Positive input for Carolina Beach pier consideration

The Town of Carolina Beach held a public hearing Tuesday night to consider the purchase of several pieces of property to build a pier for the North Carolina Aquarium.

The price tag is more than $4 million for more than two acres of land. The rationale behind the pier project is to boost Pleasure Island tourism, increase beach access and provide more parking in the central business district.

The town hopes some of the funding comes from grants, but taxpayers may have to bear a tax increase. Tuesday night’s input was generally positive.

“It’s a significant piece of property that’s great for the community and it’s at a great price. I think you hit the nail on the head right there,” said Bob Lewis.

Lewis, who is running for Carolina Beach Town Council, favors the pier project. On the other hand, real estate developer Adam Lisk told town council that the pier plan is fool-hardy and the town appears to be blazing the way too quickly without a master plan and projections.