Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Saw Dust Laydown Yard and Office Space project
A major site development plan for a sawdust laydown yard and office space is scheduled for technical review. Details on location and scale will be presented by staff at the meeting.
Point South Apartments — 252-unit multifamily development off U.S. 17
A 252-unit apartment complex with a clubhouse, pool, and multi-use field is proposed on about 12 acres along U.S. 17 in Topsail Township. The technical review is a checkpoint where county staff flag road, utility, drainage, and safety issues before the plan advances.
Cemetery Identification and Protection
A neighbor of the damaged historic cemetery asked the county to document family cemeteries in GIS and create safeguards so development never disturbs graves again. The county found gravestones were disturbed during development but damaged years earlier; a preservation discussion item is coming next meeting.
Maple Hill Postal Service Operations
USPS is shifting Maple Hill's post office operations to Burgaw, forcing a 40-mile round trip for seniors, fixed-income families, and residents who depend on mail for medications. The board adopted a resolution of support and is working federal contacts.
Infrastructure and Controlled Growth Initiative
The county rolled out its 20-year plan framework for water, sewer, and growth — with public surveys, community meetings, and a baseline report due by late December. The board is being asked for feedback, a liaison, and direction on engineering capacity.
Large-Scale Residential Development in Long Creek Township
The 1,023-home proposal was tabled to November 2, so residents will have another chance to weigh in.
Water Service Concerns
Residents keep complaining about water quality and billing from the private utility Carolina Water; Commissioner Burns wants a community meeting so residents can at least be pointed toward help, possibly the state Utilities Commission.
Student safety crossing Highway 17 in Hampstead
Commissioner Beth Burns is working to set up a meeting between the school district and NCDOT for a crosswalk and pedestrian signals near the Hampstead library, after students were seen dodging traffic on Highway 17.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure Investments
The board authorized the $4.3 million grant application for the first phase of bringing treated water to western Pender County, from Highway 11 to the Sampson County line. Residents have waited years and want updates every meeting.
Abbey Nature Preserve trailhead — $500,000 PARTF grant
The board was scheduled to accept a $500,000 state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund matching grant plus a budget amendment to build a trailhead at the Abbey Nature Preserve.
Health and DSS budget impacts from state and federal cuts
The county accepted $254,546.89 to handle doubled Medicaid recertifications and new work requirements taking effect January 2027.
Large-scale residential rezonings (REZONE 2026-99 and 2026-100)
Two rezoning requests totaling over 1,950 new homes — one 1,023-home subdivision in Long Creek Township and one 930-home 55+ community in Topsail Township — were set for public hearings. Together they could significantly reshape traffic, schools, and services in those areas.
Proposed 930-home 55+ community in Topsail Township
A 404-acre age-restricted community was approved despite a split planning board recommendation. Supporters say it boosts tax revenue with little school or traffic impact; opponents worried about density.
DSS funding for federal H.R. 1 implementation
The county was slated to accept $254,546.89 to cover extra social services administrative costs tied to federal Medicaid eligibility changes under H.R. 1.
Feral cat management and trap-neuter-release
The county's animal ordinance is outdated, the shelter took in over 1,300 cats this year, and a resident has pushed for TNR-friendly rules. Staff will bring back an ordinance analysis and a model community cat program in October.
RV park and campground special use permit (SUP 2026-58)
A 236-site RV park and campground was proposed for Holly Township and set for a public hearing. Neighbors may weigh tourism and recreation benefits against traffic and noise concerns.
Feral Cat Management Policy
Residents pushed for a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return program, citing 1,150 cat intakes in eight months and warning that euthanization won't stop reproduction. An ordinance discussion was moved to October 19.
Solid waste enforcement
With 83 cases this year and one code officer handling 20 zoning cases a month, the county added a dedicated solid-waste enforcement officer.
236-Lot RV Park and Campground in Holly Township
A quasi-judicial hearing produced sworn testimony on flood-zone fill, road access and 180-day stay limits. Neighbors warned the 180-day cap effectively allows year-round residency; the board added conditions on dual access points.
Point South Master Development Plan revision
The developer of the Wyndwater community in Topsail Township asked the county to revise its master development plan. Changes to a master plan can shape how many homes and what types of uses go into a large development, affecting traffic, infrastructure, and neighborhood character.
Topsail Township rezone to Office and Institutional
A property owner wants to rezone roughly a quarter-acre to open a specialty trade contractor office. It's a small commercial land-use change, but nearby residents may care about what kinds of business activity move in next door.
Hearing time limits for applicants and public
Board members want a fairer balance — maybe 15 minutes for applicants — since the public gets only 2 minutes. No vote yet; staff will research other jurisdictions and possibly revise rules of procedure.
Small business office rezoning off US 17
A roofing contractor wants a tiny office on a quarter-acre near Union Bethel Road — about 12 vehicle trips a day. The board supported it with conditions but noted the applicant must still get NCDOT driveway approval and final Commissioner approval.
Topsail Township commercial rezone of 0.31-acre parcel
An 11.36-acre portion of three tracts could shift from planned development and residential performance zoning to General Business, opening the door to commercial uses near Topsail residents.
Wyndwater commercial expansion along US 17
The Wyndwater development can now add more commercial uses (including fast food, gas stations, and drinking places) along its US 17 frontage, raising resident concerns about traffic — about 6,300 new daily trips — and neighborhood impacts like dumpsters near homes.
Rural Public Transit Funding (PAS-TRAN)
Pender Adult Services' transit program is the county's only local public transportation, providing over 21,000 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair-accessible trips. The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider a $165,908.10 local match to keep it running.
CFCC Burgaw building roof leaks
A Pender Early College teacher said the leaky roof at the CFCC Burgaw building has gone unfixed for three years despite state repair funds available with a county match. The chairman asked that it be included in next year's budget.
Well Filtration and Water Infrastructure Investments
Several big water and sewer items were on the agenda: a $1.17 million well filtration contract, grant paperwork for the West Pender Water Project, updated system specifications, and Topsail Township sewer facility hearings.
Proposed county livestock arena
The 4-H Mane Event Horse Club asked the county to consider a livestock arena on at least 50 acres, citing a 100% community survey support and no ag-event facility within 30 miles. Staff will explore partnership ideas.
Hampstead wastewater capacity and Pluris expansion
The board approved a second Pluris wastewater plant off Hoover Road, rezoning 32 acres for a 1.5 million-gallon-per-day facility serving up to about 7,500 homes and businesses. Some commissioners wanted capacity closer to the original 3 MGD permit, worrying a smaller plant will hamstring East Pender growth.
Surveillance Technology Ban
Pender County just became the first place in North Carolina to completely outlaw automated license plate readers. It's a huge test case for balancing everyday privacy against modern police surveillance.
Bus Driver Shortage and Transportation
The district needs 90 drivers to run 90 buses and often falls short. Radios, cloud cameras and lockboxes improved safety, but recruiting stays tough given split-shift hours and benefit limits.
Tax bill printing error
Roughly 2,219 property tax bills went out with wrong amounts after a software rollback issue tied to Senate Bill 889's schedule-of-values requirement. Corrected bills should mail within days, but commissioners are demanding a deeper look.
Topsail Township Wastewater Treatment Facility Rezoning
Two linked public hearings were scheduled on a proposal to rezone about 32 acres in Topsail Township for a wastewater treatment facility and revise the related special use permit. This could open the door for expanded development capacity in the Topsail area.
Opioid Settlement Funds Spending
Three consent items direct about $487,000 in opioid settlement money toward year three of the Health Opioid Coordinator, the Sheriff's DARE program, and Coastal Horizons' PORT recovery program.
Commercial rezoning in Topsail Township
Two linked public hearings were scheduled on a proposal to rezone about 32 acres in Topsail Township for a wastewater treatment facility and revise the related special use permit. This could open the door for expanded development capacity in the Topsail area.
Candidates Forum
Local Pender County candidates recently faced off at a forum to debate major issues like school funding, board drama, and how to bring the community together. It's a quick look at where everyone stands before you cast your ballot.
Government Fraud and Cybersecurity
Commissioner Tate pressed for an audit update, saying citizens have been calling him, and asked for a public update at the next meeting.
PAS-TRAN Public Transportation Funding
PAS-TRAN is the county's only public transportation service, providing 21,128 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair trips. The board was asked to hold a hearing on and approve $165,908 in local match funding for federal grants that keep the buses running.
NC Capital Needs Based Grant / Tier Status
The county's largest water grant application is due Saturday and just needs a board vote — but there was no quorum to approve it. The county manager's team has been working on it and hopes for alternatives before the next meeting.
Failure to reach a quorum blocks county business
Only two of four commissioners showed up, so nothing could be voted on — including the long-delayed appointment of Beth Burns to the county's largest district. Commissioner Tate accused absent members of a political no-show and called it an embarrassment to the county.
Commissioner Appointment Dispute
Pender County is caught in a messy legal battle over a disputed commissioner appointment, and critics say the whole process was completely botched. This political drama could seriously shake up who’s running the local show.
Vacant Board Seats Following Commissioner Brad George's Departure
The seat stayed empty after the board tabled the appointment over litigation challenging the local GOP's recommendation. Residents say the delay is unfair to the nominee and her family and want the party's decision respected.
Emergency Services Merger — REDLG Obligations
The merger took effect July 5 with no service interruptions, but the county is short about 26 firefighters and 26 EMS workers, causing overtime, burnout, and occasional ambulance or firehouse shutdowns. New hires and recruit classes should help by late October.
Maple Hill park and school building needs
Maple Hill was slated to see two investments: $308,713 in infrastructure improvements through Kimley-Horn and capital project funding for the Maple Hill Playground (paired with Long Creek Community Park).
Combined County/School Fleet Garage
The proposed garage site near Rocky Point Elementary has cleared geotechnical and rezoning work, but the project needs school board commitment before the board will fund full design.
Housing Voucher Program Shortfall
Two housing items were slated: a Project Based Voucher housing assistance contract and a resolution to cover a projected Housing Choice Voucher shortfall using the county's unrestricted net position. Together they address how the county keeps rental assistance flowing for lower-income residents.
Tax Collection and Foreclosure
The tax office reported a 97.71% collection rate and 254 active foreclosures (down from 377 in 2023). Commissioners debated foreclosure practices and asked whether legal work could be done in-house to save money; details went to closed session.
Ambulance Fleet Replacement
The county bought five ambulances that were pre-ordered by the old Pender EMS & Fire board without county knowledge, plus tech upgrades. Several commissioners were frustrated by the surprise and the lack of competitive bids, but approved it because fleets are aging and new orders would take years.
Pelican Reef fatal crash and traffic safety
Commissioners raised speeding issues at Highway 133 in Little Kelly, a needed traffic light on Highway 117, and a fatal crash at Watts Landing Road and NC 210, which is slated for 2028 STIP improvements.