Meeting Recap: Fuquay-Varina Board Restores Full Membership, Moves Rezoning Requests Forward
Commissioners approve rezoning requests, welcome a new board member, and credit town staff for keeping roads and services running during winter storms
Fuquay-Varina, Feb. 3, 2026 — The Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners opened its February 2nd meeting by swearing in a new commissioner, approving two rezoning requests tied to future development, and publicly crediting town crews for keeping roads and services running through back-to-back winter storms.
The meeting also included recognition of community partners and staff, along with a late agenda adjustment that shifted one of the Board’s upcoming February meetings.
Board returns to full strength
Larry Smith was sworn in as the town’s newest commissioner, filling the final open seat on the Board and restoring full membership.
Smith, who previously served on the Board, thanked fellow commissioners after taking the oath and acknowledged the familiarity of returning to public service.
“It’s an honor to come back and be able to serve the citizens of this town again. I’ve missed it,” Smith said.
With the Board now complete, commissioners moved quickly into the rest of the agenda, which included recognitions and land-use decisions.
Black History Month, Chamber, and staff recognized
Mayor William H. Harris proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Fuquay-Varina, pointing to both the national significance of the observance and local efforts to preserve Black history through partnerships with the Black History Stakeholders Group.
Harris noted the observance was created “to highlight the continuing accomplishments of African Americans in our country,” and encouraged residents to engage with local events and programming throughout the month.
The Board also recognized the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, with Chamber President Dustin Williams crediting close coordination between the town and the Chamber for recent business growth. Williams said that collaboration plays an important role in businesses' decisions about whether to locate in Fuquay-Varina.
An employee recognition followed, with Fire Chief Jones honoring Division Chief Justin Wiesenthal for completing the UNC Charlotte Fire and Rescue Management Certificate Program, a multi-month leadership course focused on management, planning, and professional development.
Two rezonings approved with no opposition
The Board unanimously approved two zoning map amendments following public hearings with no opposition.
One rezoning covers approximately 8.5 acres at 5800 Johnson Pond Road, allowing residential development under a conditional zoning district that limits density and includes detailed architectural and design standards. Planning staff said the request aligns with the town’s long-range land use plan and had already received unanimous support from the Planning Board.
A second rezoning changed the designation of property at 2228 North Main Street from Office and Institutional to General Commercial Conditional Zoning. The applicant cited the site’s long history of commercial use and its location among other commercial properties, with the conditional zoning limiting allowable uses while keeping the property in commercial service.
Editor’s note: Detailed coverage of these zoning requests will be published during the next few days.
Minor subdivision and infrastructure items advance
As part of the consent agenda, the Board approved a minor subdivision, commonly referred to as a “flag lot,” at 10117 Chambers Road. The request met the town's criteria and did not require additional zoning action.
Commissioners also approved a sewer capital equipment budget amendment and a special event permit, all without objection.
Winter storm response draws praise
Much of the meeting’s closing discussion focused on the town’s response to recent winter storms.
Town Manager Adam Mitchell described coordinated efforts across streets, sanitation, utilities, police, fire, and parks departments to keep roads treated, trash collected, and essential services operating during extended freezing conditions.
Board members reported receiving consistent positive feedback from residents and visitors regarding road conditions following the storms. Commissioner Haynes said the response stood out even when compared with nearby communities.
“I’ve heard so many compliments about the streets department on how fast they got the roads clean and safe from the original pictures we saw to getting that done,” Haynes said.
Several commissioners also encouraged residents to support local businesses affected by weather-related closures, noting that even a few lost operating days can have a lasting impact on small businesses.
February meeting date corrected
Before the meeting ended, the Board approved a scheduling correction, moving its second February meeting back to Tuesday, February 17th, after identifying a conflict with the previously scheduled date of February 23rd.