Pinehurst Council Says No to Rezoning Property on Lake

As of Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Pinehurst Village council voted to deny a condiThtional rezoning request that would have allowed condominiums to be built on vacant property off Burning Tree Road and near Lake Pinehurst and the marina.

The unanimous vote occurred Tuesday at a council work session.

Prior to a motion being made on the ordinance each member of the council weighed in on their feelings on the project. Mayor Nancy Fiorillo and council member Mark Parson said they would be in favor of the project. Council members Doug Lapins, John Strickland and John Cashion said the would vote against.

The motion to deny the conditional rezoning was made by John Cashion and seconded by John Strickland.

Strickland said he believed that approval of the request would be a setback that would be bad for the neighborhood.

Lapins said he was comfortable voting against because he didn't think it was appropriate in the area.

During a meeting in late February residents living near Lake Pinehurst attended a council meeting in large numbers and protested the project for a variety of reasons.

Some complained that three town homes would not be in character with the neighborhood, which is a mix of homes on one side of the property and condominiums on the other.

Others argued that the buildings would adversely affect views of the lake and the marina.

Still others voice concerns over easement issues and access to water and sewer lines in case of emergency.

The nearly 30,000 square foot lot is currently zoned residential and the homeowner can legally build as many as two homes on the lot.

Fiorillo said decisions related to rezoning of property are always emotional, and said it is always difficult to rezone a property against the wishes of neighbors.

The Village Council also discussed options available as it considers ways to streamline the historic review process and possibly revamp or eliminate the role of the Historic Preservation Commission.

No action was taken, but the council did agree to talk more on the matter at its next work session.

For more on the meeting see Friday's print edition of The Pilot.

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mymindwanders 2 months, 1 week ago

Whew, that was a close one!

kateofcarolina 2 months, 1 week ago

This issue was a true eye opener for quite a few people. I'll be watching our elected officials a bit more closely as of today. I was not in favor of changing the zoning for this lot, however I hope citizens of Pinehurst realize that this was not just a "lake view" issue as previously hinted. We all have invested quite a bit to live in such a nice community. Before purchasing in Pinehurst, I looked extensively in nearby communities, wondering why Pinehurst was getting premium prices for all properties in comparison. After more investigation, I found Pinehurst to have a sound plan in place.
This plan included well planned zoning. Some say we are a resort town, we know it, we love it. The resort supports many of our lovely amenities we enjoy including the lake.

I don't plan on taking on the entire council myself, but isn't it nice I don't have to. I just have to watch what's going on in our village and gather my fellow villagers when necessary. The council has a big and very important job to do, and while they are doing a great job with so much to handle, I hope they keep in mind that we live here because we love it, all of it, and don't want to see any open lot crowded with condos just to be able to up the investment return for the owner. I personally think if I had one of the few lots left in a desirable area, I'd feel very fortunate just to own it. Thanks for reading. Nana

Easygoing 2 months, 1 week ago

It is difficult to understand why the two council members thought rezoning this one lot was such a great idea. Makes you wonder what their priorities are? Clearly not the same as the thousands of residents in the area. I always thought that council members were elected to represent the residents. Oh, that's right, one was never elected! Citizens and taxpayers need to keep a much closer watch on this group.

Pinehurst_Nurse 2 months, 1 week ago

Well said Kate!

alladat1 2 months, 1 week ago

Not in my back yard.

FightFireWithFire 2 months, 1 week ago

I don't live by the lake, but I have seen what a debacle the whole condos in the Village Core has wrought, The property is still sitting vacant, what a shame. Someone just needs to purchase that property and build some nice ground level condos with amenities for folks living out their golden years here in Pinehurst. That would be wonderful.

irishman 2 months, 1 week ago

My name it Kate, I moved here from up North to grace your presence. Since I am now here, all development must now stop, and property owners should just be "fortunate" to own their land, but not develop it for some unspeakable investment return. Although the applicant was seeking the same zoning as his next door neighbor, the neigbors thought he had no right to the same zoning since it would impede their view of the lake. I am not selfish, loathsome, or a NIMBY, but I have made my profit somewhere else, and now seek to deprive the natives of their ability to earn their fortune.

Every hypocrite that lives in a home in Pinehurst had it developed at some point, had to thave the property zoned for that use, and now enjoy their homes. Who are they to deprive others of the same benefit?