by Keith T. Barber
Very few obstacles remain for the town of Wrightsville Beach Public Works Department as it strives to meet its Friday deadline for the installation of a 6-foot-high wooden fence at the site of Public Access No. 33.
The fence will run from the intersection of Seashore Street and South Lumina Avenue to the 1939 building line. A sand fence will continue over the dune structure.
Bailey said one of the two guide wires blocking the beach path had already been moved, and he expected AT&T/Bellsouth to move the other guide wire 4 feet north on Wednesday.
“We’re about 90 percent through. We’re putting up the last 35 feet of fence, along with the opening,” said Bill Bailey, facilities maintenance supervisor. “We’ll have the posts set
Staff photo by Dana Hawley
Public works employees Robert Hicks Jr., from left, Jonathan Babin and Bill Bailey set concrete on fence posts as they work to build a fence along Beach Access No. 33 on Wednesday, May 21. |
today and start building the frame this afternoon. We’ll set the frame tomorrow and probably put the panels on tomorrow afternoon, so it should be a finished product (Thursday) afternoon.”
Bailey said adjustments at the street-side entry to the access include the accommodation of a community mailbox, minor tree trimming and the installation of a 4-foot-high section of fence parallel to South Lumina to prevent pedestrians from walking on the Gornto-Murchison property.
Town manager Bob Simpson commended the public works department for its speed and professionalism in meeting the project deadline.
However, one significant obstacle remains. The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permit issued to the town on May 8 clearly states the sand fence, which will extend from the 1939 building line over the dune structure, cannot “involve the significant relocation or removal of primary or frontal dune sand or vegetation.” The town’s agreement with the Gornto-Murchison family stipulated the sand fence extend directly east from the 1939 building line, which could require the removal of dune sand or vegetation.
Simpson said he is working to arrange a meeting between the town, the Murchisons and CAMA officials to address those concerns.
The CAMA permit states any changes in plans for development will require a re-evaluation and modification of the permit.
Tony Butler, managing partner of Sweetwater Surf Shop, said Hope From Helen Inc.will be donating $5,000 to the Cape Fear chapter of Surfrider Foundation to help pay for Public Access No. 33.Surfrider Foundation pledged to donate $15,000 toward the purchase price of the property. The town agreed to donate $10,000 plus the cost of fence construction. The financial transaction between the town and the Gornto-Murchison family is to be
completed by July 1.
