Helicopter tours proposed in Carolina Beach

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Some Carolina Beach businesses are voicing their concerns over proposed helicopter tours.

The owner of High Tide Helicopters will present the plan to town Tuesday hall tonight.

This is what Jeremy Linquist said people expect to hear when they come in to Carolina Beach Community Acupuncture.

“A relaxing atmosphere, a calming area,” Linquist said.

It is a key part of Linquist’s business.

“I treat veterans with PTSD,” Linquist said. “I treat pregnant women, a lot of people with anxiety and they come in here looking for a calm relaxing place to get their body back in order.”

That is why he is concerned about High Tide Helicopter moving in around the corner.

“You put a helicopter taking off and landing within 300, 200 feet of my business, it’s going to impact it,” Linquist said. “We’re going to hear it.”

The owners of the day care next door have also voiced their concerns on Facebook.

High Tide Helicopters Owner Jessica Ward said she wants to operate in that locations just one day a week.

“Only during the summer season, so this would be a maximum of 16 events for the entire year,” Ward said.

Ward also said it should help tourism.

“I believe that folks will come down from Wilmington,” Ward said. “They’ll come down from Wrightsville Beach and they’ll come down discover Carolina Beach and all of the wonderful things it has to offer.”

Linquist said its location could hurt his and other businesses in the process.

“I support her having a business,’ Linquist said. “My personal belief is that we just have to be careful of placement and where we do things.”

Ward said this is her first choice, but she hopes to clear up some of the concerns at town hall Tuesday night. Town Hall begins at 6:30.