Wrightsville Beach board sets hearing on moored vessels

Wrightsville Beach | Aldermen set an April 8 public hearing about boats being moored long-term in Mott’s Channel at Island Drive Park and Banks Channel at South Channel Drive Park. Some aldermen have been hearing from residents that the boats left there, especially during the summer months, spoil the views and raise noise levels.

The town prohibits mooring for more than 30 days for vessels beyond the pierhead line. Vessels also had been forbidden to moor next to South Channel Drive Park; in 2008 the board lifted that ban, for consistency, but limited mooring inside the pierhead line to 30 days or less.

Mayor David Cignotti said at least 15 boats were left at Island Drive Park last July 4. “If we let people do this, we at least need some regulation (of the use),” he added.

Alderwoman Lisa Weeks suggested “doing something similar to resident parking passes,” effectively restricting the number of boats.

Alderman Bill Blair said such passes should be fee-based, to cover the cost of enforcement.

Town Manager Bob Simpson said the person enforcing regulations would be “our very busy park ranger,” who already has a multitude of other duties.

Alderman Bill Sisson said the parks had just been refurbished with visual amenities that should be preserved, but he also understood the personnel problem, and thought enforcing safety issues like no-wake zones was a higher priority.

With no consensus in view, the board scheduled a public hearing to gather input from residents.

Also on Thursday, the board decided to change the safety lane from the east side of North Lumina Avenue to the west, between Stone and Salisbury streets. Prohibiting parking there will provide more room for pedestrians and bicycles. Although revenue from 13 parking spaces there will be lost, that will be offset by the newly increased parking rates plus the addition of metered parking along Old Causeway Drive.

Additionally, the board rejected a request to allow a large lighting unit with a generator for the Wrightsville Beach Marathon on March 21. Setup will begin well before sunrise. The board expected resident complaints and said the last-minute notice was a problem.

Regional desk: 343-2387

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