A proposed mixed-use project is moving forward after New Hanover County leaders approved rezoning more than 27 acres near the intersection of Castle Hayne Road and I-140 on Monday.

The project, called Moore’s Crossing, would include a mix of commercial, grocery and retail space along with multifamily and other residential uses. The project’s developers, who also developed the nearby River Bluffs neighborhood, say their plans will bring much-needed commercial services to the Rockhill community.

BDLCT LLC requested a rezoning for the 13 tracts of land from its current low-density residential district to a planned development designation and the removal of an existing Special Highway Overlay District. The limited liability company is managed by Burrows Smith, who also serves as the managing partner of River Bluffs Development Group.

“We’re the same people who developed River Bluffs and we want to do something to complement that and also to help out the area,” Smith told the Board of Commissioners on Monday.

The proposed development is split into three sections. The largest portion of the site – just over 10 acres – will be developed for commercial and grocery, while just over 8 acres are slated for multifamily residential development. The remaining 7.75 acres will be used for retail, according to site plans. 

The developers are also proposing traffic improvements, including the installation of two traffic signals, new turn lanes and a median, to accommodate the traffic the project is expected to generate. According to a traffic impact analysis, the project is expected to generate approximately 420 car trips during peak morning hours and 796 trips during peak afternoon hours.

Several members of the nearby St. James AME Church turned out Monday in support of the development but said developers need to remain in regular communication with neighbors as plans move forward.

“We embrace the change. We have no problem with the change,” said church member Janice Gaines, “but we just want to be considered with the change. We want to have a voice.”

Commissioner Jonathan Barfield said it’s important to provide services like retail and grocery stores as the area's population continues to increase.

“As we grow this region, to me, it’s important that we create these nodes,” he said, “to where you’ll have these amenities come into play.”