ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Town Council approved a zoning text amendment Monday and, in a related matter, approved a rezoning request and a special use permit request made by Alex Munroe.

Town Manager Eddie Madden said Munroe has purchased the former winery located at 195 Vineyard Drive in the industrial park and has plans to develop the property into Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. The proposed facility will consist of 12 cottages, a pier, a pavilion and a stage. According to the agenda information, Munroe also proposes to renovate the existing facility to accommodate a restaurant and special events.

Madden said Munroe also proposes having a zoological garden and possibly a microbrewery.

“The entire project was contingent on board approval,” said Madden.

The zoning text amendment adds the C-1A designation for Commercial-Agricultural District. The list of permitted uses for the C-1A zoning will require a special use permit. The uses include:

— Accessory building, including, but not limited to fallout shelters, garages, guest houses, tool sheds, swimming pools;

— Antiques and gift retail stores;

— Auditoriums, assembly halls and amphitheatres;

— Bakeries, bottling works;

— Bakeries selling at retail products produced on premises;

— Clubs and lodges, private, non-profit;

— Catering establishments;

— Fences and walls;

— Microbreweries, distilleries and wineries;

— Overnight accommodations;

— Public parks, recreational facilities;

— Restaurants, including all eating places except: drive-ins, nightclubs, lodges;

— Special events;

— Zoological garden — a public park or large enclosure where live animals are kept for display to the public.

Madden told the board during the noon work session that the town did not currently have a C-1A designation. He said this would be the only such designated property.

“As we understand it, Mr. Munroe has decided to build proposed overnight accommodations on his property. He won’t need additional property to do that,” said Madden.

He added that Munroe does need to build up to the property line and the C-1A designation would allow for that.

“The C-1A uses are consistent with what he is proposing to do there,” said Madden.

The board approved the zoning text amendment, the rezoning request and the special use permit.

In other business:

— The board approved the comprehensive bike plan.

— The board approved a proposal from Smith Brothers paving for the bike lane on Newton Street.

— The board voted to set Oct. 31 as the designated night for trick or treating. Children 12 and under may trick or treat between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. A curfew will be in place from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for children ages 13 to 18.

Erin Smith can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

Madden
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Madden-09-C.jpgMadden

By Erin Smith

erinsmith@civitasmedia.com