Preliminary approval granted for Albemarle subdivision
Published 9:37 am Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Albemarle City Council approved a preliminary plat of a planned 30-acre, 92-unit subdivision near the intersection of Park Ridge and Mountain Creek Roads at its Nov. 20 meeting. The subdivision will be for single family homes on lots averaging 7,400 square feet.
Developers RD Harrell Company and Primos Partners submitted an application on Aug. 10, and the City of Albemarle Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of the plat (with a number of conditions) on Nov. 2.
Planning Specialist Brittani McLendon presented the application to the council, and listed conditions stipulated by the planning board for approval.
“The first condition was to provide an updated plat, which has been met,” McLendon said.
Additional conditions still to be addressed included updates to the plat to illustrate setbacks, identification of adjacent property owners, revised dimensions for one lot, a draft of protective covenants placed on the subdivision and additional details on amenities including open space and recreation areas.
“Has Utilities looked at this?” asked Mayor Ronnie Michael, expressing concern over a sewer line which runs through the property.
“We’ve looked at it on a preliminary basis,” replied Director of Public Utilities Jay Voyles. “If it does get approved we would be doing a full review in the civil design phases and would verify that no houses would be located on top of our 20 foot line.”
Councilman Chris Bramlett expressed concern over a pond which would be located on the property.
“Is there any provision for making sure that pond doesn’t go stagnant?” he asked.
“From my experience, these ponds usually are utilized for some type of storm retention,” Voyles replied.
Bramlett moved approval, seconded by Councilman Benton Dry.
Upon vote, the measure passed 5-2, with Councilmen Bill Aldridge and David Hunt opposed.
In other matters, the council:
• Was presented with a $17 million appropriation for water and sewer infrastructure improvements by State Rep. Wayne Sasser and State Sen. Carl Ford;
The City of Albemarle received $17 million in water and sewer funding from the State of North Carolina. The presentation of the funding was done by N.C. Rep. Wayne Sasser, Legislative/Research Assistant Cody Huneycutt and N.C. Sen. Carl Ford. From left: Councilman Chris Bramlett, Councilman Dexter Townsend, Mayor Ronnie Michael, Councilman David Hunt, N.C. Rep. Wayne Sasser, Councilman Bill Aldridge, N.C. Sen. Carl Ford, N.C. House Legislative/Research Assistant Cody Huneycutt, Councilman Benton Dry, Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall and Councilman Chris Whitley. (Photo by TOBY THORPE)
• Heard a review of the annual audit of the city’s ABC System from CPA Durham Lewis; and
• Authorized recommended changes to the city’s salary schedule.
The next meeting of Albemarle City Council will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4.
Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.