It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old McFaye's Farm gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Castle Hayne, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
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“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Northern Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Jung's Egg Roll Express or visit Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Castle Hayne, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Castle Hayne, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Castle Hayne, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Concern about overdevelopment is nothing new in New Hanover County, but recent plans for a major housing community in Castle Hayne have drawn opposition for many reasons, one being that it’s proposed for the last expanse of old growth forest in the area.The kicker, Castle Hayne resident Kayne Darrell said, and why she and fellow organizers Andy Wood and Marion Kreh have been educating the public, is because there’s no requirement for public input or review by the county’s planning board or the commissi...
Concern about overdevelopment is nothing new in New Hanover County, but recent plans for a major housing community in Castle Hayne have drawn opposition for many reasons, one being that it’s proposed for the last expanse of old growth forest in the area.
The kicker, Castle Hayne resident Kayne Darrell said, and why she and fellow organizers Andy Wood and Marion Kreh have been educating the public, is because there’s no requirement for public input or review by the county’s planning board or the commissioners. This is because the development is considered “by-right,” meaning the project already has the zoning it needs to continue to the technical review process.
The "Save Sledge Forest" movement has garnered massive support from the community, with over 3,000 people backing a petition to protect the forest and advocate for public input. Darrell said more than 250 people came out to a town hall recently to learn about the development and the risks it poses.
The developer, Copper Builders, LLC, is proposing a 4,000-home development on approximately 4,000 acres of land located down Sledge Road, which is next to General Electric’s plant in Castle Hayne, according to site plans. The thousands of homes would take up nearly 1,000 acres of the property as wetlands cover the rest of the tract. Spread throughout the property, the developer has also proposed a golf course, miles of trails and a mini horse ranch.
More news from Castle Hayne:Why is New Hanover County building a new fire station in Castle Hayne? | MyReporter
The property is currently owned by SJM Hilton, LLC, which has ties to the original landowner W.F. Sledge. Sledge was a Whiteville resident retired from the lumber industry and was one of the top owners of undeveloped land in New Hanover County, according to a 1980s report from the StarNews.
Copper Builders, LLC is based out of Charlotte and Raleigh, and according to their website, homes they build typically fall between $700,000 and $2 million. The StarNews reached out for comment, but did not receive one in time for publication.
The Save Sledge Forest group has raised multiple concerns, the most obvious being the destruction of 1,000 acres of irreplaceable old growth forest that would likely have to be clearcut to fit 4,000 homes.
According to group organizers and local environmental experts, the forest is home to a biodiverse community of plants and animals, some of which include pine trees as old as 350 years and cypress older than 500 years.
“We moved up here for a reason,” Darrell said, explaining why she and most people in the community moved to the Castle Hayne area. “We don’t want this to look like Ogden and Market Street.”
Another concern is that the development would disturb the remaining 3,000 acres of wetlands on the site, causing major impacts from flooding as the area is already located in a floodplain. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coastal wetlands act as nature’s giant sponges, as one acre of wetlands can store as much as 1.5 million gallons of floodwater.
Being near GE, Darrell said the group also has concerns that a contained hazardous waste site could be a threat if it is disturbed. The Environmental Protection Agency lists the GE property as a Superfund site, which means the site previously had hazardous waste dumped on it, but has since been contained.
“We do not want to disparage GE. They are doing everything that is required of them to contain this,” but she said that she fears that having that many homes close by could be potentially dangerous.
There’s also concern that the area doesn’t have the proper infrastructure for the project as Castle Hayne Road faces congestion, and its widening project remains unfunded. The group is also concerned that the area’s schools, hospital and emergency services cannot handle 4,000 more families.
As of now, the development only has one access, which is Sledge Road. Darrell said she’s concerned about the developer creating access from other quiet cul-de-sac roads that back up to the property.
“It’s twice the size of Landfall ... which has three accesses,” Darrell said.
Many left comments on the petition, citing their reasons for wanting to protect the forest from development.
“Our wetlands are not just scenic; they are essential. They reduce flooding, protect water quality, and serve as vital habitats for countless species,” one supporter wrote. “Overdevelopment has already wreaked havoc here ... It’s short-sighted, irresponsible, and results in irreversible damage.”
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Darrell said she realizes that the county commissioners’ hands are tied, but she wants community members to reach out to make sure they are aware of the concerns.
“To me, to circumvent this public input process, is unconscionable ... it not only affects the character and integrity of these quiet neighborhoods,” Darrell said, “the health and safety is at risk with the traffic issues.”
Darrell said nobody is asking the landowners to just give the land to the public, but she said there are conservation groups that have taken a strong interest in the property. She also said that she feels like the community would also offer up money to save it or that the New Hanover Community Endowment could be an option.
"Again, we're not asking them to give us anything. We're just wondering 'what kind of legacy do you really want to leave?'
"We, the citizens of this community are the ones that are going to be left with those negative impacts and the consequences, not the out-of-town developer, not the out-of-town family who's selling us out to the out-of-town developer," Darrell said. "We're going to be left with the aftermath."
CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — Saturday at Northern Regional Park in Castle Hayne, a group called “Save Sledge Forest” will host a town hall to inform the public about a major proposed development that could change their community.The proposed development, called “Hilton’s Bluff,” would cover more than 4,000 acres of land currently known as Sledge Forest in Castle Hayne.The community’s concern began to rise when an o...
CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — Saturday at Northern Regional Park in Castle Hayne, a group called “Save Sledge Forest” will host a town hall to inform the public about a major proposed development that could change their community.
The proposed development, called “Hilton’s Bluff,” would cover more than 4,000 acres of land currently known as Sledge Forest in Castle Hayne.
The community’s concern began to rise when an out-of-town developer applied for a Performance Development Application—a process that does not require rezoning or public input.
Kayne Darrell, an advocate for preserving Sledge Forest, was particularly surprised by the lack of public review in the development process: “It really raised some alarms because it doesn’t allow for public input. It does not go for review in front of either the planning board or the county commissioners/our elected officials.”
When we reached out to New Hanover County for comment on the proposed Hilton’s Bluff development, the county provided a statement saying in part that:
“The development’s preliminary master plan had been discussed at the October 2nd Technical Review Committee (TRC) meeting, which gave the developer initial feedback on their plan.”
However, residents in the area say they didn’t become aware of the proposal until late October, since the application process did not require public notification. This lack of communication sparked the creation of the “Save Sledge Forest” group.
Kayne Darrell, co-founder of Save Sledge Forest, believes it’s critical for the community to have a voice in the decision-making process: “I feel like the ‘by rights’ of an out-of-town developer and out-of-town ownership of this property should never supersede the rights of the community and our health and safety or our well-being, really.”
One of the biggest concerns raised by residents is the impact of the development on local infrastructure. Darrell points out that the development would add 4,000 new homes and an additional 30,261 cars to already congested roads in the area.
“When we heard about this development, which is 4,000 homes and an addition of 30,261 cars added to our already congested roads… we kind of said enough is enough. It’s time to slow down, slow this runaway train down and listen to the community.”
Darrell says that the voices of the local residents are key:
“I’m a firm believer in the power of the people, and I hope that we can garner enough support and continue to grow this movement until our voices won’t be ignored.”
As mentioned, the “Save Sledge Forest” group is holding a public meeting Saturday at Northern Regional Park (4700 Old Ave, Castle Hayne, NC 28429 Shelter #2) from 3:00-5:00 PM.
Residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposed development.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A campaign opposing the proposal of a 4,030-unit development in Castle Hayne is gaining traction, as the county begins to assess a by-right project poised to sprawl across a portion of its 4,039 acres of land. Meanwhile, state officials designated an adjacent property as a top priority inactive hazardous waste site, which some fear could pose health and safety risks to residents.READ MORE: ...
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A campaign opposing the proposal of a 4,030-unit development in Castle Hayne is gaining traction, as the county begins to assess a by-right project poised to sprawl across a portion of its 4,039 acres of land. Meanwhile, state officials designated an adjacent property as a top priority inactive hazardous waste site, which some fear could pose health and safety risks to residents.
READ MORE: 4,030-unit Castle Hayne proposal moves forward, no community meeting required
Known as Sledge Forest — including over 3,000 acres of wetlands, 500-year old trees, and rare and threatened species — the land could become the home of Hilton Bluffs. The county confirmed last month board approval or community input would not be required of the project because the property’s zoning, residential agriculture, allows one unit per acre for residential subdivisions.
Castle Hayne resident Kayne Darrell — who led the successful Stop Titan Cement campaign a decade ago — began the “Save Sledge Forest” petition on Oct. 30. With 807 signatures as of press, concerns listed in the petition include:
Darrell told Port City Daily one of her foremost concerns is the property’s adjacent location to the GE Hitachi nuclear fuel facility on 3901 Castle Hayne Road. The property is an EPA superfund site and Department of Environmental Quality-designated hazardous waste site; the facility contaminated groundwater with toxic compounds — including uranium — for decades.
“Could the major disturbance to the land of a development this size cause toxins and carcinogens to leach even further into the water and soil?” she asked. “Who is making sure the health and safety of the citizens is protected?”
GE has operated a nuclear fuel facility in the area since 1968. The firm recently expanded its $200 million GE Vernova advanced nuclear fuel facility at 3901 Castle Hayne Road in 2022. The project is a joint venture between General Electric, Japanese multinational Hitachi, and TerraPower, a nuclear design and development firm founded by billionaire Bill Gates.
GE anticipated minimal negative environmental impacts to surrounding areas in its 2022 application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to authorize advanced uranium enrichment. The firm noted Sledge Forest is immediately north of its New Hanover County facility:
“Although further development may result in potential habitat fragmentation or loss of biodiversity, local officials would consider this effect in their future development decisions.”
The North Carolina Land and Water Fund ranked Sledge Forest the highest possible score in its natural heritage category — 50 out of 50 — used to score conservation projects. Last year, the NCLWF Acquisition Committee approved $5 million in conservation grant funding to purchase 3,900 acres of the Castle Hayne site for protection under a conservation easement.
NCLWF noted the property is on the market as reason for urgency. The total appraised value of the two parcels is $12,740,400, according to county property records.
“It is my understanding that before The Conservation Fund could arrange to close the property, the landowner accepted another offer from a developer and The Conservation Fund had no choice but to return the grant funds,” NCLWF executive director Will Summer told Port City Daily. “As far as I know, there is not a current conservation strategy in place for the property.”
New Hanover County spokesperson Alex Riley said the county was not involved in the grant funding request.
“However, the county is actively exploring potential land conservation opportunities within New Hanover County for preservation, additional greenspace and public recreation opportunities, as it is a priority of the Board of Commissioners; and that includes research of the Sledge Forest/Hilton Bluffs property.”
The contract included a special condition to remove all structures before closing; NCLWF stated it would not contribute to their purchase.
“This project would protect the last, large, undeveloped privately owned land in New Hanover County through the creation of a new nature park,” NCLWF wrote in a 2024 summary of the initiative.
The county’s technical review committee comments published last month noted the developer would need to conserve approximately 3,072 acres of wetlands within the 4,039-acre site to count its acreage towards total project density.
Hilton Bluffs’ preliminary plans indicate initial phases of development would take place in a portion of the southeastern section of the property. Future development abutting the wetland-designated section of the property includes a nature trail, mini horse ranch rentals, potential single family homes, a golf course, and access roads.
In a March email exchange, Paramounte Engineering landscape architect Allison Engrebetson expressed interest in rezoning a portion of the property to community mixed use to create a small commercial village. She asked planning supervisor Robert Farrell if some development in uplands designated as conservation areas would be allowed; he said the county conservation place type would not prohibit by-right development.
Five LLCs affiliated with Hilton Properties each own a fifth of the 4,039-acre site. Charlotte-based Copper Builders is the developer; Port City Daily reached out to the applicant to ask about the petition but did not receive a response by press.
Save Sledge Forest will hold a town hall Saturday at 3 p.m. at Northern Regional Park in Castle Hayne to raise awareness of the issue. Speakers include Darrell, Parr, local conservationist Andy Wood, and geologist Roger Shew, and retired emergency room physician Robert Parr.
Parr told Port City Daily flooding and traffic were his chief issues. Preliminary reviews anticipate the project could generate 30,261 daily trips, 3,209 peak hour evening trips, and 2,153 peak hour morning trips on Castle Hayne Road.
“Even at the present sea level the majority of the 4,000 acres is subject to high tide flooding,” Parr said. “And then there’s also storm flooding.”
Parr — who has also worked as a marine biologist — emphasized the importance of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s sea level rise projections on future residences.
“When you look at the projected flooding for a 2-foot rise,” he said, “the flooding in those areas is just as significant — if not more significant — than flooding in the West Bank.”
A 2003 natural area inventory study funded by New Hanover County and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund noted Sledge Forest supports a broad array of wildlife and contains one of the largest habitats of Peatland Atlantic White Cedar Forest in Southeastern North Carolina. The area contains loblolly pine dated more than 300 years old and rare cypress trees estimated to be 500 years of age.
The National Wildlife Council recognized a neighboring site — General Electric’s 1,600-acre 3901 Castle Hayne Road facility — as a National Wildlife Habitat in 2012.
The 4,000-acre Sledge Forest is located near GE’s property.
The Department of Environmental Quality sent General Electric a May 2024 letter informing the firm its Castle Hayne site was included in the state’s 2022-2023 Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List. It’s ranked as DEQ’s ninth highest priority out of 528 sites; rankings are based on potential for groundwater migration, surface water migration, air migration, and direct contact.
In the 1990s, GE identified a plume of groundwater contamination that seeped across property lines, including the proposed Hilton Bluffs site. GE has used groundwater wells to hydraulically control the impacted groundwater and limit migration into adjacent properties for decades.
“Several meetings were held between GE and [DEQ] in 1997 and 1998,” GE senior project manager Cody Platt wrote in a 2021 email to DEQ. “I believe the outcome of the last meeting was that GE would continue to perform the monitoring, but that it was not necessary to send reports to [DEQ].”
DEQ approved GE’s updated groundwater monitoring program in September; it includes installation and sampling of approximately 16 borings to assess contaminated chlorinated solvent groundwater plume at the northern boundary of the site.
GE’s most recent annual monitoring report was published by WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. in October. Seven contaminants of concern were found above groundwater levels; possible carcinogen Naphthalene was found in one well at 7,290 parts per billion, above the groundwater standards of six ppb.
The site’s property owners were previously engaged in a multi-year effort to develop a high-density sand mine on a portion of the property from 2013-2019. Citizens’ environmental concerns ultimately stymied efforts.
Castle Hayne residents sued the Department of Environmental Quality to revoke Hilton’s mining permit in 2014. The same year DEQ sent Hilton Properties a letter demanding a permit modification due to omitting information about the toxic groundwater plume in its application.
The property owners made a second attempt to build the sand mine in 2018; the planning board recommended approving a rezoning request for the industry before commissioners rejected it in a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Rob Zapple, the lone vote in support of the project, told Port City Daily Monday he hoped commercial activity in the area would incentivize state authorities to prioritize clean-up for well-users in the area. He added he had serious reservations about the impact of the proposed development on wetlands and advocated more investigation of environmental contamination in the area before moving forward with a residential project.
“I don’t know about you,” he joked, “but I wouldn’t feel good about buying a house that has uranium underneath it.”
[Update: This article has been updated to include comments from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and New Hanover County about Sledge Forest conservation grant funding, and to clarify New Hanover County’s conservation place type does not prohibit by-right development.]
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