A group of Leland residents are "frightened" over a nearby proposed development.
Years ago, Tyler's Cove homeowners in Mallory Creek were told a large parcel behind their backyards could not be built on due to wetlands. However, recently submitted plans show just how much can be constructed on the heavily wooded property.
Encircling the established developments of Tyler's Cove and Westport is a roughly 20-acre parcel with 80-year-old, 100-foot trees and pervious ground. For years, the wooded tract has provided a natural backdrop to nearby homes, with its mature canopy separating residents from the steady pace of growth occurring elsewhere in Leland.
"This is a treasure here behind us... The destruction of that is going to devastatea mature neighborhood,"
said resident Donna Murphy, who moved to the neighborhood in July 2020.
Multiple original Tyler's Cove homeowners were told by real estate agents or developers that the woods behind their homes could never be developed due to property being wetlands and "not build-able," said Murphy, noting that's why they bought the homes.
"Somewhere between then and now, mysteriously, the zoning map shows it as 'residential,' which has opened the door for development without any input from the public," Murphy said.
Mary White moved into her home in Tyler's Cove in 2020, seven years after her grandfather and parents purchased properties in the neighborhood in 2013. White told the StarNews she found what she believed to be the original master plan for the development years ago. She remembers the wooded area being designated wetlands but is unable to find or obtain the same plans.
Since speaking with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, White said the previous wetland designation had expired and never re-designated.
"My grandfather bought this property under the assumption that this section of the neighborhood was done for the most part and nothing could be built on that property," White said, noting that was her understanding when she inherited the property.
Now the developer, D.R. Horton, is asking to add more homes to the property, as well as another vacant section in Tyler’s Cove at Mallory Creek. The planned unit development site plan and updated master land use plan has been denied three times since June 2026.
"I would honestly rather deal with a cell tower than deal with all these homes," White said.
Residents say they have also spoken with Leland Town Planner Ben Watts, who allegedly told them the town's hands "are tied" if all requirements are met because the property is zoned for residential development.
The town of Leland has not returned the StarNews' attempts for comment.
In 2023, a sketch plan for phase four of Tyler's Cove was submitted to the town of Leland. The phase included 51 single-family lots on the 20-acre wooded area. Though the proposal was not approved, former neighbors have left out of fear, Murphy and White said.
The neighborhood already experiences existing, "excessive" stormwater problems and drainage issues, said Murphy, noting the community has a high water table because it was built on a swamp. If it rains for most of the day, Murphy said the ponds become full.
Some of the problems include yards staying wet because water is not being absorbed and a crack in Murphy's driveway that fills with water. Consultations with numerous contractors and companies over the past two years has led to the conclusion that it is ground water, not a pipe leak.
“There are portions of that property that are dry… everything else is soaking wet,” White said.
A group of "concerned and frightened homeowners" believe losing the 20 acres of forest to fill and impervious surfaces from the development will put their neighborhood at greater risk of flooding, Murphy said.
Potential traffic and environmental impacts from the development are also a top concern for the neighborhood.
"It's a quality of life issue here... The result of this is going to be catastrophic and upend an entire neighborhood if this is allowed to be done," Murphy said.
“We already have a hard time getting out of Mallory Creek and even if you go through Westport, it’s a pain to get out of the Westport neighborhood,” White added.
Murphy also counters selling her home if the development occurs, even though she and her spouse love their community and home. Murphy also worries about property values dropping and putting another person in that situation if they sell.
"Nobody wants to leave," Murphy said.
White started researching the problems and speaking out for the community two years ago. After two years of fighting, she has started to search for places to move because of flooding concerns, even though the home holds sentimental value.
"This house was one of the last gifts my dad gave me before he passed," White said.
While the project is still under review by town staff, the group prefers to save the woods from destruction and see it protected as a nature preserve. They are even trying to meet with the developer, Murphy added.
If the units are constructed and flooding is a result, after residents ask them not to do it, Murphy said the group would consider filing a class action suit.
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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: 'Frightened' Leland residents oppose new development in backyard
