Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce raises concerns over impact from future projects

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting of the year on Thursday night, which included the discussion of a major project that could impact the town in the coming years.

On Monday, some business owners from Wrightsville Beach and near the intersection of Eastwood and Military Cutoff Road gathered for an information session about a project called the flyover.

Slated to begin in 2027, the more than $80-million project would see the construction of a bridge along Eastwood Road over Military Cutoff Road.

Sue Bullock is the chairwoman of the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce.

She said the project would conflict with another one taking place at the beach.

“While we need the bridges replaced desperately, we don’t need the overpass project happening at the same time,” Bullock said. “Because it will close down an already limited access to the beach.”

She’s referring to two bridge projects on Salisbury Street and one on Causeway Drive, with work set to begin in 2028.

Wrightsville Beach Mayor Ken Dull said it’s work that needs to be done.

“It’s just a necessary evil of, of life that they have a useful life and they’ve reached their ends,” Dull said.

While the town prepares for the future impact of those projects, a more immediate impact could come via changes to the town’s parking rates.

The town council is considering making it cheaper to park on weekdays and more expensive on weekends, compared to the current cost for parking.

Mellow Mushroom owner Robert Ray said he likes the proposed changes.

“I do like the idea of them reducing the rate,” Ray said. “That’s going to affect local residents, hopefully in a positive way, bring them down to the beach during the week when that’s when we all want to go anyway.”

And earlier this month, a private social club and restaurant called the Commodore Club was issued a violation notice by the town.

The notice was issued over concerns that the club allegedly does not follow the special use permit issued by the town.

While it is not part of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, Dull said there wasn’t much he could say about the issue.

“You know, it’s just not my place at this moment.”