Update: This story is updated from the original version to reflect the Wilmington Planning Commission's decision.

The city's planning panel approved a rezoning request that represents one of the last tasks required before New Hanover County buys land for a new, larger Myrtle Grove library on South College Road.

The county’s Board of Commissioners agreed in January to acquire nearly 3 acres of land at 3802 S. College Road, currently home to a nursery and gardening business called Zone 8, from owner Charles R. Stinson.

If all goes as planned, a 20,000-square-foot library will replace Zone 8’s 5,500-square-foot greenhouse and 1.5-acre nursery and outdoor sales area. The rezoning of the property, from an office and institutional special use district that allowed Zone 8 to be there to a residential classification (R-15), was a condition the county had placed on the sale of the property. Among the uses allowed in areas zoned R-15 are libraries, religious institutions and single-family detached homes. 

“Should the amendment be approved, the R-15 district will provide a consistent zoning classification and potential uses with the general area,” states the county’s rezoning application to the city.

After the land is purchased, opening a new Myrtle Grove library -- currently located in a 6,900-square-foot building at 5155 S. College Road -- would take about three years, said Harry Tuchmayer, director of the New Hanover County Public Library.

The new library’s construction is part of the county’s long-term capital improvements plan, but with the price of land in New Hanover County expected to continue to increase, finding an adequate site at a reasonable price was an important first step, Tuchmayer said.

“Getting just short of 3 acres will really give us the space needed to adequately serve citizens well. Myrtle Grove right now is a very, very busy place, and the parking doesn’t work, and the size of the building is just inadequate for the size of the things we’re doing for our customers today,” he said.

The new site also allows for growth and future needs, such as more computers, additional public meeting space, a larger collection of books and more space for children’s programs, Tuchmayer said.

The Wilmington Planning Commission unanimously approved the plan Wednesday.