A conditional rezoning for Frances Estate, a new subdivision to be located in Locust off Vella Drive between Elm Street and NC 24-27, was approved following a public hearing by Locust City Council at its Sept. 12 meeting.
Max Thomusseit, representing developer Maverick Properties, presented plans for the subdivision to council members, and noted that the residences will be marketed toward families, but will have a limited number of homes designed for “empty nesters.”
“While there is a strong demand for residential properties, there is also a gap in the market for executive housing,” Thomusseit said, adding that upon completion the subdivision would contain 53 homes.
“Of these homes, 40 will occupy 20,000-square-foot (half-acre) lots,” he noted, adding that home sizes on these lots will vary from 2,650 to 4,518 square feet.
“The remaining 13 homes will be age-restricted, primarily for retirees and those who are ‘downsizing,’ and will be located on 4,000-square-foot lots with a detached garage,” Thomusseit explained. “We feel these will appeal to a diverse demographic.”
Concerns over vegetative buffers and responsibility for their maintenance were presented to Thomusseit, who explained that a tree line along Vella Drive will be preserved, and that the developers would maintain a buffer zone along a creek which flows through the property.
Councilman Mike Haigler noted that the rezoning request, which would change the tract’s zoning from Neighborhood Residential to General Residential, had been unanimously recommended for approval by the town’s Planning and Zoning board, and was approved unanimously by the council.
“I like what I’m looking at,” commented Councilman Harry Fletcher following the vote.
In other business, Locust City Council:
• Recognized Manager Cesar Correa for receiving the “Outstanding Budget Presentation” Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

• Recognized City Finance Officer Stephanie Morton for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award.

Mayor Steve Huber, right, honors Locust Finance Director Stephanie Morton for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certification of Excellence in Financial Reporting award. (Photo by TOBY THORPE)

• Approved Chambers Engineering of Albemarle to perform engineering services for the Market Street / US Post Office Connector Street project.
• Approved a Statement of Qualifications from Chambers Engineering to develop plans for the Coley Store Road Water Line project.
• Approved surplus property sale of an obsolete generator via public auction through GovDeals.com.
• Adopted a policy which would limit use of the city’s internet connections to certain prohibited websites.
• Police Chief Jeff Shew presented commendations to School Resource Officer D.K. Longtin and Detective Sgt. B.H. Tucker for their work on the department’s “Junior Detective Camp.”

Locust Police Chief Jeff Shew, left, honored Locust Detective Sgt. B.H. Tucker for her work on the department’s Junior Detective Camp. (Photo by TOBY THORPE

Locust Elementary SRO D.K. Longtin, left, was honored by Locust Police Chief Jeff Shew for his work on the department’s Junior Detective Camp. (Photo by TOBY THORPE)

• Brandon Bailey, owner of the new Practice Green Golf Club, a virtual golf establishment slated to open on Sept. 26, introduced his business to council members.
• Bruce Wilhoit updated council members on the upcoming Locust Fall Festival, a Halloween event scheduled for Oct. 31 at Locust City Park.
Locust City Council will next meet on Oct. 10 at the Joel Huneycutt Community Room in City Hall.

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