A residential development planned for a nearly 97-acre plot off High Point Road cleared a key hurdle this week, as the Board of Aldermen voted to approve both a land-use plan amendment and rezoning request for the project known as Abbotts Forest.

The decision followed a lengthy public hearing in which developer Mungo Homes, town staff, and one resident opposed to the project addressed the scope and potential environmental impact of the planned community. 

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The site, northeast of High Point Road and east of Woodway Drive near the North Carolina Leadership Academy, was previously part of a 2005 planned residential district that allowed about 450 homes. The new plan scales that back to 280 total units — 236 single-family houses and 44 townhomes — for an overall density of under three units per acre.

Abbott’s Forest calls for a mix of one- and two-story home designs and community amenities such as a pool, clubhouse, playground, dog park, and walking trail. About 43 acres, or nearly half the property, will remain as open space.

Town staff said the project aligns with Kernersville’s broader land-use plan, which encourages medium-density housing in that area. The town’s planning board previously recommended approval. 

During the public hearing, Sarah Jane Sabanis — an alderman-elect who finished second out of eight candidates in the municipal elections held just two days earlier — spoke in opposition, citing past violations in other states by Mungo Homes’ parent company, Clayton Properties Group. 

She further warned that the site’s five proposed wet ponds may do little to slow stormwater runoff and could negatively affect the watershed during heavy rains. 

While she agreed with the town’s stated need for housing, Sabanis also questioned the location of the development — specifically its proximity to agricultural and single-family residential areas.

“We need to be strategic in our development, and I vehemently oppose this project,” she said.

In his rebuttal, Jason Ewing of Mungo Homes defended the record of the company’s Triad division, stating that there were no violations or enforcements in local projects. Engineer Tyler Cross addressed Sabanis’ concerns about the wet ponds, acknowledging that they are not designed to reduce total water volume but citing their ability to filter out sediment and nutrients, releasing water gradually to prevent flooding downstream.

“We will meet or exceed all state and local watershed requirements,” he assured the board. 

Aldermen questioned the developer about issues like driveway spacing, emergency access, and the project’s impact on town services and schools. Town Manager Curtis Swisher said the town anticipates adding a sanitation route and several police officers in coming years as development continues in the Union Cross area, but that this project poses no immediate burden on town resources. 

Alderman Bill Apple moved to approve both the land-use and rezoning measures, and Alderman Chris Thompson seconded. Alderman John Barrow opposed both motions and Alderman J.R. Gorham was not in attendance.

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