Cape Connection

Enjoy the Western Carteret Fireworks Celebration -

Monday, July 3 in Cape Carteret!

Town Awarded Grant to Complete Cape Carteret Trail

The Town has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the NC Recreational Trails Program for the completion of the Cape Carteret Trail along NC 58 and Taylor Notion Road. These grant funds will supplement previous grant funding awarded for the project, and will be used to construct the remaining ~ 1.1 mile segment later this summer and fall.

Design work for the remaining trail segment is nearing completion, and should be finalized in July. The Town expects to solicit construction bids in August, with a contract award anticipated in September. The construction of this remaining trail segment will complete the full loop around the "Triangle" area of Cape Carteret, resulting in a total loop of ~ 3.5 miles along NC 24, NC 58, and Taylor Notion Road.

The Town is also working to acquire an ~ 1.1 acre parcel of land near the intersection of NC 58 and Taylor Notion Road to achieve a safer, more cost effective design and complement the trail construction in this area.

Contract Awarded for Ardan Oaks Drainage Improvements -

Work Expected to Begin in August

The Board of Commissioners recently approved a construction contract with M&W Land Development, Jacksonville, NC, for drainage improvements in the Ardan Oaks neighborhood. The contract involves the construction of additional infiltration basins and an emergency outlet swale to prevent flooding from significant (i.e., hurricane intensity) rainfall events. The total contact amount is $52,680, and is being funded by State grant funds.

The Town has completed all necessary land acquisition, and is awaiting the issuance of the necessary State permit for these improvements. The necessary permit is expected to be issued in July, and work is scheduled to begin in August. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of August and functional for the prime hurricane season. No significant disruptions are expected in this area during construction.

The Town greatly appreciates the cooperation of land owners in the Ardan Oaks neighborhood and Manatee Investments (the immediately adjacent property owner).

Contract Awarded for Sutton Drive Drainage Improvements -

Work Expected to Begin in August

The Board of Commissioners also recently approved a construction contract with SunLand Builders, Newport, NC, for drainage improvements in the Sutton Drive area. The contract involves the construction of new drainage ditches, improvements to existing storm water pipes, and an emergency overflow swale across Star Hill Golf Course to prevent flooding from significant (i.e, hurricane intensity) rainfall events. The total contract amount is $38,060, and is being funded by State grant funds.

The Town is working closely with Star Hill Golf Course on this project, and greatly appreciates their cooperation. Work is tentatively scheduled to occur in late July and August to minimize golf course disruption, and should be complete by the end of August and functional for the prime hurricane season. Residents in this area may experience minor disruption associated with work on Sutton Drive, and additional updates will be provided just before the commencement of construction.

Design Work for Bogue Sound Drive Storm Water Improvements Nearing Completion

The Town's engineers are nearing completion of design work for planned storm water improvements along Bogue Sound Drive. Planned improvements include the construction of new storm water basins, pipe improvements, and headwall improvements to enable this area to drain more efficiently and effectively to a nearby canal. This project is also being funded by State grant funds.

The Town is currently coordinating necessary easement acquisitions from nearby property owners, and is working to secure necessary permits. The Town expects to complete design work and easement acquisition in July, and solicit construction bids soon thereafter. The Board of Commissioners is expected to consider a construction contract in August or September.

Town Set to Welcome New Town Planner

The Town is pleased to announce the hiring of Julie Shambaugh for the new Town Planner position. Julie will be responsible for all activities associated with new development in the Town, including zoning administration, floodplain management, storm water management, coordination with County building inspectors, site visits for all new development, code enforcement, and eventually the issuance of CAMA permits. The new position will also support the activities of the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, and assist the Town Manager and other Town staff with special projects.

Julie Shambaugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Town of Cape Carteret, with service in local, State, and Federal government during her lengthy career. She is also a certified Professional Landscape Architect, and possesses bachelor's (landscape architecture) and master's (regional planning) degrees.

Julie will begin work with the Town on July 10, and will be located at Town Hall. She will be focused on ensuring responsive and quality customer service for our residents, property owners, and contractors, ensuring compliance with the Town's development regulations, and improving the Town's code enforcement efforts. We look forward to Julie's efforts to improve our services!

Planned Building Modifications Will Enable Relocation of Police Department to Town Hall

The Town is planning to relocate the Cape Carteret Police Department to the Town Hall building later this summer. Edwin M. Holt General Contractor, Cape Carteret, NC, was recently awarded a $29,656 contract for building modifications to create additional offices and work space for Police personnel, and this work is expected to begin later in July. Town Hall will remain open during normal business hours for the entire construction period, however, there may some minor disruptions during construction, and we appreciate your patience during this time.

The new building layout will locate all Town administrative staff and the Police Department under one roof, and will result in improved operational efficiencies and improved customer service. The new arrangement will ensure that a Town staff person is always available to assist visitors to the Police Department during normal business hours.

The Town is currently evaluating the best long-term strategy for Town Hall and the Police Department, and the upcoming relocation of the Police Department will provide the Town with additional flexibility for the future. In the short-term, the Town is considering leasing the existing Police Department space on WB McLean Drive to a private party, and is considering the potential redevelopment of the entire Town government site in the long-term.

Town Working to Develop Email Database of All Cape Carteret Property Owners -

Please Help Us Communicate With You More Effectively!

The Town continues to seek ways to improve our communication with our customers, and is currently in the process of implementing new customer relations software, online permitting and payment services, a new Town website, and more.

One element of these efforts is the development of a comprehensive email database of ALL residents and property owners in the Town. To assist us with this process, we are asking all residents and property owners in the Town of Cape Carteret to send an email to Barbara Owens that simply includes your name, property address, and email address. The Town will utilize this information for official Town business only, and will be working to tailor our communications more individually in the future in an effort to keep you better informed about the Town's initiatives and activities.

Thank you for your assistance!

New Kayak Storage Rack at Anita Forte Water Access Park

The Town is pleased to announce the availability of a new kayak storage rack at the water access park at the terminus of Anita Forte Drive. The new rack is available to Cape Carteret residents and property owners, and will accommodate a total of 14 kayaks.

An annual kayak storage rack pass is required, and is available online or by visiting Town Hall at 102 Dolphin Street. Kayak storage rack passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, for an annual fee of $25. Enjoy!



Street Resurfacing Work Delayed Until July

The Board of Commissioners recently awarded a nearly $217,000 contract to Thomas Simpson Construction, Morehead City, NC, for the resurfacing of approximately 1 mile of Town streets. Resurfacing work was originally expected to occur in June, but has now been delayed until mid-July.

The following street segments are included in this contract:

• Bayshore Drive, from NC 24 to Park Avenue

• Edgewater Court, from Bogue Sound Drive to Lejeune Road and from Live Oak Street to Easy Street

• Club Court, from Bogue Sound Drive to the end

• Rock Court, from Club Point Drive to the end

• Neptune Drive, from the northern end of Holly Lane east and south to the water.

The 2023 contract is focused primarily on the Bayshore area of Cape Carteret, and the Town plans to focus the 2024 contract on the Star Hill area, followed by the Old Cape Carteret area in 2025.

Funding for this contract is derived from State Powell Bill funds, General Fund balance, and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Please contact Public Works Director Ryan Hutchinson with any questions or concerns.

Boat Ramp Passes Will Remain Valid Through December 31

The Town issued boat ramp passes for the use of the Manatee Street Boat Ramp last summer, and the passes initially covered the period from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (the Town's fiscal year). The Town is in the process of changing the effective dates for the boat ramp passes to a calendar year basis, and the current passes will remain valid through December 31, 2023. Existing boat ramp pass holders don't need to do anything, and can simply continue to use the Manatee Street facility in the same manner by displaying the current pass.

2024 boat ramp passes will go on sale to Town residents and property owners beginning on November 1, 2023.

Next Vegetative Debris Collection Begins July 17

The next Town-wide vegetative debris collection event will begin on Monday, July 17. Residents should place vegetative debris at the curbside between July 1 and July 17, and Public Works staff will collect the debris as soon as possible beginning on July 17.

Limbs should generally be limited to 8 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter. Please avoid placement directly under utility lines and large trees.

What Improvements Should the Town Make To Town Parks?

Take Our Online Survey Now

The Town's Parks Improvements Committee, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, is working to develop recommendations for future improvements to the Town's 4 non-waterfront parks. The Committee wants to know YOUR thoughts and ideas, and invites Cape Carteret residents and property owners to take our online survey!

The Parks Improvement Committee's website includes descriptions and photos of the Town's 4 non-waterfront parks located behind Town Hall, on Bahia Lane, on Quailwood Court, and on Taylor Notion Road. To take the online survey, please click HERE.

The Committee expects to make final recommendations to the Board of Commissioners this fall.

Sounds by the Sound Concert Series -

Final Concert is Wednesday, July 12!

The final free outdoor concert of the summer 2023 series will be held on Wednesday, July 12 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Community Park, located directly behind the Police Station at 102 Dolphin Street. Heart Stop will perform!

Bring your lawn chair, and enjoy some great music with your neighbors!

The Town of Cape Carteret greatly appreciates the partnership with the Seaside Arts Council for the 2023 Sounds by the Sound Concert Series!

Town Seeking Volunteers for Fall Festival!

The Town is working hard to produce an improved and expanded Fall Festival, and the 2023 event is scheduled for Saturday, November 4. The Town is seeking volunteers to help plan the event, and also to staff the event on Saturday, November 4.

Please call (252-393-8483) or email Barbara Owens, the Town's event organizer, if you'd like to volunteer. We'd love to have your help!

Upcoming Town Meetings

The Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 10 at 6 pm.

The Planning Board will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 15 at 6 pm.

The Parks Improvements Committee will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 25 at 6 pm.

All meetings are held in the Debbie E. Stanley Boardroom at Town Hall, located at 102 Dolphin Street.

Stay Informed About the Town of Cape Carteret!

The Town of Cape Carteret is committed to providing timely, concise, and relevant information to the residents, property owners, businesses, and visitors to Cape Carteret, and "Cape Connection" is a great way to stay informed about the Town's issues, activities, and initiatives.

To join our mailing list, please click HERE , scroll to the bottom, and enter your email information. 

In addition to "Cape Connection", the Town offers the following opportunities to stay informed:

• Follow us on Facebook at Town of Cape Carteret NC.  Please note the "NC" on the end.

• Follow us on Instagram - townofcapecarteret .

• Follow us on Twitter - @TownofCapeC .

• Visit the Town's webpage at www.townofcapecarteret.org .

In addition, all of our customers are always welcome to call us at 252-393-8483, visit us in person at 102 Dolphin Street, or email Town staff .

Thank you for your interest in the Town of Cape Carteret!

Did You Know?

There are a total of 1,591 taxable real property parcels in the entire Town of Cape Carteret, including residential, commercial, and vacant parcels. Nearly 77% of the taxable real property parcels are already developed, with 23% of the parcels currently undeveloped.