BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com

The Troutman Town Council unanimously approved an incentive grant of up to $1,872,000, paid over a three-year period for public infrastructure improvements, based on the TPA Group’s investment of $150 million to construct the Troutman Logistics Center site.

Director of Business Development Chad Thomas, representing the Iredell Economic Development Corporation, told council members that this “top company” has a track record of creating quality spaces that enhance the local economy, attract new businesses, and create jobs.

The 1.7-million-square-foot space, divided into two buildings, is in the process of site design and development. The developers have discovered additional wetland areas that are creating additional costs.

Thomas assured the council that the IEDC will make sure the TPA Group meets the grant criteria before receiving reimbursements.

ROCKY CREEK PHASE 2

Council members also approved conditional mixed-residential rezoning for Rocky Creek Phase 2, a development featuring 53 single-family homes in a 19.5-acre walkable community on the east side of Byers Road. The neighborhood will share amenities and HOA with phase one of the development.

The residential density for the development is 2.71 units per acre, well below the 12 units allowed under this zoning. Twenty percent of the site is dedicated to open space.

Town Planner Lynne Hair said the town added several conditions to the rezoning. Building height is limited to two stories, and vinyl may only be used on trim, windows, and soffit. Facades will be wood siding or shingles, brick, stone, stucco, or fiber cement siding.

The town is also requiring the construction of a road connecting phase one and two that must be open to traffic before the final certificate of occupation is issued for phase two.

Robert Davis of Prestige Corporate said NCDOT added a technical memorandum to the recently completed Rocky Creek phase one traffic impact analysis reflecting additional traffic impacts from the additional 53 homes.

The development is projected to add 45 morning rush vehicles and 58 in the afternoon. Total daily trips for both phases were 610. NCDOT is also requiring the developer to extend the northbound left-turn lane onto Barkdale Road from 125 to 150 feet.

Davis said site work will begin this year with the homes, ranging from 2,200 to 2,600 square feet, under construction by 2024. Timing will vary based on market conditions.

Before construction begins, the site will be annexed into the town to receive utility services.

RECOGNITIONS

Troutman resident Cathy Emory was recognized for her February 50-mile walk with her American Bulldog Willow to promote suicide prevention efforts in the community.

Emory was accompanied by Susan Tolle, Iredell County American Foundation for Suicide Prevention trainer and advocate, and Kelly James, chair of the Iredell County AFSP Walk on October 1 at the Statesville High School football stadium.

Several years ago, Emory went through a dark period during which she considered taking her life. By the grace of God, the help and support of her son and daughter, and the comfort of Willow, Emory said she was able to emerge from that crisis. She is now determined to help others going through mental health emergencies.

South Iredell High School wrestler Dylan Donaldson was also recognized by council for achieving his 100th victory on the mat this year. Donaldson wrestles at the 220-pound class.

Town Manager Ron Wyatt, who has coached Donaldson in the past, congratulated him on this achievement and wished him well in his future wrestling endeavors.

OTHER BUSINESS

The council also unanimously approved:

♦ An amendment of the Code of Ordinances to decriminalize certain ordinances and to repeal a subsection related to the police chief. Town Attorney Gary Thomas said the changes were to clean up town ordinances to comply with a new state statute.

♦ A Town of Troutman schedule of fees amendment raising utility bill pay fee by phone to $5 to reflect additional required staff time.

♦ Multi-family building façades for Dewitt project on US Hwy 21.

♦ An April 14 public hearing for a contiguous annexation request by Andrew and Christy Phillips for one acre on the Charlotte Highway near the south end of Flower House Loop.

♦ The appointment of council member Paul Henkel as the town’s delegate to the NC League of Municipalities Board of Directors.