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As part of a short agenda on Monday, Albemarle City Council unanimously voted to ratify Resolution 25-03, which opposes pending legislation in the NC General Assembly that would limit local control of planning and zoning matters.
The document specifically identifies House Bill 765 in its text.
Drafted following concerns expressed by Mayor Ronnie Michael and fellow council members, the resolution is in response to the legislative action which, according to information from the NC League of Municipalities, “would significantly restrict local communities’ ability to shape their future, attract economic development, and maintain their quality of life.”
Albemarle City Manager Todd Clark called the bill, “sweeping legislation that would jeopardize local government authority.”
Michael added, “It (the bill) basically does away with all zoning control of local government, so that anybody could build anything anywhere…we need to oppose this.”
Following council’s vote, Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall asked Clark if the resolution could be shared with other Stanly County municipalities.
“We’ve got nine other municipalities in the county that need to be on board with this,” she said. “Things are running quickly with the legislature, and this has not yet passed both houses, so we need to get as much information on this as possible to our smaller towns here.”
Clark agreed to share the information with other Stanly County towns.
Diana Gray, a resident of Arey Avenue, spoke during the public comment period asking that measures such as installation of speed bumps along Pou Street to Arey Avenue be considered in order to slow speeding vehicles.
“In our neighborhood, we have children playing and riding bicycles, and elderly people using walkers and motorized wheelchairs, yet we have vehicles coming through with stereos blasting and revving their engines and driving too fast,” she said. “I’m concerned about the safety of our children and older people.”
Michael informed Gray that Albemarle Police Department would set up a speed trailer and monitor traffic in the area, and would use the information gathered to determine any additional action.
Prior to adjournment, the board also conducted a closed session to consult with the city attorney.
Albemarle City Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. May 5 at City Hall.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.