Ana Risano

A historic photo of downtown Aberdeen. The PPG is a local historic preservation advocacy and education nonprofit. The new award program will feature two categories: residential and commercial.

Michael Parker addresses members of the Cameron Board of Commissioners while discussing the future land use plan he helped draft. That plan was approved by the board unanimously. ANA RISANO / The Pilot

Applicants Johnny Harris and Pete Mace with their plan to develop a subdivision at the corner of Atkins Road and N.C. 24-27 in Cameron. The property is proposed for 17 lots. ANA RISANO / The Pilot

Downtown Planner Lindy Lamielle speaks with the Board of Commissioners about the social district, providing answers to questions asked at the board’s public hearing in November. ANA RISANO / The Pilot

Project Santa Earl Wright waves to the crowd at the Southern Pines Christmas Parade on Saturday Dec., 7, 2024. Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot

An updated rendering of the front of the building, which would face Bennett Street. The plan calls for about 40 single-family apartments and just over 9,000 square feet of retail, restaurant or office space on the ground floor. COURTESY OF SOUTHERN PINES

With skateboards, rollerblades and scooters at the ready, close to 100 people gathered Friday for the official opening of the Elaine T. Baillie skatepark in Southern Pines.

Another development phase in Morganton Park South has cleared the Southern Pines Town Council with the approval for a Whataburger.

File photo. On page 131 of the bill, it includes several paragraphs that change the definition of “down-zoning,"which describes decreasing the development density of a property or the permitted uses on a property. The change prohibits local governments from initiating a down-zoning amendment to its codes.

Southern Pines’ growth shows no signs of slowing down in the new year, with the town council expected to review several significant projects in the coming months.