At a meeting held on Tuesday, the Moore County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to indefinitely table a proposed zoning text amendment that would make major changes to the rules regarding growth in the Seven Lakes and Woodlake areas of West End and Vass and allow new major subdivisions.
Before making a decision, the commissioners discussed growth, infrastructure, and water capacity, and also heard concerns raised by residents who said the area was not prepared for large new developments.
Major subdivisions, aside from those already existing in these districts, are currently prohibited in the Seven Lakes and Woodlake gated community zoning districts. While there are vacant parcels that could qualify for subdivision, current zoning rules do not allow it, and this is what the proposal sought to change.
Planning Director Ruth Pederson explained that a proposed change would “provide an option for major subdivisions to occur near existing residential developments, while allowing the Board of Commissioners to review major subdivision requests in these areas through the quasi-judicial process.”
The proposal applied only to single-family residential subdivisions. Apartments, manufactured home parks, and multifamily developments would still not be allowed in those districts.
Commissioners, however, raised doubts about whether the timing was appropriate given the ongoing revisions to the Land Use Plan.
“I’m just a little concerned that we’re moving too fast and approving things that we can’t cash the check on later,” said Commissioner Jim Von Canon, “and I think we really would like to control our own destiny. I don’t see any sense of urgency. They don’t have sewer and water right now, and I’m not sure what the rush was to bring this in here.”
Commissioner Nick Picerno echoed this sentiment.
“I hope that this board will vote to put this off until we have our Land Use Plan in place and that we have a good picture of where our water and sewer is going to come from and where our infrastructure will be,” said Picerno. “There are just too many unknown questions at this time to add another major development when we don’t really know what the effects are. Let’s say you did it in Seven Lakes right now—you’re just going to have more runoff, more construction, more congestion.”
It was also agreed that such large plans need to consider whether or not the area currently has sufficient water capacity to sustain the growth, which has been an ongoing topic of discussion for boards across the county.
“Let the developers know where we think development can be supported from roads, water, sewer, and other infrastructure without hurting our way of life,” Picerno suggested. “That, you know, is the number one goal.”
Two residents from the potentially impacted areas spoke during the public hearing, urging commissioners to reject or postpone the change.
One speaker explained that a large land purchase near Holly Grove School Road and another nearby tract with a contingency offer were already fueling speculation about future development.
“We are struggling right now just with single family homes within our own community being built because of the things that have transpired with the road changes—which we welcome, and we we’re not trying to say no to new neighbors,” said the resident. “I just don’t think we are in a position right now that we can afford to do this. As a current citizen, I’m asking you as a voter who supported you to hold off and let’s plan better, please.”
Another resident who spoke cited traffic, flooding, and overcrowded schools. “If they keep covering everything with concrete, where’s the water going to go?” she asked. “There’s already been a lot of flooding. We need to protect what we have.”
The commissioners agreed.
“Mr. Chairman, I’d like to move that this motion lie upon the table indefinitely,” said Commissioner Tom Adams.
“You could table it to a date and time certain, and they won’t have to advertise for it again. You could just go ahead and vote for it tonight,” Pedersen reminded the board. “If you table it with no date or time certain, then the process would have to start over again for the Board of Commissioners, at least for advertising purposes.”
“Yes ma’am,” said Adams. “That is my intention.”
A motion was made and carried unanimously.
Commissioners said they preferred to wait until Moore County’s Land Use plan is updated, a process intended to guide how growth should align with infrastructure, environmental preservation, and community needs.
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~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
