CAROLINA BEACH — The first meeting of 2018 for Carolina Beach’s Town Council offered standing room only as dozens of residents packed the seats of City Hall to weigh in on several issues facing the community.
From proposed rule changes to Freeman Park to the allowance of body piercing in the town limits, there were several items of concern for residents and visitors alike.
The first item of the night that called for a public hearing was the approval of a conditional use permit for the redevelopment of the Federal Point Shopping Center. The request was ultimately approved by Town Council.
Body piercings
The Town Council also heard from owners of Pleasure Island Tattoo and Gallery who requested the town consider allowing body piercing within the highway business district.
After a brief presentation, Town Council unanimously approved the request provided several conditions were met including separation requirements.
35 m.p.h. speed limits
The proposed speed limit change on Lake Park Boulevard has also been approved by Town Council, and the new speed limit will be 35 m.p.h. on the road as drivers come off the Snow’s Cut Bridge. The new speed limit will start 600-feet north of Access Road, according to Senior Planner Jeremy Hardison.
According to Sheila Nicholson administrative assistant to the town manager, there is no timeline yet of when the speed limit changes will take effect.
New rules at Freeman Park
By far, the most discussed topic of the night’s meeting was that of Freeman Park and proposed rule changes. The meeting lasted several hours and residents voiced their concerns as well as support for the proposed changes to the park.
Ultimately, Town Council made no decision on changing park rules, leaving the item will be discussed at future Town Council meetings.
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