Commissioners Moves Forward On $134.5M School Borrowing Plan, Industrial Rezoning Draws Concern
JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. – The Johnston County Board of Commissioners approved a controversial rezoning request, advanced plans for a new high school in Clayton, and addressed transportation and development issues during its March 16 meeting.
Commissioners voted to rezone 28.38 acres near Cleveland and Pierce roads in Cleveland Township for heavy industrial use, despite opposition from nearby residents voiced at a March 2 public hearing. The proposal includes plans for two speculative industrial buildings.
Since that hearing, the developer agreed to limit certain types of tenants, excluding uses such as data centers, asphalt and concrete plants, and most manufacturing operations. The rezoning will allow for packaging and distribution uses. Additional concessions include increasing the vegetative buffer between one of the buildings and nearby homes.
In a separate major action, the board announced its intent to borrow up to $134.5 million to construct a new Clayton High School on its current campus. The financing plan still requires state approval. A public hearing on the borrowing proposal is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 6.
Commissioners also encouraged residents to attend a town hall meeting on the county’s proposed Unified Development Ordinance, which will guide future growth and land use decisions. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. March 23 at the Johnston County Agricultural Center, where staff and consultants will present details, answer questions, and gather public feedback.
In transportation matters, the board adopted a resolution supporting a North Carolina Department of Transportation plan to improve the intersection of Cleveland and Steel Bridge roads. Proposed upgrades include installing a traffic signal and adding turn lanes.
Commissioners also requested that several neighborhood streets be added to the state’s maintenance system, including roads in the Barbour Farm subdivision in Wilson’s Mills Township and Maxwell Farm subdivision in Micro Township.
Additional actions included declaring multiple Public Utilities vehicles surplus for auction and accepting more than $500,000 in grants, donations, and miscellaneous revenues across several county departments. The funds include support for public health programs, law enforcement, library services, and social services, as well as a $353,764 grant that will partially benefit the county’s public transportation system.
The board also proclaimed March 15–21 as National Surveyors Week, recognizing the profession’s role in land measurement, property ownership, and infrastructure development.
Commissioners took no action following a closed session on a personnel matter.
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8 Comments
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More borrowing? What happened to the school bonds that weren’t going to raise property taxes?
The only thing government in JoCo cares about is the Almighty Growth.
Bummer ‘nother red light down Cleveland Rd. I remember when there was like only 3 between 210 and 42! Oh EXCUSE me! I of course meant to say- “Veteran’s Parkway” !!
“In a separate major action, the board announced its intent to borrow up to $134.5 million to construct a new Clayton High School on its current campus. The financing plan still requires state approval. A public hearing on the borrowing proposal is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 6.”
Ummmmm, they’ve already started clearing the lot for the school. Did they just realize they didn’t have the money? What happens if the state doesn’t get state approval? What the heck are these incompetents doing?
Why don’t you run & become a commissioner since you know so dang much about running a government.
I’m not qualified…. I use common sense. Politicians use dollars and cents. They get the dollars, we get the cents. You don’t find it odd they began construction BEFORE they even had the funding? Then you’re the reason…. Would you go and buy a car without knowing how it’s going to be paid for?
I find it interesting that rather give a cogent argument, you pull the “ if you think you can do better you do it” response. Tr to to respond to the point next time…. If you want to be taken seriously, that is.
What is the status of the new Middle School that was talked about for Lynch Rd near Thanksgiving Elementary?