City Council Regular Meeting - 2026-02-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Jacksonville City Council approved two satellite annexations totaling approximately 176 acres for residential and commercial development. The 169.92-acre Blue Creek Road annexation for 494 single-family homes and 34 commercial businesses passed despite significant community opposition citing traffic concerns on Blue Creek Road. A smaller 6.68-acre Stallion Crossing annexation at Maplehurst Road and Burgaw Highway for 26 commercial businesses was also approved unanimously.
Key Decisions (7)
Satellite Annexation at Blue Creek Road (169.92 acres)
Approved voluntary satellite annexation of two tracts totaling 169.92 acres at 1420 Blue Creek Road for development of 494 single-family homes (average value $357,000) and 34 commercial businesses. Developer: Bobby Morton, represented by Tidewater Associates. Financial analysis showed positive cash flow of $2,256,000 over five years.
Satellite Annexation at Stallion Crossing (6.68 acres)
Approved voluntary satellite annexation of two tracts totaling 6.68 acres at intersection of Maplehurst Old Maplehurst Road and Burgaw Highway for 26 commercial businesses. Applicant: Bobby R Morton, represented by Tidewater and Associates. Financial analysis showed positive cash flow of $1,707,000 over five years.
Zoning Map Amendment - Stallion Crossing to Conditional Corridor Commercial
Established city zoning of conditional corridor commercial for the 6.68-acre Stallion Crossing annexation. Property was previously zoned highway business conditional under Onslow County. Includes 10-foot vegetative buffer along southern property line.
Zoning Map Amendment - Piney Green Road and Carver Drive
City staff-initiated rezoning of three parcels at corner of Piney Green Road and Carver Drive from residential single family 20 to corridor commercial. Property adjoins county transfer station. All three property owners signed applications in support.
Base Zoning for Blue Creek Road - RMF-HD and Corridor Commercial
Established base city zoning for 169.92-acre Blue Creek Road annexation: Residential Multifamily High Density (RMF-HD) for approximately 152 acres and Corridor Commercial for approximately 17 acres on north side. Planning board had recommended denial.
Planned Development Residential (PDR) Zoning - Blue Creek Road
Approved rezoning to Planned Development Residential for 169.92-acre Blue Creek Road property. Master plan shows single-family and multifamily areas with commercial zones. Developer added 10-foot buffers along Blue Creek Road and adjacent to existing subdivisions.
CAPER Mid-Year Performance Report
Received Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for Community Development Block Grant funds. Progress includes: 2 of 10 demolitions complete, 266 persons assisted through nonprofit funding, 2 residential rehabs in process, 1 down payment assistance provided, 2 property acquisitions complete, 12 multifamily units in process with 72 more planned.
Zoning Changes (4)
Intersection of Maplehurst Old Maplehurst Road and Burgaw Highway (Stallion Crossing)
Bobby R Morton / Tidewater and Associates
Corner of Piney Green Road and Carver Drive
City of Jacksonville staff-initiated
1420 Blue Creek Road at Pony Farm Road intersection
Bobby Morton / Tidewater Associates
1420 Blue Creek Road at Pony Farm Road intersection
Bobby Morton / Tidewater Associates
Development Activity (4)
Blue Creek Road Development
494 single-family homes at average value of $357,000, 34 commercial businesses on 169.92 acres. Planned Development Residential zoning with flexibility for townhomes. Developer to provide fire station and police precinct locations.
Stallion Crossing
26 commercial businesses on 6.68 acres zoned conditional corridor commercial with 10-foot vegetative buffer.
408 Ann Street Affordable Housing
Three bedroom, two and a half bath home available for $208,650 through down payment assistance program.
East Carolina Community Development Multifamily
12 units currently in process, 72 additional units under contract. Partnership with city CDBG program.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
City-commissioned DFI study confirmed housing shortage in Jacksonville and Onslow County, driving support for residential annexations.
Housing Demand
Developer indicated market flexibility needed between single-family and townhomes, noting if single-family housing stops selling, they want ability to pivot to starter homes at better price points.
Infrastructure
DOT traffic counts show Blue Creek Road at 5,700 average daily trips versus 10,000 on Catherine Lake Road and 18,000 on Gum Branch Road, suggesting capacity for additional development.
Infrastructure
State Representative Shepherd stated no DOT funding available for Blue Creek Road improvements and Highway 24/258 interchange project is behind schedule.
Sentiment
Strong community opposition to Blue Creek Road development citing traffic, school capacity, and desire to maintain rural character, though development will proceed regardless of annexation decision.
Commercial Demand
City requiring developers to add commercial components to residential developments to create self-sustaining neighborhoods and reduce traffic to city center.