Concerns raised over proposed marina management changes

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Charter boat captains are voicing some concerns after a proposal to change management of the Carolina Beach Marina.

Charter boat captain Robert Schoonmaker has been doing business at the Carolina Beach Marina for years along with many others. He said it is a business that brings hundreds to Carolina Beach every year.

“Our clients come stay at the hotels, eat at the restaurants, do shopping at the retail stores,” Schoonmaker said.

Schoonmaker said so far, it has been running smoothly.

“Everything has been fine,” Schoonmaker said. “We’ve been getting along great. Is there room for improvement? Yeah. There is always room for improvement in anything.”

Town leaders are proposing some improvements.

“A way to better manage our town marina,” Assistant Manager Ed Parvin said.

Parvin said right now, several different departments manage different parts of the marina.

“What we’d like to do, is find one accountable person or entity that can manage all aspects,” Parvin said.

He said the contract would be for at least five years. He said they have been talking about outsourcing the management role for more than a year.

“For the charter boat captains, it’s going to mean a central point of contact,” Parvin said.

Schoonmaker said he thinks there is a better, more cost effective way.

“Just seems like more expense,” Schoonmaker said. “I think if someone at town hall would be assigned this job and actually do it, there wouldn’t be a need for an outsource management company.”

He said he is also worried it could lead to something even worse.

“Being a charter boat captain that has everything invested here at the marina, as far as my livelihood you know, I could see them possibly selling the marina and then, just kicking us all out,” Schoonmaker said.

He said it is a fear they do not want to have to face.

“Being a fisherman, the rules and regulations that we have to face on a daily basis, now we’re having to face this, you know the uncertainty of having a future here,” Schoonmaker said.

Parvin said the proposal will go in front of town council on November 8. If approved, he said the contractor would start next spring.