The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen has refused to accept the lone contract proposal offered so far to repair the sandbag wall built to protect beachfront homes and condos from erosion.
News & Features
Hyde County Adopts Derelict Vessel Rule
Hyde this week became the fourth coastal N.C. county to approve an ordinance addressing the problem of abandoned vessels in public waters, the county’s first step that applies only to Ocracoke’s harbor.
Little Support for Ferry Route Cuts, Fare Hikes
Recommendations for cutting state ferry runs and increasing fares ran aground last week during a legislative committee meeting, but legislators appeared more supportive of proposed partnerships for passenger ferries.
Public to Get First Look at New Hanover UDO
The first of a three-phase project modernizing the county’s unified development ordinance is set to be unveiled Thursday during the New Hanover County Planning Board’s meeting.
Ocracoke Readies For Trams, Passenger Ferry
With a funding commitment from the state for trams on Ocracoke village, Hyde County officials are readying for the state’s first high-speed passenger ferry that will shuttle visitors between the island and Hatteras.
Water Transfer Part of Pender’s Growth Plan
Environmental groups support Pender County’s request to transfer up to 14.5 million gallons of drinking water per day from the Cape Fear to three smaller river basins to meet increasing demand.
Best Bet For Healthy Gardens: Go Native
Spring’s arrival means planting season for home gardeners, and though the options are endless, native plant species are the best choice for success and a healthy ecosystem.
Sturgeon City Expansion Marks New Phase
Sturgeon City, the former Jacksonville wastewater treatment plant repurposed as an environmental educational center, looks to expand its community outreach with the construction of a $3.2 million building for classes, conferences and weddings.
Minke Whale Researchers To Return Home
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Duke University Marine Lab, Stanford University and the University of California-Santa Cruz researchers are wrapping up a seven-week expedition to study minke whales around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Dune Protection Fight Put On Hold … Again
A state appeals court has upheld the judge’s ruling that dismissed a challenge to Topsail Beach’s repeal of its longstanding dune protection ordinance, shifting the fight back to the local level.
Conflicts Could Curb Aquaculture’s Growth
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Steve Murphey, speaking last week to a legislative committee on agricultural, natural and economic resources, said shellfish aquaculture is gaining momentum but facing challenges.
Board Rejects Rezoning of Conserved Land
The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen recently upheld the town’s nearly decade-old rule that prohibits rezoning of land in its conservation district.
DEQ’s Regan Meets With Coastal Officials
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan met this week with elected officials in the region to discuss risks to the state’s coastal economy and environment from offshore drilling and seismic testing.
Nine of 74 Lost Shipping Containers Spotted
Of the 74 steel cargo containers that fell off a cargo ship near Oregon Inlet during a nor’easter this past weekend the Coast Guard had spotted only nine by Wednesday, and none had been recovered.
N. Topsail Board Hears Terminal Groin Plan
A design firm presented its preliminary preferred alternative to aldermen in erosion-prone North Topsail Beach last week, suggesting application for federal and state permits to build a 2,000-foot terminal groin.
Offensive Fence Gone at Carolina Beach Park
A fence deemed illegal and a hazard that private property owners placed at Freeman Park in Carolina Beach has been removed and the town has put up a new fence at the popular vehicle and camping beach.
