New Hanover County commissioners gave unanimous approval Monday to a much-debated set of zoning code changes setting rules for industrial special-use permits.
News & Features
Bald Head Island Seeks to Mine Shoals Sand
Bald Head Island has applied for a permit to mine sand for beach re-nourishment from a federally protected area of Frying Pan Shoals.
Legislators Eye Beach Sand Funding, Rules
State lawmakers are considering ideas for ways to pay for beach re-nourishment and proposing relaxed standards for offshore sources of sand and the placement of sandbag walls.
Work Continues on Rich Inlet Biological Study
Figure Eight Island property owners last year voted down a plan for a terminal groin at Rich Inlet, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientists are still working on an environmental study for the project.
One of Two Plans for Park Shows Boat Ramp
A design firm has presented two development plans for 290 acres of newly acquired land at Hammocks Beach State Park, one set with and one without a controversial boat launch area.
Can Privatization Save Mattamuskeet Lodge?
The Wildlife Resources Commission has recommended turning over the languishing Lake Mattamuskeet Lodge to a private company to develop into a hotel or restaurant.
Topsail Beach’s Request for Sand Site Stalled
The Corps will not seek an exception to federal restrictions in order to designate an area of Banks Channel as a sand source for Topsail Beach re-nourishment projects, but town officials aren’t giving up the idea entirely.
Myers: Modernize Endangered Species Act
State wildlife director Gordon Myers testified before a Senate committee Wednesday, saying states need more flexibility, authority in enforcing the Endangered Species Act.
Military to Resume Cleanup of Wood Island
Military officials are set to begin this month another cleanup of potentially explosive material from Wood Island, a former bombing target just off Emerald Isle in Bogue Sound.
Court Halts Cooper’s Cabinet Confirmations
A three-judge panel on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Legislature’s confirmation process for Gov. Roy Cooper’s cabinet appointees.
Groups, Planners Agree on SUP Zoning Rules
Business groups, residents and environmental advocates say they support a compromise New Hanover County planners have reached on proposed zoning permit rules for industry.
North Topsail Looks to Fast-Track Groin Study
A firm in contention to conduct the environmental study for North Topsail Beach’s proposed hybrid terminal groin/jetty project plans to use data from a previous study to fast-track the process and save money.
Marine Debris Cleanup Effort Expanded
An annual project that puts commercial fishermen to work ridding northeastern North Carolina waterways of derelict fishing gear expanded this year to include the state’s entire coast.
Area Residents Wary of Airlie Road Projects
Airlie Road is a state-designated scenic byway that’s a familiar and historic part of the Wilmington landscape, but many fear a proposed residential development and other changes in the works will destroy the character of the area.
Oil: Keeping Atlantic Ban Meets Climate Goals
Any future oil drilling in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, which Obama placed off limits during his final days in office, could push global warming to 4 degrees or beyond, says a recent report.
UNC Collaboratory Set to Begin Research
Studies on oyster farming and hurricane resiliency are among first batch of research projects the new North Carolina Public Policy Collaboratory at UNC-Chapel Hill is set to begin.
