CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – Carolina Beach Town Council voted Aug. 4 to spend $475,000 on property near the town’s fire department to prepare for future growth and the eventual expansion of fire services.
The property is on Charlotte Avenue next to the Carolina Beach Fire Department. The town said the purchase aligns with a recently completed facility plan and will be funded by existing debt service funds instead of reserve funds.
The purchase will give the department flexibility to meet current operational demands and future service needs as the community grows, Fire Chief Alan Griffin said.
The town also is spending nearly $1 million on Bridge Barrier Road to move utilities and public works, giving those departments more room to operate. Town Manager Bruce Oakley said the town will close on that property this month.
Earlier this year, the town purchased nine properties near the boardwalk for $12 million. The properties will be reserved for recreational use. The town expects to finalize the Charlotte Avenue and boardwalk deals in September, Oakley said.
Oakley said the purchases are part of the town’s planning for future needs.
“This plan for the future, it may be some costs out of the town’s pocket right now, but it’s going to save money in the long run,” Oakley said. “We think a lot of money in the long run, so we’re excited about that.”
There are no immediate plans to begin construction on an expansion, the town said.
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