Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Large-Scale Residential Development in Long Creek Township
A request to rezone about 630 acres for 1,023 single-family homes was set for an 8 p.m. public hearing — one of the largest residential proposals to come before the county, with implications for traffic, schools and water service.
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.
Combined County/School Fleet Garage
A $1.33 million increase to Samet for Phase 2 full design of the county fleet garage was on the agenda — a step toward a facility to house and maintain the county's vehicle fleet.
Proposed 930-home 55+ community in Topsail Township
A developer wants about 404 acres rezoned to build 930 single-family homes reserved for residents 55 and older. The Planning Board hearing is a key step before the county commissioners make the final decision. Depending on where you live in the Topsail Township/Hampstead area, this could affect traffic, infrastructure, and the pace of growth.
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.
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.
236-Lot RV Park and Campground in Holly Township
A special use permit was scheduled for public hearing to allow a 236-lot RV park and campground in Holly Township. The scale of the project makes it one of the most consequential land-use items on the agenda. No outcome is on record.
Infrastructure and Controlled Growth Initiative
A resolution establishing a Pender County Infrastructure and Controlled Growth Initiative was on the agenda, presented by Vice Chairman Brent Springer. It comes amid ongoing resident concerns about rapid subdivision growth, water service and road capacity raised at the July town halls. No outcome is on record.
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.
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.