A rezoning request that could lead to an upscale apartment complex on Cross Creek Parkway gained initial approval from the Roanoke Rapids Planning Board this evening.

The measure passed on a 5-2 vote after an initial motion by Jim Miller to deny the consistency of the request with the existing community, as well the actual rezoning, was defeated.

The rezoning request comes from MaSuki Incorporated, which last year gained approval from the planning board, but then shelved its plans.

The new request comes after the Camden-based company bought a large portion of the land located on the eastern side of Cross Creek Parkway and submitted a new rezoning proposal for approximately 25 acres of land.

The R-3 district would allow for multi-family dwelling units such as duplexes, apartments and town home development, according to information contained in the agenda packet.

“I know the citizens are concerned,” said Mark Gregory of MaSuki, referencing objections raised last year during a similar public hearing. “We have amenities from the clubhouse to the pool, weight rooms and walking trails. I don't feel it will devalue property. It will probably enhance the area.”

Gregory explained the company doesn't do Section 8 housing. “We run credit checks and criminal background checks for compliance. We run high standards.”

Gregory explained rent typically starts at $1,000 a month and the company will build two- and three-bedroom units. “It's not really a strong market, but there is a market.”

In talking with representatives of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, there is a need for this kind of development. The company has been looking at the area for eight years, Gregory said. “With rent starting at $1,000 and up, we're trying to make it a community inside a community.”

There is also the potential develop property already zoned commercial for restaurants and shops, he said. “We have to move forward with the rezoning first. We have to go through a process with DOT, the city. We already met with the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District. We're not here to upset anybody,” adding later in the meeting he would be willing to meet with the concerned residents outside a meeting setting.

Greg Browning, chair of the planning board, explained before a public hearing on the rezoning, that comments were to deal specifically with the rezoning. “They've given us an idea of what to expect. The question is not about the apartment complex. We will address that in another phase. Today is about going from R-12 to R-3.”

Residents of the Cross Creek community, however, said during the public hearing they were concerned about increased traffic, as much as 2,900 vehicles a day, as well as how the complex could change the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

“The original developers left us with none of the amenities promised,” said Marge Cone.

Jean Ricks said her house and about 10 others will face the units. She also addressed traffic concerns in an area where she said the traffic is already tremendous.

“You can't make a good decision,” said Carol Reid. “If it passes now we don't know what it will be.”

Donald Vincent said the roads in the community are not wide enough to accommodate school busses. “I'm concerned about how many people are going to be there.”

Miller, in making his motion to deny the property's consistency with the existing community, said he believed current residents in the neighborhood expected the area across from them to be single family developments. Charles Landen seconded Miller's motion.

During discussion, however, Mary Small said, “I'm going to vote against that motion. I want people to see the whole picture of progress. The way it's presented is good progress for the city of Roanoke Rapids. More people means more tax base.”

After Miller's motion failed, Small's motion for consistency and her motion to approve the rezoning passed by a 5-2 margin, Miller and Landen voting against her measure.

The matter will now be passed on to city council for deliberation.

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