5-14-08: Oak Island won't pursue pier site

OAK ISLAND -- It doesn't appear this town's council will be buying the old Long Beach Pier property anytime soon.

Council took no action and did not discuss the capital improvement committee's findings about the property on the island's west end during its meeting Tuesday night.

The town recently asked the capital improvement committee to investigate whether buying the property would be a good idea.

The committee found it would be a good area for regional beach access, but should not come at taxpayers' expense. That response was included in the town's agenda packet and placed as an item of consideration.

But when it came up, the council members had no comment.

The public, however, had plenty to say during the public comments period before the meeting.

Some residents called on the council to be cautious about spending the town's money.

Former councilman Reece Simmons said the town should think long and hard before biting off more capital projects. "Sooner or later we're gonna choke," Simmons said.

He said a regional beach access at the old Long Beach Pier property would only be used by day trippers - "folks that bring nothing to this island but trash."

The pier was torn down in 2006 to make way for residential development, but the land has since sat vacant. Six of the 11 lots in the area have a total tax value of more than $3 million, according to Brunswick County tax records. But the owner of the property has filed for bankruptcy in federal court.

In other business, town Manager Jerry Walters presented the fiscal year 2008-09 budget during the meeting.

It includes an increase in the property tax rate from 12 cents per $100 of valuation to 13 cents. It also includes various fee increases. The council will meet May 27 for its first workshop to go over the proposed budget.

Some of the increases are due to ongoing construction on the island, including a major wastewater project.

"Council is addressing a backlog of capital needs while seeking to improve the community's quality of life through improved service delivery," the proposed budget states.

Shelby Sebens: 755-7963

shelby.sebens@starnewsonline.com