Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
BOC’s Regular Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting scheduled for April 16th was rescheduled to April 30th
Therefore, the 04 – Town Meeting newsletter post
will be updated on Sunday, May 5th
Lou’s Views
News & Views / April Edition
Calendar of Events –
Days at the Docks Festival
April 27th & 28th
Holden Beach
The annual festival which started in the 1980’s occurs in April or May and is sponsored by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association. It’s the Holden Beach way to kick-off the Spring and start the vacation season. In addition to the food and arts & crafts, enjoy live music & entertainment, a horseshoe tournament and the world famous “Bopple Race”. Lots of activities for the entire family!
For more information » click here
Strawberry & Wine Fest
April 28th
Sunset Beach
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The Strawberry and Wine Festival, hosted by the Old Bridge Preservation Society since 2014. There will be wines available from Silver Coast Winery with strawberries as the main fare of the day. It’s a day of wine, food, entertainment, and craft vendors.
For more information » click here
Blue Crab Festival
May 18th & 19th
Little River SC
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Little River has been celebrating the World Famous Blue Crab Festival since 1981. It is held on the waterfront in Little River and is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast. The purpose of this festival is one that supports and showcases the fabulous atmosphere of the local communities.
For more information » click here
Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.
Calendar of Events Island –
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups will temporarily be held at the Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge.
For more information » click here
Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here
Reminders –
THB Newsletter (03/30/24)
Paid Parking
Paid parking will be enforced starting April 1st in all Holden Beach designated parking areas. It will be enforced from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, with free parking before and after that time. All parking will use license plates for verification.
As a reminder, Holden Beach uses the “SurfCAST by Otto” parking solution. Annual passes are now available for purchase on the mobile app. You will also be able to purchase passes by scanning the QR-codes located on the parking signs for access to https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay.
Rates for the 2024 season are as follows:
$5 per hour for up to four hours
$20 per day and for any duration greater than four hours
$80 per week (seven consecutive days)
$175 per calendar year for a single vehicle (annual passes)
Handicap parking is free in designated handicap spaces and only with a valid license plate or hangtag.
Parking rates can be paid via credit card, debit card or PayPal.
Visit https://hbtownhall.com/paid-parking for more information and to view a table with authorized parking areas.
Pets on the Beach Strand
Pets – Chapter 90 / Animals / 90.20
From May 20th through September 10th it is unlawful to have any pet on the beach strand during the hours of 9:00am through 5:00pm.
Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, trash pickup will be twice a week.Starting the Saturday before Memorial Day through the Saturday after Labor Day: Pick-up is every Tuesday and Saturday from May 25th through September 30th
Please note:
. • Trash carts must be at the street by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup day
. • BAG the trash before putting it in the cart
. • Carts will be rolled back to the front of the house
GFL Refuse Collection Policy
GFL has recently notified all Brunswick County residents that they will no longer accept extra bags of refuse outside of the collection cart. This is not a new policy but is stricter enforcement of an existing policy. While in the past GFL drivers would at times make exceptions and take additional bags of refuse, the tremendous growth in housing within Brunswick County makes this practice cost prohibitive and causes drivers to fall behind schedule.
Solid Waste Pick-up Schedule –
starting the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 25th) twice a week
Recycling –
starting after Memorial Day (May 23rd) weekly pick-up
Curbside Recycling – 2024
GFL Environmental is now offering curbside recycling for Town properties that desire to participate in the service. The service cost per cart is $106.88 annually paid in advance to the Town of Holden Beach. The service consists of a ninety-six (96) gallon cart that is emptied every other week during the months of October – May and weekly during the months of June – September.
Curbside Recycling Application » click here
Curbside Recycling Calendar » click here
Trash Can Requirements – Rental Properties
GFL Environmental – trash can requirements
Ordinance 07-13, Section 50.08
Rental properties have specific number of trash cans based on number of bedrooms.
* One extra trash can per every 2 bedrooms
..
§ 50.08 RENTAL HOMES.
(A) Rental homes, as defined in Chapter 157, that are rented as part of the summer rental season, are subject to high numbers of guests, resulting in abnormally large volumes of trash. This type of occupancy use presents a significantly higher impact than homes not used for summer rentals. In interest of public health and sanitation and environmental concerns, all rental home shall have a minimum of one trash can per two bedrooms. Homes with an odd number of bedrooms shall round up (for examples one to two bedrooms – one trash can; three to four bedrooms – two trash cans; five – six bedrooms – three trash cans, and the like).
Building Numbers
Ocean front homes are required to have house numbers visible from the beach strand.
Please call Planning and Inspections Department at 910.842.6080 with any questions.
§157.087 BUILDING NUMBERS.
(A) The correct street number shall be clearly visible from the street on all buildings. Numbers shall be block letters, not script, and of a color clearly in contrast with that of the building and shall be a minimum of six inches in height.
(B) Beach front buildings will also have clearly visible house numbers from the strand side meeting the above criteria on size, contrast, etc. Placement shall be on vertical column supporting deck(s) or deck roof on the primary structure. For buildings with a setback of over 300 feet from the first dune line, a vertical post shall be erected aside the walkway with house numbers affixed. In all cases the numbers must be clearly visible from the strand. Other placements may be acceptable with approval of the Building Inspector.
Yard Waste Service
Yard debris pick-up will be provided twice a month on the second and fourth Fridays during the months of March, April, and May. Please have yard waste placed at the street for pick-up on Thursday night. The first pickup of the season is on March 8th. No pick-ups will be made on vacant lots or construction sites.
Debris must be placed in a biodegradable bag or bundled in a length not to exceed five (5) feet and fifty (50) pounds. Each residence is allowed a total of ten (10) items, which can include a combination of bundles of brush and limbs meeting the required length and weight and/ or biodegradable bags with grass clippings, leaves, etc.
Bird Nesting Area
NC Wildlife Commission has posted signs that say – Bird Nesting Area / Please don’t disturb. The signs are posted on the west end beach strand around 1307 OBW.
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People and dogs are supposed to stay out of the area from April through November
. 1) It’s a Plover nesting area
. 2) Allows migrating birds a place to land and rest without being disturbed
Storm Events –
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners will be provided with four (4) decals which were included in their April water bills. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.
The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle.
Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations.
EVACUATION, CURFEW & DECALS
What is a State of Emergency?
A proclamation by the Town which enacts special ordinances and/or prohibitions during emergency situations to protect the public, public health and property. These prohibitions can include limitations on movement, curfews, directing of evacuations, controlling ingress and egress to the emergency area, alcoholic beverages, and more. State of Emergencies are issued in accordance with N.C.G.S. 166A-19.22.
What is a curfew?
A curfew is an order, typically during a State of Emergency, which requires all persons in the affected areas to remain on their own property. During a curfew, you are not free to move about public domain areas or on others’ property. Violations of a curfew could lead to arrest in certain situations.
What is a voluntary evacuation?
A voluntary evacuation creates a recommendation for all parties in the affected area to get their affairs in order hastily and evacuated.
What is a mandatory evacuation?
A mandatory evacuation means you must leave the area in which an order has been issued. With recent changes to the laws in North Carolina, you no longer have the option of staying in an area under an order of mandatory evacuation.
Why is the sewer system turned off during a storm/event?
Often the sewer system is turned off during storms which have the potential to create significant flooding on the island. The system is turned off to protect its integrity. If it were left on, it could pose a significant threat to the public health. When the system is manually shut down, it also greatly reduces the time needed to bring it back up after an event which equates to getting residents and guests back on the Island much faster.
Why is there a delay for decal holders to get back on the island once a storm ends?
After a storm, many things must occur before even limited access can be allowed. Some of those things include making sure the streets are passable; the sewer system must be restarted to comply with State laws; the utilities (water, sewer, electricity, propane supplies) must be checked to ensure no safety risk are present; and the post-storm damage assessment team needs to perform an initial assessment.
Where can I get up-to-date information during and after a storm or State of Emergency?
You can sign up for the Town email service by clicking here. The newsletter, along with the Town’s website will be the main sources of information during an emergency situation. Links to the Town’s official Facebook and Twitter pages can be found on the website. You can also download our app for Apple and Android phones by accessing the app store on your smart phone and searching Holden Beach.
Please refrain from calling Town Hall and Police Department phone lines with general information questions. These lines need to remain open for emergencies, storm management and post-storm mitigation. All updates concerning re-entry, general access, etc. may be found on the Town’s website and other media outlets.
Why do I see others moving about the island during a curfew?
If a curfew order is in place, you must stay on your own property. You may see many other vehicles moving about the Island. We often receive assistance from other local, state, federal and contract personnel during events. It is likely these are the personnel you are seeing, and they are involved in the mitigation process for the event. Please do not assume that a curfew order has been lifted and/or you are free to move about the island.
Can I check my friends’ property for them?
If a curfew order is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about the Island to check on others’ property is not allowed. is in place, you may ONLY travel to your personally owned property. Traveling about
Who can obtain decals?
Only property owners and businesses who service the island can obtain a decal.
How do I get decals for my vehicle…?
If I am an owner?
Decals will be mailed out in water bills to property owners before the season starts. Those owners who need additional decals can contact Town Hall. A fee may apply, please check the current fee schedule.
If I am a renter?
You must contact the owner of the property to obtain a decal.
If I am a business owner on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall to obtain a decal.
If I am a business owner off the Island that provides services on the Island?
You must contact Town Hall for eligibility and to obtain a decal.
When does my decal expire?
All decals expire on the last day of the calendar year as indicated on the decal.
Where do I put my decal on my car?
Decals must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items to include window tinting, other decals, etc. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle. Please note that re-entry will not be allowed if a current, intact decal is not affixed to the windshield as designated.
How do I replace a decal if I get a new vehicle?
If you trade a vehicle or otherwise need a replacement decal, you may obtain them from Town Hall during normal business hours. A fee may apply, check the current fee schedule.
Can I obtain a decal right before an emergency occurs?
While most of the storms we deal with are tropical in nature with some type of advanced warning, we do experience many other types of events that could create a State of Emergency without warning. All eligible parties should obtain decals as early as possible each year to avoid being denied access to the Island. Decals shall not be issued during the 24-hour period prior to an anticipated order of evacuation so staff can concentrate on properly preparing the Town for the storm/event.
Can I use a tax bill or another document for re-entry?
No. You MUST have a decal to re-enter the Island until it is open to the general public.
How does re-entry after a storm during a State of Emergency work?
The bridge is closed to all vehicle access, except for official vehicles. Once those with proper decals are allowed access, they must conform with the current rules in place by the specific State of Emergency Order. After all hazards have been rendered safe, the bridge will be opened to the general public. A curfew could remain in effect however, to ensure the safety and security of the Island and its residents and guests. Please understand this process typically takes days to evolve and could be significantly longer, depending on the amount of damage sustained. Please refrain from calling for times for re-entry, as those are often not set on schedule. Instead, stay tunes to local media outlets and official social media accounts for accurate updates.
How can I check on my property if access is limited to the Island?
Once it is safe, property owners with valid decals will be allowed back on the Island after a storm/event. At this point, you can travel to your property, in accordance with the rules of the specific State of Emergency Order currently in place.
If you live out of the area, please do not travel to the Island until you are certain you will be allowed access. Stay tuned to those media outlets and email services that are of official nature for this information. Also, be certain you have your current, valid decal properly affixed to your vehicle.
It is a good idea to be sure your contact information is current with the Town tax office as this is the location Town officials will use in the event you need to be contacted.
For more information » click here
NC General Statute 166A-19.22
Power of municipalities and counties to enact ordinances to deal with states of emergency.
Synopsis – The governing body may impose by declaration or enacted ordinance, prohibitions, and restrictions during a state of emergency. This includes the prohibition and restriction of movements of people in public places, including imposing a curfew; directing or compelling the voluntary or mandatory evacuation of all or part of the population, controlling ingress and egress of an emergency area, and providing for the closure of streets, roads, highways, bridges, public vehicular areas. All prohibitions and restrictions imposed by declaration or ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication of the declaration unless the declaration sets a later time. The prohibitions and restrictions shall expire when they are terminated by the official or entity that imposed them, or when the state of emergency terminates.
Violation – Any person who violates any provisions of an ordinance or a declaration enacted or declared pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Turtle Watch Program –
Turtle Watch Program – 2024
• The first nest of the 2024 season was on ???
• Average annual number of nests is 57
Members of the patrol started riding the beach every morning on May 1 and will do so through October looking for signs of turtle nests.
For more information » click here
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Dates set for summer educational programs
We’ve set our dates for our traditional summer educational programs.
Turtle Talk for all ages will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 19 through August 24.
Children’s Turtle Time will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays June 26 through August 7. This is for children 3-6 years old.
Both programs are free of charge and will be held at the Holden Beach Chapel.
Upon Further Review –
Will the N.C. coast see more terminal groins as erosion continues and sand gets scarcer?
More than a decade after N.C. law was changed to allow the construction of terminal groins, why have only two been built along the coast?
During the middle of President Barack Obama’s first term in office, North Carolina made one of the biggest changes to how it manages oceanfront development since the adoption of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). State legislators approved a bill that softened North Carolina’s long-standing prohibition on hardened structures along the beachfront except in very specific cases, such as to protect historic buildings. The legislation, Senate Bill 110, specifically allowed up to four “test” terminal groins − later increased to six − to be built along the coast. The controversial decision, reinforced by Gov. Bev Perdue allowing it to become law without her signature, ended a 30-year state ban and decades of discussion among property owners, coastal officials, environmentalists and scientists over the best way of dealing with shifting sands on inherently unstable barrier islands amid the need to protect often very expensive beachfront properties. A dozen years later, how has the move impacted the N.C. coast? Or has it?
What is a terminal groin?
A terminal groin is a hardened structure placed at a right angle out from the beach into the ocean and is generally built close to an inlet or at other high-erosion area. Unlike jetties, which are usually built in pairs on either side of a channel or inlet, terminal groins are low-slung structures designed to allow waves to pass over them. Groins also are often built of stone, which allows water to pass through them. Terminal groins work by trapping sand that moves parallel to the beach in near-shore waters. The result is a buildup of the beach on the updrift side of the groin. If enough sand is captured and held by the groin, the structure is often buried, becoming visually little more than a bump on the beach.
Why are they controversial?
By capturing sand that travels down the beach near to shore, a groin depletes the sand supply to the beach area immediately down-drift of the structure. In response, down-drift property owners often seek to install their own groins to counteract the increased erosion in front of their oceanfront homes, leading to a cascading effect of groin installation along the beach. In effect, the groin is robbing sand from one part of the beach to help build up another part. Those concerns prompted state regulators to enact North Carolina’s hardened-structure ban in the 1980s. But some coastal officials, backed by worried property owners, said the state’s existing erosion-control methods − namely expensive beach nourishment projects and ugly temporary sandbags − were ineffective, especially around inlets, and towns needed another “tool” in the beach-management toolbox to deal with disappearing beaches in high-erosion areas.
What’s happened with terminal groins?
Two new terminal groins have been built since the law was changed last decade. Bald Head Island built a terminal groin to help deal with chronic erosion woes along the west end of south beach. The groin was finished in 2016 after village residents approved an $18 million bond to finance the project. Ocean Isle Beach started construction of its terminal groin on the island’s eastern end to counteract chronic erosion woes tied to nearby Shallotte Inlet in late 2021. The Brunswick County town had initially won federal approval to build the groin in 2017, but the project was challenged by the National Audubon Society. The case was decided in the town’s favor in early 2021. The $11 million project, originally estimated to cost around $9.5 million, was funded through a special town account to pay for beach projects and a portion of Ocean Isle’s accommodation tax on rentals. Both Ocean Isle and Bald Head officials in the past have praised the work the terminal groins have done in stabilizing the beach and helping protect oceanfront properties and infrastructure.
What about groins in other towns?
A number of other coastal communities have or are considering terminal groins, but no new projects are currently moving forward. Figure Eight Island, a wealthy private enclave squeezed between Wrightsville Beach in New Hanover County and Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender County, had long been leading the charge to allow terminal groins to be built along the North Carolina oceanfront. A terminal groin on Figure Eight was seen as a way of dealing with erosion at the island’s north end caused by the meandering Rich Inlet. But plans for a structure were finally shelved in 2017 after island property owners rejected funding the proposed groin. Holden Beach also has kicked the tires on building a terminal groin to counteract the disappearing beach and help protect threatened homes on the island’s eastern end near Lockwood Folly Inlet. But after the costs of building and maintaining the groin, including periodic injections of fresh sand, were shown to cost north of $30 million over 30 years, the town’s commissioners voted to withdraw their permit application with the Army Corps of Engineers. North Topsail Beach in Onslow County for years also has studied the possibility of building a terminal groin at the town’s north end to help stabilize the battered beach near New Inlet. The chronic erosion has left dozens of homes along the beach relying on sandbags for protection from the encroaching ocean. But the high cost of building and maintaining such a structure coupled with erosion woes in other parts of the town have seen those plans put on the back burner for now. Most recently, Oak Island officials have raised the idea of studying the feasibility of constructing a terminal groin on their beach’s west end near Lockwood Folly Inlet. Sick of seeing fresh sand pumped onto the beach simply washing away after a few weeks or months, town officials wondered if a groin would offer a more permanent, cost-effective solution to the chronic erosion problem that’s left more than a dozen homes relying on sandbags for protection. But at a workshop in January the town’s engineering firm warned that any groin project would take years of studies before construction could begin, and the building and future maintenance of the structure would be expensive.
Will more terminal groins get built in N.C.?
That remains to be seen. But as beach quality sand becomes scarcer to access in near-shore areas and more communities eye the same sand resources, forcing some to look farther offshore to find material to nourish their beaches, the idea of building a terminal groin could resurface as part of the solution facing beach towns in risk of losing parts of their most important asset. Still, the cost factor is likely to be a big deterrent for all but the most wealthy coastal communities, said Dr. Robert Young, director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western Carolina University. He said that while a terminal groin might help stabilize a portion of the beach, it in no way diminishes the need for expensive nourishment projects to rebuild other parts of the beachfront. Sand also need to be periodically placed around the groin to counteract the impact of altering the natural processes that the sand would follow if the structure wasn’t there. “I haven’t seen conclusive evidence over the long run that terminal groins are going to save communities money, which is one of the primary reasons for building them,” Young said. “I think the jury is still out on that.” He also noted that terminal groins can capture sand that’s meant to curl around an inlet, creating the shoals and sandy spits that shorebirds and many humans enjoy visiting − something that can be lost or severely impacted to protect homes along just one part of a beach. “It’s an amenity that adds value to everyone else who likes to walk the beach,” Young said of those inlet shorelines. “A terminal groin becomes an obstruction to that in your community.”
Read more » click here
Corrections & Amplifications –
.DOT Bike Lane Report Presentation » click here
796 OBW
Previously reported – March 2024
Discussion and Possible Action on 796 Ocean Boulevard West
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on 796 OBW
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Possible Actions:
Instruct staff to get bids from local realtors to sell 796 OBW
Update –
We purchased the property in 2019 and still have no viable plan for what to do with it. The motion was made to sell the property. Town Manager Hewett suggested how the sale of Town property might be handled. He also recommended that he meet with our Town Attorney to decide the best method to sell it. They decided to sell it and Town Manager and Town Attorney can figure out the best way on how to sell it.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
Freeing it of a $68,000-a-year mortgage,
this Brunswick town to sell its beach house
A town-owned three-bedroom, two-bathroom home just a street away from the ocean in Holden Beach will soon hit the market, after the town spent thousands on repairs. The town of Holden Beach purchased the single-family home at 796 Ocean Blvd. West in September 2019 for $342,500. The home sits beside a town sewer pump station, which the town was upgrading to pull much of the sewer system out from underground and elevating the electrical and pump systems above base flood elevation. Concerned the changes would cause noise issues at the neighboring house, the town purchased the home largely to serve as a buffer so the noise would not affect neighbors farther west, Holden Beach Mayor Alan Holden previously told the StarNews. Aside from the proactive move to block potential noise, the town did not have a plan for the property at the time of the purchase. The town rented the home to a town employee for a time at below-market rates before it was eventually left vacant. Last spring, the town was considering a few options to reanimate the home, including renovating the home for sale or short-term rental, or converting the home into a public space with bathrooms and other communal spaces, taking advantage of its proximity to the beach. The town’s yearly payment, including the principal and interest, totals over $68,000 a year. The loan, town staff reported, continues through 2037 and totals roughly $850,000. “We should sell this property so we can get some taxes on it, we can get out from under a $68,000-a-year payment,” commissioner Tracey Thomas said at the board’s March 19 meeting. Last year, neighboring property owners raised concern, not regarding noise from the sewer station, but over the appearance of the town-owned home. In response, the town invested $52,670 in “significant renovation and repair” efforts to “improve the appearance of the structure.” Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Myers described the purchase as a “solution in search of a problem.” “We haven’t been able to find a problem it really serves,” Myers said. “I don’t wanna be handcuffed and we’ve gotta have this thing forever. We’re not using it, it’s sitting vacant, it’s going to fall in disrepair again…”
In March, the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners was split three to two, ultimately passing a motion to direct staff to begin the process of selling the property. Commissioners Page Dyer and Rick Smith voted against the move, with Dyer arguing the town should recess the decision until the completion of an island-wide ADA-compliance assessment. The assessment could identify services the town may need to invest in, such as public bathrooms, and the property could be needed to address such needs, she said. The prevailing motion authorized town staff to sell the property in an approach they see fit without the matter coming back before the board for further authorization.
Read more » click here
Odds & Ends –
Brunswick County reminds residents to practice severe weather safety
March 3-9 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Brunswick County Emergency Management urges residents and community members to be ready for severe weather events and to understand the risks that can come with them. “Spring brings the potential for severe weather,” said Brunswick County Emergency Management Director David McIntire. “With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time for you and your loved ones to start preparing for the severe weather season. Sign up for ReadyBrunswick to make sure we can contact you during an emergency.” Severe weather can happen anywhere and at any time. Not only can severe thunderstorms develop rapidly, but they can also bring lightning, hail, flash floods, and tornadoes. Brunswick County officials encourage community members to take this week to create a household emergency plan and update emergency supply kits. Brunswick County also encourages community members to practice their emergency plan by participating in the annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) will broadcast the drill over the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios. “We encourage all county residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations to participate in the upcoming tornado drill,” McIntire said. “Creating a plan is only one part of being prepared. Practicing your plan will help you and your loved ones know where to go and what to do when severe weather strikes.” Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. In 2023, the NWS recorded 24 tornado touchdowns across North Carolina, and 127 large hail events (hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger), 844 damaging thunderstorm wind events, and 139 flood or flash flood events.
Emergency officials recommend the following safety tips:
Before Severe Weather
During Severe Weather
Read more » click here
Alerts
Brunswick County uses ReadyBrunswick as part of the County’s effort to continuously improve communications during emergency situations within our area. Powered by Everbridge, the ReadyBrunswick notification system sends emergency notifications in a variety of communication methods such as:
In the case of an emergency, you may choose to receive notifications via one or all of these communication methods. It’s recommended that you register several media options to receive messages in the event a particular communication device is unavailable.
For more information » click here
Brunswick County Emergency Communications Notification System
Get notified about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, and more. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how.
SIGN UP HERE to choose the type of alerts you want to receive.
This and That –
Another boat access could enter the water near Holden Beach
During the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 21, the committee discussed creating another boating access area near Holden Beach to connect to the Intracoastal Waterway. Local fishermen, captains and residents have been fighting for more boat and trailer parking space in Holden Beach for over a year, and this potential project could bring that to the area, along with a potential third boat ramp. The commission unanimously voted in favor of moving the project to “phase I.” Ben Solomon, assistant chief and land acquisition manager of the commission’s Land and Water Access Division, presented a slideshow on the land purchase opportunities and the roughly drafted project. He said the boat access sketch plan and parking plan are only conceptual. “Most boat ramps in Brunswick County, aside from Holden Beach, operate at over-capacity status at this time,” Solomon said. Brunswick County only has six public boat ramps with 233 trailer parking spaces, he explained, and it would be important to keep the existing ramp on Holden Beach. He said the existing Holden Beach boat access is a small ramp with limited parking for the high volume of boat traffic that residents and visitors bring. “Just within Brunswick County, we have 12,000 registered vessels,” he said. “There’s an additional 18,000 registered vessels in surrounding counties.” Solomon showed the commission three separate parcels they are looking to purchase off Cedar Landing Road SW — adjacent to the Holden Beach Marina and Holden Beach Bridge — noting a developer also wants to purchase them. If purchased, the access would be located in county jurisdiction. There are two options the commission considered: Option A and Option B. Option A calls for purchasing all three parcels that total 3.7 acres and Option B calls for purchasing only two parcels that total 1.9 acres. The asking price for Option A is $5.9 million and the asking price for the Option B parcels is $3.2 million. The NCWRC received phase I approval to pursue the acquisition of the three parcels for Option A, Solomon told The Brunswick Beacon on Monday, March 11. “Phase I approval is the first step in the Commission’s land acquisition process and allows commission staff to work with the State Property Office to order an appraisal for the subject properties and further develop the project,” he explained. He told the commission that the access site will have maximum level parking if they pursue all three parcels. Option A would bring 98 trailer parking spaces and 17 car parking spaces to the area if the project comes to fruition. Option B would only bring approximately 53 trailer parking spaces and six car parking spaces. Solomon said the trailer parking spaces would fit both the vehicle and the trailer. Tax parcel 232NA001, the middle parcel, houses a commercial building with an existing boat launch. Solomon said the commission would try to permit a second boat launch to be put in the access area. The conceptual design is still subject to permitting and approvals that could restrict plans, Solomon added. “This is a good baseline for us to look at and get a feel for,” he said. The project could cost between $1.5 and $1.9 million, he said, but that cost would include site-level parking, two boat ramps and structure removal from one of the parcels. Solomon said potential funding sources for the project are the coastal recreational fishing license grant, state funds and possible legislative appropriation. “The Commission does have an interest in expanding public boating access opportunities around Holden Beach and plans to further assess feasibility of this potential boating access area by ordering an appraisal and developing funding partnerships,” he told The Brunswick Beacon. To access the recording of the February Committee of the Whole meeting, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPj77J1jZE.
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Gov. Cooper and Sen. Rabon want to use native plants in state landscaping projects. Why?
Legislation and executive orders now require state agencies to first see about using NC-native plants and trees in state landscaping projects. But why aren’t we doing that already?
The number hovers around 14 percent. That’s how many plants sold in North Carolina are considered native. Horticulturists, researchers, state Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, and now Gov. Roy Cooper believe that number is much too low and is costing the state’s flora and fauna in the process. But officials say increasing the number of shrubs, plants and trees endemic to North Carolina in yards, along roads, in parks, and in backyards isn’t as easy as simply saying it’s the right thing to do − even if most people already know Bradford pears are stinky, fragile, invasive trees that should be avoided. Here’s a look at some of the challenges to increasing the use of native plants in North Carolina, and steps already underway to convince landscapers and backyard gardeners to plant Virginia creeper, for example, instead of English ivy.
The power of the pen
Last month, Cooper signed Executive Order 305. While the order focused mostly on aspirational goals to preserve millions of acres of North Carolina forest and wetlands by 2040, it also included language ordering state agencies to whenever possible use native plants for landscaping projects on state-owned property. Native North Carolina plants generally are defined as those that occurred in the state before European settlement. Non-native, or exotic, plants are those that are not native to the Tar Heel State. “State-funded or permitted projects and activities, including those administered on behalf of the federal government, shall avoid introducing non-native plants,” the order states. “To support native biodiversity, cabinet agencies shall also consider the native plant practices of private properties in future lease agreements.” Since the state is North Carolina’s largest landowner, with universities, state parks, historic sites, and right of ways along roads maintained by the N.C. Department of Transportation covered by the order, the move could mean a dramatic increase in the number of native plants appearing across the state. The governor’s order piggybacks on legislation that’s been championed by Sen. Bill Rabon for years. His Native Plants Act, which became law last year, requires plants native to the Southeastern U.S., “with a strong preference for plants native to North Carolina,” to be used in landscaping projects in state parks and along state highways.
Shouldn’t we be going native all the time already?
While a question and would seem to have a simple answer, it isn’t, well, that simple. Chris Moorman, a wildlife ecologist at N.C. State University, said landscapers often have to pick plants to meet a certain objective, say providing shade for a parking lot. While going native naturally provides some of the best food and groundcover requirements for local wildlife, it might not meet the goal of the project, and thus a non-native plant is a better fit for that particular role. “Native plants aren’t always necessarily the only answer,” said Dr. Barbara Fair, a landscape extension specialist at N.C. State. She said that in our urban areas where the landscape has been changed dramatically by humans, sometimes non-natives are just a better fit − especially when it comes to meeting certain functions and promoting biodiversity. “They can just often survive and thrive better in these very altered environments,” Fair said, ticking off the benefits from mitigating heat to handling stormwater runoff that urban trees offer.
What are the advantages of going NC-plants first?
The advantages for native wildlife and insects is easy to see. “From an ecological standpoint, they have co-evolved with the local communities, including the plants and animals,” Moorman said. “Because native wildlife co-evolved with native plants, there are often critical linkages between the individual plants and animal natural history.”
Native plants also reflect North Carolina’s rich ecological history and are often tied into many of the state’s cultural traditions and foods. But there are other, more pragmatic reasons to go native, too. Native vegetation is designed to better handle North Carolina’s often hard growing conditions, which climate change is forecast to exasperate − not to mention stronger and bigger hurricanes. With natives often more drought- and heat-tolerant than non-native plants, and with longer periods of dry, hot weather forecast for North Carolina in coming decades, officials say they are often a hardier bet than exotics from another part of the country or world. Native coastal plants are also generally better able to withstand salt water, which can make them a better alternative for waterfront homeowners with sea levels projected to keep rising in coming decades and tide surges set to increase. Then there is the popularity of the Tar Heel State. North Carolina’s population in 2000 was just over 8 million. It is estimated to be nearly 10.9 million by April, according to the latest U.S. Census figure. Projections estimate the state will be home to nearly 14 million people by 2050. “Urban development removes much of the preexisting vegetation cover, so landscaping with native plants can return that lost vegetation cover, along with the food and cover the plants provide for wildlife,” Moorman said. “Animals are critical dispersal agents, especially birds, so fostering the linkage between native plants and wildlife helps foster native plant persistence.”
Is going native easy?
Not as easy as it should be, but that hopefully will change in the coming years, officials said. “People plant what they see in big box stores and what they see planted around them, which largely is not native plants,” Moorman said. They also often look for what they used to have in their gardens before moving to North Carolina. But what worked in Connecticut or Ohio might not be the best choice in hot, sandy and often nutrient-poor soils of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. There’s also a financial risk for landscapers, homeowners and even nurseries to increase their stock of native plants if people either aren’t going to buy them because they don’t know what they are or they die quickly when planted due to being placed in the wrong conditions. “That’s the million-dollar question, really, and it’s a very complicated answer,” Fair said of increasing the stock of native plants. She said many native trees aren’t fast growers − one of the reason crepe myrtles are so prevalent in urban areas − and people’s tastes can be finicky. Then there are issues for the plant industry, like how quickly can they ramp up production of native flora and is it a wise investment. “Yes, it’s certainly something we should work to promote,” Fair said, noting the educational outreach efforts many state agencies and local nurseries do to promote native plants. “But we have to realize this is a long-term process that we need to be thinking about.”
Want to go native? Here are some resources:
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NC State Native Plant Resources » click here
NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here
New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here
Audubon Native Plant Database » click here
Fauna & Flora » click here
Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant
Factoid That May Interest Only Me –
Living along the NC coast is increasingly risky.
So why are property values still rising?
A new economic model suggests that tax incentives and federal subsidies help fuel coastal property price increases despite growing climate change risks, like sea-level rise
Anyone who has dreamed of owning a property at the beach knows that it’s a goal shared by many. Couple in the growing popularity of coastal living in general − the Wilmington-area’s population jumped from 200,000 in 1990 to more than 450,000 in 2020 − and home ownership is increasingly becoming the privilege of the rich and the few. According to a report by online research publisher Stacker using real estate data from Zillow, Wrightsville Beach has seen a nearly 74% increase in property values over the past five years, with the typical home value now pushing an eyewatering $1.46 million. That makes it the most expensive town in the state, with Bald Head Island a close second with a 76% increase in values in the past five years increasing the average home on the Brunswick County island to $1.3 million. Of the top ten priciest locales in North Carolina, six are coastal communities. But are government actions helping bake in the advantages that high-income property owners have in reaching the coastal dream even as evidence mounts that the risk from climate change and sea-level rise is making living along the ocean an increasingly risky proposition? That’s a question North Carolina researchers attempted to tackle in a recent study published in Nature Communications that looked at how economic incentives and subsidies are impacting coastal property markets. Dr. Dylan McNamara, professor of physics and physical oceanography at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and one of the study’s authors, said the changes occurring along much of the U.S. coast can’t be viewed as just uniquely physical or uniquely economic. “They are linked, a coupled human environmental system where the environment is impacting humans and humans are impacting the environment,” he said. Dr. Martin Smith, an environmental economics professor at Duke University, and McNamara created a new economic model called the Coastal Home Ownership Model (C-HOM) to analyze the long-term evolution of coastal real estate markets. Smith said government actions to protect and enhance coastal communities from environmental risks, such as sea-level rise and stronger and more frequent hurricanes, helps support and boost property values. “What it signals to the market is that this is a fine place to further invest,” he said. Paradoxically, as property values increase and coastal communities become more wealthy, it becomes easier for officials to justify additional and more expensive projects to maintain that economic value in these increasingly vulnerable areas. “We’re shielding these markets from the underlying risks they face, and hence propping up these markets,” McNamara said.
Subsidized sand
Take the history and role of beach nourishment projects, for example. When Congress decided to get the federal government involved in the beach-building business nearly six decades ago, the thinking was oceanfront communities would only require sand roughly once every 10 years or so. The cost of these federal projects would be split between Washington and local governments, with the federal government picking up most of the tab and the state and/or local communities paying the rest. As erosion has increased thanks to sea-level rise and more frequent storms, that’s now been reduced to every couple years − a timeline that doesn’t include federal emergency beach-building projects after major storms. And as more towns see their beaches washing away and confront the high costs of nourishment, thanks to sand scarcity and increased environmental regulations, there is a growing chorus of communities who want their own federal nourishment project. Currently, New Hanover County’s three beach towns and Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County are the only North Carolina communities that are guaranteed a periodic injection of fresh sand largely funded by the federal government. Critics say beach nourishment projects funded by federal taxpayers are bad long-term investments that literally just wash away, only benefit rich oceanfront property owners, and have to be repeated every few years to be truly effective. Backers claim beach-building projects are vital to keeping coastal economies running, protecting oceanfront properties and vital infrastructure, and helping communities hit hard by hurricanes rebound.
Analyzing the trade-offs
Both McNamara and Smith said there’s no doubt taxpayer-subsidized projects like beach nourishments have short-term and even medium-term economic benefits. But the cost of defending the shoreline, while propping up property values, is itself increasing. That means more of those costs need to be shouldered by state and local governments if they have the necessary political will and the deep pockets. McNamara and Smith also warn that those rising costs, which beach towns will increasingly have to pass on to their residents or private property owners will have to fund themselves, coupled with surging property values will likely increase the gentrification of many coastal communities − a process that’s already occurring in many beach towns. Some North Carolina coastal communities are already facing these tough decisions. In 2022, North Topsail Beach pulled out of a federal beach nourishment project with Surf City over cost concerns, and Dare County has told residents of Rodanthe, an unincorporated community on Hatteras Island that has some of the highest erosion rates along the entire N.C. coast, that it simply can’t afford to nourish the village’s eroding beach that has already swallowed several homes. Increasing home and flood insurance premiums also are heaping additional pressures on many coastal residents. With the impacts from climate change expected to get worse in the coming decades, the researchers said change is coming. How officials manage the long-term economic adjustments required to adapt to an evolving environment so that they don’t all hit at once could be key to sustaining some of these coastal communities. ”As markets begin to sniff out those impacts, which is to say as the risk begins to increase, values will begin to go down,” McNamara said. “So, the question is when do we see that trajectory, and what path will it take.” Potential options the researchers suggest include managed retreat, possibly including the idea of a purchase and buy-back program so owners can continue to “rent” their homes until they have to move, and building smaller, movable structures that can more readily react to the rising ocean levels instead of the McMansions that are increasingly proliferating along the coast. “There are certainly trade-offs,” Smith said, “but we want people to have a clear view of what those trade-offs are.”
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Consumers Hate ‘Price Discrimination,’ but They Sure Love a Discount
The Wendy’s debacle is a warning shot for brands: If you want to play with prices, make sure to communicate why and whom it could help.
It’s been a strange and maddening couple of years for consumers, with prices of essential goods soaring and then sinking, turning household budgets upside down. Perhaps that’s why, in late February, the internet revolted over Wendy’s plan to test changing its menu prices across the day. If the Breakfast Baconator winds up costing $6.99 at 7 a.m. and $7.99 three hours later, what in life can you really count on anymore? The company later issued a statement saying it would not raise prices during busy parts of the day, but rather add discounts during slower hours. Nevertheless, the episode won’t stop the continued spread of so-called dynamic pricing, which describes an approach of setting prices in response to shifting patterns of demand and supply. It might not even stop the growth of “personalized pricing,” which targets individuals based on their personal willingness to pay. And in many circumstances, customers may come around — if they feel companies are being forthright about how they’re changing prices and what information they’re using to do it. “There’s a need for some transparency, and it has to make sense to consumers,” said Craig Zawada, a pricing expert with PROS, a consultancy that helped pioneer dynamic pricing by airlines in the 1980s and now works across dozens of other industries. “In general, from a buyer standpoint, there has to be this perception of fairness.” Dynamic pricing, by one name or another, has been around since the dawn of merchandising. Sometimes it’s a means of maximizing return on fixed expenses, such as labor: Happy hour is a way to boost bar traffic before the after-work rush, for example. (You might say Wendy’s was attempting a happy hour for Baconators.) “Load balancing” is a similar concept in energy and transportation. Utilities charge less for power overnight, and transit agencies impose higher fares during rush hour to encourage users to shift toward off-peak times, when energy and trains are in less demand. Other times, it’s an effort to liquidate perishable or seasonal goods, like fresh produce at a grocery store or winter coats at Macy’s. Then there’s “surge pricing” on ride-hailing platforms, which is meant to quickly prod more drivers to start picking up passengers. Some commodity goods, like gasoline, fluctuate daily with international markets. In the analog era, changing prices was costly, requiring manually updating signs or applying markdown stickers. As restaurants, retailers, parking garages, gyms, salons and event venues became more automated, price changes became effortless even at brick-and-mortar locations. Robert Orndorff is the vice president for product development at Spectrio, which makes digital signage — a key tool for smoothly adjusting price levels, and increasingly common in many industries. Signs can be connected to inventory systems that automatically adjust prices as supplies dwindle, for example, and changes can be rolled out quickly in response to competitors’ moves. “You have all these dynamic things going on that would make you want to change what’s on that screen at any given time,” Mr. Orndorff said. “The technology absolutely enables all that.” It’s easy to understand why companies want to change prices more frequently: to make more money. But does that mean that as dynamic pricing spreads, prices will be higher on average? Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, posed the question to the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, at an oversight hearing in March, calling the technique “just another way for corporations to make it harder for consumers to seek out lower prices.” “Are you concerned that the wide adoption of these pricing schemes, if you will, contribute to inflation?” Mr. Brown asked. Mr. Powell responded that dynamic pricing lowers prices as well as raises them, and that the overall impact on price levels isn’t yet known. Part of the concern comes from the idea that dynamic pricing is often enabled by algorithms, which are opaque to consumers and regulators, and can be tools of collusion. The Federal Trade Commission recently filed a legal brief warning that price fixing by algorithms is still illegal, even without explicit human direction. And when one company dominates the market, dynamic pricing is more likely to inflate prices overall. But in a competitive environment, dynamic pricing can also lead to price wars that benefit consumers. Most companies use the strategy to try to broaden their reach, according to pricing experts, increasing their revenues by bringing in new customers rather than making more money on each one. In a recent study of a large restaurant chain that used an algorithm to vary prices for food delivery, diners reacted strongly, smoothing out orders across the day and enabling the company to bring in more revenue even as it lowered prices on average. Or take airlines: Lowering fares far in advance allows more price-sensitive, date-flexible leisure travelers to afford the trip, while business travelers pay much more for last-minute tickets. Those decisions can be increasingly targeted, since companies have vast troves of data about their customers, and direct connections with them through smartphone apps. Jean-Pierre Dubé is a professor of marketing at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business who has studied personalized pricing. In one experiment, two movie theaters offered mobile discounts to people who were located closer to their competitor, effectively creating a two-tier price structure. (This is common with senior and student discounts.) In the end, both moviegoers and theaters came out ahead. “When both firms do it, the prices go down a ton,” Dr. Dubé said. “The only reason the firms aren’t harmed profit-wise is that you can generate enough new customers who wouldn’t have otherwise gone to a movie to make up for it.” If companies did this more often, they might end up charging wealthier people more, effectively creating a progressive cost structure for goods and services. For example, a 2017 economics paper found that grocery stores could make more money by offering lower prices in poor neighborhoods, which they currently tend not to do. It’s also clearly legal: The Federal Trade Commission wrote in 2018 that “absent unfair and deceptive conduct,” personalized pricing itself provides “no basis for intervention.” But few companies have embraced the strategy, fearing the kind of fury that Wendy’s faced — or, at least, don’t charge different sticker prices for different people, which draws accusations of the uglier term “price discrimination.” Instead, they’ve found more subtle ways to personalize the shopping experience that create essentially the same result. Zohar Gilad runs Fast Simon, a company that helps retailers optimize their websites. Instead of offering different prices, they might display higher-end items for customers with a free-spending buying history, and clearance items for bargain hunters. Targeted coupons for hesitant browsers also create a personalized price by another name, creating a sale that might not have happened. “Say if you search for something and you didn’t buy it, you may get an email saying: ‘Hey, you have great taste. We saw you looking for black boots. Here’s a 20 percent coupon,’” Mr. Gilad said. “I think that personalization, done correctly, can be good and serve both shoppers and the merchants well.” Nonetheless, some retailers prefer the loyalty that can stem from stable prices, even if it means forgoing short-term profits. Walmart, with its Every Day Low Prices approach, eschews coupons and rarely discounts anything. The practice “helps us earn trust with our customers, because they don’t have to chase sales and can count on us to consistently offer everyday low prices,” said Molly Blakeman, a Walmart spokeswoman. Retailers also must take care to avoid the appearance of discrimination. The Princeton Review came under scrutiny when ProPublica revealed that because it charged higher rates for test preparation in certain ZIP codes, Asian American students tended to pay more than other groups. Researchers found that in Chicago, Uber’s and Lyft’s pricing algorithms resulted in higher fares in neighborhoods with more nonwhite residents. The companies said their pricing was based on demand patterns and not with any intent to discriminate. The most important factor, said the Consumer Federation of America’s director of consumer protection, Erin Witte, is that shoppers understand the rules that merchants have created. Problems arise when there’s an “informational imbalance,” especially when it comes to something as existential as food, which may have fueled the Wendy’s backlash. “When they feel like they can participate meaningfully in a negotiation about price, everyone understands on some level that a business is going to make money on a transaction,” Ms. Witte said. “But when you feel like you’re the subject of price manipulation that you as the consumer don’t have any access to, and certainly can’t predict with any measure of certainty, it just feels very unfair.”
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Hot Button Issues –
Subjects that are important to people and about which they have strong opinions
Climate
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Earth sees hottest-ever March, the 10th record-breaking month in a row
The Earth just recorded its hottest March on record, the 10th month in a row to reach that feat, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Fueled by a mix of human-caused warming and the El Niño climate pattern, the all-time monthly highs were observed both in the air and in the ocean’s waters, the Copernicus report said. The heat over the past 12 months has pushed global average temperatures to an unprecedented 1.58 degrees Celsius (2.84 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than preindustrial levels, and the hotter air over the Atlantic Ocean in particular could lead to an especially intense hurricane season, scientists warned. “It should be eye-catching — we are going toward uncharted territory,” said Gillian Galford, the lead of the Vermont Climate Assessment and a professor at the University of Vermont who reviewed the report. “It’s rather unusual we see such an increased temperature over months and seasons.” She added that the warmer waters in the Atlantic in particular can lead to larger storms and a more intense hurricane season. It could also lead, she said, to more storms dumping more water in places like Vermont in the northeastern United States, which saw intense flooding last summer. March’s average surface air temperature of 14.14 degrees Celsius (57.45 degrees Fahrenheit) was .1 degrees (.18 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the previous high set in March 2016. Copernicus found that the Antarctic sea ice extent was 20 percent below average after the planet experienced its warmest winter, defined as December through February. While experts say the 10 consecutive months reflect a broader trend that is likely to continue, they said it doesn’t suggest that every month will be record-breaking indefinitely. “But historic highs will probably continue in the months ahead,” said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus. “Seasonal forecasts suggest spring and summer are likely to be warmer than average,” Burgess told The Washington Post. “The reality is unless we change our emissions dramatically, we’ll look back at 2023 and consider it a cool year, 10 to 20 years in the future.” The report comes two months after scientists found Earth’s 12-month average temperature for the first time breached 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, defined as the average temperatures between 1850 and 1900. Climate experts fear that catastrophic changes, like the collapse of critical ocean circulations, could occur should the Earth’s temperatures remain near or above that threshold for multiple years. In the 2016 Paris climate agreement, nations around the world agreed to keep global average temperatures from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The nearly 200 participating countries also agreed to “pursue efforts” to keep the multiyear averages below 1.5 degrees Celsius, which could allow for the survival of coral reefs and less deadly heat waves. But to do so, activists have noted that emissions need to be sharply cut by 2030. It’s unclear exactly what influence El Niño — the warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern Pacific that tends to lead to warmer weather around the world — had in the record heat. But scientists say that 10 consecutive months of record temperatures suggest human-caused climate change played a role, noting that March’s broken record took place after El Niño peaked. Peter Huybers, a professor of earth and planetary sciences at Harvard University, said the records are not a “huge surprise” given the continued global greenhouse gas emissions. “It’s a bellwether whenever you break a record,” he said. “And we’re seeing those records in spades this year. But we’re exactly where we expected to be given those fundamentals.” He added that the Earth’s natural fluctuation, which results in some warmer years and some cooler years, could mean the streak eventually ends as El Niño weakens and is potentially replaced by La Niña, its opposite. But the long-term trends of unprecedented heat are likely to continue, which Burgess said could make it more difficult to predict how the climate will behave in the future — especially if a “tipping point” is reached. “Then we’ll need a lot more science and data to predict what could happen next,” she said.
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There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear
Flood Insurance Program
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National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 22, 2024, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2024.
Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2024.
GenX
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EPA head Michael Regan returns to NC, announces new standards for ‘forever chemicals’
The federal government has set standards for so-called forever chemicals in drinking water and will provide $1 billion for testing and other protective measures, said Michael Regan, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, who spoke Wednesday morning in Fayetteville. Regan announced the measures regarding PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, at an event in front of the P.O. Hoffer Water Plant operated by the Public Works Commission, the locally owned utility. Regan served as director of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality from 2017 until March 2021 when President Joe Biden tapped him to head the EPA. “Today I’m proud to return to North Carolina to announce the first-ever, nationwide, legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS,” Regan said, “the most significant action EPA has ever taken on PFAS.” He said the chemicals, which are used in products such as non-stick coating for cookware and firefighting foam, “have a place and are important for certain industries and certain practices.” But he added: “There is also no doubt that these chemicals entering into our environment in an uncontrolled manner are harmful to our families, harmful to our communities and harmful to our economy.” The new standards will require utilities to test for six different types of PFAS in drinking water; the chemicals have been linked to certain types of cancer. The new standards limit PFOA and PFOS, two common types of PFAS, to 4 parts per trillion, as well as four other types of PFAS similar to those two. The regulations could reduce the impact pf PFAS on 100 million people, Regan said. A reporter’s question to Regan at Wednesday’s event noted that the standards addressed six types of PFAS but there were thousands. “We’re starting with this six,” he said. “With this six, we have the best science and data to design these health standards.” He said the EPA would “continue until we get to all of them.”
Activist: Persistent as forever chemicals
Other speakers Wednesday were N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper; state Attorney General Josh Stein; Brenda Mallory, chairperson of the Council on Environmental Quality for the Biden Administration; Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin; Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group; and Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear and a mother whose family has been directly affected by PFAS pollution. Donovan, who brought her daughters to the EPA event, listed several activists who had raised concerns about PFAS. She said one of her fellow activists likes to say: “We are as persistent as PFAS.”
‘Preparing for this day’
The Wilmington StarNews first reported evidence of PFAS pollution in the local water supply in 2017, tracing the contamination to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant at the Bladen and Cumberland county line. In 2019, a consent order was negotiated by Regan’s DEQ; Chemours; and the Southern Environmental Law Center, representing Cape Fear River Watch. It requires the chemical company to reduce its impact on the water, air and soil through several measures, including well-testing and providing bottled water or other replacement water to residents. Cooper and Stein highlighted the state’s role in dealing with PFAS contamination. “In North Carolina, we’ve already been preparing for this day,” Cooper said about the new standards. “Our Department of Environmental Quality is partnering with our local water systems, getting ready, taking hundreds of samples of water, providing technical assistance.” The state will propose PFAS limits for surface and groundwater, too, he said.
‘Bring some money by’
Cumberland County Commissioner Glenn Adams praised the EPA decision and said he believed it was just the beginning. The Wednesday announcement applies to the whole nation, he said. “For us, we already knew what the issue was,” he said. “Hopefully when they talk about reducing limits they’ll bring some money by. “We’ve already been talking about Gray’s Creek and Cedar Creek — it’s spreading” he said about PFAS contamination. He says the officials he heard from today appreciated that funding was needed. “It’s a health risk,” he said. “We always talk about the health risk.”
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EPA announces new PFAS standards for water utilities, but fails to address NC chemical industry
On Wednesday, the EPA announced first-time legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for six types of PFAS. They include:
“This is a very important first step, a huge move for the EPA to protect communities in our country,” Southern Environmental Law Center senior attorney Jean Zhuang told Port City Daily. Public water utilities will be required to complete initial monitoring of the compounds by 2027 and must implement solutions to reduce chemicals exceeding the MCL by 2029. After 2029, utilities with PFAS exceeding MCLs will be required to give public notice of the violation and take action to reduce them in drinking water. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is seeking federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to assist water utilities in funding expensive filtration technology. CFPUA installed its granular-activated carbon system in 2022, which cost $43 million. It raised its rates 8% in 2022 to help cover the costs. CFPUA spokesperson Cammie Bellamy said the utility is in compliance with the EPA’s new rules and provides updated testing results. She said the site will soon include comparisons with new PFAS maximum contaminant levels. Pender County spokesperson Brandi Cobb said Pender is also in compliance with the new standards and has been filtering PFAS compounds through its GAC system. “We appreciate having a specific regulation, as it offers clarity and guidelines on the essential measures to mitigate toxic chemicals in the water,” Pender County Utilities executive director Anthony Colon told PCD. “Nonetheless, it is concerning that the EPA places more responsibility on utility companies and their customers than on the companies responsible for introducing these chemicals into the water in the first place.” While the MCL standards place requirements on public water utilities, it remains unclear if the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will implement the rules for companies that require pollution discharge elimination system permits. In a public comment to the EPA, CFPUA executive director Kenneth Waldroup said PFAS manufacturers should be the foremost focus of expensive regulation, not utilities. According to DEQ Deputy Communications Director Josh Kastrinsky, the agency is proposing to include the EPA’s PFAS standards in the state’s surface and groundwater standards to the Environmental Management Commission, the appointed body oversees and creates rules for DEQ. North Carolina currently does not have surface or groundwater water standards for PFAS; new standards would include PFAS in discharge permits. It’s unclear if the EPA’s new rules will affect a recent permit submitted by automotive manufacturer Lear Corporation, for instance, which included no PFAS limitations in its February draft NPDES permit for its Kenansville facility. DEQ extended the public comment period for the draft permit after a Cape Fear River Watch petition protesting the omission gained thousands of signatures. It is currently under EPA review. Kastrinksy told Port City Daily the agency is currently reviewing public comments for Lear’s draft permit and a final announcement will be made soon. “We do want to emphasize that EPA and our states need to take the next step and ensure that utilities can meet these standards — and not be too burdened — that they should begin using existing legal tools under the Clean Water Act to stop PFAS pollution at the source,” Zhuang said. Beyond Lear, she noted other known and suspected North Carolina dischargers do not have PFAS limitations in their NPDES permits, including DAK Americas’ emissions in the Cape Fear River and Colonial Pipeline, which releases in the Yadkin River watershed. “Dischargers should be tasked with implementing best available control technologies (BACT) in all cases for cleaning our waters and air,” UNCW geographer Roger Shew told PCD. “This should not be a discussion item. If the technology is available then it should be put in place — that is and should be EPA’s responsibility.” Cape Fear River Watch executive director Dana Sargent said she views the announcement as positive, but argued the EPA’s first-time PFAS regulations should have been established decades earlier. “Thousands of people have become sick or died from PFAS exposures while the chemical manufacturers who knew of the dangers 60 years ago, cozied up to the EPA, and federal and state officials, who — instead of doing their jobs to protect human health and the environment — helped make these corporations trillions of dollars, completely unregulated, for decades,” Sargent said. On March 19, Cape Fear River Watch and other local nonprofits sent a letter to EPA expressing alarm about the agency’s private, invite-only workshop on the national PFAS testing strategy with chemical industry representatives. The groups are currently suing the EPA to require comprehensive PFAS testing in North Carolina, to include 54 Chemours-specific compounds. Zhuang pressed the fact that Wednesday’s announcement only applies to a few PFAS compounds; different agencies estimate a range from 6,000 to more than 12,000 variants. She hopes for more comprehensive regulation in the future. Sargent similarly called for more expansive action: “It’s time the USA adopts the precautionary principle followed by other developed countries, which requires companies prove their products are safe before they enter the environment, rather than waiting for people to get sick and die, before beginning a decades-long process to regulate them.” She added the agency has not sought public input for its PFAS testing strategy, which Sargent believes is excessively influenced by the chemical industry. “Even now, they refuse to regulate the corporations directly by requiring them to stop the pollution at the source, but instead put the burden on utilities to either filter this dangerous filth or do the government’s job to pressure companies to stop discharging it,” she said. Powerful business groups in the state such as the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, North Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, and the American Chemistry Council have pushed against stronger PFAS regulations. Legislators introduced a House Bill 600 provision last year to limit DEQ from imposing limits on PFAS, but withdrew it after public backlash. Industry groups also fought against Rep. Ted Davis Jr’s bill to require Chemours to pay for the public utilities’ PFAS filtration systems in New Hanover and Brunswick counties in 2022. Shew said DEQ should work with PFAS discharging companies to meet the new standards:. “And if they don’t, they should be held fiscally accountable. There should be incentive penalties to ensure they adhere to the new rules.”
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EPA announces first-of-its-kind restrictions on PFAS contamination in drinking water
The Environmental Protection Agency announced utilities will have to restrict the amount of forever chemicals in their drinking water supply by 2029. “Today is a significant step towards cleaner and safer water for all Americans,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “These new standards will give people the confidence they deserve when they turn on the tap.” The announcement was made Wednesday when state and federal leaders gathered in Fayetteville by the Chemours company’s Fayetteville Works Plant. Chemours contaminated the area’s drinking water supply by dumping forever chemicals in the Cape Fear River. According to the Environmental Working Group, North Carolina is third in the nation when it comes to PFAS water contamination. For years, local advocates have been calling for regulations. Dana Sargent is one such advocate and executive director of Cape Fear River Watch. She says the water contamination has caused numerous people living in Fayetteville and the Cape Fear region to experience health problems. “There are a ton of stories in this community of people with diseases that are directly linked to PFAs,” Sargent said. “Thyroid disorders, kidney and testicular cancers, things that you wouldn’t expect in the ages of people, and then it’s generational.” While Sargent is happy the limits are now in place, she questions why it took so long for them to pass the regulations and why they won’t actually be enforcing them for the next five years. “Our federal government knew PFAS was dangerous at least 26 years ago, and here we are in 2024 with the first regulation,” Sargent said. “They’re allowing sampling for three years. Currently, in North Carolina, we’ve had sampling for about 7. We don’t need any more sampling. We know there’s PFAs in the water. We could move forward right away with forcing the utilities to get these things filtered.” Sargent said she also wished the new restrictions put the burden on the producers of these chemicals, not the water suppliers. “I want our federal government and our state regulators to hold the polluters accountable, and that’s missing from this type of action,” Sargent said. “It’s our pocketbooks and it’s our health that’s been burdened by these companies who continue to bank off of this stuff.”
The new maximum contaminant levels are:
“These are really pretty good because it’s hard to detect those chemicals lower than those levels,” Sargent said. “The right answer would be we don’t want any PFAS contamination in our water, but there will never be a perfect filtration system.” WECT reached out to three utility companies in the area to see if they currently comply with these new restrictions. Cape Fear Public Utility Authority says all of its systems comply since they implemented a new filtration system in 2022. H2GO in Brunswick County said its systems also comply because it sources its water from Lower Peedee and Black Creek aquifers which are free of PFAS contaminants, and not the Cape Fear River. Brunswick County Public Utility says its systems do not comply with these new standards yet but should soon. The utility is in the process of building a filtration system that should help remove PFAs from the water supply. Contractors estimate the project should be completed by the end of 2024.
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Homeowners Insurance
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Anti-regulation sentiment may be fueling insurance crisis
When Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey met last month in Manteo for a brief overview and Q&A with community members worried about property insurance issues, he stressed that his office had limited power over building code changes and insurance company business decisions in North Carolina that have unnerved homeowners. First of all, he said, billion-dollar losses from storms, wildfires, floods and other disasters are worldwide challenges. But the property insurance industry in the U.S., where population numbers and real estate values are often highest in the highest-risk areas, is approaching its own survival crisis. “It’s a very hard market right now across the United States,” Causey said. “Companies just don’t want to write homeowners policies.”
Confronted with looming policy price hikes and feeling powerless to stop their insurance companies from pulling out of the state, frustrated homeowners are turning to the government for solutions. “People say, ‘Why don’t you change the system?’” Causey said, responding to the audience’s questions about future insurance affordability and access. “The only group that can change that system is the legislature.” Whether Causey, a Republican who is seeking reelection to the post he’s held since 2017, is shifting blame may be debatable, but it is evident from the last legislative session that focus on property insurance viability in the state was not a priority for the North Carolina General Assembly. Rather than modernizing the state’s 15-year-old residential building codes, a step incentivized by lower property insurance costs, millions in government grants, and more resilient and efficient construction, North Carolina legislators passed a law, House Bill 488, that in much of the state banned inspection of exterior sheathing in structures exposed to winds of 140 mph or less. The bill also removed authority from the North Carolina Building Code Council, a panel of industry specialists that had been working for months on updating codes, froze the old energy-efficiency standards until 2031 and directed creation in 2025 of a new separate residential council. While the legislation is certain to deprive the state of available funds for climate resilience, it is also locking homebuyers into new housing that is built to outdated standards and thus more vulnerable to climate hazards. As a result, homebuyers will have increasingly higher utility bills, as well as structures more prone to damage in weather events, ultimately making their home more expensive to own. “Everybody’s going to be paying quite a bit more for homeowners’ insurance because … our building codes are hopelessly out of date when it comes to residential construction in some areas,” said Kim Wooten, a member of the Building Code Council and the chair of the council’s ad hoc energy committee. “The other piece of this is that North Carolina is now going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in grant money from the federal government to increase our ability to withstand flooding from flood events, storm events, weather disaster events.” The bill also allocated about $500,000 for staff members for the new residential council, which had been part of the existing Building Code Council, she said. Wooten, who was on the panel from 2008 to 2013 before rejoining about five years ago, is an engineer. Anti-regulation sentiment in the legislature as well as persistent climate change skepticism, Wooten said, has contributed to lawmakers’ resistance to updating codes. The North Carolina Home Builders Association, which lobbied for the bill, had said that sheath inspection is unneeded and, along with energy-efficiency updates, would add an average of about $20,000 in costs to a new home. But in an independent analysis Wooten conducted as part of her role with the energy committee while reaching out to green homebuilders, industry insiders and researchers, said that energy efficiency was consistently one of the five top things homebuyers want in a home — and the costs were “nowhere near” what the homebuilders claim. “They just pulled a number out of a hat, which is the same number they pulled out of their hat five years ago, 10 years ago, 15 years ago,” Wooten said. “Yeah, it’s always $20,000.” Zach Amittay, a Southeast advocate for E2, also known as Environmental Entrepreneurs, told Coastal Review that it’s understandable that the homebuilders’ group would want to protect their bottom line, but ultimately, the consumer and the taxpayer will be paying the piper. “It’s going to become more and more financially untenable for folks to be able to have insurance, and then you’re dealing with more uninsured homes and then what happens after storm damage,” he said. Less resilient construction often translates to more severe damage to both the interior and exterior, Amittay added. That leaves underinsured property owners unable to afford repairs or replacement of their home. “That’s also the kind of thing that, in my opinion, the government should be taking steps to try and protect residents from these sort of outcomes,” Amittay said. On its website, the North Carolina Home Builders Association said that “viable” code changes would have to be supported by data and follow proper processes. “We work to develop and support cost-effective and affordable building codes, standards, regulations and state legislation in the construction area,” according to the website. “While safety is our priority, proposals also have to be examined for their cost-benefit and practicality.” Typically, cities and towns in the U.S. base their building codes on recommendations that are updated every three years from the International Code Council, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. According to a Feb. 28 Swiss Re Institute report, at $97 billion, or 0.38% of gross domestic product, the U.S. suffers the highest economic cost “in absolute terms” from weather events in the world, mostly related to hurricanes. The Swiss Re Group is a leading global provider of reinsurance and insurance. “The first step towards cutting losses is to reduce the loss potential through adaptation measures,” the report found. “Examples of adaptation actions include enforcing building codes, increasing flood protection, while keeping an eye on settlement in areas prone to natural perils.” Each dollar invested in new building codes designed for construction that can better withstand storms can save $6 to $10 later, according to the report. “Ultimately,” the report said, “losses as a share of GDP of each country will depend on future adaptation, loss reduction and prevention.” Property owners on the Outer Banks and elsewhere on the North Carolina coast were shaken earlier this year by eye-popping proposed rate increases for homeowners insurance, averaging 42% statewide and as high as 99.4% in some coastal counties. Rates in the state are set by the North Carolina Rate Bureau, which was established as a separate entity to represent insurance companies in the state, and operates independently of the insurance commissioner. “It’s the largest rate request I’ve ever seen, (since 2017 when he took office) 42% state average, 99.4% in some counties. 25,000 letters and comments, including from associations and county boards, congressional delegations,” said Causey, who has challenged the Rate Bureau. But barring a negotiated agreement, Causey said he expects the rates will be adjudicated in court on Oct. 7. “I haven’t seen the evidence to justify such a drastic rate increase on North Carolina consumers,” Causey said in a Feb. 6 press release. Other insurance impacts weren’t as broad, but they can factor into future costs. In February 2023, Nationwide insurance had notified the state that it would not be renewing 10,525 policies in North Carolina, about half of which were related to hurricane risk, spurring homeowners’ fears of more companies fleeing. Then, in August, the legislature overturned Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of H.B. 488, allowing the building code bans to go into effect. Causey’s office had opposed the bill, and he said that his office “weighs in” on insurance company actions in the state such as Nationwide’s decision. At the same time, a volatile property insurance market can spook real estate investors, and eventually, economic stability. “It’s not going to be, ‘Can you afford it?’” Tanner Coltrain, agency manager at Farm Bureau Insurance in Swan Quarter, told Causey at the Manteo meeting, referring to insurance availability. “It’ll be, ‘Can you even buy it?’” There may be some comfort in that North Carolina has what many consider one of the most innovative programs in the nation that encompasses resilience, insurance and consumer incentives and costs in one fell swoop. The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association, or NCIUA, offers grants up to $8,000 for eligible homeowners toward roof replacement with what’s known as a fortified roof through its Strengthen Your Roof pilot program. Studies have shown that as much as 90% of catastrophic insurance claims from storm damage are related to roof failures, and the NCIUA program has shown the effectiveness of fortifying roof construction. But despite its proven track record, funds for the program were decreased during the General Assembly’s last session. “We’re looking for the legislature to put more money into resilience,” Causey said.
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Hurricane Season
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‘Alarming’ Ocean Temperatures Suggest This Hurricane Season Will Be a Daunting One
An early forecast from one set of experts sees an above-average hurricane season that may rival the busiest years on record.
A key area of the Atlantic Ocean where hurricanes form is already abnormally warm, much warmer than an ideal swimming pool temperature of about 80 degrees and on the cusp of feeling more like warm bathtub water. These conditions were described by Benjamin Kirtman, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Miami, as “unprecedented,” “alarming” and an “out-of-bounds anomaly.” Combined with the rapidly subsiding El Niño weather pattern, it is leading to mounting confidence among forecasting experts that there will be an exceptionally high number of storms this hurricane season. One such expert, Phil Klotzbach, a researcher at Colorado State University, said in his team’s annual forecast on Thursday that they expected a remarkably busy season of 23 named storms, including 11 hurricanes — five of them potentially reaching major status, meaning Category 3 or higher. In a typical season, there are 14 named storms with seven hurricanes and three of them major. Dr. Klotzbach said there was a “well above-average probability” that at least one major hurricane would make landfall along the United States and in the Caribbean. It’s the Colorado State researchers’ biggest April prediction ever, by a healthy margin, said Dr. Klotzbach. While things could still play out differently, he said he was more confident than he normally would be this early in the year. All the conditions that he and other researchers look at to forecast the season, such as weather patterns, sea surface temperatures and computer model data, are pointing in one direction. “Normally, I wouldn’t go nearly this high,” he said, but with the data he’s seeing, “Why hedge?” If anything, he said, his numbers are on the conservative side, and there are computer models that indicate even more storms on the way.
The United States was lucky in 2023.
Last year was unusual. Though only one hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the United States, 20 storms formed, a number far above average and the fourth most since record keeping began. Typically, the El Niño pattern that was in force would have suppressed hurricanes and reduced the number of storms in a season. But in 2023, the warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic blunted El Niño’s effect to thwart storms. That left Idalia as the one impactful storm of the season in the Atlantic, with 12 deaths attributed to it and over $1 billion in damage. It hit in the big bend of Florida, where few people live, and the prevailing thought among hurricane researchers is that the East Coast got lucky, Dr. Klotzbach said. That luck may change this year. The El Niño pattern is dwindling now, and the likelihood of a La Niña pattern emerging during the hurricane season could also cause a shift in the steering pattern over the Atlantic. During an El Niño weather pattern, the area of high pressure over the Atlantic tends to weaken, which allows for storms to curve north and then east away from land. That’s what kept most of the storms last year away from land. A La Niña weather pattern would already have forecasters looking toward an above-average year. The possibility of a La Niña, combined with record sea surface temperatures this hurricane season, could create a robust environment for storms to form and intensify this year. Just because there are strong signals during an El Niño year that one thing will occur, it doesn’t mean the opposite happens during a La Niña year, Dr. Kirtman said. But if the high pressure strengthens and shifts west, it will mean more hurricanes making landfall. The region where storms are most likely to form is often called the “tropical Atlantic,” stretching from West Africa to Central America and between Cuba and South America. During a La Niña year, Dr. Klotzbach said, there’s a slight increase in hurricanes forming in the western side of this main development zone — closer to the Caribbean than to Africa. When a storm forms there, it is more likely to make landfall because it’s closer to land. And while it is difficult to predict specific landfalls this far ahead of the season, the sheer odds of more storms increases the expected risk to coastal areas. Sea surface temperatures also affect the hurricane season. Over the past century, those temperatures have increased gradually. But last year, with an intensity that unnerved climate scientists, the warming ratcheted up more rapidly. And in the main area where hurricanes form, 2024 is already the warmest in a decade. “Crazy” is how Dr. Kirtman described it. “The main development region is, right now, warmer than it’s historically been,” he said. “So, it’s an out-of-bounds anomaly.” There is little doubt in his mind that we are seeing some profound climate change impacts, but scientists don’t know exactly why it is occurring so quickly all of a sudden. But it is happening, and it is likely to affect the season. “The chances of a big, big hurricane that has a large impact making landfall is definitely increased,” he said.
Early forecasts aren’t always right.
It’s reasonable to take this forecast with a grain of sea salt; the seasonal forecast in April hasn’t always been the most accurate. Colorado State University’s April forecast for the 2023 hurricane season called for a slightly below-average season with 13 named storms. Instead, there were 20. Even Dr. Klotzbach admits the April forecast isn’t always the best prediction, but its accuracy is improving. The weather can be fickle, and much can change before the season officially begins on June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will issue its own forecast in late May. But for now, Colorado State and a few other forecasting groups have all called for one of the busiest seasons on record. By year’s end, Dr. Klotzbach said, he’ll be writing a scientific paper on one of two things: the incredibly active hurricane season of 2024, or one of the biggest head fakes in Atlantic hurricane season history. But he’s pretty confident it will be the former. “If it turns out to be two hurricanes,” he said, “then I should just quit and do something else.”
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The 2024 hurricane season could be busy.
Here’s what to expect in North Carolina.
“This is the highest prediction for hurricanes that (Colorado State University) has ever issued with their April outlook.”
The start of the 2024 hurricane season is sneaking up just as the weather warms, and forecasters are already out with their early-season predictions. But with climate change warming the oceans and air temperatures seemingly hitting new highs every month, with the European Union’s climate service declaring March to be the 10th consecutive month of record worldwide temperatures, is it only a question of how bad things will be this year? Or will Southeastern North Carolina be able to (mostly) dodge the proverbial storm bullet for another year?
What are forecasters saying?
According to forecasters at Colorado State University (CSU), who have been releasing April predictions since 1995, the 2024 season will be “an extremely active Atlantic hurricane season.” The researchers are predicting 23 named storms, with 11 becoming hurricanes and five of those becoming Category 3 or stronger systems. That’s about 170% of the usual storm activity of an average year. “This is the highest prediction for hurricanes that CSU has ever issued with their April outlook,” stated the researchers in a release.
The probability of one of those storms making landfall on the mainland U.S.:
The researchers added that the predicted storm activity is exhibiting characteristics similar to the 2010 and 2020 seasons.
How bad were 2010 and 2020?
For the Wilmington area, the 2010 hurricane season didn’t bring too many impacts − although Tropical Storm Nicole did drop more than 22 inches of rain on the Port City, flooding more than 100 roads in Brunswick County and leaving chunks of Pleasure Island underwater. But for the Atlantic basin as a whole, it was very busy, with some of the more brutal storms, particularly Alex and Karl, hammering the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. A pair of Category 4 monsters, Danielle and Earl, also luckily stayed out mostly at sea. A decade later, 2020 proved to be the most active hurricane season ever with 30 named storms, 14 of which developed into hurricanes. That list included a record 12 U.S. landfalling storms, including Hurricane Isaias, which raked the Brunswick County beaches and knocked out power to nearly 400,000 customers in the Carolinas.
What about El Niño & La Niña in 2024?
While El Niño conditions have dominated for the past year or so, that should transition into La Niña by the time hurricane season rolls around. Dr. Michael Mann, a meteorologist and scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, said that will mean decreased wind shear in the tropical Atlantic and a more favorable environment for tropical cyclones.
Did we learn anything from the 2023 season?
Unfortunately, Mann said one of the lessons that last season reinforced was that in a world buffeted by climate change forecasters continue to have a tendency to under predict the actual number of named storms. He added that while ocean surface temperatures are somewhat retreating from the record heat we’ve seen recently, his team is still expecting to see abnormally warm water temperatures in the main development region of the Atlantic for storms. In other words, it could be a long, stormy season − so buckle up and be prepared. “It takes only one storm near you to make this an active season for you,” said CSU meteorologist Dr. Michael Bell. Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November.
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Inlet Hazard Areas
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Lockwood Folly Inlet
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Seismic Testing / Offshore Drilling
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Offshore Wind Farms
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Things I Think I Think –
Eating out is one of the great little joys of life.
Restaurant Review:
The Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration.
///// January 2024
Name: Ruth’s Chris
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Location: 244 North Water St, Wilmington, NC
Contact: 910.343.1818 / https://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/wilmington
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: $55 Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located inside the River Place complex in the heart of historic downtown, is renowned for its aged USDA Prime steaks. Despite being a franchisee of the largest upscale steakhouse restaurant group in the world it is everything one would expect from a high-end steakhouse. The only negative is it is very pricey, not your any-night-of-the-week restaurant. The new location is a great venue that offers some fantastic views with ample indoor and outdoor seating.
Dining Guide – Local
Old places, New faces
Name: SmacNally’s
Location: 1045 B-Var Road, Supply NC
This spot that was once known as Betty’s Waterfront Restaurant before reopening in 2020 as LouLous Waterfront Restaurant. LouLous has permanently closed. They weren’t closed long before a new eatery was announced for the space. Owners of SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill are planning a second location for 1045 B-Var Road S.W. in Supply.
Popular Outer Banks seafood restaurant planning a second location in Brunswick County
For 25 years, SmacNally’s Waterfront Bar & Grill has been serving fresh seafood and burgers in Ocracoke. Now, the owners are planning to expand the brand for the first time, and they’ll be doing so in Brunswick County. Scott McNally announced that they’ll be taking over the recently closed LouLous Waterfront Restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway at 1045 B-Var Road S.W. in Supply. “It’s time,” McNally said. “We’ve put a lot into this brand and it’s time to grow.” McNally has decades of experience in restaurants, and together with partners Tom Burruss, Matt Bacheler and Persell Morgan, they have more than 120 years in hospitality. One caveat is they wanted to continue with the waterfront restaurant tradition that’s close to local seafood. It made the Holden Beach area ideal. “At SmacNally’s we work with fishermen, and we have a fish cleaning counter right at the end of our dock. They bring it right from there, to our restaurant. It’s usually just hours from the ocean.” That dock-to-kitchen model is one they’d like to continue in Holden Beach. If that’s not possible, they still plan to work with local markets for the freshest seafood, he said. LouLous restaurant opened in fall 2020 in what was formerly Betty’s Waterfront Restaurant. The space has indoor and outdoor dining, a bar area and slips for boat parking. McNally said they hope to open the SmacNally’s in May. “Or sooner, if possible,” he said.
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Peach Cobbler Factory
The dessert chain that also has a location in Carolina Beach has opened a mobile unit (with delivery options) in Holden Beach. The menu includes a variety of cobblers, puddings, cinnamon rolls and other desserts at 3247 Holden Beach Road S.W.
2024 James Beard Award – Outstanding Chef
A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals while contributing positively to their broader community.
Chef Dean Neff owner of Seabird in Wilmington, is one of five in the finalist round for the Outstanding Chef category in the James Beard awards
Dining Guide – Local * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Dining Guide – North * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Dining Guide – South * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Restaurant Reviews – North * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Restaurant Reviews – South * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Book Review:
Read several books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthly
Selection represents this month’s pick of the litter
Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
This is the seventh entry in the Lincoln Lawyer series of legal thriller novels. Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller enlists the help of his half-brother, retired LAPD homicide detective Hieronymus (“Harry”) Bosch, to exonerate a woman who’s already served five years for the murder of her sheriff’s deputy ex-husband. The title “Resurrection Walk” meaning for prisoners who have just been exonerated of their crimes, declared innocent, and set free. This walk is their resurrection back to their lives.
That’s it for this newsletter
See you next month
Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
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Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
Pier Property Public Input Session 02/29/24
THB Newsletter (02/16/24)
Public Input Session – Holden Beach Pier
The Town of Holden Beach is seeking input on the Holden Beach Pier Property. Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects will hold a public input session on Thursday, February 29th, starting at 5:00 p.m. The public will have the opportunity to drop by, review the proposed project with the architect and submit written comments. The public input session is not intended to be a meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Previously reported – February 2024
The Board provided information on the Pier Public Input Session scheduled for February 29th. The public will have an opportunity to review the current plans for the pier project. No presentations will be made at the meeting. There also will be no public comments allowed, however the architect will be there and available to answer any questions. However, the public will be able to submit written comments. The intent is to make it very similar to the input session that was held for the Sailfish Site Plan.
Facebook – Mayor Pro Tempore Tom Myers
PIER PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
The pier was purchased based on assumptions and estimates that are proving to be unrealistic. It is no longer clear if the total cost of repairing and maintaining the current structure will be less than the cost of building a new one. In either case, the financial burden on the Town will be excessive unless significant external funding can be obtained.
Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners may be present at the Public Input Session for the Holden Beach Pier on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Town of Holden Beach hosts public input meeting for fishing pier
Many people in Holden Beach want to see the town fishing pier preserved however, neighbors are worried about the financial impact. The town of Holden Beach hosted a public input meeting on Thursday for people to ask questions and share opinions about the fishing pier. ” I love this place, I have been coming here since 1955, I was three,” said Joe Utley a Holden Beach resident. The town purchased the pier in 2022, expecting the cost of repairs to be much lower than they are. In recent years, the pier has been closed down because of safety concerns. More information on people’s feelings on the pier and budget costs can be found here. Chip Hemingway the project architect who drew up a master plan of the pier for the town, says current plans include restoring the existing pier. He says the drawn-up plans to restore the pier are over budget. Right now, town officials say it is unclear what the final cost of the potential pier could be. “We did a master plan and a design for construction; they came in over budget. And we are hoping to adjust the drawing slightly to get within the budget. However, the new Town Council decided they wanted to look at the overall plan again and offer to allow the town to have more input into the planning process,” said Hemingway. He and town officials say they want to hear the public’s opinion before any final decision or vote is made. If you were not able to attend the Thursday meeting, a link to submit a public comment can be found here. ” I hope that everyone that sees this will join us in funding this so all of us can enjoy it, we want to keep the pier,” said Utley. Maria Surprise another Holden Beach resident says she does not want to see the pier torn down however, does not want taxpayers to pay the bill to restore it. She says she was against the town purchasing the pier in the first place. “What we’re trying to do now is get a handle on what this is going to cost for us going forward. Because it didn’t seem like a lot of the due diligence that should have been done before we purchased it was actually done. And so now we’re finding out that there’s all these extra costs. “And it’s a pretty penny and only the people here in Holden Beach, pay for it right now,” said Surprise. “It’s a lot of gray areas about money and financing, that’s why I would like to appeal to all the citizens that love this coastline, let’s fund this thing we want to keep this pier,” said Utley.
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Update –
The BOC’s had decided that a public input session was needed and that they will handle the discussions. The format is similar to the Sailfish Site Plan input session that was held recently.
Block Q Property Public Input Session 03/07/24
THB Newsletter (02/16/24)
Public Input – Block Q
The Board of Commissioners tasked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) with developing a new site plan for Block Q that includes a concert space with dance floor, ADA compliant bathrooms and greenspace. Other potential amenities to be examined by the PRAB include playground equipment, shaded areas, benches, picnic tables, informational panels, areas for food trucks and usage during festivals. The PRAB held an initial scoping session with the architect to organize the effort and will have future working sessions in which public input is encouraged. The first session to provide public input is Thursday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m. Comments may be provided by attending the session or sending them to the town clerk at [email protected] by Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this particular session is to obtain feedback from those property owners and businesses directly adjacent to Block Q and who might be impacted by any changes to the site. These property owners will also receive a letter from the town in the next few days.
Previously reported – February 2024
The motion made was to task the Parks and Recreation Board to work with the current architect to develop a new site plan for Block Q. It seems to me that we should just start with only the most essential elements like the restrooms, vehicle, and boat parking. In addition to Block Q the committee should consider integrating Jordan Boulevard into those plans. The Town had plans to develop a promenade on Jordan Boulevard. The Town owns the land that the commercial properties are utilizing for private parking for their businesses. We already own the property there, by utilizing it for vehicle parking it may give us more flexibility on what we can do in Block Q. Diagonal parking on both sides of the road and down the center would add a significant number of parking spaces. Plus, vehicles parked there would be closer to the beach access then parking in Block Q. In addition, not having to have vehicle parking in Block Q would allow other things to be there like the Pavilion. In my humble opinion we should develop plans for Block Q that includes a promenade on Jordan Boulevard.
Holden Beach seeking public input for Block Q development with concert space
The public is invited to provide input concerning the development of Block Q, according to the Town of Holden Beach. “The Board of Commissioners tasked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) with developing a new site plan for Block Q that includes a concert space with dance floor, ADA compliant bathrooms, and greenspace. Other potential amenities to be examined by the board include playground equipment, shaded areas, benches, picnic tables, informational panels, areas for food trucks and usage during festivals,” the announcement states. According to the town, the first public input session is set for Thursday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at the town hall public assembly at 110 Rothschild Street in Holden Beach. Comments also can be sent by email to the town clerk at [email protected]. Emails must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. “The purpose of this particular session is to obtain feedback from those property owners and businesses directly adjacent to Block Q and who might be impacted by any changes to the site. These property owners will also receive a letter from the town in the next few days,” the town adds. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality‘s Division of Coastal Management has awarded $420,000 for the project.
Read more » click here
Holden Beach talks turning Block Q to Block P-arty
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners during its Jan. 23 meeting expressed safety concerns about the existing pavilion and discussed moving town concerts across the street to the Block Q property. Two motions were passed 3-2, with Commissioners Page Dyer and Rick Smith opposition each. One motion called for having engineers reassess the condition of the pavilion, located at 131 Jordan Blvd., and avoid using it until reassessed; the other motion put Block Q site plans back on the chopping block. The board’s discussion and actions are in response to the February 2023 Right Angle Engineering pavilion condition assessment, which reported needed repairs, improvements or replacement. The report called for the town to make a plan within 12 months of the assessment and implementation of the plan or demolition within the 12 subsequent months. “That first 12 months is up, I think we need to do something,” Mayor Pro-Tem Myers said, noting that the town needs to figure out how safe the structure is and come up with a plan before any town events are hosted there. The passed motion supports staff to engage with Right Angle to do a reassessment and bring that report back to the board. Myers also urged staff not to use it until the report was done due to safety concerns. Though the original pavilion was built in 2009, an engineer designed a temporary bracing system and column repair plan in 2010 to fix the structure. The report stated the column repairs were never implemented. “We have determined that failure of the existing structure is not immediately impending, but significant repairs and/or improvements are required in the short term,” the report states. Inspections Director Tim Evans told commissioners that the pavilion was poorly built from the start and repairs to temporarily brace the structure are starting to fail. “I am the one that’s supposed to really look out for the life, safety, health and welfare of the citizens of this town and it puts me in a bad position,” he said. “But it doesn’t make me sleep good at night knowing I got this engineer report and knowing the condition of that structure up there.” Evans explained that he condemned the original structure because it did not meet the minimum inspection requirements, nor did the pier that was connected to the pavilion. Despite bracing and monthly assessment, he said the whole structure continues to rack and deteriorate. When a structure racks, he noted, they either bring the structure back to where it needs to be, or they take action to keep it from racking anymore because it will eventually reach a point of failure when it moves like that. He told the board that he will soon condemn the pavilion, as he did in 2010, if the board does not take action due to how dangerous the structure is becoming. “I felt comfortable we weren’t going to hurt somebody, I don’t feel that comfortable [now],” he said. The roof, Evans said, is the main concern but the stage itself is perfectly fine for town events. He said the permanent fix would be costly but taking the roof off could be a temporary quick fix to keep the town from losing its summer concert space. Commissioners Dyer and Smith favored Evans’ recommendation. Dyer said she wants a reassessment done but wants to make the pavilion safe enough for concerts to go on, as well. Asked if the reassessment report could be completed before the concerts begin, Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson said probably not. She said there are steps to take before doing the reassessment, which may not be completed prior to the summer concert series. Myers said he wants the pavilion to be permanently fixed and suggested relocating concerns at least temporarily. “If we have a problem of where to hold the concerts, we do have Block Q,” Myers said as the board transitioned to discussing Block Q. In a January special meeting, the board voted to halt the Phase 1 stormwater work for the new Block Q parking area. The first project sketch displayed paid parking spots, boat trailer spaces, a dog park area and public restrooms on the block enclosed by South Shore Drive, Quinton Street and Brunswick Avenue. The motion passed on Jan. 23 supported the Parks and Recreation Board to work with Pinnacle Architecture Professional Association to develop a new site plan for Block Q. The plan is to include a concert space, dance floor, already planned Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bathrooms, greenspace, boat and trailer parking spaces, car parking spaces and other potential amenities. Assuming the pavilion is going away, Myers said he wants to use the grassy Block Q land as a new space for the concerts. Smith said he feels it is a waste of time and money to start the Block Q plans all over again. He said the previous plan was good and that the designated pull-through boat and trailer parking was a necessity. “The plan we had was a good plan and it was a good start to the plan and would still give ample greenspace for a pavilion and a place to have the amenities,” he added. Like Smith, Dyer said the Block Q plan pull-through parking spots for boats and trailers and the ADA bathrooms were the most important aspects of the previous plan. She said the board previously discussed putting the pavilion on the Block Q property but decided to emphasize boat parking and bathrooms first. The prior plans, she added, left space for a pavilion so the town could add it later. “The problem with putting a pavilion over there is, you’re going to be facing residential homes,” she said. She added that some people, such as nearby residents, may not want the pavilion to change locations and those residents should have a say before making any decision. “We will have public input,” Myers said in response. Prior Block Q coverage can be viewed on The Brunswick Beacon website by searching “Block Q” in the search bar.
Read more » click here
Update –
The BOC’s had delegated to the Parks and Recreation Board through a tasker for them to propose a Block Q site plan. They also decided that a public input session was needed. Parks & Recreation Committee ran the meeting and handled the discussions.
BOC’s Special Meeting 03/08/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop
Facebook – Mayor Pro Tempore Tom Myers
At yesterday’s budget meeting we got our first look at proposed BPART spending for next year. The total was $5M with no money allocated for the pier or the pavilion, and spending for only the bathrooms & associated stormwater work at Block Q. Almost 40% of the spending will go to paying our debt; 16% for contracted services; 10% for beach access and ADA improvements; and 7% for staff salaries and benefits. About 14% has to be paid to the County. It is obvious we have a lot of work to do to achieve our goals of funding priority items while balancing the budget, not raising taxes, and maintaining our fund balance reserves.
BOC’s Special Meeting 03/18/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop
. a. Proposed Objectives for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
. b. Governing Body & Administration
. c. Inspections Department
. d. Police Department
. 4. Canal Funds, Capital Improvement Plan and Projects
BOC’s Regular Meeting 03/19/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Conflict of Interest Check
2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.
The Board was polled by Mayor Holden. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting.
Both Commissioners Smith and Dyer claimed that Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas have a conflict since they are on the Board of the HBPOA. They sprung this without consulting Sydnee Moore the Town Attorney who has previously ruled that being on HBPOA Board is not a conflict of interest. Sydnee stated unless they can show specifics why they think there is a conflict they can proceed.
2. Public Comments on Agenda Items
There were comments made by eight (8) members of the public at the meeting and additional comments were posted on the Town’s website
For more information » click here
3. Discussion and Possible Award of Contract for Roadway Work (High Point Street) – Public Works Director Clemmons
Agenda Packet – pages 23 – 24
Supplement Agenda Packet » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Award of Contract for Roadway Work (High Point Street)
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Right Angle Engineering has released an invitation to bid for the paving overlay of High Point Street. The bids are due on March 18th so they will not be received in time to be included in the packets. Staff’s intent is to send a supplement with the information before the meeting. Due to timing issues, staff is requesting the Board delegate contract authority to the town manager if the engineer makes a recommendation for award that is within the budgeted amount.
Update –
Staff recommendation is to award the bid to Highland Paving who is currently doing the DOT Ocean Boulevard repaving project. The Board approved awarding the contract to Highland Paving.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
4. Discussion and Possible Action on Evaluation of Holden Beach Pavilion – Town Manager Hewett, Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 25 – 34
ISSUE/ ACTION REQUESTED:
Board receive evaluation on Holden Beach Pavilion.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Right Angle Engineering has completed the requested updated structural condition evaluation on the HB Pavilion.
As requested, representatives of Right Angle Engineering visited the referenced site in January of 2024 to investigate the existing framing condition as compared to the previous year’s investigation . Since the prior year’s investigation, we were informed that there had been temporary work done on the structure. There were no engineered design plans provided to us for review of this work. The main purpose of this report is to re-evaluate if the previously designed repairs are functioning as intended since installation in 2010.
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on the Pavilion.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Right Angle Engineering Report dated March 4, 2024:
SUMMARY
Based on our investigation, no significant repairs and/or improvements were conducted that would prolong the life of the structure or address the main issues that have been raised by our investigations and prior repair plans. Due to lack of significant improvements to the structure and continued deterioration, we recommend the Pavilion be closed. When coupling the pile repair work with roof truss repairs, framing repairs, soon to be needed decking restoration, likely roofing replacement, and other aesthetic improvements, these costs likely approach or exceed the current value and/or replacement cost of the 15-year-old structure. Based on our two investigations and evaluations, the pavilion has not been constructed, repaired, or improved in accordance with any engineered plans. As the structure continues to deteriorate it becomes more plausible that a wind event and/or gravity alone will result in significant damage and/or collapse of this structure.
Possible Action:
Update –
Based on two (2) evaluations the engineers recommendation is to tear it down. Discussion was whether we just remove the roof or tear down the entire structure. Town Manager Hewett stated that the pavilion wasn’t built in accordance with an engineered plan. Building Inspector Evans stated that based on the engineers evaluation, the entire structure needs to be torn down. Timbo basically spelled it out for them, they really do not have an option other then to move forward with demolition of the pavilion. The Board authorized the Town staff to send out a request for proposal to tear down the structure.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
A request for proposal (RFP) is a solicitation, often made through a bidding process, by an agency or company interested in procurement of a commodity, service or valuable asset, to potential suppliers to submit business proposals.
Holden Beach town leaders vote to demolish pavilion ahead of a busy summer concert season
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to tear down the pavilion in town after years of structural and safety issues. “It was poorly, poorly built. That’s why I condemned it the first day I got here,” Timothy Evans, the town’s planning and inspections director, said. There was a lengthy discussion during Tuesday night’s meeting. Some leaders weighed the options of repairing parts of the pavilion, while others pointed out that it would cost more than just demolishing the structure altogether. “I would have to, whether y’all did or not, go down there and post this building as a condemnation. Just like I did the first time. I would have to close it. If y’all decide not to tear it down, then you’re going to put me in an adversary position with the board to have a hearing with you and give you an order to remove it and then you’re going to be in another adversary position because it’s going to have to go to an administrative board somewhere if y’all fail to act. So, I think this report is pretty precise, it’s pretty clear, it’s very professionally done. I’ve read it three or four times. It needs to be taken down,” Evans said to the board. Ultimately, the board decided to follow the recommendation of the engineering firm and tear down the pavilion. There are currently structural reinforcements essentially holding it all together. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers sent WECT the 2023 report from the same engineering firm which said, “the structure is not immediately impending, but significant repairs and/or improvements are required in the short term.” Now, about a year later, their recommendation is to tear it down. In a report this month, the engineering firm found that the venue was not built, repaired, or improved properly. It warned that the Pavilion could collapse from wind – or even its own gravity. Evans commented and said that in years past the pavilion likely could have been repaired, but the project was put off too long, leaving them with the only option of tearing the structure down. “What jumped out to me is that they were reevaluating some of the previous designated repairs that they suggested back in 2010. My question is, why weren’t any of those done?” Commissioner Rick Smith asked. Town Manager David Hewett replied saying, “They weren’t funded by the board of commissioners.” Right now, there is no set timeline for when the pavilion will be torn down, but leaders hope it’s done sooner rather than later. Commissioner Dr. Page Dyer asked about getting a bid to rebuild the pavilion immediately, but other leaders pointed out that it’s not as easy as putting pen to paper. Hewett mentioned that it could be a 9-12 month process of getting a new design and figuring out the next steps from engineers for a new pavilion. There will be a discussion at a later date for where a new pavilion could be built. It was also mentioned that the current pavilion sits on part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers right of way, but there is an encroachment agreement in place. Myers told WECT that they have secured a temporary location at the picnic pavilion for the summer concerts, but there are still some details to be ironed out.
Read more » click here
With concert series approaching, Holden Beach votes to demolish its pavilion. Here’s why.
A notable town structure in Holden Beach will be torn down following concerns of structural and safety issues. After receiving a second evaluation from an engineer, the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners voted at its March meeting to follow the recommendation to close the pavilion. “The findings are very clear,” Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers said. “It needs to be closed and the cost to repair it would likely exceed the cost of replacing it.” The pavilion was installed under the Holden Beach bridge in 2010, and it’s been cause for concern ever since. In 2011, the structure and the building inspector who signed off on the project were the center of an investigation by the N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board. The project was slated to cost $160,000 but eventually cost the town closer to $200,000 and thousands more in structural repairs. “It was poorly, poorly built. That’s why I condemned it the first day I got here,” Timothy Evans, the town’s current planning and inspections director, said. Evans condemned the pavilion in April 2010 and filed a complaint with the N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board, alleging that the former inspector had “defrauded the public or attempted to do so” and was “guilty of willful misconduct, gross negligence or gross incompetence,” according to past StarNews reporting. The investigation report eventually ruled that the past inspector did not have a conflict of interest in inspecting the project, but subsequently affirmed that the project did have numerous code violations. In 2010, some structural repair designs were completed by an engineer, but, the recent report states, they were never implemented. This resulted in the sagging of the roof framing and other damage to the structure. Town manager David Hewett said those recommended improvements were not executed because they were not funded by the board of commissioners at the time. Ultimately, the recent report concluded the cost to repair the structure to be suitable for use would exceed the cost of replacing the 15-year-old structure. “Based on our two investigations and evaluations, the pavilion has not been constructed, repaired or improved in accordance with any engineered plans,” the report reads. “As the structure continues to deteriorate it becomes more plausible that a wind event and/or gravity alone will result in significant damage and/or collapse of the structure.” Concerns were raised by some board members regarding the town’s 2024 summer concert series. The town has already announced headliners for the upcoming concert series, which will begin in late May and continue each Sunday through Sept. 1. While the series has previously been held at the pavilion, the concert location for 2024 is yet to be determined, according to the town’s website, but could be moved to Bridgeview Park. The vote to demolish the current structure was passed by the board unanimously.
Read more » click here
5. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-02, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 72: Parking Regulations – Town Manager Hewett
Agenda Packet – pages 35 – 39
Ordinance 24-02 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-02, An Ordinance Amending the Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 72: Parking Regulations
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Recent repaving and the addition of the bike lane by DOT has encroached into the ROW to such an extent that 50 spaces along McCray between Avenue A and Dunescape on the north side of the street are compromised to the extent they can’t be used for parking. While it appears, there is still 10 feet of ROW, its use would require removal of brush and fill added to bring the ROW up to the grade of the new road surface. It is believed this would not be a prudent measure as this action would require significant permitting, an encroachment agreement and would result in fill adjacent to documented wetlands.
ORDINANCE 24-02
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE HOLDEN BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 72: PARKING REGULATIONS
BE IT ORDAINED BY the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina, that Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Chapter 72: Parking Regulations be amended as follows.
Section One: Amend the Parking Zone and Area Table in Section 72.03 Parking Authorized by Permit Only as follows (changes are highlighted):
Town of Holden Beach Parking Zone and Area Table
The following table indicate the specific areas within the corporate limits of the Town of Holden Beach where parking is specifically authorized pursuant to Ordinance 72 and its counterparts and references. Changes and/or modifications to this table are restricted to actions by the Board of Commissioners.
McCray Street Avenue A to Dunescape Drive
All Vehicles / Northside only / 40 spaces / Zone H63
Update –
The recent repaving and addition of the bike lane by DOT has encroached into the rights-of-way to such an extent that the spaces can no longer be used for parking. Town Manager Hewett stated that in order to utilize this area for parking would require significant permitting, an encroachment agreement from the DOT and require fill adjacent to documented wetlands. Motion was made to amend the parking ordinance as submitted, eliminating parking on McCray Street.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Since we are going to lose the parking spaces on McCray, now might be a good time to revisit parking on the properties we own in the 800 block. The Town owns ten (10) parcels in the 800 block which we obtained in April 2013 ostensibly to be used for parking. In March of 2021, they wanted to start the process now because we need to get the ball rolling and do what needs to be done. They agreed to send plans to the DOT for their approval. Also, they agreed to hire a civil engineer to delineate the wetland area and do any required permitting. We delineated all town property bordering marsh areas that is included in the parking plan. The following year, once we had the results of the wetlands determination, the discussion was about adding parking on the 800 block lots. Now it’s just another Loose End.
6. Discussion and Possible Action on Holden Beach Paid Parking Fees and Schedule – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – page – 40
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discuss and possible action on Holden Beach Paid Parking fees and schedule
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Oak Island
Paid Parking: $5/hour; $20/day; $80/week; $175/year (Resident Season Permit $10)
Topsail Beach
Paid Parking: $5/hour; $25/day; No weekly or season pass
Kure Beach
Paid Parking: $5/hour; $20 /day; $100/week; $225/year (Resident Season Permit $20)
Carolina Beach
Paid Parking: $6/hour; $25/day; $100 /week; No season pass
Holden Beach
Paid Parking: $4/hour; $20/day; $80/week; $150/year (No resident permits)
Possible action:
Update –
The proposed actions were presented as separate motions as follows:
The first motion made was to extend the season and charge for parking year-round. The justification used was that the expenses that we incur are not seasonal. The counter argument made is that we have not provided the services we committed to yet and we should wait to do this until we provide these services.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
The second motion made was to change the rates as follows to $5/hour; $20/day; $80/week; $175/year. Anyone that already has purchased a yearly pass are grandfathered in and basically got an early bird special. They clarified that a yearly pass are only valid within the calendar year purchased., so you would need a new pass January 1st. . Also, the transaction fee the town is charged will come down.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
The action required is the same as last year, the Board approved both motions with the instructions to have the Town Manager execute an amendment to the contract to support whatever is necessary to implement the two (2) approved motions.
The third motion made was to charge for parking during festivals. Currently just do not enforce paid parking regulations anywhere on the island when there are festivals. The motion made is to not enforce regulations in the festival area only.
No decision was made – No action taken
The fourth motion made was to provide full-time residents an annual pass for $20 that is restricted to one per household only for vehicles that are registered on the island. The Town Attorney Moore requested that the motion be tabled until she could do some research regarding the legality of the proposed resident permit.
No decision was made – No action taken
We just lost approximately 40 to 50 parking spaces on the north side of McCray Street do to the road work/bike lane project which is a loss of revenue for the Town. I believe that raising the parking fees will provide us with much needed revenue for a long list of projects that we don’t appear to have adequate funds for at this time.
Last year we ended paid parking early to allow free parking island wide for festival weekend. The thinking was that in order to promote the festival it would be advantageous to suspend paid parking. The Board agreed to suspend the paid parking early. Frankly, I did not agree with that decision. It’s a zoo out there during the festival weekend. With all the parking problems that happen during the festivals you would think we would want to continue enforcing parking in designated areas only. By suspending enforcement, people can and will park anywhere they want. Paid parking should be enforced during festivals.
I do not feel extending the paid parking program year-round is the right thing to do. The public should have access to the beach strand without any fees for at least a portion of the year. That said, certainly starting the program one month earlier in March makes a lot of sense to me.
As for any other ordinance considerations, it is important that any definitions and conditions are clear to help the public avoid inadvertent errors and enable enforcement. In other words, it needs to be standardized, and easily understood. Parking should only be in designated parking spaces whether its paid parking or not, plain and simple. I personally object to parking in the rights-of-way, but I understand why some property owners want to be able to park there on their property. A potential accommodation would be to issue a day specific one-time permit for any homeowners that have an activity at their property that requires them to occasionally park in the rights-of-way.
KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid!
7. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 41 – 48
Police Report » click here
Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year.
The police department currently has only nine (9) officers of the ten (10) they are budgeted to have.
Having the full complement of ten (10) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.
Public Service Announcement –
Scams – be on guard, you need to protect yourself from scammers
Please do not send money when contacted via phone calls
NC residents lose millions to scammers: Report reveals top 10 scam categories
The 41-page report from the North Carolina Department of Justice examines artificial intelligence, the opioid crisis and its scam report.
People in North Carolina are losing millions of dollars each year to scammers, according to a report from the state Department of Justice. This 41-page report looks at everything from artificial intelligence to the opioid crisis – showing that just about any news event and spur scammers into action. The report breaks down the 10 scam categories you’re most likely to fall victim to, and some of the topics are not easy to avoid. The most common types of scams include telemarketing and robocalls, motor vehicles, credit, utilities, home improvement, the internet, landlord-tenant issues, insurance, personal service and real estate. In 2023, the North Carolina Department of Justice received hundreds and in many cases thousands of reports of scams in these arenas. Telemarketing and robocall scams were the most common, with 3,281 reports. Never give anyone your personal information and trust your gut if something feels off. Anyone who thinks they’ve been scammed in North Carolina can call 1-877-566-7226 or file a complaint on the Department of Justice’s website.
What he did not say –
Paid Parking will become effective April 1st
They are getting ready for Days at the Dock
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
8. Discussion and Possible Action on Resolution 24-03, Resolution Declaring Law Enforcement Participation in the Federal 1033 Program – Chief Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 49 – 50
Resolution 24-03 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Adopt resolution to allow police department to participate in federal 1033 program.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Federal 1033 program requires Civilian Governing Board written support for participation.
The LESO/1033 Program is just one way for law enforcement agencies to obtain military sourced equipment. The LESO/1033 Program handles excess military property for use by law enforcement agencies, but prohibits transfer of military uniforms, body armor, Kevlar helmets and the other items.
Update –
After we acquired two (2) Humvees they found out that we are not in compliance without participating in the program. We need this resolution approved in order for us to be in compliance. Motion was made to pass the resolution as submitted.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
9. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 51 – 53
Inspections Report » click here
ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS = 46
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS = 281
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000 = 44
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000 = 3
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP = 17
TOTAL PERMITS = 344
PERMITS IN REVIEW = 5
CAMA ISSUED = 2
ZONING ISSUED = 9
PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 12/12-1/11 = 104
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE = 487
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, it was the busiest month that they ever had. Timbo requested that the Board charge the Planning & Zoning Board to review both our frontal dune policies and regulations ordinance and our lighting ordinance. The Board tasked P&Z to address the issues Timbo has with these ordinances.
Same As It Ever Was
10. Finance Department Report – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 54 – 56
Finance Report » click here
Three graphs were presented, that the Board previously requested, with monthly comparisons of the following funds:
BPART Fund – Beach Preservation / Access & Recreation / Tourism
BPART is a Special Revenue Fund authorized by act of the General Assembly which allows the Town to collect six cents of an Accommodations Tax for the purposes of funding beach preservation and tourism related expenses.
11. Discussion and Possible Acceptance of a Grant from the NC Department of Environmental Quality for Bathrooms, Associated Parking, Site Prep and Landscaping on Block Q – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson
a. Ordinance 24-03, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and
Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 3)
Agenda Packet – pages 57 – 95 which is too large to include here
Ordinance 24-03 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action in accepting a grant from NC Department of Environmental Quality for bathrooms, associated parking, site prep, and landscaping on Block Q (see memo for more details).
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The BOC’s directed the staff to submit the grant in both a pre-application and final application process. The grant has been awarded and current action rests with the BOC.
Block Q Access Development (Bathrooms /Associated Parking)
The town applied for and has received a grant from DEQ through the NC Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program. The total of the grant is $560,000 of which the town’s obligation will be$140,000 to construct a restroom facility, associated parking, site prep and landscaping. There is a contractual obligation that we must maintain the facilities built using grant funds for 25 years. If the board accepts /approves the contract, a budget amendment would need to be adopted so that the funds can be recognized in this year’s budget. Since we will not be executing the project this fiscal year, they will be reappropriated in next fiscal year’s budget. Accepting the grant includes authorizing the manager to execute the grant paperwork.
Update –
The Board discussed whether or not to accept the grant at this time. The bottom-line is that we can’t put bathrooms on the site without doing stormwater work, an additional $300,000 expense, for the entire site. Motion was made to accept the grant and pass the associated budget amendment. They decided it was in our best interest to accept the grant now, so they can move forward with this project, and then work on modifying the stormwater plan.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
12. Discussion and Possible Approval of Ordinance 24-04, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 23-11, The Revenues and Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 (Amendment No. 4) – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 96 – 97
Ordinance 24-04 » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of Budget amendment.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
To transfer unassigned General fund balance over 70% lo Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund and to transfer appropriate funds to FEMA fund to cover the cost of the project that was not captured in the disbursements from FEMA.
Update –
A housekeeping item, they adopted budget amendment as submitted.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
It shall be the Fund Balance Policy of the Town of Holden Beach to maintain a minimum of 40% and a maximum of 70% of unassigned fund balance in the General Fund.
13. Discussion and Possible Approval of Contract Between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for Audit Services for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 – Mayor Pro Tem Myers, Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 98 – 119
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on the annual audit contact
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Possible Actions:
Previously reported – February 2024
Discussion and Possible Approval of Contract Between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for Audit Services for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 34 – 54
Item was removed from the agenda
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of Audit Contract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
To ensure a timely audit conducted by a reputable firm we have previously contracted
FINANCE RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend approving contract to ensure another timely audit. This would be year two of the three year proposal of audit services presented in FY 2023
FEES:
Audit Fee $35,125
Financial Statement Drafting $3,900
Single Audit Fees (up to 2 programs) $3,750
TOTAL $42,775
Previously reported – February 2023
Two (2) firms were evaluated by the THB Audit Committee for their suitability to be contracted to perform external audits of the Town’s financial statements for Fiscal Years 22/23, 23/24 and 24/25. The qualifications of Martin Starnes & Associates and Sharpe Patel were measured using the RFP scoring tool developed by a previous Audit Committee.
Based upon the scoring tool evaluations, the Audit Committee recommends that the BOC’s authorize the Town Manager to contract with Sharpe Patel.
Based upon the scoring tool evaluations, the Audit Committee recommended that we contract with Sharpe Patel. However, David recommended that we do not change the auditor. After some discussion, the Board chose to ignore the Audit Committee recommendation despite a 147% fee increase and a $12,000 price difference (Sharpe Patel proposed fee was $25,032 vs. Martin Starnes proposed fee $36,975). The North Carolina Local Government Commission requires the Town to have an annual audit performed. The Town has used Martin Starnes for the past three (3) years to perform this service. They have experience working with the town and the Town is happy with the incumbent. Approval of the contract means that Martin Starnes has been selected for their fourth consecutive year, to handle our audit for the fiscal year that ends June 30th 2023. The motion was made to continue working with Martin Starnes for another year.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioner Kwiatkowski opposed the motion
Update –
Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers asked to have this agenda item removed so that the Audit Committee will have an opportunity to discuss and do their job. Town Manager Hewett objected because he said it would compromise getting the audit done in a timely manner.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
The protocol is to change firms every few years, traditionally we have done that after vendor has audited us for three (3) years, this would be the fifth consecutive year we have contracted with them.
Update –
The Audit Committee met on February 28th and voted unanimously to move forward with the current auditor for the 2023/24 annual audit. The motion made was to retain the audit firm Martin Starnes for another year and accept the proposed contract. Martin Starnes was awarded the $42,775 contract for the fifth consecutive year.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
14. Discussion and Possible Action to Direct Staff to Develop and Issue a Request for Proposals to Upfit the Pier and Pier House – Commissioners Smith and Dyer
Agenda Packet – page – 120
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Direct staff to request RFP to upfit the pier and pier house.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Have private builder upfit/repair pier house and pier and lease from town. The parking and campground remain in control by the town.
Update –
Commissioners Smith and Dyer are now proposing a public/private partnership. This step is simply a request to get proposals to see if there is any interest in privately doing this project. They say that there is, including one from previous Commissioner Murdock. Commissioner Paarfus said that an RFP is premature, in his opinion we need to wait until its decided what we want to do there, so we know what we are asking for. Mayor Pro Tem Myers said that they have asked for and have gotten a lot of input and we should look at what the public said before we head down this path. Although a public/private partnership could be a viable option we are not at the point of putting out a formal request for services yet.
No decision was made – No action taken
Frankly, this is not a viable location for a year-round business and does not have adequate parking for a seasonal business. The parking lot there has been full throughout the fall and winter regardless of the weather. That is without either the pier being available for use or any business running out of the building. There just is not adequate parking there to support beachgoers, fisherman, and whatever else we plan to do with the building. I just don’t see how they think that it could be profitable.
15. Discussion and Possible Action on 796 Ocean Boulevard West – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 121 – 125
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on 796 OBW
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Possible Actions:
Instruct staff to get bids from local realtors to sell 796 OBW
Update –
We purchased the property in 2019 and still have no viable plan for what to do with it. The motion was made to sell the property. Town Manager Hewett suggested how the sale of Town property might be handled. He also recommended that he meet with our Town Attorney to decide the best method to sell it. They decided to sell it and Town Manager and Town Attorney can figure out the best way on how to sell it.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
16. Discussion and Possible Action on Audio/Video Broadcasting of Town Meetings – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – page – 126
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on audio video broadcasting of Town meetings.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The audio video broadcasting of Town meetings is inadequate. While the new cameras and microphones are an improvement, additional enhancements are still needed (e.g., improved audio and the ability to broadcast the presentations that are displayed on the meeting room television screens).
Possible Actions:
Task Town Staff to review and assess what other towns are doing and make recommendations for improvement.
Update –
The motion was made to direct the Town Staff the task to review and assess what other towns are doing and make recommendations for audio/video improvement. In other words, benchmark what other towns are doing and determine what are the costs associated with providing this service. Commissioner Paarfus specifically requested various price point options.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioner Smith opposed the motion
17. Town Manager’s Report
Personnel
Kimberly Bowman is our new Permit Specialist in the Inspections Department
Penny King is our new Receptionist in the Administration Department
Justin Hewett is our new Officer in the Police Department
The Police Department is still not fully staffed, recruiting to fill Officer vacancy
Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Study
The Town has made application to NC Department Wildlife Resources for $750k state budget appropriation for the Town’s CSRM Study contribution match. It is anticipated that the $750k appropriation and pending federal Disaster Relief Act funding that probably will negate the need for any further Town expenditures. All matching funds for the CSRM study are now in place.
Stormwater Project Partnership Agreement (PPA)
Town staff met with USACE Program Manager in February to develop a draft PPA. Awaiting draft PPA for about a half dozen projects for an estimated cost of two (2) million dollars. The intent is to position the Town to receive federal stormwater funding for these projects.
Beach Strand
Lockwood Folly Maintenance Crossing (LWFMX) project is wrapping up and will be completed by the end of this month. The dredge boat Lexington placed approximately 100,000cy of beach compatible sand on the beach strand from Amazing Grace to around Blockade.
Documentation of rock raking was provided to the Division of Coastal Management.
They anticipate that the Notice of Violation will be lifted now that the work has been completed. We still have a three (3) year tilling requirement to comply with.
Sand fence repairs are underway with vegetation planting to start soon after.
Federal Funding
Staff is preparing funding priorities for Congressionally directed spending projects. Currently the three (3) elements are Coastal Storm Damage reduction Project, Stormwater Project, and Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging.
Sewer Lift Station #2
Sewer Lift Station #2 » click here
EPA Grant Component – $2,669.867
State Funding – $1,940,000
Remaining Financing – forecast a possible need for short-term borrowing
Preliminary paperwork has been submitted to NC Department of Environmental Quality
Waiting to receive offer to fund which will require BOC’s action
Canal Dredging
Maintenance dredging bid from T.D Eure was the low bidder at $189,000
Dredge boat on site and has been dredging the entrance canals
So far, so good …
Previously reported – January 2024
$343,800 Department Wildlife Resources grant awarded for Harbor Acres dredging. $257,850 state and $85,950 local which is from the Harbor Acres Canal Special Revenue Fund. Waiting for NC Department Water Quality certification for USACE permit approval. Current Request for Proposal (RFP) is out for a 2,700 cyds bucket to barge project in Harbor Acres. Bids are due back by February 6th. Staff is preparing for BOC consideration of grant acceptance and dredger award in Special Meetings that are scheduled in February.
Paid Parking
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase
Paid parking begins and will be enforced starting April 1st
THB Newsletter (02/09/24)
Annual Parking Passes Now Available
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase. The Town uses SurfCast by Otto Connect Mobile Solution. This is a mobile app downloadable for Apple and Android devices. You can also visit https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay to purchase a pass. Paid parking is enforced April 1st – October 31st, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information on the paid parking program.
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners will be provided with four (4) decals which will be included in their April water bills. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.
The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle.
Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations. https://hbtownhall.com/evacuation-decals
Pier Beach Access
441 OBW walkway, emergency access ramp, and blue matting placement will be completed by the Public Works Department shortly
Quinton Street Beach Access
114 OBE staff is still working on having bathrooms there
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Contractor is proceeding and is on schedule to complete by Memorial Day
David is hopeful it will be completed way before that
In Case You Missed It –
National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 22, 2024, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2024.
News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
For more information » click here
Upcoming Events –
Easter Sunrise Service
Holden Beach Chapel and the Brunswick Islands Baptist Church and are sponsoring an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday March 31st at the Holden Beach Pier.
Family Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt
The Town will hold its annual nighttime Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 5th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Teams of four will compete against each other. Participants will need to bring their own flashlights to the event and something to place their eggs in.
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups are held at the pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge.
For more information » click here
General Comments –
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third fifth Tuesday of the month, April 30th
The meeting scheduled for April 16th was moved to April 30th
Budget meeting scheduled for April 30th was cancelled
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following twenty-four (24) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.
Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
Why a hot Atlantic has hurricane forecasters very worried
Hurricane season is still more than three months away, but in parts of the tropical Atlantic, it feels like we might as well already be in the thick of it. Across a strip of ocean where many cyclones are born, February ocean temperatures are closer to what scientists expect in July. The ominous warmth is stirring concerns of yet another hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season. Seven of the last eight seasons have been above normal. Last year, similarly unusual warmth fueled a storm season that was significantly more active than meteorologists might have expected given the presence of the El Niño climate pattern, which emerged last spring and creates conditions that tend to inhibit Atlantic cyclone formation. As meteorologists look ahead to this hurricane season, which begins June 1, they see an increasing likelihood that a La Niña pattern will replace El Niño by late summer or early fall. That is another bad sign for the U.S. coastline — La Niña is associated with active patterns in the tropical Atlantic. It’s still too early to say whether the warmth will persist into hurricane season, or when La Niña might arrive. But, especially together, the trends suggest that an active season could be difficult to avoid, said Michael Lowry, a meteorologist with WPLG-TV in Miami and a former National Hurricane Center scientist. “There’s plenty of time ahead before we get to the meatiest part of the hurricane season,” Lowry said. “But a lot’s going to have to change … for forecasters to feel much more comfortable going into hurricane season.”
A persistent trend of record warmth
Last spring, the strongest climate signal scientists know of — El Niño — gave every indication of a slowdown in Atlantic hurricane activity in the summer and fall. El Niño’s signature is a surge of warm waters and towering clouds in the central and eastern Pacific. It triggers changes in atmospheric circulation that, on the other side of the planet, can make it harder for tropical storms to form and strengthen: Areas of high pressure with sinking air are more common over the Atlantic, and wind shear, when wind speed and direction vary at different altitudes, increases. The expectation of El Niño prompted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters to predict a mostly typical Atlantic hurricane season, a downgrade from years of increased storm activity. But as El Niño developed, and unusual warmth appeared well beyond the Pacific zones the climate pattern is known for, forecasters warned that a quieter season was far less than certain. By August, it became clearer: The ocean warmth was likely to counteract El Niño’s typical effect in the Atlantic, and NOAA upgraded its forecast. The season ended up with about 20 percent more activity than average, as measured by a statistic known as accumulated cyclone energy. Now, with a new tropical weather season ahead, Atlantic temperatures are perhaps even more remarkable.
Why meteorologists have reason for concern
In a zone of the Atlantic known as the main development region for hurricanes, sea surface temperatures are running well above normal — and 1.1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) higher than in any other year on record, said Philip Klotzbach, a tropical meteorologist at Colorado State University. If that trend persists into hurricane season this summer, it could mean a ripe environment for tropical waves flowing from Africa to develop into cyclones. “Basically, it is the perfect recipe for hurricanes to form and strengthen,” Alejandro Jaramillo, a meteorologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said in an email. “The warmer waters provide extra fuel available for hurricanes, potentially leading to the formation of stronger storms.” One factor behind the Atlantic warmth: weak winds over the ocean, Klotzbach said. That discourages evaporation, which would allow the waters to cool by transferring heat into the air. Models suggest weaker-than-normal winds continuing into March, Klotzbach said. Beyond that, longer-term models predict that surface temperatures will remain elevated, and that by the heart of hurricane season, from August through October, precipitation will be above normal across the tropical Atlantic, something that suggests a strong pattern of waves flowing off Africa, Klotzbach said. If those predictions come to pass, “I’d expect a very busy season in store,” he said in an email. Meanwhile, climate scientists predict that La Niña is more likely than not to develop by August. While El Niño increases wind shear — which acts to disrupt hurricanes’ columns of rotating winds — La Niña tends to discourage it, clearing the way for storms to organize and strengthen. The warm water in the tropical Atlantic is part of a global pattern of record sea-surface temperatures, fueled by both El Niño and human-caused climate change. The planet’s average sea surface temperature reached an all-time record of 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (21.2 Celsius) on Feb. 9, according to the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute.
Why it’s too soon to panic
Meteorologists stressed that it is far too soon to say how the hurricane season may play out. Official seasonal forecasts from NOAA, Colorado State and other sources won’t arrive for months, and even they carry plenty of uncertainty. And there is still much scientists don’t understand about how the ocean behaves and what triggers longer-term changes in tropical weather. For example, it wasn’t immediately clear what was behind an unusual drought of Atlantic hurricanes in the 1970s and 1980s — until scientists realized that a surge in air pollution from Europe was acting to cool the tropical Atlantic by blocking sunlight, said Kerry Emanuel, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Similarly, it isn’t yet clear why the Atlantic is warming more dramatically than other oceans, or for how long it will continue, he said. Even if scientists could predict an active hurricane season with more certainty, “that’s not what you want,” Emanuel said. “You want the number of destructive landfalling storms.” That is outside meteorologists’ capabilities — it was just last year that NOAA extended its tropical outlooks to seven days. But Lowry said the state of the Atlantic is such that, even if ocean temperatures trend closer to normal, there is still far more heat in the waters that could be available for storms come summer and fall. “This is such an extreme case that it doesn’t bode well,” he said.
Read more » click here
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Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008
Lou’s Views
News & Views / March Edition
Calendar of Events –
Southport Spring Festival
March 29th & 30th
Southport
Welcome Spring Easter weekend in style at the Southport Spring Festival, a tradition that started in 1996. This festival features a wide variety of activities.
For more information » click here
The Spring Festival in Southport has been cancelled
N.C. Azalea Festival
April 3rd thru 7th
Wilmington
Wilmington has been celebrating Spring Southern Style since 1948. There’s something for everyone among their community’s rich array of artwork, gardens, history, and culture. This festival is considered one of the top events in the Southeast.
For more information » click here
Strawberry & Wine Fest
April 28th
Sunset Beach
.
The Strawberry and Wine Festival, hosted by the Old Bridge Preservation Society since 2014. There will be wines available from Silver Coast Winery with strawberries as the main fare of the day. It’s a day of wine, food, entertainment, and craft vendors.
For more information » click here
Days at the Docks Festival
April 27th & 28th
Holden Beach
The annual festival which started in the 1980’s occurs in April or May and is sponsored by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association. It’s the Holden Beach way to kick-off the Spring and start the vacation season. In addition to the food and arts & crafts, enjoy live music & entertainment, a horseshoe tournament and the world famous “Bopple Race”. Lots of activities for the entire family!
For more information » click here
Discover a wide range of things to do in the Brunswick Islands for an experience that goes beyond the beach.
For more information » click here.
Calendar of Events Island –
HBPOA Easter Membership Meeting
HBPOA membership meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30th at Town Hall.
Easter Sunrise Service
Holden Beach Chapel and the Brunswick Islands Baptist Church and are sponsoring an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, March 31st at the Holden Beach Pier.
Family Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt
The Town will hold its annual nighttime Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 5th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Teams of four will compete against each other. Participants will need to bring their own flashlights to the event and something to place their eggs in. Participants MUST register by March 18th and space is limited to the first 100 families. Email Christy at [email protected] to register.
The Holden Beach Beautification Club (HBBC) Plant Sale has been cancelled
Concerts on the Coast Series
The Town’s summer concert series calendar has been released! Live performances featuring local musical groups will temporarily be held at the Bridgeview Park picnic pavilion on Sunday evenings from late May to early September. The concerts are free of charge.
For more information » click here
Parks & Recreation / Programs & Events
For more information » click here
Reminders –
Solid Waste Pick-Up Schedule
GFL Environmental change in service, trash pickup will be once a week. This year September 30th was the the last Saturday trash pick-up until June. Trash collection will go back to Tuesdays only.
Please note:
. • Trash carts must be at the street by 6:00 a.m. on the pickup day
. • BAG the trash before putting it in the cart
. • Carts will be rolled back to the front of the house
GFL Refuse Collection Policy
GFL has recently notified all Brunswick County residents that they will no longer accept extra bags of refuse outside of the collection cart. This is not a new policy but is stricter enforcement of an existing policy. While in the past GFL drivers would at times make exceptions and take additional bags of refuse, the tremendous growth in housing within Brunswick County makes this practice cost prohibitive and causes drivers to fall behind schedule.
Solid Waste Pick-up Schedule –
starting the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 25th) twice a week
Recycling –
starting after Memorial Day (May 23rd) weekly pick-up
Curbside Recycling – 2024
GFL Environmental is now offering curbside recycling for Town properties that desire to participate in the service. The service cost per cart is $106.88 annually paid in advance to the Town of Holden Beach. The service consists of a ninety-six (96) gallon cart that is emptied every other week during the months of October – May and weekly during the months of June – September.
Curbside Recycling Application » click here
Curbside Recycling Calendar » click here
Recycling renewal form was sent, you should have gotten e-mail letter already
Yard Waste Service
Yard debris pick-up will be provided twice a month on the second and fourth Fridays during the months of March, April, and May. Please have yard waste placed at the street for pick-up on Thursday night. The first pickup of the season is on March 8th. No pick-ups will be made on vacant lots or construction sites.
Debris must be placed in a biodegradable bag or bundled in a length not to exceed five (5) feet and fifty (50) pounds. Each residence is allowed a total of ten (10) items, which can include a combination of bundles of brush and limbs meeting the required length and weight and/ or biodegradable bags with grass clippings, leaves, etc.
Free Dump Week
Brunswick County will be hosting its spring free dump week the third week in April at the Brunswick County Landfill April 15th – April 19th. Brunswick County residents and/or property owners may dispose of all materials, except for regular household trash or new construction debris, free of charge. Proof of Brunswick County residency or property ownership is required and will be checked at the landfill entrance.
Brunswick County Landfill
172 Landfill Rd NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
For more information » click here
Hurricane Vehicle Decals
Property owners will be provided with four (4) decals which will be included in their April water bills. It is important that you place your decals in your vehicle or in a safe place. A $10 fee will be assessed to anyone who needs to obtain either additional or replacement decals. Decals will not be issued in the 24-hour period before an anticipated order of evacuation.
The decals are your passes to get back onto the island to check your property in the event that an emergency would necessitate restricting access to the island. Decals must be displayed in the driver side lower left-hand corner of the windshield, where they are not obstructed by any other items. Officials must be able to clearly read the decal from outside the vehicle.
Property owners without a valid decal will not be allowed on the island during restricted access. No other method of identification is accepted in an emergency situation. Click here to visit the Town website to find out more information regarding decals and emergency situations.
Smoke Detectors
Time change means time to check smoke detectors, too. The fire department is encouraging people to test their smoke alarms and change the battery. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, whether they are battery-operated or hard-wired.
Bird Nesting Area
NC Wildlife Commission has posted signs that say – Bird Nesting Area / Please don’t disturb. The signs are posted on the west end beach strand around 1307 OBW.
People and dogs are supposed to stay out of the area from April through November
. 1) It’s a Plover nesting area
. 2) Allows migrating birds a place to land and rest without being disturbed
Upon Further Review –
.DOT Bike Lane Report Presentation » click here
Paid parking in Holden Beach to start next month
As of May 1, paid parking will go into effect in designated areas at Holden Beach, located in Brunswick County 38 miles west of Wilmington. Commissioners passed the paid parking ordinance at the beginning of the month. It will be enacted April through October and affects 500 spaces, both for regular and low-speed vehicles. Beach goers will have to pay $3 per hour for up to four hours, $15 a day or $60 a week. Parking is enforced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with license plate verification. Holden Beach utilizes the mobile app SurfCAST by Otto. Passes can be purchased by scanning QR codes on the signs, which go to the website https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay. Parking can be paid via credit card, debit card or PayPal on the app.
Citations will be issued for:
• Parking without an active paid permit in a designated parking area
• Parking within 40 feet of a street intersection
• Parking in a crosswalk, sidewalk, or pedestrian access ways
• Parking blocking a driveway or mailbox
• Parking facing opposing traffic
• Parking in a no parking zone, or within right-of-way
• Parking on any portion of the roadway or travel lane
• Parking a non-LSV vehicle in an authorized LSV location
Annual passes are also available for purchase for $150 a year for a single vehicle or $250 a year for two vehicles. Handicap parking will remain free in designated spaces and must be proven by a valid license plate or hangtag.
For more information on parking, click here.
Read more » click here
Editor’s Note –
Rate has changed annual passes are $175 a year for a single vehicle
Paid parking at area beach towns to begin: Here are 2024 rates
Coastal communities from Pender to Brunswick counties will begin paid-parking programs starting March 1, with a few slated to kick off in April. Hourly costs, passes and timelines are listed below for beachgoers. To learn more — rules, fines for violations, residential free pass information, and how to access the applications to pay for parking — click the beach name in blue to go to the municipalities’ parking pages directly. Money from parking is intended to help fund the paid program as dictated by North Carolina Statute § 160A-301 which states revenue from public on-street metered parking must go toward parking maintenance; this doesn’t include town-owned lots. However, municipalities can petition legislators for an exemption to utilize proceeds otherwise. The GA has granted exceptions for Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Sunset Beach, Oak Island, Wrightsville Beach, Holden Beach and the City of Wilmington. Those monies fund needs benefitting public use, such as combatting beach erosion or paying for lifeguards.
Here is what visitors will pay this season:
Holden Beach
Located between Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach, Holden Beach contracts with Otto and its program runs April 1 through Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rates for the 2024 season are:
Oak Island
Oak Island first charged for parking in the 2023 season and continues to contract with Otto Connect this year. Marked spaces are paid April 1 through Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rates have not changed:
Ocean Isle Beach
Currently, parking is free at beach accesses at Ocean Isle, including more than 200 spaces. Though overnight parking is not allowed in the town-owned spaces.
Parking is paid at the Ocean Isle Pier for $10 daily, $45 weekly and $175 seasonally. It’s free after 6 p.m.
There is also a privately owned lot that charges fees but is not operated by the town.
Though town leaders have discussed adding more paid parking to the beach town, nothing has passed yet.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is one of the remaining beaches to offer parking for free in Brunswick County. However, parking at the pier is $10 per day with seasonal passes available through a lottery.
The coastal town has been gathering information about launching a paid parking program. It started a committee last year to help gauge next steps, which included conducting research and gathering input via surveys from area residents.
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Corrections & Amplifications –
Holden Beach Causeway – Facebook
Sometimes change is out of our control but if we recognize it in time, we can help influence change to have a positive outcome. Our community is special and no longer a secret. The area’s population increase is happening at a rapid pace. The Holden Beach Causeway has become insufficient to meet today’s demand. Spend a little time on the Causeway and it is easy to see it is unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles entering and exiting the local businesses. The crash rating on the Causeway is three (3) times higher than the NC state average for similar roads. Since 2018 I have persistently advocated for a study on developing the necessary changes needed on the Holden Beach Causeway. The Holden Beach Causeway Corridor Study was approved and funded in 2019. The study was developed with the influence of the Causeway property owners working with Brunswick County Planning, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS). A special thank you to the Causeway Property Owners who were a part of the Causeway Study Steering Committee. Lyn Holden, Gina Robinson, Steven Parish, Joe Shannon, Andrew Robinson and I dedicated a lot of time working on the study. Communicating with other Causeway property owners and representing what is right for our community, to prevent an unwanted outcome. The steering committee involved Tri-Beach Fire Department in the conversations. Including their opinions on the study’s development to assure they had sufficient access through the Causeway and to the island for emergency response. All headed up by the carefully chosen consulting firm, Bolten and Menk. The consulting firm did an amazing job working with all of the obstacles on the Causeway, consulting with the steering committee and business owners about their concerns of any negative impacts from the project. We are proud to present to you the Holden Beach Causeway Corridor Study. Please visit the link below to review the final draft. Considering all of the obstacles and considerations for everyone, the outcome offers a bright future for our community. It also provides a path for sustainability and safety for our Causeway and its businesses, as our area continues to grow.
What happens next?
Chairman to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Randy Thompson, has requested an endorsement for the Holden Beach Causeway Project from the Town of Holden Beach. Commissioner Thompson’s position for requesting the Town endorsement is the Causeway is the highway ingress, egress to the island. Next, the study will be presented to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for endorsement. Once the study has been endorsed by Brunswick County, the study will go back to the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study for adoption. Once adopted by GSATS, we can begin applying for Funding. It has been a long road to get to this point and we have a long road ahead to receive funding and begin construction. Thank you all for your support for the Holden Beach Causeway Project. We will need your continuous support as we navigate through the next phase of this process. I will keep this page posted as developments are made with the County required endorsements and the road to GSATS adoption.
Jabin Norris president of PROACTIVE Real Estate
For more information » click here
HB Causeway Study Report » click here
THB Newsletter (01/25/24)
Holden Beach Causeway Study
The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study MPO (GSATS) funded a study to improve the Holden Beach Causeway by observing the area and addressing the concerns of Causeway business owners and patrons as well as the community related to vehicular and pedestrian safety, accessibility, right‐of‐way encroachments, and parking deficiencies. This study provides insight as to how the corridor functions and ideas for future improvements from a transportation and land use perspective.
For more information and to view the study, visit the Brunswick County Planning Department’s website: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/409/Holden-Beach-Causeway-Transportation-Cor
The Draft Holden Beach Causeway Transportation Study will go to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and for their consideration on February 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
THB Newsletter (02/01/24)
Holden Beach Causeway Study
The date the Draft Holden Beach Causeway Transportation Study will go to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and for their consideration has been changed to March 18th at 6:00 p.m.
For more information and to view the study, visit the Brunswick County Planning Department’s website: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/409/Holden-Beach-Causeway-Transportation-Cor.
Holden Beach Causeway study approved for future planning
The Grand Strand Area Transportation Study (GSATS) transportation advisory committee (TAC) on Friday, Feb. 16, voted to add the Holden Beach Causeway Corridor Study into GSATS’ long-range planning. The action did not approve the implementation of any projects but the entire study will be in the GSATS Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), making it eligible for federal funding if project recommendations are ever put to action. “It will never be a project unless the county comes forward and wants it to be a project,” GSATS Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Director Mark Hoeweler said. Hoeweler said the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) recommended the TAC approve the study and add it to the GSATS MTP as an appendix. “We update that document every five years,” he added. “It has a 20-year horizon to it.” The Holden Beach Road Causeway stretches from the Sabbath Home Road-Holden Beach Road intersection to near the base of the Holden Beach Bridge. The causeway is owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and is not within the Town of Holden Beach town limits. The GSATS 2040 MTP already contains plans to widen NC 130 from the intersection of Sabbath Home Road and Holden Beach Road to the end of state maintenance, near the bridge, and add a multipurpose path. Designer Grant Meacci with Bolton & Menk, Inc., who created the study, said the study addresses parking, pedestrian safety and accessibility, and encourages supporting existing businesses. Meacci’s presentation detailed adjacent property zoning, land uses and environmental conservation areas in the study area, noting the study incorporated the county’s Blueprint Brunswick 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan, along with other demographic and traffic data related to the Holden Beach causeway area too. “So, we take all those types of analysis and start to look at what is likely to change in the area — in the immediate area — in terms of development,” he explained. The study shows there’s not a lot of “room for change other than redevelopment over time,” Meacci noted, and that developmental factors are not expected to cause a large traffic increase on the causeway. The designer said most local roads are for residential use and that the vehicle traffic on the Holden Beach causeway fluctuates between 7,000 and 10,000 trips per day throughout the year. Regarding car crashes, he said nearly half of all the crashes along the causeway are related to drivers taking left turns. A steering committee was formed to identify assets and opportunities that are specific to the causeway. Representatives of the NCDOT, GSATS, corridor business owners and property owners, and the Brunswick County Planning Department were on the committee. Meacci said the committee had meetings, public workshops and community open houses. A community survey was also sent out, which garnered 1,490 responses. A majority of participants were residents, business owners and property owners, Meacci added. Most survey respondents were folks who reside in Holden Beach, Supply, Varnamtown, Shallotte and unincorporated Brunswick County. A large portion of survey respondents said they do not feel safe traveling the causeway as cyclists and pedestrians. Meacci said the causeway’s right-of-way width is not consistent, stating there are three different widths along the causeway as it becomes wider closer to the Holden Beach bridge. The study highlights how different road design options could impact local businesses, pedestrians, drivers, and beautification, he noted. The study proposed three different design options for the causeway, Meacci said, but eventually the options evolved into two alternate designs with one recommendation. In all options, a wide multi-use path with parallel parking and street trees on both causeway sides is included. The study’s parking analysis counted a total of 795 marked and unmarked parking spaces along the causeway. Of the 795 parking spaces, 449 are on private property and 252 are in the public right of way. Options for no on-street parking, diagonal on-street parking and parallel on-street parking were given in the presentation, however, Meacci said diagonal on-street parking would allow for more parking spaces. The two alternative designs included a design that had a mix of parallel parking and diagonal parking along the causeway and a different design with no parking, with the preferred recommended alternative design being the mixed parking option. Meacci noted mixed parking installation would increase parking along the right of way from 252 to 324 spaces and increase private property parking from 449 to 584 spaces. The recommendation also includes parking for oversized vehicles. “There was a recommendation to reduce the speed limit from 45 [miles per hour] to 30 [miles per hour],” Meacci said. He said the development of an Overlay District to direct future redevelopment and improvements has also been recommended. The district would ensure buildings are “appropriately placed” along the corridor and promote land use standards and mixed use areas. The study recommendation encourages people to park once and walk from business to business, Meacci said. It includes adding crosswalks, street lights and other beautification elements along the causeway, too. Hoeweler explained that the TAC’s approval of the study sets the plan up for future implementation and makes the study eligible for federal and grant funding. “So, therefore, if anybody in the future wants to do one of those intersection projects and wants to add something, we’ve got a template to work off of,” he said, noting approval of the study is not approval of the projects within the study. If all the projects within the study come to fruition, the entire project cost estimate is $8,143,000. The cost includes ADA-compliant concrete curb ramps for paths at driveways and crossroads, crosswalks with accessible pedestrian signal push buttons at the traffic signal at Sabbath Home Road and Holden Beach Road and 60 benches. Hoeweler said GSATS could help fund parts of the project, like a bike path or sidewalks, but not the entire project. Asked if the town of Holden Beach had been included in development of the study, Holden Beach Mayor Alan Holden and Town Manager David Hewett both said the town was not invited to participate. Mayor Holden told The Brunswick Beacon he owns property along the corridor and had no comment on the study. A draft of the study and cost estimates can be found on Brunswick County’s website at https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/409/Holden-Beach-Causeway-Transportation-Cor.
Read more » click here
Odds & Ends –
HB Turtle Patrol 2024 shirts now available
Members of the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program (also called the Turtle Patrol) have announced that their 2024 shirt is now available for sale. There’s a new shirt each year and this one celebrates 35 years of sea turtle conservation on Holden Beach. In 1989, Judy Bryan and a small group of volunteers started the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol. Since then, dedicated volunteers on Holden Beach have given hundreds of thousands of hours to help ensure sea turtle survival. Committed to protecting sea turtles, patrol volunteers secure nest sites, educate the public and quietly celebrate as more than 4,800 hatchlings begin their journey each year on Holden Beach. The 2024 shirt highlights this 35-year commitment to the sea turtle population featuring hatchlings (be sure to count them!) as they make their way to the ocean on a moonlit night on Holden Beach. Shirts can be purchased at The Lighthouse Gifts on the Holden Beach causeway. Shirts are also available by mail from the HBTWP website (hbturtlewatch.org). The sale of shirts is the Turtle Patrol’s major fund-raising activity each year. Tote bags and hats are also available this year! If you’re interested in becoming a HBTP volunteer, now is the time to apply. Send a message to Pat Cusack, program coordinator, from the HBTWP website’s Contact page, or email him directly at [email protected] for an application or to learn more about qualifications and requirements. Typically, a new volunteer will be a “trainee” for an entire summer. Being a trainee involves working on the beach both morning and evenings, shadowing current members and attending educational programs. The annual meeting for the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, Inc. will be Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m. at the Holden Beach Chapel. The HBTWP was founded to monitor and protect the sea turtle population on Holden Beach. This all volunteer, nonprofit conservation organization operates under the authority of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 24ST11).
For more information on the HBTWP, visit their website at https://hbturtlewatch.org/ or visit them on Facebook.
Read more » click here
DNA study reveals statistics about Holden Beach 2023 sea turtle nesting season
A DNA study of sea turtle nests in Holden Beach was recently completed, revealing interesting statistics about the 2023 season. According to a Holden Beach sea turtle program, 65 of 70 loggerhead nests were analyzed, indicating 29 unique females laid nests on their beach last year — an average of 2.4 nests per female. One turtle laid five nests within 1.3 miles of shoreline. The turtle with the most nests laid six. Volunteers say that specific turtle has been laying nests on Holden Beach since 2014.
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Brunswick County reminds residents to practice severe weather safety
March 3-9 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Brunswick County Emergency Management urges residents and community members to be ready for severe weather events and to understand the risks that can come with them. “Spring brings the potential for severe weather,” said Brunswick County Emergency Management Director David McIntire. “With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the time for you and your loved ones to start preparing for the severe weather season. Sign up for ReadyBrunswick to make sure we can contact you during an emergency.” Severe weather can happen anywhere and at any time. Not only can severe thunderstorms develop rapidly, but they can also bring lightning, hail, flash floods, and tornadoes. Brunswick County officials encourage community members to take this week to create a household emergency plan and update emergency supply kits. Brunswick County also encourages community members to practice their emergency plan by participating in the annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) will broadcast the drill over the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on radio and TV and on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios. “We encourage all county residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations to participate in the upcoming tornado drill,” McIntire said. “Creating a plan is only one part of being prepared. Practicing your plan will help you and your loved ones know where to go and what to do when severe weather strikes.” Tornadoes form during severe thunderstorms when winds change direction and increase in speed. These storms can produce large hail and damaging winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. In 2023, the NWS recorded 24 tornado touchdowns across North Carolina, and 127 large hail events (hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger), 844 damaging thunderstorm wind events, and 139 flood or flash flood events.
Emergency officials recommend the following safety tips:
Before Severe Weather
During Severe Weather
Read more » click here
Alerts
Brunswick County uses ReadyBrunswick as part of the County’s effort to continuously improve communications during emergency situations within our area. Powered by Everbridge, the ReadyBrunswick notification system sends emergency notifications in a variety of communication methods such as:
In the case of an emergency, you may choose to receive notifications via one or all of these communication methods. It’s recommended that you register several media options to receive messages in the event a particular communication device is unavailable.
For more information » click here
Brunswick County Emergency Communications Notification System
Get notified about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our ReadyBrunswick Emergency Notification System. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, and more. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how.
SIGN UP HERE to choose the type of alerts you want to receive.
This and That –
Another boat access could enter the water near Holden Beach
During the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 21, the committee discussed creating another boating access area near Holden Beach to connect to the Intracoastal Waterway. Local fishermen, captains and residents have been fighting for more boat and trailer parking space in Holden Beach for over a year, and this potential project could bring that to the area, along with a potential third boat ramp. The commission unanimously voted in favor of moving the project to “phase I.” Ben Solomon, assistant chief and land acquisition manager of the commission’s Land and Water Access Division, presented a slideshow on the land purchase opportunities and the roughly drafted project. He said the boat access sketch plan and parking plan are only conceptual. “Most boat ramps in Brunswick County, aside from Holden Beach, operate at over-capacity status at this time,” Solomon said. Brunswick County only has six public boat ramps with 233 trailer parking spaces, he explained, and it would be important to keep the existing ramp on Holden Beach. He said the existing Holden Beach boat access is a small ramp with limited parking for the high volume of boat traffic that residents and visitors bring. “Just within Brunswick County, we have 12,000 registered vessels,” he said. “There’s an additional 18,000 registered vessels in surrounding counties.” Solomon showed the commission three separate parcels they are looking to purchase off Cedar Landing Road SW — adjacent to the Holden Beach Marina and Holden Beach Bridge — noting a developer also wants to purchase them. If purchased, the access would be located in county jurisdiction. There are two options the commission considered: Option A and Option B. Option A calls for purchasing all three parcels that total 3.7 acres and Option B calls for purchasing only two parcels that total 1.9 acres. The asking price for Option A is $5.9 million and the asking price for the Option B parcels is $3.2 million. The NCWRC received phase I approval to pursue the acquisition of the three parcels for Option A, Solomon told The Brunswick Beacon on Monday, March 11. “Phase I approval is the first step in the Commission’s land acquisition process and allows commission staff to work with the State Property Office to order an appraisal for the subject properties and further develop the project,” he explained. He told the commission that the access site will have maximum level parking if they pursue all three parcels. Option A would bring 98 trailer parking spaces and 17 car parking spaces to the area if the project comes to fruition. Option B would only bring approximately 53 trailer parking spaces and six car parking spaces. Solomon said the trailer parking spaces would fit both the vehicle and the trailer. Tax parcel 232NA001, the middle parcel, houses a commercial building with an existing boat launch. Solomon said the commission would try to permit a second boat launch to be put in the access area. The conceptual design is still subject to permitting and approvals that could restrict plans, Solomon added. “This is a good baseline for us to look at and get a feel for,” he said. The project could cost between $1.5 and $1.9 million, he said, but that cost would include site-level parking, two boat ramps and structure removal from one of the parcels. Solomon said potential funding sources for the project are the coastal recreational fishing license grant, state funds and possible legislative appropriation. “The Commission does have an interest in expanding public boating access opportunities around Holden Beach and plans to further assess feasibility of this potential boating access area by ordering an appraisal and developing funding partnerships,” he told The Brunswick Beacon. To access the recording of the February Committee of the Whole meeting, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQPj77J1jZE.
Read more » click here
Holden Beach business destroyed in overnight fire
A convenience store and bar in Holden Beach is in ruins after a two-alarm fire Thursday night. Videos and pictures from WECT viewers show flames shooting out of the roof of the Holden Beach Trolley Stop on Jordan Boulevard. Chief Doug Todd with the Tri-Beach Volunteer Fire Department says the initial call for the fire came in around 11:11 p.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes and put out the flames, then stayed on scene until just after 4:00 a.m. to extinguish and monitor hot spots. Todd says the fire appears to have started in the business’s bar area on the ground floor. He says investigators believe it was an accident, but they are still searching for an exact cause. No one was hurt. Several agencies helped with the initial fire response, including Supply VFD, Civietown Fire/Rescue, Shallotte Fire Department, Brunswick County EMS, and Holden Beach Police. Crews with the Ocean Isle Beach Fire Department and Sunset Harbor & Zion Hill VFD responded on the second alarm. The Brunswick County Fire Marshall’s office was also at the scene and is investigating.
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Holden Breach Trolley Shop owners prepare to rebuild following fire that destroyed 30 plus year old shop
The owners of a long-running business in Holden Beach are surveying the damage following a fire late Thursday night. Crews responded to the Trolley Stop convenience store and bar on Jordan Boulevard around 11 Thursday night. The owners said they were preparing for the beach season by staining tables for the shop’s bar and outdoor area. Security camera footage shows the moment a bag of stain-soaked rags appears to catch fire spontaneously. Jeremy and Cynthia Ridenhour purchased the shop back in 2019 and said they were excited for the new season. They said it’s difficult seeing something they’ve put so much work into going up in flames. “We’ve had people follow us throughout the whole time that we’ve had it and just to watch all fall and to go away has just been devastating for us,” Cynthia said. “It’s a tragic loss, it’s a tragic loss for the community. It’s a tragic loss for everybody that’s worked so hard and out so much into it. You know, our customers, our family, our friends,” Jeremy said. Jessica Almond is a friend and frequent customer at the shop. She said that it held a special place in Holden Beach. “Literally I’ve met friends, I moved from the Charlotte area, and I’ve met friends that have become family to me,” Almond said. “The owners, the Ridenhours, they became family to me and the whole community. It’s just a place to let loose and have a good time and everyone becomes family here.” The Ridenhours said they will eventually rebuild and they’re glad no one was hurt. They also said its important to properly dispose of rags or cloth with stain on it, so you don’t find yourself in a similar situation.
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Gov. Cooper and Sen. Rabon want to use native plants in state landscaping projects. Why?
Legislation and executive orders now require state agencies to first see about using NC-native plants and trees in state landscaping projects. But why aren’t we doing that already?
The number hovers around 14 percent. That’s how many plants sold in North Carolina are considered native. Horticulturists, researchers, state Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, and now Gov. Roy Cooper believe that number is much too low and is costing the state’s flora and fauna in the process. But officials say increasing the number of shrubs, plants and trees endemic to North Carolina in yards, along roads, in parks, and in backyards isn’t as easy as simply saying it’s the right thing to do − even if most people already know Bradford pears are stinky, fragile, invasive trees that should be avoided. Here’s a look at some of the challenges to increasing the use of native plants in North Carolina, and steps already underway to convince landscapers and backyard gardeners to plant Virginia creeper, for example, instead of English ivy.
The power of the pen
Last month, Cooper signed Executive Order 305. While the order focused mostly on aspirational goals to preserve millions of acres of North Carolina forest and wetlands by 2040, it also included language ordering state agencies to whenever possible use native plants for landscaping projects on state-owned property. Native North Carolina plants generally are defined as those that occurred in the state before European settlement. Non-native, or exotic, plants are those that are not native to the Tar Heel State. “State-funded or permitted projects and activities, including those administered on behalf of the federal government, shall avoid introducing non-native plants,” the order states. “To support native biodiversity, cabinet agencies shall also consider the native plant practices of private properties in future lease agreements.” Since the state is North Carolina’s largest landowner, with universities, state parks, historic sites, and right of ways along roads maintained by the N.C. Department of Transportation covered by the order, the move could mean a dramatic increase in the number of native plants appearing across the state. The governor’s order piggybacks on legislation that’s been championed by Sen. Bill Rabon for years. His Native Plants Act, which became law last year, requires plants native to the Southeastern U.S., “with a strong preference for plants native to North Carolina,” to be used in landscaping projects in state parks and along state highways.
Shouldn’t we be going native all the time already?
While a question and would seem to have a simple answer, it isn’t, well, that simple. Chris Moorman, a wildlife ecologist at N.C. State University, said landscapers often have to pick plants to meet a certain objective, say providing shade for a parking lot. While going native naturally provides some of the best food and groundcover requirements for local wildlife, it might not meet the goal of the project, and thus a non-native plant is a better fit for that particular role. “Native plants aren’t always necessarily the only answer,” said Dr. Barbara Fair, a landscape extension specialist at N.C. State. She said that in our urban areas where the landscape has been changed dramatically by humans, sometimes non-natives are just a better fit − especially when it comes to meeting certain functions and promoting biodiversity. “They can just often survive and thrive better in these very altered environments,” Fair said, ticking off the benefits from mitigating heat to handling stormwater runoff that urban trees offer.
What are the advantages of going NC-plants first?
The advantages for native wildlife and insects is easy to see. “From an ecological standpoint, they have co-evolved with the local communities, including the plants and animals,” Moorman said. “Because native wildlife co-evolved with native plants, there are often critical linkages between the individual plants and animal natural history.”
Native plants also reflect North Carolina’s rich ecological history and are often tied into many of the state’s cultural traditions and foods. But there are other, more pragmatic reasons to go native, too. Native vegetation is designed to better handle North Carolina’s often hard growing conditions, which climate change is forecast to exasperate − not to mention stronger and bigger hurricanes. With natives often more drought- and heat-tolerant than non-native plants, and with longer periods of dry, hot weather forecast for North Carolina in coming decades, officials say they are often a hardier bet than exotics from another part of the country or world. Native coastal plants are also generally better able to withstand salt water, which can make them a better alternative for waterfront homeowners with sea levels projected to keep rising in coming decades and tide surges set to increase. Then there is the popularity of the Tar Heel State. North Carolina’s population in 2000 was just over 8 million. It is estimated to be nearly 10.9 million by April, according to the latest U.S. Census figure. Projections estimate the state will be home to nearly 14 million people by 2050. “Urban development removes much of the preexisting vegetation cover, so landscaping with native plants can return that lost vegetation cover, along with the food and cover the plants provide for wildlife,” Moorman said. “Animals are critical dispersal agents, especially birds, so fostering the linkage between native plants and wildlife helps foster native plant persistence.”
Is going native easy?
Not as easy as it should be, but that hopefully will change in the coming years, officials said. “People plant what they see in big box stores and what they see planted around them, which largely is not native plants,” Moorman said. They also often look for what they used to have in their gardens before moving to North Carolina. But what worked in Connecticut or Ohio might not be the best choice in hot, sandy and often nutrient-poor soils of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. There’s also a financial risk for landscapers, homeowners and even nurseries to increase their stock of native plants if people either aren’t going to buy them because they don’t know what they are or they die quickly when planted due to being placed in the wrong conditions. “That’s the million-dollar question, really, and it’s a very complicated answer,” Fair said of increasing the stock of native plants. She said many native trees aren’t fast growers − one of the reason crepe myrtles are so prevalent in urban areas − and people’s tastes can be finicky. Then there are issues for the plant industry, like how quickly can they ramp up production of native flora and is it a wise investment. “Yes, it’s certainly something we should work to promote,” Fair said, noting the educational outreach efforts many state agencies and local nurseries do to promote native plants. “But we have to realize this is a long-term process that we need to be thinking about.”
Want to go native? Here are some resources:
Read more » click here
NC State Native Plant Resources » click here
NC Sea Grant Coastal Landscapes » click here
New Hanover County Arboretum Native Plant Garden » click here
Audubon Native Plant Database » click here
Fauna & Flora » click here
Holden Beach recommended plant list – deer resistant & salt tolerant
Factoid That May Interest Only Me –
Switching the Clocks Twice a Year Isn’t Just Annoying. It’s Deadly.
An hour of the day will be unceremoniously snatched away on Sunday as we “spring forward” to daylight saving time. Polling shows that more than half of Americans want to “ditch the switch” and prefer daylight saving over standard time by a margin of 10 to 20 points. But making that switch permanent would require an act of Congress, and while the Senate managed to pass a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act two years ago, the legislation never made it through the House. Worryingly, state legislators from Maine to the West Coast are now so fed up with waiting that they have introduced their own bills to remain on standard time permanently; states can do that without Congress. But such a switch would be a mistake. It’s not just that our afternoons and evenings would be shrouded in more darkness, which often comes with higher crime, more vehicle collisions and fewer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors after work or school. There’s another problem with standard time, and it’s gone all but unnoticed until now. Last year, my research team showed that standard time leads to far more vehicles colliding with deer. Vehicle strikes already kill millions of wild animals each year, and collisions with deer are the best documented because they are so common and damaging. When we looked at over one million collisions between deer and vehicles in 23 states across the United States between 1994 and 2021, we found these collisions are 14 times as likely in the two hours after sunset, compared to the two hours before. Deer behavior does not quite explain this since they are equally active at dawn and dusk. But traffic volumes are higher in the evening, and it’s hard for us to see things in the dark. The hour-earlier sunset that comes with standard time is thus an expensive, traumatic way to control the deer population. In all, we found that staying on daylight saving time year-round would prevent an estimated 36,550 collisions between deer and vehicles, whereas staying on standard time would add 73,660 of these collisions every year — a difference of more than 100,000. The human toll of staying on standard time would also be significant: Compared to year-round daylight saving time, year-round standard time would cause 100 more deaths, 6,000 more injuries and at least $3.5 billion in costs every year through increased deer-vehicle collisions alone. Of course, more crashes with deer is far from the only cost of standard time. The number of fatal traffic accidents at night — caused by deer or anything else — is three times higher than it is during the day, and the dark increases the risk of pedestrian accidents by up to seven times. Permanent daylight saving time would prevent 366 fatal pedestrian and vehicle accidents a year with the help of brighter evenings during the 4.5 months of the year we currently spend on standard time. Conversely, staying on standard time for an extra 7.5 months each year would add about 610 fatalities — a difference of nearly 1,000 human lives. Support for standard time has been growing in recent years, driven in large part by sleep scientists who argue it’s better aligned with humans’ circadian rhythm. One clever study compared sleep patterns of people living on either side of time zone boundaries as proxies for having sunrise come an hour earlier versus later. Those living in the proxy standard time regime got an average of 19 minutes more sleep per day, and the same study valued the associated health benefits at more than $2 billion. This is an impressive benefit, but not enough to outweigh the $3.5 billion this country would be paying to fix the damage incurred by deer collisions should we implement permanent standard time. The trump card of standard time proponents is that we tried permanent daylight saving time once before — in 1974. After it went into effect, only 42 percent of Americans favored the change. Some parents disliked sending their children to school in the dark, and in only a few weeks, eight school children were hit by vehicles and killed in Florida alone, convincing lawmakers to reverse the shift. Eight deaths may sound like a lot, but if you look at the country as a whole, morning fatalities of school children barely rose that January, from 19 to 20 — a shift that could be explained by normal year-to-year fluctuations. And if we were again to try making daylight saving time permanent, we’d save many more lives in the evenings. I can understand why parents are worried about sending their children to school in the dark. But the best solution to that problem would be to have school start later. (Already many medical associations support this because of the variety of health benefits it could offer children, including the fact that they would get more sleep.) If we move to permanent daylight saving time, we would potentially prevent hundreds of traffic deaths and tens of thousands of collisions between deer and vehicles. Robberies could drop by 7 percent. Congress has the power to make this a reality. The Sunshine Protection Act was reintroduced to the House and Senate last March with broad bipartisan support — only to languish in the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for a year. It’s up to the leaders of these committees to prioritize the issue this spring. Every year, we gripe about the time switch, demand action and then return to our daily lives. But the toll on people and wildlife is too large to keep doing this year after year. And the longer Congress waits, the greater the risk of state bills for permanent standard time passing, making things worse instead of better. It’s time to spring forward permanently and enjoy the benefits of brighter evenings year-round.
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Island Homes Sold – 2023 * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
A complete list of homes sold in 2023
Island Land Sold – 2023 * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
A complete list of land sold in 2023
Island Properties Sold – Comparison * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
A comparison of Holden Beach properties sold through the last three (3) years
County real estate market closes out 2023 with strong, consistent numbers
Brunswick County’s residential real estate market closed out 2023 with numbers very similar to last year’s performance. The number of new listings increased, while the average sales price, the number of homes sold, and total sales volume all saw slight decreases compared to 2022. “2023’s numbers were very similar to 2022, and our market seems to be cruising along steady and smooth,” said Cynthia Walsh BCAR CEO. “Thanks to continued strong demand, average sales prices increased throughout the year; however, total sales volume is slightly down compared to last year, but it’s hard to complain about $2 billion in sales. Overall, our market is positioned for a strong 2024.” Total sales volume decreased from $2,530,790,000 in 2022 to $2,486,990,000 in 2023. Average sales prices for the year were down 2.8% compared to 2022, from $453,440 to $440,865. New listings increased 5.6%, from 6,068 to 6,407, and the number of units sold dropped 5%, from 5,572 to 5,295. When it comes to December’s numbers, they tracked as expected with fewer homes sold, and a slight increase in new listings and average sales prices. Total sales volume decreased 5.9% compared to December 2022, from $180,100,000 to $169,400,000, while average sales prices were up 4.1%, from $445,799 to $464,117. Luxury homes may have been the holiday gift of the season, with 22 transactions in excess of $1 million, four in excess of $2 million and one in excess of $3 million. New listings were up 6.2% in December, from 325 to 345, and the number of units sold dropped 9.7%, from 404 to 365. Homes spent an average of 50 days on the market in December. The absorption rate, which is the amount of time it would take to sell all available inventory, remains around three months.
Brunswick County
New Listings
December 2023: 345
December 2022: 325
Increase/Decrease: +6.2%
Units Sold
December 2023: 365
December 2022: 404
Increase/Decrease: -9.7%
Average Sales Price
December 2023: $464,117
December 2022: $445,799
Increase/Decrease: +4.1%
Median Sales Price
December 2023: $353,500
December 2022: $359,900
Increase/Decrease: -1.8%
Total Sales Volume
December 2023: $169,400,000
December 2022: $180,100,000
Increase/Decrease: -5.9%
The Brunswick County Association of Realtors (BCAR) is the local association level of the largest trade association in the nation, presently serving its members, which are comprised of realtors, appraisers and affiliate members. Chartered in 1959 by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), BCAR represents the interests of its members in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. For more information, visit https://bcarnc.com/.
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Hot Button Issues –
Subjects that are important to people and about which they have strong opinions
Climate
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.
There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear
Weirdly Warm Winter Has Climate Fingerprints All Over It, Study Says
Recent heat waves in cities worldwide have the hallmarks of global warming, researchers said. And last month was the hottest February on record.
Winter was weirdly warm for half the world’s population, driven in many places by the burning of fossil fuels, according to an analysis of temperature data from hundreds of locations worldwide. That aligns with the findings published late Wednesday by the European Union’s climate monitoring organization, Copernicus: The world as a whole experienced the hottest February on record, making it the ninth consecutive month of record temperatures. Even more startling, global ocean temperatures in February were at an all-time high for any time of year, according to Copernicus. Taken together, the two sets of figures offer a portrait of an unequivocally warming world that, combined with a natural El Niño weather pattern this year, has made winter unrecognizable in some places. The first analysis, conducted by Climate Central, an independent research group based in New Jersey, found that in several cities in North America, Europe and Asia, not only was winter unusually warm, but climate change played a distinctly recognizable role. Climate Central looked at anomalies in December and January temperature data in 678 cities worldwide and asked: How important are the fingerprints of climate change for these unusual temperatures? That is to say, its researchers tried to isolate the usual variability of the weather from the influence of climate change. “There’s the temperature,” said Andrew Pershing, Climate Central’s vice-president for science, “and then there’s our ability to really detect that climate signal in the data.” Cities in the Midwestern United States jumped out for experiencing an extraordinarily warm winter and for the influence of climate change, which is caused mainly by the burning of coal, oil and other fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. “Really off the charts,” Dr. Pershing said. “No ice on most of the great lakes. That’s remarkable.” Minneapolis, for instance, was nearly 5.6 degrees Celsius warmer than average between December and February. The fingerprints of climate change could be detected for 33 days, essentially a third of the winter season. Tehran was 4.2 degrees Celsius warmer on average during the same three-month period. The effects of human-made climate change could be detected over 68 days of winter. Milan’s winter average temperature was roughly 2 degrees Celsius higher, but there was a strong climate change signal over 55 days. Elsewhere, even though there were a few significantly hot days, winter average temperatures didn’t vary wildly, and the climate signal was less pronounced. The Climate Central report, also published Wednesday, concluded that 4.8 billion people worldwide “experienced at least one day of temperatures that would be virtually impossible without the influence of carbon pollution.” In some parts of the world, the unusually warm winter weather was overshadowed by other crises, such as war. Several cities in Ukraine were significantly warmer than usual, and there, too, were the fingerprints of climate change. Kyiv, for instance, was nearly 3 degrees Celsius warmer on average this winter, and climate change was seen to have played a role for 33 days. Likewise, in several cities of Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. In the tropical belt, where it’s usually much hotter on average, climate signals are easier to detect, though temperature increases can be smaller. Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur for instance were barely 1 degree Celsius warmer on average. But the effects of climate change could be detected for nearly the entire three-month period. It’s not just individual cities that set records this winter. Globally, February 2024 was the warmest February on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. It was 1.77 degrees Celsius above the average February temperature in the recent preindustrial era from 1850-1900. This is the ninth month in a row to break the temperature record for that respective month. Taken together, the past 12 months have been the hottest 12 consecutive months on record: 1.56 degrees Celsius above the average from 1850-1900. “A year ago, the fact that the global temperature for a particular month would reach 1.5 degrees C above the pre-industrial level would have been considered exceptional,” said Julien Nicolas, a senior scientist at Copernicus, via email. Now, it’s happened repeatedly. This doesn’t mean we have exceeded the international Paris Agreement goal of stopping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial temperature. For that to happen, the planet would need to be 1.5 degrees warmer for several years, long enough to reflect a more permanent change. For now, in the short term, the ocean has been particularly hot. The average global sea-surface temperature in February was the warmest recorded for any month, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023.
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The planet just shattered heat records for the ninth month in a row
Last month was the planet’s hottest February on record, marking the ninth month in a row that global records tumbled, according to new data from Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service. February was 1.77 degrees Celsius warmer than the average February in pre-industrial times, Copernicus found, and it capped off the hottest 12-month period in recorded history, at 1.56 degrees above pre-industrial levels. It’s yet another grim climate change milestone, as the long-term impacts of human-caused global warming are given a boost by El Niño, a natural climate fluctuation. “February joins the long streak of records of the last few months. As remarkable as this might appear, it is not really surprising as the continuous warming of the climate system inevitably leads to new temperature extremes,” Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus, said in a statement. Even in the context of back-to-back months of unprecedented temperatures, February has been extreme. Global temperatures in the first half of the month in particular were “exceptionally high,” according to the analysis. Four consecutive days, from February 8 to 11, were 2 degrees warmer than those same days pre-industrial times. Restricting global heating to well below 2 degrees was a centerpiece of the Paris Agreement that almost every country signed up to in 2015. While scientists are much more concerned with longer-term warming, these temporary breaches are a clear and alarming sign of accelerating heating. Global ocean temperatures were also off the charts last month, hitting 21.06 degrees — the highest average for any month on record, according to the Copernicus data, beating the previous record of 20.98 degrees set in August 2023. Experts have expressed shock at just how hot the oceans have been, especially the North Atlantic, which has set a new daily temperature record every day since March 5 last year, according to Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School. “At times, the records have been broken by margins that are virtually statistically impossible,” McNoldy told CNN. Record ocean heat has significant global impacts. Not only is it dangerous for marine life but it also fuels extreme weather, including scorching heat waves, intense rainfall and ferocious hurricanes. The Copernicus data “tells a familiar story of warming temperatures and shifting patterns of weather,” said Hannah Cloke, a climate scientist and professor at the University of Reading in the UK. It is entirely consistent with what scientists have predicted would happen “as greenhouse gases continue to build up in our thin, life-giving atmosphere,” she told CNN. It provides yet more evidence that the world needs to reduce emissions drastically and immediately, Cloke said. If this evidence is ignored, Cloke added, “our children’s generation, and all those that follow, will be justified in pointing to the people who lived in 2024 and cursing our reckless stupidity.”
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Flood Insurance Program
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National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On March 22, 2024, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to September 30, 2024.
Congress must now reauthorize the NFIP
by no later than 11:59 pm on September 30, 2024.
More states deciding home buyers should know about flood risks
‘It’s a recognition that flooding is only going to get worse and that they need to take action now to protect home buyers and renters,’ says one advocate
Hours into a marathon meeting earlier this month, and with little fanfare, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission gave its blessing to a proposal that could have profound impacts in a state where thousands of homes face threats from rising seas, unprecedented rainfall and overflowing rivers. Soon, anyone who sells a home in the state will be required to disclose to prospective buyers far more about a property’s flood risks — and flood history. Rather than merely noting whether a home is in a federally designated flood zone, they will have to share whether a property has flood insurance, whether any past flood-related claims have been filed, or if the owner has ever received any federal assistance in the wake of a hurricane, tidal inundation or other flood-related disaster. With the changes, North Carolina became the fourth state this year to embrace more stringent disclosure requirements, joining South Carolina, New York and New Jersey. Advocates say the shifts, which for the most part encountered little outward opposition, represent an acknowledgment that flood risks are surging throughout the country and that more transparency about those risks is a common-sense measure that could mean more homes have flood insurance and fewer buyers face catastrophic surprises. “It’s a recognition that flooding is only going to get worse and that they need to take action now to protect home buyers and renters,” said Joel Scata, a senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, which tracks flood disclosure laws around the country. “It’s also a recognition of the importance of transparency and fairness.” The changing disclosure policies come at a time when scientists say the nation’s coastlines will experience as much sea level rise in the coming few decades as they have over the past century. They also have documented how the warming atmosphere is creating more powerful storms and more torrential and damaging rainfalls, which already are inundating communities where aging infrastructure was built for a different era and a different climate. The more stringent rules adopted this year also follow a path set by some of the country’s most flood-battered states. Louisiana, facing massive land loss from rising seas and the prospect of stronger storms, has what environmental advocates and even the Federal Emergency Management Administration agree is one of the most robust sets of disclosure laws in the nation. Likewise, in the wake of cataclysmic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Texas adopted new rules that have also made the state a model for flood disclosure. But even as several additional states finalized new disclosure rules in 2023, many others still do not require sellers to divulge to buyers whether a home has previously flooded. That includes places such as Florida, which faces significant and rising risks from hurricanes, climate-fueled rain bombs and inland flooding along rivers. According to NRDC, more than one-third of states have no statutory or regulatory requirement that a seller must disclose a property’s flood risks or past flood damage to potential buyers. Others have varying degrees of requirements — a patchwork that means where people live can greatly influence how much they actually know about the flood risks of a home they buy or rent. “There are still too many states who keep home buyers in the dark,” Scata said. “That needs to change. Flooding is only going to become more severe due to climate change. And people have a right to know whether their dream home could become a nightmare due to flooding.” Earlier this year, FEMA proposed federal legislation that would require states to mandate certain minimum flood risk reporting requirements as a condition for ongoing participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. The agency said having a nationwide requirement would “increase clarity and provide uniformity” in many real estate transactions, but it has not yet become a reality. That lack of action on Capitol Hill has not stopped individual states from moving forward. In June, the South Carolina Real Estate Commission added new questions to the state’s residential disclosure that go into far more detail than before, including whether a homeowner has filed public or private flood insurance claims or made flood-related repairs that weren’t submitted to an insurer. “It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” said Nick Kremydas, chief executive of South Carolina Realtors, which publicly supported the enhanced disclosure requirements. Still, he said he hopes Congress will eventually allow buyers to access FEMA’s database of flood claims for individual properties. “That’s the best-case scenario.” Over the summer, New Jersey’s legislature overhauled what NRDC had labeled the state’s “dismal” disclosure requirements, instead putting in place new rules that require sellers to document a wide range of flood-related information. In addition, it requires that purchasers in coastal areas be warned about the potential impacts of sea level rise. “The idea is that the more people understand about the hazards, the more they can incorporate that into their decision-making, and the more they can have ownership of those decisions,” said Peter Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future, a nonprofit that advocates smarter growth and resilience policies. In September, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed similar legislation, calling it a “monumental step” toward protecting residents from the increasing impacts of climate change. In addition to mandating more detailed flood information, it eliminated a previous option that allowed sellers to provide a $500 credit at closing in exchange for waiving the disclosure requirement. The legislation followed a similar measure from late 2022, requiring flood disclosures for renters. “This is a person’s home, and they should be warned,” said New York State Assembly member Robert Carroll (D), a prime sponsor of the disclosure bills. “This is really about knowledge and proper warning.” In large swaths of the country, there is little doubt that more properties are likely to face flooding risks over time. A report last year by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA and other federal agencies projected that U.S. coastlines will face an additional foot of rising seas by 2050. NOAA has detailed how specific places are likely to see a sharp rise in high-tide, or nuisance, flooding, and that coastal flood warnings “will become much more commonplace” in coming decades. Likewise, scientists have documented an abnormal and dramatic surge in sea levels along the U.S. gulf and southeastern coastlines since about 2010, and other researchers have warned that the nation’s real estate market has yet to fully account for the expanding threats posed by rising seas, stronger storms and torrential downpours. In a study last year commissioned by NRDC, the independent actuarial consulting firm Milliman found that in New Jersey, New York and North Carolina, 28,826 homes sold in 2021 — 6.6 percent of total sales — were estimated to have been previously flooded. In addition, the firm found that expected future annual losses for a home with previous flood damage are significantly higher in each state than for the average of all homes, regardless of flood damage, in that state. Because one of the best indicators of whether a house will flood is whether it has flooded before, meaningful disclosure requirements are crucial, said Brooks Rainey Pearson, legislative counsel for the North Carolina branch of the Southern Environmental Law Center, which last year petitioned the state’s real estate commission on behalf of multiple environmental and community groups to make the disclosure changes. “People can take steps to protect themselves when you give them the information they need,” she said. “It matters, because with climate change we are seeing more frequent flooding events, including more intense storms and more flooding of houses. It’s a huge investment for a family to make to buy a house. People deserve to know whether the house they are purchasing has flooded or could flood.” Pearson says she hopes the changes coming to North Carolina and other states will help illuminate otherwise unknown risks and ultimately help reduce the number of homeowners who are displaced and devastated financially after storms such as Hurricane Florence, which battered her state in 2018. “What it comes down to,” she said, “is giving the buyer the information they need to make smart decisions.”
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GenX
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NC ‘Forever Chemical’ Plant Violates Human Rights, U.N. Panel Says
The allegations of human rights violations linked to pollution from the factory broadens a yearslong battle over the site and over the chemicals known as PFAS.
The dumping of contaminated wastewater by a chemical plant on the Cape Fear River began more than four decades ago, making the river water unsafe to drink for 100 miles. This week, in response to a petition by community groups in North Carolina, a United Nations panel called the pollution a human rights issue. The U.N. concerns about human-rights violations, the kind of claims that Americans might be more used to seeing leveled at foreign countries, broaden the scope of a global fight over the harms from what are known as forever chemicals, or by their acronym PFAS. They are the subject of a yearslong dispute over their dangers. Chemours, the chemicals giant that took over the plant in 2015, and DuPont before it, “are completely disregarding the rights and well-being of residents” along the river, a panel of U.N. human rights experts said. The pollution continues “even as DuPont and Chemours had information about the toxic impacts of PFAS on human health and drinking water,” they said, using the acronym for polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals, many of which are toxic. Chemours said it was “committed to responsibly manufacturing and producing products in a manner consistent with international principles.” The products it makes at its plant at Fayetteville, N.C., contributed to “vital technologies for green hydrogen, electric vehicles and semiconductor manufacturing,” the company said. Chemours is currently moving ahead with plans to expand the Fayetteville plant. DuPont has rejected claims that it bears responsibility for the Fayetteville plant, which it spun off as part of a corporate restructuring in 2015. PFAS are human-made chemicals that companies have used to make a wide range of water- or grease-resistant products including nonstick cookware, pizza boxes, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, firefighting foam and some cosmetics. They don’t naturally break down and instead accumulate in the environment and in the blood and organs of people and animals. Research by both chemical companies and academics have shown that exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver damage, birth defects and other health problems. A newer type of PFAS, GenX, which Chemours makes at its Fayetteville plant, was designed to be a safer alternative to earlier generations of the chemicals. New studies, however, are discovering similar health hazards. State regulators have repeatedly fined the Fayetteville plant for exceeding emissions limits, and, over the years, the Environmental Protection Agency has also issued a string of violations. In 2021, the agency started requiring chemical manufacturers to test and publicly report the amount of PFAS in household items as part of what it calls its PFAS Strategic Roadmap, a strategy to protect public health and the environment. Still, the U.N. panel, made up of special rapporteurs from its Human Rights Council, said both the E.P.A. and local regulators had “fallen short in their duty to protect against business-related human rights abuses.” That included failing to provide affected communities in North Carolina “with the type and amount of information necessary to prevent harm and seek reparation,” the panel said. The E.P.A. declined to comment. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Local environmentalists called on Chemours to halt its expansion in Fayetteville and focus on cleaning up the pollution. “We still have residents in our region who do not have access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear, which petitioned last year for the United Nations to open a human rights investigation. “We’re finding PFAS along our beaches, in locally grown produce and locally caught fish. It’s also in our air and rainwater,” she said. Yet “Chemours wants to expand production and make more PFAS.”
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Homeowners Insurance
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NC has rejected the proposal to raise coastal insurance rates by 99%.
Now what happens?
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey called the proposed increase “excessive and unfairly discriminatory.” Insurance industry says climate change, inflation driving the need to raise premiums
In a move that surprised no one, N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey this month rejected a proposal by the state’s insurance industry to raise homeowner insurance premiums by 42% statewide and an eyewatering 99% in beach and coastal areas around Wilmington. “Homeowners were shocked with the high amount requested by the insurance companies, and so was I,” Causey said in a release. The rejection, however, doesn’t mean the end of the process, but just the beginning of likely negotiations between regulators and the industry that could be influenced by the upcoming November election, in which Causey is seeking re-election.
How did we get here?
The N.C. Rate Bureau, which represents the state’s insurance companies, cited two main factors for the surprisingly large rate increase proposal. First, is the rising cost of pretty much everything, including labor and potential repairs, driven by inflation and the lingering impacts of labor and material shortages tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. The other is climate change, which is causing more frequent and widespread property destruction, particularly tied to bigger and stronger hurricanes, as the warming climate fuels more severe weather events. Damages in North Carolina tied to 2018’s Hurricane Florence, for example, were estimated to top $22 billion, with much of that hitting inland areas. Two other factors also could be playing a role in the industry’s request, said Don Hornstein, an administrative and insurance law expert with the University of North Carolina School of Law. The first is the moratorium that was put into place during the pandemic on any rate increases. That left the industry going several years without seeing an increase in homeowner insurance rates even as the price of everything else increased. The last increase came in 2020, when insurance companies originally wanted to hike premiums by 24.5% but eventually agreed to settle for 7.9% after Causey rejected their initial request. But Hornstein said an equally big factor weighing on the size of the proposed rate increase is the cost of reinsurance − basically insurance for the insurance companies themselves in case a large-scale disaster stretches their financial ability to respond. “These increased weather risks are international, not just in the U.S.,” he said, noting the recent massive wildfires in Europe and Australia as just two examples. “And as the risk is increasing everywhere, it works to the detriment of insurers seeking reinsurance everywhere.”
Rate increase shock
The rate bureau’s recent proposal included an increase of 99.4% for beachfront properties in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties in the Wilmington area and Carteret County, which includes Emerald Isle. Farther up the coast, beach areas along the Outer Banks would have seen a 45% increase. Areas on the mainland but near the Intracoastal Waterway in the Wilmington area would have seen proposed increases of 71.4% for those roughly from U.S. 17 oceanward and 43% for those farther inland. The increases would be determined by a property’s ZIP code. Proposed increases in the rest of the state also would be substantial, but not as much as a gut punch for coastal homeowners in Southeastern North Carolina. The reaction from the public and local officials was not surprising. “The Department of Insurance has received more than 24,000 emailed comments on this proposal, with hundreds more policyholders commenting by mail,” Causey said. “Scores more consumers spoke during a public comment forum. North Carolina consumers deserve a more thorough review of this proposal. “I intend to make sure they get that review.”
What happens now?
As part of the process of raising rates in North Carolina’s regulated homeowner and auto insurance markets, the insurance commissioner has the right to reject the rate bureau’s proposal and schedule a hearing. Causey has done that, scheduling a hearing for Oct. 7. State law gives the insurance commissioner 45 days to issue an order once a hearing concludes, and the insurance industry always has the option of taking the issue to the courts if they reject the commissioner’s findings. But this is an election year, and Causey, a Republican, is seeking re-election. Assuming he wins the upcoming GOP primary against two other candidates, that could make his appearances during the hearing − where he would likely attack the proposed rate increase as “excessive and unfairly discriminatory” as he already has − a strong bully pulpit for him during the height of campaign season. Many times, though, state regulators and industry negotiate a settlement behind closed doors before a hearing. Hornstein said it’s likely the parties will talk, if they aren’t already doing so, and exchange numbers and thoughts on what kind of increase would be needed to keep the state’s insurance market competitive, profitable for companies, and attractive to new entrants. He said state regulators will have to walk a fine line in balancing the desires of property owners with the needs of industry. Otherwise, Hornstein warned, North Carolina’s insurance market could end up looking like Florida, Louisiana or even more recently California, where numerous insurance companies have decided their exposures to disasters − whether hurricanes, flooding or wildfire − just isn’t worth the risk and the high premiums, costing them business, they’d need to charge consumers. “If insurers don’t feel they have enough rates, they will cancel policies or pull out,” Hornstein said, noting that Nationwide declined to renew more than 10,500 policies in the state last year, mostly due to hurricane concerns. “Either they get what they think they need, or they’ll vote with their feet.”
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Hurricane Season
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Why a hot Atlantic has hurricane forecasters very worried
Hurricane season is still more than three months away, but in parts of the tropical Atlantic, it feels like we might as well already be in the thick of it. Across a strip of ocean where many cyclones are born, February ocean temperatures are closer to what scientists expect in July. The ominous warmth is stirring concerns of yet another hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season. Seven of the last eight seasons have been above normal. Last year, similarly unusual warmth fueled a storm season that was significantly more active than meteorologists might have expected given the presence of the El Niño climate pattern, which emerged last spring and creates conditions that tend to inhibit Atlantic cyclone formation. As meteorologists look ahead to this hurricane season, which begins June 1, they see an increasing likelihood that a La Niña pattern will replace El Niño by late summer or early fall. That is another bad sign for the U.S. coastline — La Niña is associated with active patterns in the tropical Atlantic. It’s still too early to say whether the warmth will persist into hurricane season, or when La Niña might arrive. But, especially together, the trends suggest that an active season could be difficult to avoid, said Michael Lowry, a meteorologist with WPLG-TV in Miami and a former National Hurricane Center scientist. “There’s plenty of time ahead before we get to the meatiest part of the hurricane season,” Lowry said. “But a lot’s going to have to change … for forecasters to feel much more comfortable going into hurricane season.”
A persistent trend of record warmth
Last spring, the strongest climate signal scientists know of — El Niño — gave every indication of a slowdown in Atlantic hurricane activity in the summer and fall. El Niño’s signature is a surge of warm waters and towering clouds in the central and eastern Pacific. It triggers changes in atmospheric circulation that, on the other side of the planet, can make it harder for tropical storms to form and strengthen: Areas of high pressure with sinking air are more common over the Atlantic, and wind shear, when wind speed and direction vary at different altitudes, increases. The expectation of El Niño prompted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters to predict a mostly typical Atlantic hurricane season, a downgrade from years of increased storm activity. But as El Niño developed, and unusual warmth appeared well beyond the Pacific zones the climate pattern is known for, forecasters warned that a quieter season was far less than certain. By August, it became clearer: The ocean warmth was likely to counteract El Niño’s typical effect in the Atlantic, and NOAA upgraded its forecast. The season ended up with about 20 percent more activity than average, as measured by a statistic known as accumulated cyclone energy. Now, with a new tropical weather season ahead, Atlantic temperatures are perhaps even more remarkable.
Why meteorologists have reason for concern
In a zone of the Atlantic known as the main development region for hurricanes, sea surface temperatures are running well above normal — and 1.1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) higher than in any other year on record, said Philip Klotzbach, a tropical meteorologist at Colorado State University. If that trend persists into hurricane season this summer, it could mean a ripe environment for tropical waves flowing from Africa to develop into cyclones. “Basically, it is the perfect recipe for hurricanes to form and strengthen,” Alejandro Jaramillo, a meteorologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said in an email. “The warmer waters provide extra fuel available for hurricanes, potentially leading to the formation of stronger storms.” One factor behind the Atlantic warmth: weak winds over the ocean, Klotzbach said. That discourages evaporation, which would allow the waters to cool by transferring heat into the air. Models suggest weaker-than-normal winds continuing into March, Klotzbach said. Beyond that, longer-term models predict that surface temperatures will remain elevated, and that by the heart of hurricane season, from August through October, precipitation will be above normal across the tropical Atlantic, something that suggests a strong pattern of waves flowing off Africa, Klotzbach said. If those predictions come to pass, “I’d expect a very busy season in store,” he said in an email. Meanwhile, climate scientists predict that La Niña is more likely than not to develop by August. While El Niño increases wind shear — which acts to disrupt hurricanes’ columns of rotating winds — La Niña tends to discourage it, clearing the way for storms to organize and strengthen. The warm water in the tropical Atlantic is part of a global pattern of record sea-surface temperatures, fueled by both El Niño and human-caused climate change. The planet’s average sea surface temperature reached an all-time record of 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (21.2 Celsius) on Feb. 9, according to the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute.
Why it’s too soon to panic
Meteorologists stressed that it is far too soon to say how the hurricane season may play out. Official seasonal forecasts from NOAA, Colorado State and other sources won’t arrive for months, and even they carry plenty of uncertainty. And there is still much scientists don’t understand about how the ocean behaves and what triggers longer-term changes in tropical weather. For example, it wasn’t immediately clear what was behind an unusual drought of Atlantic hurricanes in the 1970s and 1980s — until scientists realized that a surge in air pollution from Europe was acting to cool the tropical Atlantic by blocking sunlight, said Kerry Emanuel, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Similarly, it isn’t yet clear why the Atlantic is warming more dramatically than other oceans, or for how long it will continue, he said. Even if scientists could predict an active hurricane season with more certainty, “that’s not what you want,” Emanuel said. “You want the number of destructive landfalling storms.” That is outside meteorologists’ capabilities — it was just last year that NOAA extended its tropical outlooks to seven days. But Lowry said the state of the Atlantic is such that, even if ocean temperatures trend closer to normal, there is still far more heat in the waters that could be available for storms come summer and fall. “This is such an extreme case that it doesn’t bode well,” he said.
Read more » click here
Inlet Hazard Areas
For more information » click here
CRC science panel to resume Inlet Hazard Areas discussion
The science panel that advises the state’s Coastal Resources Commission has scheduled a virtual meeting to pick up its review of Inlet Hazard Areas boundaries that began during its Nov. 27, 2023, meeting and discuss recent studies and data on sea level rise. The meeting is to begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, and is open for public listening either online or call 415-655-0003 and use access code 242 570 64312. Comments can be submitted to [email protected] with “Science Panel” in the subject line. The Coastal Resources Commission, known as the CRC, sets rules and policies for the 20 coastal counties, which the Division of Coastal Management, under the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, carries out. The science panel provides the CRC with scientific data and recommendations pertaining to coastal topics. Inlet Hazard Areas are areas of environmental concern that are especially vulnerable to erosion, flooding, and other adverse effects of sand, wind, and water because of their proximity to dynamic ocean inlets, according to the “Inlet Hazard Area Boundary, 2019 Update: Science Panel Recommendations to the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission.” The panel during its November meeting began the discussion on Inlet Hazard Areas because of the three-part charge issued by the CRC to reevaluate every five years its IHA methods and boundaries, incorporating data collected since its 2019 study, reassess its 2019 recommendations and consider alternative methods for calculating oceanfront shoreline change rates. They are to present the draft reports including proposed ag boundaries and erosion rates in summer of 2024. The panel discussed the background of IHAs, the work that has taken place since the ongoing effort began in the late 2000s, complications, and possible alternatives, such as using different approaches for the inlets experiencing the most erosion. They will continue this discussion.
Read more » click here
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Lockwood Folly Inlet
For more information » click here.
Seismic Testing / Offshore Drilling
For more information » click here.
Offshore Wind Farms
For more information » click here
Thanks to Duke Energy,
offshore wind is blowing back into NC’s clean energy picture
There are currently three areas leased for offshore wind farms along the N.C. coast, including two about 20 miles south of Brunswick County. The project furthest along is off the Outer Banks
From concerns about financing to potential impacts on the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale, developers of offshore wind projects had to navigate some rough waters in 2023. That stormy weather included efforts by companies to renegotiate their contracts with utilities due to rising construction costs, higher inflation and supply chain disruptions, and the war in Ukraine. Those headwinds culminated in some developers deciding to walk away from projects rather than get stuck in money-losing endeavors. But the winds now seem to be blowing in the renewable energy sector’s favor, including for a pair of wind farms planned for the waters just south of Brunswick County. Late last year, a 132 megawatt (MW) project off New York’s Long Island became the first offshore wind farm in the country to start sending power onshore. Parts of another wind farm off Massachusetts came online in early January. Then in late January Duke Energy, citing a projected massive increase in future demand on its power grid, announced it was moving forward with plans to add 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind to its grid in the 2030s as part of its updated carbon plan. The plan maps out proposed roadmaps for the utility giant to meet North Carolina’s future power needs while also reducing carbon emissions from the state’s energy sector, with a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Duke’s commercial renewables arm and Total Energy Renewables in 2022 secured neighboring leases from the U.S. Bureau of EM to build offshore wind farms in the open ocean about 18 miles south of Bald Head Island. Duke has said its 54,000-acre site, which it paid the federal government $155 million to lease, could support 1.6 gigawatts of wind power. While the two companies teamed up for some survey work in the proposed project areas last summer, it will still be years before any giant wind turbines start rising from the Brunswick waters. Still, the steps from getting U.S.-based wind farms generating power to Duke’s decision to add offshore wind to its future power grid needs are all important moves in the right direction, said Katharine Kollins, president of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. “Offshore winds needs to be a key component if we’re going to meet the decarbonizing requirements outlined in House Bill 951,” she said, referring to the 2021 legislation that enshrined the state’s emission-reducing carbon plan into law. “You cannot do that without offshore wind.” In its updated carbon plan filing with the N.C. Utilities Commission, Duke notes that a lot of financial uncertainties still surround offshore wind − especially when trying to project capital development and operating costs a decade or more out for these complicated, capital-intensive projects. But Kollins said a lot of the information that any new study would require could be gleamed from the increasing number of wind farms that are coming online in the coming years, including the Kitty Hawk Wind energy area that’s been under development off the Outer Banks since 2017. She added that some information that a wind farm developer would require to move forward, such as status of the sea floor around a proposed project along with wind and weather data, also could start being gathered now instead of later, allowing projects to move into the development phase that much faster. Preliminary work on securing infrastructure that can take long lead-in times, like undersea cables and substations, also could be initiated with developers as well as starting the conversation on permitting and rates rather than waiting. “It’s time and certainty, and that’s what these projects need right now,” Kollins said. “They need to know that North Carolina is a market, a reliable market for wind energy.”
Read more » click here
Things I Think I Think –
Eating out is one of the great little joys of life.
Restaurant Review:
The Dinner Club visits a new restaurant once a month. Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambience and service, with price taken into consideration.
///// December 2023
Name: Villa Romana
Cuisine: Italian
Location: 707 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach SC
Contact: 843.448.4990 / https://www.villaromanamyrtlebeach.com/
Food: Average / Very Good / Excellent / Exceptional
Service: Efficient / Proficient / Professional / Expert
Ambience: Drab / Plain / Distinct / Elegant
Cost: $23 Inexpensive <=20 / Moderate <=26 / Expensive <=35 / Exorbitant <=60
Rating: Three Stars
A quintessential Italian restaurant, it feels like the great Italian restaurants that were more prevalent many years ago. Apparently, they have renovated since our last visit the traditional Roman architecture with its columns, statues, and fountains have been removed. Frankly, although it was a bit kitschy I miss them. The roving accordion player contributes to its old-world charm. Established in 1985, the menu reflects home-style interpretations of their family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. What makes them great is they are happy to prepare any dishes you want as long as the ingredients are available. It’s an exceptional value, the food is wonderful, the portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. What’s not to like?
Dining Guide – Local * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Dining Guide – North * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Dining Guide – South * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Restaurant Reviews – North * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Restaurant Reviews – South * Lou’s Views (lousviews.com)
Book Review:
Read several books from The New York Times best sellers fiction list monthly
Selection represents this month’s pick of the litter
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
When a recent visitor’s body turns up tortured and dead in her driveway, former CIA agent Maggie Bird secret past catches up with her. Maggie connects the dots to her last case that forced her into retirement after a mission that went tragically wrong, She turns to her friends, members of The Martini Club, all former retired CIA operatives to help her uncover the truth by investigating who has come back to hunt her down. It’s very reminiscent of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series.
That’s it for this newsletter
See you next month
Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
. • Gather and disseminate information
. • Identify the issues and determine how they affect you
. • Act as a watchdog
. • Grass roots monthly newsletter since 2008
Lou’s Views
“Unofficial” Minutes & Comments
BOC’s Special Meeting 02/07/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
Meeting Reconvened Audio Recording » click here
1. Discussion and Possible Action on Accepting Bids for Harbor Acres Dredge Project and Acceptance of a Grant from the Division of Water Resources for the Project – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson (Mayor Holden)
Agenda Packet – pages 1 – 44
Dredging Project Bids » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action in accepting bids for a bucket to barge dredge of Harbor Acres subdivision entrance canal and the acceptance of a grant from the Division of Water Resources for the project.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Harbor Acres subdivision requests a dredge of approximately 2400 cy of material from the entrance canal to return the entrance to desired safe navigation depths.
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The canal dredging working group gave their approval for both the project and the grant at a meeting on 2/2/24.
TOWN MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Approval and award of most responsive bid; direct town manager to execute grant contract and notice to proceed regardless of bid timing receipt scenario.
Harbor Acres subdivision working group communicated a desire to move ahead with dredging on the entrance canal because of navigation safety concerns. The town has actively pursued permitting for a bucket-to-barge operation that will require the contractor to remove approximately 2400 cy of material. At the time of this memo, our engineer reports that one final water quality certification remains, and the Corps is ready to issue its permit once the certification is received. The state is requesting the BOC to act on the attached grant as soon as possible because it still needs to be countersigned on their side before any work can begin and the program manager suggests this can take some time.
Note:
To honor the state’s request, February 7th is the first meeting that would allow the BOC to act on the grant contract. A bid opening is scheduled to be held February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and as such the bid tab cannot be included in this packet and will need to be supplied at the meeting on February 7th. If three bids are received, bids can be opened on February 6th and the BOC can entertain accepting the bid and accepting the grant. If three bids are not received, we will need to readvertise. In the event of the second scenario unfolding, the BOC might consider delegating authority to the manager to execute the contract if the bid requirements are met on the second solicitation to expedite the process and comply with the state’s request.
Resolution 23-12
The Board of Commissioners requests the State of North Carolina to provide financial assistance to the Town of Holden Beach for the Habor Acres Canal Maintenance Dredging in the amount of $257,850.00 or 75 percent of project construction cost, whichever is the lesser amount;
Update –
Maintenance dredging bid from T.D Eure was the low bidder at $189,000. The motion was made to award the contract to the most responsive bid.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
2. Budget Workshop
a. 2024 Vision, Goals & Priorities Agenda Packet – pages 45 – 47
b. Public Works Agenda Packet – pages 48 – 53
c. Parks and Recreation Agenda Packet – pages 48, 54 – 56
a. Vision, Goals & Priorities
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Review & Possible Action on 2024 Budget Vision, Goals, Priorities
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
In order to move forward with the 2024 budget, we should fist establish our Vision, then our Goals of a successful budget and finally the Priority criteria for making budget spending decisions
b. Public Works
c. Parks & Recreation
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Budget Workshop
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST
For the workshop, each department should provide a financial report that includes the following for each line item:
Update –
a. Vision, Goals & Priorities
The motion was made to accept the proposed vision, goals & priorities
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
b. Public Works
Public Services Director Chris Clemmons discussed the department budget with the Board. Both Town Manager David Hewett and Finance Officer David McRainey both jumped in as needed to help explain the accounting procedures.
c. Parks & Recreation
Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson and Town Manager David Hewett discussed the department budget with the Board.
3. Discussion and Possible Approval of Resolution 24-02, Resolution Confirming Support of the Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Agreement – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 57 – 59
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Review & Possible Action Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Resolution Agreement statement
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
In light of Mr. Green’s letter stating that ‘some of the newly elected Board members appear to be intent on ignoring the binding ADA mediation agreement’ and Mayor Holden’s comments to the Brunswick Beacon that ‘Myers, Paarfus and Thomas have voted to shut down some of those (ADA agreement ongoing projects)’ the Town of Holden Beach should release a statement that the town remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations of the Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Agreement.
RESOLUTION 24-02 / RESOLUTION CONFIRMING SUPPORT OF THE KEY BRIDGE FOUNDATION ADA MEDIATION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Town of Holden Beach has executed the Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Resolution Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the agreement includes the following obligations:
WHEREAS, the Town is on track to complete these projects as required by the agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Town has not voted to shut down any of these projects; and
WHEREAS, the Town has no intention of ignoring the binding ADA Mediation Resolution Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners that the Town remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations of the Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Resolution Agreement.
Update –
Commissioner Thomas read the purpose of the Resolution that was in the agenda packet. Important for the Board to respond to the allegations and set the record straight. Basically, they want to reaffirm the commitment to the ADA agreement. The motion was made to adopt the resolution as submitted.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
4. Discussion and Possible Action Related to Mr. Green’s Contract with the Town of Holden Beach – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 60 – 64
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Review & Possible Action Related to Mr. Green’s contract with Town of Holden Beach
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Mr. Green has not provided the Commissioners of HB with a resignation letter. The letter sent to Mayor Holden on January 16 and read aloud at the Jan 23 BOC meeting is not a valid resignation letter because Mr. Green does not report to Mayor Holden per NC Statute 160A-l 73.
§160A-173. City attorney; appointment and duties.
The council shall appoint a city attorney to serve at its pleasure and to be its legal adviser.
Update –
Commissioner Thomas read the purpose of the agenda item that was in the agenda packet. The resignation letter did not follow protocols, so it is not valid. The letter made unsupported allegations and did not give notice. The motion was made to terminate the attorney contract with Mr. Green.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
5. Discussion and Possible Action on Hiring an Attorney for the Town of Holden Beach – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Thomas
Agenda Packet – pages 65 – 69
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Review & Possible Action Related to hiring an Attorney for the Town of Holden Beach
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Holden Beach currently has no attorney and needs an interim and permanent attorney.
Update –
The motion was made to retain Sydnee Moore as our interim town attorney and instruct Town Manager to sign letter of engagement.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
General Comments –
Mayor Alan Holden was not in attendance
Commissioner Page Dyer was not in attendance
Commissioner Rick Smith – was not in attendance
. • Rick participated remotely but could not vote
Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers assumed the duties of the Mayor
It is worth mentioning that the budget meeting calendar and particularly this meeting was established with the three of them indicating that they were available on this date.
They did not complete the Parks & Recreation Budget Workshop portion of the meeting
The meeting was temporarily recessed to reconvene date and time certain on Friday, February 9th at 9:00am.
Commissioner Page Dyer was not in attendance
Commissioner Rick Smith – was not in attendance
. • Rick participated remotely but could not vote
BOC’s Special Meeting 02/14/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop
BOC’s Special Meeting 02/20/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet » click here
Audio Recording » click here
1. Budget Workshop
BOC’s Public Hearing / Regular Meeting 02/20/24
Board of Commissioners’ Agenda Packet click here
Audio Recording » click here
Public Hearing
PUBLIC HEARING:
Proposed Changes to Holden Beach Code of Ordinances §157.083 Accessory Structures and §157.006 Definitions
Update –
The Public Hearing was held to hear comments on the proposed changes to Accessory Structures Ordinance, there were none.
Regular Meeting 02/20/24
1. Conflict of Interest Check
2024 Rules of Procedure for the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners
(e) Conflict Check. Immediately after the approval of the agenda, the Presiding Officer shall poll each member to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In the event that a potential conflict is disclosed, the members will vote on a motion to allow or excuse that member with respect to the agenda item. If excused, the member may not participate in any discussion, debate, or vote with respect to the agenda item.
The Board was polled by Mayor Holden. All of them declared that there was no conflict of interest with any agenda item at this meeting.
2. Public Comments on Agenda Items
There were comments made by eight (8) members of the public.
3. Discussion and Possible Action on Adopting the Sailfish Park Site-Specific Master Plan as Completed by McGill Associates, PA. – Assistant Town Manager Ferguson
Agenda Packet – pages 57 -59, plus separate packet
Sailfish Park Master Plan » click here
Slide Show Presentation » click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action In adopting the Sailfish Park Site-Specific Master Plan as completed by McGill Associates, PA. The endeavor is the culmination over two budget years and the last action is a presentation by the consultant and a board vote.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
A site-specific master plan study of Sailfish Park was conducted to further the work done in the Comprehensive Master Plan completed by McGill Associates, PA in 2021. The process involved several rounds of public input including an online survey, on-site community meetings, and a community feedback session. The plan discusses how the park should be updated to help better serve the community.
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION:
The plan passed by a 3-1 vote of the parks and recreation advisory board.
FINANCE RECOMMENDATION:
Finance Officer reviewed document and the preliminary opinion of probable cost. Also, the park renovations are included in the CIP for FY 202S.
This is a punctuation point of work across two budget years on a site-specific master plan for Sailfish Park. The journey involved a variety of means of public input and our consultants will walk us through a presentation of the process and discuss any questions or comments we might have regarding the plan. They have fulfilled the commitments of their contract once they make this presentation to the Board of Commissioners .
The plan reveals there is a commonality among those who voiced concerns about leaving the park the same and those that want improvements. This plan enhances the current facilities in a manner that allows all abilities to enjoy the tranquility of this passive park.
Update –
Representatives from McGill did a slide presentation and went through the process that was used to develop the site plan. The plan recommends a phased approach be pursued since the probable cost of the proposed project is approximately $435,527. The design balances an effort for the park to retain the site’s natural state while improving it, so it is both more useable and accessible for everybody by making it ADA compliant. Strong consideration was made in the park’s planning effort to develop it in such a way that it does not attract more visitors than its capacity and thereby becomes detrimental to those who love Sailfish Park. The motion was made to accept the master plan that was presented to the Board.
A decision was made – Not Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer approved the motion
Disappointed, they did not move forward with this plan. The top three (3) recommended improvements were for the canoe/kayak dock launch, the picnic areas, and parking. Hardly controversial or obtrusive. I think the price tag was outrageous at $435K (Is that all you get for your money?). But that was not why the Board didn’t move forward with the plans. We paid McGill to develop the Parks & Recreation Master Plan in 2021. Then we paid McGill to develop a Sailfish Park Site Master Plan. McGill had significant public input, with focus groups, surveys, and meetings. The Parks & Recreation Committee worked on this for quite some time and recommended moving forward with the plans. Unfortunately, the reason they didn’t approve the plans was because the Board chose to give priority to the few residents on Sailfish over doing what was best for the rest of us. Once again a small vocal NIMBY minority dictates what we will do with our Town owned properties. Sad!
4. Police Report – Chief Jeremy Dixon
Agenda Packet – pages 16 – 21
Police Report » click here
Business as usual, normal amount and type of activity for this time of year. During a cold snap we have broken pipes, any water issues call Town Hall during the day and 911 after hours.
The police department currently has only eight (8) officers of the ten (10) they are budgeted to have.
Having the full complement of ten (10) police officers seems to be an elusive goal.
Public Service Announcement –
Scams – be on guard, you need to protect yourself from scammers
Please do not send money when contacted via phone calls
NC residents lose millions to scammers: Report reveals top 10 scam categories
The 41-page report from the North Carolina Department of Justice examines artificial intelligence, the opioid crisis and its scam report.
People in North Carolina are losing millions of dollars each year to scammers, according to a report from the state Department of Justice. This 41-page report looks at everything from artificial intelligence to the opioid crisis – showing that just about any news event and spur scammers into action. The report breaks down the 10 scam categories you’re most likely to fall victim to, and some of the topics are not easy to avoid. The most common types of scams include telemarketing and robocalls, motor vehicles, credit, utilities, home improvement, the internet, landlord-tenant issues, insurance, personal service and real estate. In 2023, the North Carolina Department of Justice received hundreds and in many cases thousands of reports of scams in these arenas. Telemarketing and robocall scams were the most common, with 3,281 reports. Never give anyone your personal information and trust your gut if something feels off. Anyone who thinks they’ve been scammed in North Carolina can call 1-877-566-7226 or file a complaint on the Department of Justice’s website.
What he did not say –
It’s that time of year, rental season ends, and break-in season officially starts
Requested that we all serve as the eyes and ears for law enforcement.
If you know something, hear something, or see something –
call 911 and let the police deal with it.
5. Inspections Department Report – Inspections Director Evans
Agenda Packet – pages 22 – 24
Inspections Report » click here
ACTIVE NEW HOME PERMITS = 40
OTHER ACTIVE PERMITS = 246
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $30,000 = 40
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED OVER $100,000 = 3
* AMOUNT INCLUDED IN ACTIVE TOTAL
PERMITS ISSUED WAITING PICK UP = 22
TOTAL PERMITS = 308
PERMITS IN REVIEW = 14
CAMA ISSUED = 2
ZONING ISSUED = 15
PERMITS SERVICED FOR INSPECTIONS FROM 12/12-1/11 = 87
TOTAL INSPECTIONS MADE = 254
Update –
Timbo briefly reviewed department activity last month, the department still remains very busy.
Same As It Ever Was
5a. ADA Mediation Agreement Update
Agenda Packet – pages 25 – 30
ADA Mediation Agreement Status >>> click here
Key Bridge Foundation Agreement Update
Jordan Blvd.
Remove existing Ramp and replace with new section of sidewalk. Town Removed entire parking section and spots including any adjoining sidewalks. Replaced with new parking area with ADA compliant surface, transitioned new sidewalk section.
Ensure access from all existing accessible parking spaces; Town replaced and restriped all the ADA parking spaces with proper markings and insured an ADA accessible path to sidewalk.
Provide Proper markings and signage; Town created larger access for the area than was required and extra curbing to insure parking usage.
114 OBE Parking Lot
In consultation with CAMA, as needed identify potential ADA compliant surfaces that are firm, stable and slip resistant to maximum extent given proximity to blowing sand: Staff applied for permits for the installation of pervious concrete to cover from the Towns property line to the landward toe of the CAMA Frontal Dune.
Make agreed upon Improvements; Staff retained surveyors to complete and provide maps with Topography capabilities, staff removed as much material as possible and contracted for the installation of approximately 3000 square feet of pervious concrete the maximum allowed by NCOEQ by permit.
Install Signage and markings, Town restriped Parking areas with improved Van accessible spot as well as marked access routes.
114 OBE Ramp
Replace Current Handrails: Handrails were removed and handrails complying with A117.1 Section 4 and 5 were installed.
Improve the transition from mat to eliminate existing dip and areas of sand accumulation: Staff reconfigured matt orientation design type and location.
Extend mat to the maximum NCDEQ permitted Length: Matt was permitted under rule to six feet beyond the last line of natural stable.
Add seating to eliminated blocking access. seating area was established.
East End Parking
East End Beach Access
Explore options for procuring town access to expand accessible parking for the east end beach area; Surveys and plans were developed for access and Hatteras ramp east end.
In consultation with CAMA; as needed, identify potential ADA compliant surfaces that are firm, stable, slip resistant to maximum extent possible given the proximity to blowing Sand; Staff acquired all permits necessary, for the installation of an ADA Handicap Ramp 5 feet wide 125 + or feet long to meet alt requirements of ADA 117.1, the installation of approximately 5200 square feet of pervious non slip surfaces and an emergency access. Bathrooms have been designed and sealed for construction.
Make agreed upon Surface improvements: Plans and Layout shows pervious nonslip area.
Install Proper signs; additional Parking to be stripped with access routes and ADA compliant transitions, with Proper signage.
Project is out for bids (end Date 2/26/2024 at Noon)
Accessible Restrooms
Provide accessible restrooms and 114 OBE and East End. Town has approved Bathrooms for Avenue E but are still trying to get approval from NCDEQ for the 114 OBE modification. May have to apply for a variance at NCDEQ.
700 Block OBW parking
In consultation with CAMA, as needed identify compliant surfaces to the maximum extent possible; site was evaluated.
Make the Agreed upon surface improvements: a parking area was established a hard nonslip surface was put in place with a transition to the public way.
Install Proper signage and markings; new signage and stripping in compliance with A117.1 installed.
801 O8W
Explore options for establishing an access path that is firm, stable, and slip resistant: staff has developed a plan that establishes a firm stable and slip resistant path designed and engineered by McGill and associates.
This area also required a retaining wall NCDEQ approval plan includes designs for stormwater retention and a non-slip pervious surface with access matting out beyond the last line of natural stable vegetation. Staff intends to present Bid Package in Fall
Pier Parking Lot
Extend a mat from the Hard surface to the beach, mat has been extended.
Extend mat to the maximum allowed by NCDEQ; mat has been extended to maximum allowed.
Add Option for Wheelchair seating at end, Matt has a 6-foot-wide area, for wheelchair so wheel chair occupant will not block beach goers.
ADA Compliance initiatives not on the Agreement
Walkway at 915 OBW
170-foot-long compliant walkway with new transitions and matting located at end.
ADA compliant handrails as required by A117.1 American with Disability Standards.
441 Walkway OBW
143-foot-long ADA Ramp 6 feet cross sectional width with complying with A117.1 Standards
Handrails complying with A117.1 standards, smooth transition, upon completion there will be new access routes with approved parking and proper signage
Remaining parking area to be evaluated for proper access routes and handicap spots for slope and run
Halstead Park
Parking places were reconfigured, repainted. and resurfaced to comply with Al17.1 compliance guidelines, new signage, and Access routes with transition to sidewalk.
Halstead still needs new handrails and slight modification to picnic area for handicap compliance
Previously reported – February 2024
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Review & Possible Action Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Resolution Agreement statement
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
In light of Mr. Green’s letter stating that ‘some of the newly elected Board members appear to be intent on ignoring the binding ADA mediation agreement’ and Mayor Holden’s comments to the Brunswick Beacon that ‘Myers, Paarfus and Thomas have voted to shut down some of those (ADA agreement ongoing projects)’ the Town of Holden Beach should release a statement that the town remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations of the Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Agreement.
RESOLUTION 24-02
RESOLUTION CONFIRMING SUPPORT OF THE KEY BRIDGE FOUNDATION ADA MEDIATION AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners that the Town remains fully committed to fulfilling the obligations of the Key Bridge Foundation ADA Mediation Resolution Agreement.
Commissioner Thomas read the purpose of the Resolution that was in the agenda packet. Important for the Board to respond to the allegations and set the record straight. Basically, they want to reaffirm the commitment to the ADA agreement. The motion was made to adopt the resolution as submitted.
Update –
Timbo updated them on the status of the Key Bridge Foundation Mediation Agreement by reviewing the work that has been done, work they are hoping to get done and where they are going with it. Briefly went over all the items listed above and advised whether work was completed or not completed yet. In addition, ADA compliance quarterly meetings are being held. The town has addressed everything in the agreement and then some.
6. Discussion and Possible Action on Ordinance 24-01, An Ordinance Amending Holden Beach Code of Ordinances §157.083 Accessory Structures and §157.006 Definitions – Inspections Director Evans
a. Consistency Statement
Agenda Packet – pages 31 – 33
Ordinance 24-01 >>> click here
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Text amendment Section 157.006, 157.0083
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
To Bring Current ordinance in alignment with original intent
Previously reported – July 2023
Discussion and Possible Action on Holden Beach Code of Ordinances, Section 157: Zoning Code (Accessory Uses) – Mayor Holden
§157.007 ONE PRINCIPAL BUILDING PER LOT
No platted lot shall be occupied by more than one principal building. No part of a yard, court, or other open space provided about any building or structure for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be included as a part of a yard or other open space required under this chapter for another building or structure. A residence shall always constitute a principal use.
Alan introduced the topic, but Timbo explained the issue. Basically, you can’t have an accessory structure before you have a primary structure. Property owners are required to have a bulkhead, but you can’t have a floating dock or pier without the principal structure which is the house. Changes in the state law have made piers and docks an accessory structure. The Board requested that Timbo to come back to them with proposed changes to the ordinance concerning accessory uses for the Board to review.
Previously reported – January 2024
Discussion and Possible Scheduling of a Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Holden Beach Code of Ordinances §157.083 Accessory Structures and §157.006 Definitions – Inspections Director Evans
Accessory Structures Ordinance » click here
P&Z Board Statement of Consistency and Zoning Text Recommendation
The Town of Holden Beach Planning & Zoning Board has reviewed and hereby recommends approval of amendments to Chapter 157.006 definitions and 157.083) of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Accessory Structures. The Planning and Zoning Board has found that the recommended amendments are consistent with the adopted CAMA Land Use Plan and are considered reasonable and in the public interest for the following reasons.
The text amendments to 157.006 and 157.083 are consistent with those sections,
Removing the conflict between ordinances and 5.1 of the Cama land Use Plan and encouraging the preservation of Natural resources. Key word Bulkheads.
§157.083 ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
Accessory uses and structures are permitted in any district but not until their
principal structure is present or under construction. Accessory uses shall not involve the conduct of any business, trade, or industry except for home and professional occupations as defined herein. Structures used for accessory uses shall be of comparable color and material of the primary structure and shall be on the same lot as the primary use.
Exception:
Piers, docks, and boatlifts are allowed without their principal structure .
§157.006 DEFINITIONS
ACCESSORY USE or STRUCTURE. A use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
Timbo stated that the Board initiated the request to look at this issue, he briefly reviewed how we got to this point. All proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance must go through Planning & Zoning Board for review, comments, and a consistency statement. Now that P&Z has issued the consistency statement the next step is to have a Public Hearing which is required for any changes made to the Zoning Code Section 157. The Board decided to schedule a Public Hearing at the start of the February Regular Meeting.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Update –
What this does is put the ordinance back to what it was before changes were made at the state level by the NC Building Code Council. The change would allow piers, docks, and boatlifts without having a primary structure. After considering the consistency statement, the motion was made to accept the ordinance change as submitted.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers opposed the motion
7. Discussion and Possible Approval of Contract Between the Town and Martin Starnes and Associates for Audit Services for Fiscal Year 2023 – 2024 – Finance Officer McRainey
Agenda Packet – pages 34 – 54
Item was removed from the agenda
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of Audit Contract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
To ensure a timely audit conducted by a reputable firm we have previously contracted
FINANCE RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend approving contract to ensure another timely audit. This would be year two of the three year proposal of audit services presented in FY 2023
FEES:
Audit Fee $35,125
Financial Statement Drafting $3,900
Single Audit Fees (up to 2 programs) $3,750
TOTAL $42,775
Previously reported – February 2023
Two (2) firms were evaluated by the THB Audit Committee for their suitability to be contracted to perform external audits of the Town’s financial statements for Fiscal Years 22/23, 23/24 and 24/25. The qualifications of Martin Starnes & Associates and Sharpe Patel were measured using the RFP scoring tool developed by a previous Audit Committee.
Based upon the scoring tool evaluations, the Audit Committee recommends that the BOC’s authorize the Town Manager to contract with Sharpe Patel.
Based upon the scoring tool evaluations, the Audit Committee recommended that we contract with Sharpe Patel. However, David recommended that we do not change the auditor. After some discussion, the Board chose to ignore the Audit Committee recommendation despite a 147% fee increase and a $12,000 price difference (Sharpe Patel proposed fee was $25,032 vs. Martin Starnes proposed fee $36,975). The North Carolina Local Government Commission requires the Town to have an annual audit performed. The Town has used Martin Starnes for the past three (3) years to perform this service. They have experience working with the town and the Town is happy with the incumbent. Approval of the contract means that Martin Starnes has been selected for their fourth consecutive year, to handle our audit for the fiscal year that ends June 30th 2023. The motion was made to continue working with Martin Starnes for another year.
A decision was made – Approved (4-1)
Commissioner Kwiatkowski opposed the motion
Update –
Mayor Pro Tem Tom Myers asked to have this agenda item removed so that the Audit Committee will have an opportunity to discuss and do their job. Town Manager Hewett objected because he said it would compromise getting the audit done in a timely manner.
A decision was made – Approved (3-2)
Commissioners Smith and Dyer opposed the motion
The protocol is to change firms every few years, traditionally we have done that after vendor has audited us for three years, this would be the fifth consecutive year we have contracted with them.
8. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Pier Property Public Input Session on February 29, 2024 – Mayor Pro Tem Myers and Commissioner Paarfus
Agenda Packet – pages 55 – 56
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action regarding the pier property public input session on February 29th
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
This public input session will follow the same format as the one recently conducted for Sailfish Park. Hard copies of the listed Attachments (see below) will be available for public review at the session. The architect will also be present to answer questions from the public. The public will sign in and submit input on written forms. No one will speak from the podium and there will be no formal presentations.
CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS:
The architect will charge an hourly rate of $170 without changing the scope of the current contract.
Update –
The Board provided information on the Pier Public Input Session scheduled for February 29th. The public will have an opportunity to review the current plans for the pier project. No presentations will be made at the meeting. There also will be no public comments allowed, however the architect will be there and available to answer any questions. However, the public will be able to submit written comments. The intent is to make it very similar to the input session that was held for the Sailfish Site Plan.
THB Newsletter (02/16/24)
Public Input Session – Holden Beach Pier
The Town of Holden Beach is seeking input on the Holden Beach Pier Property. Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects will hold a public input session on Thursday, February 29th, starting at 5:00 p.m. The public will have the opportunity to drop by, review the proposed project with the architect and submit written comments. The public input session is not intended to be a meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Holden Beach Community Alliance / Save the Holden Beach Pier Petition
The Holden Beach Fishing Pier is a historic landmark and should be preserved, restored, and reopened. The recreational and economic impact this facility has on our local area has been proven by research studies and public input. Since the current town board of commissioners have suggested that demolishing this structure is an option, we need to work together to come up with a plan to SAVE IT!
If you want the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners to evaluate ALL viable options to SAVE THE PIER and are against the demolition of this historic landmark, please sign this petition. We will share our results at the Feb. 29th special meeting.
For more information » click here
I was told that the petition was to ask the Board not to make any rash decision regarding the pier. At best, this explanation was disingenuous. For starters, this Board unlike the previous Board is taking a pragmatic approach to the project. The HBCA want the pier preserved, restored, and reopened without any consideration of the cost to do so. The most likely scenario will be that after the Board has figured out what has to be done and the cost to do it and then the community would have an opportunity to determine its fate.
Mired with issues, a Brunswick pier renovation project could go back to the drawing board
Newcomers on the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners have halted a years-long effort to renovate the town’s pier, which has been closed to the public for months. Since the town purchased the pier and pier house property for around $3.3 million in 2022, the board of commissioners has further assessed the pier’s structural issues and worked on a conceptual plan to renovate the property. The board unanimously approved a final site plan for the property a year ago, in February 2023. At the board’s regular meeting in December, the board was set to act on the two bids it received for phase one of the pier renovation project. After going to bid twice, the project received two bids: a nearly $2.2 million bid from Paragon Building Corp, and a $3.9 million bid from TD Eure. The 2023-24 fiscal year budget budgeted just $1.13 million for the pier renovation and repair project. The board was given three options: award one of the bids and direct staff to prepare a budget amendment for the budget shortfall; direct staff to negotiate with Paragon to reduce the scope of the work and the budget; or direct staff to reduce the scope of the project and totally rebid the project again. Instead, newly elected board members lead a successful effort to stop the project until a special meeting can be held to catch the board and the public up on the status and scope of the project. Commissioners Tracey Thomas, Rick Paarfus and Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Meyers – all of whom were elected to the board in the November 2023 municipal election – claimed the plans for the project were not made available to the public before the December meeting. While the meeting’s agenda packet did not contain detailed sketches or plans for the pier project, those materials have been available to the public at several prior meetings where the project has been discussed over the last year. Meyers and the new board members expressed interest in holding a special meeting with town staff to better understand the scope of the project and long-term vision for the property, before moving forward with a bidder. Meyers made a motion to stop the project until such a meeting is held. “…I would hesitate to move forward with any of this because I think we need a long-term vision of the pier and property and what we’re going to do with it,” Thomas said. “We need a long-term vision for the whole thing before we start just putting $2 million band-aids on the pier.” Commissioners Rick Smith and Page Dyer voted against the motion, who said the project has been a matter of public discussion for three years and it’s time to move forward with the approved plan. A master plan and subsequent phased plan has been presented to the board and public on several occasions over the past year, town staff reiterated. Tensions ran high toward the end of the discussion. “I mean if the folks would have attended the meetings and been as diligent as they are now, they would’ve seen what the plans are and they would understand what the plans are,” Smith said. “But evidently, they didn’t want to and now they want to come in and change the whole deal.” Meyers’ motion passed 3-2, pausing the project for the time being. The conceptual site plan outlined renovations to the existing pier and pier house, as well as improvements to the public parking lot on site. Architects reported to the town’s commissioners last year that the pier structure extending over the ocean is in good shape, but in need of largely cosmetic improvements such as replacing handrails and some decking. The portion of the pier over the beach needs more extensive repairs, like replacing some structural support beams. The pier is located at 441 Ocean Blvd. in Holden Beach. It remains unclear when the board will revisit the project. Several special meetings of the board were called in January, but the pier project is not on the agendas for those meetings.
Read more » click here
9. Discussion and Possible Action on Issuing a Request for Proposals for a New Permanent Town Attorney – Commissioners Thomas and Paarfus
Agenda Packet – pages 60 – 63
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and possible action on issuing an RFP for a new permanent town attorney.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
The purpose of this request is to direct the Town to prepare an RFP to advertise for a new town attorney
Replacement of Town Attorney
As provided for at North Carolina General Statute §160A-173.
§160A-173. City attorney; appointment and duties
The council shall appoint a city attorney to serve at its pleasure and to be its legal adviser.
Update –
A Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legal Services will be advertised in the local paper and placed on the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ website. The law firms that are interested in providing legal services to the Town will need to respond to the RFP no later than March 31st. The Board tasked the Town Manager with doing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legal Services. Since it is not prudent to hire an attorney without conducting interviews the established protocols are for the entire Board to interview the potential candidates.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
10. Discussion and Possible Action on Granting Permission to the Chaplain of the HB Chapel to Conduct the Annual Easter Sunrise Service from the HB Pier – Mayor Holden and Commissioner Dyer
Agenda Packet – page 64
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and Possible Action on Granting Permission to the Chaplain of the HB Chapel to Conduct the Annual Easter Sunrise Service from the HB Pier
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST: As in years past, the chaplain would be using the pier as the pulpit for the service and the attendees would be on the strand.
Update –
Mayor Holden said that Easter Sunrise Service has been an island tradition as long as he can remember. The Holden Beach Chapel is requesting permission to walk a short distance out on the pier only over beach strand and conduct the service from there as they have done it in the past. The motion made was to allow the Chapel to conduct the annual Easter Sunrise Service from the pier. The Board asked Timbo if he had any safety concerns, he responded that he did not have any concerns. The town attorney recommended we obtain a release for waiver of liability from each person that will be on going out on the pier.
A decision was made – Approved unanimously
Easter Sunrise Service
Holden Beach Chapel and the Brunswick Islands Baptist Church and are sponsoring an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday March 31st at the Holden Beach Pier.
11. Town Manager’s Report
a. Greensboro Lift Station Update
Agenda Packet – page 65
Sewer Lift Station #2 >>> click here
Sewer Lift Station #2 Update
EPA Grant Component – $2,669.867
We were apprised on December 20th that the EPA grant funding came through officially for the town. The finance officer has been working with the representatives at EPA to set up our accounting system. Based on our current knowledge base, this grant will focus on a quick turnaround where the town will submit invoices to EPA representatives. They will approve invoices and send automatic payments to us in which we have to redistribute to the contractor within a three-to-four-day period. The milestone schedule presented in the workplan based on needing to move past the winter 2023 season for construction includes completing construction by July 2025 and having system start up by October 2025. The timeline also incorporates closeout on EPA’s end, which includes their own inspections of the system. They have final completion and close out on their end listed as November 2026.
State Funding – $1,940,000
Received a letter of intent to fund from the State last Friday. Have reached out twice to the program representative to make contact and clarify some items. Previous correspondence to Town says the BOC will need to make a resolution accepting the funding letter of intent, but we need some clarification first. One item of critical importance is that the state timeline does not appear to mesh with the EPA timeline; i.e.; the state schedule as received/written seems to represent a not to exceed timeline that lags a year or so behind the EPA approved work plan. We are requesting clarification about advancing the state schedule to accommodate our circumstances and shovel ready project status. More to come on the resolution needed by the board.
Remaining Financing
Have been in consultation with the bond attorney and financial advisors to keep them abreast of the project’s moving parts. Forecast a possible need for short-term borrowing since the state funding references a reimbursement of costs protocol instead of the payment advance system that the EPA follows (mentioned above). In addition to the “pay/go” financing consideration – need to factor in the ability to pay contractor should EPA deny any reimbursements.
LGC
If short-term financing is needed, a third calendar and related efforts will need to be coordinated so that the town can appear before the LGC and submit appropriate application prior to appearance.
Next Steps
Previously reported – January 2024
The NC Department Water Quality application was made
The two (2) million dollar appropriation has not been finalized yet; it still needs to be approved
We are also still waiting for the $2.7m dollars from the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) funding / https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-05/fy23-cj-11-stag.pdf
Our intent is to dovetail the funding of $4.7m from the two (2) grants
Previously reported – September 2023
2018 – Sewer Station #4 / $158,000 + $1,413,000 + $282,700 +$104,920 = $1,958,620
2020 – Sewer Station #3 / $311,805 + $349,000 $1,622,500 = $2,283,305 +17%
2023 – Sewer Station #2 / $2,137,400 + $759,400 + $685,400 + $729,500 = $4,311,700 +89%
Update –
Agenda packet gave a complete status report on the project. The bids we received the last time we did this were above the dollar amount of the funding that we had secured. We now have funding of $4,609,867 ($2,669.867 + $1,940,000). We may need to secure short-term financing to close any expenses above the funds that have already been secured.
Personnel
Kimberly Bowman is our new Permit Specialist in the Inspections Department
The Police Department is still not fully staffed, with one hire being processed and one vacancy
The Administration Department as an opening for the front desk Receptionist
Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Study
The Town has made application to NC Department Wildlife Resources for $750k state budget appropriation for the Town’s CSRM Study contribution match. It is anticipated that the $750k appropriation and pending federal Disaster Relief Act funding that probably will negate the need for any further Town expenditures.
Canal Dredging
Maintenance dredging bid from T.D Eure was the low bidder at $189,000
They need to wait to award the contract until they have USACE final approval
Previously reported – January 2024
$343,800 Department Wildlife Resources grant awarded for Harbor Acres dredging. $257,850 state and $85,950 local which is from the Harbor Acres Canal Special Revenue Fund. Waiting for NC Department Water Quality certification for USACE permit approval. Current Request for Proposal (RFP) is out for a 2,700 cyds bucket to barge project in Harbor Acres. Bids are due back by February 6th. Staff is preparing for BOC consideration of grant acceptance and dredger award in Special Meetings that are scheduled in February.
Stormwater Project Partnership Agreement
Town staff met with USACE Program Manager to develop a draft PPA
Expectation is to establish about a half dozen projects for an estimated cost of two (2) million dollars
The intent is to position the Town to receive federal stormwater funding for these projects
Previously reported – January 2024
Original meeting with USACE was postponed and the meeting has been rescheduled for February 13th. The plan is to use elements from the stormwater master plan currently in development to aid in obtaining federal funds.
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Contractor is proceeding at a pace of a mile a day which is faster than he anticipated
Previously reported – January 2024
Contractor is wrapping up some stormwater improvements and mailbox relocations issues this week. Equipment mobilization is scheduled for this week, so he anticipates work to start very soon. It’s a work in progress but he still says the project being completed by Memorial Day.
DOT Bike Lane Report Presentation » click here
The plan includes bike lanes of 5’ on each side of Ocean Boulevard. It will be an asymmetrical widening, that is 7’ on the south side and only 3’ on the north side where the sidewalk is.
Highland Paving has been awarded the contract and has already met with the town staff
Surveying has already been completed and work on storm water issues will begin in November
Paving prep work will start once that is completed, probably sometime in December
They anticipate that the actual paving project will be done beginning March
Work will be done starting from the west end of the island working east
They are still committing to completing the project before Memorial Day
THB Newsletter (10/20/23)
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Highland Paving met with the Department of Transportation and staff last week to discuss the upcoming project. They communicated that storm water work will begin in November. The subsequent paving prep work, which we are thinking will take place in December, will involve removal of the road shoulders, three feet on the north side of the road and seven feet on the south side of the road. We do not know where the contractor will be at any given point in time. Property owners are responsible for removing any material (landscape timbers/specialty rock, etc.) from the construction area that they don’t want hauled off by the contractor. Replacement material will be generic ABC stone. Mailboxes will be moved/reset, but if they fall apart, the contractor will install a generic replacement. We are forecasting the paving won’t begin until March/April, with the project being completed by Memorial Day.
THB Newsletter (12/21/23)
Ocean Boulevard Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
Paving prep work for the project will involve removal of the road shoulders, three feet on the north side of the road and seven feet on the south side of the road. Work is scheduled to start in the beginning of January. Make sure to remove any materials before this time. Property owners are responsible for removing any material (landscape timbers/specialty rock, etc.) from the construction area that they don’t want hauled off by the contractor. Replacement material will be generic ABC stone. Mailboxes will be moved/reset, but if they fall apart, the contractor will install a generic replacement.
THB Newsletter (01/16/24)
DOT Resurfacing and Bike Lane Project
The contractor will start moving mailboxes and street signs this week. Mailboxes will be relocated to the far edge of the right-of-way. Mail service is not expected to be impacted. Subsequent work on clearing material from the right-of-way is scheduled to begin once this work has been completed.
Beach Strand
The Town is doing rock raking from the Pier to the 800 block
The Notice of Violation will be lifted once the work has been completed
We still have a three (3) year tilling requirement to comply with
LWFMX
Lockwood Folly Maintenance Crossing project is being mobilized this week and will run until the end of March. The dredge boat Lexington is already here, Approximately 100,000cy of beach compatible sand will be placed on the beach strand from Amazing Grace to around Blockade.
In Case You Missed It –
THB Newsletter (02/09/24)
Annual Parking Passes Now Available
Annual parking passes are now available for purchase. The Town uses SurfCast by Otto Connect Mobile Solution. This is a mobile app downloadable for Apple and Android devices. You can also visit https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay to purchase a pass. Paid parking is enforced April 1st – October 31st, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information on the paid parking program.
Holden Beach Birthday Celebration
The Town of Holden Beach’s luncheon birthday celebration was held on Wednesday, February 14th. As part of the celebration, participants entered desserts judged in the category of best birthday display or best Valentine display, because let’s face it everybody “loves” Holden Beach.
THB Newsletter (02/16/24)
Public Input Session – Holden Beach Pier
The Town of Holden Beach is seeking input on the Holden Beach Pier Property. Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects will hold a public input session on Thursday, February 29th, starting at 5:00 p.m. The public will have the opportunity to drop by, review the proposed project with the architect and submit written comments. The public input session is not intended to be a meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
THB Newsletter (02/16/24)
Public Input – Block Q
The Board of Commissioners tasked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) with developing a new site plan for Block Q that includes a concert space with dance floor, ADA compliant bathrooms and greenspace. Other potential amenities to be examined by the PRAB include playground equipment, shaded areas, benches, picnic tables, informational panels, areas for food trucks and usage during festivals. The PRAB held an initial scoping session with the architect to organize the effort and will have future working sessions in which public input is encouraged. The first session to provide public input is Thursday, March 7th at 2:00 p.m. Comments may be provided by attending the session or sending them to the town clerk at [email protected] by Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this particular session is to obtain feedback from those property owners and businesses directly adjacent to Block Q and who might be impacted by any changes to the site. These property owners will also receive a letter from the town in the next few days.
The motion made was to task the Parks and Recreation Board to work with the current architect to develop a new site plan for Block Q. It seems to me that we should just start with only the most essential elements like the restrooms, vehicle, and boat parking. In addition to Block Q the committee should consider integrating Jordan Boulevard into those plans. The Town had plans to develop a promenade on Jordan Boulevard. The Town owns the land that the commercial properties are utilizing for private parking for their businesses. We already own the property there, by utilizing it for vehicle parking it may give us more flexibility on what we can do in Block Q. Diagonal parking on both sides of the road and down the center would add a significant number of parking spaces. Plus, vehicles parked there would be closer to the beach access then parking in Block Q. In addition, not having to have vehicle parking in Block Q would allow other things to be there like the Pavilion. In my humble opinion we should develop plans for Block Q that includes a promenade on Jordan Boulevard.
Holden Beach seeking public input for Block Q development with concert space
The public is invited to provide input concerning the development of Block Q, according to the Town of Holden Beach. “The Board of Commissioners tasked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) with developing a new site plan for Block Q that includes a concert space with dance floor, ADA compliant bathrooms, and greenspace. Other potential amenities to be examined by the board include playground equipment, shaded areas, benches, picnic tables, informational panels, areas for food trucks and usage during festivals,” the announcement states. According to the town, the first public input session is set for Thursday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at the town hall public assembly at 110 Rothschild Street in Holden Beach. Comments also can be sent by email to the town clerk at [email protected]. Emails must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. “The purpose of this particular session is to obtain feedback from those property owners and businesses directly adjacent to Block Q and who might be impacted by any changes to the site. These property owners will also receive a letter from the town in the next few days,” the town adds. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality‘s Division of Coastal Management has awarded $420,000 for the project.
Read more » click here
Holden Beach talks turning Block Q to Block P-arty
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners during its Jan. 23 meeting expressed safety concerns about the existing pavilion and discussed moving town concerts across the street to the Block Q property. Two motions were passed 3-2, with Commissioners Page Dyer and Rick Smith opposition each. One motion called for having engineers reassess the condition of the pavilion, located at 131 Jordan Blvd., and avoid using it until reassessed; the other motion put Block Q site plans back on the chopping block. The board’s discussion and actions are in response to the February 2023 Right Angle Engineering pavilion condition assessment, which reported needed repairs, improvements or replacement. The report called for the town to make a plan within 12 months of the assessment and implementation of the plan or demolition within the 12 subsequent months. “That first 12 months is up, I think we need to do something,” Mayor Pro-Tem Myers said, noting that the town needs to figure out how safe the structure is and come up with a plan before any town events are hosted there. The passed motion supports staff to engage with Right Angle to do a reassessment and bring that report back to the board. Myers also urged staff not to use it until the report was done due to safety concerns. Though the original pavilion was built in 2009, an engineer designed a temporary bracing system and column repair plan in 2010 to fix the structure. The report stated the column repairs were never implemented. “We have determined that failure of the existing structure is not immediately impending, but significant repairs and/or improvements are required in the short term,” the report states. Inspections Director Tim Evans told commissioners that the pavilion was poorly built from the start and repairs to temporarily brace the structure are starting to fail. “I am the one that’s supposed to really look out for the life, safety, health and welfare of the citizens of this town and it puts me in a bad position,” he said. “But it doesn’t make me sleep good at night knowing I got this engineer report and knowing the condition of that structure up there.” Evans explained that he condemned the original structure because it did not meet the minimum inspection requirements, nor did the pier that was connected to the pavilion. Despite bracing and monthly assessment, he said the whole structure continues to rack and deteriorate. When a structure racks, he noted, they either bring the structure back to where it needs to be, or they take action to keep it from racking anymore because it will eventually reach a point of failure when it moves like that. He told the board that he will soon condemn the pavilion, as he did in 2010, if the board does not take action due to how dangerous the structure is becoming. “I felt comfortable we weren’t going to hurt somebody, I don’t feel that comfortable [now],” he said. The roof, Evans said, is the main concern but the stage itself is perfectly fine for town events. He said the permanent fix would be costly but taking the roof off could be a temporary quick fix to keep the town from losing its summer concert space. Commissioners Dyer and Smith favored Evans’ recommendation. Dyer said she wants a reassessment done but wants to make the pavilion safe enough for concerts to go on, as well. Asked if the reassessment report could be completed before the concerts begin, Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson said probably not. She said there are steps to take before doing the reassessment, which may not be completed prior to the summer concert series. Myers said he wants the pavilion to be permanently fixed and suggested relocating concerns at least temporarily. “If we have a problem of where to hold the concerts, we do have Block Q,” Myers said as the board transitioned to discussing Block Q. In a January special meeting, the board voted to halt the Phase 1 stormwater work for the new Block Q parking area. The first project sketch displayed paid parking spots, boat trailer spaces, a dog park area and public restrooms on the block enclosed by South Shore Drive, Quinton Street and Brunswick Avenue. The motion passed on Jan. 23 supported the Parks and Recreation Board to work with Pinnacle Architecture Professional Association to develop a new site plan for Block Q. The plan is to include a concert space, dance floor, already planned Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bathrooms, greenspace, boat and trailer parking spaces, car parking spaces and other potential amenities. Assuming the pavilion is going away, Myers said he wants to use the grassy Block Q land as a new space for the concerts. Smith said he feels it is a waste of time and money to start the Block Q plans all over again. He said the previous plan was good and that the designated pull-through boat and trailer parking was a necessity. “The plan we had was a good plan and it was a good start to the plan and would still give ample greenspace for a pavilion and a place to have the amenities,” he added. Like Smith, Dyer said the Block Q plan pull-through parking spots for boats and trailers and the ADA bathrooms were the most important aspects of the previous plan. She said the board previously discussed putting the pavilion on the Block Q property but decided to emphasize boat parking and bathrooms first. The prior plans, she added, left space for a pavilion so the town could add it later. “The problem with putting a pavilion over there is, you’re going to be facing residential homes,” she said. She added that some people, such as nearby residents, may not want the pavilion to change locations and those residents should have a say before making any decision. “We will have public input,” Myers said in response. Prior Block Q coverage can be viewed on The Brunswick Beacon website by searching “Block Q” in the search bar.
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Water/Sewer Account
Please note that you have a NEW ACCOUNT NUMBER for your water/sewer account. It is very important that you include the correct account number on your memo line when remitting payment, you will not be sending a paper stub in when making your payment moving forward. Click here if you would like to be set up on bank draft.
National Flood Insurance Program: Reauthorization
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On January 19, 2024, the president signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to March 8, 2024.
News from Town of Holden Beach
The town sends out emails of events, news, agendas, notifications and emergency information. If you would like to be added to their mailing list, please go to their web site to complete your subscription to the Holden Beach E-Newsletter.
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Upcoming Events –
Easter Sunrise Service
Holden Beach Chapel and the Brunswick Islands Baptist Church and are sponsoring an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday March 31st at the Holden Beach Pier.
Family Nighttime Easter Egg Hunt
The Town will hold its annual nighttime Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 5th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Teams of four will compete against each other. Participants will need to bring their own flashlights to the event and something to place their eggs in. Participants MUST register by March 18th and space is limited to the first 100 families. Email Christy at [email protected] to register.
13. Mayor’s Comments
From the Mayor’s Desk (02/02/24)
The date the Draft Holden Beach Causeway Transportation Study will go to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and for their consideration has been changed to March 18th at 6:00 p.m. For more information and to view the study, visit the Brunswick County Planning Department’s website: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/409/Holden-Beach-Causeway-Transportation-Cor.
Click here to view the letter several mayors in the county sent opposing the proposed insurance rate increase. The letter details reasons for the opposition to the proposed increase. It also requests that another hearing be scheduled and the deadline for public comment be extended.
The undersigned mayors of Brunswick County strongly oppose the huge increase in property rates requested by the Insurance Bureau.
In Brunswick County, the proposed rates range from 43% to 99.4% with the rates for the majority of Brunswick County citizens ranging from 71.4% to 99.4%. When the proposed 15% increase in wind and storm insurance is added, the rates would increase from 58% to 114.4%. In their totality they are the highest rates in the State of North Carolina. We are not aware of any data that supports such a massive and punitive increase. Nothing has occurred in terms of massive losses in Brunswick County since the last increase that would justify such an increase.
The impact of this proposed increases would be particularly devastating to three at risk group of citizens in Brunswick County. First, in an area where there is a lack of affordable housing, rents would likely increase as the costs of insurance is passed on renters. Second many first time buyers and current homeowners will find these increase either foreclose the option to buy a home or afford it. As Mayors we are particularly concerned about the impact of this increase on teachers, first responders, medical personnel, government employees and service industry employees. Third, these proposed increase would impose significand hardships on the elderly who are living on fixed incomes.
In addition to opposing this increase, we urge that your staff carefully review both the proposed increases to determine the validity of the claimed justifications and their impact on the citizens of Brunswick County.
As you know, North Carolina law states that insurance rates shall not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. While we understand that North Carolina citizens do need access to insurance coverage, we believe that these proposed rates are excessive, discriminatory, and limit North Carolina citizens’ access to insurance.
Finally, we are concerned that there was little time to appear at the hearing or submit written comments. We respectfully request that another hearing be scheduled and the deadline for submitting written comments be extended.
14. Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(5), To Establish or Instruct Staff or Agent Concerning the Negotiation of the Price and Terms of a Contract Concerning the Acquisition of Real Property – Mayor Holden and Commissioner Dyer
Agenda Packet – page 66
ISSUE/ACTION REQUESTED:
Executive Session Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143- 318.ll(a)(S), To Establish or Instruct Staff or Agent Concerning the Negotiation of the Price and Terms of a Contract Concerning the Acquisition of Real Property
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE OF REQUEST:
Atlantic Telephone Membership Corp, Parcel 231MD02101, property acquisition for public utilities
Update –
The parcel is located at 480 OBW at the corner of Greensboro and OBW across from sewer lift station #2
No decision was made – No action taken
General Comments –
BOC’s Meeting
The Board of Commissioners’ next Regular Meeting is scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, March 19th
The Special Meeting Schedule was amended.
It’s not like they don’t have anything to work on …
The following twenty-five (25) items are what’s In the Works/Loose Ends queue:
The definition of loose ends is a fragment of unfinished business or a detail that is not yet settled or explained, which is the current status of these items. All of these items were started and then put on hold, and they were never put back in the queue. This Board needs to continue working on them and move these items to closure.
Hurricane Season
For more information » click here.
Be prepared – have a plan!
Why a hot Atlantic has hurricane forecasters very worried
Hurricane season is still more than three months away, but in parts of the tropical Atlantic, it feels like we might as well already be in the thick of it. Across a strip of ocean where many cyclones are born, February ocean temperatures are closer to what scientists expect in July. The ominous warmth is stirring concerns of yet another hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season. Seven of the last eight seasons have been above normal. Last year, similarly unusual warmth fueled a storm season that was significantly more active than meteorologists might have expected given the presence of the El Niño climate pattern, which emerged last spring and creates conditions that tend to inhibit Atlantic cyclone formation. As meteorologists look ahead to this hurricane season, which begins June 1, they see an increasing likelihood that a La Niña pattern will replace El Niño by late summer or early fall. That is another bad sign for the U.S. coastline — La Niña is associated with active patterns in the tropical Atlantic. It’s still too early to say whether the warmth will persist into hurricane season, or when La Niña might arrive. But, especially together, the trends suggest that an active season could be difficult to avoid, said Michael Lowry, a meteorologist with WPLG-TV in Miami and a former National Hurricane Center scientist. “There’s plenty of time ahead before we get to the meatiest part of the hurricane season,” Lowry said. “But a lot’s going to have to change … for forecasters to feel much more comfortable going into hurricane season.”
A persistent trend of record warmth
Last spring, the strongest climate signal scientists know of — El Niño — gave every indication of a slowdown in Atlantic hurricane activity in the summer and fall. El Niño’s signature is a surge of warm waters and towering clouds in the central and eastern Pacific. It triggers changes in atmospheric circulation that, on the other side of the planet, can make it harder for tropical storms to form and strengthen: Areas of high pressure with sinking air are more common over the Atlantic, and wind shear, when wind speed and direction vary at different altitudes, increases. The expectation of El Niño prompted National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters to predict a mostly typical Atlantic hurricane season, a downgrade from years of increased storm activity. But as El Niño developed, and unusual warmth appeared well beyond the Pacific zones the climate pattern is known for, forecasters warned that a quieter season was far less than certain. By August, it became clearer: The ocean warmth was likely to counteract El Niño’s typical effect in the Atlantic, and NOAA upgraded its forecast. The season ended up with about 20 percent more activity than average, as measured by a statistic known as accumulated cyclone energy. Now, with a new tropical weather season ahead, Atlantic temperatures are perhaps even more remarkable.
Why meteorologists have reason for concern
In a zone of the Atlantic known as the main development region for hurricanes, sea surface temperatures are running well above normal — and 1.1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) higher than in any other year on record, said Philip Klotzbach, a tropical meteorologist at Colorado State University. If that trend persists into hurricane season this summer, it could mean a ripe environment for tropical waves flowing from Africa to develop into cyclones. “Basically, it is the perfect recipe for hurricanes to form and strengthen,” Alejandro Jaramillo, a meteorologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said in an email. “The warmer waters provide extra fuel available for hurricanes, potentially leading to the formation of stronger storms.” One factor behind the Atlantic warmth: weak winds over the ocean, Klotzbach said. That discourages evaporation, which would allow the waters to cool by transferring heat into the air. Models suggest weaker-than-normal winds continuing into March, Klotzbach said. Beyond that, longer-term models predict that surface temperatures will remain elevated, and that by the heart of hurricane season, from August through October, precipitation will be above normal across the tropical Atlantic, something that suggests a strong pattern of waves flowing off Africa, Klotzbach said. If those predictions come to pass, “I’d expect a very busy season in store,” he said in an email. Meanwhile, climate scientists predict that La Niña is more likely than not to develop by August. While El Niño increases wind shear — which acts to disrupt hurricanes’ columns of rotating winds — La Niña tends to discourage it, clearing the way for storms to organize and strengthen. The warm water in the tropical Atlantic is part of a global pattern of record sea-surface temperatures, fueled by both El Niño and human-caused climate change. The planet’s average sea surface temperature reached an all-time record of 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (21.2 Celsius) on Feb. 9, according to the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute.
Why it’s too soon to panic
Meteorologists stressed that it is far too soon to say how the hurricane season may play out. Official seasonal forecasts from NOAA, Colorado State and other sources won’t arrive for months, and even they carry plenty of uncertainty. And there is still much scientists don’t understand about how the ocean behaves and what triggers longer-term changes in tropical weather. For example, it wasn’t immediately clear what was behind an unusual drought of Atlantic hurricanes in the 1970s and 1980s — until scientists realized that a surge in air pollution from Europe was acting to cool the tropical Atlantic by blocking sunlight, said Kerry Emanuel, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Similarly, it isn’t yet clear why the Atlantic is warming more dramatically than other oceans, or for how long it will continue, he said. Even if scientists could predict an active hurricane season with more certainty, “that’s not what you want,” Emanuel said. “You want the number of destructive landfalling storms.” That is outside meteorologists’ capabilities — it was just last year that NOAA extended its tropical outlooks to seven days. But Lowry said the state of the Atlantic is such that, even if ocean temperatures trend closer to normal, there is still far more heat in the waters that could be available for storms come summer and fall. “This is such an extreme case that it doesn’t bode well,” he said.
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Lou’s Views . HBPOIN
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