WILMINGTON — Work is beginning on a new 113-lot housing division on the site of the former drive-in theater.

Wilmington Safety/Service Director Brian Shidaker told the News Journal that contractor Kelchner Construction is currently clearing trees and brush from the area where the housing division is planned on North Lincoln Street.

Shidaker said Kelchner will begin installing the sanitary sewer system today. He advised this process will take four to six weeks.

“Afterward, they will proceed with water, storm sewer, and curb installation, with the goal of finishing all these tasks by the end of November. It’s uncertain whether they will be able to lay intermediate asphalt this year,” he said.

He added that this work pertains to section one of the project. Section two, slated to begin next year, will involve the removal of the movie screen, the building, and entrance.

In April, the Wilmington City Council approved the preliminary planning unit development (PUD) and the amendment of the zoning map of the area. DDC Management LLC was the planner of the PUD.

The 28.6 acres will go from being zoned as a suburban neighborhood to a traditional neighborhood.

According to the city, a suburban neighborhood “is to provide for appropriate areas … for primarily single-family residential dwelling units in a suburban neighborhood setting. Some public/institutional uses are allowed on a conditional basis, such as schools, churches/places of worship, parks, and other similar uses.”

The approved ordinance indicates the PUD (also called the Creekview Planned Unit Development) “provides 113 lots for single-family homes, with 41-foot minimum frontage and 4,000-square-foot minimum lot area.”

Locals and officials have expressed both support and concerns about the (PUD) at previous council meetings. Those in favor advised a need for housing in the area.

Among the concerns expressed included the buildings being too close to one another, making it a potential safety violation, the impact it might have on other properties in the city, and the longevity of the development.

Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574