NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A new business will not be coming to Carolina Beach Road after a unanimous vote by the New Hanover County Commissioners.
A developer requested 1.63 acres be rezoned at 6218 Carolina Beach Road near the Beau Rivage and Sellars Cove Communities to allow for the development of a moving truck business.
After hearing from area residents during a public hearing, the commissioners unanimously voted to deny the request because it was not in the best interest of the public.
Alie Diaz, a Sellars Cove resident, gave a lengthy presentation during the Monday night meeting on why she and other neighbors opposed the development. Her reasons included traffic and safety. She says she’s surprised by the commissioners’ decision, but grateful.
“It’s a relief and I just want to thank the commissioners for hearing us out. That was hours and hours of research that I spent time to present in trying to protect a community of lovely humans,” Diaz said. “I really appreciate the commissioners for hearing what we had to say and for them honestly looking at the better interest of all of us.”
In another unanimous vote, the commissioners voted to declare eminent domain on a piece of property that is adjacent to the new government complex on Government Center Drive.
The property is currently home to Cheetah, an adult entertainment club. The county would utilize the property to expand its parking facilities.
Along with voting in favor of the resolution to declare eminent domain, the commissioners approved a budget amendment of $2.36 million to purchase the property.
County Manager Chris Coudriet shared a statement that reads, “The county identified a need to expand parking facilities to better accommodate our citizens when visiting the newly constructed government center. Exercising eminent domain to acquire the neighboring property is a legal and measured step towards fulfilling this need. The law ensures that the property owner will receive fair market value, aligning with our responsibility to act in a balanced and lawful manner.”