Nags Head approves HVAC upgrade and three-space parking reduction for cancer treatment center

The Nags Head Board of Commissioners voted to approve a vested-rights special use permit and site plan amendment on May 6 for an expansion of mechanical systems at a cancer treatment center at 4927 South Croatan Highway.

Planning Director Kelly Wyatt told the board the amendment — submitted by Withers & Ravenel on behalf of the hospital — covered a relatively small expansion of HVAC equipment, relocation of a stormwater basin and a requested reduction of three parking spaces. Staff said the amendment does not enlarge patient-treatment areas, change the approved medical use or increase patient capacity. The site currently has 57 parking spaces; staff’s operational parking methodology estimated an overall demand of about 47 spaces and cited post-opening utilization studies that observed a peak of approximately 32 occupied spaces. As a result, staff recommended approval.

An ECU Health representative, James Luchans, described the operational need for the HVAC upgrade, saying compounding rooms require low temperatures and that the existing HVAC had allowed excessive humidity: "It was literally raining in one of these rooms last year," he said, and the upgrade is intended to correct that condition and prevent patient-safety risks related to humidity control.

After brief board questions and recognition of the facility’s scheduled operations, a motion to approve the amendment passed by voice vote.

Next steps: the applicant may proceed with site work and equipment installation consistent with the approved site plan amendment; staff will monitor compliance with site conditions and parking.