01/28/2025
Exciting news from the town of Carolina Beach, this deal will usher in the next 100 years of the greatest little beach town in the south!
It has been a longtime dream of mine and other residents for the Town of Carolina Beach to own the main entrance area to our nationally ranked boardwalk on Cape Fear Boulevard. Several years ago, at a council meeting, we spoke in favor of a land swap for boardwalk property. At the time, council did not see it the same way as we did. Fast forward to 2025, a mediation agreement was reached giving our town the opportunity to purchase the 3 parcels behind our boardwalk stage as well as 4 parking lot parcels and 2 vacant parcels located behind Hurricane Alley's. The purchase of these 9 parcels will preserve the open space and benefit our residents, boardwalk business owners and visitors for future generations.
The price tag is $15M subject to following conditions:
1) The parcels must appraise for $15M or more.
2) Formal Approval of Town Council (approved 5-0)
3) Approval by the North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC)
How will be pay for it? A combination of parking revenue, grants, room occupancy tax and a loan. Is $15M scary? Hell yes, it is scary. However, this purchase is vital to preserve our skyline and access to our beautiful boardwalk. We have 11 months to pursue many options to facilitate the purchase that will put the Town of Carolina Beach in the drivers seat moving forward.
What happens the Summer Season of 2025:
1) The rides will be here
2) Wednesday Flamingo Bingo
3) Thursday Music/Fireworks
4) The Beach Music Festival (extended to a 2 day event w/Reggae on Sunday)
5) Many Centennial activities
And yes, restroom construction for 8 months. We are currently working on the inconveniences and disruptions as well as projected timeline.
Moving forward after 2025, the sky is the limit! Please stay tuned for workshop and input sessions!!
Once the Mediated Settlement Agreement is available electronically, I will share the link. As always, my door is always open.
