Annexation, zoning for new development discussed
Oct. 20—Annexation and zoning for a possible development in West Sanford were on the table for discussion Tuesday night as the Sanford City Council and Planning Commission held a public hearing on a variety of projects.
The first hearing involved a voluntary annexation petition from Southern Properties and Pinnacle Inc., which would expand the city limits to include an area where a new development is proposed.
"Tonight, before you is an annexation petition," Senior Planner David Montgomery said. "We received that petition on June 1, for approximately 191.82 acres, located off of Carbonton Road and Creek Trail."
Montgomery explained that the property was being considered for annexation in order to have access to the city's public sewer system.
"The proposed use of the land is for a single- family residential development," Montgomery said.
Developer Glenn Godfrey spoke of his intentions and history with the property.
"I purchased the property approximately 30 years ago," he told city council. "We've designed an upscale neighborhood. When I purchased this land, I had the dream of building a neighborhood that my community and myself would be proud of."
The neighborhood would be designed with open space and amenities, according to the plans. The homes will be custom-built, and the neighborhood will include walking trails, a dog park and more.
Former clients of Godfrey expressed support. Many of them live in a nearby development.
"I've had the opportunity to know Glenn for many years — he built my home in 1997," Hearthfield Lakes resident Rose Fenton said. "Glenn's character, his dedication to the community and the quality of work he puts into his homes is outstanding. I've had the opportunity to speak with Glenn and look at the plan he's proposed. I think it's phenomenal and it will add to the community."
Another nearby resident, Preston Elliott echoed the sentiments.
"I'm going to basically reiterate what she said," he told the council. "We have been in our home for over seven years. Sanford's going to expand — whether we're ready for it or not. I think this is going to be a fantastic addition to Sanford."
Other speakers echoed the discussions saying that the development would be an asset for Sanford.
"We've lived in Hearthfield Lakes for 25 years," Misty Roy said. "He built our first home — we've loved it from day one. We were excited for what this will add for our community as we continue to grow. It's going to be a great asset."
The annexation was then approved and a long discussion about the zoning plans later ensued.
The proposed zoning changes, which were sent to the Sanford Planning Commission for discussion, include rezoning 196.987 acres from Residential Restricted to single-family R-14 and Residential Mixed R10.
Several concerns arose about infrastructure including police coverage, surrounding roads and flooding.
One area resident, Rocky Barnes, said he was against the proposal and rezoning to R-10, which allows homes to be closer together and on less land. He also cited other areas of concern.
"The road system is insufficient for this," he said. "There will be a strain on the school system and there are concerns about noise."
Elliott, who had earlier spoken about the positive aspects of the development, also raised concerns with the R-10 zoning. He also mentioned the traffic flow.
"Is the infrastructure going to be able to keep up?" he asked.
Elliott however noted that if infrastructure concerns, including lower speed limits, were addressed by the city and North Carolina Department of Transportation, that the plan was a good one.
"Are we going to have the infrastructure in place to support this?" he asked. "It would be great if we do because it's going to be a great community — from everything I've seen."
