News & Notes
November 2008Carolina Beach Town Council – September 9 (next meeting October 14)
SKATE COMPETITION – A skateboarding competition was approved for October 18 at the skate park in Mike Chappell Park. It’s part of a three competition series including the Greenfield Park (Wilmington) skate park and the Skate Barn in Hampstead.
HARBORMASTERS EXPANSION – The Town Council approved a Conditional Use Permit modification allowing the Harbormasters Restaurant to add an additional 117 seats. The restaurant will also be allowed to add a portable tiki bar to their outdoor seating area.
MORE ON RESTAURANTS – The Town Council has ruled that restaurants are “permitted by right,” meaning that a prospective restaurant owner doesn’t need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the council. As long as the proposed restaurant meets the standards listed in the zoning ordinance the town staff can write the permit. Bars/taverns and other specific eating/drinking uses will still require a CUP. The Zoning Ordinance was also amended to create specific parking standards for eating/drinking establishments.
HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS – The Town Zoning Ordinance was changed allow parts of hotels to extend 10’ past the height limit of 125’. Parapets, elevator machine rooms, equipment and flag poles are a few examples of things that can be higher than 125’.
BEACH CANOPIES – The Town Council is considering an ordinance to prevent people from leaving canopy tents on the beach overnight.
GOLF CARTS – The town is working on language for an ordinance that would allow golf carts on town roads. Current state law allows for “street legal” golf carts to drive on all roads, but these carts are considerably more expensive than regular golf carts. Only street legal carts will be allowed on US 421 (Lake Park Blvd., Fort Fisher Blvd.)
Kure Beach Town Council –September 16 (next meeting October 21)OCEANFRONT PARK – The town has asked some local designers and university students to work on some preliminary designs.
THE PLEASURE ISLAND GREENWAY – While the Town Council has not taken an official stance on the proposed bike path (see article on page 11), the consensus is that the fire break is not the place for it.
BATHROOMS AT JOE EAKES PARK – The Town Council has asked the Shoreline
Access and Parking Committee to examine possible cost, design and location of permanent restrooms at Joe Eakes Park.
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners – September 2 (next meeting October 7 & 20)
CFCC BOND REFERENDUM – The County Commissioners voted unanimously to put a $164 million bond referendum on the November 2 ballot. The money would be used to expand Cape Fear Community College at its downtown and Blue Clay Road campuses.
The Tourists Were Here – They Were Just Hidden Well
Back in the spring, local businesses were jittery, but hopeful. Gas prices were climbing and economic uncertainty was, well, a certainty. But people wouldn’t skip their summer vacation, would they? We say they did not—but many left their wallets at home.
After a promising month of May, the rest of the summer was a disappointment for local hotels and businesses.
A quick look at tax revenues tells the story. Every hotel, motel and rental property must charge a 6% Room Occupancy Tax (ROT). Since 2003 these revenues have increased by roughly 10% every year. This year saw summer decreases for the first time since the tax was implemented.2008 vs. 2007 (This chart shows the gain or loss in ROT revenue compared to last year.)
NHC
+3.04% +3%
-5.83% +11%
-1.73% +33%
-1.12% +12%KB
+14.83%
-4.77%
+0.69%
+8.54%CB
+11.05%
-5.73%
-5.57%
-0.04%
Intracoastal
+3%
+11%
+33%
+12%
Month
May
June
July
August
“This is the most off year we’ve had in the 14 years we’ve been here,” said David Tripp, owner of the Kure Keys Motel in Kure Beach.
Tripp estimates that their occupancy was 20% lower than previous years with the average length of stay being down 30–40% His sentiments were echoed by all of the hotel owners we spoke with.
“I think we saw more day trippers and shorter stays, because the beaches were still packed,” said Gail McCloskey, Executive Director of the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce.
“The beaches were packed.” We heard versions of this statement from everyone we talked to, from fisherman to restaurateurs to lifeguards. If the hotels were doing terribly and the businesses were slow, then who were all these people packing the beaches? Where were they staying? In their cars? No silly, in condos.
Sherry Kent Shaw, of Intracoastal Realty, was one of a number of property managers that reported better occupancy rates than last year. Now let’s go back to the chart. It compares Intracoastal’s improvement to the overall ROT revenue decline.
It all makes sense. ROT revenues weren’t down that much from last year. It appears that the hotels were performing poorly because people were choosing to stay in condos and cottages—where they could cook their own meals and stay in for movie nights.
Of course, this is just the SCM theory. We’re not economists or tourism experts, and at least one restaurant— Granny’s Country Kitchen—reported a strong summer.
“We were busier this year than last,” said owner Amanda Sez. “And according to our guest book, much of the increased trade came from North Carolina visitors.”
The Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar also reported the best summer yet, so maybe the Wilmingtonians have converted to Pleasure Island after all. And the overnighters? Well, they were staying in condos, no doubt.
Yes, a Movie Theater may Come to Monkey JunctionDeveloper, Atlantis Holdings, recently re-submitted plans to move forward with the Belle Meade Center on Carolina Beach Road just a mile north of Monkey Junction.
The latest phase of the development is commercial and will include a 14-screen movie theater, with parking and space for small businesses, specialized shops and boutiques. Owner and developer, Matt DiGioia said, “Super-Wal-Mart is not the answer to everything.”
Information meetings, held in October to discuss the proposal, were open to the public. The biggest difference between this proposal and a former proposal submitted (then withdrawn) in 2004 is a change in the site plan, and the inclusion of theatre operator, Herman Stone. The new plan expands the site by four and one half acres to spread the square footage over a larger area and now also includes the road connection with St. Andrews, traffic signals and a more developed infrastructure.
DiGioia said that the $60 million construction project will create both short and long-term employment for the area and that recent traffic studies have shown there should not be any adverse effects on local neighborhoods. He added, “Actually, the theater operating hours should help balance the traffic flow throughout the day.”
DiGioia quoted one of the attendees as saying, “No-one can say that they didn’t know it was coming.” Although he appreciates change is always difficult to accept, commercial development has been intended for this area for a long time.
Tony Silvagni Takes On the World
The only east coast surfer competing for the Oxbow World Longboard Championship this year is Kure Beach’s Tony Silvagni. He’ll surf in San Onofre, California this November 5-9. If he performs well (and we know he will), he’ll qualify for the main event with the other 47 top longboarders in the world. In 2007 Tony was 30 seconds from advancing to the finals at the World Championship in France when a fellow American squeaked past him with one last ride. This year he hopes to take the next step.
Tony is currently ranked as the #1 longboarder in the United States by the Association of Surf Professionals.
What does a professional surfer do in between heats? In Tony’s case he’ll be studying. He’s enrolled at UNCW and will be emailing his homework back to his professors.
You can follow the results of the contest by going to www.oxbowpro.com
Deer Hunting on Pleasure Island?The Kure Beach Town Council is discussing ways to protect itself from a cute, but problematic pest. Deer are becoming overpopulated, causing accidents by wandering across Dow Road and upsetting locals by rambling through neighborhoods to snack on rose bushes.
Kure Beach Mayor, Mac Montgomery said, “Folks can compare it with being in Golden Corral – the deer are just looking across the road at an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord.”
Although, the problem is not really the responsibility of Kure Beach Town Council, it held a meeting in early September to seek advice from Town Administrator Michelle James, Wildlife Biologist Robert Norville, and Sunny Point Environmental Director, Richard Lockwood, in order to address the concerns raised by residents.
They discussed the following options: opening the land for public hunting, hiring professional hunters, educating the public about the consequences of feeding the deer, introducing mountain lions to the island (just kidding) or building an eight-foot high fence along the Sunny Point boundary (not kidding).
The cost of hiring professional hunters can amount to $1,000 per deer and Mayor Montgomery was quick to add that this cost would not come from Kure Beach; the funds would have to come from somewhere else.
Public hunting was the most cost-effective solution but the deadline for this year had already passed to designate the area as game land. The use of firearms was shunned by the Town and bow-hunting was recommended.
Who knows, we may soon be enjoying venison burgers at the Old Pier House.
The 14th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival Returns
This film festival draws visitors from around the world for a long weekend of creative exploration of film-making. The 14th annual Cucalorus Film Festival showcases over 145 documentaries, features and shorts from Wednesday, November 12 – Saturday, November 15.
According to Lou Buttino, Chair, Department of Film Studies at University of North Carolina Wilmington, over 10,000 people attended the festival last year. “The festival showcases an amazing array of films and ideas that people should experience.”
If you like independent films, this is your chance. Cucalorus is gaining notoriety each and every year and the weekend goes fast. Get to Jengo’s playhouse to see some of these films. It is a unique intimate setting, perfect for this festival!
For schedules, venues and information on screening and festival passes, visit www.cucalorus.org or call (910) 962-3841.
Boat Slips in Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach’s Harbor Commission has set the ball rolling for one of the elements of the 2008 Carolina Beach Town Master Plan. The Master Plan determined that there were insufficient access points for visiting boaters to moor up and make use of the town’s facilities, so the town has applied to the “BIG-P” Boating Infrastructure Grant Program for money to install ten transient moorings and a dinghy dock in Myrtle Grove Sound.
The grant application for a total of $50,000 was filed at the end of September with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and, according to Town Planner Ed Parvin a result is expected by the end of the year. The town will have to match the grant with $12,500 of their own to fund the trial program.
The proposed moorings will consist of marked, anchored buoys on the west side of the yacht basin mid-way between the marina and Snow’s Cut, each with a hook-up for only one recreation vessel (greater than 26 feet) and it is proposed that there will be a nominal charge for usage.
“We’re looking at around $10 a day,” said Parvin. “Visiting boaters will be able to pay for up to seven days.”
The proposed floating dinghy dock would be installed on the east side of the harbor at the end of Sandpiper Lane on Carolina Beach’s north end. Sandpiper Lane was a logical spot because it has a parking lot, beach access, public restrooms and the Kupboard Grocery store. The design should blend in with surrounding gazebos and floating docks already in existence.
Although details have not yet been worked out, the moorings will be monitored to prevent abuse. This could involve the new 21’ Century boat recently acquired by the Police department with funds from a Department of Homeland Security grant.
Meanwhile, the marina is also undergoing an upgrade. The town is adding transient slips for at least six boats and four or more dinghies. As you read this, the work is underway, with a finger pier and floating dock being built. The Winner family, which has rights to all of the slips on the southern end of the yacht basin, gave one up for the project. (They have right of first refusal if the town decides to lease the space again.) The slips should be ready by Jan 1. Beach Dogs Joins the Fun
Beach Dogs in CB...is open for business and serving high quality, hand pattied, 1/3 lb burgers, Nathan’s hot dogs and hand-cut fries.
Owner Bill Reaves spent all of his childhood vacations in Carolina Beach and he’s looking forward to helping future visitors create memories.
“We plan to have special events on a regular basis,” said Reaves. “Like a hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July and a wiener olympics this spring.”
Beach Dogs is open every day, so stop in and say hello. You can also call them at (910) 458-4623.
The Black Friday Weekend Surf Sale
The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the start of the shopping season and Island Kite & Surf is glad to be a part of it.
They have a sale all weekend to clear out their summer stock and kick start the Christmas season. Stop in for great deals on clothing, sunglasses, surf boards and pretty much everything they have. For more details give them a call at (910) 458-7005.
Anniversary Sale at Island Colors
One year ago, Island Colors caught the eye of local Carolina Beach residents, Gary and Sue Coleman. They loved the Fresh Produce Sportswear line so much that they purchased the business and moved it from Lake Park Boulevard to its current location near Food Lion at the Snows Cut Crossing Shopping Center.
In the year since taking on the business, the Colemans have continued to stock Fresh Produce Sportswear and have expanded their lines to include Caribbean Soul footwear by Jimmy Buffet, Sunny Side Up Sportswear, Sea Dog t-shirts, Me-Time t-shirts, Calypso, She-Shells jewelry and much more.
“We have a unique product line and a great, convenient location with easy parking,” said owner Gary Coleman.
To celebrate a successful year, Island Colors will have special savings around the store along with free mulled apple cider and cookies for the Holiday Walk on November 23. The sale hours are 12-4pm. Island Colors will also be giving away Starfish Christmas Ornaments for the first 20 customers with a $25 purchase in celebration of the Holiday Walk.
Island Colors will continue to celebrate their First Anniversary by having select merchandise marked down from 10-80% over the Thanksgiving weekend. Sale hours are November 28 from 9am–9pm, November 29 from 10am–8pm and November 30 from 12am–6pm. Call (910) 458-7736 for further information.
Top Off Your Tan for the Holiday Season at Beach Tan
Beach Tan is offering $5 off one-month unlimited tanning packages in November, and gift certificates are now available for the holiday season.
For your peace of mind, the beds are inspected annually and four different intensity tanning beds are available.
Beach Tan manager, Jennifer Kipar, said, “Ultra-violet light can be useful for many reasons: to increase production of vitamin D, to treat Psoriasis, to benefit aching bones, and to enhance mood.”
30-minute teeth whitening could also be just what you need to make your smile sparkle for that special occasion. Beach Tan offers the Shine White technique to brighten your pearly whites.
Located at 1401 N. Lake Park Boulevard by Food Lion at the Snows Cut Bridge, Beach Tan is open Monday through Friday, 8am– 8pm, Call (910) 458-4826 for more information.
New Dentist in TownWalker Franklin, DDS recently joined C. Clayton Walker III, DDS, Family Dentistry located in Monkey Junction near Golden Corral. Franklin moved here from Raleigh after his family relocated to the Wilmington area.
Franklin completed his undergraduate degree in business from NC State University and graduated from Dental School at UNC Chapel Hill earlier this year. Although this is his first job as a fully qualified dentist, he is keen to build on his experience within the well-established Walker Practice. “I’m enjoying building up a client base,” said Franklin.
Located at 4405 Junction Park Drive, Wilmington, office hours are from 8:30 am – 5 pm. Mon. through Thurs. Friday morning appointments are now available with Dr. Franklin.
For more information, see www.clatyonwalkerdentistry.com or call (910) 350-6944.
November 2008
