Elon Town Council had an extensive discussion on a general rezoning request during their meeting Tuesday evening.

The general request by Elon University involved 13.47 acres that were a part of a larger 99.62-acre property assembled from multiple parcels at 734 E. Haggard Ave. 

The university advocated to change the section’s zoning from urban residential with a high-density overlay to university zoning, retaining the special flood hazard overlay.

The high-density overlay is intended to create more compact housing for students and town residents as the town’s population continues to grow each year. 

Changing the zoning would not only remove that designation, but it would also make the land subject to university zoning instead.

Elon University representatives presented at the meeting, connecting the general rezoning request to Roberts Academy, a private elementary school for children with dyslexia, and the university’s plans for the academy’s permanent location on E. Haggard Ave.

Ann Bullock, dean of Elon University’s Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, shared the opportunities Roberts Academy could bring to the town of Elon.

“The town of Elon has the opportunity to become a nationally recognized destination for dyslexia education,” Bullock said, “a town known for changing children’s lives and advancing opportunities for families across North Carolina and beyond.”

Preston Mitchell, a land planner specializing in code and ordinance composition, also spoke in support of the request, emphasizing the taxable capacity in the section that will remain.

“In the end, the market decides, not this one site, how many additional apartment units the area can absorb,” he said.

Elon Mayor Emily Sharpe, however, had concerns. Sharpe said the hearing did not need to involve Roberts Academy, considering this is about a general rezoning request pertaining to the town of Elon.

Sharpe also shared her concern about the academy’s location, bringing up how unsafe it could be for students.

“Having an elementary school on East Haggard Avenue, in the middle of a college campus, is a safety concern not only to elementary students, but also to Elon University students,” Sharpe said.

The major rezoning debate remains unresolved, with the council rescheduling voting on the rezoning request for their next town council meeting in two weeks on Oct. 27.

The council also discussed several other items:

Elon firefighter Andrew Brooks memorial

Elon Fire Chief Landon Massey spoke about Andrew Brooks, a former Elon firefighter, who died last week. Massey maintained contact with the Elon Fire Department after moving to Durham and joining the Durham Fire Department. The council observed a moment of silence in his honor, acknowledging the risks first responders take to protect their communities.

Introduction of new town of Elon public works director

The town introduced Keith Berger as its new public works director. Town leadership praised his experience and early work with the department shortly after starting, helping crews respond to a water leak. Berger expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and looking forward to helping improve town services.

Emergency services funding

The council approved a proposal endorsed by the Burlington City Council to establish a countywide special property tax district to fund the Alamance County Rescue Unit. The item was included on the consent agenda and was approved without opposition.

Budget ordinance

The council approved Ordinance #26-952, repealing Ordinance #25-934 Budget Amendment #3. The changes in the ordinance were to remove grant funds from a project fund and reallocate them as the money was not yet received. The ordinance was approved without opposition.

Community updates/reports

The council discussed upcoming Town of Elon events, a comprehensive plan workshop, parking and traffic concerns, first responders memorials and community engagement.