Five years after they purchased oceanfront land, the Carolina Beach Town Council at their upcoming workshop will be discussing getting grant money to turn the empty property into a handicapped-accessible mini-park.
According to Carolina Beach Planning Director Ed Parvin, the town purchased an oceanfront lot in March 2010 for $200,000. The intention, according to the background information given in the agenda packet, was to build a project that would “provide a new opportunity for beach enjoyment for the disabled.”
Parvin said that some plans were made around that time, but nothing came of it. The idea was picked up again this year after discussions with the Harbor Commission and others.
“We were looking at opportunities to improve public property,” said Parvin. “This was one of the things that was on the books.”
The plot sits at 1710 Carolina Beach Ave. N., a half block south of the fishing pier and one block from the entrance to Freeman Park. Proposed features of the park include handicapped parking, elevated decking, walkways, bathroom and shower facilities, a gazebo and future beach access. Four schematic designs are being looked at, each with a project cost of approximately $50,000.
The town is looking at getting funding through the Home Depot community grant program. According to the agenda packet, the Myrtle Grove “Team Depot” are interested in helping Carolina Beach staff develop their grant application as well as coordinating local volunteers to provide labor. The grant application cycle is currently open, and pending council approval, the town is hoping to have their packet ready and submitted to Home Depot’s headquarters by this fall. If the town is awarded the money, a decision that should be made in early 2016, then construction will begin in spring 2016.
The Carolina Beach Town Council workshop will be held Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. in the council room at town hall. All members of the public are invited to attend.
