Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Freeman Park: A timeline of recent events

CAROLINA BEACH — Freeman park and the private property surrounding it have been a hot topic in Carolina Beach recently as the town and private land owners vie for control of the undeveloped land.

The land at the north end of Pleasure Island until recently had been owned by private individuals and families including the Freeman Family. Now, the majority of the land has been purchased by corporations and family-owned property has been reduced to almost none.

Freeman Park is known for its camping and other recreational activities, including being one of the few areas where drivers can access the beach. But the camping and driving is posing a threat to the private property that is not a part of Freeman Park, according to the property owners.

Here is a timeline of the most recent developments:

Dec. 5, 2016: Owners of land surrounding Freeman Park issued a letter to former Mayor Dan Wilcox asking the town to close the campgrounds located at the park. The letter was sent by attorney Clifton Hester on behalf of several of the LLCs owning the land.

Nov. 27, 2017: Town Council held a workshop to discuss potential rule changes to Freeman Park including limiting the number of campers allowed at each site, as well as closing several campsites due to safety concerns.

Jan. 7, 2018: Town Council held a public hearing that brought residents out in force to voice their opinions on the proposed rule changes. No changes were made at the meeting.

Jan. 26, 2018: Town staff addresses the fact that the Freeman Family no longer owned property at the north end, and it was suggested to cease the longstanding practice issuing free park passes to the family. The Freeman Park Committee Chairman pointed out that since the family no longer were owners of the land the requirement to keep a Freeman family member on the board was no longer needed.

Feb. 14, 2018: Property owners erected fencing, ropes, and posts on the beach and planted sea oats. The Town responded by closing the park to vehicles, citing safety concerns.

Feb. 15, 2018: The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality called the installation of the fence and posts “unauthorized” and prepares to issue a notice of violation to the property owners.

Feb. 22, 2018: Property owners fail to comply after the town issued a notice of violation and a notice to remove the fencing from the beach. Carolina Beach responded by removing the fencing before reopening the park to vehicles.

March 7, 2018: Carolina Beach released a meeting agenda listing the consideration to purchase one of the privately held lots at Freeman Park.

March 13, 2018: Town Council agreed to purchase that piece of land for $500,000.

March 15, 2018: Port City Daily reported the town’s intention to issue a notice to land owners of the town’s intent to “condemn” the property, essentially beginning the process of acquiring the land through a voluntary sale, or through eminent domain.

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