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At their January 8 meeting, Nags Head commissioners accepted a $500,000 grant from NC Land and Water Fund to create an almost one-mile living shoreline along the Harvey Soundside/Soundside Event Site. Mayor Ben Cahoon said that he is very excited about this project which has been “a long time coming.”

Commissioners also approved a special use permit/site plan amendment for the same location.

The applicant, Albemarle & Associates Ltd on behalf of Dare County Tourism Board, requested three approvals for the project. The first is the inclusion of five additional properties as part of the event site on South Croatan Highway (sites of former Dairy Queen, Aerial Adventure park, Pamlico Jack’s, and South Beach Grill); the second is for boardwalks, gazebos, platforms and docking facilities; and the third is for the construction of 10 pickleball courts.

Mayor Cahoon asked about the use of boat slips and what type of craft may be using those slips. John DeLucia of Albemarle & Associates said he is expecting small crafts like jet skis or small boats to use the slips. In response to a question from town manager Andy Garman about pickleball court lighting, DeLucia assured commissioners that the lights would be on only when the courts were open and in use.

Also related to the issue of lighting, planning director Kelly Wyatt discussed a new townwide initiative to promote “Dark Skies and Bright Stars.”

A page on the town’s website dedicated to educating the public on this new initiative states, “By encouraging residents, businesses, and visitors to minimize unnecessary artificial lighting, the initiative aims to protect wildlife, enhance public health, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the stunning view of the stars.”

Commissioners also approved an updated services award policy for employees, increasing the value of gifts for employees at five-year increment points. The update is designed to provide more meaningful gifts of appreciation to long-time employees.

Mayor Cahoon shared an update on the vacant commissioner seat. The board received 14 applications. Cahoon, who expressed gratefulness for all of the applicants, expects the board to select the new commissioner at the January 22 meeting.

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