Highlights from the March 19 BOC Meeting

T he Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered several Hatteras Island-related issues at their March 19 meeting in Manteo.

Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following.   

Public Hearing on Food Stands and Mobile Food Units   

Eight citizens, all in support, came forward to speak about the proposed set of zoning amendments for food stands and mobile food units in unincorporated Dare County. Several of the speakers currently operate local restaurants and expressed that, done responsibly, food trucks would be a good addition.

Following the hearing, the Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the full set of amendments with one revision that eliminates the reference to restaurant affiliations. Planning Director Donna Creef assured the Board that applicants hoping to be in business this season would not encounter delays through the Planning Department as long as their documentation is in order and meets the outlined requirements. These amendments apply for the unincorporated areas of Dare County.      

Mirlo Commemoration Day and Week Proclaimed

Commissioners proclaimed August 16, 2018 as Mirlo Commemoration Day and August 13 – 17 Mirlo Commemoration Week in recognition of the daring rescue that occurred in August 1918 when Captain John Allen and his crew rescued 42 seamen aboard the British Tanker Mirlo after it was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. For more information about plans for celebrating the Mirlo’s Centennial Celebration, visit www.chicamacomico.org.

Chairman’s Update

Chairman Bob Woodard provided information about two recent visits to Washington, DC to meet with various representatives and White House staff members to discuss important and pressing county issues. Vice Chairman Wally Overman provided detailed information about a meeting with Senator Burr’s office that focused on infrastructure needs in northeastern North Carolina and projects for consideration as part of the $6 billion appropriation from the Bipartisan Budget Act. 

Topics included the opioid epidemic and the need for regional treatment facilities, the stabilization of Oregon Inlet, the need to fast track permitting for dredging at Hatteras Inlet and replacement of the Alligator River Bridge.

Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. For more information about the Dare County Board of Commissioners, including full agenda packets and the video of entire meetings, visit darenc.com/boc.