CAROLINA BEACH — Just in time for spring break and after months of discussion in Carolina Beach, town leaders have officially voted to repeal the current speed limit on North Lake Park Boulevard, decreasing it by 10 mph. Now, the rest is up to the NCDOT to finalize the speed limit change from 45 mph to 35 mph as drivers cross Snow’s Cut Bridge.
The decision to reduce the speed limit for drivers coming into Carolina Beach was not one the NCDOT recommend, but would allow the change if the town passed a resolution in favor of the change. Town Council unanimously voted to approve the speed limit change during its regular meeting Tuesday evening.
Food trucks and nuisance properties
Speed limits were not the only item of discussion on Tuesday.
Council also voted to set a public hearing for April to possibly amend town ordinances to allow food trucks to operate on the island as well as set a public hearing to discuss amending the laws regarding nuisance properties on the island.
Bars on bikes
One of the more polarizing items on the council’s agenda was the consideration to amend town code to allow for commercial pedal vehicles – colloquially known as trolley pubs or pedal pubs.
Council discussed the item at length, ultimately approved the decision to allow the amendment to the town code. Although the council approved the amendment, no permits have been issued yet to any specific business, instead, council will have to approve each permit individually.
One of the points of contention among council members was the prohibition of the pedal pubs
The amendment will only allow for two permits total to be issued, and only one permit per company will be issued.
Freeman Park purchase
By far the most expensive decision of the night came in the form of a vote to approve the purchase of a lot located at the north end of Freeman Park, simply known as Lot 6B.
The purchase price of the land is $500,000 and the town is purchasing the land to help preserve greenspace, council did not discuss any possible future plans for the land during the meeting.
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