TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jodi Phelps - Assistant City Manager
Gerald Newton - Development Services Director
FROM: Jennifer C Baptiste - Planning & Zoning Manager
DATE: October 26, 2026
RE:Title
AX26-02: Request to annex an Unaddressed Gillespie Street (REID: 0435031004000) 9.49 acres± owned by Vival Reality, LLC represented by Vanessa Ballard of V Ballard Consulting, LLC from County zoning M(P) to Community Commercial (CC).
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
2 - Councilman Malik Davis
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal II - Diverse & Viable Economy
• 2.1: Ensure a diverse City tax base.
• 2.4: Sustain a favorable development climate to encourage business growth.
• 2.6: Manage the City’s future growth and strategic land use.
Executive Summary:
The applicant is requesting to annex and establish initial zoning (Case P26-32) for a tract of approximately 9.49 acres located at 0 Gillespie Street. The applicant is proposing a zoning designation of Community Commercial (CC). The property is located within the Fayetteville Municipal Influence Area and is adjacent to existing Heavy Industrial (HI) and Community Commercial (CC) zoning, making the request compatible with the surrounding development pattern.
Background:
Owner: Vival Realty, LLC.
Applicant: Vanessa Ballard of V Ballard Consulting, LLC.
Requested Action: Initial zoning to CC (Community Commercial)
REID #: 0435031004000
Property Address: 0 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville, NC
Status of Property: Undeveloped
Size: 9.49 acres ±
Adjoining Land Use & Zoning
• North: M(P) - County Industrial
• South: CP - County Commercial
• East: M(P) - County Industrial
• West: HI & CC - Industrial and school across Hwy 301
Notices Mailed: 77 property owners within a 1,000-foot radius for initial zoning case.
Issues/Analysis:
Staff has reviewed the applicant’s responses in relation to the standards for map amendments outlined in the Fayetteville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), as well as the City’s adopted Future Land Use Plan, which designates this area as EC: Industrial/Employment Center.
Changed Conditions (UDO Consistency):
The applicant has indicated that no changed conditions exist that would necessitate the amendment. Staff concurs that there have been no significant shifts in land use patterns, infrastructure, or policy direction that would independently support a rezoning. In the absence of changed conditions, greater emphasis must be placed on plan consistency and compatibility with surrounding uses.
Community Need:
The site is currently vacant and is proposed for a flex space development intended to accommodate a variety of commercial, office/warehouse, contractor, and service-oriented businesses.
Compatibility with Surrounding Uses and Appropriate Zoning:
The applicant notes that similar uses exist on adjacent properties. The proposed CC - Community Commercial zoning district allows for a wide range of commercial uses, many of which are compatible with the surrounding commercial and industrial uses in the area.
Logical and Orderly Development Pattern:
Although the subject property is not contiguous to previously annexed and developed properties, staff finds that the proposed use is in harmony with the overall area and could complement other commercial and industrial developments in the area.
Premature Development:
Staff agrees that the request does not constitute premature development, as the surrounding area is largely developed and infrastructure is available.
Strip Commercial Development:
The proposed use is not characteristic of strip-style commercial development. However, staff notes that it contributes to a traditional commercial node or corridor that supports commercial development.
Impacts on Property Values:
The applicant asserts no adverse impacts on surrounding property values. Proper buffering and site design would be critical to mitigating potential impacts.
Environmental Impacts:
The applicant indicates that all environmental requirements will be met. Staff concurs that compliance with applicable regulations will address direct environmental impacts; however, site design, stormwater management, and buffering will be important considerations during subsequent development review.
Conclusion:
The request is consistent with adjacent uses and does not represent premature development, staff finds that the proposed zoning and use are consistent with the City’s Future Land Use Plan designation of Industrial/Employment Center. The proposed use does support the plan’s emphasis on neighborhood revitalization, compatible infill, and enhancement of residential character.
Budget Impact:
The proposed annexation and development are not anticipated to have a significant immediate impact on the City’s operating budget. The project would add to the City’s tax base through real property and potential business-related revenues.
Public infrastructure and service demands are expected to be minimal and can be accommodated by existing systems, though the City will incur standard costs associated with service provision, maintenance, and administrative oversight. Overall, the long-term fiscal impact is expected to be positive.
Options:
1. Adopt the annexation ordinance with an effective date of October 26, 2026 (immediate effectiveness).
2. Adopt the annexation ordinance with a deferred effective date.
3. Do not adopt the annexation ordinance.
4. Continue consideration of the item to a specific future date for further review and discussion (no action will be taken at this time).
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Professional Planning Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the annexation ordinance for AX26-02, annexing approximately 9.49 acres located at unaddressed Gillespie Street (HWY 301) (REID# 0435031004000) into the corporate limits, effective October 26, 2026.
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Attachments:
1. AX26-02 Annexation Petition
2. Appendix A
3. Aerial Notification Map
4. Legal Description
5. Basic Information Sheet
6. Certification of Sufficiency - AX26-01
7. AX26-02 Unsigned Ordinance
8. Subject Property
9. Surrounding Properties
10. PowerPoint