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20 debris trucks working in Pender County
Illegal dumping will be prosecuted, officials say From Staff Reports Pender County Commissioners heard reports from debris contractor DRC at Monday’s board meeting. Commissioners emphasized illegal dumping will not be permitted. “We are aware of problem areas and illegal dumping,� said David Williams, Pender County Commissioner. “These sites will be cleaned, and illegal dumpers will be prosecuted.� Emergency Manager Tom Collins said materials brought to the roadside now will be considered illegal. “Contractors dumping shingles, sheetrock, framing materials and repair debris will be fined,� Collins said. Private contractors are responsible for disposal of materials at
proper landfills. All storm-related vegetative debris and construction debris pick-up by DRC, the county’s contractor, has resumed following the holidays. DRC officials told Pender County Commissioners Monday that although the debris pickup had slowed before Christmas due to a lack of available trucks, the number of trucks on the road was back to about 20. County officials expect the debris pickup to be finished by the end of February. “The deadline was Dec. 21 for all debris to be placed on the roadway,� said Collins. “The debris is being picked up district by district.� DRC is covering the county’s five districts, starting with District 5,
then District 4, District 3, District 2 and District 1. Residents uncertain of which district they reside should check the Pender County website www.pendercountync.gov. Some residents of western Pender County complained at Monday’s Board meeting that debris in their area had not been touched, while debris in the Hampstead area was already gone. Commission Chairman George Brown said pickup began in accessible areas such as Hampstead immediately following the storm, while some areas were inaccessible due to flooding and got a much later start. “Hurricane Florence left behind a
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Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew
Illegal dump sites have sprang up across Pender County. Signs have been posted at these sites.
Hurricane property buy-out workshop set for Jan. 15
Warm weekend
From Staff Reports Pender County Planning and Community Development will host an Acquisition Buy-out Workshop for victims of Hurricane Florence. The meeting is set for Jan. 15, 6-8 p.m. in the Pender County Commissioner Chambers, 805 S. Walker St. in Burgaw. “Attendees will learn how to apply for a buyout through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. We’ll have industry experts as well as staff from the state in attendance to assist
with our citizens’ needs and questions� said Kyle Breuer, Pender County Planning and Community Development director. The workshop will discuss the buy-out process and duplication of benefits. “This workshop will assist residents of Pender County who may be eligible for a buy-out due to flooding from Hurricane Florence,� said Breuer. For more information call the Pender County Planning Department at 910-259-1202.
Girl Scout cookie sales begin Jan. 12
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After a rainy week, the weather cleared for the weekend, and mild temperatures prevailed. Pender Staff photos by Andy Pettigrew
Girl Scout cookie tables will be seen in Pender County once again beginning this weekend. The annual sale represents the largest financial investment in girls annually in
the United States. Pender County Girl Scouts will be selling the tasty treats at many locations across the county. Support the Scouts and pick up a box.
Surf City gives nod to oceanfront ‘megadecks’ County people took advantage of the nice weather.
From Staff Reports The Surf City Town Council kicked off 2019 with its first regular meeting Jan. 2, and devoted much of the meeting to a public hearing on a zoning text amendment to allow the construction of decks on private property at the beachfront. The issue of these unbuildable lots, and the construction of what were termed megadecks when the issue first arose during the summer, appears to be of particular concern to residents of a small section of North Shore Drive whose homes, thanks to the actions of earlier hurricanes which demolished first row homes, now have an
unobstructed view of the ocean from their front porch. The first of these decks, constructed by the Pilan’s of 1201 North Shore Drive on property across from their residence, is completely behind the dune line, and the only part that extends over the dune is the staircase to the beach. Pilan encourages residents, and there were many in attendance at the meeting who were unaware of just what constituted a megadeck, to take a ride to 1201 North Shore Drive and see what this issue is all about. As noted by Councilwoman Nelva Albury, the owners of these oceanfront lots which
once harbored homes, continue to pay taxes on these properties and should have the right to construct a deck for their private enjoyment of their property and beach access. Push The zoning text amendment requires that any deck construction comply with all Federal, State (including CAMA), and local requirements, obtain necessary permits, are limited to
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Continued on page 2A Staff photo
Megadecks are large oceanfront decks built on property that once had a house on it, but now due to erosion, is not large enough for a home.
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