SPRING LAKE — The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen on Monday night will consider approving the new Spring Lake Area Land Use plan.
The comprehensive land use plan for Spring Lake was last updated in 2002. Land use plans are policy documents that help community leaders guide zoning, land use and community growth decisions.
Cumberland County planning staff broadened the Spring Lake area land use plan from solely “land use” in the 2010 document so it also includes comprehensive policies on housing, downtown development, economic development, public services and quality of life for the 2022 plan.
“This has been a year-long process with a new approach to our traditional planning process,’’ said Trey Smith, planning manager for the comprehensive planning section of Cumberland County Planning. “Staff has worked hard to gather input from the public and update this plan for the greater Spring Lake community.’’
“We’ve taken a new approach with a website and other new technology to reach residents and business owners. There have been plenty of opportunities to provide input and review the draft plans.”
Among the new features for the land use plan are flex area considerations and a section for key recommendations.
Flex areas are a new land use classification for Spring Lake and for Cumberland County. Flex areas allow for a wider variety of zoning districts in areas that are undeveloped or underdeveloped and allow for areas to be more “flexible” when looking at development. Planners would still consider the use of conditional zoning to ensure the new use is in harmony with the existing and surrounding uses.
The planning staff hopes that citing key recommendations will help create smaller, measurable goals for the town to accomplish, even as it goes through its financial issues.
“By highlighting these priorities, Spring Lake can identify easier or more financially feasible things to do while still working on the plan,” Smith said.
The presentation will be given by planners Anastasia Nelson and Addie Corder, who will also be seeking approval for the plan. A public hearing will be held before the approval.
The board also is expected to hear a presentation from Patricia Hickmon, the town inspection clerk. Hickmon will give an update on new businesses and proposed site plans in the Spring Lake area.
Among new businesses, a 7 Brew coffee shop is proposed for the former Biscuit Kitchen building on Bragg Blvd. A Tractor Supply and Lee Furniture have opened in the last year.
The town also has called two special meetings — one on Monday at 5 p.m. and one on Tuesday at noon — under the N.C. general statute for personnel. Their town clerk position is currently vacant.
The board meets at 6 p.m. Monday in the Grady Howard conference room at Town Hall.
Jami McLaughlin covers Spring Lake for CityView TODAY. She can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc.com. Have a news tip? Email news@CityViewTODAY.com.
