THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 24, 1997 TAG: 9701240546
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY LANE DEGREGORY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: 50 lines
Motorists wanting to drive along the beach in this Outer Banks town may have to pay for the privilege.
During their regular board meeting Wednesday night, commissioners scheduled a public hearing to get input about whether to issue beach driving permits. No fee was discussed. Currently, driving along the beach is free in Kill Devil Hills.
``The idea came from a goals meeting we held earlier this month when we were trying to find new ways to generate revenue,'' Kill Devil Hills Commissioner Jeff Shields said. ``It's not just a money-making idea, though. We have to look at protecting the condition of the beach, too.
``We want to get the citizens' feelings on the subject,'' said Shields. ``Anyone can speak at this hearing. It's just a sounding board to give direction to the town.''
The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Kill Devil Hills town hall.
Nags Head has issued beach driving permits for at least eight years. The $25 passes allow residents and visitors to cruise along the ocean in that town from Oct. 1 through April 30. Some of the money generated from driving permit sales is used to maintain public beach accesses.
In other business Wednesday night, Kill Devil Hills commissioners:
Changed an accountant position in the town's finance department to a new job: deputy finance officer. The upgraded position will pay between $28,361 and $44,000. The current accountant position pays between $21,165 and $32,834.
Voted to proceed with a grant application requesting $250,000 to make improvements at Meekins Field, near the town's fire station.
Voted to oppose new Coastal Area Management Act rules that restrict soundside pier construction.
Heard a progress report on plans for a new building to house the town's planning, inspections, tax and finance departments. The 7,000-square-foot building is projected to cost between $560,000 to $750,000. Engineers said they are about ready to put a bid documents package together.
Appointed commissioners Bill Morris and Jimmy Dean Hanks as alternate representatives to the Dare County control group. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
DRIVING PERMITS
The Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners will hold a public
hearing to receive input about whether to institute beach driving
permits. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Kill
Devil Hills town hall.
For more information, call 480-4000.