Topsail Beach leaders discuss parking fees

TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Topsail Beach is discussing doing away with their free parking. The town manager says they need the revenue to pay for long-term beach renourishment.

Town Manager Tim Holloman says while they’re known for their free beach access and parking, the idea of paid parking is on the table. Holloman says they first discussed the idea in 2013 but decided against it. Now, Holloman says it is back in the picture when discussions arose about plan to renourish the beaches.

“We’re studying our revenues and expenses right now, and it looks like there may be a gap at some point,” Holloman said. “So how are we going to fund the gap? So other than the property tax increase one of the alternatives would be paid parking.”

Leaders plan to discuss the fees in upcoming meetings in early February.

“People just think oh why are you charging me to come to use a free beach and that kind of thing, but it does cost to maintain that nice beach and so that’s just another way to smartly look at revenue,” Holloman said.

Homeowners like Dave Hansen agrees.

“There comes a point where everybody has to contribute to the upkeep and the infrastructure,” Hansen said. “What? Three years ago, all the tourists were climbing up the bank, because there was no beach left at high tide.”