Brunswick County has a plan to attract new business
On the northwestern edge of Brunswick County, there lies a 539-acre parcel that officials believe to be the ideal location for future businesses. Consequently, the county is planning to acquire the land. Last month, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of this property at a rate of $35,000 per acre, amounting to over $18.8 million. Brunswick leaders anticipate that this acquisition will facilitate their ability to attract new companies to the area by securing control over the land.
The 539-acre site is situated at 5060 Andrew Jackson Highway in Northwest Township. The land will be transferred to Brunswick County through two transactions: an initial 131-acre parcel later this year and a second 408-acre tract next year, as per the contract terms.
Once the contract is signed, county leaders will have a 30-day due diligence period to assess the land for environmental conditions and other factors. Following this period, the parties will schedule a closing date, which must be at least 60 days after the due diligence period’s conclusion, as outlined in the contract.
County leaders have expressed widespread support for this purchase, emphasizing its potential to attract new companies and job opportunities to the rapidly growing county.
The Growing Hampstead area is one step closer to getting a new school
Last month, the Pender County planning board voted unanimously to rezone 165 acres in Hampstead, marking the next crucial step towards the construction of a proposed K-8 school. The County Commissioners have already allocated $6 million for the purchase of the land. The selected site is situated approximately half a mile west of the intersection of NC Hwy 210 and Peanut Road. Before school construction can commence, several additional steps must be taken.
The Board of Commissioners must now approve the rezoning, and this matter is already on the agenda for November 20th. If approved, the issue will then proceed to the board of education, which will need to submit a site-specific development plan. This plan will likely encompass the widening of Hwy 210, necessitating the involvement and approval of the North Carolina Department of Transportation at some point in the process. If all these steps progress without delay, the new school could be ready by the start of the 2026/2027 academic year.
Brunswick County wants to build a 14 mile trail
Brunswick County officials are in the process of developing a plan to create a 14-mile trail that will connect two county parks. This trail will span from Phoenix Park in Navassa to the Brunswick Nature Park on N.C. 133 and will be paved, catering to walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
Last month, transportation officials initiated a public survey aimed at gathering input from citizens regarding the trail’s design. The survey closed on October 31st. After the results have been compiled, they will be used to guide transportation officials in conducting a feasibility study.
Leland gets study back on plans to build a minor league baseball stadium
The town of Leland has now revealed the anticipated costs for constructing a minor league stadium, and the figures are considerably higher than initially expected. If the plans come to fruition, this ballpark will become the home of a Texas Rangers affiliate and will be situated on 1,400 acres near the Brunswick Forest neighborhood.
Last month, the town council reviewed an economic viability study, which projected the project’s price tag at $105 million, a substantial increase from the original estimates, which were closer to $20 million. In addition to the baseball stadium, the proposal encompasses areas for commercial developments, such as hotels and restaurants. It’s important to note that the $105 million budget only covers the cost of the stadium, while the entire project is estimated to cost $2.3 billion.
Town leaders have clarified that Leland will not be solely responsible for financing the project if they choose to proceed with it. Part of the upcoming steps in this process is determining how the project will be funded.
Something New for the Kids in Carolina Beach
The town of Carolina Beach has a goal to establish itself as a family vacation destination. As a step towards this, they will break ground this month and anticipate completing the construction of a new playground at Lake Park. This project is named the Brandy Myers Memorial Playground, in honor of a young girl who tragically passed away from leukemia in 1997. Brandy’s parents generously donated $1 million towards the project, and an additional $175,000 was obtained through a grant from the NC Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for November 2nd, and officials are optimistic that the work will be finished by the end of the month.