Council denies apartments
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on April 3, 2018 5:50 AM
The Goldsboro City Council sided with residents Monday in its denial of a rezoning that would have added an 80-unit apartment complex on Cuyler Best Road.
Morgan and Associates sought council approval to rezone a 6.2-acre property on Cuyler Best Road from an institutional and office district to a residential conditional district.
Several residents spoke in opposition to the change and asked the council to deny the request due to concerns about increased traffic congestion, property devaluation and safety.
Residents speaking against the rezoning primarily live in the Olde Farm and Glenda's Point subdivisions, which are located adjacent to the site and near New Hope Road.
"I think we have enough apartment complexes in our area," said Bob Dively, a resident of the Olde Farm subdivision. "We are not in favor of this change in zoning across the street. We would like to see it remain as a business and commercial venture.
"I think that we can do something better, and I would like you to consider that."
Eileen Henderson, president of the Olde Farm Homeowners Association, also shared concern about increased traffic congestion along the two-lane section of Cuyler Best Road.
"There's no sidewalks," she said. "The road is not conducive to having a large complex come in, and I consider 80 complex units a large piece.
"We have enough that we don't need to see something come in there that would bring more cars, more traffic and endanger children.
"I can see complete congestion there."
Craig Stone, representing at the developer, said the apartment complex would be a $10 million investment in the city.
Councilman Antonio Williams asked Mark Morgan, owner of Morgan and Associates, if the complex would be considered a low-income property. Morgan said the building would be an affordable housing site, with rent based on a person's income.
David Remington, a resident of Glenda's Point, said the property, as well as other properties along Cuyler Best Road, would be better suited for businesses.
"I think that particular corner, I think is an excellent place for different types of businesses for growth of the community, in accordance with the land use plan," Remington said.
"We are absolutely in support of affordable housing. I just don't know if that's the best place for those who may be walking or biking to get the things that they need and to work.
"I'm not sure so much why there's such an interest in building on this plot when there are other suitable areas."
Mitch Ham, also a resident in Olde Farm, said residents are excited about development in the area, including the Maxwell Center, as well as bike and walking trails along New Hope Road to Wayne Memorial Drive. Ham said the addition of businesses to the area, including Cuyler Best Road, would benefit the community and offer new jobs.
Ham also said that a $10 million investment would need to include consideration of any property devaluation.
Close to a dozen residents attended the council meeting, and 115 signed a petition opposing the rezoning.
Prior to the council's vote, Councilman Gene Aycock asked why the property, which is zoned to currently allow 57 apartments would need to be changed to accommodate 80 apartments.
"Why should we take a property that's for 57 apartments and move it to 80?" Aycock said.
Councilman Mark Stevens asked if the council could review a site plan for the project.
As part of the rezoning, the developer requested a waiver from the city site plan requirement.
After little discussion, Councilman Bill Broadaway made a motion to approve the rezoning.
The rezoning failed to pass, after no other member of the council offered a second to the motion.
Mayor Chuck Allen recused himself from the vote.
"I'm glad that you see now that this council does listen," Aycock said after the vote.