Going against the recommendation of their county manager, New Hanover County commissioners have approved a request from Carolina Beach for a $500,000 contribution toward the town’s boardwalk improvement project.
At their regular meeting Monday, commissioners commended the town’s leadership in making the boardwalk area a tourist destination, describing the request as a chance to further strengthen the partnership between Carolina Beach and the county while adding to the area’s tax base and amenities.
County Manager Chris Coudriet had recommended against the request, contending that the loan the town was requesting would in fact be a funding contribution from the county with no direct payback. Coudriet had recommended alternative approaches, including advancing the money for payback or including it in a loan the county would seek next year, but commissioners agreed to approve the request by pulling the amount from the county’s fund balance—typically considered a savings account for emergencies.
Related story: Funding request for boardwalk improvements at issue between county, Carolina Beach
Commissioner Beth Dawson reiterated Coudriet’s point that the request was not a loan, despite the town’s contention that payback to the county would come from increased tourism and economic development. Dawson said the return on the county’s investment would benefit the county for years to come, describing the boardwalk enhancement as a “win-win.”
Commissioner Jonathan Barfield agreed, and Chairman Woody White also voted for approval, though White said he preferred an arrangement that involved tourism dollars through the county’s room occupancy tax. “That’s what it’s for,” he said, noting as well that the contribution would add to the county’s sizable debt.
“Having said that, I echo what Commissioner Barfield and Dawson have said. You’ve provided tremendous leadership,” White told Carolina Beach Mayor Bob Lewis and Councilman Steve Shuttleworth, who were joined by fellow council members and about three dozen supporters.
“In theory, I don’t see this as an economic development thing. But I do see this as governments working together, helping each other,” White said before casting the third and deciding affirmative vote. Commissioner Tom Wolfe was absent due to a family emergency.
Residents applauded the approval, which Lewis said would add to grant funding already received for the $1.55 million project. Lewis said the project would include lengthening and widening of the wooden boardwalk, enhancements such as bench swings and a splash park, and improved beach access for people using wheelchairs.
Lewis said construction would occur in the off-season and last between six to eight months, with the project expected to be completed before next summer.
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Jonathan Spiers is a reporter for Port City Daily. He can be reached at (910) 772-6313 or jonathan.s@portcitydaily.com. On Twitter: @jrspiers
