Home Care In Oak Island, NC

OAK ISLAND — Bill Craft is running for reelection to Oak Island Town Council. He was first elected in 2021 and is hoping to retain the seat for another term.

Craft is running against six other candidates for three open positions.

PCD asked candidates to address issues pertinent to their municipalities, covering issues such as balancing growth and infrastructure, traffic and tourism, and climate change impacts.

Craft’s answers are included in full; responses are edited only for grammar, spelling and clarity.

The paywall has been dropped on candidate questionnaires to help voters make informed decisions ahead of Election Day.

To prepare, here are a few dates for readers to keep in mind:

In Brunswick County, voters can cast ballots early at the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension (in lieu of the Board of Elections) at 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, in Bolivia.

Once early voting closes, voters will need to go to the location listed on their registration cards, verified here.

To see a sample ballot for the upcoming election, fill in voter registration info here.

A photo ID is required to cast a ballot in 2023; more information can be found on the state board of elections website.

The candidate’s opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily.

Port City Daily (PCD): Why run for town council now?

Bill Craft (BC): I am very proud of my accomplishments on the town council, and want to continue the representation I have offered. There is much more work to do.

PCD: Name three issues you think are most affecting the town currently and describe how you would work toward tackling them.

BC: The three biggest issues for the town are: The planning board’s difficulty in tightening the language in the UDO. Instead of kicking the can down the road, I want action and results.

Trust. There seems to be a disconnect between the citizens and the town’s administration, planning board and town council. Through transparency, honesty and doing what is in the best interest of the people of Oak Island, I feel we can restore this trust.

Also, 78% of the town’s streets are satisfactorily paved. This means 22% of our residents are paying taxes and feeling short changed. I have put additional money in the budget for street paving and will do so again at the February budget discussions.

PCD: What is your long-term vision for development in Oak Island? What is lacking and how would you address it?

BC: A long-term plan is lacking. The town does a very good job of addressing immediate problems but needs to implement a 5-year and 10-year plan for infrastructure, police/fire departments and amenities going forward.

PCD: Are there any types of development, residential or otherwise, you think will not fit in OKI?

BC: Oak Island is a quaint town that so happens to have an ocean. The towns people like the small town feel. I am opposed to mega houses, large hotels and businesses that take away from the small town feel.

PCD: As evidence shows, climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of storms and hurricanes, along with sea level rise. What should the city do to protect residents, property and infrastructure?

BC: I have often said the town cannot continue to pay $35,000,000 every five to six years for sand renourishment. I have asked the town engineers to research other options such as groins, jettys, wave breaking material placed in the ocean. We need to be proactive and not reactive on addressing our sand needs.

PCD: What are your views on ending the Dosher Memorial Hospital tax? Do you think just Oak Island should be removed or the entire tax be repealed? Do you have any concerns that removing the tax funding will jeopardize the hospital’s current operations?

BC: The Dosher tax has served Dosher well, and in my opinion has accomplished its objective. At this time, St James, Pine Forest, the new Williamson tract and other parts of Brunswick County are not assessed. I feel if the tax continues, it needs to include all areas and residences. For a 5-year period, Dosher voluntarily lowered the tax. Now that Brunswick County has almost doubled the property valuations, I feel, in the least the Dosher tax needs to be lowered and assessed to all. This decision lies with the County Commissioners, but as a councilman, I hope there are changes.

PCD: Do you agree with the council’s recent decision to create paid parking? What do you think the town should use the revenue for, aside from covering parking expenses?

BC: Paid parking will generate 1.2 million dollars in revenue. That is a nice windfall for the town, which will allow the town to keep the sand tax at its lowered rate, as well as provide revenue for the town. I was against paid parking originally, because I wanted the specifics better understood. I wanted to be sure the people of Oak Island were benefitting and not being hindered by the new arrangement. Going forward I want the town to contribute half the money toward sand renourishment and the other half for the town’s infrastructure, concrete bathrooms on the beach, more Mobi mats for the handicap crossovers.

Tips or comments? Email [email protected].

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Family Destination Guide conducted a national survey of 3,000 families to find out which “affordable destinations” they would most like to visit this summer.

The poll listed the top 175 affordable summer family destinations and some North Carolina beaches came up high on the list – especially humble little Oak Island, which came in fourth and found itself in much more famous company such as Coney Island, New York, and Galveston, Texas.

Topsail Beach also made it into the Top 10 of affordable summer vacation spots. Overall, four North Carolina destinations did well in the survey which can be found here: https://familydestinationsguide.com/cheap-us-vacations/

According to Family Destinations Guide, due to inflation, a whole lot of families are choosing very budget-friendly vacations this year, “trading the glitz and glamor of expensive resorts for the simple pleasures offered by more cost-effective destinations.”

And, apparently, North Carolina fits that’s bill very well.

New York’s Long Beach came in first, due to “a wealth of activities and attractions that are budget-friendly and enjoyable for all ages,” thanks to the boardwalk area, which often features free concerts, free movie nights and low-cost dining options.

New York’s Coney Island came in second with its Coney Island Boardwalk, free access to the beach and a lot of free entertainment.

At number three was Surfside Beach in South Carolina, which has a lot of nice affordable motels and hotels and is known for its “beautiful sandy shores.”

In fourth place came Oak Island, North Carolina, which is described by the guide as follows: “Located along the picturesque Brunswick Islands, this charming coastal town offers a range of family-friendly activities and attractions. Families can find affordable accommodations, including cozy beachfront cottages, budget-friendly hotels, and affordable vacation rentals, ensuring a comfortable and cost-effective stay. Oak Island boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches, and the town offers affordable attractions like the Oak Island Lighthouse, where families can climb to the top for breathtaking views, and the Oak Island Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and nature programs for all ages.”

Rounding out the top 5 is Galveston, Texas. That city is known for its “beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and family-friendly experiences that won’t strain the budget,” and attractions like Moody Gardens, an aquarium, a rainforest pyramid and a discovery museum.

The rest of the top ten are as follows:

Topsail Beach ranked high due to “a variety of affordable lodging options, including beachfront cottages, budget-friendly hotels, and vacation rentals, ensuring that families can find comfortable accommodations that fit their budget.”

Also, Topsail Beach offers “affordable activities such as fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, allowing families to enjoy water adventures without breaking the bank. Moreover, Topsail Beach is known for its family-friendly attractions, many of which are budget-friendly or offer discounted rates for families. Furthermore, the town hosts various affordable events and festivals throughout the year, including live music performances, art shows, and local celebrations.”

Carolina beach came in at 30th and Nags Head was in 33rd place.

Nags Head was chosen for its “stunning” view and “affordable outdoor adventures such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, allowing families to explore the coastal waters and marshes.”

Rose Ackermann, of FamilyDestinationsGuide.com stated, “’Affordable’ does not mean ‘inferior’ or ‘second-rate.’ The budget-friendly travel sphere is bursting with choices, offering everything from breathtaking outdoor experiences to cultural immersion, charming local accommodations, and gastronomical delights that won’t break the bank.”

Sandbar lecture series: Learn how to be a beach hero

Two members from the Oak Island Beach Preservation Society, Rosina Whitfield and Emily Dickinson, will highlight the key roles beaches play in enriching humans’ lives, preserving plant and animal species, and protecting the environment at the Sandbar Lecture series. The lecture will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Museum of Coastal Carolina, 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach. Topics will include storm surge protection; marine life and health dangers from beach litter; and beach cleanup, scholarship, and educational programs. The event is free with museum admission. The museum will open at 5 p.m. Details: 910-579-1016.

More:After heated debates, seller backs out of property sale to Southport

Southport Concert Series

The Sandy Branch Band will perform bluegrass music for the final season of Southport Concert Series Thursdays in the Park. The concert will be held from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 16 at Franklin Square Park, 105 E. West St., Southport.

John E. Jacobs American Legion meeting

The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68 will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Magnolia Greens Golf Course, located at 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive, Leland. General meeting at 6 p.m. in the banquet building next to Blossoms restaurant. The speaker will be Dale Todd discussing the 2023 American Legion Convention. Anyone wishing to have dinner at Blossoms Restaurant prior to the meeting, should arrive at 4:45 p.m. All veterans are welcome to attend.

'A Touch of Americana'

Brunswick Bands Inc. Southport presents its fall concert "A Touch of Americana" featuring the Brunswick Winds Concert Band with conductor Michael Stringer. The performance will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov 18 at the Hatch Auditorium, North Carolina Baptist Assembly Fort Caswell, 100 Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island. Free admission, donations accepted.

Endless summer bonfire bash

The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce will host an "Endless summer bonfire bash" from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 at 801 Ocean Drive, Oak Island. The family-friendly event shines a spotlight on the area businesses that make the community special. All businesspeople are welcome to attend for a night of fun, food, dancing and a beach bonfire. Dance to music by DJ Rodney, enjoy a plate of local North Carolina barbecue, and also some s’mores. Tickets for Chamber members are $35 per person, $45 for nonmembers. Children 10 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Endless summer bonfire bash.

Disney 'Descendants The Musical '

Starbright Youth Theatre presents Disney "Descendants The Musical," Nov. 17, 18, 19 at the Odell Williamson Auditorium, on the campus of Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road, N.E., Bolivia. Here, all of Disney's favorite heroes and heroines are living in peace, happily ever after. Details: https://bccowa.com/.

More:How an EV battery plant in Brunswick stacks up among the Wilmington area's top employers

NC Maritime Museum at Southport

Deep Dive into History: N.C. Naval Reserves in the Spanish American War will be help from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, 204 E. Moore St., Southport. The program will explore the role of North Carolina’s Naval Reserves during the Spanish American War. The program is designed for all ages and combines live interpretation, material culture displays and hands-on activities.

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Oak Island could soon have another mixed-use development on the mainland.

Drapac Capital Partners, a real estate firm based in Australia with a U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, plans to develop a 162-acre tract along N.C. 211.

Drapac marketed the site to builders and developers last year, but those plans have now changed.

“The housing market slowed significantly in the second half of 2022 after inflation peaked and interest rates began to rise,” William Miller, senior director of real estate at Drapac, explained in an email. “We ultimately made the decision to pull the campaign and pivot to a strategy that focused on developing the asset rather than selling it in its current, undeveloped state.”

Miller added they are currently working with Coastal Land Design and Engineering, a Wilmington-based firm, to update the plans for the site “to ensure it’s in line with that this market is demanding.”

While they are updating the project plans, this isn’t a new development. According to Brunswick County tax records, Drapac acquired it from First Citizens Bank & Trust Company around 2016. It was previously owned by Archway Homes Inc.

The land is zoned for commercial low-density development, and a conditional use permit for a planned unit development was issued in 2015. Last year, Oak Island planning director Matt Kirkland told the StarNews that the ordinance under which the planned unit development permit was granted did not have an expiration date for conditional use permits.

Miller said Drapac has “no intention of pursuing any rezoning initiatives” and intends to move forward with planning and development submittals under the current zoning.

Earlier plans for the tract were for a mixed-use development with 32,000 square feet of retail space and more than 700 housing units. Miller said while the current zoning permits that density and mix of uses, they have not finalized the scope, product mix or density.

“Our goal is to deliver a project that aligns with the needs and demand of the surrounding market, which will likely include a mix of both attached and detached housing,” Miller said.

The site has several unique attributes, including a 7.5-acre man-made pond, which Miller said they intend to preserve.

“We feel as though this project has the potential to be one of the premier master planned communities in the area,” he said. “The current zoning is very flexible and permits a diverse range of uses and housing product types, which will allow us to tailor the future community to the specific needs of the area’s expanding population and housing market.”

Miller noted the site is in a location along N.C. 211 that is attractive to residential home builders and commercial developers because it is a crucial connection between Southport, Oak Island and U.S. 17.

“This area allows residents to enjoy all the benefits of quiet, coastal living without sacrificing the conveniences of more urban centers,” he said. “Residents can easily access the intercoastal waterway and the beaches at Oak Island, Fort Caswell, and Holden Beach, but still live within a short drive of big box retailers, medical centers, and restaurants.”

He added the N.C. 211 corridor is the “perfect microcosm” for larger Brunswick County, which has “experienced unprecedented growth in recent years due to its proximity to the growing Wilmington market and its emergence as a premier relocation destination for retirees.”

At this time, Miller can’t say exactly when work will begin at the site. He noted the final scope and density would influence the work required to prepare the site for development and construction.

Drapac also owns several other assets in Brunswick County, which were acquired following the 2007 housing market crash. Those assets include Ocean Isle Palms, San Rio, Goose Marsh, and Eagle Creek.

Learn about sea turtles, coastal birds, recycling and conservation at this year’s Oak Island Earth Day Festival and Art Show set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 14.

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The free, family friendly festival hosted by the town will take place at Middleton Park Complex, 102 SE 47th St., Oak Island.

This year’s festival theme is “We Will Continue To Strive To Save Our Planet.”

There will be food, hands-on activities and a a chance to meet with representatives from conservation groups including Bald Head Island Conservancy, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program, Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter, North Carolina Maritime Museum of Southport, Brunswick County Animal Protective Services, and North Carolina Coastal Federation.

Have you seen an armadillo ’round these parts? State wildlife officials would like to know.

If you think you have spotted a “possum on the half-shell” or “armored pig” in the Tar Heel State, you may be right. This Central and South American native has gradually expanded its range northward, especially as North Carolina experiences fewer lengthy stretches of below-freezing conditions.

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As of last year, officials had confirmed the presence of armadillos in 28 North Carolina counties, from Cherokee to Dare. And while most confirmed sightings have been in the western part of the state, their presence is likely in more counties, officials said, citing both credible and unconfirmed observations.

Now, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission asks that folks report any sightings of nine-banded armadillos to help commission biologists determine how far their range has expanded in the state. Since 2007, the commission has received more than 898 reports in 70 counties.

“Whether armadillos continue spreading beyond their current range will be largely determined by climate,” said Colleen Olfenbuttel, the commission’s black bear and furbearer biologist. She said it was likely the armadillo is expanding its range naturally throughout North Carolina, “rather than being helped by human intervention.”

Wildlife officials said that armadillos lack thick insulation and must dig for most foods. Freezing conditions can cause them to starve or freeze to death, so mild winter temperature conditions are ideal for them.

If you observe an armadillo in the wild and are able to capture a photo, you can upload and share your images at the iNaturalist NC Armadillo Project website.

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You can also download the iNaturalist app available for iPhone and Android.

Another option for reporting an observation is by emailing [email protected] and including the following:

Discover more coastal celebrations and programs at Earth Day 2023.

An estuarine shoreline and roadside cleanup is set for 9-11:30 a.m. Friday, April 21, in the Roanoke Island community of Wanchese.

Sponsor Spotlight

Try something completely different this Valentine’s Day with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Adopt an Oyster! You can adopt an oyster for your sweetie or get a kit of Valentines (perfect for classroom celebrations!). Fall in love at nccoast.org/myoyster.

Organized by the North Carolina Coastal Federation Wanchese office to kick off Earth Day weekend, the effort is a part of the nonprofit’s commitment to reducing marine debris in coastal shorelines and waterways.

To join the cleanup, register on the Coastal Federation’s website.

Participants should check in with staff and pick up trash bags, gloves and other materials at Vista Creek event venue at 1789 N.C. 345, Manteo.

Volunteers will divide up and work in small groups during the cleanup.

Bring water, snacks and any necessary medications, organizers said. Dressing for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes for walking in wet areas are also recommended.

The Coastal Federation publishes Coastal Review.