SURF CITY — The Surf City Town Council unanimously approved the rezoning of the town’s welcome center during its Tuesday, July 1, meeting, further solidifying the council’s decision to convert the facility into a commercial space.
READ MORE: Popular Surf City brewery eyes third location, could have city government as its landlord
The rezoning clears the way for the town to formally lease the facility to a private business after years of it operating as a public event space.
The property, located at 102 N. Shore Drive, was rezoned from government use to commercial use, a change that will allow the center to be utilized for retail space, restaurants, professional offices and drinking establishments.
The approval comes as the council considers leasing the beachfront property to the Salty Turtle Beer Company, a local brewery looking to open a second Surf City location in the building. Though, it will be Salty Turtle’s third location overall, after also opening a brewery in Raleigh.
Port City Daily first reported about the move in June. If the council approves Salty Turtle’s lease agreement during their August meeting, after a required 30-day public notice period is completed, brewery co-founder Zach White said the company plans to transform the center into a beach bar-style taproom they hope will complement their current location.
During its June 20 workshop, the council voted 4-1 to advertise the lease agreement, which would charge Salty Turtle $8,750 per month, with a 3% annual increase over a three-year term. In addition to this, the town would retain responsibility for structural maintenance and ADA access but renovations to the space and general maintenance would be the responsibility of the tenants.
While the zoning passed without opposition, council member Hugh Cannady was opposed to advertising Salty Turtle’s lease agreement. He thought the town should spend more time looking for alternative options to keep the public amenity available to residents before converting the space.
According to Kyle Breuer, Surf City’s town manager, the center had become a financial burden as the space consistently generated less revenue than it cost to operate.
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