We kick off this episode by getting back to business a bit. While Covid-19 remains a major story — and a serious issue — there’s still plenty going on in the Wilmington area, and that includes development.
Local Voice Media · Podcast May 2 – Catching up with local development, plus Live Nation and beach issues
This week, there’s another bait and switch in the developments around Eastwood and Military Cutoffs. Developers said they were planning an office and retail building, but now want to build a car wash. Some locals aren’t thrilled about the change of course, but it remains to be seen if Wilmington’s planning commission or city council will approve it.
At another congested intersection — Market Street and Gordon Road — there’s a different rezoning request. The switch from single-family homes to business would increase traffic to and from the parcel by %7,000. And, while developers have presented a rationale for the increase, some of their explanations don’t quite seem to hold water.
Then, the latest between Live Nation and Wilmington. The company and the city have a long history and the latest joint venture, Live Nation’s management of the city’s Hugh Morton Amphitheater comes as a surprise to few. Still, it’s worth revisiting how we got here and noting that, even as city staff drafted a contract, City Council hasn’t approved anything yet.
Lastly, two fishing piers reopened — much to the delight of anglers. But by limiting fishing, which is protected by a 2018 amendment to the state constitution, to just two piers that charge for access, are beach towns unequally applying the law? It’s part of a broader conversation about how local ordinances are being applied to different parts of the economy.
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