Guest Commentary

To stimulate discussion and debate, Coastal Review welcomes differing viewpoints on topical coastal issues.

I am writing on behalf of the Town of Ocean Isle Beach regarding the September 30 article, “Sand is vanishing on east side of Ocean Isle’s $11M erosion fix.” While we appreciate Coastal Review’s coverage of coastal management issues, the article does not provide full context and leaves readers with an incomplete understanding of the facts.

The terminal groin project was subject to a lengthy, transparent public process:

• Initial scoping meeting: October 3, 2012
• Project Review Team Initial Meeting: March 5, 2013
• Draft Environmental Impact Statement: March 3, 2015
• Terminal groin public workshop (3 West Third Street): April 4, 2015
• Final Environmental Impact Statement: April 15, 2015
• CAMA Permit Issued: November 2016
• Groin Construction began: November 2021

The development known as The Point followed a separate timeline. The developer first appeared before the Planning Board in June 2015, after the above meetings had taken place. He purchased the property in September 2015. In October 2016, the Board of Commissioners issued preliminary plat approval. After a period of stalled activity, the Major CAMA Permit for The Point was issued on June 18, 2018. The developer then submitted a new sketch plan in December 2019, and final subdivision approval was granted in 2022.

Related: Sand is vanishing on east side of Ocean Isle’s $11M erosion fix

All this information was publicly available prior to development of this area. By omitting these facts, the article gives the impression that property owners were unaware of the project, when the Town followed a thorough and publicly documented process in full compliance with state and federal requirements.

Ocean Isle Beach values Coastal Review’s role in informing the public about coastal issues, and we respectfully request that future reporting includes the full timeline, so readers have a complete understanding of both the Town’s due diligence and the developers’ decision-making process.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,

Debbie S. Smith, Mayor
Town of Ocean Isle Beach

Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of Coastal Review or our publisher, the North Carolina Coastal Federation.