Leland (North Carolina), a picturesque town known for its scenic beauty, is currently at the center of a debate surrounding the establishment of RV parks in areas prone to flooding. While the town has traditionally been cautious about permitting such developments in flood hazard zones, a recent proposal by Evolve Acquisitions, LLC, is challenging the status quo.
According to a report from Star News, earlier this year, Leland officials had turned down Evolve Acquisitions’ request to greenlight RV park projects in special flood hazard areas.
The developer’s persistence, however, led to a revised application in August, suggesting conditional zoning for RV parks. This revised proposal not only seeks to eliminate the clause that restricts RV parks in flood-prone regions but also introduces stringent conditions to ensure safety and mitigate potential flood risks. Among these conditions is a stipulation that limits occupancy in such RV parks to a maximum of 180 consecutive days.
Samuel Franck, the legal representative for the developer, made a compelling case, highlighting that many coastal towns often have temporary RV parks situated in flood zones. He emphasized that the original ordinance, which outrightly prohibited such establishments, was perhaps an oversight that needed rectification.
The town’s planning board, after a thorough review and taking into account the potential challenges of evacuation congestion and flash floods, has now endorsed the revised proposal. This endorsement comes with the recommendation that any RV park project undergoes a comprehensive evaluation process. This would include site plan assessments, community meetings, and inputs from the planning board or town council before the town grants its final approval.
For private campground owners and RV park operators in Leland, this development presents a mixed bag. On one hand, the potential relaxation of restrictions could open up new avenues for business, especially given the growing popularity of RV parks and campgrounds in regions like Brunswick County. On the other hand, the inherent risks associated with flood-prone areas, coupled with the stringent conditions proposed, might require them to invest significantly in safety measures and infrastructure.
Belville, a neighboring town, has already taken steps in a similar direction, allowing the construction of RV parks and campgrounds in selected zones. This trend underscores the growing demand for such facilities and the potential economic benefits they can bring to local communities.
The Leland Town Council is set to discuss this hot-button issue in their upcoming meeting. A public hearing is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Leland’s town hall, where residents, business owners, and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.
As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how Leland will navigate the balance between economic development and environmental concerns, ensuring both growth and safety for its residents and visitors.
Can you imagine? Some environmental advocates and residents are alarmed about the impact of more RV parks on the environment and town’s infrastructure. There’s a debate about its effects on the area’s aesthetic and residents’ quality of life. It’s a rather unexpected situation!