Title
Vote to adopt a resolution approving a rezoning requested by Renago Inc to rezone Parcel 5626, located on Christian Chapel Church Rd., from R-1 Residential to Ind-H Heavy Industrial, being 37 acres, Cape Fear Township
Abstract
Introduction & Background: A legislative public hearing was held May 20, 2024 and the Planning Department staff presented the request. The applicant's representative, Matthew Carpenter with Parker Poe Attorneys provided a presentation and the owner of Bluesky Solutions LLC also spoke. No one signed up to provide additional comments during the hearing.
During his presentation, Mr. Carpenter stated that even though this is a general use rezoning and there isn't a site plan or specifics to be reviewed at this time, they are aware of a proposed end-user for the site. Bluesky Solutions LLC is a battery recycling industry, specifically lithium-ion batteries found in cell phones, electronics, etc. Commissioners asked about EV batteries and the owner stated they would take those as well.
Commissioners then discussed what that process looks like, where does the waste go for products that cannot be utilized, etc. Mr. Carpenter stated that he has been having conversations with Planning staff to determine if this use would be allowed by right, require a Special Use Permit, or go through the Hazardous Waste Ordinance regulations. That has not yet been determined as staff is consulting with the county attorney. The owner did state that material like nickel and cobalt are shipped out, copper processing is done in Canada where it is burned so there's no waste landfilled on-site.
This area of the county is zoned Heavy Industrial to the west, R-1 Residential to the north, south, and east. All of the property to the east and into the adjacent county is owned by Duke Energy to the Sharon Harris Nuclear plant.
During the discussion it was noted that this is a general use rezoning, and the board must consider all of the uses that are allowed by right...
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