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Five notable projects are underway in the Town of Manteo.

“A lot of good things are happening in Manteo,” said Mayor Bobby Owens after a key projects report from town manager James Ayers at a mid-month workshop for the town’s commissioners.

The report touched on the town’s affordable housing pilot project, westside drainage improvements, Town Common Phase II, a Davis lot proposal and a state project for the Shallowbag Bay sewer pump station.

Affordable Housing Pilot Project: The project is slated for a 0.909 acre lot at the intersection of Sir Walter Raleigh and Bideford streets. The town is expected to review proposals in mid-December. Ayers stressed flexibility in crafting a request for proposals as the town is open to a public-private partnership, for-profit or non-profit participation, single- or multi-family development and rental units or for purchase structures.

Criteria for evaluating proposals may include the capabilities of the firm, its approach to work, production schedule and financial considerations, such as subsidies.

Mayor Pro Tem Betty Selby asked that the property be bush hogged so that it’s possible to walk the land.

Westside Drainage Improvements. The project applies to west of Hwy. 64 on Fernando, Agona and Simon Streets. Surveying is underway after a delay. Once surveying is completed, design work and construction drawings will take place November-December 2021. The bid process will occur January-February 2022. A contract, assuming bids are submitted, is expected to be before the board of commissioners in February 2022 and construction should span March through June 2022.

Town Common Phase II. A design with floor plan for restrooms at the Town Common is completed. The town’s Preservation and Architectural Review Committee has reviewed the plan as has the Planning and Zoning Board which approved the site plan. The bid process is expected to happen November-December 2021 with a contract issued in January 2022 and construction between January and May 2022.

Davis Lot. The 5,071-square-foot lot, which is town owned, is located between Poor Richard’s and the Waterfront Condominiums. The town is required to maintain a view of the Elizabeth II. Surveying is completed and permitting is underway. Bidding is expected in November and a contract in December. The Planning and Zoning Board will consider the site plan. Construction occurs January through March 2022.

As described by Ayers, the plan features a curved walkway with pervious surface, benches, picnic tables, landscaping close to adjacent buildings, turf space for tents for art shows and space for a small stage.

Shallowbag Bay Sewer Pump Station. The project objectives are to continue sewer service to a wide area of town; protect the environment by preventing overflows; and ensure service even in severe weather or power outage. This project is underway. Mobilization will close off the parking area in mid-November. Construction will go from November 2021 to June 2022.

The total project cost is $1.3 million, with a $1.1 million contract. The state will forgive $500,000 with the remainder converted to a no-interest loan for 20 years.

The workshop took place Oct. 20, 2021. A video of the entire meeting is available through the town’s website.

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