Planning board backs rezoning for O'Brien Family Wellness at 1100 Pine Tree Drive

The New Bern Planning and Zoning Board voted April 16 to recommend that the Board of Aldermen apply C-5 zoning to 1100 Pine Tree Drive, a property where O'Brien Family Wellness operates and seeks to expand services.

Staff said the applicant originally sought a higher-intensity commercial zoning but asked the board to reconsider C-5, which staff described as a lower-intensity commercial district more suited to institutional, office and research uses. "We're asking you this evening to consider adopting a consistency statement and make a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen to apply C-5 zoning to this piece of property," the director of development services said.

Applicant Jackie O'Brien addressed the board, thanked staff and board members for their work and highlighted the program's benefits for veterans, referencing the Paws of War program. "We just really wanna say thank you because we really appreciate everybody's hard work and support getting us to this point," Jackie O'Brien said.

After public comment, a board member moved to approve the rezoning consistency finding and recommend the zoning change; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Aldermen for final action; staff noted the change would only take effect if both the text amendment and the aldermen's approval proceed as described.

The staff presentation included a map showing existing C-5 zoning just south of the subject parcel and noted notifications sent to nearby property owners; staff and the applicant said the requested zoning would better match surrounding uses and provide room for the applicant's program expansion.