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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAMA Land Use Plan Update-1986i I CITY COUNCIL Berry Williams, Mayor Donald Betz, Mayor Pro-Tem Irving Fogler Katherine Hoyt Luther Jordan Tony Pate Robert D. Shipp William B. Farris, City Manager WILMINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION Daniel D. Retchin, Chairman Larry Sneeden, Vice -Chairman James C. Barker Gloria Berger Les Edwards Dorothy Forbes Oscar Graham Arcelia Wicker, Sr., Director of Planning & Development PROJECT PLANNING STAFF Georgia W. Smallman Glenn Harbeck Scott Shuford Charles A. Lilley Johnnie Southerland David Weaver, County Liason COVER DESIGN & MAPS Octavia Micuda SECRETARIAL Teresa Elmore The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Resources Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. U ' C Q COMMUNITY FACILITY STUDY CITY OF WILMINGTON AND NEW HANOVER COUNTY , N.C. AUGUST, 1985 LlRevised July 1986 COMMUNITY FACILITIES STUDY City of Wilmington and New Hanover County CONTENTS 1. Introduction and Purpose 2. Survey of Facilities 2.1 Fire and Emergency Protective Services 2.2 Law Enforcement 2.3 Sanitary Sewerage System 2.4 Stormwater Drainage Systems 2.5 Water Systems 2.6 Solid Waste Management 2.7 Streets and Roads 2.8 Street Lighting 2.9 School System and Educational Institutions 2.10 Transportation 2.11 Health Services 2.12 Social Services and Housing 2.13 Parks and Recreation 2.14 Cultural Institutions 2.15 Administration and Judiciary 3 Index of Facilities I INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Community Facilities Study is to give a brief description of the key facilities and services available in the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County. Emphasis is a placed on types of service, service area, existing and proposed facilities available, labor involved, inventory of capital equipment, and recent changes within each facility. Facilities n include City and County operations,. and, in some instances, State ,U► facilities. An overall assessment of these facilities and their function will be helpful to community officials, planners and citizens in the period of rapid growth and change which is ri underway in the local area. (� Research Methods (� Each particular department or agency program was contacted regarding each facility. Data was gathered through interviews with officials responsible for operation of that particular facility, reports and brochures prepared by the department or agency, maps of appropriate locations and operations, and, in a some instances, news accounts of that department or agency's operation. G G 0 a a 0 e 0 FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE 0 SERVICES 0 0 0 c 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROTECTION CITY OF WILMINGTON The Wilmington Fire Department, except for a mutual aid .agreement with area volunteerfire departments, limits its fire protection service to those areas within the City's corporate limits. The Department has established a response -time standard of four minutes after the initial request -for -aid. To accomplish this goal, the Department maintains six fire stations strategically dispersed throughout the City. These stations are described below. There have been recent changes to the Fire Department's existing facilities. An older station on Willard Street closed in July 1985, after a new one on Carolina Beach Road was opened. The new station will serve the recently -annexed Pine Valley and South Wilmington sections. A second new station, located on Pine Grove Drive adjacent to the Municipal Golf Course, was also opened in July, 1985, to serve the Winter Park section, another recently - annexed area. For fire insurance purposes, the Department holds a 112" rating. When ranked on a 1(best) to 10(worst) rating scale according to accepted State standards, the Department's sufficiency of equipment and trained personnel rates well. Currently, the Wilmington Fire Department has a personnel roster of 131 employees, of which seven are civilians and the rest are trained professional firemen. Three divisions function within the Department: Suppression, Fire Prevention, and Support Services. Suppression Division staff are principally assigned to eleven companies, according to the types of equipment which they operate: 7 Pumper Companies 2 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Companies 2 Ladder Companies* (* EMS personnel are assigned to one of the ladder companies) Equipment and staff assignments for each fire station are as follows: Fire Station Carolina Beach Road Wellington Avenue 2.1-1 EXISTING FACILITIES Established 1985 Equipment Pumper Brush Truck 1974 Pumper PU Foam Truck Brush Truck Tanker Staff 12 12 Fire Stations Empie Park Established Headquarters (4th & Dock Streets) Princess Place Drive Wallace Avenue 1965 1955 Equipment Staff Pumper 24 Aerial Truck Rescue Ambulance 3 Pumpers 41 Aerial Truck 2 Brush Trucks Rescue Amulance Fire Boat Rescue Boat 1972 Pumper 12 Brush Truck Jeep Light Plant 1985 Pumper 12 Brush Truck Tanker NEW HANOVER COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS Fire protection service in unincorporated areas of New Hanover County is presently provided by eight County volunteer fire departments. These volunteer fire departments are manned by trained volunteer personnel, with funding for equipment coming from cash contributions from the County, fund-raising efforts, and private contributions. All of the volunteer fire departments have identical fire insurance ratings of "9" as compared to the "2" rating for the City of Wilmington. The volunteer fire departments are continually attempting to upgrade their rating through better training and equipment. One example of these efforts is a present emphasis on developing a "quick dump system" which allows for rapid filling and unfilling (1,OOO gallons/minute) of tank trucks. The County presently is examining the feasibility of creating a Fire Service District. This District, more fully described in a May 29,1985 County Planning Department report, would create a separate property tax to be used solely to support fire protection services in the unincorporated areas of the County. This taxing authority would likely improve the fire insurance ratings by providing_ greater financial stability which would lead to the purchase of new equipment. 2.1-2 Listed below is a description of personnel and equipment for u the volunteer fire departments: (} NEW HANOVER COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FACILITIES �j Name Personnel Pumpers Tankers Other Vehicles aCastle Hayne* 24 3 -- 1 Federal Point** 30 2 1 2 n U Myrtle Grove* 28 2 2 3 (� Ogden** 28 3 2 3 �j Seagate* 23 3 1 2 South Wilmington* 18 2 2 2 Winter Park** 29 4 1 1 Wrightsboro* 28 3 2 4 rl Total 208 22 11 18 ** 1984 data NEW HANOVER COUNTY RESCUE SQUADS New Hanover County is presently divided into three rescue squad districts, supervised and supported by the new (created February, 1986) Department of Emergency Services. Since the personnel in these rescue squads respond to all types of medical emergencies, they are trained and equipped for life support and trauma care. Presently the rescue squads are staffed by volunteers and are financially dependent on private contributions and fund-raising efforts. However, rescue squads will, under a recently -adopted plan, become a part of County government. It is anticipated that 80% of all rescue squad personnel will become County employees by August, 1986. EXISTING FACILITIES Catgry I-Emer. Crash/Rescue 4WD Utility Name Ambulances Vehicles Vehicles Boats Ogden/New Hanover Rescue 8 2 2 4 Pleasure Island Rescue 2-- Wilmington Fire Rescue 3 -- -- 1 Additional Equipment: Ogden/New Hanover Rescue has 2 portable and 2 fixed facility (25KW) generators. Wilmington Fire Rescue Squad has multiple facilities and related equipment available. New Hanover County also has 2 reserve ambulances.. 2.1-4 a Wilmington -New Hanover County Community Faoillf ies Study - LOCATION PUBLIC FACILITIES OF U CCUNTy 414 1 12 .- '• Ego IV — a. _ , CITY FIRE STATIONS T \ � Ol Carolina Beach Road 1 C ''ram \.'t- _ ' II v �-% _ / M 0 Wellington Avenue ` _`�� 3 Empie Park LAW ENFORCEMENT FACILITIES �.\ I ID o .� ® Headquarters Q1 Law Enforcement Center a (Fourth & Dock Streets) �Z�. �� { ^� �• �- © Jail Annex Facility O5 Princess Place Drive DWI Detention Center _ L'w•�'% `�"�. l •© RESCUE SQUADS © Wallace Avenue - -•-��. , ® Wilmington Police Department 0 Ogden -New Hanover Rescue = = �t ��� ' t / +•s. Wilmington Neighborhood Offices: ❑2 Pleasure Island Rescue _ ''1 s;. tea, � �• VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS v�•.f;'' ^• Jervay 3Q Wilmington Fire Rescue s �� 7 ne o Castle Ha ' y ® Creekwood °'"�• �)� - � ® Federal Point /%� a 'L ' - s Taylor Homes �. •`� r'- O9 Myrtle Grove ® Community Arts Center 10 Ogden �a ' LJ Wilmington Firearms Training Center I1 Seagate C =_ N-� 12 South Wilmington C 13 Winter Park .._> I `� scxs 114WUS 7 14 Wrightsboro . a C C Ell C L' L U Eli + (1 U .G LAW ENFORCEMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT U CITY OF WILMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT In 1961, the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) moved from City Hall into the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad office (� Building at 115 Red Cross Street. The WPD utilizes the basement L; and first two floors; the third floor is used by several other non-profit agencies. In addition, the WPD operates several other offices or facilities: 1. Neighborhood offices: a. Jervay, Creekwood, and Taylor Homes public housing complexes; b. Community Arts Center. 2. Firearms Training Center - at the Southside Sewage Treatment Plant For patrol purposes, the City is divided into seven patrol Q districts, each of which is staffed with patrol officer(s). Staffing levels vary according to the time of day or the day of week, or with manpower availability. In addition, officers are assigned to specialized foot patrol beats in Jervay, Creekwood, aTaylor Homes, and the Downtown Business areas. Officers are also used for crime prevention, criminal investigations, property and evidence control, crime.scene processing and vice/narcotics investigations. Performance for the WPD is measured by fluctuations in reported serious crime (Index Crimes), and by percentage of the crimes that are cleared (solved, unfounded, etc.). In 1985 the WPD clearance rate was 28% compared with the national average of 21%. The WPD responded to 59,000 calls for service, investigated 5,000.serious crimes and 3,350 traffic accidents, and made almost 9,400 arrests for various crimes and traffic violations. Equipment and Personnel: Marked and unmarked patrol cars total 45. In addition the WPD has two passenger vans, a van equiped for processing crime scenes, a bomb disposal trailer, a 22-foot police patrol boat, a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, a 3-wheel cycle, four 2-wheel motorcycles and three bicycles, all to be used for special police operations. Each officer on duty carries a portable 2-way radio, along with the standard duty equipment carried by a police officer. . A force of 117 sworn officers (all grades) are assisted by 32 permanent civilian personnel and 30 temporary or part-time personnel. The Department also includes a canine patrol, with (� three dogs and their two handlers. The dogs are kenneled by the (� handlers at their residences, and are usually transported in the Department's 4-wheel-drive vehicle. l.1 2.2-1 0 I 0 NEW HANOVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT The New Hanover County. Sheriff's Department is housed in the Law Enforcement Center located on Fourth Street between Market and Princess Streets. At this location is the County -wide Emergency Communication Center, whose primary function is to (� answer all incoming emergency calls and to dispatch appropriate l� emergency vehicles. The 911 Emergency Center dispatches for 16 agencies, and transfers calls to 12 agencies. In 1984, the Sheriff's Department answered 76,675 such calls. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of these were related to law enforcement. The County Jail is also located in the Law Enforcement Center and is operated by the Sheriffs Department. With a capacity for 120 prisoners, it houses all subjects arrested by local law enforcement agencies in the County, plus Federal prisoners. Currently, a building on Division Drive is being renovated to serve as a Jail Annex Facility, and will house additional inmates. A special Detention Center for those convicted of Driving While Impaired offenses has been recently set up in the building on Division Drive which was formerly occupied by the New Hanover County Extension Service. It has been completely remodeled for its new use, with a capacity of 80 prisoners who need few security arrangements. A staff of 8 will serve this facility. Law Enforcement in Unincorporated Areas Main concerns of the Sheriff's Department are the suppression of crime, the apprehension of criminals, and the (� recovery of stolen property in the unincorporated areas of the u County. In addition to these duties, the Department operates the jail as well as the courtrooms, and serves all civil process within the County. It is the principal law enforcement agency having County -wide jurisdiction within New Hanover County. For law enforcement purposes, the County is divided into 12 sectors. Sheriff's Deputies cover these sectors in both marked {� and unmarked cars. lJ In 1985 Part 1 crimes (the eight most serious crimes as defined by the Uniform Crime Report) in unincorporated areas of (� New Hanover County were down 17% from 1984. Part 1 arrests were up 76%, and the clearance rate for crimes committed in 1985 was over 51% U Vehicles and Equipment Currently the Sheriff's Department operates 52 marked and unmarked vehicles. In addition, it operates a 19-foot outboard rescue boat, a tactical squad van, a crime scene van, a 4-wheel- drive all -terrain cycle, and a 1/4-ton 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Each deputy is equipped with a portable radio as well as a mobile radio installed in each vehiicle. I 2.2-2 0 Personnel The Sheriff's Department has a total of 143 sworn and civilian support personnel. These include a two -man bomb squad, a canine unit, and a special tactical squad that is trained to respond to special and unusual conditions. 0 NEW HANOVER COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER Located at 220 Division Drive, this headquarters for the New Hanover County Health Department Animal Control Officer houses stray and injured animals, and those which have been taken into custody for biting or suspicion of rabies. The center has 65 dog runs, 32 cat pens, and two covered pens for animals difficult to control. The Animal Control Officer must enforce a County -wide Control Ordinance which requires that dogs be restrained, penned, or otherwise under the owner's control at all times. Strays are picked up and brought to this Center. Those which are still unclaimed after remaining in the Center for five working days are generally destroyed or put up for adoption. When animals have to be destroyed, a carbon monoxide chamber is used. The officer also enforces State laws which seek to control the spread of rabies. By law, rabies control clinics must be held for four weeks.each year in order to provide an opportunity (� for owners of dogs and cats to obtain the required annual vaccination for their pets. The Animal Control staff operate one horse trailer and five pick-up trucks with specially constructed animal confinement o boxes in the rear. Their efforts are not restricted to dogs and cats; almost any type of domesticated animal has been handled by the staff at some time or other. One officer is always on call to pick up injured animals. Except for Wrightsville Beach, which has its own Animal Control Officer and its own animal shelter, the New Hanover Animal Control Division functions in all areas of the County. 0 C C 0 E e G 0 0 I SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM CITY OF WILMINGTON The municipal sanitary sewerage collection system consists of 35 lift stations and more than 250 miles of pipe. These carry the wastewater flow to either the Loughlin (Northside) Wastewater Treatment Plant on Smith Creek, or the M'Kean Maffitt (Southside) Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Gape Fear River. At both of these facilities, the wastewater receives secondary treatment before it is discharged into the receiving water body. The City is divided into four major sewer drainage basins. These drainage basins are listed below, in descending order of size: 1. Burnt Mill Creek Basin 2. Greenfield Lake Basin 3. Smith Creek Basin 4. McCumber Ditch Basin Within each drainage basin, wastewater is piped by gravity (except where assisted by a lift station) towards the large mains which conduct each basin'e effluent to a treatment plant. Except for recently -annexed areas, ninety-eight percent (98%) of the City..is served by sewer lines. These recently - annexed areas (South Wilmington, Pine Valley and Winter Park) will be sewered by the end of 1987. The City's wastewater collector lines range in size from six inches to thirty-six inches. Most of the pipes are vitrified clay, but some are concrete and others are ductile iron. Plastic lines and truss pipe lines have been used on an experimental basis in outlying areas beyond the trunk lines. Northeast Interceptor Line Constructed in 1983, the Northeast. Interceptor line permits the Town of Wrightsville Beach and other portions of the County to pump sewerage to the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant. Two lift stations serve this line. Status of Sewerage Treatment Plants The Southside Plant is already operating close to its hydraulic capacity of 6 million gallons per day (MGD), and is approaching its organic load capacity of 4.5 MGD during summertime average flow. A project is underway to upgrade this facility to 12 MGD; construction is scheduled to begin in 1986, and is projected for completion in the Fall of 1987. The hydraulic capacity of the Northside Plant is 8 MGD. Average daily flow through this facility is presently approaching its organic load capacity of 6.5 MGD. There are no current plans to r� upgrade this facility. t� 2.3 - 1 U User Fees n The current sewer fee schedule charges City residents $1.50 per 100 cubic feet of wastewater generated. Users outside the City generally pay double this rate. However, those served by Wrightsville Beach and County systems pay charges set by these �i respective governments. Extension Policy Current City policy for extending sewer lines is expressed by Article IV, Section 12-176 of the WILMINGTON CITY CODE, "Water and Sewer Extensions." Essentially, the owner or developer must pay for extension of sewer lines into developing areas.. NEW HANOVER COUNTY New Hanover County is beginning the development of a (� sanitary sewerage system which will eventually be County -wide. u Unserved areas in the County will be gradually added to the system as lines are constructed during a ten year period, beginning in 1986. Highest priority for County sewer service is assigned to development concentrated along the sounds, those areas which are growing most rapidly, and where water pollution from malfunctioning septic systems can be reduced. It is anticipated that numerous shellfish beds which are presently closed can be opened several years after the sewer system begins functioning. Cost of the various components, listed below, will be funded by a combination of general obligation bonds, Farmers' Home Administration bonds and grants, Federal Revenue Sharing, receipts from a local one -half -cent sales tax, as well as service and connection fees. A County Water and Sewer District has been formed to finance and manage this effort. QComponent Cost Wastewater Treatment Plant $ 6,100,000 Area I Sewer Collection System 17,262,387 Sewer Collection Lines and Treatment Facilities, City of Wilmington 5,463,650 Area II Sewer Collection System 80,107,963 Areas III, IV and V Sewer Collection Seystems 32,405,000 Total $69,339,000 0 2.3 - 2 R Wilmington -New Hanover County Community Facilities Study o �r 11 LOCATION OF MAJOR SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES 18 a•'' -�. - 41 16 U COUNTH' _ -� 1 ' � �• �sr r . et L 'k - UNSWICK .� i 1 d' - tip. Zr 6 2 T f_ i 3 '!' - • '�' ' 14 - O sir. e, / i 3 "+•. r�- � '� ��� 5 � s PRIVATElpok i C Ol Walnut Hills (Associated Utility) O _ 2 Pine Valle (Cape Fear UtiIit Y ( P Y) y 4 O3 i-lillbrook (Cape Fear Utility' _ rQ WILi'IINGTON 1 ' { Q Wrightsville Village i�HP COUNTY/TOWNS Q North Chase © The Cape ❑ 1 Flaffitt Treatment ®l•:rightsville Ave. P.S. _''I,r'•'� ,,,f �� �� .! Q7 Ocean Forest Lakes Plant (Southside) 8 Bradley Creek 24" Main s '''s ^ �'�-• ��, _%/ 02 Louohlin Treatment Wrightsville Beach P.S. - ® Wilmington Corporation © ma's Plan (Northside) Q Smith Creek Estates Carolina Beach Tr. P1. ® Hermitage House Rest Home 0 Pump Sts Creek ® Kure Beach.Tr. P1. 9 Pump Station, NEI - - = '•�; © Takeda Chemical Products ® Bradley Creek ® General Electric Pump Station ® Monterey Heights 5(] Dawson Street i Fump Station Royal Palms PiHP © morton Pump Station C �: ® National Guard SCAU u, w Fs ® Cape Industries _ �� L - Diamond Shamrock '.. ® CP&L Sutton Plant A ' I �J • •t t.•-7iVi1r I � % ��. �q4:t 1''t i�••4,/fit %:, �. ' \ ((ll ON lines 12 inches or more diameter Rw OPump or Lift Station (numbered) .. —-Northeast Intercepter Line New & Under Construction I rr. �•lt` _ � f ( CNEW MENOMONEE MR =Ella - ��,.\ �ltt■EA�11 %���'�• `ter:►-�` '� � � ►a ---. � h�� � � 's� -y1 I - Imo... fri.;.� �� � � -►" ./ , \�,• � � •..SIG/�`�. �r� �' �'�'� - � �--� I • - • :Jiir �>='"/ It�ll ���Irll��il' � i���'�" � 1. �J 1• �.. � � �ICI �� ■ � r'l�l IC •� •; __ =t l �� �� Sw� __ ` � - ` - _ �n■■teww=www�wtt►�= �wsasatrs�� � , NA ME111IM=wwttMINI No� Q ►�� RPM Mona _ ■t■r■=■tewwNINEW w—scot ■lEft■■Re<EW_til■■■rs—Ea.1■ .l Wilmington -New Hanover County Community Facilities Stud - Y Y PHASE AREAS FOR SEWER CONSTRUCTION MOFFITT F FOR . NEW HANOVER COUNTY SOUTHSIDE j TREATMENT PLANT t.1 �- COUNTY O .. ICT •~�/ ` �._.�. 9RUIVSWICK7/ pe _ a ` �� NO HS�of — :�... ? tt;�.fir PLANT..... a "�'T S.. •.••.•..•• Jai/.�O ,•� •�: r::• ��: •.• • : • •�.�is 1 • ' 1 PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PHASES PHASE 1985 to mid 87 1 - mid 1987 to mid 89 - 2 Jt._e�• f n' t1 mid 1989 to mid 91 3 ® 1991 to mid 93 4 1992 to mid 94 5 C NOTE: Boundaries of the phase {� areas are subject to change. SCALE IN MILES D C 0 G C U I C ti u I STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM CITY OF WILMINGTON The municipal storm drainage system is maintained entirely separate from the sanitary sewer system. Within each drainage basin, underground collector lines and open surface ditches carry stormwater flowing downgrade toward natural water courses and estuaries. These stormwater drainage basins are: 1. Burnt Mill Creek Basin 2. Greenfield Lake Basin 3. Smith Creek Basin 4. Cape Fear River Basin 5. Bradley Creek Basin 6. Hewlett's Creek Basin 7. Barnard's Creek Basin Stormwater runoff from the Greenfield Lake Basin Area flows directly into Greenfield Lake, eventually reaching the Cape Fear River via Greenfield Creek. In addition to these drainage basins, which eventually discharge into the Cape Fear River, a small sector of the city, to the east and southeast, drains directly into the River. West of' 17th Street, in the older part of the -City, nearly all of the stormwater drains into underground.storm sewers. However, an open ditch, McCumber Ditch, carries a principal flow for a short distance along 13th Street. Another open watercourse flows through Oakdale Cemetery. Parallel storm sewers in service under 13th Street between Marstellar Street and Rankin Street also empty into an open ditch. East of 17th Street, the storm drainage system depends on a system of open ditches and canals. Burnt Mill Creek, for example, serves as a major conduit for storm water. Within its drainage basin there exist two poorly drained areas which perform major stormwater retention functions. The larger of these is located between Burnt Mill Creek, and Wolcott, Wrightsville and Gibbons Avenues, covering more than a dozen blocks. The other one is located in the vicinity of the western end of Colwell Avenue, centering around Queen, Wooster, 18th and 19th Streets. North of Market Street surface runoff flows toward Smith Creek. South of Market Street drainage flows either toward the Burnt Mill Creek or Greenfield Lake Basins. Drainage in Recently Annexed Areas Although they are in poor condition, some storm sewer mains can be found in the newly annexed areas Most surface runoff drains into open roadside ditches, which then flow into natural U 2.4 - 1 minor watercourses. Within the areas annexed in 1984 and 1985, runoff generally flows into the Bradley, Hewlett and Barnard's Creek Basins. Plans for Drainage Improvements The drainage improvement bond issue, approved in 1985, will address six major drainage problems in the City. They are as follows: Item Watson's Branch Pine Valley Downey Branch Southern Boulevard Virginia Avenue Wrightsville -Essex Cost Construction Date $441,000 1985 $1,575,000 1986 $1,943,000 1986 $1,181,000 1988 $1,031,000 1987 $1,425,000 1989 NEW HANOVER COUNTY New Hanover County utilizes roadside drainage ditches emptying into natural water courses to accomodate its stormwater runoff. The County has recently instituted Conservation Zoning Districts, which will limit development in wetland areas. Wetlands serve as the receiving bodies for substantial amounts of runoff. This approach will protect the public from flood hazards while simultaneously preserving the County's important wetland natural resources. 2.4 - 2 e c 0 c 0 WATER SYSTEMS L' WATER SYSTEM CITY OF WILMINGTON The City of Wilmington owns and operates its water system. It is the only water system in the County which utilizes surface water as the source of supply. Raw water is pumped from the Cape Fear River at King's Bluff, about 23 ;Hiles northwest of the City. The pumping station is situated above Lock #1 and is, therefore, free from possible salt water contamination from the lower reaches of the river estuary. Raw water is pumped from King's Bluff Station to the Sweeney Filtration Plant through 21 miles of single 30-inch reinforced concrete pipe, and then through two parallel 24-inch, cement - lined, cast iron pipes. Treatment and Pumping Capacity The current pumping capacity at King's Bluff Station and at the filtration plant is 15 million gallons per day (MGD). At the plant, after flocculation, the water is filtered through sand reds. Chlorine, phosphate, and fluoride is added to the water before it is pumped back into the distribution system. Treated water is stored in three separate underground reservoirs having one million, four million, and twelve million -gallon capacities, respectively. Peak Demand Most recent estimates indicate a current peak demand of 13.5 MGD. While year-round average consumption is 8.4 MGD, during summer months average consumption increases to 8.7 MGD. Average per capita daily consumption currently is estimated at about 135 gallons per day (GPD). Thus, the present capacity of the system can adequately serve a population of about 65,000 people. (Wilmington's present water service population exceeds 53,000.) Water Pressure Water pressure in the distribution system varies from 55 to 65 pounds per square inch (psi) The three elevated tanks which maintain this water pressure throughout the system are described below: Elevated Tank Capacity (gal.) 1. 17th and Grace Streets 500,000 2. 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard 1,500,000 3. 9th and Dawson Streets 1,-500,000 2.5 - 1 y a I C 0 G 0 II E 4 Additional Elevated Tanks The North Carolina Ports Authority, located at the southwestern edge of the City, University of North Carolina - Wilmington, and the DePortere Fabric Mill (presently closed), just beyond the northwestern City Limits, each have elevated tanks of limited capacity for their own private use. Future Additions to the System Residents of Annexation Area A (Pine Valley and South Wilmington) will be connected to the municipal water system by the end of 1986.. Annexation Area B (Winter Park) residents will be connected by 1989. City policy for extending water service to new development is contained in Article IV, Section 12-176, "Water and Sewer Extensions," of the WILMINGTON CITY CODE. This policy requires that the developer or owner assume the cost for any system extension necessary to serve a particular development proposal. In the past year, the City contracted with a consulting engineering firm which specializes in the evaluation of water distribution systems. A report is nearing completion which will make recommendations for distribution system improvements. The report will also evaluate service requirements of newly developing areas on the outskirts of the City. NEW HANOVER COUNTY Presently, the only water system operated by New Hanover County is the Flemington Water System. This system serves approximately 40 residents and several industries, including W.R. Grace Company, the County Steam Plant, South Atlantic Services, and Gangnails. Located in the western part of the County between the Cape Fear and Northeast.Cape Fear Rivers, the system was developed after the groundwater was polluted by an old landfill operation. The system consists of two wells capable of pumping approximately 280,000 gallons per day. The system also has approximately 100,000 gallons of storage capacity and 4 to 5 miles of water supply lines. Residents of the other areas of the unincorporated County are presently dependent on groundwater for water supply, either through individual wells or through privately operated community well systems. It is not likely that the New Hanover.County will develop a County -wide water system within the forseeable future. A previous bond referendum for such a system failed in 1979. It has been proposed, however, that groundwater wells be located in the east central part of the County if a County -wide system was developed. An alternative would be to tie in with the existing Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority, recently put into operation by Brunswick County. 2.5 - 2 L SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT CITY OF WILMINGTON Collection and disposal of refuse within the City are handled entirely by the Sanitation Division of the Public Works Department. Private collection within the City is available only through bulk type commercial service. Residential wastes are collected twice weekly. However, commercial and industrial establishments may be served as frequently as four times per week, depending upon the volume and composition of the refuse. Most of the refuse is taken to the New Hanover County incinerator -cogeneration steam plant on N.C.Highway 421 North. After the incinerator reduces its bulk, the ash and the unburnable debris is taken to the County's sanitary plastic -lined landfill located on N.C.Highway 421, approximately four miles north of the City. (These facilities are described in greater detail on page 2.6- 2.) Equipment and Personnel Equipment and field workers of the Sanitation Division are deployed from the City maintenance complex at loth and Fanning Streets. A force of 45 operates the following equipment for refuse collection: Quantity T.ype of Vehicle Size 7 Packers (hydraulic) 25 cu.yd. 6 Packers (hydraulic) 20 cu.yd. 3 Scow bodies (special) 12 cu.yd. 2 Scow bodies 6 cu.yd. 3 Rear Loader Container Trucks 1 Carrion Truck 3/4 ton 3 Pickup Trucks 1/2 ton The rear loader container trucks service all City -owned containers and approximately 115 private accounts throughout the City. Roll -Out Container Experiment Wilmington is currently experimenting with a roll -out container system. Starting on July 1, 1985, one 90-gallon roll- out container was provided to each dwelling unit in four City neighborhoods. These containers are emptied twice each week. The City began an ongoing evaluation of the experiment in the Fall of 1985, to see whether private contractors, utilizing uniform, easily -emptied containers, can better handle refuse collection. Final results of the evaluation are expected to be available after the experimental year ends on June 30, 1986. 2.6 - 1 1 NEW HANOVER COUNTY In 1981 New Hanover County constructed a safe landfill, and in 1984, the County completed an incinerator -cogeneration steam plant. These should provide sufficient capacity to handle the County's future solid wastes demand in an economical, non- D polluting manner. Solid waste is burned around the clock in the incinerator at a rate of 200 tons per day, seven days per week. This operation r, is expected to reduce the volume of the County's solid wastes by at least 85%. The two modular waterwall combustion units are capable of producing 26,144 pounds of steam per hour. This steam is used for two different purposes: a1. A back pressure turbine and a condensing turbine produces 4,078 kilowatts of electricity which is asold to Carolina Power and Light Company. 2. Steam is produced at the rate of 18,000 pounds per hour at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, 260 psi, and sold to U W.R.Grace Company. With the sale of the two by-products, this facility is a expected to pay for itself within five years. The remains of the waste (glass, metal, ash) must be hauled to the landfill. The County's new landfill is designed to eliminate groundwater pollution that could be caused by leaching. The landfill is divided into cells and lined with a thick, impermeable plastic membrane to prevent leaching. The 200-acre site is estimated to be able to handle the County's solid waste afor the forseeable future. A separate facility is provided for non-polluting demolition fill. l.� ME �I -2: " YILIit PRIM a ■:I CIE �� �R■ P9K ASIRN r1�I�� � _ Ifs \ ■ ■ t 1.� 1• I.: _i1�litilEit�fEsi■ �ww mm z# rfil l_1RA■MI■■■M■■■le �. % \ ■ 1 :III 111■111�1i•I �.�.� C C C C C L' L' C C 11 0 STREETS AND ROADS The rapid growth experienced by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County in recent years has resulted in an increased traffic burden on local roads. The fact that this rapid growth is expected to continue into the future has resulted in a consequent concern for instituting a comprehensive system of roadway improvements in order to accomodate the increased traffic flow. The Wilmington City Council and the New Hanover County Commission have recently (late 1985j authorized the production of an updated Wilmington Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. This plan, and the existing street and road system, are discussed in some detail below. EXISTING ROADWAY SYSTEM The primary traffic patterns of the City and the County can best be described by identifying the major highway facilities and their general utilization. These facilities are described below in terms of their traffic orientation, either north -south or east -west. A discussion of other area roadways follows the sections on major highways. Major North -South Highways: 1. College Road (NC Highway 132) - This roadway is located on the eastern edge of the City of Wilmington and interconnects US Highway 421 and Market Street (southern segment) as well as Market Street and the completed portion of US Interstate Highway I-40 (northern segment). Traffic volumes on College Road currently varies from 10,800 vehicles per day at Myrtle Grove Junction to 37,700 vehicles per day in the vicinity of Wrightsville Avenue. 2. Carolina Beach Road (US Highway 421) - Carolina Beach Road circles the western and southern boundaries of the City of Wilmington and extends southward into Carolina and Kure Beaches, serving as the primary through traffic connector between "Pleasure Island" and US Highway.17 (Market Street). Average daily traffic south of Shipyard Boulevard on Carolina Beach Road has increased from 18,500 vehicles (1983) to 25,500 vehicles (1985). 3. Kerr Avenue (NC Highway 1175) - This thoroughfare, extending northward from Peachtree Avenue in the City of Wilmington to Gordon Road in New Hanover County, serves both local and through traffic. Traffic volumes have increased at one section of Kerr Avenue from U 2.7 - 1 I 14,800 vehicles per day in 1983, to 17,700 vehicles per day in 1985. Major East-West Highways: 1. Market Street•(US Highway 17) - Market Street, the area's primary east -west roadway, carries US Highway 17 through traffic, as well as a significant amount of local traffic,.between Third Street in downtown Wilmington and the northeastern portion of New Hanover County. The roadway carries an average daily traffic volume of 26,000 vehicles, which exceeds the roadway's capacity. 2. Oleander Drive (US Highway 76) - Oleander Drive interconnects 17th Street in the City with Eastwood Road in the County. The roadway's highest current traffic volume occurs at its intersection with Fordham Road: 31,800 vehicles per day. 3. Wrightsville Avenue - This predominately two-lane thoroughfare connects the City of Wilmington and the Town of Wrightsville Beach. It currently handles a traffic volume of 16,000 vehicles per day; this volume is expected to reach 31,OOO vehicles per day by the year 2005. Other Roadways The N.C. Department of Transportation owns and maintains some 441 miles of roadways in New Hanover County, including most of the length of the major highways listed above. The City of Wilmington owns and maintains approximately 228 miles of roadways, including 37 miles recently added to the system through recent annexations. Lack of sufficient collectors between residential streets and the major highways in the City roadway system has resulted in some residental streets being used as thoroughfares, creating traffic conflicts within these neighborhoods. The City has an ongoing street -paving program, currently receiving an annual budget allocation of $500,000. Excepting unpaved streets in the newly annexed areas, it is projected that all currently unpaved City streets will be paved, landscaped, and provided with sidewalks by FY 1990-91. 2.7 - 2 R THE THOROUGHFARE PLAN A review of the 1972 Wilmington Urban Area Thoroughfare D Plan, authorized by the Wilmington City Council and the New Hanover County Commission in late 1985, addresses the roadway capacity and traffic circulation problems outlined above. The main objectives of an updated Thoroughfare Plan, expected to be Qapproved in 1986, are: To establish an implementable traffic network D which will meet the public's travel needs through the year 2005 at reasonable levels of service. To establish a preliminary capital improvement program to prioritize road improvements and to reserve the land necessary for these improvements so that the planned networks can be efficiently constructed. The Throughfare Plan is best regarded as a "living" document, requiring continual review and updating to reflect changing traffic patterns and conditions. Through this periodic review and re-evaluation, the present and future transportation needs of the Wilmington - New Hanover County region can best be served. The following table lists the major components of the currently proposed for the 1985 Thoroughfare Plan Update. A map is also provided showing both the existing street network and the proposed improvements to the Wilmington Urban Area transportation system. 0 0 0 0 0 0 fill L1, � � � �Iil• � o : o i 4 1 to NII�� a VF �� ■■r ■wr■u■r■■4. s Giair��� � c ri�`e.iri��ti' �.��w+cir��.Li^��!',.. �• ' cs •� ■��L •A7�^% �rn�'r111�5rC94 S::' nwiLi�1 lVla••••'����I.fR �� �� / CEB�� i ��fw ■rim�a.r ii wcrRir� � 1 � � a'� i.tl, tcc�lj�ilm'si,rn..�r' ::val ��A� ✓`� .w wI ` M1u /T � n I h i�I,A 0 a c c e c c L STREET LIGHTING u STREET LIGHTS I CITY OF WILMINGTON (� Street lighting within the City is provided and serviced by U Carolina Power and Light Company on a contractual basis. Prior to the recent annexations, there were a total of 4,797 luminaires within the City Limits. Most luminaires in the City are now the efficient sodium vapor type. Mercury vapor lights have proved to be unsatisfactory D because they give off an unflattering light which alters colors. In the downtown area and along major thoroughfares, 38,000 lumens is the typical size used. However, 26 lights at major intersections are rated at 50,000 lumens. The less -busy (� thoroughfares of the newly annexed areas will be lit by 220 U luminaires casting 22,000 lumens each. Residential areas have less need for bright street lights; most of the City's 3,340 residential street lights produce 9,500 lumens.. I NEW HANOVER COUNTY Q i The County assumes no responsibility for lighting the roads ii` unincorporated areas. Individual developers and neighborhood associations may install and maintain streetlights within their neighborhoods. The State DOT may light critical intersections on the roads which it maintains. IN III III 2.8 - 1 i C L' SCHOOL SYSTEM AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 0 I L EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS NEW HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM The New Hanover County school District comprises the entire County. No separate school district has been created for the area within the City limits. For the year 1985-86, a projected total of 18,758 students will be taught by 969 teachers within the public school system. The schools that will operate during the 1985-86 school year are listed in the following table: New Hanover County Schools, 1985-86 School Built/ Teaching Enrollment/ Facilities* 0 /Renov Stations /Capacity Elementary Alderman,Edwin A. 1963/75 Bellamy,Heyward C. 1983 B1air,John J. 1969/75 Blount,William H. 1951-53 Bradley Creek 1986 Carolina Beach 1938-53/75 College Park 1964-69 Forest Hills 1926-42/54 Gregory 1937-62 Howe,Mary W. 1963 Johnson,Dorothy B. 1985 Ogden 1959/67/69/75 Pine Valley 1969/75 Roe,J.C. 1955-69 Snipes,Annie H. 1942-63/52/56 Sunset Park El. 1954/69/24-59 Tileston 1870-1937/51 19 28 24 18 24 16 24 20 31 15 24 21 24 17 36 23 29 Williams,Mary C. 1976 24 Winter Park 1926-42/56 21 Wrightsboro 1926/53/63/68 25 Wrightsville Beach 1953-62 7 Junior High Lake Forest Noble,M.C.S. Roland Grise Sunset Park Trask, Emma B. Virgo,D.C. Williston 415/475 CAGM, 15 ac. 584 CM 518/600 CMG, 15 ac. 447/450 LCAGM, 6 ac. /600 CM 436/400 CM, 5.3 ac. 542/600 CM, 15.7 ac. 481/500 CAM, 5.5 ac. 519/775 CAM, 7.0 ac. 228/375 CM, 5.5 ac. 484/600 CM 548/525 CAGM, 10 ac. 575/600 CAGM, 15 ac. 310/350 CAGM, 12 ac. 611/900 GCMABS, 6.5 ac. 505/575 CAM, 6 ac. Temporary use by Bradley Creek students, 1.7 ac. 564/600 CM, 18.9 ac. 450/525 LCAM, 5 ac. 569/625 LCAM, 9 ac. 164/175 CAGM, 5.8 ac. 1942/52-56/52 34 772/765 GCMABS,19.8 ac. 1970 693/630 GCMABS,20.8 ac. 1960 37 915/832 GCMABS, 25 ac. 1944/52/52-69 26 483/585 GCMABS, 6 ac. 1976 28 738/630 GCMABS,30 ac. 1964 22 523/495 GCMABS,5.2 ac. 1953/46 37 703/832 GCMABS,21.5ac. *KEY: G - Gymnasium Facility C - Cafeteria M - Media Center A - Auditorium B - Music Room S - Shop 2.9 - 1 School Built/ Teaching Enrollment/ /Renov Stations /Capacity Senior High Hoggard,John T. 1967-69 71 1743/1598 Laney,Emsley A. 1976 48 1222/1080 New Hanover 1920-46/54 77 1577/1755 *KEY: G - Gymnasium Facility C - Cafeteria M - Media Center A - Auditorium Facilities* GCMABS, 67 ac. GCMABS, 50 ac. GCMABS, 10 ac. B - Music Room S - Shop The New Hanover County.school system also owns the following former school buildings which now have new uses, or are vacant, waiting for new uses to be found: Former School Built Clasrms/Land New Use Bradley Creek (old) 1954/62/84 4/6.6 ac. Extension Service Catlett,Washington Audio -Visual Dept. Dudley 1912-25/59 16 Headstart Program Hooper,William 1914/42/54 13/2 ac. Office Building Peabody 1924-53 21/1 ac. Vacant one new school was opened in Fall, 1985, Dorothy B. Johnson Elementary School. A second new elementary school, Bradley Creek, will be opened in the spring of 1986. To meet future needs, a new middle school has been proposed for the southern part of the County on Sanders Road. 2.9 - 2 NEW HANOVER COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE ` The function of the New Hanover County Extension Service is to conduct informal educational programs and activities related ({ to agriculture, home economics, youth development, and community L� resource development. The North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service at N.C. State University is the parent agency and the county office is an outreach educational effort extending research findings and information from the University. The major agricultural programs include production and n marketing of agricultural crops, commercial landscaping, !t�{ forestry, home horticulture, pesticide safety, soils and soil fertility, entomology and plant pathology. Home economics programs relate to food preparation and nutrition, housing and house furnishings, human development, crafts, clothing and textiles. The Extension Service office was recently moved from an old facility on Division Drive into larger quarters at 6206 Oleander Drive. It occupies the remaining buildings of the former Bradley Creek School, which was partially destroyed by fire in 1983. The renovated buildings house offices of Extension Agents, a learning_mnter, a plant clinic and conference rooms. The former cafeteria �.s used for classrooms and the kitchen serves as a home economics demonstration area. The naturally beautiful 6-acre site of the former school was selected as the new location of the Extension office because it would accomodate a long -planned arboretum. Development of the, arboretum is currently in progress and, when completed, will contain thousands of different types of plant materials arranged in a variety of landscape designs. The arboretum will be used in the Extension's ongoing horticulture educational programs for nurserymen, landscape operators and residents of New Hanover. County and southeastern North Carolina. I QCAPE FEAR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE As a two-year public institution of higher education Ca Y P g e P Fear Technical Institute offers programs of learning to adults in D general education, vocational, technical and industrial training, and college -level academic studies. During the 1985-86 school year 991 full-time and 1,264 part- time curriculum students, 6,539 continuing education students L! were enrolled. The majority of these students commute from New Hanover and Pender Counties. The school operates year-round on the quarter system, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Facilities: CFTI's physical plant, located on the east.bank of the Cape j� Fear River in downtown Wilmington, consists of three main �j buildings: n 1. A four-story administration/shop/lab building; L2. A seven -story facility housing classrooms,,a 30,000-volume and 650-periodical library, laboratories, and a student activity area; 3. A shop -classroom complex containing two five -ton overhead cranes. (� Additional facilities are: �j 4. A building (922 North Front Street) owned by New Hanover County which houses the Electronics and Instumentation programs; 5. A four-story barge which contains marine labs and workshops (moored on Cape Fear River behind CFTI). In all, there are 51 classrooms and 45 lab/shops. 0 Faculty 6 I L' To teach the 2,175 curriculum students there are 71 full- time and 7 part-time faculty members. Part-time faculty, who teach the continuing education courses, number more than 450. This number will vary on a quarter by quarter basis, depending on the needs of the community. Q 2.9 - 4 Curriculum This institution provides technical and trade curriculum programs as well as vocational courses. These are also offered in extension to fill the needs of the area's businesses and n industries. Future Plans CFTI's Board of Trustees, with the Pender County aCommissioners, are planning a 5,000+ square -foot building on a satellite campus. This facility will be located on 22.8 acres on N.C. Route 210 where it crosses the Northeast Cape Fear River. Course offerings for this location have not yet been determined. a 2.9 - 5 t� UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is a public comprehensive educational institution, founded as Wilmington College in 1947. It became the sixth campus in the UNC system in 1969 and is now the second fastest growing university in the 16-campus UNC system. With a faculty of 323, organized into the College of Arts and Sciences, the Cameron School of Business Administration, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing, the University offers over 5,770 curriculum students the following undergraduate, pre -professional, and graduate programs: Degree Programs Accountancy **Elementary Education Nursing Anthropology English Parks & Recreatn.Mgmt Art Environmental Studies Philosophy & Religion Biology Finance Physical Education *Bio-Oceanography French Physics Business Mgmnt. Geography Political Science *Bus.Mgt.& Admin. Geology Psychology n Chemistry History *Reading Education Ll Computer Science_ Mathematics Social Science Coastal Biology **Marine Biology Sociology �j Drama Marketing Spanish U Economics Medical Technology **Special Education *Educational Admn. Middle Grade Education Speech Communication n & Supervision Music )u� * master's program ** doctoral program The University first moved to its current site on College Road in 1961, when it occupied three buildings. Now there are 49 buildings on its 650-acre tract. In 5 residence halls and 13 j� apartment buildings,.1,556 students live on campus. A University Union and Student Support Services Building provide for the needs of resident and commuting students, and are used occasionally by the general public. Three of the University's major facilities are also available for use by the general public. Kenan Auditorium (1000 seats), Trask Coliseum (6000 seats), and Randall Library (the Gregional Federal Document Repository). 1. Kenan Auditorium is used for concerts, theatre productions, j1 lectures and public meetings. Its use is obtained by calling Kenan Auditorium directly. 2. Trask Coliseum is used for exhibitions and larger shows as well as athletic events. Arrangements for its use are made by contacting the Coliseum office. r 2.9 - 6 u 3. Randall Library is available to the public for research, and a temporary card for county residents to borrow materials can be obtained upon the payment of a nominal fee. UNCW offers evening classes and two 4-week summer terms. In addition to the regular curriculum courses, the office of Special Programs offers a variety of seminars, short courses and workshops for continuing education credit or for personal enrichment. 2.9 - 7 0 Wilmington -New Hanover- Count ,R R 9 Y Community Facilities Study r3_1 ,r \` ti 0 LOCATION OF .PUBLIC SCHOOLS f Within Suburban Area of New Hanover County cape Fear Technical Institute Z. BRUNSWICZ : URB L IVD IC Suburban Schools. ELEMENTARY: JUNIOR HIGH 1 Bellamy, Heyward C. ® Noble, M.C.S. County.:Exten 2 Blair, John J. ® Trask, Emma B. ' =� - r ,�'r •S, / . 3O Bradley Creek Ap A/- ® Carolina Beach HIGH SCHOOL = "'4j�- OS College Park 13 . Laney, Emsl ey A. © Ogden O7 Pine Valley ® Williams, Mary C. ^ 9O Wrightsboro - L• 10 Wrightsville Beach SCALE IN "cgs .• r�•n..�rw. �.,�, tea• � .[�:�WIWI , rb, 9�•�� � 1 �1 ..Y1• b�'• -y I� Wilmington -New Hanover County s .,Community Facilities Study j NEW HANOVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Within Urban Area of' WILMINGTON, N.C.* 11 URBAN SCHOOL LOCATIONS. i ELEMENTARY: Ol Alderman, -Edwin A. 9 O2 Bount, Wm. H. - + O3 Forest Hills ♦ / ~�`•.c` Q Gregor Howe, Mary Washington �O © Johnson, Dorothy B-. ,r Q7 Roe, J. C. i t ® Snipes, Annie Herring � O9 Sunset Park \ O10 Winter Park Tileston JUNIOR HIGH: l j i,$J! k, \ j ��i' m I IT ®�®OQ t — t --•' , F Ql Lake Forest CJ / I, '`• �\ _" — Elm❑Cif❑❑®®❑❑1�❑©� ❑ (ICE -' l; j �'�,;, ,' s•. _�.._4�� 1 © Roland-Grise f � L v❑1M®0 ECA000©E❑ ..... m❑ t, - Sunset Park r '`�•�'"`�i - ❑❑❑❑ ❑ .. '\\� ® D. C. VirgouuuwE` ❑❑ me 4 ❑❑❑❑ 5 i ! ' _ �.� 1 © Williston EC1F QGLL--JjB❑❑me❑ED©❑❑❑E:❑❑�❑ ;.1 i; I�m❑Gc❑❑❑�❑EE©❑❑❑❑EEE : ❑ /r yo tt If +1 HIGH SCHOOL: r.-,,.,..�'� d u_al ,-'��_;E-��?E(�� ❑ CSC C.ae❑ _ ❑❑ ❑ C'Q CAL' � l� �•�r�����`'�� ��� •�� � ,,� �� iJ��—. — CjQ'i❑ ❑�L3�❑❑❑0 1�Q����C CI�+Q� 16 Hoggard IS 0 +�� ;_ D❑� I — .9 _ 17 New Hanover � ❑❑C❑❑❑❑ -��. r� . Li �=-- -- - - - l • �i®^❑cEmm❑®❑❑ s ❑GCt-!Gi•��"; �j��' (� -�� 7 � u4ry ` s sib•-\�� 1 � �\ I � i `IM WILMINGTON URBAN AREA MAP L� REV/SEO diaRt7l 1985� o C C a L G G TRANSPORTATION (; FACILITIES TRANSPORTATION QWILMINGTON PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEM The Wilmington Transit Authority was organized in 1974 to sustain local bus service formerly managed by the privately financed Wilmington City Lines. This company succeeded the aSafeway Transit Company, which provided street car service until its discontinuance in 1940. From a total of ten routes offered to the public in the early 1950's, the total number of routes has al decreased to the present five. However, the current route structure serves all major employment centers and most n neighborhoods within the City limits. U Fixed Route Transit Bus routes operate Monday through Friday, from 6:10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but coordinated service is effective from 6:30 a.m. to- 6:30 p.m. Times between buses are one hour maximum and 1/2 hour a minimum. All routes converge for transfers at 2nd and Princess Streets. Service to Wrightsville Beach operates twice each day, Monday through Friday. - -- a Dial -A -Ride Transit (DART) DART serves people who are unable to use regular transit service due to physical handicap. Posession of an approved identification card is required to obtain service. a Operating from 6 a.m. until after 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, DART service is provided within Wilmington city limits, and elsewhere under contract to New Hanover County for the D Department of Aging. Requests for service must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. QWILMINGTON TRANSIT AUTHORITY EQUIPMENT Vehicles Year Type Capacity(each) Av.Miles/Vehicle IN 0 U I 3 1970 Short Buses 44 20,493 15 1975 Long Buses 57 280,521 1 1978 Motor Home Coach 25 14,558 2 1981 Lift-Equiped Vans 15 21,852 Each bus stop is marked with a sign. Shelters are found at 16 such locations, and 45 bus stops are equipped with benches. Proposed purchase of equipment includes an additional 25 shelters and 50 benches, in order to enhance the quality of service. The transfer station area at 2nd Street is scheduled for a number of U 2.10 - 1 improvements to be completed by 1986. This project will include the construction of 6 shelters and 12 benches, with the addition of 12 trash receptacles, 8 street lights, and 8 street trees. DThe WTA garage is located at 1110 Castle Street. It has three repair pits, a parts room and a fueling station, and houses the manager's office. (� WTA ridership had been declining during the last two l� decades, but in recent years has stabilized at approximately 735,348 riders per year. These people are primarily those who do not have access to private automobiles, or for some reason cannot operate an automobile. They are therefore dependent upon public transit in order to earn a livelihood or reach vital services a INTERCITY BUS TRANSPORTATION Three bus lines serve Wilmington, involving 32 intercity departures daily from a bus station at Third and Harnett Streets. It is operated by the Wilmington Union Bus Corporation. The.bus companies which currently serve Wilmington are: Greyhound Lines/North Carolina Seashore Transportation Company Trailways, Inc. a DRAIL TRANSPORTATION Wilmington and the surrounding areas are served by the Seaboard System Railroad Company. Formerly, Wilmington functioned as a. railway hub where a number of branch lines a converged, but now the areas's only branch line goes to Hamlet on the system's main line. Trains to and from main line junction points handle freight shipments originating or terminating in the Wilmington area. Daily freight trains are scheduled to make connections with fast north -south main line trains. Just west of Wilmington, in Brunswick County, the Seaboard (� System Railroad operates the new 1,200-car Davis Railroad Yard. l.J Waterway containers on such chassis are also handled by this piggyback facility. This rail freight transfer point replaces a rail yard which was located in downtown Wilmington until 1974. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, the predecessor- of the Seaboard Coast Line in Wilmington, left the City in 1960, and all rail passenger service ceased then. j� 2.10 - 2 U I U is I r !J I I WATER TRANSPORTATION North Carolina State Ports Authority Manufactured goods and raw materials amounting to three million tons per year enter and leave the country through the State-owned deep -water port facility in Wilmington. The State Port is located 26 miles north of the mouth of the Cape Fear River and two hours from'the open sea. The channel and turning basins are maintained at a depth of 38 feet mean low water. The wharf at the port, where more than 600 ships dock annually, is over 6,OOO feet long. The terminal is equipped with three 40-ton full -bridge container cranes for handling containerized shipments. Four gantry cranes provide additional lifting capacity, and special cargo can be handled by an additional 140-ton mobile crane. Transit sheds and warehouses provide one and a half million feet of covered, sprinklered storage. For exterior storage, the terminal has over 100 acres of paved area. Current plans call for the development of 20 additional acres of land for container storage. Rail service by Seaboard System Railroad includes storage for 370 cars, three switching engines, and ajacent mainline connections. Service is also provided by over 50 motor carriers, many of which maintain trucking terminals in and around the City of Wilmington. Additional services include fumigation, a certified scale and weighmaster, and 24-hour security. U.S.Customs maintains offices at the State Port, allowing most shipments to be cleared by Customs within 24 hours of arrival. The Port of Wilmington has been designated a Foreign Trade Zone, offering warehouse and cargo space as well as 13 acres of open land for use as special Customs zones. Primary exports and imports handled at the Wilmington State Port are listed below: Exports Cigarettes Unmanufactured tobacco Textile products Textile raw materials Machinery and equipment Vehicles: ambulances, school buses, garbage trucks Scrap metal Wood products: milk carton stock, liner board, plywood, wood chips and wood pulp Imports Bulk chemicals: salt and urea Iron and steel products Lumber, plywood, hardboard Textile chemicals & dyes Staple fiber, yarn, burlap and jute Textile machinery Leaf tobacco Automobile products Retail items Food products More than 60 steamship lines call at the port and provide service to some 200 ports worldwide. I 2.10 - 3 I I U I C I I 0 AIR TRANSPORTATION New Hanover County Airport The New Hanover County Airport encompasses approximately 1,500 acres located north of the City of Wilmington, between North Twenty-third and North Kerr Streets. This airport has two runways; one is 8,000 feet and the other is 7,000 feet in length. The 7,000-foot runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System and sequenced flashing lights on the primary approach end. It also has all-weather instrument marking and high -intensity runway lights, runway end identifier lights, Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI-4), and a 1000-foot over -run on the back course approach. The 8,000-foot-long non - instrument runway has medium intensity runway lights, VASI-4, REIL R/W 5, and a 900-foot overrun. The airport holds an Intercontinental FAA rating with no restrictions. The control tower operates 18 hours per day. Modern electronic aids include an automatic radar tracking system with Stage III Service and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range with Distance Measuring Equipment. Facilities here are capable of handling Boeing 747's and C-51s, the world's largest airplanes, on an occasional basis. Airport Operations At this airport, three Fixed Base Operations provide a full range of aeronautical services: hanger storage, aircraft sales and service, fuel sales, repair, flight instruction, and rentals. A full-time Crash and Fire Rescue Unit is also maintained here. Scheduled air service is provided by Piedmont Airlines, United Airlines, and American Eagle Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines. Airplane passenger service has increased dramatically in recent years. Between 1982 and 1983, enplanements rose from 77,735 to 110,445, an increase of more than 42%. In 1984, enplanements increased by an additional 12% to 123,255, and in 1985 by 20% to 146,487. Cargo traffic has increased even more.markedly, with cargo unloadings nearly_ tripling from 1,091,146 pounds in 1982 to 2,730,400 pounds in 1984. This primarily reflects an increase in air express cargo. The present terminal, supported by several hundred parking spaces, contains over 11,000 square feet. It has facilities for ticketing, baggage claim, concessions, a coffee shop, lobby, car rental and limosine service. 0 2.10 - 4 a Future Plans for Airport Expansion A new terminal is in the early construction phase, however, which will feature passenger -loading bridges, more concession and waiting space, and an enclosed baggage area. The anticipated cost of the planned improvements will total $19,000,000, of which $5 to $8 million will be local funds. The terminal building itself will only cost 6 to 8 million dollars; the remainder will be spent for aircraft parking aprons, utilities, roads, auto parking, landscaping, and signage. Work is also planned to improve other facilities, such as airport pavement -sealing, lighting rehabilitation, and taxiway construction. A new master plan for the airport is scheduled for completion in 1986, as is a new FAA control tower, East Ramp access road, and aircraft lighting vault. L C I 11 I n 2.10 - 5 U Ell HEALTH SERVICES HEALTH SERVICES NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The New Hanover County Health Department offices, laboratories, radiology and dental clinics occupy a building adjacent to New Hanover Memorial Hospital complex on South 17th Street. This facility was opened in 1974, when its operations were moved from a former location at 21 North 4th Street. Administered by a..Health Director, who is responsible to an 11-member Board of Health, the Health Department has 135 County employees and two State employees working within its ten divisions. These divisions are listed below: Administration Environmental Health Services Laboratory Animal Control Public Health General Home Health Care Dental Health Health Opportunities Health Promotions Nutrition, Education & Counseling Except for Home Health Care, Animal Control, and the Insect & Rodent Control section of Environmental Health Services, all of the above divisions are headquartered in the main building. Home Health Care presently occupies a leased space in the Glen Meade Shopping Center. The Animal Control Division (see page 2.2 - 2) and Insect & Rodent Control Section of the Environmental Health Services Division occupy buildings on Division Drive. General responsibilities of the divisions are as follows: 1. Administration - Responsible for these functions: a. Liason: Between Health Department staff and County government, as well as the liason between the State Division of Health Services, the Health Department staff, and other County staff; b. Provides Efficient Assistance: In areas of routine administrative matters, fiscal management,personnel policies and procedures, and such assistance to other staff as is needed; c. Provides Vital Records Services: Submits such records as mandated by G.S. 130-63; d. Responsible for Public Relations: With County citizens and visitors. 2. Environmental Health Services - Responsible for these inspection/investigative programs: a. Establishments: Sanitary inspections of restaurants, food and drink stands, meat markets, lodging establishments, schools and school cafeterias, local confinement facilities, hospitals, rest and nursing homes, residential care facilities, child day care facilities, and sea food markets. R b. Water Supplies: Inspections of all newly installed water supplies to insure that they are constructed according to local regulations. Collecting water C samples from public and private water supplies for bacteriological analysis. c. Sewage Disposal: Inspections of all newly installed on- a site waste -water disposal systems. Supervision of repairs and maintenance of existing sewage systems. Soil evaluations performed on each individual lot n requiring a septic tank. ud. Other: Lead poisoning prevention/detection, air monitoring, complaint investigation, solid waste storage and disposal, insect and rodent control, inspection of public swimming pools. 3. Dental Health - Through the schools and in a clinic at the main Health Department office building, kindergarten through eighth grade students receive oral hygiene education from a dental hygienist, screening for dental disease, and are eligible to participate in a fluoride mouth rinse program. In addition, certain students are eligible to receive comprehensive. restorative dental care. L 4. Laboratory - Certified by Department of Human Resources to make the following tests: Serology (VDRL), Bacteriologic Examinations for Milk and Water, and Cultures for Venereal Q Disease (Gonorrhea). Other tests are performed for Health Department Clinics and upon request of private physicians. 5. Home Health Care - Nursing Care, Physical Therapy, Speech a Therapy, Home Health Aide Services and Occupational Therapy Services are available to any resident of New Hanover County on orders from a physician. This program serves as the D Certified Home Health Agency for Medicare and Medicaid patients. (� 6. Nutrition - Responsible for these programs: (� a. Education and Counseling: Available to the general public upon request as an integral part of Health Department programs. b. WIC: Special supplemental feeding program for pregnant and nursing women, infants and children who meet income criteria and are at medical and nutritional risk. a7. Health Promotions - Responsible for these programs: a. Health Education: Provides health -related educational a materials and information to individuals and groups. Program presentations made upon request. b. Risk Reduction/Accident Prevention: New program designed to reduce accident rate of males and females over age sixty, by increasing awareness of hazards. I 0 2.11 - 2 8. Public Health General - Clinics held at various appropriate locations and times, as well as daily community health nursing clinics held at the Martin Luther King Center and Rankin Terrace Center (weekly schedule published). These types of clinics are scheduled: Adult Health Infant & Child Health. Orthopedic Clinic Family Planning Maternal Health Neurosensory Clinic Venereal Diseases Tuberculosis & Respiratory In addition, School Health clinics are held weekly (or as necessary) by Public Health Nurses who provide re -screening, referral and/or consultation, and counseling services. Home visits are made, if indicated, for follow-up care. 9. Health Opportunities Responsible for the New Hanover County Employee Preventive Health Program. Program components are: Health Risk Appraisal Health Screening Self -Help Kits Groups & Workshops Counseling&Referral On -Site Activities Blood Pressure/Weight Self -Monitoring Vehicles and Equipment Sixteen vehicles are owned by the Health Department. These include the six Animal Control trucks, a back -hoe and four mosquito -control trucks with ultra -low -volume (ULV) machines mounted on the back. Future Plans Planning for main building expansion, in order to provide more room for programs such as Home Health Care, WIC, Laboratory, Health Promotions, PHG, and Health Opportunities has been authorized by the County Commissioners. However, this process is only in the preliminary stages. 2.11 - 3 HOSPITALS New Hanover Memorial Hospital The New Hanover Memorial Hospital is a county -owned regional tertiary care hospital which serves a seven -county area in southeastern North Carolina. These counties include New Hanover, Pender, Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Brunswick and Onslow. Approximately 45% of all inpatients come from outside New Hanover County. Licensed by the State for 527 beds, it is presently operating at.a 410-bed level. Special units include a 10-bed neo-natal intensive care unit, an intensive care unit, and a coronary.care unit. Other units are Obstetrics/ Gynecology, Pediatrics, Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Surgery, Endoscopy, Psychiatry, and the state's fourth -busiest 24-hour fully -staffed Emergency Treatment Center. Out -patient diagnostic and treatment services, and cardio- vascular services are also available. The Hospital complex on South 17th Street includes the main building, an Area -wide Health Education Center (AHEC) affiliated with the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and a staff residence facility for the students who are participating in the various AHEC 3-year medical residency programs. Active medical staff members number 236. They are supported by the efforts of approximately 1,700 other staff members. Projects currently under implementation include: 1. Transition to a new 24-bed family -centered obstetrical unit (opening in spring of 1986); 2. Expansion of ambulatory surgery and endoscopy services; 3. Construction of a new psychiatric facility; 4. Acquisition of a magnetic imaging device; 5. Development of cardiac catherization and open-heart surgery services. Cape Fear Memorial Hospital Cape Fear Memorial is a 137-bed private non-profit acute care hospital located at 5301 Wrightsville Avenue. It offers a wide range of medical, surgical and emergency services. The Emergency Room is open 24 hours per day, and is covered by staff physicians. Specialty areas include an Ambulatory Surgical Unit which functions during weekdays and a new Endoscopy Department. The Obstetrics/ Gynecology unit offers two family -oriented birthing centers. A new nursery is presently under construction, and construction will begin in February 1986 on a new Intensive Care -Coronary Care Unit. The latter will feature a 7-bed 2.11 - 4 aCape Fear Memorial Hospital(continued) ICU/CCC, a 6-bed Progressive Care Unit, and new monitoring equipment. A Department of Health Promotion and Wellness, called "Concept Health" was recently added to the hospital. It offers health awareness and structured lifestyle self-help programs such as nutritional awareness, smoking cessation, stress management, physical fitness and weight loss. Lower Cape Fear Hospice Adjacent to the Cape Fear Memorial Hospital, this non-profit organization provides care and support for terminally -ill patients, enabling them to be at home as much as possible throughout the illness. Additionally, Hospice helps the patient's family cope with the patient's illness and subsequent death. Anyone is eligible who resides in Brunswick, New Hanover or �} Pender Counties, has a diagnosis of a terminal illness with l� physician referral, and desires Hospice services. A person or persons (i.e., family member or friend) should be available to assume responsibility for the patient's care on an on -going basis. In -patient care is not provided on -site, but in conjunction with area hospitals and nursing homes. Life Center of Wilmington Located at 2520 Troy Drive, The Life inpatient treatment hospital for alcholism It treats both adolescents and adults. L I� Center is a specialized and drug addiction. 0 2.11 - 5 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Southeastern Mental Health Center Located adjacent to the County Health Department Building on South 17th Street, the Southeastern Mental Health Center is the comprehensive planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring group for community -based mental health services in a region which includes New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties. As the primary mode of service delivery, an outpatient clinic here treats adults and children for problems related to mental illness, mental retardation and substance abuse. Consultation and education activities for other agencies, businesses, and the general public are provided as requested. This service to the region amounts to approximately 10,000 man- hours per year. ' Additionally, some services are provided by contracting with other agencies. These are: SERVICE 1. Drug Services/Crisis Line 2. Residential Treatment for Alchoholics 3. Respite Care Home (developmentally disabled) 4. Developmental Day Care (developmentally disabled) 5. Adult Development Activities Program (developmentally disabled) CONTRACTING AGENCY Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center Sencland Alumni Association Child Development Center, Inc. Child Development Center, Inc. New Hanover Sheltered Workshop and Brunswick Technical College 6. Willie M. Group Home for Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center children The Area Program staff of 104 employees includes full-time and consulting psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and professional management executives. Space at the main clinic facility is not sufficient to accommodate the growing demand for its program. It has been necessary to lease private property for additional working space and some program activities. The need for an inpatient substance -abuse detoxification ' center is also strongly felt. A recent study indicates that a twenty (20) bed unit, having approximately 8,500 square feet, is required to meet current needs. 2.11 - 6 I If U I Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center Located at 202 North 5th.Street, the Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center is a private non-profit corporation which contracts with the Southeastern Mental Health Center -to provide the following services for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties: 1. PRIMARY PREVENTION/ DRUG EDUCATION - "Life skills" education,.substance abuse information, and alternative activities delivered through school -based and community -based programs; 2. CRISIS INTERVENTION AND EMERGENCY SHELTER This function is located in a separate facility, the Crisis Line - Open House (see below); 3. TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES TO STREET CRIME - Serves as a liason between the Criminal Justice System and the treatment community, assessing need for treatment, assigning the appropriate treatment modality, monitoring effectiveness of the treatment, and reporting to the referring agent on a regular basis (in a separate facility located at 713B Princess Street); 4. DRUG TREATMENT AND EVALUATION - Evaluation and drug -free treatment services for individuals demonstrating a documented history of drug abuse Crisis Line -Open House Crisis Line is the telephone counseling service and Open House is the walk-in service funded by various state and local sources. It began operation in 1971 under the direction of the New Hanover Drug Abuse Committee, Inc. There have been an increased number of calls each year. Open 24 hours every day, the Open House provides counseling service for family situations, unwanted pregnancy, and victims of violence and rape. Pregnancy tests can be administered, and information about birth control obtained. Information about drug identification is also available. Crisis Line -Open House provides emergency shelter for troubled youth, and in some cases finds alternatives to incarceration for status offenders. In addition, it can make arrangements for battered women and their children to find shelter in Safe House, a non-profit cooperative home (the location of which must remain undisclosed) where they can find protection and help in their dangerous situation. u 2.11 - 7 e Crisis Line -Open House (continued) Trained volunteers make most of the Crisis Line efforts possible.. It operates its own training program. The training is conducted by a team, themselves volunteers who have had extensive experience in Crisis Line operations; many of the volunteers also have professional backgrounds in the area of counseling and psychology. 2.11 - 8 I c L I L' c ci SOCIAL SERVICES AND DOUSING I II of U 0 SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING NEW HANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Through the delivery of preventive and restorative programs, the Department of Social Services (DSS) seeks to assist and to protect the vulnerable: children, old people, the blind, the disabled, and the sick. In 1984, it directly helped at least one out of every five County residents. The primary DSS programs are listed below: Programs of Economic Assistance and Social Services Provided or Administered by DSS Adoptions Adult Day Care Adult Protective Services Aid Fams.with Depend.Children Child Support Enforcement Children's Protective Services Chore Services Community Alternatives Program CP&L Project Share Grant Crisis Intervention Program Day Care for Children Disaster Relief Domiciliary Care Early Diagnosis & Screening Emergency Food & Shelter Family Planning Food Stamps Foster Care for Adults Foster Care for Children Friends of Black Children Proj. General Assistance Long -Term Care Screening Prgm. Low Income Energy Assistance Medicaid Perm. Planning for Children Services to the Blind Shelter Staffing in Disasters Special Assistance to Adults State Abortion Fund Surplus Comodity Distribution Transportation Services Volunteer Adopt -A -Family Volunteer Brush Fire Corp Volunteer Friendly Visitors Volunteer Holiday Programs Volunteer In -House Programs Work Incentive Programs Work Permit Issuance The present DSS building on Rankin Street, near downtown Wilmington, is overcrowded and has serious structural deficiencies. For a number of years, the building has failed to pass annual State building inspections. If no improvements are made, future Federal and State funding may be jeopardized. Overcrowding Problems - Staff share offices and currently conduct confidential interviews in the presence of others. - Files, supplies and office equipment are unavoidably located in hallways and utility rooms where they pose security, fire, and safety hazards, and are not readily accessible. - Overcrowding and the resulting noise level distracts employees and clients, and lowers productivity and morale. 0 2.12 - 1 0 The present building was erected nearly sixty-five years ago. It was the nurses' dormitory for the old James Walker Memorial Hospital. For its present use, it is unsuitable because of numerous structural problems which are indicated below: Structural Deficiencies - No access provisions for handicapped, elderly, and children. Present heating, air-conditioning and plumbing facilities are inadequate and need replacement. Antiquated electrical wiring and limited electrical outlets hamper the utilization of contemporary office equipment and computer hardware. - There is a shortage of parking facilities. When the DSS moved to its present building in 1969, New Hanover County had a population of 81,958 with 7,500 citizens receiving services. By 1984, the County's population had grown by 34% to 110,139, but DSS' client load had grown by 166% -- to 20,000 clients per year. To accommodate this increased need, 12 mobile office units are being leased at a total cost of $60,000 per year. {� Various alternatives to construction of a new building have U been considered, such as adaptive reuse of an existing building. A satisfactory location would include reasonable proximity to public health and mental health facilitites, courts, hospital, and the downtown area. A possible new facility, to be built on a South 16th Street site, was considered in a public referendum held in October 1985. Voters of the County at that time declined to approve a bond issue which would provide funds for a new building. I Li 11 u 0 0 2.12 - 2 c it U C NEW HANOVER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING Programs operated by the Department of Aging serve approximately 7,000 older adults in New Hanover County. Offices for the Department are located in the Lucille-Shuffler Senior Center on Carolina Beach Road. It was built as an elementary school in 1924 and converted to this use in 1983. The Shuffler Center building also serves as the principal location for an ongoing program of activities which inform, entertain, feed (or otherwise care for) approximately 3,000 people annually. The Department carries on smaller programs of similar activities at five additional locations throughout the County on a regular basis. These are: (, Location Type of Building. �.: Hillcrest Public Housing Recreation Facility Nesbitt Court Public Housing Recreation Facility Solomon Towers Public Housing Recreation Facility Warner Temple,AME Zion Church Church Social Hall St.Paul's United Meth.Church Church Social Hall The primary Department of Aging programs are listed below: DEPARTMENT OF AGING PROGRAMS Program Purpose Clientele Size 1. Nutrition: a. Congregate Sites - Provides a main meal daily at 6 central locations in County. 290/day b. Home -Delivered - Daily main meal brought to shutins by volunteer drivers from central site kitchens. 150/day 2. Case Management Visiting social worker to help infirm clients assess their total needs and locate services which are available to meet these needs. 150/year 3. Transportation: a. "The Van" - r� b. "Escort" - 0 Transports groups on regularly scheduled basis for shopping, field trips, and other purposes. Transportation for infirm to medical appointments (provided by volunteers) Varies Varies f 2.12 - 3 G DEPARTMENT OF AGING PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) Program Purpose Clientele Size c. DART - Transportation for handicapped in specially equipped vehicles, (� arranged 24 hours in advance. Varies u 4. RSVP Retired Senior Citizen Volunteer* Program provides help to local non-profit organizations. 500/year 5. VITA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides training to volunteers who assist others in completing their tax forms. Varies 6. Job Bank Helps those who need jobs to -find them, and helps improve job -search skills such as updating resumes. Varies 7. Senior Center Multipurpose gathering -place used for crafts classes, social and cultural events, educational lectures and seminars, health maintenance clinics. 3,000/year Personnel: The Department of Aging employs 8 people full-time, and 5 people part-time. Volunteers serve as an extension of paid staff.' It potentially serves all citizens of the County who are sixty years old or more. Recommendations: The Shuffler Center has adequate space for present personnel and programs. Further expansion of the (� Department's programs may be needed in the future, as a projected u larger proportion of the population lives past age 60 years, and an expected increase occurs in the number of retirees who come to New Hanover County to enjoy its mild climate and other advantages Some renovations to the dilapidated school building, including a new heating system, were accomplished before the Department moved into this building in 1983. However, the building is old, and it will continue to require constant maintenance. Roof repairs and repair of the water -damaged j� auditorium floor were made necesary by Hurricane Diana in 1985. (� New paving for the parking lot, as well as new landscaping, were also provided in 1985. A group of senior citizens on Pleasure Island who have been meeting at St.Paul's United Methodist Church are raising funds to build their own Senior Center building. Ground was broken for the new structure in February, 1986, with completion expected in mid -summer 1986. 0 2.12 - 4 HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WILMINGTON The Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington owns and manages public housing developments which provide safe and sanitary housing to low and moderate income families. Rent is based on income and family composition, at the rate of 30 percent of adjusted family income. Approximately 5,500 people live in the conventional public housing units. In addition, there are 1,530 people residing in the Section 8 housing units administered by the Authority. The Housing Authority therefore serves a total of approximately 7,030 people. Funding for the Housing Authority comes from the rent charged to residents and from a subsidy from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Individual developments owned and operated by the authority are: NAME LOCATION UNITS AGE(YRS) CONDITION Nesbitt Courts* S. 2nd St. 261* 45 Needs renov. Taylor Homes* N. 5th Ave. 275* 45 Needs renov. Jervay Place Dawson St. 250 35 Needs renov. Houston Moore S. 13th St. 150 32 Needs renov. Hillcrest* Meares St. 256* 43 Renov.1984-85 Solomon Towers Castle St. 151 13 Creekwood South Emory St. 191 14 Rankin Terrace N. llth St. 80 14 Vesta Village S. 13th St. 43 14 Creekwood North** Carnegie Dr. 148** * Location of additional 20-year-old buildings which are classified as an "Elderly Annex." These units are included in the overall total. ** Originally consisting of 200 units; 52 units have been sold (? (as of 12-23-85) as part of a Homeownership Development program. Housing Authority Special Programs The Housing Authority, in conjunction with the City Parks and Recreation Department, provides recreation programs at neighborhood centers in nine developments. Space is provided at Rankin Terrace for the County Health Department staff to conduct a free clinic five days per week for primary health care. Lunch programs for Senior Citizens are provided five days per week at Hillcrest, Nesbitt Courts, and Solomon Towers, through a joint effort between the Housing Department and the Department of Aging. The Authority also provides space for Adult Basic Education classes which are taught at six developments. Cape Fear Technical Institute provides teachers and materials for j� these classes as well as craft and sewing classes. t� 2.12 - 5 I U Programs of Other Agencies for Housing Authority Residents The Housing Authority employs a counseling staff to work with agencies in the community to provide programs and assistance to residents on all developments. Some agencies providing programs and assistance are: Department of Social Services Salvation Army Cape Fear Gospel Rescue Mission Southeastern Mental Health Health Department Family Services Traveler's Aid Social Security Administration Wilmington.Babtist Association Women's Resource Center Cape Fear Substance Abuse Wilmington Police Department UNCW Wilmington Fire Department County Extension Service New Hanover Public Library Volunteer Action Center Employment Security Commission Food Stamp recertification is held once per month and chore workers are provided by the County Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS also distributes cheese and butter on each site. The mobile van from the County Library visits some developments. A Day Care Center is available at Creekwood North. Recreation Directors provide recreational programs at ten developments. Additional programs are outlined below: PROGRAM Budgeting Nutrition Cultural Programs Crafts Basic Education Sewing Housing Authority Vehicles AGENCY County Extension Service County Extension Service Wilmington Community Arts Center Cape Fear Technical Institute Cape Fear Technical Institute Cape Fear Technical Institute These vehicles are owned and operated by the Housing Authority: TYPE Trucks: (1/2 ton) Truck: (3/4 ton) Truck: .(1 1/2 ton) Vans: (1/2 ton) Vans: (3/4 ton) Van: (1 1/2 ton) Vans: (Passenger) Bus: (Passenger) Automobiles (sedans) Automobiles (station wagons) CONDITION NUMBER good -poor 5 fair 1 new 1 good -poor 4 good, 2 good 1 good 2 fair 1 good 2 good/poor 2 Two Housing Authority vans are used to transport elderly residents for grocery shopping. These vehicles are also used to take children to programs and on field trips. {-� 2.12 - 6 . �.�,, Wilmington -New Hanover County ,. ,Community Facilities Study. L-7 j HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES l� SOCIAL SERVICES: lO Department of Social Service + O Department of Aginq / Er Wilmington Housing Authority Approtlwt. Any j IhR Ikue A~ . O Nesbitt Courts Development Taylor Homes Development /„ervay ?lace Development M Qom• J �? .; ` Houston Moore Development 0 Hillcrest 0 Solomon Towers c iJ-•_., r/ T \ . ��Q 10 Creekwood South Rankin Terrace Lo /' I /; r /`---_ e - , i• _ + 12 Vesta Village 13 Creekwood North Development y, 3 i'i �'= O ;'ram 14 Cape Fear Hotel Apartments ��,'� `J � CJ ''v _ � � - �' � � � �� �"��—, j� � �•. •O HEALTH SERVICES: Health Department � \; L ' /, � �/ ) � dim �- J� i�r � � i T '1 Animal Control Facility i rrPT's 17 New Hanover Memorial Hospital /n 1.1,` al.• i;I�' r;- 1�..+', — 1 `` 18 Cape Fear Memorial Hospital �t - rl i• h ,> . \\.`.3132 C"f �Qi rho--• - ��_ 1 =5 _--f�� a I 19 Lower CaDe Fear HosDi ce _ nt EFJ �� yr • �1� �� �_' �� -- ~� ��C�Ce-CCU®©0�� g !BCLC �\ �1 !20 Life Center of Wilmington �Iliqq'El0000©CF ✓� t � �21 Southeastern Mental Health Center _cca©cccccc ! '�=�*�� ' �%� C`� 22 Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center .DCCmr��`EEOG�OCC 100 �;�� � 1 j �.� � '� i ��' '' ••r� j--, 1—1 ,/• ;� �' / f 23 Crisis Line-ODen House rr--�dE Q����7mF�CrJ©C�C�Co �LCIL��C �t^CtI�L�. J_ ❑ ©8❑ - �Q ❑ �� © �.C';• /'. �.�• •, �`\� la ,\'. i0 __�E�u�CIMO � ❑o�d�©��mdc�c��e��� , �- - --. ;�lk- 11MOD ®C DOmC1CCG�OCCIC��B���t� _ v�'�, �� _ vt s %\ (]r ' _...... /� �m C 0OCm®OC{n� .CO�d� �j r'' Y/t.•�. QEQ Qy' ��kIrT WILMINGTON URBAN AREA MAP- —� i ,r ~�Z`� Y r'':i !• -',�'„� �7i---ir-,� _ 1', L-� REVISED AWRY N85 •' ' '- - LL�llj � C C C C u PARKS AND RECREATION CITY OF WILMINGTON Within the City, public land utilized either as city parks, neighborhood playgrounds, "tot -lots," or recreation centers is �. maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Also under the care of the Department are the median strips along the boulevards - locally known as "plazas" -- plus numerous publicly owned islands in cul-de-sacs and at street intersections. The Department has the additional responsibility for planting and maintaining street trees and other vegetation within 1� these areas. Trees within City rights -of -ways cannot be trimmed. LJ or removed without a Parks Division permit. The Parks Division will also clean overgrown vacant lots after 30-days' notice, and bill the cost to the owner. Firewood is sold behind the Department's administration building, near the intersection of South 3rd and Front Streets, opposite Greenfield Gardens. Originally a private home, the Department's small wooden administration building is barely adequate for its present purpose. A small parking area and two fenced areas are adjacent to this building. The two fenced areas contain a a - supplies/equipment warehouse, an equipment storage space, and a shop building. Moving the Parks and Recreation Department's headquarters to a new location, in a former City Fire Department station at Third and Willard Streets, is currently being considered as a means of alleviating the Department's space problems. `-' CITY OF WILMINGTON PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS (j Facility Size (acres) Description Major Parks: Greenfield Park 200 4.5-mile scenic drive & jogging/bicycle path around cypress swamp with azaleas; canoe,paddle-boat,bicycle rentals; amphitheater; Fragrance Garden; life & nature trails; ( picnic, play areas; tennis courts; �j concession, restroom facilities. Riverfront Park -0.5 Approximately 330 feet along Cape Fear River with benches, fountain, performance area. Municipal Golf Course 130 18-hole championship public course with club house on Wallace Avenue. (Managed independently of Department of Parks & Recreation.) 2.13 - 1 CITY OF WILMINGTON PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS (continued) Facility Size (acres) Description District Parks: Maids Park 15 Recreation center; basketball, Robert Strange Park Virginia Empie Park Legion Stadium Neighborhood Parks Innis Park Optimist Park Cameron Park Godwin Field Stadium Hilton Park Love Grove Park Northside Park Bijou Park tennis courts; athletic field; playground, picnic areas; parking, restroom facilities. 15 Recreation center; swimming pool; basketball, tennis courts; athletic field; playground, picnic areas; parking, restroom facilities. 33 Lighted basketball, tennis courts; athletic field; playground, picnic areas; parking, restroom facilities. 25 Swimming pool, lighted tennis courts; major athletic stadium complex; parking, toilet facilities. 0.5 Garden park with benches. 5 Lighted Little League field with bleachers, playfield, parking, concession stand. 3 Playfield with ballfield, tennis courts, picnic and play areas. 6 Playfield with lighted ballfield and bleachers; field house, concession stand, restrooms. 3 Passive area with parking; 300-year old live oak which is lighted at Christmastime ("World's Largest Christmas Tree"). 3 Playfield with ballfield,. basketball court, picnic area. .15 Swimming pool, tennis court, play and picnic areas. 0.5 Landscaped area. 2.13 - 2 CITY OF WILMINGTON PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS (continued) Facility Size (acres) Description Neighborhood Parks (continued): Mary Bridger Park 3 Green area. Bullock Park 4 Gardens. Wallace Park 12 Playfield with ballfield, basketball court, play and picnic areas. Thomas B. Lilly Park 1 Landscaped garden. Beaumont Park 3 Basketball court and play area. Triangle Park 0.5 Tot lot play area. Hawthorne Road 0.5 Green area. Kennedy Park 1 Basketball court and play area. Mothers Park 1 Play area. Rankin Street Park 2 Ballfield, lighted basketball and tennis courts, play and picnic areas. Hanover Heights 0.5 Horseshoe pit and play area. Sunset Park 0.5 Play area. Nunalee Park 2 Passive and picnic areas. Hemenway Park 1 Basketball court, play and picnic areas. Tower Park 2 Passive area. Wilmington's park and recreation land presently.totals over 491 acres. This is an increase of 590 over the 290 acres of recreation land which the City possessed 20 years ago. In the same period the number of people employed by the Department of Parks and Recreation has'more than doubled, growing from 55 people to 135. Of these, the Parks Division presently employs a force of 69, and the Recreation Division has 61 people. The Recreation Division operates nine recreation centers independent of the parks. These are scattered throughout the older parts of the City. Five are associated with housing projects at Nesbitt Court, Houston Moore Terrace, R. Taylor Homes, Jervay Place, and Hillcrest. Four other and larger recreation centers are also managed by the Recreation Division. 2.13 - 3 7 Among these, the Community Arts Center is located in a frame building that was erected as the World War II USO center to entertain servicemen located in the area. Replacement of this (� building has been sought for a number of years. A complete list �j of these facilities follows: CITY OF WILMINGTON RECREATION CENTERS Facility Size (sq.ft.) Description Nesbitt Court 1,442 Small neighborhood center. Houston Moore Terrace 739 Small neighborhood center. Hillcrest 1,008 Small neighborhood center. R. Taylor Homes 4,500 Gym, lounge, playground. Jervay Place 4,000 Game, craft rooms, playground. Community Arts Center 18,902 2-story building with offices, meeting rooms, workshops, recreation/performance hall, lobby display area. Boxing/Physical 6,234 ' Gymnasium and exercise rooms. Fitness Center Martin Luther King Center 22,650 Meeting rooms, gym, playfields. Davis Center 3,369 Meeting rooms., game room. It should be noted that Wilmington has many well -developed parks and active recreation facilities, but few public reserves of open land for passive recreation. This was pointed out in the Wilmington, North Carolina, A Community Facilities Study completed 20 years ago. It is still true today that a shortage of open space exists in the more densely populated areas of the older sections of the City. A general absence of publicly owned open space can be noted in recently annexed areas, except for the inclusion of the County's Hugh MacRae Park and Wilmington's Municipal Golf Course within the new City Limits. Comprehensive planning is underway, however, for 1,500 acres of recently annexed land, largely vacant, which lies south of Shipyard Boulevard between South College Road and Carolina Beach Road. Provision for recreation facilities will be integrated into plans for housing and commercial development made accessible by a limited -access extension of South Seventeenth Street to South College Road. 2.13 - 4 NEW HANOVER COUNTY PARKS New Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department presently operates or is planning 15 parks_ and beach access areas. These include: Facility Size (acres) Description Hugh MacRae Park 1 98 Ball fields, tennis courts, Blair -Noble Park Snow's Cut Park Arrowhead Park Cape Fear Park 32 24 21 11 Parkwood Recreation Area 7 Trask Park Riverside Park Location Fort Fisher (with State) Ocean Blvd. and US Hywy 421S Alabama Av. and US Hywy 421S Tennessee Av. and US Hywy 421S 7 4 horse ring, picnic and play areas, concession stand (seasonal) and rest rooms. Lighted ballfields and tennis courts, multipurpose court, concession stand (seasonal) and rest rooms. Picnic areas, rest rooms. Ballfield, tennis courts, nature trail, picnic shelter and play areas. Lighted ball fields, concession stand (seasonal) and rest rooms. Playing field, multipurpose court, picnic and play areas. Softball fields, concession stand (seasonal) and restrooms. Community center, picnic area, fishing pier. BEACH ACCESS AREAS Size (acres) Description 15 200 parking spaces, picnic area, restrooms, outdoor showers, handicapped access and concession stand (seasonal). 0.3 15-20 parking spaces, dune crossover. 0.3 15-20 parking spaces, dune crossover. 0.3 15-20 parking spaces, dune crossover. 2.13 - 5 I LCounty and State Recreation Planning It is anticipated that a master plan for parks in the County will be performed in the next several years. Potential park needs and potential sites are being examined near King's Grant, off N.C. Hywy 132N, and near Chair Road off N.C. Hywy 117. Additional land next to Trask Park is also sought to create a regional park. The County is presently nearing completion of a water access inventory and plan for the County. The State also has several significant park and,recreation sites, all.located in the southern part of the County. The State operates Carolina Beach State Park, which includes nature trails, camping facilities, along with boat access and marina facilities on the Cape Fear River. The North Carolina Marine Resources Center operates a large building featuring exhibits and classroom/laboratory facilities, and maintains several nature a trails. The Fort Fisher Civil War Museum also provides learning opportunities. New Hanover County also has two components of the National Estuarine Sanctuary Program: Zeke's Island, closely associated with the North Carolina Marine Resources Center, is already part of the system; Masonboro Island is in the process of being acquired for inclusion in the program. I III 0 I 0 I L 2.13 - 6 a _ - �� - ilmin ton -New Hanover County.R R W _g _ - Community Facilities 'Study PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS 3 1 \ j ' ter•.+ COUN17-y i BRUNSWICK < ' = 4_ , •' -- � „ J Cis - , - �]�.� ,=�• t � - � 3 •'. r ' � p b yrr�- 01 Jr4 If ./V Major. Parks and Recreation Areas CITY COUNTY STATE �'• �;moo -. r 's - �C 01 Greenfield Park ® Hugh MacRae Park Q Fort Fisher. 0 Ri verfront Park Blair -Noble Park Q North Carolina Marine Resources Center _ �► 2 ® - " 03 Municipal Golf Course ® Snow's Cut Park 0 - Carolina Beach State Park [] Zeke's Island -Estuarine Sanctuary •® Meids Park ® Arrowhead Park. - 0 50 Proposed masonboro-,Island Estuarine Sanctuary N Q Robert Strange Park ® Cape Fear -Park C =, -- © Virginia Empie Parkwoods Recreation Area . 07 Legion Stadium ® Trask Park )OC BEACH ACCESS �� • �SCALE :"wEs ® Community Arts Center ® Riverside Park �. CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS CULTURAL FACILITIES NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM New Hanover County presently maintains several libraries -for County residents. The main library, formerly the Wilmington Public Library, is located at 201 Chestnut Street in a building which formerly housed a department store and encompasses 46,000 square feet. The Library catalogues 169,000 bound volumes, 17,000 paperbacks, and several thousand records and tapes. Subscriptions are maintained for approximately 300 magazines and newspapers. A strong business collection and extensive materials on local history and geneology are also available for public use. Two meeting rooms on the second floor are frequently used for lectures, films and organization meetings. County records are maintained in the main library's basement. In the future, the microfilm center for county records may be located there. a Branch Libraries 1. College Square Shopping Center - Serves the eastern side of the County. It contains approximately 10,000 volumes of a the library's collection. 2. Cape Fear Boulevard in Carolina Beach - With approximately 6,000 volumes, it serves residents of the southern part of the County. �1 3. Law Library - Located in the new County Judicial u Building, this collection of.5 - 7,000 volumes records legislation and court cases. 4. Bookmobile and Outreach Van - Operating on a regular schedule of visits to institutions and Housing Authority centers, these mobile libraries further extend services provided by the New Hanover County library system. Future Plans The County Library plans to automate its circulation system, including the tracking, inventory, and loaning of volumes. It is also looking towards expansion of its audio-visual department, which presently includes personal computers, video -cassette recorders, record players and projectors for public use by non- profit groups. Additional long-range library needs include possible establishment of branch libraries in the northern and �l southern parts of the county, and at Wrightsville Beach. L.J I NEW HANOVER COUNTY MUSEUM The New Hanover County Museum of the Lower Cape Fear was Qestablished in 1898 by the Daughters of the Confederacy to collect and preserve relics and memories of the War Between the States. The Museum's current purpose is to make available to the public the history, natural history, and culture of the Lower Cape Fear Area. Its interpretive exhibits utilize tangible materials collected, preserved, and researched by the Museum. {� An artifact collection of nearly 11,000 objects forms the u core of the exhibits and programs. The New Hanover County Museum of the Lower Cape Fear will also use other materials provided through loans and traveling exhibits. Approximately 58,000 visitors annually see its permanent and special exhibits, attend special programs both indoors and out, and accompany field trips which the Museum sponsors. In (� addition, it provides special programs and resources which are made available to school classes and other groups. Since 1970, the Museum has been housed in a former armory on Market Street built by the WPA. The unencumbered interior spaces offer advantages for exhibits and programs. However, there are several disadvantages: 1.. The Museum's collections, program and attendance have outgrown the Armory. Most artifacts are stored, because exhibit space is severely limited. (Only about 40 of the collection is on exhibit at any given time.) Storage of unexhibited artifacts has had to expand to three other buildings, one of which is rented. 2. The Armory building itself has suffered from water intrusion due to improperly repointed brickwork. a Water penetrates and runs down the walls during even modest storms. 3. The location of the Armory and the amount of surrounding land limit outdoor programs and the expansion of the facility. Also this site's distance from the River and the downtown Historic District (almost one mile) separates the Museum from prevailing tourist traffic flow to other historic and cultural attractions. Future Plans for the Museum (� The County Commissioners have appointed a building committee t� which is seeking a suitable site, one which will accomodate the Museum, parking, outdoor programming and exhibit space, and future expansion. The most desireable site would have direct G access to the Cape Fear River, so that its history could be more directly interpreted. Reuse of an existing historic building on the waterfront may be considered for relocating the Museum. 2.14 - 2 u a 0 THALIAN HALL Thalian Hall is a City -owned facility which forms the east wing of City Hall (see discussion of Wilmington City Hall, pp. a 2.15-2, 3). Built in 1853 as part of a municipal and cultural building, and opened in 1858, it is one of the nation's oldest legitimate theaters, and is the only surviving theater designed by noted architect John Montague Trimble. Unique architecture and antique furnishings enhance this asset to Wilmington's cultural life. It attracts the interst of tourists, and is the point of origin for the Historic Wilmington Foundation's.daily n tours of historic buildings. u The theater is managed by the Thalian Hall Commission, an organization dedicated to its.preservation as a center for the performing arts. Each year Thalian Hall is used by more than 25 area organizations which present a wide range of activities on its stage. These include plays, musicals and operas, concerts, recitals, meetings, films.and lectures. Performance n opportunities are provided for local talent, both professional �j and amateur, and nationally -known artists. The Hall seats 540 people in its orchestra, boxes and a balcony sections. The stage is 32 feet wide (procenium opening), and has a depth of 30 feet. Accoustics are good for the entire theater. aTheater Renovation Planned Backstage facilities and rest rooms are antiquated, however, and increased usage and inevitable deterioration have created the need for renovation and upgrading of the tecnical installations of the theater. A bond issue to make these needed improvements possible was authorized by the electorate in March, 1985. The project will include renovation of the basement, backstage, and first and second balconies of the theater, construction of an addition on the north side of the building to provide entrance, a lobby, restroom, office, rehearsl and storage space, as well as enlargement of the City Council meeting room (in City Hall_), and parking lot improvement to serve the entire building. �] Thalian Hall is available for rental by organizations and U individuals for legitimate performances, meetings, lectures, and films. The Executive Director of the Thalian Hall Commission arranges all bookings. These are presently being made -only through August, 1987, in anticipation of the theater being closed temporarily for renovation after September 1, 1987. 1, l.� 2.14 - 3 u 0 aST. JOHN'S MUSEUM OF ART Located at the corner of Second and Orange Streets, the St. John's Museum of Art, a non-profit educational and cultural institution, is open to the public admission -free. It is housed in three buildings which surround a common courtyard. The largest of these is the Samuel H. Hughes Gallery, the former St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The building adjacent to this structure on Orange Street was the home of St. John's Lodge No.l, the oldest Masonic lodge in North Carolina. It was constructed in 1804-1805. On the other side of the Hughes Gallery, facing Second Street, the Burch -Cowan House Studios completes the �j Museum's cluster of buildings. Renovations Underway a Until 1982 this institution was known as the St. John's Art Gallery, and it operated for eighteen years in the old Masonic Lodge, well-known for its mural of Masonic symbols. In 1980, the museum moved into the adjacent former church building and the Burch -Cowan House. These had been acquired in 1979, then extensively renovated to provide larger display and program spaces. The lodge building was closed to the public, and is now being repaired and renovated Once the programmed repairs and improvements to the Lodge are completed, it will display the Museum's permanent collection, aand will house an arts library, the Museum Shop, and administrative offices. The entire Hughes Gallery will then be available for display of temporary exhibitions and educational a programs, as well as for preparation and storage of materials. The courtyard common to the group of buildings will be further developed with walkways, perimeter walls, verandah, terrace, landscaping and a sculpture garden. This will be used for expanded art instruction, sculpture exhibits, concerts and performances. School Outreach Programs The Museum presently works with the New Hanover County 5th and 6th graders through its school outreach programs. However, a the museum staff regards these outreach programs only as a beginning. The Museum's education department has already become involved in the earliest planning phase for the State legislature -mandated program of arts education for grades K-12. This includes the visual arts, as well as theater, music and dance. Programs in the visual arts will range from instruction Q in the basic elements and design principles to drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. When the current renovations are completed and all spaces are in use, the Museum's facilities will adequately accommodate its projected program for the foreseeable future. U 2.14 - 4 u Wilmington -New Hanover -County Community- Facilities Study. LOCATION OF CULTURAL FACILITIESfig �`�"°�•� I ICSC _ 4 i` -s �- Ruty p _ 3 1 (( - a «• __.. ,., vet o _ '` f., � , as / _ =` � 0 Q: •ter. / _ -. -. - � i .:r.� �-` - � 3 ,. - - - •r�oy �- � - OV LIBRARIES THEATERS & STADIUMS New Hanover County Libraries: 10 Thalian Hall i 1., i = o �.�- -� �• lO Main library Building. 11 Kenan Auditorium 46, 12 Greenfield Park Amphitheater 2O College Square Branch L D Carolina Beach Branch 13 Community Arts Center _ ��� •�s,� /• 3 /• 4O Law Library (Judicial Bldg:) 14 Legion Field Stadium - `�., Os Kenan Library, UNCW is Trask Coliseum u MUSEUMS � •oy � f ® New Hanover County - © Civil War Museum (N.C.) ® St. John's Museum of Art C : _ �'— N —� Gr _ ® Ft. Fisher Marine Resources Center Aquarium ``�► scare uawrs ADMINISTRATION AND JUDICIARY 0 ADMINISTRATION AND JUDICIARY NEW HANOVER COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING Located at the corner of Fourth and Chestnut Streets, the County Administration Building contains the meeting room for the New Hanover Board of County Commissioners, and offices for the County Manager, Clerk to the Commissioners, Tax Assessor and Tax Records, County Planning Department, Human Relations Commission, Personnel Department, Finance Office, Management Information Center, and Property Management. This brick building is 36 years old, and in good condition. a It was formerly owned by the Carolina Power and Light Company, and was principally used for company offices, with a bank renting space on the first floor. NEW HANOVER COUNTY ADMINISTRATION ANNEX The New Hanover County Building Inspector's office and the Engineering Department are housed in a brick annex to the Administration Building, located on the corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets. The County Print Shop, as well as offices for Property Management and the Parks and Recreation Department are (� also found in the Annex. �j After an extensive program of renovations in 1984, the building is in good condition. At that time a new roof was put on, new heating and air conditioning equipment was installed, and interior partitions were changed to improve the efficiency of the room arrangement. NEW HANOVER COUNTY GARAGE AND STORAGE FACILITIES D County -owned vehicles and equipment are serviced and stored Q in a brick building which is located on Hewlett Drive, close to the New Hanover County Airport buildings. It was contructed in recent years, and is considered to be in good condition and suitable for its function. An adjacent metal storage building serves the needs of the departments of Parks and Recreation, Property Management, Building Inspection, and Planning. It is also considered to be n in good condition and adequate for its purpose. u New Hanover County has also recently (1986) completed construction of a new storage and maintenance building at 220 Division Drive. It will serve the needs of the Maintenance and Engineering Department. a r 14 0 2.15 - 1 a i� C fq 0 III U WILMINGTON CITY HALL City Hall was designed by John M. Trimble, reknowned New York architect, in 1854. It forms the west wing of an Italianate/Classical Revival -style municipal and cultural center on the corner of Third and Princess Streets. Construction was completed in 1858. At that time, the City had a population of five thousand people, was a thriving seaport, and was the largest city in North Carolina. The Council Chamber, which seats approximately 100 people, is still used for most meetings of City Council, as well as meetings of other boards and commissions. Offices for the Mayor, City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney fill the remaining space on the first floor. The City Engineering Department, as well as offices for Environmental Services, Purchasing, and Public Works, are located on the second floor. The Finance Department and a centralized Print Shop occupy most of the basement. A ballroom on the third floor is at present unused. Major reconstruction for this old building was last accomplished in 1940, and need for further renovation has become apparent in recent years. Inevitable deterioration over time has occurred, and the size of the City Council Chamber has been found insufficient to accommodate the number of people who wish to attend public meetings. The few restrooms which exist are small and antiquated. In addition, upgraded performance facilities for the Thalian Hall wing of the building have become necessary (see entry for THALIAN HALL, p 2.13 - 3). Therefore, in March 1985, City voters authorized borrowing of funds for a capital improvements program which would also include renovation and modernization of City Hall. This work is expected to begin in the fall of 1987. WILMINGTON LIGHT INFANTRY BUILDING (WILMINGTON CITY HALL ANNEX) Variously known as the Wilmington Light Infantry Armory, the old Wilmington Public Library building, or the John A. Taylor House, the structure at 409 Market Street now functions as an annex for City Hall. Offices for City departments of Planning & Development, Personnel, Information Services, and Management Services are presently located in this building. The Classical Revival south wing was originally constructed (� as a residence circa 1847. It remained in this use until 1892, lJ when it was purchased by the Wilmington Light Infantry. Cannon were placed atop the roof parapet and in front of the building rl during years 1892-1951, while it was being used as an armory by u this organization. In 1951, the Wilmington Light Infantry deeded U2.15 - 2 I I the building to the City for use as a public library. The group Q retained use of the basement level of the original building for a meeting room. The City undertook substanial renovations to the building, adding the rear wing. These were completed in 1956. A new roof was added in 1974. In 1981, the Wilmington City Library was combined with the County Library System. At that time it moved into its present structure, at Second and Chestnut Streets (see NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY, p. 2.13 - 1) The WLI Building stood vacant until 1983, when other City functions began to utilize its spaces. For present uses, some structural change has again been a, necessary. A mezzanine floor in the rear wing, built to accomodate the library stack shelves, has been partitioned for office space, and secure, air conditioned rooms have been built on the basement level to house the City computers. One of these machines is jointly owned with the County. It will run the MAPS program, to make land use records and maps available to both City (� and County agencies. U At this time, this building still needs further renovation. Moisture penetrates the walls, and the heating/air conditioning Q system is antiquated and inefficient. The Wilmington Light Infantry continues to gather in their facility behind the front steps, which includes a meeting room, kitchen and rest rooms. WILMINGTON CITY GARAGE A City service complex is located on both sides of Fanning Q Street, between Anderson and North Tenth Streets. Here can be found the operations centers for the Streets, Sanitation, Water and Sewers Divisions, as well as the City Garage and the warehouse for the City/County Purchasing Department. The (� principal buildings are these: 1. City Garage: Built in 1939 as a WPA civic improvement project, this building is contructed of cut granite paving stones, and has a "bow -string" roof. The structure is sound, and continues to meet the growing demand for this service. The r-, attached building for painting autos, trucks, and equipment, uadded approximately ten years ago, is the largest such facility in the City. U 2. Water and Sewer Building Constructed of concrete block, U trussed diagonally, and with a "bow -string" roof, this building is in poor condition. Lack of funds has prevented aits replacement. 0 2.15 - 3 I I C I C 3. Purchasing Department Warehouse: This steel quonset but -type building serves as the depot for equipment and supplies bought in bulk under State contract for the use of the City and New Hanover County. Other County municipalities also buy supplies here. The structure itself is adequate for its purpose, but only a limited amount of parking is available. 4. Carpentry Shop: This wooden structure, belonging to the Public Buildings Department, is too small and too antiquated to be efficient. 5. Azalea Festival Storage Building: A special building which stores reviewing stand components which are used each spring for this festival. 6. Temporary Office Trailers: Four trailers which serve as operations centers and offices for these departments: Streets Water and Sewers Public Buildings Sanitation 7. Traffic Division Paint and Equipment Storage Building: A building which formerly housed a dog pound (and has a consequent chron� flea problem), is one of a number of small wooden buildings and sheds which store equipment and supplies for various divisions in city government. Future Planning In 1976, the need for an improved City Service Center was recognized. Funding was allocated, and a consultant (SUA, Inc., Facilities' Analyses, Planning and Design) was employed to develop plans. However, people living in the adjacent residential area objected to the permanent location of such a facility here. The project was delayed, pending further planning, and money which had been already allocated for the project was redistributed. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING BUILDING Located at Seventeenth and Dock Streets, this old fire station has housed the operations of the Traffic Engineering Department for approximately 12 years. All of the street signs are manufactured here, though some equipment is stored at the r} Fanning Street service complex. U This facility is only minimally adequate for its function. Parking is limited, even for City vehicles. U 2.15 - 4 a 0 C I I L El L u NEW HANOVER COUNTY JUDICIAL BUILDING The New Hanover County Judicial Building, located at Princess and Fourth Streets, was opened in 1983 to house functions formerly located in the old (1892) New Hanover County Court House on Third Street and the Courthouse Annex (1924). The new judicial building is a wing of the courthouse annex. The annex was completely renovated and reopened in 1984. In addition to eight Court Rooms and offices for resident judges and their staffs, this facility has offices for the.County Registrar of Deeds, Sheriff's Department Court Bailiffs, District Attorney, Clerk of Superior Court, Juvenile Court Services, and the Department of Corrections. The New Hanover County Law Library is also located here. Because of the high quality of the new Judicial Building and renovated Courthouse Annex, courtroom facilities are often used. by the United States Government and the State of North Carolina for court and commission hearings. The Grand Jury Room is utilized for small hearings and dispositions. The largest of the courtrooms, District Court Room #317, holds approximately 350 people. At times it is also used for city and county public meetingsother than court proceedings. The Clerk of Superior Court schedules day use of any part of the judicial buildings. Evening uses are arranged by the County Commissioners' office. Even though new, the Judicial Building is already fully utilized, and more space is sought for agencies which support court functions. The old Court House, presently vacant, will fill this need after current renovations are completed. It has been designated as a National Historical Landmark, therefore funds from the N.C. Department of Archives and History have helped pay for a new roof and renovation of its Court Room. New heating/air conditioning equipment is on order, and a general refurbishing is planned. The State pays the County a Facility Fee for every court case which is handled by this facility. Cases for Superior Court, District Court, and Juvenile Court are regularly heard here. The following court rooms are designed for specific uses:. COURT ROOMS Type Number Superior Court 3 District Court 4 Juvenile Court 1 0 2.15 - 5 i I' t \ 1 __ �' Wilmington -New Hanover County . gl ) { • �A�� Il' �� ll!_SS .� r-r�• J �, . •,, - ,Community Facilities Study _ �,/, 1 • LOCATION OF jJf.t_2( F F. �, r L ,, % GOVERNMENT SERVICES 71 Call by wuningtow + f 4. �,A. 0NEW Holum COLK" � - T � �' T (� � \ ' /// jai/ / � � r. _ t , • t ir .� G '�'� �/ i i •\� _ ` , :. /- _ �/ _ ,WSJ^�! <\/� - s•' • r CITY Nw City Hall Wilmington Light Infantry Building Li 3O Traffic Engineering Building �� / ; _ -- Qa ' /•' ° • S City -County Warehouse `!/` a \�,.` � -� t -,�� `_ •l; �19� r� .� �' �i��,� � '�•�,, �. � � T + 5 City Garage .',ti''� ; `., •'' :�� mmm �,�;', �` _ �, ' COUNTY 1 [ s�! l '`; +' %i�-�,' '�--•C /,��.,� -J = -� ti �� } Q Count Administration Building LJ r' .�' `•�...,;L� C �C�-�� 3 (��mG�p�ir��C�L ry���J(— (1�( ^� County (r• l y - �K' • .��' . .. C�m❑Li�U❑tom®❑❑L�l;, iG't JJL�—_:....71_• ' ._c�a - a ' { _ 0 County Administration Annex �,�,y :�\ :�❑t1!��❑ 0�❑0©���C❑----•••❑� {.•; \® Judicial BuildinG, Court House, and Annex �mmc❑coo©❑❑ o❑ t • , '�" �cC�c0BDCCcccc LCounty Garage and Storage Buildings 4 5 ,=�,�❑❑mt�' •��[�'�L_1�❑❑ [� �� J ).���,, ,/ ® County Maintenance Building CIE) ODFIFEEM01:11 •�.r•�_'"t-?�••�(!JC.L`�❑ C� ❑B❑ ❑❑Q��❑ Q❑ © , j �) Ih�,.r;�r���,r.�\�J� STATE {,"-JE�� = E3��m❑®❑ C D3 00 ©m�C7Cl C�I n--� „� \ N.C. Department of Transportation "~ C ''�S..a'L ` t j �-'�==�__ _ - w� '`•�mpj❑❑m m®❑❑m❑ ❑❑❑UGCAlt +n ��.,-�\ : . _.� ;�.x - :�'-.` •• �,[� ,..� � ''"�.t ,\.fli3.� .ram`.". ��.'4:,�y-m::.�„3(� ✓��— (1 WIL.MINGTON URBAN AREA MAP_�•,:����i�'.�i-:;:rti.l ,a . r-e-�\ ! �• - 1 _ �• _ , I _ ,�... 't:t `� �y�._•. - . - _ 'fie.. _ - .... - .. J ' _.... ! . . w0T[• i 1 R£V/SED MARCH .1lr I k,j ..... - ��•�:. I _ '-i-1 1 a 1 � -ter•• ��� • _- ~ -- - - �. � �- "__`� �-� '� - --- ' nc s I I I C C c INDEX OF FACILITIES INDEX OF FACILITIES WILMINGTON - NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMUNITY FACILITIES STUDY FACILITY Cape Fear Memorial Hospital 5301 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington Cape Fear Substance Abuse Center 801 Princess Street, Wilmington Cape Fear Technical Institute 411 North Front Street, Wilmington City of Wilmington Engineering Department City Hall, 3rd & Princess Streets Storm Drains City of Wilmington Fire Department 20 South 4th Street, Wilmington City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation Department 2149 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington City of Wilmington Police Department Red Cross & Front Streets City of Wilmington Public Services Department: Garage 901 Fanning Street, Wilmington Public Buildings 901 Fanning Street, Wilmington City Hall Wilmington Light Infantry Building Sanitation 802 North 10th Street Streets 902 Fanning Street, Wilmington Traffic Engineering 1702 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington Street Lights City of Wilmington Public Utilities Department: Water Treatment North 4th Street, Wilmington Wastewater Treatment 900 Fanning Street, Wilmington Crisis Line - Open House 419 Chestnut Street, Wilmington PAGE 2.11 - 4 2.11 - 7 2.9 4 2.4 - 1 2.1 - 1 2.13 - 1 2.2 - 1 2.15 - 3 2.15 - 3 2.15 - 2 2.15 - 2 2.6 - 1 2.7 - 1 2.15 - 4 2.8 - 1 2.5 - 1 2.3 - 1 2.11 - 7 3.1 INDEX OF FACILITIES Life Center of Wilmington 2.11 - 5 2520 Troy Drive, Wilmington Lower Cape Fear Hospice 2.11 - 5 5221 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington New Hanover County Department of Aging 2.12 - 3 2011 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington New Hanover County Airport 2.10 - 4 Route 6, Box 49 (North 23rd Street), Wilmington New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court 2.15 - 5 Judicial Building, Princess & 4th Streets, Wilmington New Hanover County Department of Emergency Management: County Rescue Squads: 2.1 - 4 County Volunteer Fire Departments: 2.1 - 2 New Hanover County Extension Service 2.9 - 3 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington New Hanover County Health Department 2.11 - 1 2029 South 17th Street, Wilmington Animal Control Center 2.2 - 3 220 Division Drive, Wilmington New Hanover County Library 2.14 - 1 201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Museum 2.14 - 2 814 Market Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Parks.& Recreation Department 2.13 - 5 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Property Management 2.15 - 1 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Public Schools 2.9 - 1 1802 South 15th Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Sewer System 2.3 - 2 County Engineering Department 414 Chestnut Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Sheriff's Department 2.2 - 2 400 Princess Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Department of Social Services 2.14 - 1 1020 Rankin Street, Wilmington New Hanover County Steam Plant/Incinerator 2.6 - 2 U.S.Route 421 3.2 INDEX OF FACILITIES New Hanover County Water System County Engineering Department 414 Chestnut Street, Wilmington New Hanover Memorial Hospital 2131 South 17th Street, Wilmington North Carolina State Ports Authority P.O.Box 9002,(Burnette Blvd.) Wilmington St. John's Museum of Art 114 Orange Street, Wilmington Seaboard System Railroad Company P.O.Box 558, Leland, N.C. 28451 Southeastern Mental Health Center 2023 South 17th Street, Wilmington Thalian Hall 305 Princess Street, Wilmington University of North Carolina at Wilmington 60.1 South College Road, Wilmington Wilmington Housing Authority P.O.Drawer 899, Wilmington Wilmington Municipal Golf Course 311 Wallace Avenue, Wilmington Wilmington Transit Authority- 409 Market Street, Wilmington Wilmington Union Bus Corporation 201 Harnett Street, Wilmington 2.5 - 2 2.11 - 4 2.10 - 3 2.14 - 4 2.10 - 2 2.11 - 6 2.14 - 3 2.9 - 6 2.12 - 5 2.13 - 1 2.10 - 1 2.10 - 2 3.3 0 o � `� CHARLOTTE GASTONIA ROCK HILL SAVANNAH DCM COPY DCM COPY lease do not remove!!!!! Division of Coastal Management WILMINGTON ARLESTON ACKSONVILLE I t O Y Y WILMINGTON STACKS UP A Comparison With Selected Metropolitan r Areas 1986 CAMA LAND USE PLAN UPDATE Report No. 6 CITY COUNCIL William Schwartz, Mayor Councilman Donald Betz, Mayor Pro Tem Councilman E.A. Bordeaux Councilman Irving Fogler Councilman Luther Jordan Councilman Tony.Pate Councilman Robert D. Shipp William B. Farris, City Manager WILMINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION Daniel D. Retchin, Chairman James C. Barker Gloria Berger Les Edwards Dorothy Forbes George T. Hawes Larry Sneeden, Vice Chairman Arcelia Wicker, Sr., Director of Planning & Development PROJECT PLANNING STAFF Glenn Harbeck, Senior Planner Georgia Smallman, Planning Technician SECRETARIAL Teresa Elmore COVER DESIGN Octavia Micuda, Graphic Artist The preparation of this report was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Resources Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is admin- istered by the Office of Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. CONTENTS (� L.J INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SECTION 1. POPULATION GRO14TH . . . . . . . . . . 2 j SECTION 2. HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SECTION 3. ECONOMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 �j SECTION 4. EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . 35 SECTION 6. HEALTH CARE aSECTION 7. CRIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 SECTION.8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . 51 a a a U C C C� � O O O O [� O O C� O C� O (� O D D Z --I C n --I Z 0 C INTRODUCTION This reportis premised on the.belief that the Wilmington area is a competitor. It is a competitor with other urban areas in the State of North Carolina as well as other areas along the southeastern coast of the United States. Just as a growing business seeks out the best employees, customers and clients, cities today are becoming more aware of the need to -recruit the best workers, firms, educators and others. In recent years, many businesses have undertaken a process known as strategic planning to plan their corporate future.- This same process is now being applied to cities. Thisstudyrepresents part of the strategic planning emphasis that the City of Wilmington is giving to the 1986 Land Use Plan Update. ` One element of strategic,planning.is to take stock of your strengths and weaknesses as compared to your.competitors. How Wilmington Stacks Up is designed to be .an honest appraisal of Wilmington's strengths and weaknesses compared to several other urban areas in the State of North Carolina and several selected urban areas along the southeastern. seaboard. Areas within the State include Asheville, Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill, Fayetteville, Greensboro -Winston Salem - High Point, and Raleigh -Durham. Coastal cities selected for comparison include Charleston, SC; Jacksonville, FL; Norfolk -Virginia Beach -Newport News, VA and Savannah, GA. Each of these areas was compared on the basis of seven general categories: population growth, housing, economics, education, transportation, health care and crime. Rand McNally's Places Rated Almanac was used as the source of information both for consistency and for ease in gathering data. The information contained in this report will undoubtedly mean different things to different people depending upon the reader's objectives. The overall objective of the report, however, is to point out the strengths in the urban area worthy of reinforcement and weaknesses capable of being changed over time. -1- 0 a a 0 a c e �� I 0 SECTION 1. POPULATION GROWTH Population growth is usually a good overall indicator of economic health in (� an area. Where the population is increasing,jobs are usually growing and things U are happening. Business and development interests typically look at population growth from at least two perspectives: 1) The actual increase in numbers of people and 2) The percentage increase in numbers of people over a period of a time. Table 1.1 and Figures 1.1 through 1.4 allow for a comparison of popula- tion 9 P PP (� tion growth. Between 1970 and 1980 the Wilmington Metropolitan Area, defined as New Hanover County, grew by roughly 25%. This figure was second only to Raleigh - Durham within the state. Among:the coastal urban areas studied only Charleston, South Carolina had a higher growth rate. While Wilmington's growth rate•is 9 9 9 impressive, the actual increase in numbers -for the area is relatively small com- pared the other metropolitan areas studied. During the decade of the seventy's, Cthe Wilmington Metropolitan Area grew by approximately 20,000 people. By comparison Jacksonville, Florida's population increased by 110,000 people, yet its growth rate was only 18% over the decade. The bar in Figures 1.2 and graphs } 1.4 illustrate how small Wilmington's population base is compared to the other L� metropolitan areas. Thus it may be said that Wilmington's market depth is rela- tively shallow but it is growing rapidly, making it attractive to small businesses and investors who recognize the economic potential of the area. U Table 1.1 POPULATION GROWTH, 1970-1980 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- POPULATION METRO AREAS AND POPULATION POPULATION CHANGE COMPONENT COUNTIES 1980 1970 1970-1980 SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:A Charleston, SC 4307462 336,036 28.1% Berkley,Charleston and n Dorchester counties Jacksonville, FL C1ay,Duval,Nassau and nSt.Johns counties Norfolk-Va.Beach-NewportNews,VA Gloucester,James City and York counties Savannah, GA Chatham and Effingham counties Wilmington. NC New Hanover County Q NORTH CAROLINA METRO AREAS AND COMPONENT COUNTIES Asheville Buncombe County Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) Cabarrus,13aston,Lincoln, Mecklenburg,Rowan and Union counties,NC; York. County,SC 7229252 612,585 17.9% 111G0,311 19058,764 220p553 103,471 160,934 971,391 Fayetteville 247,160 Cumberland County Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 8519851 Davidson,Davie,Forsyth, Guilford,Randolph,Stokes and Yadkin counties Raleigh -Durham 5G1,222 Durham,Franklin,Orange and Wake counties Wilmington 103,471 New Hanover County 201,448 82,996 145.056 840,347 2129042 742,984 446,074 82,996 9.5% 9.5% 24.7% 10.9% 15.G% 16.6% 14.7% 24.7% Secondary Source: Richard Boyer & David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. xv-.txiv. Primary Source: U.S.Office of Management and budget, as of June 30, 1983. -3- U IlJ1 24V. 227. 'u( O 20= 0 0 18R 75 a 1 89. 0 CL 32 , 0 12� 0 n � 10A Q CL 83s. 43Z 2� O� , 0.9 0.7 c 0.8 U o 0.s 3 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 O Figure 1.1 POPULATION GROWTH SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1970-80 Ashvl Chorlt—Gast Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wimgtn Figure 1.2 POPULATION GROWTH SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1970-80 Ashvl Chorlt-Gast Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wimgtn Jam) ® Populotion,1970 ® Population,1980 -4 - c Q O a 0 CL O F- 0 c m tL Figure 1.3 POPULATION GROWTH IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1970-80 30� 285� 2 8 X 2 4% 227. 20n 18� 1 83C 1 4% 1297- 1 07 aP. 8� d� 29 OV Chorlstn,SC Jacksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA Sovanh,GA Figure 1.4 POPULATION GROWTH IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1970-80 y.2 1 .1 1 0.9 0.8 C O 0.7 N .gv O.5 H 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Charlstn,SC Jocksvl,FL Populotion,1970 Wilmngtn,NC Nrf—VBch,VA Sovonh,GA Wilmngtn,NC ® Populotion,1980 -5- SECTION 2. HOUSING Housing types and their associated costs can tell much about a metropolitan area. Is the area ripe for new innovations .in.housing? Is the existing housing stock old or new? Will I have to pay more for a house or less when I move? The following tables help answer some of these questions. Table 2.1 for example, reveals that in 1980 nearly three quarters of Wilmington's total housing stock was in single family homes. Most other coastal metropolitan areas had a.higher percentage of apartments thart did Wilmington. Within the State of North Carolina, only Raleigh -Durham had a significantly lower percentage of single family homes and a correspondingly high percentage of appartments. The high number of colleges and universities in the Raleigh -Durham Metropolitan Area probably contributes heavily to this situation. Among coastal metropolitan areas, only Savannah, Georgia had a higher percent- age of homes built before 1940 than Wilmington. This implies that the rapid growth periods for these other coastal areas occurred after 1940. Wilmington's largest growth period may be yet to come. In Table 2.2 and Figures 2.3 and 2.4 average monthly rent for apartments is presented. Among%the coastal areas Wilmington is tied with Savannah for the lowest average rent. Among the North Carolina metropolitan areas, Wilmington has rents equal to the Greensboro area and slightly higher than those in Asheville. In either case, Wilmington's average monthly rents might be considered reasonable. Regarding the average purchase price of a single family home, Wilmington lands right about in the middle. Among coastal area communities, Charleston and Norfolk - Virginia Beach rank higher in price while Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida are slightly lower. Within the State of North Carolina, Fayetteville and Asheville have lower purchase prices while Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh -Durham are 0 somewhat higher. Regarding property taxes, Figure 2.7 illustrates that Wilmington's property taxes are the lowest of any metropolitan area among the coastal cities. In North Carolina, Fayetteville and.Asheville's property taxes are slightly lower, while Charlotte, -Greensboro and Raleigh -Durham are higher. Regarding the need for heating and air conditioning, Figures 2.9 and 2.10 show that Wilmington compares favorably with its competitors. Wilmington requires the lowest number of air conditioning hours of any of the coastal cities evaluated and is second only to Asheville among the North Carolina cities. Looking at the heating degree days, (Table 2.2) Wilmington again compares favor- ably with the North Carolina cities. It has far fewer heating degree days than Asheville or any of the in -state cities studied. In general, an individual or a company -wishing to minimize heating and cooling cost would find Wilmington an attractive place to locate. -7- Table 2.1 HOUSING CHOICES, 1980 ----------_---------------------- =---------------------------------------=---------- LOCAL CHOICES: BUILT METRO AREA 1T04-FAMILY BEFORE CONDO- MOBILE APART - HOUSES* 1940 MINIUMS HOMES MENTSA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:*A Charleston, SC 67% 11.9% 22 72 11% Jacksonville, FL G8% 11.3% 2% 8% 15% Norfolk.-Va.Beach-Newport News,VA 71% 12.5% 12 2% 16% Savannah, GA. 71% 17.6% 1% 6% 10% Wilmington. NC 74% 14.9% 1% 6% 10% NORTH CAROLINA MSA:)kik Asheville 73% 23.1% 1% 12% 9% Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) 72% 15.4% lY. 7% 12% Fayetteville 72% 5.72 1% 10% 9% Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 74% 15.9% 1% 7% 10% Raleigh -Durham 67% 13.1% 1% 6% 162 Wilmington 74% 14.97. 1% 6% 10% Secondary Source: Richard Boyer & David S•avageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 70-116. Primary Sources: U.S.Census Bureau, 1980 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING. U.S.CENSUS OF POPULATION & HOUSING, 1980 counts apartments only in buildings having 5 or more rental units. Apartments in duplexes, triplexes and quadriplexes are not counted. tic Metropolitan Statistical Area. a 07 -1Q7. Mn C a07. = 50� v 0 407. 0 307. t! `v 20,: 107. On 1{1b1— Chorlstn,SC © Hauses a03: Cr 607. 7 = 50� 'L• 0 p 407. 0 305z c 207. 10%.r Ashvl ® Houses Figure 2.1 HOUSING CHOICE: SELECTED COASTAL AREAS. 1980 Jacksvl,FL Nrf—V6ch,VA Sovanh,GA Wilmngtn,NC Q Apts. ® MoblHom. ® Condos. Figure 2.2 HOUSING CHOICE: SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS. 1980 Chant —Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Ral—Drhm Wlmgtn Apts. ® MoblHom. ® Condos. -9- Table 2.2 HOUSING COSTS, 1984 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APARTMTS: SINGLE- ANNUAL COSTS: ENERGY: METRO AREA RENT FAMILY PROPTY MORTAGE UTILITIES HEATING AIR HOUSES: TAXES I TAXES SEASON CONDTNG ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (monthly) PRICE (deg.days)*(hours)AA SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AAA Charleston, SC $320 $60,700 $559 $6,314 $1,088 2,146 1,252 Jacksonville, FL $325 $52,400 $540 $5,507 $1,119 1,327 1,725 Norfolk.-Va.Beach-Newport News,VA $340 $66,600 $959 $7,274 $1,294 3,488 990 Savannah, GA $280 $53,100 $642 $5,675 $1,221 1,952 1,515 Wilmington. NC $280 $55,600 $539 $5,809 $1,049 2,433 683 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:AAA Asheville $270 $53,100 $515 $5,546 $1,176 4,237 610 Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock. Hill(SC) $305 $:i9,200 $574 $6,188 $981 3,218 1,138 Fayetteville $300 $49,700 $482 $5,194 $1,080 3,073 1,260 Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. $280 $58,200 $565 $6,083 $981 3,825 916 Raleigh-hurham $320 $68,700 $667 $7,187 $1,049 3,514 1,031 Wilmington $280 $55,600 $539 $5,809 $1,049 •2,433 683 Secondary Source: Richard Boyer I David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 70-116. Primary Sources: U.S.Census.Bureau, 1980 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING. U.S.Bureau of Labor, CONSUMER PRICE INDEX - APRIL 1984. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF FISCAL FEDERALISM, 1984. A A *Heating -Degree Day• is one in which the average temperature falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, SUBSTATION SUMMARIES, 1951 to 1984. Ah The number of hours when the temperature climbs over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Source: U.S.Department of Defense, ENGINEERING WEATHER DATA, 1978. AhAMetropolitan Statistical Area. -10- n ;�350 �300 $250 c �. $200 c $150 v m :s100 1 #50 $O Chorlstn,SC L1 �320 $300 �230 �280 �2d0 �220 $180 . $ 1 40 rn Lv $ 1 20 $100 :$s0 $80 L� L' $ 40 $20 $O Figure 2.3 APARTMENT RENTS IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1984 Jocksvl,FL Nrf—V6ch,VA Sovonh,GA Wilmngtn,NC Figure 2.4 APARTMENT RENTS SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1984 Ashvl Chorlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlmgtn 0 1 340 g ^ i JIG�1 �0 Figure 2.5 PRICES OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES: SELECTED COASTAL AREAS. 1924. Ix NX ` ,�. Charlstn,SC •Joaksvl,FL tJ �70 Sao I v V I• J 1 �10 Nrf—VBch,VA Savanh,GA Wilmngtn,NC Figure 2.6 PRICES OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES. SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 19-24 Ashvl Charlt—Gast Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlrrmgtn -12- $O.0 _ #0.7 E^ $0.8 T L. QQ e $0.2 FL.� Charls+.n,SC U $700 �aoo j� C uc $ACO in $300 $i OO L so sshvl Figure 2.7 PROPERTY TAXES: SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1 9 a 4 Jacksvl.FL Nrf—vgch,`JA Savanh,GA W;Irnngtn,NC Figure 2.8 PROPERTY TAXES: SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS. 1984 CKharlt—G7st Favtvl Grnb—W/S--HPt Rat—Orhrrm wlmgtn -13- Figure 2.9 ANNUAL AIR CONDITIONING NEEDS IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS �.8 1.7 1.8 y 1.5 1.4 Ui 1.2 rn 1.0 0 Z 0.9 O 0 �F.C- o_R 0.7 0 0.a + 'R 4.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 r 0.0 Charlstn,SC Jacksvl,FL Nrf—V6ch,VA Sovonh,GA Wilmngtn,NC Figure 2.10 ANNUAL AIR CONDITIONING NEEDS SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS 1.3 1 .2 ...r 1 .1 1 .0 L LL 0.9 ' 0.8 9T T, ay 0.7 S 0.8 �- 0.5 0.4 0.3 Q = 0.2 0.1 0.0 Ashvl Chorlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlrngtn U -14- c-71 t7:D c7 t:j c-1 f7D 1�1 (::D USECTION 3. ECONOMICS Economics are at the heart of any strategic planning evaluation for a metro- politan area. Is the area on the cutting edge of new technology and new busi- ness products and services? How is this reflected in the area's growth in income and jobs? After you bring your paycheck home, does the area's cost of living allow you to.keep any of it for disposable income? The following tables take a look at these issues. Table 3.1 provides an interesting perspective on economic conditions in each of the metropolitan areas -studied. The table reveals, for example, that there is a high proportion of white-collar workers in the. Jacksonville, Florida and Raleigh -Durham Metropolitan'Areas. According to.the Places Rated Almanac, areas with a high proportion of white-collz�_r workers have a lessor tendancy to undergo cyclical unemployment problems during national recessions. On the other hand, metropolitan areas with a high blue-collar index, such as Asheville, Charlotte and Greensboro -are more susceptible to cyclical unemployment related to national trends. Income growth and growth of jobs have been quite strong in virtually all of the metropolitan areas studied. This reflects the favorable economic position of the south in general over the past decade._ Wilmington was about average for metropolitan areas in the State but was somewhat lower than the coastal metro- politan areas in terms of income growth and Jobs growth. Of all the metropolitan areas, Raleigh -Durham was significantly higher in both categories.' It is interest- ing to note that Raleigh -Durham also had the lowest blue-collar index and the highest white-collar index of all the areas studied. These findings are summarized in the bar graphs contained in the Figures 3.1 through 3.4. The Places Rated Almanac also examined the relationship between average house- -15- hold income and taxes for•each of the metropolitan areas studied. Taxes were defined as the combination of personal income tax within the state plus the state average sales tax. Within the coastal metropolitan areas, Wilmington had the highest percentage of income consumed by taxes. However, in terms of actual tax dollars collected, this amounted in most cases to a difference of less than $250 annually per household. Florida's low tax structure created the largest difference with approximately $700 less tax collected for an average household's income. Within the State of North Carolina, Wilmington's tax bite was about average. Asheville and Fayetteville had slightly. lower tax bills while Charlotte, Greens- boro, and Raleigh -Durham had taxes higher on average than the Wilmington norm. As might be expected, however, taxes for each of the metropolitan areas with the State were relatively comparable. It might be noted, however, that tax structures in the southeast U.S. in general are much lower than tax structures in the north- east, north and midwest U.S. Thus, individuals considering a move•to any of the metropolitan areas studied would be relatively indifferent to the*tax structure of the locale, particularly if they were coming from a northeastern or higher tax - structured area. It should be noted that no attempt is made in the study to examine property tax rate in each of the metropolitan areas. Property taxes are typically of more interest to potential business relocations than to the relocations of individuals. However, recent studies on business and industrial relocations have shown that property tax rates rank low on the list of priority concerns regarding relocations. Moving to costs of living, as shown in Table 3.3 and Figure 3.7 and 3.8, most of the metropolitan areas studied had living cost less than the national averages. Housing costs,for example, were lower than the national average in every urban area except for Norfolk -Virginia Beach -Newport News and the Raleigh - Durham area. In these locales, housing cost were about equal to the national -16- average. Food costs were the highest in Wilmington of any of the metropolitan areas in the State. The lack of an interstate highway to -bring truck products to the Wilmington area may be a factor in this higher average cost. Compared to the other coastal areas studied, Wilmington's food costs were about average. In the category of other miscellaneous costs, Wilmington ranked the lowest of any coastal area and in the middle to high range for metropolitan areas within the State. -17- Table 3.1 �j EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS, 1978-82 la------------------------------------------------------------ METRO AREA BLUE-COLLAR WHITE-COLLAR ------- ---- INCOME GROWTH OF - INDEXA INDEXA GROWTHAA JOBSAA SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AAA Charleston, SC 107 93 43.23% 10.87% Jacksonville, FL 99 101 44.37% 15.27% s.: Norfolk.-Va.Beach-NewportNews,VA 103 97 49 .38% 12.41% Savannah, GA 109 91 44.73% 10.38% Wilmington. NC ill 89 41.38% 10.092 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:AAA Ell,Asheville 115 85 41.43% 5.62% Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill (SC 115 85 41.29% 10.39 Fayetteville 105 95 42.75X 12.94Y. n ! Greensboro-WinstoriSalem-Hic4ii PL 118 82 38.50% 5.3G% Raleigh -Durham 88 112 45.952 21.76% LWilmington ill 89 41.38% 10.09% Secondary Source: Richard Boyer X David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 371-414. Primary Source: U.S.Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment & Earnings Branch, unpublished data, 1984. EA U.S. Average = 100. AA Foyer and Savageau derived these from their own data for years 197E through 1982. AAA Metropolitan Statistical Areas. r� -18- 70� m BO7. ,m 1 507. 409 30F: E a 1 � 20� a c u 10� W rigure s..s ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS Chorlstn,SC Jocksvl,FL Nrf—VaSch,VA Sovonh,GA Wiimngtn,NC C, ® Income Growth EM Jobs Growth t 70� oNo 9 0:9 m rh n 50P. f� 405r. 30Y� 8. a O v_ 20%.F �j o LL�1 c u w o� a Figure 3.4 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS Ashvl Chorlt—Gast Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt. Rol—Drhm ® Income Growth = Jobs Growth 541,_ Wlmgtn Table 3.2 INCOME AND TAXES, 1982 ------------------------------- 7--------------------------------------------- METRO AREA - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOMEA TAXESAA KITE SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AAA Charleston. SC $29,038 $779 3.24% Jacksonville, FL $29,352 $310 1.0G% Norfolk.-Va.Beach-NewportNews,VA $29,375 $1,054 3.59 Savannah, GA $27,359 $989 3.G17.. Wilmington, NC $26,633 $1,005 3.77% SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA MSA:A*A Asheville, NC $25,990 $964 3.71% Charlotte-Uastonia-RockHill(SC) $213,904 $1,121 3.88% Fayetteville, NC $22,291 $800 3.59% Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt $29,450 $1,147 3.89% Raleigh -Durham, NC $30,489 $19209 3.97% Wilmington, NC $26,G33 $1,005 3.77% Secondary Source: Richard Boyer I David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 371-414. Primary Sources: U.S.Bureau of Economic Analysis, unpublished metro area personal income data for 1978-82, 1984. Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations,'Ta:: Capacity of the Fifty States,'1983. �. A Household Income, calculated by multiplying Per Capita Personal Income by 2.8, the average number of persons in an -average metropolitan household. *A State average personal income tax. plus state average sales to,--:. AAA Metropolitan Statistical Area. -21- Table 3.3 LIVING COSTS INDEX, 1934 -------------------------------------------------------------- METRO AREA --------------------------------------------------- HOUSIN`A FOODA OTHERA SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA W 7- Charleston, SC 89 95 102 Jacksonville, EL 79 97 103 Norfolk-Va.Yeach-NewportNews,VA 103 102 100 Savannah, GA 83 97 103 Wilmin�-jton. NG 82 97 98 NORTH CAROLlNA MSA:AA Asheville 81 93 93 Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock. Hill(SC) 86 93 93 Fayetteville 75 96 95 Greensboro-Wi.nstonSalem-High Pt. 85 92 104 Raleigh -Durham 99 96 95 Wilmington 82 97 98 Secondary Source: Richard Boyer € David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp.371-414. Primary Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association, 'Inter -city Cost of Living Index,' first quarter, 1984. A Index figures: U.S. average = 100. AAMetropolitan Statistical Area. AS t� Figure 3.7 LIVING COSTS IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1984 110 100 90 s0 .70 80 50 40 30 20 10 0 Charlstn,SC Jacksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA SaVonh,GA Housing ® Food ® Other costs 110 100 90 80 70 so so QO 30 20 10 0 Figure 3.8 LIVING COSTS SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1984 Ashvi Charlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm (� Housing ® Food ® Other costs -24- Wilmngtn,NC Wimgtn a � � © �� � �� c� Y� t� � c-� i� '� � t� ,� r� �=ram i� �� �� ,. m C C� D O z QSECTION 4. EDUCATION As the baby boom generation reaches its peak child bearing years during the 1980's, the quality of an area's educational system is becoming increasingly important. In the State of North Carolina, for example, teachers' salaries are a growing issue. Support for private schools and attendance at private schools has been on the upswing Some educators view this shift to private schools as a response to the dissatisfaction with the public school system. A college education, which used to be a ticket to a successful career, is now becoming common. While regular full time enrollment at colleges and universities has been on the decline in recent years, evening and part time education has been growing rapidly. Similarly, our more highly educated population has its best access ever.to public libraries and the enormous resources available there. Numbers regarding each of these factors are presented in Tables 4.1,.4.2 and 4.3 and Figures 4.1 through 4.7. Elementary and secondary educational statistics are presented in Table 4.1. Of the coastal metropolitan areas studied, Wilmington has the smallest percentage (7.4%) of its student population enrolled in private schools. Savannah, Georgia is at the other end of the range with over 21% of its student population in private schools. As compared to other in -state metropolitan areas, Wilmington's private school enrollment is about average. Only Fayetteville has a significantly smaller percentage (3.7%) of its students in private schools. Regarding pupil/teacher ratios, Wilmington has the highest ratio of any of the coastal areas studied. Within the State of North Carolina, however, the 14.9 pupils per teacher ratio is about average. Dollars expended per pupil in 1-lilming- ton rank second only to Jacksonville, Florida among the coastal communities studied. Within the State, Wilmington ranks second only to Raleigh -Durham in the same -25- category. However, in the area of teachers' salaries, the Wilmington area is about average to lower than average than the other metropolitan areas studied.. From this, one might infer that in 1982 a greater percentage of the revenues available for public education were being channeled toward equipment, supplies and buildings as opposed to higher teachers' salaries. It is difficult to determine whether these differences are significant, however. Regarding higher education, the Wilmington area ranks second only to Raleigh -Durham in terms of the percentage of its total population enrolled in institutions of higher learning. Wilmington's strong dominance as a regional education center for all of southeastern North Carolina is apparent in these figures. At the same time, the heavy influence of technical schools, colleges and universities in the Raleigh -Durham area is evident in the high percentage figure for that area. It is also worth noting that the University of North Carolina at Wilmington has been the fastest growing educational institution in the North Carolina University System for the past several years. Readership and access to public libraries is another indicator of interest in educational pursuits. The Places Rated Almanac had devised what it calls a "public library reading quotient" to measure the interest of a given population in reading. It is interesting to note that among southeastern coastal metro- politan areas, Wilmington'is.about average, but among North Carolina metropolitan areas, Wilmington's reading quotient ranks near the bottom. Wilmington is second only to Savannah, -Georgia in terms of the number of books available per capita. The small size of New Hanover County combined with the high number of books available presents a good opportunity.for higher levels of readership. -26- Table 4.1 ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, 1982 PUBLIC• AREA PUPILS-. PUPILS/ /TEACHER ; $/PUPIL ------------------------------------------------------- AV -TEACHER SALARYA EFFORT INDEXA* PRIVATE SCHOOLS: SCHOOLS PUPILS PRIV.STUDENTS/ -----METRU ---- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- /TOTAL STUDENTS SOUTHEA8TERN COASTAL MSA:)kAA Charlestcan, 8C 80,5bl 14.71 $2,167 $1,388 1.386 71 12,892 13.8% Jacksonville,.EL 130,710 13.77 32,859 sl ,SS3 1.200 72 18,607 12.5% Norfolk-Va.beach-Newport News,VA 219,181 13.41 $2,118 E1,4b5 0.886 109 23,891 9.8% Savannah, UA ':35,371 14.18 $2,124 -S1,470 0.889 27 9,410 21.0% Wilmington. NC 19,888 14.91 $2,404 $1,442 1.112 11 1,589 7.4% NORTH CAROLINA MSA:AAA Asheville 28,792 14.86 $2,292 $1,458 1.222 13 2,033 6.6% i -4 Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) 185,578 14.68 $2,306 $1,475 1.001 GO 14,195 7.1% Fayetteville 48,518 15.61 $2,152 $1,408 1.332 9 1,858 3.7% Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 156,244 15.03 $2,328 $1,520 1.084 11 13,348 7.9% Raleigh -Durham 94,583 13.16 $2,440 $1,429 1.056 38 8,129 7.9% Wilmin4to„ 1'),888 14.91 �a,4oa $1,442 1.112 11 1,5kig 7..4% Secondary 8uurce: Richard Boyer I David 8avageau, ?LACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: tebruary, 19Uj . pp. 218-2G2. Primary Suurces: U.8. Gtnsus Bureau, CUMPENDIUM OF ?UP'LIC EMPLOYMENT and COMPENDIUM Ue UUVERNMENT t INANI:L•;, November, 1984. n A Average teacher's monthly salary paid in Uctober, 1982. AA Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations index which shows much of a metro area's tax revenue is turned over to the public schools. The national average is 1.000. AAAMetropolitan Statistical Area Figure 4.1 SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS SELECTED. COASTAL AREAS, 1982 $3.0 $2.8 $2.8 a� $2.4 0 cn $2.2 m $2.0 t v� ks $1 .2 y 81.0 a $0.4 $0.2 $0.0 Charlstn,SC Jocksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA iraavanh,GA Wilmngtn,NC ® $/Pupil ® Teacher Monthly Pay $3.0 $2.8 $2.6 a $2.4 cn $2.2 L s $2,0 $1.8 -o $1.6 $1.4 $1.2 a $0.7 $0.3 Figure 4.2 SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1982 %1m OVA 1�%Ohl � OAF 1�%\� OAF 1' Ashvl Chorlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlmgtn ® $/Pupil ® Teacher Monthly Pay -28- Figure 4.3 PRIVATE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SELECTED COASTAL AREAS 1982 o z�� 18P 1 77Z n � 15A 21 147. � 129 0 9P., s 8� 5� 4� 3� 1 O� Charlstn,SC U a� a � U � ssz a� 0 y a 27. (� U 17. t Jocksvl,FL Nrf—vBch,VA So-anh,GA Wilmngtn,NC Figure 4.4 PRIVATE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1982 Ashvl Charlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlmgtn -2 - 9 Table 4.2 WILMINGTON COMPARED WITH SIMILAR METROPOLITAN AREAS: HIGHER EDUCATION, 1983-B4 2-YEAR SCHOOLS: --------------------------------------------------- 4-YEAR SCHOOLS: TOTAL PERCENT METRO AREA NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN ---- ---- PUBLIC PRIVATE -------------------------------------------------------------------------- STUDENTS PUBLIC PRIVATE STUDENTS STUDENTS TOTAL POP. SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AA Charleston, SC 1 1 6,468 3 1 12,673 19,141 4.4% Jacksonville, FL 1 0 15,661 1 4 11,308 26,969 3.7% Norfolk-Va.Beach-Newport News,VA 3 0 22,578 4 5 39,088 61,666 5.3% Savannah, GA 0 1 654 2 1 5,559 6,213 2.8% Wilmington..NC 1 1 1,927 1 0 5,766 7,693 7.4% i ` NORTH CAROLINA MSA:A*A 0 Asheville 1 3 3,499 1 1 3,067 6,566 4.1% Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) 4 2 26,761 2 10 24,951 51,712 5.3% Fayetteville 1 1 6,172 1 1 3,220 9,392 3.8% Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 2 4 9,575 4 8 28,372 37,947 4.5% Raleigh -Durham 2 6 10,014 3 5 64,077 74,091 13.2% Wilmington 1 1 1,927 1 0 5,766 7,693 7.4% Secondary Source: Richard Boyer & David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 218-262. Primary Source: National Center for Education Statistics, EDUCATION DIRECTORY, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, 1983-84; pub. 1984. Figure 4.5 HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS IN SELECTED COASTAL AREAS. 1952 osr. 77. D o ast 0 3 s 5� D 0 a O 4%.P D4.. O C Da 2F.' 1R o4t Charistn,SC D U 1 43L 13� 12� C g 10� 0 9� DC a 0 CL 9 0 0 77. 5= m 4R V. 27. 13� Q9: Ashvl D - Jacksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA Sovcnh,GA Wilmngtn,NC Figure 4.6 HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1982 Chorlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wimgtn -31- Table 4.3 READERSHIP. 1982 ----------------------------------- --- PUBLIC VOLUI� ES-----PUBLIC-----PUB. L IB. METRO AREA LIBRARY PER LIBRARY REARING ------------------------------ PERSONA CIRCULATION* QUUTIENTAA SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AAA ---VOLUMESA ----------------------------------- �JCharleston, uu SC 3879332 0.900 722,006 4.0 Jacksonville, VL 410, 4 3;3 0.660. 2, U26? 528 4.0 tJ Norfolk-Va.Beach-Uewport News,VA 560,856 0.483 3,117,007 5.3 ("1 u Savannah, UA 3821,2124 1.733 960,522 5.2 Wilmington. NC 171,165 1.654 355,620 5.1 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:*AA Asheville 264.023 1.641 726,126 6.2 n Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock. Hill(SC)1,39lp 441 1.432 3,637,272 G,S u Fayetteville 225,132 0.911 564,272 3.2 Green boro-WinstunSalem-Hij0 FL.1,10G,807 1.299 2,837,111 7.0 Raleigh -Durham 592,800 1.056 1,803,578 5.3 W i I m i n-j to,-, lVl, iGj 1.G;i4 :35;j,620 5.1 0 It A Source: Richard Royer & Davie Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: Eebruary, 1985. AA Total of literary volumes plus circulation, divided by population served. -kAAhetropolitan Statistical Areas. =32- u Table 4.4 (� (.j CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES, 1984 ------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- FINE ARTS FINE ARTS METRO AREA RADIO PERFORMING PUBLIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------ MUSEUMS (HRS/WEE[' GROUPS TELEVISION SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:*AA Charleston, SC 1 130 5 1 Jacksonville, FL 0 133 4 1 Norfolk-Va.Beach-Newport News,VA 1 133 8 1 Savannah, GA 2 127 2 1 (1 Wilmington. NC 3 128 5 1 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:AA n Asheville - 2 72 1 1 Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) 4 127 4 1 Fayetteville 1 126 1 1 Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 8 126 6 1 Raleigh -Durham 3 303 7 1 Wilmington 3 128 5 1 Sources: Richard Boyer € Davie Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 263-310. George Scheer III, NORTH CAROLINA, A GUIDE TO THE OLD NORTH STATE. Note: [(sown museums were :added to the Boyer-Savageau tally, who had omitted these: the Gordon Homestead (National Girl Scout Museum) in Savannah, N.C.Museum of Life & Science Museum of History in Charlotte, in Durham, Discovery Place and New Hanover County Museum, the Mint St.John's Museum of Art, Ft. Fisher Civil War Museum in Wilmington..Wilmington's fine arts radio station was also added to the tally, as was i•ts a Thalian Association, Straw Hat Theater, Symphony Orchestra, Choral Society and Ballet Company. r -33- 1..1 8 5 a m � N 3 13 Z t Figure 4.7 PUBLIC LIBRARY READERSHIP SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1982 Chorlstn,SC Jocksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA Savonh,GA Wilrnngtn,NC ® Library Quotient ® Books Per Capita 7 9 O m 4- e � 3 E z 2 Q Figure 4.8 PUBLIC LIBRARY READERSHIP SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1982 (� Ashvl Charlt—Gast Foytvi Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlmgtn U Library Quotient ® Books/per copito -34- aSECTION 5. TRANSPORTATION The information society of the 1980's has not yet reached the point where poor transportation networks can be overcome by good communications networks. The economic futures of many urban areas, including Wilmington, remain tied to the ability of the particular area to trade with other markets. In addition, the ability to move goods, services, and products within each urban area is an important factor in the efficiency of the area as an economy. Table 5.1 and Figures 5.1 through 5.4 present information regarding transportation. Compared to other coastal areas along the southeastern seaboard, Wilmington is in a relatively poor position regarding trade with other market areas. Were it not for the deep water port of the city, Wilmington would be relatively iso- lated from other trade areas. Table 5.1 shows the transportation networks of each metropolitan area studied according to highway access, air service and Amtrak Train Service. With the sole exception of Wilmington, all other metro- politan areas studied had access to one or more interstate highways. Among the State metropolitan areas examined, only Fayetteville did not have access to interstate highways. By most accounts, lack of access to an interstate highway has been a serious handicap in the past and present growth of the city. It should also be noted that there is no beltway around the City of Wilmington. Most urban areas have had beltways constructed as a result of the presence of interstate connectors passing near or through their city. Regarding air service, 111ilmington.had the fewest number of flights per day serving the urbani.zed.Area in 1934. Only 15 flights per day left New Hanover County Airport while the Charlotte area airport, for example, had over 250 flights per day serving that area. Good access to interstate highways and air service has no doubt been a major factor in the emergence of.Charlotte as a major economic hub. -35- Likewise the rapid growth of the Raleigh -Durham area has undoubtedly had an influence on the decision of serveral airlines to expand their interest in the "R-D" Airport. This in turn will further develop Raleigh as a major center in the years ahead. The final category of transportation service concerns Amtrak. Of the urban areas studied, only Norfolk -Virginia Beach, Wilmington and Asheville lack access to the Amtrak system. Admittedly, Amtrak does not have nearly the influence on urban economic growth as the other major transportation systems. Recent moves by the Federal government to trim Amtrak's operating budget may further reduce its importance. Nonetheless, access to the Amtrak system can be seen as an indicator of the relative importance of each urban area to significant transportation net- works. It is interesting to note that all three urban coastal areas south of Wilmington, (i.e. Charleston, Jacksonville and Savannah) are well served by the Amtrak Network. This is basically the same situation as exists with Interstate 95. Apparently, the same bulge in the coastline of the United States that gives Wilmington its attractive climate serves as an unfortunate deterrant to the location of good transportation facilities. Regarding transportation within each urban area, Wilmington's small town character gives it a good advantage on commuting time to and from work. Among coastal communities, for example, the average commuter in Wilmington saves seven or eight minutes on his or her daily commute. Within the State of North Carolina, however, the rapidly growing areas of Charlotte and Raleigh -Durham are the only two areas measureably higher in terms of their commuting time. As of 1984, the commuting time difference was not significant. As Wilmington grows and becomes more congested, average commuting times are likely to increase noticeably. Table 5.1 also shows that all the urban areas evaluated were supplied with public transportation. Of the areas studied, Wilmington has the smallest public STD transit system with thirteen buses. By contrast, the metropolitan area comprised of Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Newport News had a total of 305 buses. Seat miles per capita is a measure of the level of service provided to an area. Among the metropolitan areas studied, only Charleston and Fayetteville had service levels lower than that of Wilmington. ,i A final factor in evaluating the local transportation systems for each urban area is an assessment of the amount of freeway traffic in relation to the design capacity of area roads. Percent of design capacity is an indicator of the level of congestion on streets and highways. Among North Carolina urban areas, only Asheville had an average percent of design capacity of less than 50. All other North Carolina urban areas had freeway traffic flowing at 50 to 89% of design capacity. Among Wilmington's competitors along the coast, only Jack- sonville, Florida had traffic loads comparable to those of Wilmington. Charles- ton, Norfolk and Savannah all had freeways with traffic loads of less than 500% of design capacity. Thus, urban areas within the "good roads state" do not fair as well as urban areas in other states to the north and south. -37- Table 5.1 TRANSPORTATION, 1984 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ,PUBLIC TRANSPORT'N: FREEWAY AIR SERVICE: AMTRAK COMMUTE SEAT TRAFFIC INTERSTATE SERVICE: METRO AREA (minutes/ CITY MILES/ (% of design HIGHWAYS AIRLINES FLIGHTS/ TRAINS/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ./day) BUSES /CAPITAA capacity) (number) (number) /DAY /DAY SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:A* Charleston, SL 48.6 32 0.65 332 to <33% 1 4 35 4 Jacksonville, tL 4%./ 206 2.29 SOY. to 89% 2 11 93 4 Norfolk.-Va.beach-NewportNews,VA 47.1 305 1.85 34% to 49% 1 13 92 0 Savannah, GA 47.1 63 2.2;; 34% to 49Z 2 4 27 8 Wilmington. NC 40.9 13 0.98 502 to 89% 0 3 15 0 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:*A w co ' Asheville 40.7 .45 2.93 34% to 49% 2 4 23 0 Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) 44.4 129 1.88 50% to 89% 2 15 264 2 Fayetteville 38.1 26 0.8 50% to 89% 1 2 16 2 Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 40.5 81 1.22 50% to 89% 2 8 84 2 Raleigh -Durham 42.5 132 2.42 50% to 89% 2 12 100 4 Wilmington 40.9 13 0.98 50% to 89% 0 3 15 0 Secondary :tource: Richard Boyer S David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: February, 198:j. pp.182-217. Primary Sources: U.S.Census bureau, 1980 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING. U.S.Dept. of Transportation, Urban Mass Transit Administration, .NATIONAL URBAN MASS TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS -SECTION 15 REPORT, 1984 A The number of transit seats that travel one mile of transit route for each person in the urban core each day. AA Metropolitan Statistical Area •LS :10 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 Figure 5.1 DAILY COMMUTING TIME SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1984 Jacksvi.FL Nrf—V6ch,VA Savanh,GA Figure 5.2 DAILY COMMUTING TIME SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1984 Wilmngtn.NC .shvl Charlt—Gast Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Ral—Drhm Wlmgtn -39 - i00 90 2 70 8o 50 40 -3 0 20 10 a Charlstn,SC 280 280 240 220 0 200 G 180 Q a. 1030 m 140 lz 120 LD J 100 L a ee e0 40 20 ,0 Figure 5.3 AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1954 Jackivl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA Savanh.GA Figure 5.4 AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1984 Wilmngtn,NC ,,sh+vl •Charlt—Gast Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Ral—Drhm Wlmcatn -40- = C''? C-71 I 0 SECTION 6. HEALTH CARE Consistent and accurate measures of the quality of health care in urban areas are not easily found: The Places Rated Almanac does its best to arrive at some measure through the use of statistics regarding physicians, teaching hospitals, cardiac rehab centers, hospices, and what it calls comprehensive cancer research centers.. Each of these measures are displayed in Table 6.1. Among the measures, perhaps the number of physicians per 100,000 people is the most common health care indicator. Presumably where there are more doctors per capita, there is more choice and more competition for health care customers and therefore, health care costs are lower and perhaps better. Among the coastal areas studied, Charleston has the highest number of physicians per capita at 263 doctors per 100,000 people. Wilmington, however, is not far behind at close to 200 physicians per 100,000. Within the State of North Carolina the Raleigh -Durham Metropolitan Area is far away the leader in medical doctors per capita. At 526 physicians per 100,000, the strong presence of the hospitals and medical reserach facilities in the Raleigh -Durham area is evident. It is interesting to note that there are significantly fewer doctors per capita in the Fayetteville and Charlotte -Gastonia Metropolitan Areas. In the category of teaching hospitals Raleigh -Durham is again the leader among metropolitan areas studied. Wilmington has none. Every area studied had at least one cardiac rehabilitation center. The number of rehab centers present in a metropolitan area is used as a proxy for the overall level of specialized medical services available. Raleigh -Durham is again well represented in this category. Hospices are shown as being present in all areas except Fayetteville and Charleston. Finally, comprehensive cancer research centers are shown as being -41- a u present in only the Greensboro and Raleigh -Durham areas. Overall it would appear as though the Raleigh -Durham Metropolitan Area has the competitive edge regarding medical service levels and the quality of health care available. -42- Table 6.1 .HEALTH CARE, 1982 --------------------- --------------------------------------------..__-_______---------------------------� NUMBER OF PHYSICIANS/ TEACHING CARDIAC COMPREHNSV METRO AREA /100,000 HOSPITALS, REHAB HOSPICES CANCER RX ------------------------------------------------------------ PEOPLE CENTERS CENTERS SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AA Charleston, SC 263 2 1 0 0 Jacksonville, VL 181 1 .2 3 4 itortolk-Va.Be•ach-NewportNews,VA 132 2 4 3 0 Savannah, GA 184 U Wilmington. NC; 199 0 1 1 0 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:A Asheville 204 4 3 1 0 Char lotte-Uastoni•a-Rock. Hill (SC) 99 1 1 2 0 Fayetteville 72 p 1 0 0 Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 194 1 2 2 1 Raleigh -Durham 52G a 4 3 2 Wilmington 199 p 1 1 p Secondary Source: Richard Boyer 8 David S.avageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; Rand McNally: rebruery, 1995. pp. 117-158. Primary Suurces: U.S.Cenaus Bureau, COUNTY AND CITY DATA BOOK, 1983. American Medical Association, PHYSICIAN CHARACTERISTICS & DISRIBUTION IN THE U.S., 1982. Antony Kruzas, MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION DIRECTORY, 1982. American Heart Association, DIRECTORY OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION, 1981. American Cancer Society, CANCER FACTS AND FIGURES, 1984. 2Bo a 240 O a 220 p 200 0 0 1 BO o_ 160 r � 0 140 •� 120 a. 100 ao �i 80 E Z 40 20 O 61 Chorlstn,SC C 800 Q O Sao O Oo O 400 0 N 300 v U °- zoo 0 E 100 fi 0 Figure 6.1 SUPPLY OF PHYSICIANS SELECTED COASTAL AREAS, 1982 Jocksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA Sovanh,GA Figure 6.2 SUPPLY OF PHYSICIANS SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA.AREAS, 1982 Wilmngtn,NC Charlt—Gast Foytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Orhm Wlmgtn -44- SECTION 7. CRIME The local crime rate for any given area is a factor which is of interest to most individuals and businesses, but ranks very low on their list of priorities in,:choosing an area for relocation. Between the publication of the first Places Rated Almanac in 1980 and the second Places Rated Almanac in 1985, Wilmington's relative score regarding crime became less desirable. The drop in the score was not so much influenced by a significant increase in crime during that period of time; rather it is a consequense of the Census Bureau's decision to drop Brunswick County from the Wilmington SMSA. In effect, the very rural population of Brunswick County served to bring crime rate down when the two counties were combined in a single SMSA. Under the new arrangement, Hilmington is much more urbanized and much smaller in geographic extent. (This can be seen simply by looking at the mapped size of each SMSA on the cover of this report.) A small, highly urbanized area, lowers the overall score. This should be kept in mind when viewing the statistics in Tables 7.1 and 7.2 and Figures 7.1 through 7.4. Among metropolitan areas of the southeastern coastal U.S., the overall crime rate in Wilmington was about average. Charleston and Savannah had higher overall crime rates, while Jacksonville and Norfolk -Virginia Beach-Newport:News areas were lower. Within the State of North Carolina, however, the overall crime rate for Wilmington did not -compare favorable as presented in -the Places Rated Almanac. I In 1982, for example, the crime rate in Wilmington was over three times that of Asheville and nearly twice that of the Raleigh -Durham area. The number of assaults reported in Wilmington was particularly high. i Regarding property crime rates, the overall picture is not much better: Wilmington ranked second only to Savannah, Georgia in terms of the overall crime rate in 1982. Within the State of North Carolina, Wilmington was clearly the U -45 - highest in terms of overall crimes committed per capita. In 1982, Wilmington experienced nearly 2,200 burglaries. For comparison, the Asheville metropolitan area experienced 885 burglaries in the same year. It is apparent that among the various factors evaluated in this report, the crime rate is one of the least advantageous for recruiting new.businesses and industries to Wilmington. -46- Table 7.1 U VIOLENT CRIME RATES, 1982 E;---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- METKO AKEA MURDER* KAPEA ROBBERY* ASSAULTA TOTALA ------------------------------------------------------0UTHEASTEKN ts--- COASTAL MSA:��c harleston, SC 12.8 52.8 2G1.5 592.3 919 acksonville, FL 10.G 52.7 273.5 37G.2 713 lorfolk-Va.Beach-NewportNews,VA 9.8 39.4 203.1 227.5 480 Savannah, GA 1G.4 84.8 303.4 430.0 835 El"Jilmington. NC 7.G 37.8 149.3 522.5 717 [I NORTH CAROLINA .MSA:AA sheville ut 7.3 13.3 52.7 147.2 221 Charlotte -Gastonia -Kock Hill(SC) 9.6 30.2 142.0 513.1 695 9 17ayetteville 8.7 54.1 180.0 33G.W 580 Cjreen•sboro-WinstonSalem-Hi.ah Pt. 7.2 25.3 106.6 395.3 534 Caleigh-Durham 10.8 32.2 129.7 235.9 409 'Ui1mington 7.6 37.8 149.3 522.5 717 1Secondary Source: Richard Boyer & Davie Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; . Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 159-181. Primary Sources: Federal Bureau of Investigation, CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES, 1983. Federal Bureau of Investigation, CRIMES BY COUNTY--19827 1984. -A Crime rates based on incidence per 100,000 population. UAMetropolitan Statistical Areas. L L U -47- < 1 1 0.9 y 0.8 ]� a 1J 0.7 j1 o 0 0.8 �„J o O 0.5 a O.d — 0.2 O-1 0 j ,1 Chorlstn,SC 800 .t� 700 C 800 . s c 500 a 0 400 a� 1.1 a 300 c u 200 c {� 1 100 0 Figure 7.1 VIOLENT CRIME RATE SELECTED COASTAL AREAS Jocksvl,FL Nrf—VBch,VA Savanh,GA Figure 7.2 VIOLENT CRIME RATE SELECTED NORTH CAROLINA AREAS, 1982 Ash-1 Chorlt—Gast U Wilmngtn,NC Faytvl Grnb—WS—HPt Rol—Drhm Wlmgtn -48- Table 7.2 PROPERTY CRIME RATES, 1982 � ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ' MOTOR METRO AREA BURGLARYA LARCENY- VEHICLE TOTALA - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THEFTA THEFTA SOUTHEASTERN COASTAL MSA:AA Charleston, SC 1,813.4 3,549.0 392.4 5,755 r Jacksonville, FL 1,617.2 3,150.3 209.8 4,977 Norfolk-Va.Beach-NewportNews,VA 1,240.8 3,689.0 237.5 5,167 Savannah, GA 2,027.0 5,431.0 339.4 7,797 Wilmington. NC 2,162.7 4,575.7 316.5 7,055 NORTH CAROLINA MSA:AA- Asheville 885.1 2,386.2 185.4 3,457 Charlotte -Gastonia -Rock Hill(SC) 1,793.0 3,739.4 252.7 5,785 Fayetteville 2,070.2 3,275.8 359.6 5,706 (l Greensboro-WinstonSalem-High Pt. 1,355.5 2,754.5 214.7 4,325 Raleigh -Durham 1,601.3 3,890.1 235.0 5,726 Wilmington 2,162.7 4,575.7 316.5 7,055 Secondary Source: Richard Boyer I David Savageau, PLACES RATED ALMANAC; j Rand McNally: February, 1985. pp. 159-181. Primary Sources: Federal Bureau of Investigation, CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES, 1983. Federal Bureau of Investigation, CRIMES BY COUNTY-1982, 1984. A Crime rates based on incidence per 100,000 population. A*Metropolitan Statistical Areas. (� SECTION 3. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Summary This section summarizes what the report reveals about Wilmington's strengths and.weaknesses as an urban area. To do so, each of the factors considered in this report will be briefly reviewed. Regarding population, the Wilmington area continues to experience a growth rate which would be the envy of a great many other metropolitan areas. Despite 1 this impressive growth rate, the actual numbers of people being added to the LIL4 population are relatively small. Such incremental growth can be absorbed and managed.. The challenge ahead will be to see whether improvements in the area's infrastructure and services can keep pace with the population growth. In the area of housing, the numbers reveal that the Wilmington area may be ripe for housing innovation. Rising land and development costs, combined with A4' the area's continued increases in population, makes the area a prime candidate for new -land planning concepts, living environments and other new housing.ideas. Housing developers who establish and effectively market new and better ideas should have a significant impact on the.local home -buying public. The relatively high percentage of the area's housing stock built before. 1940 reveals that Wilmington's greatest.growth period may be just around the ( corner. While there has been significant new apartment construction over the past two to three years, these developments may have only caught up with the pent-up demand for rental housing. This is unlike many other metropolitan areas T'l where the supply has actually gotten out ahead of the demand. Reasonable average home prices should also continue to be attractive to those relocating to Wilming- Eton as well as out of town investors. 'Ell -51- The favorable statistics regarding heating and cooling needs comfirm what Wilmington area residents have long known, -- that the area's geographical location at the mid -point of the eastern seaboard and close to the gulf stream gives Hilmington an attractive climate. Regarding economics, Wilmington does not have any particularly outstanding attributes. There is no clear dominance, for example, of the rapidly expanding white-collar industries of the 1980's. While Wilmington serves as the regional center for the several counties in southeastern North Carolina, it has not yet extended its influence beyond this relatively small area of the State. Concerning education, the most surprising finding may be the large percent- age of the Wilmington area population enrolled in institutions of higher -learn- ing. This is a positive sign and can only mean good things for the future of 'the area. Transportation facilities or the lack thereof, are confirmed as being the largest single stumbling block to the economic future of Wilmington While the City's deep water port is an asset, the air, highway and rail systems serving the City fall short of what is needed. Recent dramatic increases in air traffic and the construction of a new airport terminal should help alleviate the air transportation problem. Wilmington does not have the benefit, however, of designation as a hub by any major airline. The anticipated completion of I-40 by the end of the decade will help put Wilmington on the economic map. Continued improvements to US 74/76 and US 17 will also be important in tying Wilmington into the emerging economy of the eastern seaboard. Programmed improvements to the City's internal transportation network such as Smith Creek Parkway and the South Seventeenth Extension will be of critical importance in distributing the traffic once it arrives -52- l� With continued talk of railline abondonment in the area, it is unlikely that rail service will have a dominant influence on the transportation system or the economy of the 'Wilmington area. Regarding health care, the 'Wilmington area is adequately served for most w' standard medical needs. While residents must leave the area for many tY,oes of specialized medical care, this not deemed as a deterrant to the continued eco- nomic development of the area. Excellent specialized medical care is available in the Raleigh -Durham area, a reasonable distance from Wilmington. Finally, the seemingly high crime rate for the.Wilmington area can be explained by the removal of Brunswick County from the Wilmington standard metropolitan statistical area. While controlling crime should continue to be a normal concern of local governments, it does probably not warrant the kind of attention that the sO-atistics in the Places Rated Almanac might lead an observer .� to believe. --,..------ j Based on the forgoing report and summary, the following major strategic �J planning conclusions can be drawn: 1. Local government budgets should continue to emphasize investment in infrastructure improvements designed to keep pace with the population growth of the area. 2. Innovative land planning and development practices should be encouraged -- to efficiently accommodate the growing population. 3. Local economic development efforts should emphasize the recruitment of white-collar "export" industries -- the industries of the future. 4. Continued growth, expansion, and enhancement of institutions of higher learning in the Wilmington area should be fostered. 5. Investment in new highways and other transportation facilities should be maximized as a cornerstone of economic development for the area. -53-