Oak Island town council makes decision on ‘mega’ homes

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Oak Island town council members made a decision on how big, and how many bedrooms “mega” homes can have.

Town council members decided to cap single-family homes at 5,000 square feet and seven bedrooms with one parking space required per bedroom.

Many Oak Island residents attended the meeting and spoke out about the town’s ban on so-called mega homes.

“They are taking away the family atmosphere that’s been established at this beach for many, many years,” resident Bill Frye said.

Oak Island planning and zoning Administrator Josh Crook explains the problem they face.

“I’ve sometimes said to people it’s very similar to having a Christmas party from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” Crook said. “It’s okay if you’re invited to it, but if they are parked in your lawn, you’re not exactly happy about it.”

Kelley Germaine lives near one of these extra-large homes, and knows first-hand the problems they cause.

“These houses are being rented for special occasions, which is great,” Germaine said. “A wedding, our daughter actually got married here on the island, but you need to be able to accommodate that, and when you have that you don’t necessarily have the proper pick up of trash, you don’t have the proper parking, and you have a lot of noise.”

She says she has had to pick up trash left from parties, and call police several times.

Resident Helen Cashwell says absentee landlords are to blame.

“Absentee landlords tend not to pay attention to it,” Cashwell explained. “I’m sure you heard tonight them say trash all over streets, they’re a nuisance to the neighborhood. We just don’t seem to regulate them like we should.”

The council directed staff to discuss special use permits, as well as guidelines for the new ordinance. They will bring their suggestions to the planning board, and then back to town council.