Planning Board

TOWN OF MILLS RIVER Planning Board AGENDA August 4, 2026 6:30 PM Call to Order Swear In New Board Member Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes A. June 10, 2026 meeting Staff Updates Public Comment Board Comments & Updates Old Business A. None New Business A. Summary of UDO Adoption, State Invalidation, and Next Steps Additional Items / Future Agenda Items Adjournment  Town of Mills River Minutes of the Planning Board Wednesday, June 10, 2026 The Town of Mills River Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Brad Burton, Mike Cole, Jim Foster, Billy Kimzey, Lisa Marino, and Jennie Sealey. There is one open seat on the board. Staff present were Planning Director Michael Malecek and Tax Collector Kristen Rintoul. Chair Lisa Marino called the meeting to order and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of the Agenda A. A motion was made to approve the agenda and it was seconded. The motion passed by unanimous verbal assent. Approval of the Minutes A. Mr. Foster made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the January 6, 2026, meeting. Mr. Cole seconded the motion, and the motion passed by unanimous verbal assent. Staff Update Mr. Malecek reminded the public that there is a vacancy on the Planning Board. If interested, reach out to the Town Clerk and submit an application for consideration. Public Comment Email comment from Mr. Claude Mabry and Mr. Robert Mabry. Board Comments & Update Ms. Marino reminded the public that Thursday, June 11th, is the Public Hearing for the UDO and Town wide rezoning and invited them to come speak to Town Council. Old Business A. None New Business A. R-26-02 Request for Conditional Rezoning for 88-unit Multi-family Development Mr. Malecek reviewed the Staff report. Bill Alexander, Alec Greg, and Brian Salzman represented the applicants and spoke on the project. Mr. Alexander described the rendering, how the project fits the Town of Mills River’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map, that the project would be for a single owner, and there would be 3-4 bedroom townhome units with two car garages. He also discussed their reading of the proposed UDO to ensure compliance. Mr. Greg met with the business, Mills River Brewing, on an adjacent parcel regarding the project. Mills River Brewing requested one  building to be moved out of their back porch’s sightline and for a trail to connect the new community to their business. The applicant has agreed to both requests. Mr. Salzman answered questions regarding fire hydrants and stormwater. The applicant submitted additional conditions they would agree to and sign tonight to add to the application. The applicant will also consider adding a condition to use natural looking materials for the townhomes but needs additional time to research, and will have more information before presenting to Town Council. Members of the Planning Board expressed appreciation for the design and research into the Mills River community. Mr. Burton made a motion to recommend approval of R-26-02 Request for Conditional Rezoning for 88-unit Multi-family Development, with the conditions agreed to by the applicant, and adopt the Statement of Consistency as presented. Ms. Sealey seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous verbal assent. Additional Items None. Mr. Foster made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:28pm. Mr. Kimzey seconded the motion and the motion passed by unanimous verbal assent. Respectfully submitted, Kristen Rintoul Tax Collector