Focused On The Future Introduction Richard Dysinger

My name is Richard Dysinger, and my family has owned property in Sunset Beach since 1991. So, I have a deep appreciation for the arc of Sunset Beach’s development over the past thirty-five years.

I think of this place as Big Beach Small Town. It is crucial that any candidate for Sunset Beach Town Council speak clearly on how we can manage future growth while preserving Sunset’s essence.

My background is in Business Development. I helped major brands develop strategies to best ensure the future success of their business. I believe I can bring those same skills to the Council if I am elected. So where do we start?

We are in the midst of explosive growth, both in Sunset Beach and Brunswick County. The critical question that must be answered by the Town Council is how to accommodate this growth without being overwhelmed by it.

First, we need to make sure that the town is budgeting for the proper level of expenditures to meet this growth before, not after it occurs. We hear loud and clear county residents complaining that the infrastructure has not kept up with development. We need to make sure that Sunset Beach does not make the same mistake. You fix the roof while the sun is shining. Sunset Beach is fortunate that revenues to the town have grown. Now is the time to invest that money in staff and infrastructure that will meet the needs of our anticipated growth.

Second, we need to encourage concentric commercial growth in our MUD/Mixed Use Development District. What I call the village district. Sunset Beach had the foresight to create this unique Zoning classification. We have had partial success in filling the area, Fibbers, the Marvel Store, La Cucina, and the lovely townhomes with commercial on the bottom floor and residential on the top. However, most of this “Village Center” is a grass field. A vibrant village center with a variety of appropriate businesses will reduce traffic flow, increase walkability, and provide Sunset Beach residents and visitors with more options. It will keep traffic off 904, Sunset Boulevard, and Old Georgetown Road.

Third, we must find a way to get Angel Trace Road back online. Those of us who have been here long enough can remember when Angel Trace provided a way to bypass 904 and go directly to Old Georgetown Road. Wouldn’t that be great now! It won’t be easy. It is owned by four different entities, but NCDOT is not going to improve 904 anytime soon, and the Carolina Bypass Parkway is decades away. 

In additional blog posts I will share ideas on how we can Focus on our Future and preserve the best of our past. Would love to hear your thoughts. Send them to richardforsunsetbeach@gmail.com  

All the best.

VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH