City of Shelby approves special permit for senior apartments; road closure updates given

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Shelby City Council meeting, April 6, 2026. | Screen grab from City of Shelby video feed

A new multi-family senior living complex had a special use permit approved Monday night during the city council meeting. The location of the future development is on E. Grover, in the bend, almost across the street somewhat from the Wyke Road intersection.

A public hearing was held where Director of planning for the City of Shelby, Brian Burgess presented the information, followed by public comments by a representative of the developer, WDT Development LLC, Stephen Drake, spoke on the matter.

The hearing was called for approval of a resolution granting a special use permit to WDT Development LLC, at 801 E. Grover Street: Resolution No. 20-2026.

The senior multi-family complex will house 84 units and sit on approximately four acres, located at 801 E Grover St., Shelby.  

(Continued below map of location)

The area for the development of the senior multi-family living complex shown in yellow. | Courtesy of agenda packet

A special use permit (SUP) in North Carolina is a zoning tool allowing specific land uses that are generally compatible with a district but require individual review to ensure they do not negatively affect neighboring properties. These permits are handled via a quasi-judicial process, requiring applicants to meet specific, predetermined, and legally defined conditions.

During the city council meeting, it was noted that everything was in order, and staff recommended approval, however, a traffic study was not conducted, but Drake, representing the developer stated that with senior living, traffic is not impacted as much. He said seniors typically don’t travel during peak hours and the volume of traffic will not affect the area.

The planned development passed all considerations to the welfare of the public. The requested permit is within planning and zoning jurisdiction according to the official zoning map; the application was complete, the proposed plan does not endanger the public health or safety; nor will substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property. Also, the building will be in conformance with the area, and it does not conflict with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan or other plans officially adopted by the City Council.

Council member Violet Arth spoke positively on the senior development, stating, “I think based upon the studies done about the need for affordable and senior housing needed in our area, it does fit in with what we need; and the space is good…. It will be a good addition to the area.”

(City Council meeting continued below...)

Council Member Andrew Hopper made the motion to adopt the resolution, in full, with Shelby City council voting unanimously, 5-0 in approval.

In other city updates, City of Shelby Manager Justin Merritt gave an update on the 24-inch water line being installed on E. Graham Street. The project will move into phase 3, moving street closure upwards for four to five weeks at the Kings Road intersection area. This will close the road up the hill to Beaumonde Ave. Detour routes will be clearly marked.

“This is the last phase of significant road closures,” said Merritt. “We may have some spot closures, here and there, along the route, but this is the last section of road closures, so I know that will be a relief for everyone.”

A map of the area of E. Graham Street, Shelby, affected by the water line construction, closed to traffic. | courtesy of Apple Maps.

The next public City of Shelby Council meeting will be held on April 20, 2026 in chambers.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

The Shelby Independent.