Cape Connection

Idalia Effects Expected Tonight, Tomorrow

Town officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Idalia, and expect heavy rainfall with the potential for tropical storm force winds on Thursday. Cape Carteret and surrounding areas are currently under a tropical storm warning.

As of 8 am on Wednesday, the center of Idalia is forecast to pass 62 miles south of Cape Carteret at approximately 11 am on Thursday, with potential for tropical storm force winds in our area all day long between 4 am and 5 pm Thursday. Gusty winds will linger throughout Thursday night and into Friday morning.

Rainfall totals of approximately 4 - 6 inches are forecast for Cape Carteret from Idalia, and Town staff have been busy inspecting storm water pipes and ditches this week in preparation for expected rainfall totals. Waterfront residents should note that significantly higher tides are expected over the next couple of days, and that inundation of soundfront and canalfront properties is possible.

Town government will maintain normal operations on Thursday, and Town staff will be monitoring and responding to any impacts in the Town of Cape Carteret from Idalia. Please take appropriate precautions to secure any loose items around your home today!

Boat Ramp Permits Go On Sale November 1

Boat ramp permits will go on sale to Cape Carteret residents and property owners on Wednesday, November 1 at 9 am at Cape Carteret Town Hall located at 102 Dolphin Street. Permits will be valid for the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Each Cape Carteret resident and property owner may secure a maximum of 2 boat ramp permits per household. The annual permit fee is $225, and the second permit may be purchased for an additional $50.

Boat ramp permits will go on sale to all others beginning Friday, December 1, with a limit of 1 permit per household. The annual permit fee is $500 for residents of Cedar Point, Bogue, and Peletier, and $750 for all others.

The Board of Commissioners has established an annual permit cap of 285 permits. Permits will continue to be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until the total number of permits issued reaches the cap of 285 permits, after which no additional permits will be issued. The public is encouraged to visit Cape Carteret Town Hall in person as soon as permits go on sale to ensure that you receive a permit before the cap is reached.

Sutton Drive Drainage Improvements Essentially Complete

With the exception of a remaining short ditch segment, the Town has completed planned drainage improvements in the Sutton Drive area. A new emergency overflow swale has been constructed across a nearby fairway at Star Hill Golf Course, providing an efficient natural outlet for storm water during significant (i.e., hurricane intensity) rainfall events. Other improvements include expanded ditches, a new storm water pipe under Sutton Drive, and a comprehensive clearing of all existing storm water pipes in this area.

The Town greatly appreciates the cooperation of Star Hill Golf Course, and the efforts of Tidewater Associates (project engineer) and SunLand Builders (contractor) to complete this beneficial project. The total cost of the project was approximately $100,000, and was funded entirely by funds derived from the Town's allocation from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Ardan Oaks Drainage Improvements Essentially Complete

The Town has also essentially completed planned drainage improvements in the Ardan Oaks neighborhood, with final grading and seeding occurring today. A new infiltration basin and emergency overflow swale has been constructed on a recently acquired Town-owned lot and recently acquired easements, providing an efficient natural outlet for storm water to drain to a nearby creek during significant (i.e., hurricane intensity) rainfall events. The project also includes improvements to existing ditches and infiltration basins in the area.

The Town greatly appreciates the cooperation of Manatee Investments and nearby property owners who provided an essential easement for the project. The Town also appreciates the efforts of Tidewater Associates (project engineer) and M&W Land Improvement (contractor) to complete this beneficial project. The total cost of the project was approximately $150,000, and was funded by a State grant and funds derived from the Town's allocation from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Bogue Sound Drive Drainage Improvements Set to Begin

The Board of Commissioners awarded a construction contract for significant drainage improvements in the Bogue Sound Drive area at its August 14 meeting, and work on these improvements is expected to begin in early or mid-September. SunLand Builders has been awarded the contract, and expects to complete all work by early or mid-October.

The project involves the construction of 6 new infiltration bioswales, the replacement of 6 damaged or undersized driveway culverts, the replacement of a 24-inch culvert under Bogue Sound Drive with two new 30-inch culverts, new concrete headwalls, and associated street and driveway improvements. The total contract amount is approximately $154,000, and is funded by a State grant.

Residents in this area should note that Bogue Sound Drive will be closed to traffic in the culvert area just south of Park Avenue, and residents should use Lejeune Road and Bayshore Drive during construction to access homes south of Park Avenue. All homes along Bogue Sound Drive will remain accessible during construction.

The Town is pleased to move forward with these improvements, and appreciates everyone's patience during construction.

Town Working to Develop Town Center Zoning District

The Town is currently working to develop a new "Town Center" zoning district for the "Triangle" area bounded by NC 58, NC 24, and Taylor Notion Road, and the Board of Commissioners reviewed a preliminary draft ordinance at its August meeting.

The proposed new "Town Center" zoning district would allow all existing commercial and residential uses in this area, but would specifically incentivize new mixed-use development, multi-family housing, and village-style single family residential development to hopefully create a special and distinct sense of place in the "Town Center'. The vision for this area is modeled after other similar coastal developments, and is intended to promote a mix of residential and commercial uses, buildings closer to the street, public gathering spaces, and a "village" or "downtown" feel.

The Board of Commissioners expressed general support for the preliminary draft, and directed the Town Manager to work closely with affected property owners and the Planning Board in the coming months to refine the draft ordinance for formal consideration by the Board of Commissioners in early 2024.

A comprehensive explanation of this issue, along with maps and images, is available on the Town's website by clicking HERE.

Parks Improvements Committee To Present Recommendations at September 11 Meeting

The Town's Parks Improvements Committee has completed its work, and will present its recommendations to the Board of Commissioners at the September 11 meeting.

The committee has met monthly since its formation in March, gathered significant public input from Cape Carteret residents, and has identified desired improvements at the Town's non-waterfront parks (Community Park, Taylor Notion Road Park, Bahia Lane Park, and Quailwood Park).

The Board of Commissioners will receive the committee's recommendations, and Town staff and the Board will use these recommendations to determine the allocation of Town funds for future park improvements and also serve as the basis for any future grant applications submitted by the Town.

The Town greatly appreciates the service of the members of the Parks Improvements Committee, and looks forward to future park improvements in Cape Carteret!

New Bulkhead To Be Installed at Manatee Street Park

The Board of Commissioners authorized the installation of a new bulkhead at Manatee Street Park at its August meeting, and this work is expected to occur in September. The new bulkhead will extend the full width of Manatee Street where it meets Bogue Sound, and will prevent future shoreline erosion in this area. Bulkhead is also being installed along the two adjacent properties at the same time.

The total cost of this project is $13,000, and is being funded by a General Fund appropriation. The Town's goal is to install bulkhead at all Town waterfront parks in the coming years, with planned annual appropriations in the future. Town staff are currently planning for the installation of bulkhead at the Easy Street Park later this year or early next year.

Board of Commissioners to Consider Ordinance Amendments at September 11 Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will consider two ordinance amendments at the September 11 meeting, with each intended to clarify and simplify the Town's regulations:

• proposed storm water ordinance amendments would clarify the Town's storm water requirements for new or modified single family homes, with common-sense requirements for driveway installation and use of on-site infiltration features for new or modified homes with impervious surface exceeding 30% of the total land area, and

• proposed campaign sign ordinance amendments would implement State law and NCDOT campaign sign regulations throughout the entire Town, and are intended to prevent confusion between Town regulations and regulations along NC 24, NC 58, and Taylor Notion Road.

Public hearings have been scheduled and advertised, and the public is encouraged to attend and comment.

Meet New Police Chief Brian Silva -

Public Reception Before September 11 Town Board Meeting

The Town is pleased to have new Police Chief Brian Silva on board and leading the Cape Carteret Police Department!

The Town will host a reception for the public to meet Chief Silva on Monday, September 11 from 5 pm - 6 pm at Town Hall, just prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Please come out and say hello and share your concerns and ideas with Chief Silva.

Town Hall Modifications Complete, Police Department to Relocate in Coming Weeks

The Town recently completed several modifications to the Town Hall building to create additional office space to accommodate the planned relocation of the Police Department to the Town Hall building. The Town also completed various IT and telephone wiring improvements in the building aimed at improving IT security, staff efficiency, and customer service. The total cost of these improvements was approximately $30,000, and was funded by a General Fund appropriation.

The Police Department will relocate incrementally during the coming weeks, and should be operating exclusively out of the Town Hall building sometime in October. Visitors to the Police Department should come to the front desk in the Town Hall building, and Town staff will provide appropriate assistance as needed.

The Town will be working over the next few years to identify the best long-term building strategy for Town government, and will be exploring the potential construction of a new Town Hall / Police Station building at a new site, the potential redevelopment of the existing Police Station building at 204 WB McLean Drive, and/or the potential future expansion of the existing Town Hall building. The specific strategy will ultimately be determined by the Board of Commissioners after careful consideration of long-term goals, available financial resources, potential grant opportunities, and local real estate market conditions. The Town's goal is to ultimately provide a Town Hall / Police Station building that allows Town staff to efficiently and effectively serve our customers, portrays a positive image of the Town of Cape Carteret, that is attractive, and that promotes additional quality development and redevelopment in Cape Carteret.

In the shorter term, the Town expects to offer the existing Police Department space at 204 WB McLean Drive for rent later this year. Please contact Town Manager Frank Rush to learn more.

Join Us for the 2023 Fall Festival!

The 2023 Fall Festival is only a little more than 9 weeks away, and the Town is excited to present an expanded signature special event on Saturday, November 4. The Fall Festival will be held from 11 am - 6 pm at Community Park behind Town Hall.

Planned activities and attractions include 3 musical performances throughout the entire day, a beer tent, craft vendors, food trucks, a BMX demonstration, a trackless train ride, a bounce house and bounce slide, and more! Please come out and enjoy the day's festivities with your neighbors!

Next Vegetative Debris Collection Begins September 25

The next Town-wide vegetative debris collection event will begin on Monday, September 25. Residents should place vegetative debris at the curbside between September 9 and September 25, and Public Works staff will collect the debris as soon as possible beginning on September 25.

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.

Cape Carteret Anglers Invited to Participate in Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament

The 5th Annual Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament will be held on Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16, and tournament directors have extended a special invitation to Cape Carteret anglers to be a part of the fun and charity fundraising. The event includes a charity auction on Friday night, and king, spanish, and surf divisions for the tournament on Saturday. The event has raised approximately $72,000 for local student scholarships and dredging projects in our area. To learn more and register, please visit their website HERE .

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!

Upcoming Town Meetings

The Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 11 at 6 pm.

The Planning Board will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 19 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?

The Town of Cape Carteret was incorporated in 1959, and is now 64 years old!