THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 26, 1996 TAG: 9604260516
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
The use of skateboards by Kill Devil Hills amusement businesses coasted to easy approval Wednesday night at a meeting of this north beach community's board of commissioners.
The unanimous vote came after residents expressed overwhelming support for an amendment that would allow skateboard ramps as a conditional use in the town's commercial zone.
The popular sport will now join bumper boats, water slides, miniature golf and other permitted activities.
``There are little or no areas where kids can skateboard,'' Kill Devil Hills resident Steve Gordon said. ``Here, the kids can skate with some measure of safety. As far as putting a skateboard park near the schools, at least in this case some private entity will pay for it rather than the taxpayers.''
Bill Hume, president of the Eastern Surfing Association and a resident of Kill Devil Hills, also voiced support for the zoning change.
``These kids need an area where they can go,'' he said. ``My son has to go all the way to Virginia Beach to skateboard safely. The kids need an outlet.''
Many parents expressed concern about children skateboarding on public streets and in shopping center parking lots, where traffic is a problem.
But Bill Stover, the lone opponent to the change who spoke at Wednesday's public hearing, said approving skateboard ramps moves the town a step closer to becoming an overdeveloped resort area, like Myrtle Beach, S.C., or Ocean City, Md. Stover also expressed concern about noise from the park.
``If you do this, you'll have youngsters egging each other on, and screaming at the top of their lungs,'' Stover said.
Under the new provision, any skateboard facility must be approved by a North Carolina licensed engineer. Hours of operation will be limited from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Owners must also take steps to reduce noise. The skateboard ramps must also meet industry standards.
Commissioners also approved language that requires the operator to receive an annual certification of liability insurance and provide adequate security when the skateboard park is closed.
Chip Cowan, the owner of Kill Devil Hills Cycle and Skate, was pleased with the commission vote. Cowan was the first to seek the zoning change.
``It's been a long fight,'' Cowan said. ``It's like making the playoffs. We've cleared one hurdle and now we've got to cross more specific hurdles. I don't want to get too excited. We've still got a lot of work to do.''
Commissioners said a skateboard park could benefit the community.
``It looks like we have overwhelming support for this,'' Commissioner Jimmy Dean Hanks said. ``I believe it helps the kids and promotes recreation and youth activities.''
Also Wednesday, the commission agreed to begin negotiations with The Nature Conservancy and Nags Head Woods about placing 100 acres of town property under the protection of the 1,400-acre maritime forest.
The tract of land is located in the heart of the preserve.
Barbara Blonder, a biologist with Nags Head Woods, said the preserve wants to build on its already good relationship with Kill Devil Hills.
``We're not here with our hand out,'' Blonder said. ``This is the first step in building a community-based partnership.''
Commissioners were given a copy of Nags Head Woods' four-year management plan. Commissioner Jeff Shields was appointed to work as a liaison with Nags Head Woods and The Nature Conservancy.
Also, the commission will begin its search for a police chief to replace Jim Gradeless, who will retire next month. The panel appointed three citizens to serve on the search committee: Realtor Bobby Rollason, Fire Department volunteer Bill Logan and Personnel Board member Jackie Ricks. Also, Town Manager Debora Diaz, Administrative Services Director Shawn Murphy and an appointee from an outside fire department will complete the group. The commission has set a work session for May 1.
In other action, the board voted:
To buy a new four-wheel drive utility vehicle for Fire Chief Doug Penland, at a cost of $24,491. Commissioner E. M. ``Coy'' Harbeson voted against the purchase.
To spend $12,130 for improvements at the Ocean Bay Boulevard bathhouse.
To buy a police dog to replace Skeeter, a Labrador retriever who is being retired because of blindness. Skeeter, who is used in drug searches and other responsibilities, will be adopted by Kill Devil Hills Cpl. Mark Grant and his family. by CNB