Friday, November 8, 2024

A riverfront view: New Hanover County looking into massive pile of debris on river

Situated just across the river from where the North Riverfront Park is planned sits a large pile of debris from an industrial company, but according to the county, there is no violation taking place (Port City Daily/Michael Praats)
Situated just across the river from where the North Waterfront Park is planned sits a large pile of debris from an industrial company, but according to the county, there is no violation taking place (Port City Daily/Michael Praats)

WILMINGTON — The City of Wilmington’s downtown riverfront area is a continuously growing district with multi-million dollar plans for new developments in the works as well as the North Waterfront Park — but just across the river from the planned amphitheater sits a pile of debris of concrete, a crane, and barge.

Despite paying a premium for riverfront views, according to New Hanover County, there are no code violations taking place.

“… The county does not have a verified zoning violation on this site right now. However, our Planning and Land Use Department is going to work to understand the purpose of this debris to determine if it is temporary and if there is any violation of the county’s zoning ordinance,” New Hanover County spokeswoman Jessica Loeper said.

The reasoning there is no violation as of yet is due to the fact the area is zoned I-2, as in industrial.

The pile of debris is on the opposite side of the river from the Wilmington Riverwalk (Port City Daily/Michael Praats)
The pile of debris is on the opposite side of the river from the Wilmington Riverwalk (Port City Daily/Michael Praats)

“The county’s interpretation is based on the fact that the site is zoned I-2 and has historically operated as a marine construction/demolition/salvage site, which are permitted uses in this district. So, the county would consider it a compliant activity until we find information showing otherwise,” she said.

The company that is operating on the property is called Atlantic Coast Industrial and is a marine construction, commercial diving, pile driving, concrete, and steel demolition company.

Port City Daily reached out to the company to ask about the large pile of rubble but at time of publication, have not heard back.


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