CAROLINA BEACH — A local well-known developer faces fines in Wrightsville Beach after it determined his watercraft was a house boat under town ordinances and ordered its removal at the beginning of the month. Now, it’s docked in Carolina Beach, though some say having the “monstrosity in the water” at Wrightsville indicates the developer’s lack of concerns to follow rules.
READ MORE: Sledge Forest added to national threatened forest list, development still moves forward
Wade Miller founded Copper Builders — behind the controversial Hilton Bluffs development in Sledge Forest — and owns the AquaVita. Miller said he had reviewed town code before he docked in Wrightsville Beach “with confidence” AquaVita did not qualify as a floating home.
Wrightsville Beach communications manager Bailey Hartsell confirmed to Port City Daily the town determined AquaVita met the definition of a “floating home” under Section A.3 of their UDO. This is due to perceived lack of steering and navigational equipment, deeming it not designed for transport.
Though filed with the state as a “pleasure craft,” AquaVita received a formal notice of violation from Wrightsville Beach on July 7, with a July 11 compliance deadline initiating $50 daily fines. Miller wracked up around $500 in fines until the town issued a second notice, sent on July 11. He was told the fines would escalate to $500 daily from July 21, the same day AquaVita departed Wrightsville Beach, thus avoiding the higher penalty.
Hartsell said Miller is responsible for paying the accumulated $50-per-day fines — which remain outstanding — for the period the vessel was in violation. Wrightsville Beach will continue to follow its standard enforcement procedures to collect the owed fees.
Miller said he is considering appealing the town’s decision, stating AquaVita was not designed to be used as a “permanent dwelling.”
“It was never meant to provoke controversy, but I recognize that introducing something unconventional into a shared space raises questions and concerns,” Miller wrote. “I’ve taken that to heart and appreciated the opportunity to engage in a broader conversation around architecture and waterfront use.”
Miller moved AquaVita to the Carolina Beach Yacht Club Marina and on July 25 will move to Carolina Beach mooring field, located south of Snow’s Cut, on the approach channel into the Carolina Beach town waterfront.
Carolina Beach Deputy Town Manager Ed Parvin confirmed the town’s Harbormasters approved AquaVita, powered by dual 300 HP motors, for its mooring field stay. He stated the vessel meets local code requirements as a self-propelled craft within size parameters. Parvin noted it’s insured and the town has a copy of its U.S. Coast Guard safety inspection.
This is not the first instance where Miller has faced violations from local authorities. New Hanover County previously issued a notice of violation on April 14 for an unapproved 160-square-foot structure built on the Sledge Forest property. The structure was found to be in violation for lacking necessary building, zoning, floodplain, and CAMA permits, and for being used without proper approvals in a high-risk flood area.
Miller, however, contested the structure’s characterization, arguing it was a temporary unit, not affixed to the ground, and manufactured offsite. He submitted a commercial building application, which remains under county review.
The developer is planning a large residential project on the 4,000-acre “Sledge Forest” property in Castle Hayne. Hilton Bluffs could include up to 4,000 residential units and has drawn significant opposition from advocacy groups like Save Sledge Forest and local residents concerned about its impact on the old-growth forest and wetlands.
Lisa Peck has been following the Sledge Forest property, located near her home in Castle Hayne. She is concerned about the impacts it will have when it comes to increased traffic and flooding.
“He put the ‘office’-labeled fish camp and a giant solar panel with a grill, Porto John and fire pit on the property with a concrete slab right on the river with no permits,” she said. “He’s going to clear-cut the old growth forest and surely cause flooding to those of us that live adjacent to his property. He purchased the house next door to me to tear down and build a bridge to his glorious community. … But he follows no rules and thinks they don’t apply to him. It’s all about showing off and making money.”
Miller has gone on the record saying he and Copper Builders remain committed to “meaningful conservation outcomes” for the Sledge property. In March, Copper Builders reached an agreement with Unique Places to Save — a conservation nonprofit — to sell 1,160 acres of Sledge Forest for $10.2 million for conservation. The purchase is contingent on a grant from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, with award decisions expected in the fall.
The developer is also unsure where the AquaVita will go after the 10-day reservation at Carolina Beach’s mooring field but Miller said he will continue to use it for private recreational purposes.
Have tips or suggestions for Charlie Fossen? Email charlie@localdailymedia.com
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