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.
Saw Dust Laydown Yard and Office Space project
A major site development plan for a sawdust laydown yard and office space is scheduled for technical review. Details on location and scale will be presented by staff at the meeting.
Cemetery Identification and Protection
The county manager was set to lead a discussion on how Pender County identifies and protects cemeteries — a concern for families with historic family burial grounds on rural land.
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.
DSS funding for federal H.R. 1 implementation
The county was slated to accept $254,546.89 to cover extra social services administrative costs tied to federal Medicaid eligibility changes under H.R. 1.
Solid waste enforcement
A new solid waste enforcement officer position would be funded at $65,701 from the solid waste fund balance to step up code enforcement.
Abbey Nature Preserve trailhead — $500,000 PARTF grant
The board was scheduled to accept a $500,000 state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund matching grant plus a budget amendment to build a trailhead at the Abbey Nature Preserve.
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.
Feral cat management and trap-neuter-release
Commissioners were scheduled to discuss policies for managing feral cats, including trap-neuter-release programs — a topic that touches animal welfare, neighborhoods, and wildlife.
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.
Topsail Township commercial rezone of 0.31-acre parcel
An 11.36-acre portion of three tracts could shift from planned development and residential performance zoning to General Business, opening the door to commercial uses near Topsail residents.
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 rezone to Office and Institutional
A property owner wants to rezone roughly a quarter-acre to open a specialty trade contractor office. It's a small commercial land-use change, but nearby residents may care about what kinds of business activity move in next door.
Feral Cat Management Policy
Commissioners were scheduled to discuss feral cat management and trap-neuter-release policies — a topic that affects animal welfare, neighborhoods, and animal services workloads.
Maple Hill Postal Service Operations
A resolution was on the agenda supporting continued USPS operations in Maple Hill, a rural community whose post office is a lifeline for residents.
Opioid Settlement Funds Spending
Three consent items direct about $487,000 in opioid settlement money toward year three of the Health Opioid Coordinator, the Sheriff's DARE program, and Coastal Horizons' PORT recovery program.
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.
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.
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.
Candidates Forum
Local Pender County candidates recently faced off at a forum to debate major issues like school funding, board drama, and how to bring the community together. It's a quick look at where everyone stands before you cast your ballot.
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.
Commissioner Appointment Dispute
Pender County is caught in a messy legal battle over a disputed commissioner appointment, and critics say the whole process was completely botched. This political drama could seriously shake up who’s running the local show.
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.
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.
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.
Maple Hill park and school building needs
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Topsail Township Rezone from Residential to General Business
A small 0.31-acre parcel in Topsail Township was up for rezoning from Residential Performance to General Business, which would allow commercial uses. 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.
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.
Solid Waste Collection Allowed in Environmental Conservation District
A zoning text amendment would let public solid waste collection facilities operate in the Environmental Conservation district — deciding where waste-related uses can and can't go in Pender County.
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.
8 PM Public Hearings: Special Use Permits and Zoning Map Amendments
The board was scheduled to hold public hearings at 8 PM on special use permits, zoning map amendments, and resolutions. These hearings directly shape what can be built where — but the specific applications are not identified in the available materials.
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.
Property tax reappraisal burden
Pender County's first property reappraisal in seven years covered about 55,000 properties and has already generated 623 appeals. The board wanted to suspend or alter the process but was advised it legally can't once the schedule of values is adopted. Property owners now have until October 1 to appeal their new values.
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.