On more than 980 acres bordered by the Northeast Cape Fear River, a developer proposes to build a new mixed-use community with the potential to hold 2,000 single-family homes, a marina, commercial space and a new Pender County school.

If approved by Pender officials, Lane’s Ferry Landing in Rocky Point would be built on land north and south of N.C. 210 at its intersection with Moore Town Road, according to the developer's application. The property is currently owned by limited liability companies managed by Heide Trask Jr., the application stated.

Lane's Ferry Landing could also provide new space for children to learn and play.

“We’re working with Pender County [Schools] to donate land for a new elementary school to be built on the site,” said Walt Knott of Lane’s Ferry Landing LLC, the development company involved. “We would build athletic fields behind the school for the school’s use as well as the community’s use.”

The master planned development would contain a variety of residential elements in addition to single-family homes, according to site plans submitted to Pender officials by Paramounte Engineering Inc. of Wilmington. The plans include space for up to 456 attached residential units and 125 multi-family units.

“We’ve got roughly 2,600 units to build over the next 10 to 15 years, depending on demand,” Knott said.

The plans show that of the 988 acres involved, 62 are wetlands that would not be developed and 59 are set aside for open space. The proposal includes a community boat launch on 7.8 acres, a linear park with a pedestrian corridor, numerous ponds and about 16 acres for mixed-use commercial space, such as neighborhood retail and offices.

“Our goal is to start construction in the fourth quarter of this year, with homes starting to be built in the first quarter of next year,” Knott said.

Lane’s Ferry Landing’s master development plan is expected to be considered by Pender County planning officials this month and in June.