Hatteras Island Highlights from Dare County BOC Meeting

The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered several of issues that affected Hatteras Islanders at their October 17 meeting in Manteo.

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

Flood Map Status Report

Planning Director Donna Creef provided an update regarding the proposed flood maps.

She reported that the 90 day appeal period will end on November 14 and reminded the Board that they, along with the Commissioners in each of the six towns, voted not to appeal the new maps, but instead submitted comments to the state.

Creef has worked with the Towns to develop an informational campaign focusing on the importance of flood insurance using the catchphrase “LOW RISK is not NO RISK”. She is also working to develop a local elevation standard to address flood risks that are not depicted on the maps and also future changes.

The Board directed Creef to proceed with development of the local elevation standard that will be brought back for their consideration early next year. Creef will also bring back recommended amendments for some of the zoning districts so that building heights that currently reference base flood will be updated to include the new local elevation standard.

Citizen Input Regarding Future Development of COA – Dare Campus

As College of The Albemarle plans for future development of the Dare County campus, seven citizens took time to provide input.

Tom Murphy spoke about the need for a local steering committee so there will be more input from local people for the local campus. Other speakers stressed the need for skills-based learning such as HVAC, plumbing, culinary arts and other trades critical to existing local businesses and our economy. School Board Member Joe Tauber spoke about the importance of partnering with the school system to develop technical career curriculum that will provide opportunities for our children’s future career success.  Dr. Bob Wynegar, President of COA, said that the college is excited about partnering with Dare to expand the campus for the local community. 

Upcoming Public Hearings

Commissioners also scheduled two public hearings for Monday, November 20.

One public hearing pertains to a request from Dare Storage LLC to amend the zoning text to add group developments to the list of uses allowed in the Skyco Neighborhood Commercial district on Roanoke Island. 

The other public hearing is for a request from Outer Banks Dare Challenge LLC to amend the zoning text to add residential recovery and treatment centers to the list of uses allowed in the Highway 345 Business Zoning district on Roanoke Island.

Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 6 at 9 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.