THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701240223
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GUEST COLUMN
TYPE: Editorial
SOURCE: Catherine Kozak
LENGTH: 74 lines
At the risk of being strung up by Outer Banks natives, permit me to air some frustrations that crop up frequently among the masses. Minor gripes, aired in guilt-laden voices. There's an unspoken code here that you don't complain too loudly about what these off-the-beaten track barrier islands don't have. Except, of course, if you're talking about a new high school. But, hey, with all this growth already stretching everyone's patience and tolerance, we might as well speak up.
Diversity. We need more diversity. Not in natural beauty - I'm not blind - but in service-oriented and retail businesses. We've got great restaurants, but there are few places to buy ethnic or gourmet food supplies. Like a big bunch of fresh basil and a gallon of olive oil. We've got fabulous shops that sell handmade surfboards and the best kites in the world. But we have to run all over the beach to stock our baby's nursery. And there's some places you can find nice clothes, but affording them is another thing.
What I miss more than anything is a well-stocked health-food store. One that has a little bit of everything, holds monthly sales, and welcomes children. After all, a person doesn't have to be a fanatical health-nut to need what health food stores typically offer: vitamins, whole grains, kid-friendly non-toxic cereals, organic food.
Admit it, we all bounce between Wal-Mart and Kmart because we can't find the item we want anywhere else. Or it's priced at top dollar vacationer rates. Anyone who sews can't help but yearn for a good fabric store on the beach. It amazes me that even a much-needed service like sail repair is so tough to find in this water-oriented community. I'm not talking luxuries here - just everyday stuff. Heel off your shoe? Off to Elizabeth City you go.
Which brings us to the subject of driving. Can't we just have one bus, one lousy little bus, that goes up and down the bypass? Parents, think of much that could free you up. Or how about those innovative car pool banks other isolated communities organize?
A cooperative well-organized barter network - can you think of a better place for that? The lawyer needs his house painted in the winter. The painter needs winter work. The painter, being short of work, has no money to pay a lawyer. They trade services, not cash.
More than 25,000 people live year-round in this county, but we could do a lot more to help each other. Locals that open new businesses might do just fine if they consider the needs and desires of the community that lives here. Come on, we have lots of vacant shops in the strip malls that exist already. Every year, more shops go up. Residents' needs are not served - merchants don't strike me dead - by another T-shirt shop. Frankly, we resent it.
I grew up in the New Jersey suburbs, where shopping is a major recreational activity - perhaps the only remaining recreational activity. Driving around may be the second favorite recreation. But when I was growing up, I rode my horse in woods where there's now half-million dollar houses lining the streets. I witnessed neighborhoods and downtown shopping areas being subsumed by malls and glitz. Just like a lot of transplants to Dare County, I'd rather drive to Chesapeake any day than see this lovely land become a shallow character-less shopper's paradise.
But there's nothing wrong with a good-old fashioned establishment where we can buy the basics: a pair of name-brand jeans, sporting goods, discount designer clothing. It won't change the quirky charm of the Outer Banks, and we'll still have to buzz up to Virginia occasionally. That's part of life on the barrier islands, and it's a great trade-off. But the less we have to go for necessities, the better.
Here's a locals' wish list gathered in a quick highly unscientific poll:
A sports bar where you can gather with friends to watch a national event.
An ice-skating rink
A suds-and-duds laundromat gathering spot.
A car-pool network to the northeast.
Cooking classes for kids.
An all-night breakfast joint.
A quick oil change shop.
A car wash service with attendents.
A bookstore with a coffee shop.