WHQR The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge needs to be replaced, but the NCDOT is out of money. For the last month , the region debated a privatized option.
After hearing a series of public comments mostly opposed the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization voted 7-5 to reject the further exploration of an unsolicited proposal to privatize the operation of a replacement bridge. That leaves the future of the Cape Fear Memorial in serious question but, for now, rules out a toll bridge.
The vote caps a month of public debate, which began after NCDOT publicly revealed to WMPO members that it lacked the funding to replace the bridge and implied that maintenance and repair costs would continue to increase. NCDOT presented a proposal from an unnamed company to privately build and manage a new bridge. Details, especially the expected toll rate, were
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New tax assessments have some homeowners seeing significant increases
NHC tax evaluations cause alarm for many homeowners By Michael Praats | March 5, 2021 at 1:29 PM EST - Updated March 5 at 7:21 PM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Every four years, New Hanover County does what is called a tax revaluation, and this year, for many across the county, values have gone up.
A revaluation means the county takes a look at property values and assures property owners are being taxed correctly, based on the value of their land and home.
“The importance of conducting a reappraisal is to establish equity and fairness among property types various property types can increase or decrease in value at varying rates causing the shift in the tax burden,” Tax Administrator Alison Snell said.
Wilmington StarNews
Southeastern North Carolina beach residents have donated their Christmas trees for a project the Oak Island Beach Preservation Society is working on for dune preservation efforts.
The Oak Island Public Works Department is assisting the Oak Island Beach Preservation Society in taking Christmas tree donations.
Rosanne Fortner, Oak Island Beach Preservation chairwoman, said more than 150 trees have been dropped off at the public parking lot east of the Oak Island Pier. Those who still have a tree to give can drop theirs off anytime through Jan. 30 at 604 Ocean Drive.
Impacts of dune preservation on beaches, wildlife
“The trees help the dunes by trapping windblown sand, just like a sand fence does,” Fortner said.