Moore County commissioners have unanimously rejected a conditional-rezoning request for a proposed 134-unit apartment development along N.C. 211 near West End.
The proposal involved approximately 11.7 acres at 8003 N.C. 211. The property is currently zoned for low-density residential and agricultural use.
Proposal Sought Greater Density and Taller Buildings
Rhetson Capital LLC proposed placing the apartments in two multifamily buildings containing 64 and 70 units. The developer requested permission to increase the allowed density from eight units per acre to approximately 11.4 units per acre.
The proposal also called for buildings reaching approximately 54 feet, exceeding the county’s normal 35-foot limit, and about 202 parking spaces—or 1.5 spaces per apartment.
Developer representatives described the project as workforce housing. However, the development did not include formal affordability requirements guaranteeing that rents would remain within a specified range.
Traffic and Emergency Access Raised Concerns
Commissioners questioned whether the proposed parking would be sufficient for residents and visitors. They also raised concerns about fire-department access around the taller buildings and the development’s proposed single entrance on N.C. 211.
The entrance would have been limited to right turns in and out. Drivers approaching from the opposite direction would have needed to travel farther before turning around.
Residents speaking during the public hearing also expressed concerns about traffic, the scale of the buildings and the potential effect on the rural character of the West End area.
Commissioners Vote Unanimously Against Rezoning
The Moore County Planning Board previously voted 6-0 to recommend denial after finding the proposal inconsistent with the county’s land-use plan.
County commissioners reached the same conclusion Tuesday, October 20. The board first voted unanimously to declare the proposal inconsistent with the land-use plan and then unanimously denied the rezoning request.
Source: Sandhills Sentinel.
