Porters Neck could soon be home to a new 55-plus community, adding to the growing trend of active adult neighborhoods in the Cape Fear region.
Developers are looking to build a 38-lot, single-family residential community on 12 acres of vacant land at 226 Edgewater Club Road. To move forward, they are requesting a conditional zoning district approval from New Hanover County officials.
The proposed community would include 38 single-family homes designed for active adults, along with sidewalks, an amenity center, and stormwater management facilities to meet environmental regulations. The site is owned by Har-Ste Investments LLC, a company registered to Gerald Dean Hardison, which purchased the property in December for $1.4 million.
The demand for age-restricted communities is growing fast, as more retirees and empty nesters seek low-maintenance, amenity-rich lifestyles in desirable locations like Wilmington. Jennifer Reinholt, an agent with Just For Buyers Realty, said interest in 55-plus communities continues to rise. “People want to stay active, socialize, and enjoy a coastal lifestyle without the upkeep of a large home. Communities like this are becoming a major draw for buyers looking to downsize without compromising on quality of life.”
Before the rezoning request is officially submitted, a community meeting will be held to discuss the project and its potential impacts. The meeting is scheduled for February 25 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Porters Neck, located at 168 Porters Neck Road. Those unable to attend can contact Cindee Wolf, a consultant on the project, at 910-620-2374 or cwolf@lobodemar.biz with comments and questions.
Once the rezoning request is submitted, it will go through a review process with the New Hanover County Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners before any final decision is made. This project is one of many developments reflecting the region’s continued growth and the increasing demand for housing designed for older adults.