Rezoning for new hotel in Carolina Beach approved unanimously by City Council

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A major development project at Carolina Beach is moving forward after the City Council gave its final approval Wednesday evening.

The rezoning clears the way for a new Springhill Suites by Marriott, an oceanfront event venue, and a rebuilt Seawitch restaurant.

The original plan called for demolishing the popular bar… and building a 100-foot hotel with a rooftop bar.

After community pushback, developers redesigned the project, scaling it down and moving the seawitch closer to the ocean.

The plan also includes new sidewalks, parking, and street improvements along Carolina Beach Avenue North.

Resident Ed Thomas, who owns the Gulfstream restaurant, said this hotel will help the town during the slow times of the year.

“Fit it into the project and fit it into what’s gonna look great for the city,” Thomas said. “And bringing some business into the city in the wintertime helps all the businesses, every business because I can tell you, you know, I’m here 4 months a year that we barely, we struggle.”

Mayor Lynn Barbee said that this hotel will help rebuild and improve the city’s central business district.

The council approved the re-zoning unanimously, with construction expected to begin next summer.