Decision on family compound project in Topsail on hold as entrepreneur considers new plans
An entrepreneur looking to build a family compound on the southern point of Topsail Island is asking for more time to present possible new plans after getting pushback from officials and the public.
The Topsail Beach Planning Board rejected the controversial request in May, but the family compound may get another chance through the town's Board of Commissioners, who discussed the request during a meeting Wednesday.
Following discussions about the timeline, a public hearing is now scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Todd Olson, founder of software company Pendo, submitted plans for a 30-acre project. He would like to build seven single-family homes; a swimming pool with a pool house and cooking facilities; maintenance building/garage; a beach walkway with a gazebo; and a marina with six boat lifts.
People opposed to the project fear plans from the entrepreneur will hurt the habitat, wildlife, and serenity of the area. A volunteer group, Conserve The Point (CTP), was formed to make a push against it. Thousands signed a petition. During Wednesday's Board of Commissioners meeting, residents presented environmental concerns.
Previous coverage: Even as development on Serenity Point wasn't recommended, opposition remains. Here's why.
The land is owned by the McLeod family.
Charles Riggs, a representative for Olson, is asking commissioners to approve a master development plan and zoning change. It's currently a conservation district, but they would like to switch it to conditional zoning for construction purposes. Riggs also made a request to hold off on having a public hearing until final plans have been submitted.
There was also eagerness from the public to have a decision. Commissioner John Gunter also felt this way while bringing up that it's almost been a year since the project was presented. Riggs said he wasn't prepared to make a presentation, but he wanted to gather requests from commissioners about the project.
Along with a public hearing, there was also talks of having a workshop in the upcoming months. A few opponents in the audience requested a Saturday meeting for the public hearing so more people could attend. Mayor Steven George Smith said he didn't want to set a precedent with a Saturday meeting. It was also said by town officials that a Saturday meeting was unusual.
After a public hearing, Smith said a final decision usually takes place about a month later so officials will have more time to review the request.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest Pender County news by signing up for the StarNews newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Reporter Chase Jordan can be reached at cjjordan@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Serenity Point family compound decision on hold at Topsail Beach
