Committee considers several county-initiated rezonings and reclassification to universal 'P' zoning

Committee members reviewed several county-initiated rezonings that would reclassify parcels to a universal 'P' zoning category intended to better reflect current and protected uses. Councilwoman Durham and others said the 'P' category was adopted by unanimous vote when enabling legislation was passed and that reclassifying county parcels provides clarity and an additional layer of protection for parks and publicly owned parcels.

Councilwoman Durham and Councilwoman Kilpatrick cited examples and explained that residents sometimes react strongly to mailed rezoning notices; once the purpose and protections of the 'P' category are explained, residents tend to accept the reclassification. Councilman Koneko described a rezoning in his district (St. George's 100) that he initiated and which has already received Planning Board approval. Councilman Hollins said one map change clarifies that a park near the Port of Wilmington will remain publicly accessible.

Several rezoning measures were read by title only and are scheduled to proceed to the Planning Board and return to committee as part of the normal review process. No committee votes on these rezonings are recorded in the transcript.