By Thomas van Arsdale
Contributing Writer
Merchants operating private parking lots in the central business district of Wrightsville Beach have come to the attention of neighboring residents over unkempt conditions.
The owners of Lagerhead’s, Roberts Market, Jerry Allen’s and King Neptune were permitted in 2009 to charge the public for parking with conditions requiring trashcans in the lot, fencing along the perimeter, and an attendant to collect fees and to monitor activity. But residents of nearby Channel Avenue raised concerns over neglect in maintaining these conditions, and complying with the law.
Roslyn Gregory, at 8B Channel Ave., is one of four residents who sent emails to elected officials complaining of the parking lot conditions. Gregory said Tuesday, June 17 she noticed the Roberts Market parking lot fence is missing.
“Trash in the streets and the security of the homes along Channel Avenue are the concerns of the neighborhood,” Gregroy said.
The fence around Roberts, she said, “significantly contained the trash, and kept nonresident entry into the surrounding residential area more challenging.”
The town of Wrightsville Beach is responsible for monitoring the compliance the terms of the conditional use permits.
Gregory and others emailed town hall beginning June 11. Since then, two sets of meetings, Friday, June 13 between concerned citizens and town staff, and Monday, June 16 between staff and merchants have occurred.
“Maybe we should have done a better job,” said town manager Tim Owens on June 16, “but we’re now working with the property owners to keep the area clean, and be neighborly to the residents of downtown.” Owens met with representatives from Lagerhead’s, Roberts Market and King Neptune on Monday, June 16 to address these issues.
“We can fine folks for being out of performance with their conditional use permit, and if it continues to happen, the board of aldermen can revoke it,” Owens said, “but we’re not trying to get into either of those situations.”
Owens said Jerry Allen Lachman, Roberts Market owner, plans to reinstall a fence around the perimeter of his lot. Lachman plans to install a 6-foot fence, because of this height, however, the town’s planning board and board of aldermen will need to recommend and approve a text amendment. Owens said this could take months.
“At best, it is a two-month process, but it is absolutely a priority,” Owens said.
The town is not planning to suspend the conditional use permit until the businesses come into compliance with the conditions, Owens said, but Roberts Market has an obligation to propose a short-term solution until the taller fence is constructed.
Another of the permits’ conditions mandates businesses and churches renting parking in their lots must charge the same amount as the town for parking, $2.50 per hour and $15 per day.
“We’re trying to provide parking for our customers as much as beach goers,” said Danny McPherson, co-owner of King Neptune. “It’s us working with the neighbors to make everybody happy. … We’re trying to provide a service, but also stay up to code.”
Roslyn Gregory said, “They are great neighbors to all of us, as well as assets to Wrightsville Beach. Some of the permits should be revisited and examined. I have no doubt their intention is to be in compliance.”
Staff contributed to this story.
