LELAND, N.C. (WECT) – By 2045, Leland’s population is projected to reach over 74,000 people, according to the town, but the town’s “Leland 2045″ plan is now certified with the state to balance anticipated development while protecting the environment.
Bruce Overton has lived in the town for over four years, and he has seen more development each year that has gone by.
“The construction with the new homes, as well as condos, apartments is just exploding and simple things like traffic takes longer to go to the grocery store,” Overton said.
The town adopted the Leland 2045 plan in 2021, but town officials updated the plan to meet the requirements of the Coastal Area Management Act with the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.
“It sets the framework for how Leland can grow, develop and conserve over the next 25 years,” Ben Andrea, the Planning and Inspections Director of the Town of Leland, said.
Once a CAMA permit is required, Andrea said, local jurisdictions can set guidelines that can help guide development projects and shape broader policy decisions, like zoning regulations.
For Andrea, he believes this is the next step to addressing more population growth in the town.
“It shows good leadership by the town council and good vision by them in thinking about how we can continue to grow and balance the need for development with the protection of these resources,” said Andrea.
The plan protects environmentally sensitive areas, like rivers and creeks. Overton thinks any move to protect these natural resources is a good move.
“Anything to preserve that and prevent some of that nature from being built up or sold to developers that would be something I support,” Overton said.
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