Plans for more than 5,000 homes are in the works to surround one of the smallest Brunswick County towns.
With the town of Bolivia's first big traffic light being installed, existing residents can expect more changes to come as development continues to fill and surround the small town.
Bolivia was established in 1892, but it was not incorporated until 1911. The Brunswick County seat moved from Smithville, known today as the Southport area, in July 1975. Though the town has been around for a long time, several websites state the town is now above 220 residents.
Bolivia's town hall office hours are only 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Though the town population is less than 500, several new projects could multiply that by 10. In addition, there are two
nearby projects that could add more than 4,000 homes.
New development proposes nearly 1,500 units
Site plans for a new planned development named "Bolivia South" have been submitted to the county. The project sits on roughly 583 acres between Galloway Road and U.S. 17.
The property owners, Reata Real Estate Investments, LLC, are proposing to build 1,494 single-family residential units.
The majority of the property resides in county jurisdiction. However, a portion of the project is located inside Bolivia's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Mercer Planned Development sets up second swing
On Sept. 8, the Bolivia Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing for a zoning map amendment for another property located inside Bolivia's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Though, this is not the first time the property is being discussed.
The amendment, if approved, would rezone a 115-acre property from agricultural forestry and commercial 3zoning to a planned unit development zoning. The vacant property, owned by Graham Cameron AG & Timber Co, LLC, is located off U.S. 17 Business and stretches down Midway Road.
A residential development called the Mercer Planned Unit Development was proposed to bring 174 homes to the subject parcel. The developer previously requested to rezone the property, but the request was denied by the town planning board and then withdrawn before being presented to the board of aldermen.
Currently, the property is zoned for commercial and rural residential use, according to county tax records.
Mayor Nancy Cook did not respond to several attempts by the StarNews for comment as of Aug. 28.
County approves another 706 homes
The Brunswick County Planning Board recently approved the proposed Amber Glen Planned Development and modified Berkley Bay Planned Development near Bolivia.
As approved, the Amber Glen development will bring 417 single family homes on approximately 122 acres of land in county jurisdiction along Bolivia's main road, Old Ocean Highway.
Berkley Bay off Old Lennon Road was initially approved by the county in November 2023. Previously approved plans consisted of 178 single family units, 108 townhouse units and eight single-family attached units on approximately 108 acres.
Now, the Berkley Bay project has been entirely modified to include only 289 single-family homes.
Grocery store plans for Bolivia, too
The Bolivia Board of Aldermen in March approved a rezoning request for a property that is expected to bring a grocery store and modern retail center behind Dollar General, between U.S. 17 Business and U.S. 17.
Rezoning approval allows for a grocery store, restaurant and more to be built on roughly 30 acres near the Brunswick County government complex. The property is currently vacant and falls within the town of Bolivia's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Midway Landing to outweigh Bolivia in population
Midway Landing, another planned unit development approved by the county planning board in September 2024, will also add to the area's growth.
The massive project places over 3,600 homes between Midway Road, Gilbert Road, Clemmons Road and N.C. 211. The property spans over 1,500 acres and will sit behind Midway Commons, a popular shopping center.
Plans previously provided by the developer, Contender Development Inc., include 662 duplex units and 2,950 single family homes in various sizes.
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Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Development requests pile in for one of Brunswick's smallest towns
