Beach Briefs

Speed limit reduction

Soon, drivers along N.C. 50 in Surf City will have to make sure they slow down and obey newly posted speed limit signs.

Surf City Town Council unanimously approved a municipal ordinance proposing a speed limit reduction for a section of N.C. Highway 50 in Surf City at their recent town meeting. As part of the resolution, they requested North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) adopt a concurring ordinance. Councilman Donald Helms and Mayor Pro Tem Nelva Albury were not present to vote.

The NCDOT resolution will repeal a 45-mile-per hour speed limit ordinance and adopt an ordinance proposing a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit for the entire 3.7-mile-long section of N.C. 50 in Surf City southwest of N.C. 210.

Police Chief Mike Halstead, at the request of some concerned citizens, put together some data that was presented to NCDOT Board of Transportation member Lanny T. Wilson. "In the past, DOT has turned us down when we requested the speed limit reduction — they felt it would impede the flow of traffic — but now they see this has become a public safety concern and agreed to drop the speed limit once we pass the resolution," Guy explained.

He also said they want to take this one step further and make the same area a no-passing zone. Guy added that his in depth discussion with Chief Halstead and Wilson have lead them to believe that the change will be put into action.

“Wilson is going to take it to the entire transportation board and is confident they will vote in the affirmative so that we can have those double lines painted," Guy explained.

With the resolution signed, Surf City must still wait for DOT to erect the signs before it can implement the reduced speed limit. According to a letter signed by Transportation Technician IV, R.H. Hammond, after he receives the filled out resolution form with the Town Seal, it will then be sent to Raleigh for adoption, allowing changing of the speed limit signs.

"We can't enforce it until the signage is up, and we're well into our busiest time of year for tourists, so I hope it can be done soon. That part of the island is especially narrow; the young ones want to dart out because they are anxious to get across the road. The safety of our residents and visitors is my paramount concern," expressed Guy.

Guy said he was especially grateful to Surf City residents Carol and Bill Stoessel, who were instrumental in contacting him about the severity of the problem, and to Wilson for his interest in the problem and for working with them to seek a solution.

Bill and Carol Stoessel are happy about the council resolution.

"This will be a step towards a safer South Shore Drive," Bill Stoessel said. "Without the pro-active support of Mayor Guy, Chief Halstead and the council, this certainly would not have been accomplished."

Pool construction

In other town business, Surf City council also unanimously approved a zoning text amendment regarding construction of swimming pools. After looking over the current zoning text and the CAMA regulations, they discovered there was little to no regulation in this area. Since they have had to address several complaints recently regarding dune protection and separation from neighboring properties, the planning board decided it needed to set some minimal guidelines.

All new or altered pools, hot tubs and spas are required to obtain a zoning permit unless they are located within the footprint of the principal structure. More specific information regarding these amendments is available from the Surf City Inspections Department at 910-328-3921.

Waste Management contract

Surf City council unanimously approved a three-year contract extension with Waste Management through June 30, 2010. The current contract for residential and commercial solid waste collection ends June 30, 2007. The renewal includes current residential and commercial rates, adding a 2.5 percent cost of living increase.

Development on Sears Landing

After emerging from a closed session, Mayor Guy announced that the council gave Town Attorney Charles Lanier permission to continue ongoing discussions with the Yow family regarding donation of land owned by the family. The island, known as Sears Landing or Sage's Island would be spared development if the town and the Yow family agree on terms.

So far, they have expressed interest in donating the land contingent upon the city's construction of a marine park accessible to boaters as a picnic-type area, and the requirement that it be named after Edgar Yow, who was instrumental in the development of Surf City. The Yow family would like to donate the land to Surf City over a three-year period, for tax purposes, and given the aforementioned contingencies.

Reward offered for information on Surf City hit and run:

The Surf City Police Department is offering $1,000 from its own budget alongside $2500 from Crime Stoppers of Onslow County for information leading to an arrest in the Hit and Run that occurred last month on Sunday, June 17. The 14-year old male victim was struck from behind while walking on a bike path on N.C. 210 in Surf City with two friends. Witnesses said the suspect vehicle was a small compact car, possibly red or burgundy with black bumpers. This vehicle should have passenger side windshield damage.

"We have little evidence on this case, Surf City Assistant Police Chief, Ron Shanahan said. We are asking anyone with any information please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Surf City Police Department at 328-7711 or contact Crime Stoppers at 938-3273. Callers do not have to reveal their identities.