Sanford approves grave relocations, new no-parking zone and multiple rezonings

The Sanford City Council approved grave relocations, parking changes, rezonings, pet service regulations, and a downtown revitalization plan at the Aug. 4 meeting.

The council consented to the relocation of two historic graves at 603 Rod Sullivan Road, across from the Raleigh Executive Jetport.

Stephens Enterprises purchased the property in 2022, it was annexed into the city that same year, and the company published a next-of-kin notification of the intent to relocate in The Sanford Herald on Sept. 10, 17 and 24, and Oct. 1 in 2022.

Terracon investigated the gravesites, and their findings, such as the image above, are in the agenda for August 4, 2026, on pages 189-233, including family genealogy.

Based on the property’s ownership history and death certificates, the two graves belong to William Leonidas “Lonnie” Womble (1849-1923) and his sister Elizabeth “Lizzie” Womble (1840-1926). Their graves will be moved to the Broadway Cemetery.

Of the forty family members contacted, only two replied to Terracon. Louis Pages replied Oct. 3, 2022, by phone to say he had no interest in the cemetery removal and provided names of other family members. Peggy McDuffie Colvin asked about relocation details and shared family history but had no interest in the relocation process.

Member Walter Ferguson asked the board to table the consent to relocate the graves until they contacted more family members.

Mayor Pro Tempore Byron Buckels said to proceed with approval because the property owners had conducted the required due diligence.

The council established a no-parking zone at the end of Gulf Street in the cul-de-sac to create safer emergency access for vehicles. Code Enforcement had given residents prior notice, and the city will install signage.

The council approved the following map zoning updates and land use plan consistency statements:

CPW Development Properties, LLC, with applicant Rhetson Capital, LLC’s request for .94 acres at 2716 and 2720 Pegg Street from RR to light commercial and office as it continues the masterplan to continue city services into Tramway.

Rhetson Capital, LLC’s request to change zoning from RA to general commercial on 14.39 acres on Tramway Road. Read details in Sanford approves $11M incentive for $600M medical project, advances Tramway growth toward Bruce Coggins Road from the July 21 meeting.

Otter Creek Properties, LLC’s request to rezone 4.5 acres on Palomino Drive. The applicants changed plans for building townhomes because of their growing unpopularity and said they planned single-family homes on 6,000 square foot lots.

The 111.6-acre mixed-use development, called the “Gateway to the City,” by the council, on U.S. Highway 1 with the applicant for Horton, Brian Richards of Urban Design Partners, PLLC, for Oakton’s subdivision, was rezoned from RA to Oakton Conditional Zoning.

“This is the Gateway to the City,” Buckels said, adding he would hold Richards accountable that the “development will be really nice.”

View details on how Sanford is losing its rural ambiance in Sanford tables “Gateway to the City” 473-home Oakton rezoning & planning board recommends rezoning more Countryside.

The North Carolina Consumer Law Center details recent legal issues with Horton Homes.

The council updated the Uniform Development Ordinance to allow animal services, such as pet grooming, without overnight boarding in Article 5, Section 3 at the request of a citizen, Jacques Kohn.

The council approved the Downtown Sanford Small Area Plan.

Short-term goals: Enhance Depot Square with offices, meetings, concerts, festivals, and holiday events utilizing the renovated depot and park. Plans include promoting more live music and activities in the Entertainment District, alongside developing guidelines for outdoor dining and parklets to facilitate business use of public spaces.

Downtown plans a pilot social district allowing alcohol in designated areas.

In seven to eighteen months, the city will form an events committee, hire staff, boost funding, and recruit restaurants. New restaurant incentives and a temporary dining parklet are planned.

Challenges include: weak pedestrian access across tracks, Depot Park’s isolation, restricted museum access, and a lack of event amenities.

The district’s long-term plan includes street-level businesses like restaurants, retail, and services, with offices or residences above in mixed-use structures. The plan mandates two-story minimums for new buildings fronting sidewalks with little setback and discourages standalone multifamily developments. Live entertainment, both indoor and outdoor, and on-street parking are key downtown strategy elements.

The next meeting is a work session on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m.

Aug. 4, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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