Focused on The Future One: Paid Parking

It is an absolute requirement that if you want to ascend to Civic Leadership that you make clear what you aspire to accomplish as a Council Member. The challenge we face is very simple. How can we accommodate the incredible development that surrounds us without being overwhelmed by it.

So, let’s start with Paid Parking.

The Parking Commission does not get much credit for this, but it was and is a citizen-based initiative. Volunteers were solicited from the community. Registered Voters Only. Submissions were placed in a hat, and seven names were randomly drawn from those on the barrier island and seven members were drawn randomly from the mainland.

These community members spent two years studying the various parking options. They met with NCDOT and received approval for their initial plan to convert Main Street to designated parking. Unfortunately, at the last minute NCDOT changed their requirements and the town was forced to remove parking from Main Street for 2025.

I think we all hoped that this transition would go more smoothly, but this was a community driven initiative.  Bottom Line:

There is no way Sunset Beach can be the smallest barrier island, the southernmost barrier island and the only barrier island with free parking.

Any candidate that believes that is a viable option may be listening, but they are not looking. Sunset Beach will add approximately 2000 household plats in the next 3-5 years. Brunswick County will add somewhere around 40,000 household plats in that same period. I get it change sucks, but ignoring the changes that surround us and refusing to adjust to that reality is not leadership.

The Council to its credit made the necessary changes based on a community driven initiative. The result will be  

·      The same number of public parking spaces that have historically been available on the barrier island.

·      The new Main Street in 2026 will have 120 spots for cars and 100 for golf carts.

·      Designated parking spaces will be clearly marked. This will reduce driver confusion and improve traffic flow.

·      Based on expected expenditures and revenue run rate the cost of improvements will be paid for by 2027.

·      Going forward the town will receive significant revenue which can be used for a variety of purposes.

·      By transferring paid parking enforcement to a third party, we reduce the workload of our most valuable employees. Our Police Force.

As a Candidate for Town Council, I support the parking initiative. If elected I will work to enhance and perfect it. I will solicit citizen input on what would be the best way to use the revenue it will generate.

As always comments and questions are welcome. Send to Richardforsunsetbeach@gmail.com All the best.

JOIN US FOR A CANDIDATES FORUM OCTOBER 8 5PM AT THE SUNSET BEACH COMMUNITY CENTER

VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH