Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in development
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
355-home subdivision planned for Topsail Township
A developer is seeking approval of a Master Development Plan for a 355-lot single-family neighborhood across 147 acres in Topsail Township. Residents may weigh in on traffic, schools, and stormwater impacts at the hearing.
Residential growth in Topsail and Long Creek townships
Two rezoning requests together would add 104 townhomes and 85 single-family homes, affecting traffic, infrastructure, and neighborhood character. Residents in nearby communities have previously raised concerns about traffic, stormwater, and emergency access on similar projects.
Falls Mist subdivision traffic and drainage
A Rocky Point resident criticized the coming Falls Mist subdivision for lacking dedicated turn lanes despite adding about 500 cars, and for having no retention ponds. Planning staff said the project is under review with no DOT permit yet, and Chairman Burton noted the county can't deny by-right development.
Piver Tract Master Development Plan Appeal
A 147-acre development off Country Club Drive near Spring Garden Road in Topsail township was approved by the Planning Board, and neighbor John Stratton Lobdell appealed that decision. The Board of Adjustment was scheduled to hold an evidentiary hearing June 10 — a big deal for the nearby Old Point community, where residents have been following the project closely.
Housing department property manager for Seven Oaks
Housing wants one property manager to oversee Seven Oaks so the director can handle broader responsibilities — a small ask with direct effects on county housing operations.
Holly Township Sand Mine (SUP 2025-56)
A proposed sand mine in Holly Township was tabled to March 2 before a hearing could be held — neighbors will have to wait another month to weigh in.
Development Moratorium
Pender County is considering hitting pause on new developments to figure out how to handle the massive boom in neighborhood growth. Commissioners are talking about drafting stricter rules for builders before things get too crowded.
Economic Development
Amazon is opening a huge new distribution center in Pender County that will bring hundreds of local jobs. While it's a big win for the local economy, you can definitely expect some extra traffic in the area.