title
Ordinance Amending the Official Zoning Maps of the City of Wilmington to Rezone Property Located at 4118 Market Street from RB, Regional Business to MD-17 (CD), High-density Multiple-Dwelling Residential (Conditional District) for a 76-unit Multiple-Dwelling Development (CD-4-126)
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Department: |
Planning & Development |
Meeting Date: |
4/7/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Zachary Smith |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-3257 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
March 27, 2026; April 3, 2026/StarNews |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance; Attachment #2: Case Summary; Attachment #3: Site Plan; Attachment #4: Elevations; Attachment #5: Conditional Rezoning Application; Attachment #6: Community Meeting Report; Attachment #7: Aerial Map; Attachment #8: Land Use and Zoning Map; Attachment #9: Growth Strategies Map; Attachment #10: Walk Wilmington Map; Attachment #11: Planning Commission Recommendation; Attachment #12: Draft Planning Commission Minutes |
PURPOSE:
The applicant proposes to rezone the subject site of 1.26 acres from RB, Regional Business, to MD-17(CD), High-density multiple-dwelling residential district (Conditional District), for a 76 multiple-dwelling unit development.
BACKGROUND:
The proposed development would convert an existing hotel with 76 rooms into 76 studio-style apartments. The project includes 20 workforce housing units, designated for 15 years.
The Comprehensive Plan identifies this site as an Urban Mixed-Use Center and a High-Density Transition Area. While the plan promotes mixed-use and workforce housing in these areas, the mix of uses and design of a project are also important factors to consider. While the proposal includes a workforce housing component, it fails to offer any amenities, opportunities for residents to recreate, or site enhancements for future residents beyond the removal of the drop-off drive aisle directly in front of the building and the replacement of the asphalt with open space. Previous hotel conversions along this stretch of Market Street have included a mixture of residential and non-residential uses, open space, and amenities for residents.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 4, 2026, regarding this conditional rezoning. No one spoke in support or opposition to the request at the public hearing, and no written comments were received. After discussion, the Planning Commission voted 3-1 in favor of recommending approval of the request.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends denial of the request to R-5(CD) based on inconsistency with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan, particularly policies 1.7.8, 3.1.3, and 9.1.2.