Moore Blocks StreetLights Development in Mount Holly

Mount Holly Mayor David Moore voted against the StreetLights Residential development proposal Monday, breaking a 3-3 tie among council members.

Moore said he expected a project update, not a final vote. He cited the compressed timeline for review: city staff provided updated agreement drafts Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon, and made additional revisions Monday morning.

"Given the ongoing changes and the limited time available for full review and consideration of all implications, I did not feel it was appropriate to take final action at that meeting," Moore wrote in a statement.

Moore flagged several issues for further discussion: a potential right of first refusal for the city, more flexibility during the due diligence period, and expanded options for park and public space components. He also raised concerns about the project's density and the number of rental units proposed for downtown.

"This property represents a significant and highly visible part of our city," Moore wrote. "This wasn't about stopping progress or turning our backs on growth. Mount Holly is growing, and it will keep growing. The question is how."

Moore said he remains committed to working with council, stakeholders, and the public on the project's next steps.