Midtown Wilmington has changed a lot since Barclay West was first planned more than a decade ago. The area around Independence Boulevard and The Pointe is now one of the city’s busiest mixed-use hubs, and the last undeveloped slice of that master plan is the subject of a rezoning debate at City Hall. If you own a home in midtown, are shopping for a place close to the center of town, or simply want to understand where Wilmington’s housing policy is heading, this one is worth following.
According to Port City Daily (October 21, 2026) and the StarNews (October 27, 2026), Wilmington City Council voted unanimously on October 20 to continue the request until November 17 so the developer can weigh council’s push for workforce housing. Here’s what’s on the table and what it could mean for you.
What Is Being Requested at Barclay West?
Cameron Properties Land Company has asked the city to rezone 12.26 acres at 2225 Stonecrop Drive and 1124 Gallery Park Boulevard to remove a residential density cap that dates back to the original 2013 approval. Port City Daily reports that lifting the cap would allow about 208 homes on the remaining land, compared with 44 under the current limit.
City staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, finding the request consistent with Wilmington’s comprehensive plan and a reasonable fit for infill near shopping, jobs, and services. The applicant’s attorney also pointed to the significant growth in tax revenue the Barclay area has produced since it was first developed.
Why council hit pause
Council members generally agreed that more housing makes sense at this location. Their sticking point was affordability. Several members said they wanted a firm commitment to workforce housing before removing the cap, and one member renewed a call for 10% of the new units to be set aside. Port City Daily notes that workforce housing usually means homes for households earning 60% to 120% of area median income.
The developer’s side said it couldn’t commit to a specific number without a finished site plan, and asked for more time to talk with the property owners. That’s why the hearing moved to November 17.
What This Means for Midtown Homeowners
If you already own a home near Barclay, Independence Boulevard, or Shipyard Boulevard, a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- More neighbors, more activity. Whether the cap is lifted or not, this land is expected to be developed. A higher-density plan would bring more residents to an area that already has shopping, dining, and entertainment within walking distance.
- Traffic questions. The applicant told council that surrounding roads currently operate well. Even so, if you commute through midtown, it’s smart to watch how the final plan handles access.
- Neighborhood demand. Infill near amenities tends to reinforce an area’s appeal. We’d be careful about predicting any direct effect on individual home values, but a busy, well-served midtown is generally a selling point.
What It Means for Buyers and Renters
Wilmington’s housing conversation keeps coming back to the same issue: there aren’t enough homes that working households can afford close to where they work. Council’s stance on Barclay West shows it’s willing to use the leverage it has in rezoning decisions to push for more of those homes.
That fits a broader pattern this month. The city announced on October 7, 2026 a pilot program offering eligible city residents up to $2,000 toward a security deposit and first month’s rent, and the StarNews reported on October 9, 2026 that council approved more than $37 million in reissued housing bonds for the Starway Village affordable housing development.
For buyers, especially first-time buyers, midtown remains one of the more practical parts of the city: central, close to UNCW and major employers, and a reasonable drive to Wrightsville Beach and downtown. New rental supply over time can also give future buyers a way to live in the area while they save toward a purchase.
What Sellers Should Know
If you’re selling in midtown, buyers may ask about nearby construction. It helps to be ready with a simple, accurate answer: the remaining Barclay West land is planned for development, and the city is still deciding how many homes it can hold. Point buyers to the city’s public meeting records rather than guessing, and highlight what already makes the area attractive, including its walkability to shops and restaurants.
How to Follow the Decision
The continued public hearing is scheduled for Wilmington City Council’s November 17, 2026 meeting. Agendas and meeting video are posted on the City of Wilmington’s website, and residents can speak during public hearings. If you live nearby, that’s the best way to make your voice heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Barclay West property?
The request covers 12.26 acres at 2225 Stonecrop Drive and 1124 Gallery Park Boulevard in midtown Wilmington, part of the larger Barclay development near Independence Boulevard.
Has the rezoning been approved?
No. As of October 20, 2026, council continued the request to its November 17, 2026 meeting.
What counts as workforce housing?
It generally refers to homes for households earning roughly 60% to 120% of area median income, such as teachers, first responders, and healthcare workers.
Will this affect my property taxes?
A single rezoning doesn’t change your tax rate. Property taxes depend on county assessments and the tax rates set by the city and New Hanover County.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Midtown Wilmington?
Whether you’re weighing a move to midtown, selling a home near Barclay, or trying to make sense of how new development could affect your plans, our local team is happy to help. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and let’s talk through what’s right for you.
