Topsail Beach decides against paid parking

TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY)– Topsail Beach commissioners decided not to bring parking meters to the town after a public hearing Tuesday.

Topsail Beach residents spoke loud and clear about paid parking. Several homeowners spoke out saying it is not a good move for the town. The company Park Select gave a presentation explaining how the payment options would work and how the town would profit. Business owners say tourists will stop coming to their beach.

One family made signs, and their young girl Victoria got a loud applause after she read her poetic speech to the town.

“I don’t think they should have parking meters down here,” Victoria said. “It’s not right. It’s a friendly town and it just doesn’t feel right if parking meters are down here.”

“It’s not the time,” Jeff Stevens said. “Topsail Beach is an inclusive beach and parking meters makes it an uninclusive beach.”

No one spoke out in favor of paid parking at the public hearing. The board unanimously decided to drop the topic.