WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Once a free option for beachgoers who needed parking on Wrightsville, government officials are set to ratify an agreement allowing the town to use a church’s lots in its paid-parking program.
Signed by both parties last month, Wrightsville United Methodist Church agreed to lease the town two parking lots at 4 Live Oak Dr., located a block from Banks Channel bridge. Pivot Parking officials — which have overseen Wrightsville Beach’s parking program since last year — began enforcing the program June 24. Instead of pay stations, pay-by-phone signage is installed.
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The agreement will go before the Wrightsville Beach Board of Alderman on Tuesday for “retroactive” approval.
According to Town Manager Tim Owens, United Methodist was the party that first proposed the idea. The chair of the church’s board of trustees, Steve Wells, is the official signature on the lease.
“They approached us to see if we could get some kind of collaboration together,” Owens said. “This is sort of a trial run to see if it’s right for both parties.”
However, according to United Methodist Pastor Doug Lain, he was approached by Alderman Hank Miller, who proposed the idea. Miller confirmed that’s what happened.
Per the agreement, the town and church will split the parking revenue, but Owens said he could not provide how much it would generate at this time. Port City Daily estimates around 60 spaces has potential to bring in at least half-a-million each season, based on the $5-an-hour rate or $25 a day, applicable 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The church’s gravel lots across the street will be used by the town and will follow the same regulations as all other Wrightsville Beach parking. Enforcement will take place March 1 through Oct. 31; however, parking will not be available before noon on Sundays, when the church holds services — nor during scheduled events, such as funerals, weddings, classes, meetings and other large events.
The agreement is set to renew annually but can be terminated by either part at any time.
United Methodist once allowed drivers to park in its lot for free, but in recent years decided to chain off the parking. Owens was not sure when or why the church made the decision. Multiple requests for comment were sent to United Methodist but went unanswered by press.
In 2016, United Methodist, along with three other churches — Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church, Little Chapel on the Boardwalk and St. Therese Catholic Church — were permitted by the town to solicit parking on holiday weekends. Under the ordinance, churches could allow beachgoers to park on their premises in exchange for donations during Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends. The churches, in turn, gave most of the money to charities, Wrightsville Baptist Church using a portion for a mission trip.
Town staff will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and operation of the parking lots during its hours of use. Otherwise, Owens said, the responsibility will remain on United Methodist during off hours.
“It’s no different than what the church was used to anyway,” Owens said. “I’m sure they probably have an attendant there to make sure [church activities] are what people are doing.”
No conversations with other churches have taken place, Owens said, but he would be open to a similar arrangement if the town was approached again.
The aldermen will discuss and vote on the lease agreement at their regular meeting Tuesday, July 19, 5:30 p.m.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated Steve Wells, who signed the lease agreement, was the owner of United Methodist, but he is chair of the church’s board of trustees and signed on behalf of the church. Port City Daily regrets the error.
Reach journalist Brenna Flanagan at brenna@localdailymedia.com
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