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In a special called meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, Dare County’s commissioners wrangled with options to purchase 10.5 acres, now-clear cut, in Wanchese.

At least 50 people came to the meeting to support ideas for purchasing the acreage now owned by Brad Alexander’s Aria Construction and Development, Inc., of Creswell.

Fierce Wanchese opposition emerged to the original Alexander proposal for a cluster home development for housing to be rented on a long-term basis. The current cluster home development regulations limit structures to 1,200 square feet of heated space.

The original proposal under the cluster home rules was approved. Alexander’s site plan has changed, reducing the number of houses from 60 to 48 with one septic system rather than the six previously approved. The changes were reductions, not increases, which would have triggered review of the project. Alexander’s project proceeded.

The opposition to cluster housing was so strong that Dare’s commissioners removed it from 10 Wanchese zoning districts.

Carson Creef, one of the newly-elected commissioners, said the situation “caused me to pursue this seat.”

Another of the newly-seated commissioners, Mike Burrus, who is a life-long Wancheser, proposed setting up a service district for purchasing the 10.5 acres. Under his proposal, over 15 years, property owners in Wanchese would pay off the debt. Alternatively, he suggested using money set aside for essential housing or condemn the property.

Thus, the January 15 meeting was called.

Board Chairman Robert L. Woodard and county manager Robert L. Outten both spoke about the current situation.

When Alexander filed his development proposal, the property at Old Wharf Road (SR 1168) and Brinkley Dr. was under contract. On July 31, 2024, Alexander paid $1 million to James V. Daughtry for the 10.5 acres. The assessed value in 2024 was $300,600.

Dare County commissioners reached out and offered to purchase the land for $2.5 million with a top price at $3 million. In a phone call with Outten, Alexander said he was asking $5 million.

With the new purchase ideas, Outten again contacted Alexander. The price was now $6 million because the land was cleared.

Outten reported on what a Wanchese service district tax levy would be for $6 million over 10 years: eight cents. In 2024, each Wanchese property owner paid countywide tax at 40.05 cents, Roanoke Island Fire 3.66 cents, Wanchese Community Center 2.21 cents and Sanitation at 11 cents for a total of very close to 57 cents per $100 valuation.

For both the service district and for condemnation, the state’s General Statutes state a public purpose is required.

A service district can be created for beach erosion, fire protection, recreation, sewage collection and disposal, solid waste collection and disposal, water supply and distribution systems, ambulance and rescue, watershed improvement projects, cemeteries.

Condemning property can be used for:

– Establishing, extending, enlarging or improving public enterprises, parks, playgrounds and other recreation facilities, storm sewer and drainage systems and works, hospital facilities, cemeteries or library facilities.

– Constructing, enlarging or improving city halls, fire stations, office buildings, courthouse jails and other buildings for use by any department, board, commission or agency.

– Establishing drainage programs and programs to prevent obstructions to the natural flow of streams, creeks and natural water channels or improving drainage facilities.

– Acquiring designated historic properties.

– Opening, widening, extending or improving public wharves.

– Engaging in or participating with other governmental entities in acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, extending or otherwise building or improving beach erosion control or flood and hurricane protection works.

– Establishing access for the public to public trust beaches and appurtenant parking areas.

Outten described the condemnation process. Notice is given. A lawsuit is filed. Appraisers are hired and the value may be contested. How much is paid by the plaintiff is up to a jury.

First round of commissioner comments

Woodard called on each commissioner:

Burrus presented his three options.

Mary Ellon Ballance asked questions about current tax rates.

Rob Ross said he was “really reluctant to enrich Alexander for $5 million. That’s a ‘no.’”

Steve House said “I do not like this project.” He charged that Alexander was “obviously not dealing in good faith with us.”

Ervin Bateman said that offers to purchase from Wanchese Preservation Society were rejected. Dare County turned down purchasing for $5 million. He charged Alexander with not caring about the county.

Creef thanked Woodard for publically apologizing. He said the property was not worth $6 million. “We want to lower taxes … It’s not the right thing to do.”

Woodard said he can’t in good conscience spend the county’s money to purchase the property. He seemed not to like using the essential housing money reserved for essential housing to outright purchase the property.

Public comment

Woodard called for public comment. A dozen people spoke.

Mitchell Bateman said the mistake was made by the board, which should finish fixing it.

David Bragg said claw back the supplement given to the school board for free lunches for all students.

Lorraine Tillett argued for condemnation. “We need an ambulance” and Emergency Medical Services station.

Craig Parker lives across the street. He estimated at least 10 loads of timber was pulled from the clear cut. “It’s really being trashed now.” He charged the county had for years taken from Wanchese. “You’re still not ready to do anything for us.”

Justin Bateman put a positive spin on the whole situation. “Consider what we can do with the property. Focus on what it can be. We’ve got to look to the future.”

William Brooks said “Y’all need to rectify your mistake. Condemn it … Give us what we deserve.”

John Bayliss supported using the land for recreation and Emergency Medical Services. “Find a way.”

Ken Mann argued for the whole county to join in paying for the outright purchase. “I just believe it is the right thing to do.”

Second round of commissioner comments

Woodard once again called on each commissioner.

Burrus said “let’s spend the money … because it’s the right thing to do.” He supported purchasing the land outright, calling it “the least slippery of the slopes.”

Ballance said “it hurts my heart that you don’t have an ambulance.” Pay for it or condemn it was her position.

Ross maintained his opposition.

House wanted more information on condemnation.

Bateman: “I’m not in favor of paying the guy $6 million.” He voiced support for eminent domain.

Creef started with “I’m an extreme conservative.” He is open to condemning. He said no to a tax district.

Woodard opined that he could not support “putting another tax burden on residents of Wanchese. Nor can I spend $6 million.”

Woodard said he was willing to sit down with Alexander. “I’ll meet with him as soon as possible. If I’m not successful, we’ll come back here.”

The board adjourned for a closed session to come up with negotiating instructions for the purchase of the Wanchese property.

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