Williamson Tract History & Development

This page provides information on the history and future development updates for the Williamson Tract, a 3,322 acre parcel of land located on the mainland, just West of E.F. Middleton Blvd.

Williamson Tract Location Image

The information provided on this page will be updated as progress on future development occurs. For questions or concerns related to the information presented on this page, please select the Administration category on the Contact Form at OakIslandNC.gov/CONTACT or click the link below.

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Click the tabs below for more information on the development history and future development updates.  

Development History

2009

On April 16, 2009, the Oak Island Planning Board received and reviewed a Planned Unit Development & General Use Plan (PUD / GUP) including a Project Narrative ("Master Plan") regarding the Williamson Tract that proposed developed as a mixed use community containing commercial, town center, residential, civic, school, wetland preserves, upland preserve and primary roadways.

On May 12, 2009, the Town Council approved the Master Plan, and a Development Agreement was signed on July 29, 2009.

Click the links below for additional information:

2022

On March 8, 2022 the Town Council held a Public Hearing to receive citizens' comments on a proposed rezoning and Phased Development Vesting Plan for the Williamson Tract. What was brought forward was a request for rezoning, along with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) concept plan. The rezoning was approved with conditions.

The concept plan provided a framework for how that site would be developed, and identified certain areas for residential use, commercial use, retail use, etc. The proposal was for 7,500 units at a density of 2.34 dwelling units an acre, which was well within the Town’s Land Use Plan recommendation of a density of 4.0 units per acre on the mainland. Water and sewer service would be provided by Brunswick County, and a traffic impact analysis would be required by NCDOT.

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2026

On June 10, 2026 the Town Council heard a presentation from Rock Tower Partners, on their planned interest in the development of the Williamson Tract. This was an initial introduction, and no formal plans, proposals, or agreements submitted for consideration. 

Click the links below for more information:

NOTE: All further information will be posted in the Development Updates tab listed below on this page.

Development Updates

On June 10, 2026 the Town Council heard a presentation from Rock Tower Partners, on their planned interest in the development of the Williamson Tract. This was an initial introduction, and no formal plans, proposals, or agreements submitted for consideration. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PRESENTATION.


About This Page

During the June 10, 2026 Regular Meeting, the Town Council heard an initial presentation from Rock Tower Partners, on their planned interest in the Williamson Tract.

As noted by Mayor Chris Brown, this was a "very general presentation" as no specific revisions to the 2022 development plans had been presented as of this meeting. However, as also noted by Mayor Brown, the Town Council and Town Administrative staff are fully aware of the immense, transformative potential such a development would have for the entire Town. Mayor Brown made the commitment to "keep the lines of communications open" moving forward.

This page, and the information it will provide, is the first step in fulfilling that commitment, and will serve as the official source of communication from the Town of Oak Island regarding the Williamson Tract development. Please be sure to use this page to verify ANY claims seen on other websites or social media pages, and reach out to the Town if you have any questions or concerns.

PLEASE NOTE: This page is provided by the Town of Oak Island as a courtesy to residents and property owners, to provide transparency in the decision-making process of Town leadership for a major Town development. This page is NOT intended to represent the interests of, or provide direct updates from, any private developer, contractor, community organization, civic group, or individual.