The Town of Cameron rezoned 34 acres from rural agricultural to conditional zoning for First Tee – Sandhills because its land use plans were consistent with the town’s requirements and used 94% green space.
During the public hearing at the board of commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, First Tee Sandhills Executive Director Courtney Stiles said their youth development program on Atkins Road, U.S. Highway 1, and Read Road mentors students under Title I programs, including but not limited to Moore Buddies, Special Olympics and schools, focusing on youth aged eight to 10.
Activities outside of golf instruction include career experiences, college finance, learning labs and science activities planned for the headquarters on the land purchased by First Tee last year. Stiles said traffic would be limited to four buses for school field trips, public use with an estimated 30, and staff at 12 to 16.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation communicated with Stiles that it would automatically reduce the speed limit on Read Road, but the amount of the speed reduction is unknown. They have also agreed to resurface the road.
Plans include a 50-foot buffer around the entire perimeter, a 6.3-acre natural area, a parking lot with 100 spaces to meet code, a driving range, putting green, nine-hole short course, an office-recreation building, and a community field.
One resident on Read Road spoke against the land use plan regarding increased traffic, setting a precedent for more businesses in rural areas, and noise.
Stiles agreed to conditional zoning that requires them to file a request to the town board for concerts and that First Tee may not exceed the 100-parking space limit.
During new business, the board asked the audience if anyone knew who or why the town received a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
FOIA, enacted in 1967, grants the public the right to request records from federal agencies. Often referred to as the law that ensures government transparency, it mandates federal agencies to release requested information unless protected by one of nine exemptions, safeguarding concerns like personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement.
Town Clerk and Town Manager Wendy Butner said she spent the past week going through boxes in the attic and has the request together, except for the requested personal information, and is waiting for a legal expert to examine the documents before mailing the request.
In other town business, the board welcomed Marsha Korver as a new commissioner. Korver lives in the historic district with her husband. She is a newcomer to serving on town boards and said she wanted to help. Her term ends in December 2027, as she filled a term from a resigned commissioner.
The board discussed a security gate with a camera and automatic closure for Phillips Memorial Park. Prices ranged from $9,000 to $27,000. The board will invite sales representatives to town meetings to present their security gate features.
Commissioner Kane Parsons recommended the removal of the appropriation fee for home improvements in the historic district, and the board agreed to omit the $75 to $150 fee because maintaining homes is expensive and the fee was a burden.
The board discussed hiring Longitude Planning Group for a downtown streetscape design plan, which would be used for applying for grants. They will continue the discussion on the $5,500 study.
The town is hiring a full-time maintenance and utility employee. Contact Wendy Butner at [email protected] or 910-245-3212.
Feature photo: New Commissioner Marsha Korver is sworn into office on March 26, 2025.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel journalist Stephanie M. Sellers. Stephanie is also an English instructor at Central Carolina Community College. She is the author of young adult fiction, including When the Yellow Slugs Sing and Sky’s River Stone, and a suspense, GUTTERSNIPE: Shakespearean English Stage Play with Translation, and a new science fiction published by Golden Storyline Books, Amagi.
