At Monday’s Southern Pines Town Council work session, the often delayed and controversial Patrick’s Pointe development was up for final approval.
The 3-month discussion of the development ended as the Town Council approved the project. Expressing concern over density and safety raised many questions.
The first public hearing was on December 14, 2021. The initial proposal was for 276 multifamily residential units and one office out parcel. The property is located along U.S. 1 between West Connecticut Avenue and Midland Road.
The second public hearing was on January 11. The developer presented a revised concept for the site based on the December meeting. Carson Crooms, attorney for the opposition of the development, consisting of nearby residents, requested a continuance at this meeting. The Town Council granted an extension until February 8.
The final public hearing was held as scheduled, and after reviewing the evidence and hearing closing arguments, the final vote was scheduled for February 28.
Many of the council members lamented that the legal requirements versus the ethical requirements presented a challenge in that the legal trumps the other in these kinds of hearings.
The Town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was revised in the last couple of years and has left many council members being forced into an action that they do not feel is in the town’s best interest.
Mayor Carol Haney said, “Do I personally want this, no. But if we deny it, the developer will appeal, and we will but tied up in court for years. I don’t see any way we would win in court. If I thought we could win, I would go for it.”
The area is zoned for medium density which is 10 units per acre. The revised construction plan allows for 266 units at 12 units per acre. When the developer was asked about the possibility of reducing the density, they stated it was impossible.
Council voted 4-1 with council member Ann Petersen voting no.
One area of concern that the council pledged action on was updating the town’s UDO. “I want to do the best job I can, but I have a legal obligation,” said council member Taylor Clement. “I wish there was guideline (UDO) that represents what the town’s residents want.”
Both Petersen and Clement were recently elected.
The board also heard a brief update on the new skate park project. Currently, there have been several well-attended meetings. The initial plan was to use the racquetball courts at Memorial Park, but it was decided to use the horseshoe pits after a review.
The project goal is $300,000. The Skaters for Moore group have established a fundraising committee and a grant writing committee. They are hoping to gain some large corporate sponsors. Additionally, they are planning an event at Memorial Park for April 23 where they will set up some wooden skate ramps. They also have a GoFundMe page which raised over $1,200.
The next council meeting will be the regular town meeting which will be held this Wednesday, March 2.
Feature photo: Site location of Patrick’s Pointe mixed-use development. Photo via Town of Southern Pines.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Chris Prentice.
