Carolina Beach amends boardwalk property deal, lowers price to $12M

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WWAY) — The Carolina Beach Town Council approved changes Monday to a previously negotiated agreement to purchase nine properties in the downtown boardwalk district, lowering the total cost from $15 million to $12 million.

The amendment was approved during a special meeting and is part of a mediated settlement with Carolina Beach Land Holdings, LLC.

The properties included in the agreement are located along Canal Drive, Cape Fear Boulevard and Carolina Beach Avenue South, in an area surrounding the boardwalk events stage that is currently used for amusements and seasonal parking.

Town officials say the acquisition is intended to give the town more control over the future of the boardwalk district.

In a statement, Mayor Lynn Barbee said the agreement evolved from earlier discussions over a sidewalk location and expanded into a broader effort focused on long-term planning for the area.

“What started as a simple conversation about the location of a sidewalk quickly evolved into something much bigger,” Barbee said. “That discussion opened the door to a shared vision for the future of this space.”

Barbee said the town and the property owner ultimately agreed that purchasing the parcels would be the best path forward.

“We see this as an important first step in guiding us back to a vibrant, family-friendly downtown,” Barbee said.

Town leaders say they plan to continue working through details of the acquisition over the coming months, with a targeted closing date in September. Officials also say community input will be part of the planning process moving forward.