# Town Council Regular Meeting May 11, 2026

**Body:** Town of Fletcher — Town Council
**Date:** May 11, 2026 6:00 PM EDT (2026-05-11T18:00:00-04:00)
**Location:** Town Hall located at 300 Old Cane Creek Road Fletcher North Carolina

**Link:** https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696

## Summary

The Town of Fletcher Town Council held its Regular Meeting on May 11, 2026, focusing on administrative approvals, zoning amendments, and significant development proposals. The council began by unanimously approving the minutes from previous meetings and passing the consent agenda, which included updating the personnel policy manual to add Juneteenth as a paid holiday and issuing a proclamation for Endangered Species Day. Councilor Thorogin also took time to recognize the Fletcher Police Department for their service, specifically citing an officer’s assistance in transporting a resident to an out-of-state hospital.

A primary focus of the meeting was the Zoning Text Amendment regarding data centers (26-02-ZTA). Following a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve an amendment prohibiting data centers in all zoning districts. This decision aligns with existing regulations for cryptocurrency mining and was driven by concerns regarding environmental and operational impacts, as well as the incompatibility of such facilities with the community’s vision. Planning Director Tyler Margo provided detailed explanations regarding these regulations during the discussion.

Significant debate also surrounded the Berkshire Trace rezoning and Special Use Permit for an 115-unit low-income housing development on Underwood Road. Despite a Planning Board recommendation of denial, the council voted unanimously to deny the rezoning request, citing inconsistencies with the town’s land use plan and concerns about higher-density residential development outside the town core. The council deferred a final decision on the Special Use Permit, noting that further discussion was required. Brandon Freeman, representing the applicant, emphasized the workforce-focused nature of the development during the proceedings.

The council also reviewed a proposal for a 247-unit affordable housing development by Taft Mills Group at 196 Underwood Road. The project, targeting households earning 60% of the area median income or below, was presented by Nate Broman and John Kennard, who highlighted stormwater management strategies and site amenities. Additionally, a request to rezone property for the Stafford Hill project was discussed, facing significant community opposition regarding traffic, stormwater, and neighborhood character. Legal arguments against this rezoning were presented by James Lloyd, referencing North Carolina General Statute 160D-B.

Public comments were received regarding several development proposals, with residents expressing concerns about stormwater runoff, traffic congestion, and public safety, particularly regarding the proximity of one development to an ABC store. Some community members also voiced support for affordable housing initiatives. Regarding state legislation, specifically Senate Bill 889 which could limit property tax increases, council members expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts and a lack of sufficient information. The council decided to hold off on sending a letter regarding this legislation until further dialogue with state legislators through the League of Municipalities could occur.

Several action items were established to move specific matters forward. For the Berkshire Trace project, the council directed coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation regarding a traffic impact analysis and required confirmation on whether a stream feature qualifies as a "water of the United States." For the Taft Mills Group project, staff were tasked with obtaining DOT permits for access and investigating stormwater management collaboration with the adjacent HOA. The Town Manager was instructed to advertise the budget on May 27th with a public hearing scheduled for June, and council members were asked to provide input on potential locations for a mural project.

## Agenda

- [Call the meeting to order at: 6:00 PM](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/283)
- [Moment of Silence](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/284)
- [Pledge of Allegiance](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/285)
- [Public Comments](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/286)
- [Approval of minutes - corrections, additions or deletions](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/287)
- [Council Updates](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/288)
- [Consent Agenda](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/289)
- [Approval of amendment to the personnel policy manual to add Juneteenth as a paid employee holiday.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/290)
- [Approval of Proclamation R-26-02 in honor of Endangered Species Day.](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/291)
- [Public Hearing: Zoning Text Amendment – Data Centers (26-02-ZTA) – Tyler Morrow– Planning & Zoning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/292)
- [Motion to close the public hearing](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/293)
- [Motion to adopt an ordinance amending the official Town of Fletcher Land Development Code](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/294)
- [Public Hearing: Standard Rezoning and Special Use Permit Review – Birkshire Trace (26-01-SUP) – Tyler Morrow, Planning & Zoning Director](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/295)
- [Town Manager Report](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/296)
- [Department Reports](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/297)
- [Adjourn](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696/item/298)

## Votes

- Motion to approve the minutes as presented — Passed, 4-0
- Motion to go into Public Hearing — Passed, 4-0
- Motion to adopt an ordinance amending the official Town of Fletcher Land Development Code, amending Article 2, District Provisions and Article 18. Definitions to establish Data Centers as a defined use and prohibit it in all zoning districts — Passed, 4-0
- Motion to deny an ordinance amending the official zoning map of the Town of Fletcher changing the zoning designation of the subject property from C-2 Interstate Business District to NBD, Neighborhood Business District — Failed
- Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented — Passed, 4-0

## Video & Transcript

- Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELC2hmyTgY
- Transcript: https://sunshinemeetings.org/transcript/1927/segments

## Documents

- [agenda_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696?document=6933)
- [agenda_packet_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696?document=6934)
- [minutes_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696?document=9081)
- [minutes_2026-05-11.pdf](https://sunshinemeetings.org/event/2696?document=7245)

## Sources

- [CivicClerk](https://fletchernc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/272)
- [CivicClerk](https://fletchernc.portal.civicclerk.com/#!/events/284)
- [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pELC2hmyTgY)