Planning Commission approved a contested 499-unit mixed-use development near NC 98 despite resident warnings of traffic gridlock, environmental damage, and schools at 206 percent capacity.
Planning Commission approved 499-unit mixed-use development near NC 98 on 7-1 vote despite residents documenting 13 accidents in two years on highway already at capacity.
Developer committed to $932-per-student school contribution, but residents calculated shortfall of $4.6 million against true $150,000-per-student cost as nearby schools near 206 percent capacity.
Property sits near critical watershed with impaired streams and rare protected species like Carolina darter fish, but no aquatic surveys were conducted before approval.