New Hanover County's manager has doubled down in an effort to stop proposed plans for the controversial development of Sledge Forest.
County Manager Chris Coudriet has ordered the Technical Review Committee (TRC) to reevaluate its March 10 conditional approval of the Hilton Bluffs master plan, according to a memo sent to the TRC on Sept. 24. The approval of the 1,800-unit subdivision is currently the subject of an appeal by the Southern Environmental Law Center, which argues that the approved plan cannot be built — a sentiment echoed by county attorney Karen Richards.
In the memo, Coudriet notes that developer Copper Builders entered into a consent order with residents of Marathon Colony and Wooden Shoe on July 20 that prevents it from utilizing
two access points that run through the adjacent neighborhoods. The memo directs the TRC to consider whether the inability to use the access points on the site plan constitutes a material deviation or substantial departure, which would require a resubmittal.
"Until the TRC completes this review and either issues a denial of the plan or confirms the original conditional approval, no development review or county permits should proceed related to the original approval," the memo states.
The memo states that the review should begin "as soon as practicable."
The administrative denial issued by Coudriet for the updated Hilton Bluffs plans on Sept. 16 will also remain in place. The denial was issued over safety concerns regarding the single point of access for the subdivision.
"County administration has an obligation to consider the broader public safety implications of development, including the ability of all emergency response agencies to safely and effectively serve future residents," Coudriet wrote in his denial letter. "In addition, given the location of this site, having just one ingress and egress point is a concern if there is a significant rain event that causes flooding and impacts to the road. Accessibility for emergency responders and residents could be severely compromised."
Copper Builders did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the decision.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at dsheehan@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: County manager orders review of Sledge Forest development approval | Exclusive
