Launching a process that will set the tone for development in Wrightsville Beach for a decade or longer, the board of aldermen created a committee Thursday, Oct. 13 that will review the town’s land use plan, which sets guidelines for commercial and residential projects.
In addition to selecting 11 members and two alternates to the land use plan steering committee, the aldermen also chose two alternates, as board members said they wanted to ensure the committee could complete its work should any members drop off. The committee will consider a number of items, including establishing land use goals and policy, maintaining the town’s family-friendly atmosphere, developing the town’s marina district and the area around Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, and setting building height requirements and floodplain regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem Darryl Mills, an attorney, was selected to represent the board on the committee. Two current members of the town’s planning board, real estate developer James “Jim” Smith and pilot David Culp were also selected.
Other members include South End Surf Shop owner Jeff DeGroote, auto dealership general manager Pat Koballa, attorney Robert “Bob” O’Quinn, chiropractor William “Bill” Sisson Jr., home builder Jim Busby, Realtor Susan Collins, retired CEO Robert Tillman and retired insurance agent Calvin Wells. Auto dealer Allen Rippy and architect Frank Smith Jr. were selected as alternates.
The state’s Coastal Area Management Act requires all towns on the coast to either have a plan for land use or be included in the county’s plan. Wrightsville Beach last updated its plan in 2005. The committee is scheduled to have its first meeting in November and expected to have a draft ready by April 2017.
