New Hanover County Commissioners unanimously approved two special use permit requests for high-density multifamily developments during a Nov. 3 meeting.
Commissioners gave the green light to a mixed used development near the intersection of Carolina Beach Road and Radnor Road, submitted by Inlet Watch Development Partners. At the request of the applicant, approval of the special use permit was postponed from an Oct. 6 meeting to allow the applicant to further assess potential traffic impacts of the development.
The project will feature 93 apartments and 2,500 square feet of commercial space, all contained within a 40,138 square foot building.
Per a traffic impact analysis completed by the N.C. Department of Transportation, the development will merit construction of a right turning lane in the northbound lane of Carolina Beach Road. The Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization and NCDOT also recommend converting the existing full movement median crossover at St. Vincent Drive to a directional crossover and installing a signal for left turns and U-turns.
Commercial uses in the development are limited to retail businesses permitted by right in the neighborhood business district, plus a handful of other uses personally selected by county staff including a barber and beauty shop, childcare center, or automobile service station.
To distinguish itself from the existing Inlet Watch community nearby, the new development must bear a different name. Neighbors must be kept informed throughout the development process.
Commissioners also approved a special use permit for a multifamily residential project at 4645 Gordon Road, with one modification to address apprehensions shared by a neighbor.
The project will offer 328 apartments among 14 buildings.
A citizen representative from the neighborhood voiced concerns about the impact of a proposed roundabout and road connecting Shaw Drive to the community on local pedestrian, bike and vehicle traffic. The concern elicited an extended conversation between the board and David Swain, president of Gordon Road Investments.
County planning staff recommended the roundabout to ensure adequate interconnectivity as the community grows, especially as businesses come to the area. The roundabout was not required in a traffic impact analysis.
Swain volunteered to set aside funds to build the roundabout and connecting road at a later date, but concerns voiced by Chairman Woody White about the ability to bind future boards to require construction of the road led the board to request the roundabout and connecting road be constructed but remain closed to traffic until commercial businesses open.
Both projects were unanimously approved by the New Hanover County Planning Board.
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