Everyone present wanted to know why the developer of the Meadows at Haw Creek project was back one year after City Council approval, seeking a significant change to the project. 

The answer was revealed by developer Kevin Jackson to the more than 125 residents who attended the city-mandated developer information meeting on July 9 at Evergreen Community Charter School. The reason: The lender financing the project is requiring an entrance bridge off New Haw Creek Road because of uncertainty about the legal viability of the Sleep Hollow entrance. 

Jackson explained, "Our attorney believes we have the legal right to use the Sleepy Hollow entrance; however, our lender has asked us to include the bridge option, and we'll do either." Additionally, he said, "If the bridge is approved, we will abandon the Sleepy Hollow entrance."

Both Jackson and Warren Suggs, the project designer, state that the only changes to the originally approved design would be the new bridge and the addition of a fire department-mandated K-turn at the end of Beargrass Lane (as highlighted in the drawing below). All other conditions from the original plan stay the same. 

Because this is a major change to the Conditional Zoning approved in July 2024, the City’s development review process restarts. This includes a review by the Technical Review Committee (TRC) on August 18, the Planning & Zoning Commission on September 3, and a vote by City Council likely in October (these dates are subject to change).

Additional issues, primarily related to stormwater and lessons learned from Helene, were expressed at the July 9 meeting. The upcoming development review process will provide an opportunity for residents to share their concerns.