21-05-2025
City pauses mill district plan
HIGH POINT — The city of High Point has put a hold on its efforts to enact its proposed Southwest Mill District.
The plan to rezone a 171-acre old industrial area around W. Green Drive may conflict with recent changes in state law that limit local governments' abilities to enact certain types of development regulations.
Pending and adopted bills in the N.C. General Assembly impact the proposed new zoning district, which would allow a broader mix of uses and establish modern development standards.
'Currently, there is no official timeframe for staff to bring the matter forward for consideration or release of a text amendment for public review while we await final action from the state,' said interim city Planning Director Michael Harvey. 'Several current bills could impact how the matter is moved forward.'
The mill district was put forth in January by the city in partnership with the Southwest Renewal Foundation and an outside planning firm the nonprofit hired, Dover, Kohl and Partners.
The goal is to facilitate the redevelopment of the former mills and other properties within the district with residential, retail, office and other uses.
The City Council in March adopted the first component of the mill district — the area plan, a nonbinding document that outlines the overall vision for the area.
Because the creation of the district would downzone most of the properties within it from heavy industrial, the city would have to obtain written consent from each owner to comply with a new state law.
The city initially planned to gather property owners' signatures authorizing the downzoning but halted that effort until the state legislature resolves proposed changes to this and other bills, said Harvey.
