Cape Connection

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday at MacDaddy's!

Town Proceeding With Land Purchase to Address Storm Water Issues in Ardan Oaks

The Town continues efforts to resolve storm water issues in the Ardan Oaks neighborhood, and the Board of Commissioners recently authorized the acquisition of a 0.45 acre parcel that is integral to the proposed solution. The total land purchase price is $66,600, and is ultimately being funded with Federal grant funds.

The Town intends to construct a new storm water bioretention area on the vacant parcel, and also construct an emergency discharge to a nearby creek via a football field-long vegetative swale. The emergency discharge would only be activated during significant rainfall events (i.e., tropical storm rain events or similar).

The Town is currently completing due diligence associated with the land purchase, and expects to close on the purchase by May 31. Planned improvements are expected to be constructed this summer, and be functional prior to the peak hurricane season in September.

Town Seeking Grant for Development of Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

The Board of Commissioners recently authorized the submission of a grant application to NCDOT for the development of a new bicycle and pedestrian plan that will outline desired improvements in Cape Carteret and all of western Carteret County. The new plan is expected to enhance the Town's competitiveness for future NCDOT construction funding and other bicycle and pedestrian grant opportunities.

The Town is exploring various bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the future, including the following:

• safer pedestrian crossings along NC 24,

• the construction of an overhead or underground bicycle and pedestrian crossing at one or more locations along NC 24,

• the construction of a new multi-use path or sidewalk along the south side of NC 24 from Bayshore to Old Cape Carteret,

• the construction of a new multi-use path from the soon-to-be-completed path around the "Triangle" to the Town's kayak launching facility on NC 58 at Pettiford Creek,

• a future sidewalk or multi-use path connection though the interior of the "Triangle" area, and

• other potential connections to neighboring communities.

All of these potential projects will require cooperation with and funding through NCDOT, and the Town is pleased to take the very first step toward these improvements by participating in the new plan.

The Down East Rural Transportation Organization (Down East RPO) will submit the grant application on behalf of the Town of Cape Carteret and the towns of Cedar Point, Bogue, and Peletier. Down East RPO will lead the planning effort, which will begin later this year if the grant is awarded.  

Design Work Underway for Final Multi-Use Path Segment Around The Triangle

The Town's engineers (Summit Design and Engineering, Raleigh, NC) are currently designing the remaining ~ 1.1 mile segment of multi-use path around the "Triangle" area, running along Taylor Notion Road from the Ardan Oaks subdivision north to NC 58 and then along NC 58 south to MacDaddy's. This final segment will complete the full 3.5+ mile loop.

Design work is expected to be complete within the next two months, and the Town expects to solicit construction bids in early summer. The Town intends to utilize grant funding to construct the final segment this summer.

New Pergola Planned for Ferry Landing Park

Sand Dollar Homes, a Cape Carteret homebuilder, will soon begin construction of a new pergola at Ferry Landing Park. The new pergola will be constructed in the location of a recently demolished building, and will provide an attractive shade feature for visitors to this waterfront park.

Sand Dollar Homes is donating all labor and materials for the project, and the Town is thankful for their generous contribution to improve Cape Carteret. Thank you Sand Dollar Homes!

Proper STOP Sign Procedures

The Town relies heavily on STOP signs to promote traffic safety throughout residential neighborhoods in the Town, and it's important to abide by these signs for every STOP.

Drivers are reminded to always come to a full STOP at every STOP sign. A rolling STOP, also known as a "California Roll", is not legal in NC (or California), and you may receive a citation if you don't come to a full STOP.

The Town has several "all-way STOP" (3-way or 4-way) intersections in the Town. It's important to note that the first driver to reach the intersection has the right-of-way and should move through the intersection first. If two drivers approach the intersection at the same time then the driver to the right always has the right of way.

Parks Improvements Committee Holds First Meeting

The Board of Commissioners has appointed 8 residents to serve on the new Parks Improvements Committee, and the new committee held its first meeting on March 28 at Town Hall. Commissioner Cameron Watts is the chairman of the new committee.

The new committee will identify desired park improvements at the Town's 4 small non-waterfront parks, which currently have limited amenities on site. The 4 parks are the Bahia Lane Park (in Star Hill North), the Quailwood Park (in Quailwood Acres), the Taylor Notion Road Park area (in front of the Public Works facility and next to the Cape Carteret Aquatic and Wellness Center), and Community Park (behind Town Hall on Dolphin Street).

Potential improvements may include playground equipment, athletic facilities, picnic facilities, improved landscaping, and more. The committee will be working to solicit community input in the coming weeks, and expects to make final recommendations to the Board of Commissioners later this summer.

Committee meetings are held monthly on the 4th Tuesday at 6 pm at Town Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for April 25.

What Park Improvements Would You Like to See in Cape Carteret?

What park improvements would you like to see in Cape Carteret? Please share your thoughts by sending an email to Town Manager Frank Rush . All suggestions will be shared with the new Parks Improvements Committee, and be considered for inclusion in the committee's final recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. 

Lieutenant John Eschbach Serving as Interim Police Chief

The Police Chief position is currently vacant in the Cape Carteret Police Department, and Lieutenant John Eschbach is again serving as the Interim Chief. Lieutenant Eschbach previously served as Interim Chief from October - January, and assumed the interim role again in mid-February after the departure of former Chief Ed Preston.

Interim Chief Eschbach is happy to assist our residents, property owners, businesses, and visitors with any public safety concerns. Please feel free to reach out to Interim Chief Eschbach via email or by phone at 252-393-2183. Please do not use these contacts for an emergency, and instead dial 911 for emergency assistance.

Interim Chief Eschbach will serve in this role indefinitely. Town Manager Frank Rush is currently evaluating the best path forward to fill the Police Chief position, and will update the community once a decision has been made in the coming weeks.

Town Recruiting for Town Planner Position

The Town is currently recruiting for the vacant Town Planner position. This new position will be responsible for all aspects of the Town's development review program, including zoning administration, site plan review, floodplain management, coordination with County building inspectors, CAMA permitting, code enforcement, and more. A complete description of this employment opportunity is available on the Town's website. The position is open until filled, however, initial review of applications will begin on April 17.

If you are interested in the position, or know someone who is, we'd love to talk with you about this excellent opportunity to serve our community!

New Story Walk to Be Dedicated on April 15

Next Vegetative Debris Collection Begins May 8

The next Town-wide vegetative debris collection event will begin on Monday, May 8. Residents should place vegetative debris at the curbside between April 22 and May 7, and Public Works staff will collect the debris as soon as possible beginning on May 8.

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.

Interested in Serving on the Planning Board?

The Board of Commissioners is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the Planning Board, and will appoint a new member in May. To apply, please submit an email expressing your interest and qualifications to Heather Leffingwell, Town Clerk by April 30. 

The Board is expected to appoint a new member to a 3-year term at its May 8 meeting.

Town Hall Closed in Observance of Good Friday

Town Hall will be closed on Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday. Happy Easter!

Upcoming Town Meetings

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

The Planning Board will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 pm.

The Parks Improvements Committee will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 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?

The Town of Cape Carteret offers a public kayak launching facility, with parking for 13 vehicles, off of NC 58 between Taylor Notion Road and the Pettiford Creek bridge. The facility is open to the general public, and includes two docks to launch into the waters of Pettiford Creek. Kayakers can explore Pettiford Creek and the White Oak River to the west, or travel east into the Croatan National Forest. Enjoy!