The Manteo Board of Commissioners has tabled until Nov. 3 any changes to the town’s 2007 Core Coastal Area Management Act land use plan update to accommodate filling wetlands for development.
During a workshop meeting Wednesday, commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed changes, which would include new language clarifying the definition of upland wetlands and permitted development, and unanimously agreed to table a decision. But before the vote to table, the board rejected the proposed changes known as Amendment 2 in a 2-3 vote.
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Commissioner Richie Burke made the motion and voted in favor. Mayor Pro Tem Betty Selby provided the second and the second “yes” vote.
The push to amend the 2007 CAMA land use plan came from a developer looking to place fill in wetlands at 113 Ballast Point Drive in Pirates Cove. The developer, John Robbins, said during a May 5 presentation to the board that language in the land use plan prevents development of the lot.
Robbins spoke on behalf of a client who owns the property.
Robbins told the board that the address, which is also known as Village Landing Lot 101 in Pirates Cove, has been deemed undevelopable. The CAMA land use plan update states that “no new development or filling should be allowed within upland wetlands,” which Robbins said is keeping the lot from being developed, according to the May 5 minutes and video.
He took issue with the definition of upland wetlands, saying the town “erroneously has determined that upland wetlands exist in Pirate’s Cove when it’s clear they do not.”
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The board opted to wait to learn more about how the rule change would affect other lots in town.
Back in May, commissioners directed town staff to draft land use plan amendments to address Robbins’ complaint.
The town’s planning and zoning board considered draft resolutions prepared by the town attorney during its July 13 meeting and made recommendations, according to documents. A public hearing was scheduled for Sept. 15 but was then rescheduled for Oct. 20.
Earlier this month, planning staff approved a building permit for new residential construction at 113 Ballast Point Drive.
