MARSHALL - While housing is a dire need throughout Madison County, sometimes the ability to provide it is complicated.
Such was the case with the Marshall Town Board, as the board voted to deny an annexation and rezoning request from an applicant proposing a 60-unit housing development behind the Marshall Ingles.
In a public hearing on the proposed project, the board voted 3-2 to deny the request from applicant from Cynthia Wilson Brigman and Daniel Van Brigman, of Newland, for a new project that could bring close to 60 units to the town of Marshall.
The project, Residences at Holly Ridge, is proposed for 21 acres in a gated community located behind the Marshall Ingles on U.S. 25-70, near Madison High School.
According to the application, the project proposes five structures in four phases.
The application was submitted April 10 to the town by Daniel Brigman and Patrick Bradshaw, vice president of engineering firm Civil Design Concepts. The applicants are requesting a rezoning to Residential 2 (R2), as the property is currently zoned Residential Agricultural (RA).
According to the application, the applicant's intent of the development is to create a "mountain side" development reflecting the "mountain" architecture — wood, stone and heavy timber.
"Aligned with the vision of Marshall, this project will be completed in a tranquil, beautiful setting overlooking the mountains of Marshall and Madison County while providing essential housing for generations to come," the Brigmans and Bradshaw said in the application.
"This project will provide convenient access to shopping, recreation and historic Downtown Marshall. The wooded setting will provide residents access to hiking and biking."
The application also alludes to the town's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and said the "development will preserve existing scenic and natural resources while maintaining the mountain heritage and historic character of Marshall and Madison County."
Had the board approved the annexation and rezoning request, it would have ushered a path for Brigman to bring 12 housing units in the first phase of the project.
But members of the board said they worried about the town's water capabilities.
Daniel Brigman was on hand at the hearing to discuss the project with the board.
According to Brigman, the first phase would likely supply four three-bedroom, four two-bedroom and four one-bedroom units.
Board member Thomas Jablonski motioned the board approve the annexation, adding that the situation was "unfortunate."
"I think the water is pretty much the biggest thing that's got me on the verge, I'll be honest with you," Jablonski said. "I think it's important to all of us, really. I think it's important to remember, I heard you speak about someone else drilling wells. I mean, for all intents and purposes, you could go out right now and put at least four houses, with the zoning that it is, and drill four wells, potentially."
Jablonski said he felt there is enough water for 12 units in the town right now.
"I think if there is enough water, as of now, for 12, I think it makes more sense for everybody if people have this," Jablonski said in the motion to the board. "People need somewhere to live."
Board member Laura Ponder Smith seconded Jablonski's motion.
Board member Aileen Payne said she felt Brigman should speak with the county about the application, not the town.
But according to Kaitland Finkle, a zoning administrator for the town and a land use planner with Land of Sky, Brigman had not met with the county about the rezoning because he would rather use town water and sewer.
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While Payne acknowledged the town's housing needs, she said the town's troubled water history was her biggest concern.
"I know we need housing. I'm like Thomas - we need housing, and we need it desperately," Payne said. "But we have such a problem with water and we're needing more water. We supply all the county offices - the jail, the nursing homes. We supply everybody, basically, that really, really need it out there. We supply it all, that we get into such a bind, that down the road, the emergency line, or more wells, is yet to come.
"So, that's my only problem."
With board member Christiaan Ramsey not in attendance, the board was split 2-2 on Jablonski's motion to approve the annexation, leaving Mayor Aaron Haynie with the deciding vote.
"I understand firsthand that housing is needed," Haynie said. "But, I'm also familiar with the water source and how much trouble we've had with the water, and now we're finally getting somewhere to where we can do something with it.
"But, I will have to say no, Mr. Brigman, I'm sorry."
Brigman said he would likely turn to apply for a rezoning with the county.
Johnny Casey has covered Madison County for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel for three years. He earned a first-place award in beat news reporting in the 2023 North Carolina Press Association awards. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or jcasey@citizentimes.com.
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