Land Use Plan Update-1986 (5)

FUTURE
LAND
USE
NEEDS'
IN
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
DCM COPY
l9w DCM COPY
lease do not remove!M!
Division of Coastal Management Cnnv
1986
CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE
Report No. 9

Technical Report.9
1986 Wilmington — New Hanover County Land -Use Plan Update
FUTURE LAND -USE NEEDS IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
January 1986
Prepared by the New Hanover County Planning Department
The preparation of this document was financed, In part, through a Coastal
Area Management Act grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management
Program, through Funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, which is administered by the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

• •• P11
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Methodology for Projecting
Industrial/Commercial Growth
B.. Methodology for Projecting Population Growth
1i.. GROVM PROJECTION RESULTS
A. Employment
B. Population
111. PROJECTED LAND -USE NEEDS
A. Present Zoning District Acreages
1. Unincorporated County
2. City of Wilmington
B. Projected Zoning District Acreage Needs
IV. DIRECTION OF FUTURE GROV H
A. Residential Demand
B. Non -Manufacturing and Manufacturing
PAGE
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12
12
15

FUTURE LAND USE NEEDS
IN NEW HANOVER COUNTY
I. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to estimate future land -use requirements in
unincorporated New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington. It is assumed that
industrial and regional trade growth, as measured by employment, is the driving
demand force for .industrial and commercial land -use needs and that population
growth is the driving demand force for residential land -use needs.
A. Methodology for Prolectinq industrial/Comerciai Growth
Using historical employment data from 1970 - 1984, linear regression
equations were developed for each of the industries for which employment is
reported by the N.C. Employment Securities Commission. These historical trends
have been discussed in Technical Report Number 2, "The Economy of New Hanover
County".
A linear regression equation is essentially an effort to describe a
historical trend in terms of a "straight line" equation that best "fits" the
data. The use of linear regression requires that the following points be
understood:
(1) Linear regression assumes that growth patterns move in a straight line.
It does not adjust for non -linear growth such as very rapid exponential
growth as a new market is expanded or, conversely, a leveling off of
growth as a market becomes saturated..
(2) Linear regression obscures whether or not an Industry fluctuates
significantly. For instance, the employment levels of the County's
manufacturing industries have tended to fluctuate dramatically in
comparison to the non -manufacturing industries. This fluctuation may be
due to the tendency of manufacturing industries to consist of several
large firms where a single lay-off can disrupt the industryes
.predictability. •
(3) Linear regression is used to project the future, based strictly on
historical.trends. No consideration is given to possible future changes
In technology, new shifts in market perspectives, wars, or any other
unpredictable influence.
The projected employment levels for 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005 were
calculated for each industry based on the linear equations. The different
industries werd grouped into three basic categories: heavy (intensive)
Industrial, light (extensive) industrial, and commercial. The projected
employment levels for the different industries were then summed based on the
groupings. The rates of growth for each group of industries were calculated.

B. Methodology for Projecting Population Growth
This study has used those population projections developed -by the N.C.
Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM). The State uses an average
projection calculated from two different projection methods. One method used is
a Regression (Ratio Correlation) Method, which projects population as a function
of Federal income tax returns, school enrollment in grades 1 to 8, and automobile
registrations. The Administrative Records Method, the second method, uses
Federal tax data to measure the net migration of the nongroup quarter population
under 65 years old, reported birth and death statistics to measure net natural
change, data on Medicare enrollees to measure the population over 65 years old,
and independent estimates of persons living in group quarters.
As discussed in a previous report, Technical Report #1, "The Population of
New Hanover County", the State's projections may be somewhat conservative because
they do not reflect recent upswings in the County economy. These upswings,
evidenced by employment increases, often p;-ecede increases in population.
II. GROWTH PROJECTION RESULTS
A. Emplorent
Table 1 shows projected levels and rates of growth for employment levels for
the industries and for.the three groupings of industries.. As evidenced,
employment levels are projected to increase at an average annual rate of 3.1%
between 1984 to 2000, eventually dropping to a: rate of 2.0% between 2000 to 2005.
Much of this growth is projected to be due to the commercial (non -manufacturing)
Industries which are projected to increase at average annual rates between 5.1%
and 2.1%. The heavy and light Industries,.however,.are not expected to grow
beyond present levels.
B. Population
The projected growth levels and rates for the population in New Hanover
County, as developed in the earlier report, "Population of -New Hanover County",
are shown below:
POPULATION
AVERAGE ANNUAL
RATE OF
INCREASE
1980 1984 1990
103,471 110,139 120,899
1.6% 1.6%
1995 2000 2005
129,101 137,303 146,463
1.4% 1.3% 11.3%
It should be noted that the projected population growth rates are
significantly lower than those projectedfor employment growth. The reason may
be due to the differences in -projection techniques or by such facts as that new
employment opportunities will likely be increasingly filled by persons residing
In surrounding counties and commuting to New Hanover County.
N

.
TABLE 1
EIPLOYMENT GROWTH PROJECTIONS 1
1984 2
1990
1995
2000
2005
Heavy Industrial
Apparel
1253
100
100
100
100
Textiles
414
905
781
657
534
Machinery
1876
1458
1709
1959
2209
Lumber and Wood
379
172
100
100
100
Chemicals
2581
2064
2334
2604
2874
Stone, clay, glass
163
258
250
243
235
Subtotal
6666
4957
5274
5663
6052
% Change ,
--
-26%
+6.4%
+7.4%
+6.9%
% Average Annual Change
--
-4.3%
+1.3%
+1.5%
+1.4%
Light Industrial
Food
493
246
100
100
100
Printing
355
269
263
259
253
Other Manufacturing
1175
354
368
382
395
Subtotal
2021
869
731
741
748
% Change
--
-57%
-15.9%
+1.4%
+0.9%
% Average Annual Change
--
-9.5
-3.2%
+0.3%
+0.2%
Commercial
Trade
13,554
14,536
16,291
18,046
19,800
Construction
2,839
2,185
2,186
2,187
2,189
Fabricated metals
219
6,486
7,679
8,872
10,066
Finance
1,794
1,979
2,148
2,318
2,487
Service
7,995
7,991
9,067
10,144
11,221
Government
8,857
12,722
14,790
16,858
18,926
Transportation
Communication
Utilities-
3,411
4,713
5,104
5,496
5,887
Other
non -manufacturing
275
212
233
253
274
Subtotal
38,944
50,824
57,498
64,174
70,850
% Change
--
+30.5%
+13.1%
+11.6%.
+10.4%
% Average Annual Change
--
+5.1%
+2.6%
+2.3%
+2.1%
TOTAL
47,681
56,650
63,503
70,578
77,650
% Change
--
+18.8%
+12.1%
+11.0%
+10%
% Average Annual Change
--
+3.1%
+2.4%
+2.2%
+2%
1 These projections were prepared using.linear
regression. :.For
those
Industries, however,. that showed negative growth rates, it was assumed that
employment levels
would not
drop below
100.
2 Source of 1984
employment
data: N.C.
Employment
Security Commission.
3

In 1980, approximately 8% of -all New Hanover County jobs were filled by
non -County residents. This trend will probably become more apparent with the
completion of Interstate 40 allowing for easy commuting from Pender County. --
A further explanation of the difference between employment and population
growth rates is evident by examining the change in the ratio of employment to
population over the last ten years. Between 1975 and 1984, this ratio increased
from .432 to .497, at an average annual rate of approximately 1.5%. This trend
of faster growth in employment than population reflects not only the tendency for
commuting from outside the County, but also the tendency for more women to come
into the workforce, recent declines in unemployment rates, and possibly the
large proportion of "Baby Boomers" now in the work force.
Regardless of the reasons for the difference in growth rates, it is more
appropriate for employment projections to be overstated than understated when
using these projections.to determine future land -use needs for industrial and
commercial use. This overstatement helps prevent stifling of economic growth
that might otherwise result from an insufficient amount of appropriately zoned
land.
111. PROJECTED LAND -USE NEEDS
A. Present Zoning District Acreages
The effectiveness of planning for future land -use requirements Is dependent
not only upon projected growth rates for various uses, as discussed, but also
upon the means of implementation available. The principal implementation means
in New Hanover County for -planning are the Zoning Ordinances of the County and
City.
1. Unincorporated County
Table 2 lists the present amounts of vacant and non -vacant industrially and.
commercially zoned land in the unincorporated County. These_ estimates were
prepared -through the use of tax.records, aerial photographs, and field checking.
Residentially zoned land was not examined because of the obviously existing
adequate large acreages throughout the County. The vast amount of vacant land in
the County is zoned residential in a "holding" pattern, and generally serves not
only as the source of future residential subdivisions but also as the base from
which future zoning districts of commercial and industrial land are created.
As indicated in Table 2, approximately 22,321.5 acres of land are
commercially or industrially zoned in the unincorporated County. Sixty percent,
or 13,499.1 acres, are vacant. The acreage amounts per district range from a low
of 7.2 acres for O and I (Office and Institutional) zoned land, to a high of
18,778.3 acres of 1-2 (Heavy Industrial) zoned land. The overall ratio of
vacant/total commercially or industrially zoned acreage is presently 0.6. This
ratio, which means that 60% of the total commercially or industrially zoned
acreage is vacant, is accounted for primarily. -by the large -vacant acreages -of 1-2
zoned property. If the 1-2 acreage Is removed from consideration, the ratio
drops to .36, or 36 % commercial or industrial vacancy.
4

TABLE 2
ACREAGES OF VACANT AND NONVACANT CONNERCIALLY AND INDUSTRIALLY ZONED LAND
IN THE -UNINCORPORATED
COUNTY, 1985
Acreages
Zoning
,Non -
District
Vacant
Vacant
TOTAL
Vacant/TOTAL
B-1
(Neighborhood Business)
56.6
95.0
151.6
.37
B-2
(Highway Business)
402.6
383.0
785.6
.51
0&1
(Office and Institutional)
2
5.2
7.2
.28
1-1
(Light Industrial)
107.6
254
361.6
.30
1-2
(Heavy Industrial)
12,208.2
6570.1
18,778.3
.65
A-1
(Airport Industrial)
391.1
1,515.1
1,906.2
.21
SC
(Shopping Center)
7.4
0
7.4
1.0
PD
- Light Industrial -
45.3
0
45.3_
1.0
PD
- Commercial
242.8
0
242.8
1.0
PD
- Office.and Institutional
35.5
0
35.5
1.0
TOTAL
13,499.1
8,822.4
22,321.5
.60
5

It should be noted that two types of vacancy are recognized, as shown in
Table 3, based on whether the entire parcel is completely unoccupied or partially
unoccupied. Examples of partial occupancy are where a business is located on the
highway frontage portion of a commercially zoned parcel but the back portion is
vacant, or where a major firm is located on a large parcel and the vacant
portions are intended for future expansion. This latter example may be
particularly significant for the County's major manufacturing and mining firms
located on large parcels. For Instance, approximately 3300 acres of the vacant
1-2 zoned property are in 100 acre or greater portions and are part of partially
occupied parcel-s owned by mining companies. This fact helps explain the apparent
high vacancy rate for 1-2 zoned property.
2. City of Wilmington
Table 4 lists the present amount of vacant and non -vacant commercially and
industrially zoned land in the City of Wilmington. These estimates were prepared
in a manner similar to those prepared for the County.
As indicated in Table 4, approximately 6,500 acres are commercially or
industrially zoned. 35%, or nearly 2,300 acres, are presently vacant. it is
Important to note that the City has approximately 346.7 acres of vacant and
1,346.7 acres of non -vacant Office and institutional (0 & 1) property, for a
total of 1,693.4 acres. This large total, which makes Office and Institutional
the largest commercial or industrial zoning district in the City, demonstrates
the emphasis placed in the City on its role as a financial, insurance, legal,
medical, and similar functional center for the region.
The overall ratio of vacant/total commercially or industrially zoned acreage
In the City is 0.35, or 35% vacant.
B. Projected Zoning District Acreage Needs
In this section, the earlier discussed projected growth rates for
employment, as.listed in Table 1, are applied to the present acreages of the
different zoning districts, in order to show future land -use needs. The zoning.
districts'.are broadly grouped as Heavy Industrial, Light industrial, and
Commercial, in accordance with the grouping of industries in Table 1. This broad
grouping is necessary in order to apply the growth rates of the. various
industries to the various zoning districts. it is assumed that the present
amount of industrially.zoned property would not be decreased despite projected
decreases in industrial employment over the next five to ten years.
Tables 5 and 6 show the projected needs for -commercially and industrially
zoned land for the unincorporated County and the City, respectively. As evident,
the demand for new land is anticipated to be greatest for commercial development,
which includes office and institutional development. The unincorporated County
is projected to require approximately 22,836 vacant and non -vacant acres for
commercial and industrial development in 1995. The City will need 7494.7 acres,
of which 4002.4 acres will be for commercial use. Table 7 shows the total for
both the County and the City. In the year 2005, 31,620.1 acres are anticipated
to be needed, or nearly 27% of the County's total land base of 118,656 acres.
0

TABLE 3
VACANT COMMERCIALLY AND INDUSTRIALLY ZONED LAND
IN THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY, 1985
Vacant Acreages
Vacant Acreages
Total
Zoning
on Partially
on Totally
Vacant
District
Occupied Parcels
Unoccupied Parcels
Acreages
B-1
(Neighborhood
Business)
20
36.6
56.6
B-2
(Highway Business)
118.6
284
402.6
Obl
(Office &
Institutional)
2
0
2
1-1
(Light Industrial)
20.5
87.1
107.6
1-2
(Heavy Industrial)
8,139.1
4,069.1
12,208.2
A-1
(Airport Industrial)
325.8
65.3
.391.1
SC
(Shopping Center)
0
7.4
7.4
PD -
Light Industrial
0
45.3
45.3
PD -
Commercial
0
242.8
242.8
PD -
Office and Institutional 0
35.5
35.5
l'
.
7

Zoning
District
C8
RB
CBD
0&1
CS
Al
LM
-HM
TABLE 4
ACREAGES OF VACANT AND
NON -VACANT COMMERCIALLY AND INDUSTRIALLY
ZONE LAND IN THE CITY OF MiLM1NGTON
1985
Acreages
Non -
Vacant
Vacant
TOTAL
Vacant/TOTAL
151.3
310.1
461.4
.33
229.6
435.6
664.6
.35
37.2
148.7 -
185.9
.20
346.7
1346.7
1693.4
.21
104.9
356.7
461.6
.23
523.3
209.3
732.6
.38
277.1
353.5
630.6
.44
629.5
1038
1667.5
.38
2299
4198.6
6497.6
.35

11
TABLE 5
PROJECTED NEEDS FOR COMMERCIALLY AND
INDUSTRIALLY ZONED
LAND IN THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
VACANT NON+VACANT
TOTAL'-.
.."CANT
NON -VACANT
TbTAt'.
VACANT ''
NON -VACANT
"TOTAL77'
V%ACANT
NON -VACANT
..TOTAL.
.. VACANT
NON -VACANT
TOTAL
H wy Industrial
12.208.2
6570.1
(18,778.3.
12,209.2
6570.1
18,778.3
12.208.2
6570.1
18;778.3
12,208.2
6570.1
18.778.3
12,208.2
6570.1
18,778.3
1-2
12,208.2
6570.1
18,778.3
-
--
•-
--
--
--
--
--
--
Light Industrial
544
1769.1
2,313.1
544
1769.1
2,313.1
544
1769.1'
2.313.1
544
1769.1
2,313.1
544
1769.1
2,313.1
1-1
107.6
254
361.E
A-1
391.1
1515.1
10906.2
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
_-
__
•_
PD Light Industry
45.3
0
45.3
--
•-
--
--
--
-
Commerelol
746.9
483.2
1,230.1
936.3
606.2
1,542.5
1,059.0
685.6
1,744.6
1,181.8
765.2
1.941
1,304.7
844.8
2.149.5
8-1
56.6
95.0
151.E
--
--
--
s--
--
--
--
--
--
0-2
402.6
383.0
785.E
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
061
2
5.2
7.2
•-
--
--
--
_-
_•
_-
Sc
7.4
0
7.4
--
--
--
--
--
--
PO Commercial
242.8
0
242.8
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
PD 061
35.5
0
35.5
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
TOTAL
13.499.1
8.822.4
22,321.5
13,693.5
8940.4
22.633.9
13,701.6
9134.4
22.836
13,938.2
9100.2
23,038.4
14,060.7
9.18,0.2
23,240.9

O
•
TABLE ¢
PMJWM MEm; F4a COHIMIA,LLY AND IMXMIMIY ZMW LAW 10 TIE CITY OF NILN1NCi011
1985
1990
1995
220_00
2005
Non-
Non-
Non-
Non-
Non-
centVacant
Total
Vacant
aeant, Total
Vacant Vacant' Total
Vacant
scant Total
Vacent
Vacant j0fu1
Use .
Heavy Iadu;*la1
629.5
IOU 1667,s
629.0
1038 1667.3
629.5 1038 1667.5
029.5
1038 1"74
629.5
1038 1667.5
NM
629.5
1030 1667.5--
Llabt Industrial
905.3
919.* 1824.8
90.3
919.$ 1824.8
905.3 919.$ 1824.6
903.3
919.5 1924.6
903.3
919.3 1824.8
CS
104.9
356.7 461.6
~
Al
523.3
209.3 732.6
~
LN
Z7T:1
353.5 630.E--
Caoeerclal
764.2
224111 3005.3
907.9
2662.1 3570.3
1017.8 2984.E 4002.4
1129.7'
3312.9 4442.6
1242.7
3644.2 4886.9
Otl
346.7
1346.7 1693.4
~
~
CB
151.3
310.1 461.4
--
~
AB
229.0
435.6 664.E
CM
37.2
148.7 185.9--
TOTALs
2299
4198.6 6497.6
2442.7
4619.9 7062.E
2392.E 4942.1.7494.7
2664.5
5270.4 7934.9
2777.5
5601.7 8379.2

TP= 7
TOTAL ME= WM FOR OONEMAILT AND IN.DUSTRIAI T ZONED LAND
IN TIC 1�11NCOWWATEII COLR r AID TINE CITY OF NILMIPGTQN
f�90 1R94_
2000
2005
Non-
Non- Non-
Non-
Non-
US2
Vacant
Vacant
TOTAL
Vacant Vacant TOTAL Vacant Vacant TOTAL
Vacant
Vacant
TOTAL
Vacant
Vacant
TOTAL
Nervy
laduatrlal
12,837.7
7608.1
20,445.0
12837.7 7606.1 20,445.0 12637.7 7608.1 20,445.8
12,037.7
7608.1
20,445.4
12,837.7
7608.1
20,445.8
uaat
la"Strlal
1449.3
2688.0
4137.9
1449.3 2688.6 4137.9 1449.3 2688.6 4t37.9
1449.3
2688.6 .
4137.9
1449.3
2688.6
4137.9
Cca.aralal
1911.1
2724.3
4235.4
1044.2 3264.6 5112.6 2076.8 3670.2 5747
2311.9
4074.1
6389.6
2547.4
4489
7036.4
TOTAL
15,7".1
13.021
20?019.1
16t131.2 13,W.3 29.696.5 16,363.4 13,966.9 30.330.1
16.598.S
14►374•$
30.973.3
10,834.4
14.785.7
31►620.1

The present ratios of vacant/total commercially and industrially zoned
acreages were assumed to remain constant from the present to the year 2005 for
both the City and the unincorporated County in the calculations for Tables 5, 6,
and 7. It is difficult to determine, however, what ratio of vacant/total land is
optimum to provide an adequate land base for future development. The
consideration of providing enough vacant land to allow for adequate market
flexibilty must be balanced with other considerations to restrict the land supply
In order to minimize urban sprawl, maintain land values, and promote the
compatibility of adjacent land -uses.
An examination of the vacant/total ratio for the different zoning districts
and land -uses for the County and City reveals that, if the Heavy Industry (1-2)
acreage is removed from consideration for the unincorporated County, the County's
vacant/total ratio drops from .60 to .36, nearly identical to the City's ratio of
.35. In light of this statistic, the City and County possibly should strive to
maintain this overall ratio of .35 in future zoning decisions, although separate
attention should be given concerning decisions dealing with 1-2 zoning for the
County. In addition, the large vacancy rate of industrially zoned land and the
anticipated slow growth in industry in the County indicates that the vacant
industrially zoned land may serve as a reserve from which land could be
transferred to commercial zoning as necessary and appropriate.
If an attempt is made to maintain this approximate ratio of .35 for
vacant/total land.for commercially and industrially zoned land in the future,
several benefits may be gained. first, it appears that a reasonable supply of
vacant commercial and industrial property would be available for development.
Second, more efficient planning for urban services can be implemented. Third,
developers and public decision -makers can make more well-informed long range
decisions with regard to land development if the future land supply is fairly
predictable. it must be cautioned, however, that this ratio is just one of many
factors considered in any land -use decision.
IV. DIRECTION OF FUTURE GROWTH
The direction of future growth is dependent upon numerous factors, including
economic trends, the availability of land,.and lifestyle trends. In New Hanover
County, growth generally has been away from the City of Wilmington into the
unincorporated areas. This trend, however, may change with revitalization of the .
City and with infill development of vacant parcels within the City.
A. Residential Demand
_The direction'of residential development in the unincorporated County has
been toward the east along the Atlantic Intra-Coastal Inland Waterway and, more
recently, toward the Cape Fear River south of Wilmington, based upon a visual
comparison of the difference between the 1981 and 1985 existing.land-use maps.
Figure 1, which depicts the location of multi -family and performance
residential development in the unincorporated County from 1981 to the present,
further demonstrates the attractiveness of the water for residential living. It
should be noted that the trend in housing is toward mufti -family housing, as
indicated in Table 8. The sum of -annual construction of multi -family and duplex
units has increased -rapidly in recent years and is approaching the number of-
single family units annually constructed. This trend is possibly a function of
both greater affordability of multi -family housing, and the continuing decrease
12

FIGURE 1
8 -
32
T A
f �
t,
`
W ,i�•• ��
M1rr
-
1Y0n
-
13 i�
i
1 i
�. BUILT OR APPROVED
MULTIFAMILY HOBS-
--_.
is INGIPERFORMANCE
I DEVELOPMENT IN THE
UNINCORPORATED
COUNTY 1981-1985
_LOCATION ANi NUMBER
OF UNITS
r.w
Q�
. 1 y
4 k NEW HANOVER COUNTY
o �

TABLE 8
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN UNINCORPORATED
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS
1973
1974
'1975
1976' 1977 1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
Single -Family
832
427
420
510 613 619
648
647-
383
210
383
471
Duplex
8
2
0
2 4 .4
14
0
2
24
48
53
Multi -Family
219
0
0
0 0 0
0
4
12
40
204
260
Mobile Homes*
638.
565
457
467 461 439
426
401
593
491
506
558
r
*The numbers of
mobile homes,
as
measured
by Certificates of
Occupancy, represent
both.new
mobile
home
set-ups and movement of
existing
mobile
homes from one lot
to another.

In household size. Mobile homes also continue to provide a significant housing
opportunity for residents.. Figure 2 depicts mobile home park activity in 1984.
Wilmington will continue to see a demand for multi -family development until
water and sewer availability is more commonplace in the County. Other types of
infill development will steadily continue with local, State and Federal sponsored
programs for housing. Rehabilitation of existing housing stocks will be an
Important element in the City's effort to meet demand.
Areas for new construction will include the South 17th Street Extension
Area, the northeastern quadrant of the City, and the Shipyard Boulevard corridor
east of Carolina Beach Road.
B. Non -Manufacturing and Manufacturing
'Non -manufacturing growth (e.g. service, offices, trade) has been rapid in
recent years and has contributed most strongly to overall employment growth in
the County. Manufacturing growth has been much less significant. These economic
trends;.which have been discussed in earlier -sections of this report and in a
previous technical study, "The Economy of New Hanover County", are expected to
continue as the County strengthens its role as a regional economic center.
A visual examination of the differences -between the 1981 and 1985 existing
land -use maps indicates the following:
.0) Non -manufacturing development (commercial, business, office and
Institutional development) has tended to cluster at intersections and to
string out in "strips" along major thoroughfares in the southern and
eastern parts of the County, in association with the trends in
residential development. Strip development has crept along Market Street
(U.S. 17) toward Ogden -with some major shopping development at Ogden.
Recent and planned development is particularly strong at the intersection
of College Road-(N.C: 132) and Market Street. Commercial development
will Likely grow more intense in this area and north along College Road
around the two Interstate 40 interchanges -at Gordon Road and Holly
Shelter Road. Development Is -increasing along Carolina Beach Road (U.S.
421) and College Road south of the City of Wilmington, with particularly
Intense development near Monkey Junction. Business development pressures
are also growing along Oleander Drive (.U.S. 76) and around the
intersection of Oleander Drive and Eastwood Road (U.S. 74) near
Wrightsville Beach. The philosophy of clustered commercial development
at major intersections may be given further emphasis in the future.
(2) Major manufacturing activities continue to concentrate along the northern
and western boundaries of the County. Quarrying and mining industries
continue to exist along the Northeast Cape Fear River on Holly Shelter
Road.- General Electric dominates manufacturing along Castle Hayne Road
(N.C. 133) south of Castle Hayne, and assorted manufacturing firms are .
located between the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear -Rivers. Industrial
activity is also dominant along the Cape Fear River in association with
the North Carolina State Port.-.
15

• Industrial development is also anticipated to increase near the New Hanover
County Airport, particularly if a Foreign Trade Zone is designated at the
Airport. It should be noted that the removal of the railroad lines extending
north to Pender County and northeast from Wilmington along U. S. Highway 17, may
reduce the potential for industrial growth. The City anticipates continued
Industrial development in its Airport Industrial District along North 23rd
Street. Additional industrial growth is expected in the recently annexed area
south of the State Port and in the presently vacant industrial district between
Kerr Avenue and Mercer Avenue south of Market Street.
16

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