In a divided decision, Johnston County Commissioners have approved a major subdivision near Swift Creek Middle School on Norris Road outside of Clayton.
In a 6-to-1 vote, the board approved plans submitted by Gray Wolf Development LLC for a 170 lot subdivision. Wade Corbett, the owner of Gray Wolf Development, petitioned the board to rezone 112 acres out of a 193 acre tract in the 400 block of Norris Road from Agricultural-Residential to Agricultural-Residential Special Use District. The rezoning allows homes to be situated on smaller lots. The homes will also be able to tap onto the county sewer system instead of having to use septic tanks, allowing for the smaller lots.
Corbett said only about half of the site, owned by Roberts & Wellons, is good-usable land. 55 acres would be maintained as open space and used for conservation he said.
Any development over 100 acres is required to have a second entrance. Commissioner Jeff Carver questioned Corbett about the secondary entrance to be used by first responders in the event of an emergency if the primary entrance was blocked.
Mr. Cobett said he planned to provide emergency access through a private drive going to an existing lift station at the site.
“It looks like it has plenty of access to me,” Vice Chairman Chad Stewart said.
“He has addressed the intent of that regulation,” Commissioner Patrick Harris added.
The board voted 6-to-1 to approve the new 170 lot residential subdivision. Commissioner Carver cast the dissenting vote.
