NoPort Southport meets with Boiling Spring Lakes residents

Officials in nearby Boiling Spring Lakes have organized a series of meetings to help educate residents on all sides of the issue. Thursday night they heard from the opposition group NoPort Southport.

Boiling Spring Lakes residents came with questions and comments, but mainly to listen, as members of NoPort Southport gave a presentation on the proposed international terminal.

William Sraver is among the residents who are on the fence. He said, “I want to hear facts that I can really digest and consider. I don’t think at this point we have enough information to make that kind of decision.”

Others have their minds made up.

“This is not a good thing for Boiling Spring Lakes, or any of the communities around here,” said Boiling Spring Lakes resident, Barbara Lissenden. “I’ve been to several meetings and I’ve done some reading and it seems to me that the Wilmington port would handle all that they need.”

A main concern in Boiling Spring Lakes is traffic. Highway 87, which runs right though the city, is a direct shot from Southport to Highway 17.

Other concerns on the table Thursday night revolved around questioning the number of jobs the port would bring, rail access and environmental impacts.

Residents who are keeping an open mind say they will be right back in this room next week, when Ports Authority officials are front and center. The meeting is next Thursday at the Boiling Spring Lakes Community Center.