THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 12, 1994 TAG: 9407120312
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Property owners expressed concerns to the Board of Commissioners on Monday over a plan to add 44 parking spaces along East Hayman Boulevard to increase beach access.
Becky Salp, speaking on behalf of the property owners, said the extra spaces would reduce property values and lead to an increase in crime and noise in the neighborhood.
Salp said the town entered into a compromise with property owners in 1992, under a previous administration. She chided the commission for having ``light regard'' for that agreement.
The commissioners did not comment, but Mayor Terry Gray said the town had to consider the needs of the entire community and not just those of a few property owners. Gray also maintained that no agreement existed between the town and the residents.
``That was an understanding between the former town manager (W. Alden ``Doc'' Hoggard III) and the residents. It was never approved by the board,'' Gray said. ``The town manager cannot enter into an agreement of any type unless it's approved by the Board of Commissioners.''
Gray added that the proposed parking spaces were consistent with the town's land-use plan.
The residents have indicated they would be willing to discuss a compromise with the city but have also contacted their attorney concerning a possible lawsuit, said Tom Salp of the East Hayman Boulevard Residents Association.
After the meeting, Gray said no action has been taken to fill a vacancy on the board created by the death of Mayor Pro Tem Lacy McNeill. McNeill, a fixture in Kill Devil Hills civic affairs, died suddenly last month.
``We still don't feel it would be appropriate to talk about filling the seat,'' Gray said. ``Not enough time has passed since Mr. McNeill's death.'' by CNB