Residents voice opposition to apartment complex
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on March 20, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/ROCHELLE MOORE
Kevin Woodard, a Mulberry Street resident, speaks against a proposed four-unit apartment complex in a residential area during the Goldsboro City Council meeting Monday.
Residents concerned about the possible development of an apartment complex in a residential area of the city spoke in opposition during the Goldsboro City Council meeting Monday.
Several residents shared their concerns and made suggestions, asking that the development take place in a more compatible area of the city.
Nearly two dozen residents attended the meeting and stood when asked by resident Kevin Woodard for a show of support. Close to 120 residents have signed a petition asking the council to deny the Goldsboro Housing Authority's request for a variance allowing a single-family home, at 1113 E. Mulberry, to be developed into a four-unit apartment complex.
"That area of Mulberry Street has already gone through revitalization," said Matt Young, a Mulberry Street resident. "People have put the money and the time into their homes, fixing everything up and trying to make it the best pathway we can to our wonderful downtown.
"I think the GHA has some funds and money that can be used for a different location. I just don't think that's the right fit, and, I think, it would be a change for just a perfect setting."
Young said he provide real estate services, at no cost, to the GHA to help the public housing agency find another location.
The comments were made during the council's public comment period.
The Goldsboro Housing Authority has submitted a request to the Goldsboro Planning Commission asking for a setback variance for the property. Multifamily development is an allowable use in the neighborhood.
The commission was set to review the request, which has since been placed on hold as of Monday, said Mayor Chuck Allen.
Allen said, during the public comment period, that city staff received a call from Anthony Goodson, GHA chief executive officer.
"Anthony Goodson, who's the director, did call the city today and did say that he had put the . . . project on hold indefinitely, while they consider other options," Allen said. "We take that to be that they are looking at other options."
Woodard said he and other residents are concerned that the property will change the nature of the neighborhood, with the possibility of adding at least 14 people and up to 10 vehicles at the Mulberry Street address.
"A facility of that size has a chance to take on a commercial nature," Woodard said. "It takes on more of a commercial nature than a residential feel.
"In the long run, with this project or anything else, we just didn't want to set a precedence that anybody can come into single family neighborhoods and make any neighborhood too (dense).
"I think it can be very intrusive no matter who it is."
Woodard asked city officials to consider older city neighborhoods, where multifamily development is allowed, and add certain requirements, such as a conditional-use permit, so residents can have a voice in the process.
Residents also voiced concern that the property would be developed and used for special populations, which the city ordinance lists as battered or abused adults or children, pregnant teenagers, runaway children, the disabled, people needing mental health services or people recovering from drug or alcohol use.
City staff do not consider the property development to be classified as special-population housing due to the development involving four, separate apartment units, said Jennifer Collins, interim planning director.
The council received the comments and did not take any action. The council could review the request at a later date if the Goldsboro Housing Authority decides to move forward with the project.
Several members of the city council, including Allen, have talked with residents in recent weeks. Allen, who serves on the Goldsboro Housing Authority board, presented the GHA board with a signed petition Thursday asking that the project be abandoned.