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.
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.
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.
Large-scale residential rezonings (REZONE 2026-99 and 2026-100)
Two rezoning requests totaling over 1,950 new homes — one 1,023-home subdivision in Long Creek Township and one 930-home 55+ community in Topsail Township — were set for public hearings. Together they could significantly reshape traffic, schools, and services in those areas.
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.
Surveillance Technology Ban
Pender County just became the first place in North Carolina to completely outlaw automated license plate readers. It's a huge test case for balancing everyday privacy against modern police surveillance.
Well Filtration and Water Infrastructure Investments
Several big water and sewer items were on the agenda: a $1.17 million well filtration contract, grant paperwork for the West Pender Water Project, updated system specifications, and Topsail Township sewer facility hearings.
Bus Driver Shortage and Transportation
The district needs 90 drivers to run 90 buses and often falls short. Radios, cloud cameras and lockboxes improved safety, but recruiting stays tough given split-shift hours and benefit limits.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure Investments
The county approved a $581,975 budget amendment and an amended agreement raising its year-two payment from $1.5 million to nearly $1.9 million for the 10-mile parallel raw water line. An investigation into the project is ongoing; insurance will cover $250,000.
Topsail Township Wastewater Treatment Facility Rezoning
Two linked public hearings were scheduled on a proposal to rezone about 32 acres in Topsail Township for a wastewater treatment facility and revise the related special use permit. This could open the door for expanded development capacity in the Topsail area.
Commercial rezoning in Topsail Township
Two linked public hearings were scheduled on a proposal to rezone about 32 acres in Topsail Township for a wastewater treatment facility and revise the related special use permit. This could open the door for expanded development capacity in the Topsail area.
Rural Public Transit Funding (PAS-TRAN)
Pender Adult Services' transit program is the county's only local public transportation, providing over 21,000 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair-accessible trips. The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider a $165,908.10 local match to keep it running.
PAS-TRAN Public Transportation Funding
PAS-TRAN is the county's only public transportation service, providing 21,128 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair trips. The board was asked to hold a hearing on and approve $165,908 in local match funding for federal grants that keep the buses running.
Commissioner Absence
Pender County commissioners skipped another meeting, leaving Beth Burns' appointment hanging despite a state order telling them to do it. Local government is basically stuck in neutral because not enough officials showed up to work.
Ambulance Fleet Replacement
The board was to consider spending $2.89 million on five new ambulances with updated technology — the biggest single purchase on the agenda and directly tied to emergency response capacity.
Housing Voucher Program Shortfall
Two housing items were slated: a Project Based Voucher housing assistance contract and a resolution to cover a projected Housing Choice Voucher shortfall using the county's unrestricted net position. Together they address how the county keeps rental assistance flowing for lower-income residents.
Pender EMS & Fire Merger
County staff were set to report that the July 2026 merger of fire and EMS services took effect without service interruption, but both divisions remain short-staffed — fire down 26 of 96 firefighters and EMS down 26 of 92 employees. Crews have been closing stations on occasion and working heavy overtime. The update was for information only, with no action requested.
EMS/Fire merger effective July 5
County staff were set to report that the July 2026 merger of fire and EMS services took effect without service interruption, but both divisions remain short-staffed — fire down 26 of 96 firefighters and EMS down 26 of 92 employees. Crews have been closing stations on occasion and working heavy overtime. The update was for information only, with no action requested.
Emergency Services Merger — REDLG Obligations
The merger of county EMS and fire services is on track for July 2026. Commissioner Tate pushed hard on making sure veteran EMS/fire workers don't lose retirement benefits; staff explained longevity payouts and 401K rollovers for legacy staff.
Tax Collection and Foreclosure
The board was set to take up the 2025 tax settlement, an order to collect 2026 and prior tax years, and a discussion of tax foreclosure and associated legal services.
Maple Hill Infrastructure Improvements
Maple Hill was slated to see two investments: $308,713 in infrastructure improvements through Kimley-Horn and capital project funding for the Maple Hill Playground (paired with Long Creek Community Park).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vacant Board Seats Following Commissioner Brad George's Departure
Vice Chairman Brad George resigned from the board during the meeting, citing pride in his wife's career, leaving a District 1 seat vacant.
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.
Wastewater plant siting near Castle Bay
A resident asked that the planned wastewater plant near Castle Bay be sited where it would be least disruptive to neighbors.
FY27 Water Treatment Chemical Contracts
Nearly $843,000 in fiscal year 2027 contracts for water treatment chemicals — ferric sulfate, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, aluminum sulfate, and activated carbon — were scheduled for approval. These keep the county's drinking water systems running.
Road Construction
Residents pressed officials on Country Club Road traffic, missing signage, timed lights, and how the new Hampstead Walmart will affect roads. Officials said roads are a state DOT responsibility and the county must lobby Raleigh; Vice Chairman George noted Pender is in District 3, receiving $31 million this year but less than usual due to the bypass funding.
Financial Fraud
A resident linked tax concerns to the county's vendor fraud. Manager Colby Sawyer clarified the ACH fraud involved utility dollars, not tax dollars; $250,000 has been recovered from insurance and the SBI is still investigating.
Flock camera surveillance concerns
A resident asked what data flock cameras collect, who can access it, and warned the technology has been misused before. Chairman Burton said the Sheriff's Office uses them for safety; the resident remained skeptical.
Washington Acres water plant and sewer
Utilities Director James Proctor updated residents: land easement negotiations with Walmart for sewer access to Highway 210 are underway, NCDEQ review of the Mill Creek discharge is in progress, well-field bids are expected within 90 days, and service should be operational by late 2028 or early 2029.
Traffic congestion and road planning
Residents pressed officials on Country Club Road traffic, missing signage, timed lights, and how the new Hampstead Walmart will affect roads. Officials said roads are a state DOT responsibility and the county must lobby Raleigh; Vice Chairman George noted Pender is in District 3, receiving $31 million this year but less than usual due to the bypass funding.
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.
Appeals of development approvals (Appeal 2026-18)
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on Appeal 2026-18, an appeal of an administrative decision. This matters to anyone who thinks a county development approval was wrongly made — the appeal process is how neighbors challenge it. The June session showed the board applying a strict state-law standing test before hearing the merits.
Drought status and water conservation
Brunswick and New Hanover counties have water restrictions and Pender is one drought stage away from mandatory limits. Residents are being asked to cut daytime sprinkler use and fix leaks before D3 hits.
Countywide physical security refresh
Phase 2 puts all county building security under one system for about $503,000; the price lock expires August 1.
Proposed private wastewater treatment facility near Hoover Road
A developer wants to rezone roughly 32 acres off Wolf Pond Road in Topsail Township to build a private wastewater treatment plant serving the Hampstead area. Neighbors may weigh in on traffic, odor, and growth implications at the hearing, but any recommendation goes to the county commissioners for a final decision.
Pender County Schools funding request
Several residents called for full school funding; the final budget added $6 million of the schools' capital request from the fund balance.
Law Enforcement Center cost increases
A $556,371 railing change order was approved 4-1, delaying the jail opening while the sheriff's office and 911 move in first. Commissioner Springer also pressed for a price on a taller exterior fence.
Pender EMS & Fire debt payoff
The board voted to pay $10.14 million of the merger entity's loans and leases from reserves, freeing annual debt payments and cutting interest, with the remainder paid off in five years.
School Roofing Repairs (~$1.5 Million)
Roofs at the Cape Fear Community College Burgaw campus, Topsail Annandale and Pender High's Bibby Hall are failing. Topsail Annandale is the most critical. Requests will go through the county budget process.
Water Service Concerns
Roughly a dozen residents raised concerns about clean water and county water service during public comment. Commissioner Tate directed the county manager to find someone to help with water issues.
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.
Novant Health Pender Medical Center update
Novant reaffirmed its $50 million, 10-year commitment from the 2023 sale, and Scotts Hill Medical Center opens June 16, 2026 — a major addition of hospital beds, surgery and cardiac services for the county.
Proposed budget with 2-cent tax increase
County Manager Sawyer said the new budget coming June 15 includes a 2-cent tax increase. Groves flatly opposed it and Tate called it an insult to taxpayers given unresolved appraisal appeal errors.
Law Enforcement Center Completion
Approved $272,527 for high-density storage in the new LEC; commissioners also pushed the contractor on lighting that bothers neighbors.
County Water Advocacy and Lobbying
After a resident raised water concerns, Commissioner Springer pushed to hire a water lobbyist; the current lobbyist is paid through the year and Chairman Burton noted movement on the issue.