THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 22, 1994 TAG: 9411220627
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
MANTEO- The Dare County Board of Commissioners listened for more than three hours Monday night as proponents and opponents of a proposed destination-style campground expressed their views at a public hearing.
The proposed site, located on a 46-acre tract on the north end of Roanoke Island, has already won the approval of the Dare County Planning Board. The commissioners, however, will make the final decision at a later date.
A standing-room-only crowd of an estimated 200 people packed the commission chambers to discuss the proposed project on a tract, owned by Roanoke Island native Wallace Harvey, that initially would provide 125 campground sites.
In a presentation to the commission, Harvey presented letters written by Mayor Renee Cahoon of Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills Mayor Terry Gray in favor of the proposal, as well as the Manteo Board of Commissioners, and the Roanoke Island Business Association.
Harvey argued that the campground would mean increased business for the area.
``I've seen empty seats at the Lost Colony,'' he said. ``This will add dollars to the Lost Colony, and it would bring people to spend money in our shops.''
Harvey pointed out that his project would have two ``safety nets.''
``Since the campground is a conditional use, the Planning Board will be able to ensure a quality resort. Also, there are a lot more positive aspects in this project than in a new housing development.''
There is room on the 46-acre tract for 53 residential home sites.
Opponents of the measure also presented letters, including one from Roanoke Island's best-known resident, actor Andy Griffith and his wife, Cindi. Griffith was working in Wilmington and could not attend the hearing.
Griffith opposes the proposed development and has said the project will adversely impact the environment. In his one-paragraph letter, Griffith again expressed opposition.
Angel Khoury, editor of Outer Banks Magazine, also opposed the campground. Khoury argued that it would lead to more overcrowding on the island, and that the actual result would be to allow the illegal practice of spot zoning. The site is now zoned for residential use. The planning department recommended it be given a new classification, Conservation-Public Recreation.
Other opponents cited environmental and traffic concerns.
Sam Parsons, however, said the proposal was a ``wonderful'' idea.
``If it hadn't been for campers 400 years ago, Mr. Griffith wouldn't have been able to play Walter Raleigh in the Lost Colony.'' by CNB