Commissioners Delay Adoption Of Unified Development Ordinance

SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Board of Commissioners will not vote on a proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) later this month after residents raised concerns about protecting farmland from encroaching development.

During a public hearing Monday, November 2, several speakers urged commissioners to strengthen protections for agricultural operations as the county continues to experience residential and commercial growth.

The concerns echoed comments made during earlier community meetings and a public hearing before the Johnston County Planning Board.

Following the hearing, commissioners acknowledged additional work is needed on the proposed ordinance before it can be considered for adoption.

The board indicated the UDO would not be ready for approval at its November 16 meeting.

The proposed ordinance is intended to establish unified rules governing land use and development in unincorporated areas of Johnston County.

County Supports Farmland Preservation

In a separate action, commissioners agreed to support conservation easements on two farms totaling more than 123 acres.

The board pledged $310,000 toward a conservation easement on the 68-acre Cole Creek Farm near Benson. The funding commitment is expected to help Triangle Land Conservancy obtain additional grant money to complete the purchase.

Commissioners also committed $15,000 toward a conservation easement on the 55.2-acre Tredway Farm, which straddles the Johnston-Wake county line.

The easements would permanently preserve both properties for agricultural use.

Public Comment Rules Changed

The board approved changes to the public comment period at commissioners’ meetings, effective November 16.

Under the revised rules, residents will be permitted to speak about items appearing on the meeting agenda. Previously, public comments were restricted to matters not listed on the agenda.

The board also established a 30-minute limit for the public comment period, with individual speakers limited to three minutes.

Groups sharing the same position on an issue will be encouraged to select a spokesperson.

Cleveland Road Rezoning Delayed

Commissioners tabled a request to rezone 7.97 acres at 11358 and 11600 Cleveland Road.

The property owner is seeking business zoning to allow outdoor storage of trucks and trailers.

Although the Johnston County Planning Board recommended approval, commissioners expressed concerns about traffic congestion, particularly the possibility of trucks backing up onto Cleveland Road while waiting to enter the property.

The board directed the applicant to work with county planning staff to address those concerns before the request returns for consideration.

In another zoning matter, commissioners approved industrial zoning for 108.57 acres in the 3800 block of Richardson Bridge Road in Bentonville Township. The rezoning will allow a sand-mining operation.

Water Line Projects Advance

Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for November 16 on a proposal to help finance an extension of a Town of Benson water line.

The project would serve Vulcan Elements, a manufacturer of rare-earth magnets, and future industrial development at Crosspoint.

The county would contribute toward the cost of installing a larger water line. Officials indicated funding is already available in the county budget and would not require the use of reserves.

The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield.

Separately, the board adopted a $1.02 million budget for water main improvements along U.S. 70 between Buffalo Road and a point just west of U.S. 301 in Selma.

The funding covers technical services and the acquisition of easements. A separate construction budget will be developed later.

Workforce Development Center Expansion

The board agreed to proceed with design work for an estimated $8.5 million expansion of the Johnston County Workforce Development Center on Bestwood Drive near Clayton.

Having completed designs is expected to help the center pursue grant funding for construction.

Additional Board Actions

Commissioners authorized the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office to apply for two grants totaling $24,575.

One grant, for $11,561, would purchase five in-car radar units. The second, for $13,014, would purchase 26 Stop Sticks used to stop fleeing vehicles.

The board also approved several budget amendments, including a $35,000 state grant for maternity care services and $60,000 from United HealthCare Services Inc. to purchase diapers and wipes through the Health Department.

Commissioners approved changes to industrial wastewater treatment fees. The Public Utilities Department will eliminate its high-strength surcharge and instead calculate charges based on the composition of wastewater discharged by industrial customers.

The board endorsed an N.C. Department of Transportation proposal to add Pate Landing Drive and Faucette Drive in the Pate Landing subdivision in Micro Township to the state maintenance system.

James O’Malley was appointed to the Pine Level Planning Board to represent residents living outside the town limits but within the town’s planning jurisdiction.

Commissioners also adopted proclamations recognizing Veterans Day on November 11 and Farm-City Week, November 20-26.

Following a closed session to discuss real estate and legal matters, the board returned to open session and took no action.