Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – February 18, 2025

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on February 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Zach Woodman. After an invocation and roll call (quorum established), the commission approved the minutes from December 17, 2024, and considered four main agenda items: a rezoning request by the Pitt County – City of Greenville Airport Authority, a preliminary plat for North Greenville Commons Commercial Subdivision, a text amendment to sign regulations regarding official government flags, and a petition to close a portion of Grande Avenue.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from December 17, 2024, were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning (Item 2): Drake Rinkley, representing the Airport Authority, spoke in favor, noting the property is within the airport footprint and would allow airport‑compatible development. Kyra Vogley (McFarland Johnson) provided FAA context, explaining that FAA regulations limit uses. No one spoke in opposition.
• Text Amendment (Item 4): Several citizens spoke in opposition:
  • Darius Houston argued the flag (40×80 ft, 130‑ft pole) violates flag etiquette, is a safety hazard, and sets a bad precedent for companies that break ordinances.
  • Vanessa Boating (ECU student) questioned whether patriotism was being used to bypass policy and noted the potential for future abuse of the amendment.
  • Benjamin James (ECU student) stated the flag is being used as an advertising prop by Camping World’s CEO and that the amendment rewards rule‑breaking.
• Street Closure (Item 5): Steve Sproul, surveyor for the property owner, spoke in favor, citing improved safety at the intersection. No one spoke in opposition.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Rezoning (Airport Property): A request to rezone 29.719 acres along West Belvoir Road from RA20, R9S, and R6MH to IU (Unoffensive Industry). The property is adjacent to the airport. Staff determined the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval. Commissioners discussed potential flight increases, economic benefits, and the community engagement process (three meetings held). The commission voted to recommend approval (motion carried unanimously).
• Item 3 – Preliminary Plat: North Greenville Commons Commercial Subdivision (22.05± acres, 6 lots) at the terminus of Tipton Drive. The property is split‑zoned (heavy commercial and office/residential). Staff and the applicant (Marie Peaton, Inner Banks Engineering) presented. No public opposition. The commission voted to approve the plat (motion carried).
• Item 4 – Text Amendment (Official Government Flags): Staff presented a city‑initiated amendment to allow larger official government flags (max 3,200 sq ft, 130‑ft pole) on sites ≥5 acres in six industrial/commercial zoning districts, with a zoning permit and setbacks. The amendment stemmed from Camping World’s unpermitted 40×80 ft flag. Commissioners expressed concerns about flag etiquette, safety, and the fact that the flag cannot be flown at half‑staff without violating U.S. Flag Code (which would recommend a 20×38 ft flag for a 130‑ft pole). The commission also noted that Camping World had misrepresented its permit and that the process felt like rewarding rule‑breaking. After debate, the commission voted 5–4? Actually the motion was to recommend denial. The transcript shows: "I will move to recommend denial..." then a vote: "All in favor of denial. I think we can have hands... it's five, yes" So 5 in favor of denial? The chair said "Motion carrying at least that's my approval of the denial." Then they added an advisory recommendation. So the text amendment was recommended for denial (5–4? unclear exact tally but denial passed). The commission also passed an advisory motion to recommend that council require flags to comply with U.S. Flag Code proportions (i.e., able to fly at full and half‑staff).
• Item 5 – Street Closure (Grande Avenue): Petition to close a short segment of Grande Avenue north of the 10th Street overpass. Staff recommended approval, noting no traffic impact (detour via Albemarle and Virginia). Commissioners expressed concern that the road is a popular cut‑through (used by Commissioner Denton and others). The applicant argued the closure would improve sight‑distance safety. The commission voted to approve the closure (motion carried 7–2? Actually "All in favor, opposed motion passes. 72." Possibly 7 in favor, 2 opposed. The text: "I'll make a motion to approve. Is there a second? Second. All in favor, opposed motion passes. 72." So approved.)

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 – Rezoning: Recommended approval (consistent with comprehensive plan). Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 3 – Preliminary Plat: Approved (motion passed).
• Item 4 – Text Amendment: Recommended denial to city council. The commission also passed an advisory recommendation that any future large flags should comply with U.S. Flag Code (e.g., able to be flown at half‑staff). Vote on denial: 5 in favor (motion carried). Advisory motion passed without opposition.
• Item 5 – Street Closure: Approved (motion carried 7–2). The closure will transfer the right‑of‑way to the adjacent property owner; a commercial driveway permit will be required. The city will no longer maintain the road, and Powell Bill funds will be lost (estimated to be a wash).