THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 17, 1994 TAG: 9409170321
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MOYOCK LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
A proposed shopping center in Moyock will be the last commercial enterprise promoted by the county's first economic development director.
And, like many of the projects that preceded it, the shopping center in one of Currituck County's most populated areas carries controversy.
``I can understand the opposition,'' said Charles Hartig, who left his Currituck County post Friday to take over as neighboring Dare County's public information officer next week.
``But at the same time,'' he continued, ``a shopping center for Moyock has been at the top or near the top of a list of priorities for the people of that community.''
The Currituck County Planning Board last week approved a rezoning request from Virginia Beach-based Acey Commercial Properties that could pave the way for the shopping complex, anchored by a supermarket.
Two members voted against the rezoning, including LaRee Lynn, who worried that local merchants would go out of business. ``Sorry, I don't like this,'' he said at the board meeting.
Currituck Schools Superintendent W.R. ``Ronnie'' Capps later expressed concern that the shopping center would lure more families to the county, placing a further burden on already strained services and schools.
At the same time, everyone agreed that more commercial development is needed to diversify the tax base and offset fiscal shortfalls from rapid residential growth.
That's one reason the county created the position of economic development director and hired Hartig 18 months ago.
``On the day that I'm leaving Currituck County, I'm glad to see the shopping center come to fruition,'' the former broadcaster and newspaper journalist said.
``The folks in Moyock, or in a seven- to 10-mile radius, will not have to go to Pasquotank County or Virginia to spend their money.''
Developer Bob Acey said Thursday it was too soon to release any details of the Moyock project, but a spokesman told the Planning Board the complex may include a pharmacy and retail stores.
A welcome center with travel brochures promoting northeastern North Carolina, particularly the Outer Banks, is another possibility.
Whether to replace Hartig has yet to be decided. County officials have not advertised for a new economic development director or publicly discussed the position, which is funded by Currituck's occupancy tax.
Hartig said he hopes a successor is named.
``It's my opinion, based on the past 18 months, that the position should be filled because commercial development is going to be the thoroughbred that will pull Currituck County's economic wagon - not residential.
``I think we have proven that development can be compatible with the county's rural nature.''
The outgoing director thanked county commissioners and staff members for their support and believed he'd made an impact on the county.
Even on his last day of work Friday Hartig was still fielding inquiries from businessmen interested in the formerly little-heard-of area.
``I feel certain that people throughout the state now know where Currituck County is located,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Charles Hartig
by CNB