As decision on Topsail family compound stays in limbo, developers map out full strategy
It's coming up on a year since a tech entrepreneur presented an idea to build a family compound on the southern end of Topsail Island, but it may take a while for a final decision.
A volunteer group, Conserve The Point, was formed to make a push against it. Some of the concerns involved the environment, impacts to wildlife, access and infrastructure.
Topsail Beach hosted a workshop on July 24 with a presentation from Todd and Laura Olson, who are also residents in the area. According to their plans, the goals are to conserve land, improve public access and to build family homes "in harmony with natural surroundings."
They also emphasized that they want to follow conditions and address concerns presented by town officials, environmental organizations, and residents.
Making plans
The Olsons said the property owned by the McLeod Family was on the market by the owners who tried to work with the town and conservation agencies, but they were unsuccessful. Along with their plans to build homes and amenities, the Olsons said they're pledging to conserve 80% of the property. Todd said it was a win-win for the town.
"We're just a family that's going to be taking care of it and overseeing it," Todd said. "A lot of the environmental aspects are due to a lack of attention around it."
Todd, founder of software company Pendo, submitted plans in 2022. 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. The proposed maximum size for homes is 4,000 square feet or smaller based on final designs.
With six children, the project was considered with their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
With residents concerned about the size of the land purchase presented in town documents, which was 30 acres, the Olsons said their project will take up space less than half of a football field, instead of 20 football fields previously reported. He also pointed out that it's half the size of the nearby Serenity Point neighborhood.
"That's what we're asking for," he said. "It's very small."
Previous coverage: Decision on family compound project in Topsail on hold as entrepreneur considers new plans
What will it look like?
According to plans from the Olson and the developers, the vision is to have single story homes, with a low profile to blend in with the environment and not disturb neighbors. One example was placing windows so lights inside the house cannot be seen by people at Serenity Point.
If built, what will the Olsons do with the extra property?
One of the goals is to improve the natural habitat of The Point. This includes protecting bird nesting sites, habitats, and to plant bird-friendly gardens.
Others include having cleanup days, workshops for native plants, and adding additional signage to bring awareness about the environment.
What's next?
Officials will continue talks about the project in the upcoming months as the Olsons work to finalize plans. A public hearing could be held as early as September unless more time is needed.
Based on a timeline presented by Laura, a couple of homes may be built by 2026 or later, if the plan was passed this year.
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: What's next for a Topsail Island family compound
