC‑43; neighbors push for conditions

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of REZ‑003679‑2026, a request to rezone roughly 376.2 acres east of the future NC‑43 connector from agricultural and R‑15 categories to R‑6 residential.

Applicant counsel Eric Remington argued the R‑6 classification provides a logical transition from C3 areas along the connector and is consistent with the 2022 land‑use plan’s focus‑area guidance. “This will encourage residential development in this area,” Remington said, adding that sewer and water will be extended by the developer as part of the development process.

Neighbors from Greenbryer again urged that an unconditional R‑6 rezoning would allow by‑right multifamily development adjacent to existing R‑15 lots and called instead for conditional or covenanted protections. Commenters requested binding commitments such as density step‑downs, a minimum lot size for lots abutting existing R‑15 parcels, and vegetated berms to preserve tree canopy and reduce noise and lights. Troy Miller and others highlighted drainage and stormwater concerns, urging that the Board of Aldermen and the development agreement address those technical issues.

Staff and the city attorney told the board that a development agreement is a public, recorded contract that can limit permissible uses and run with the land; multifamily projects would still require a special‑use permit from the Board of Adjustment. After deliberation the board voted to recommend approval and asked the Aldermen to consider residents’ recurring concerns when reviewing the development agreement.