The town council of Red Cross approved at its regular meeting Monday night the annexation and rezoning of three parcels of land as part of a new housing development.

Three parcels on Hatley Burris Road were annexed into the town’s jurisdiction. The zoning of the plots was changed from county residential/agricultural to conditional zoning.

The plots are owned by Burleson Square, LLC, owned by former Stanly commissioner Joseph Burleson, along with LTC Development, LLC, owned by Terry Whitley. The third is owned by Richard and Cheryel Bray.

Michael Sandy, the Town Planner for Red Cross, made the presentation to the town council. Sandy noted the annexation and rezoning motions were approved by the town’s planning board.

During a public hearing before the town council’s meeting, Sandy spoke about the annexation of the three properties. The plots all are next to each other, with the LTC plot touching the Red Cross town limits.

Sandy said the subdivision comprises 250 single-family plots. At least 20 percent of the front part of the development must be brick and stone accent. Homes will be around 1,600 square feet with two-car garages. Parking will not be allowed in front or side yards.

Residents of the development will be members of a homeowner’s association (HOA) which will be responsible for many of the decisions regarding the subdivision.

The town of Oakboro will provide the utilities to the subdivision.

During a public hearing before Monday’s meeting, Burleson spoke to the council and citizens in attendance. As a Stanly resident his whole life, he said he “wants to make something that I certainly would be proud of and you would be proud of.”

He added the development would be “aesthetically pleasing.”

When asked about power lines, Burleson said he had walked the property with representatives from Union Power. He said the lines would stay within the LTC property.

Dustin McIntyre, who lives next to the Burleson-owned plot, asked where water would go. Burleson said temporary ponds will be in place during construction. After construction is complete, water will be discharged in Cucumber Creek. He added the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will also have to review the development plans.

McIntyre said he believed many residents thought the plans were approved when the planning board met, which accounted for fewer people in attendance Monday night.

“I know the town needs money to operate but (I) just didn’t see any other benefits brought up,” McIntyre said referring to the planning board meeting.

In the meeting, Councilman Melvin Poole moved to approve the annexation, seconded by Councilman J.J. Curlee. The motion passed unanimously.

Regarding the rezoning request, Curlee moved for approval, seconded by Councilwoman Kathy Smith. The motion passed unanimously.