11 Jul 2014
All Subdivisions/Phases Plan for Centralized Mail Delivery
Instead of enabling delivery to individual homes, USPS has decided that “centralized delivery” is a more efficient way to provide mail service. USPS changed the Postal Operations Manual in 2012, removing the ability for the developer and Postmaster to make a joint decision on means of delivery. Now, developers wanting to provide mail service need
11 Jul 2014
General Assembly Winding Down?
At press time, the legislative calendar was rapidly winding down. The waning days of session bring a flurry of bills, several of which are very important to BASE. Understanding the impact of the USPS issue, BASE staff crafted legislation to proactively fix an issue with DENR stormwater permits in subdivisions forced to install concrete pads
10 Jul 2014
Turtle Habitat to Frustrate Beach & Inlet Permitting?
Recently, 685 miles of beaches from North Carolina to Mississippi were designated “critical habitat” for loggerhead sea turtles. This designation is the largest federal protection of its kind and includes 68 miles of coastline in Topsail Island, Lea-Hutaff Island, Pleasure Island, Bald Head Island, Oak Island and Holden Beach. Local government officials are greatly concerned
09 Jul 2014
Wilmington City Council Approves Transportation Bond Referendum
At their July 8 meeting, the Wilmington City Council approved a $44 million bond referendum which would allow for $55 million in transportation improvements within the city. The remaining $11 million would come from existing funds. Traffic has consistently been a primary concern for citizens in years of citizen surveys. On May 20, Council heard
08 Jul 2014
Leland Council Nixes $1 Inspection Fee
As a way of attracting business to the area, Leland town officials reduced the town’s inspection fee to just one dollar last year. This was a bold move and more than likely had an positive impact on our members’ bottom lines. However after careful consideration of this year’s budget and the town’s overall finances the
02 Jul 2014
NC Building Code Update – Low-E Emergency Rule Effective July 2
As reported by multiple local news outlets across the country and documented by aninvestigation by local NC television station WRAL, there are concerns regarding how low-e windows’ high reflectance could concentrate sunlight and contribute to the melting of vinyl siding of houses and plastic on cars. The NC Building Code Council adopted an Emergency Rule
25 Jun 2014
Updated Wilmington MPO Traffic Count Map
The Wilmington MPO’s interactive Traffic Count Map has been updated to provide the most recent data available from the Wilmington MPO’s traffic count program. This information is useful for governments, developers, real estate agents, etc. to evaluate traffic counts on certain roads in the MPO region. Attached is an interactive map that allows you to
13 Jun 2014
Waters of the US Comment Period Extended until October 20, 2014
Yesterday, we received word that the EPA and Corps of Engineers officially have extended the deadline for official comments by 91 days, to October 20, 2014. Originally the EPA had set a date of July 21st. The extension of the deadline shows that your efforts are making an impact! Even with this positive news, we
09 Jun 2014
NTB requires special-use permit for large homes
By Michael Todd, JD News NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH – Anyone who wants to build a house with more than eight bedrooms and 5,000 square feet now must acquire a special-use permit in North Topsail Beach, the town’s Board of Alderman ruled unanimously at its meeting last week. The measure would require builders to acquire the additional permit
04 Jun 2014
BASE Hosting Wetlands Seminar; Register Now
On June 25th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the New Hanover County Executive Development Center, the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE) will present a panel discussion: How Will EPA/USACE Wetland Rule Changes Impact Your Investments? PANELISTS Jim Spangler Matt Hanchey Spangler