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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.