New 100-acre development proposed in Kings Mountain

Kings Mountain City Council heard details about a potential new development that would create commercial space, single family homes and townhomes on land that is currently farmland.

Kimberly Herndon, planning director for the city, said SeamonWhiteside Charlotte Permitting, is requesting rezoning on behalf of Royster Oil Company for a mixed use development to create a commercial and residential space on Shelby and Crocker roads.

According to a statement from the planning and zoning board, the rezoning request is inconsistent with the city's future land use map.

In a staff report by Herndon, she wrote that in order to offset and address those inconsistencies, the development team proposed a development agreement for council adoption.

Council did not take any action during Tuesday's meeting in order to have time to review the agreement and allow the planning and zoning board to do the same and come up with a recommendation.

"The development agreement would allow the development team to voluntarily agree to terms and conditions that a by-right rezoning request is not allowed to legally address," Herndon wrote. "Examples of terms expected in this development agreement include, but are not limited to, façade and building wall design elements, a limited list of commercial uses that will be allowed on the corner, a site specific development plan, greenway easement and construction details, and dedication of additional Crocker Road right-of-way to plan for future transportation needs."

She said a development agreement is being negotiated and will go before the planning board in April. The development - called Lacey Orchard - will be on the April 30 City Council agenda, and there will be a public hearing scheduled.

City Council members were presented with the development agreement Tuesday.

Herndon said the property, which is just under 100 acres, is located on Shelby and Crocker roads and is known as the “red barn property” and is located adjacent to an orchard.

“The planning board hasn't voted one way or another because they’re waiting to see how it lines up with the development agreement,” she said.

Taylor Critcher, a landscape architect who is part of a team working on behalf of Prestige Corporate Development, gave some basic information on the project during Tuesday's meeting.

Critcher said Lacey Orchard would consist of about 8.5 acres of commercial space, around 204 townhome lots and 210 single family lots and just over an acre of "amenity area."

He said there would be a connection to a Kings Mountain greenway system at the southend of the property, open space, pedestrian sidewalks and trails.

Critcher said there will be multiple proposed connections to U.S. 74, and there will be a 10-foot right of way dedicated for the improvement of Crocker Road in the future.

He showed photos of what the development could look like once completed with a pool, cabana and other amenities. He said there is the potential for a dog park, frisbee park, seating areas, trails, bike paths and more.

“Just to provide as much livability and walkability as we can,” he said.

Several residents spoke during the meeting in opposition of the plans, citing concerns about commercial development in their backyards, increased crime, overcrowded schools and the impact on fire, water and other services.

Council will consider the development at next month’s meeting after they have had a chance to review the development agreement.

“This is far from allowing to break ground on this development,” Herndon said.

Herndon said the city is able to adequately provide to utilities, and the city is not offering any financial incentives to the developer.

There will be a public hearing at the April 30 city council meeting.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: New 100-acre development proposed in Kings Mountain