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Commissioners override planning board recommendation, rezoning nine acres for 204-unit residential development despite commercial district concerns

SPRING LAKE — In a decisive 3-1 vote, the Spring Lake Board of Commissioners approved the rezoning of nine wooded acres along North Main Street from commercial to residential use, clearing the way for a 204-unit apartment complex in the town’s downtown district.

The controversial decision Monday night pitted revitalization hopes against strict adherence to the town’s long-standing Main Street Overlay District plan, which specifically requires first-floor commercial development in the downtown corridor to maintain pedestrian-friendly commercial districts.

Property owners Lorenzo McLean Jr., Gwendolyn McLean, and BBC Enterprises secured the rezoning despite the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board’s previous denial of the same request last year. The development will now feature six residential buildings where heavy commercial zoning previously stood.

Commissioner Marvin Lackman cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing the move contradicts the town’s vision for Main Street. “To build apartments on Main Street so that we can build businesses elsewhere just doesn’t make too much sense to me,” Lackman stated. “Main Street should be thriving with businesses. Main Street should be the focus point.”

Supporters, including Commissioners Robyn Chadwick and Raul Palacios and Mayor Pro Tem Soña Cooper, argued that the overlay district has failed to stimulate downtown development since its 2014 adoption. “I am for this because I think it’s going to add the necessary foot traffic we need for downtown and Main Street,” Chadwick said, calling the project “the start of something new.”

Community members were divided during public comments. Resident Harold Belton supported the project, noting, “If we don’t do something now, you’re not going to have anything to do in the future. There’s no commercial developments on Main Street anymore.”

Opponent Jami McLaughlin, who serves on the county planning board, maintained the development violated the town’s own land use plans designed specifically to prevent residential-only development in the commercial core.

The decision represents a significant shift in Spring Lake’s approach to downtown development, prioritizing residential density over traditional commercial zoning in an effort to stimulate economic activity through increased population rather than mandated storefronts.

Spring Lake residents can review the full meeting minutes and development plans at springlakeNC.org. The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25 at Spring Lake Town Hall, 300 Ruth St.