Thursday, March 28, 2024

MOTSU public meetings to begin early next week

 Two meetings will take place on the same day, on either side of the Cape Fear River.

A study conducted by Cape Fear Council of Governments and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point(MOTSU) includes over 16,400 acres of various types of land use. The study could shape the future development of the Cape Fear region. (Port City Daily graphic/Courtesy Cape Fear Council of Governments)
A study conducted by Cape Fear Council of Governments and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point(MOTSU) includes over 16,400 acres of various types of land use. The study could shape the future development of the Cape Fear region. (Port City Daily graphic/Courtesy Cape Fear Council of Governments)

SOUTHEASTERN, N.C.—Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point is inviting the public to participate in its upcoming Joint Land Use Study.

Though many are loosely aware of Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU), few are familiar with the specifics of Army’s operation. The 13-square mile base, located 25 miles south of Wilmington, is the military’s largest transportation hub for ammunition.

Covering 16,435 acres between two counties and five municipalities, the study could impact future development around the base.

RELATED: The Department of Defense wants a say in future development around MOTSU

Though recommendations from Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point will be nonbinding, they could shape the future of the region. Recommendations that result from MOTSU’s Joint Land Use Study may later be implemented by participating governments.

Last year, the Department of Defense granted the Cape Fear Council of Governments $270,000 to facilitate the land use study. The study is now underway, with the first pair of public meetings scheduled Monday, July 30.

During the upcoming meetings, the public will learn information gathered in the study process thus far. At least one MOTSU representative, Col. Marc Mueller, will be present to answer questions that arise.

Last month, the study’s advisory committee met for the first time. Representatives from every participating government attended to review the consulting team’s goals and findings.

After the July 30 public meetings, the advisory committee will review a “compatibility analysis” and “conflict resolution strategies.” These documents will be reviewed during the second round of public meetings, to take place in November.

Allen Serkin, the local government services director for the Cape Fear Council of Governments, said the upcoming public meetings will allow the public to “become more acquainted” with MOTSU, the largest military terminal in the world.

The meetings are set to take place at the following locations on Monday, July 30:


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