Boat Launch Waterfront Park, and Fireboat Dock-1983

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Wilmington, North Carolina

BOAT LAUNCH, WATERFRONT PARK AND FIREBOAT DOCK
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
PRELIMINARY REPORT:
NEEDS ASSESSMENT, LOCATION STUDY
AND CONCEPT PLAN
JANUARY, 1983
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration.

RM N 0 2LS:D_
1
1739
CITY of WILMINGTON
North Carolina
P.O. BOX 1810
28402
City Council
City Hall
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGEf
[phone]
January 25, 1983
Attached 'is a preliminary report and resolution regarding the Boat
Launch,'Waterfront Park, and Fireboat'Dock as requested by Council. The
study includes a needs assessment, location selection, and conceptual plan
for a recommended site. The report was•prepared by City staff with a
planning grant from the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act program.
Of five locations evaluated, a site at the foot of Castle Street
immediately north of the Memorial Lift Bridge was selected as the best
location for the facility. The 4+ acre size of the recommended tract
affords ample room for initial development as well as future expansion.
The proposed facility would provide a transitional land use between the
Historic District and the industrial area south of the bridge. Access from
the street system is excellent as the site is only two blocks from the inter-
sections of US 17/74/76, US 421 (Carolina Beach Road), Third Street and Front
Street. Identification of the facility with the lift bridge will also aid
first-time users in locating the launch. The site is well positioned for
pleasure craft use, including the vessels of sportsmen, sailors, and River-
fest raft racers. Proximity of the property to the Historic District,
Solomon Towers, and the downtown core makes it desirable for park use.
The proposed facility would include two ramps with catwalks, parking
for twenty to twenty-five cars with trailers, and a combination tie -down and
washdown area. A park -like atmosphere would be created by the addition of
appropriate trees, shrubs, and signage, and by a waterfront picnic area
furnished with tables, benches, grills, and trash receptacles. Lighting for
security would include underground installation of power lines to avoid
possible contact with sailboat masts.
While the conceptual plan provides for a fireboat dock at the site,
it is not part of the recommended initial development plan. As outlined
in the report, the total estimated cost for constructing the facility is
$92,000, without property acquisition and construction of the fireboat dock.
Staged development of the total facility could take place as follows: . .

-2-
Phase I: Site Acquisition -- The current capital budget provides
33,000 for acquisition; however, market value of the
recommended site has not been established.
Phase II: Boat Launch Development -- Access road, parking, two
ramps with catwalks, lighting, and signs are estimated
at $83,000.
Phase III: Park Development -- Landscaping, picnic tables, grills,
benches, and washdown area for boats are estimated at
$9,000.
These phases can be. scheduled according to the availability of funds.
Financial assistance can be sought from sources such as the North Carolina
Wildlife Commission and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The attached resolution authorizes the City Manager to proceed with
the detailed plans and studies necessary to implement the plan and to sub-
mit applications for grants or other assistance for development of the
facility. Passage of the resolution is respectfully recommended.
Respectfully submitted,
i
Ro ert G. Co
ity Manager
RGC/dmc
ATTACHMENT

Ury txurnc
ir. J
xdroduced bye Robert G. Cobb, City Manager Cityof Wilmingt0:
North Cami'mo
, January '25 ag
•
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON
BOAT LAUNCH, WATERFRONT PARK, AND FIREBOAT DOCK
FOR THE CITY OF WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS,the Council of the City of Wilmington, North Carolina has
recognized the Cape Fear River and its shores as one of the City's'greatest....
natural, economic and community resources; and
WHEREAS, City Council has stated its commitment to the river through
adoption of the six general policies contained in the 1982 report Wilmington
Looks*To The River: " A*Plan For The Redevelopment Of The City's'Waterfront;-and
WHEREAS, City Council authorized the City Manager to study alternative
sites and to prepare preliminary plans for boat launch facility; and
WHEREAS, the report entitled Boat Launch, Waterfront Park,'and'Fire-
boat Dock, A Preliminary Report 1) confirms the need fora oat aunt on the
Cape Fear River at the City of Wilmington, North Carolina, 2) evaluates several
alternative sites and recommends the best site for the facility, and 3) pre-
sents'a conceptual plan for development of the site; and
.WHEREAS, the recommendations of the report, if carried out, would
further the objectives of the waterfront plan. Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED THAT:
1) Council adopt this report which identifies the south side of Castle -
Street as the preferred site for a boat launch and related facilities. .
2) The City Manager be authorized to proceed with detailed plans,
studies and cost estimates required for site acquisition, taking into.
consideration the rights of Pacific Molasses Company, and phased
development of the facility.
3) The City Manager be authorized to identify funding sources and sub-
mit applications for grants or other appropriations for construction
and maintenance of the 'facility.
.. ..... .......
MAYOR
Adopted at a regular' meeting CERTIFIED. TO BE A TRUE COPY
on January' 25 , 1983.
ATTEST: CITY CLERK
ITY CLERK ��

CONTENTS
PAGE
SECTION
1:
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . .
1-1
SECTION
2:
NEED FOR A BOAT LAUNCH . . . .
2-1
SECTION
3:
SITE EVALUATION CRITERIA . . . . . . . . .
3-1
SECTION
4:
SITE SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4-1
SECTION
5:
CONCEPT PLAN FOR SELECTED SITE . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5-1
APPENDICES
. . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A-1

SECTION 1: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1.1 Introduction
This preliminary report was prepared at the direction of the City Council of
Wilmington, North Carolina. Funding for the study was provided by a local
planning grant from the North Carolina Office of Coastal Management under the
State Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) program. The project team was com-
prised of City staff employees from the departments of Engineering, Finance,
Fire, Management Services, Parks and Recreation, and Planning.
1.2 Project Objective
The purpose of this report may be concisely stated as follows: to locate and
design an easily accessible and convenient facility for the launching and trailer-
ing of small to medium-sized pleasure boats on the Cape Fear River in the vicinity
of downtown Wilmington. Further, to create an aesthetic and functional addition
to the urban park system along the riverfront as conditions allow. Consideration
should also be given to providing a berth for the City fireboat at the site.
1.3 Design Features
The following features were established at the outset of this study as being
desirable project elements of the boat launching facility:
(1) Two to four concrete boat ramps with catwalks or piers.
(2) Sufficient car and trailer parking and -maneuvering space to serve the
anticipated demand.
(3) Convenient access from the urban street system.
(4) Room for future expansion. .
(5) Limited temporary dockage space for boats.waiting to be trailered or
for those desiring a brief stop at the riverfront (not to serve as a
marina, however).
(6) Existing or planted vegetation to create an attractive park facility.
(7) Other amenities as conditions warrant and funding allows (e.g., light-
ing, signage, benches, picnic tables, riverfront walkway, shelter,
restrooms, refueling facility, waste pumpage tanks, etc.).
(8) Possible berthing space allocation for the City fireboat.
1-1

1.4 Research Method
The preparation of this report generally adhered to the following research
methodology.
(1) Need for the faciiit was assessed by reviewing prior history and
plans, by eva uating available fisheries and boating statistics, by
conducting an inventory of existing area facilities and by contacts
with area boating clubs and organizations.
(2) Alternative sites were identified using aerial photographs, property
ownership maps and a recent existing land use survey conducted for the
riverfront.
(3) Site evaluation criteria were formulated and the best site selected
based upon the project objective, design features, and several river -
front redevelopment principles contained in the 1982 Riverfront Plan.
(4) A concept plan for the selected site was drawn:up based upon reviews
of other plans and existing facilities, -and consistent with the
specific characteristics of the chosen site.
1.5 Conclusions
.(1) There is a confirmed strong demand for a boat launching facility on
tFe ar Ri Cape Fever i_n mington.
(2) The best site for a boat launch is on the south side of Castle Street
where i t meets t�Fie river. Based on factors including site size, Ian
use, street access, ease of development, and several site suitability
characteristics, the Memorial Lift Bridge area was chosen as the best
of six final sites examined.
(3) The des* of the boat launch facility should include two ramps,
arkin for toars with trailers, sufficient room for vehicular
maneuvering, courtesy do�cki g, and a separate tie -down area, as well as trees and other amenities to create a park -like atmos here T —
bert and__coc Tor . the CTi tyTs new fTi=reboat —sTou�l d—be included T at the
site as a cost-effective and convenient means of serving thatthat need.
1.6 Recommendations
(1) That Council adopt this report which recommends the south side of
Castle Street as the preferred site for a boat launch, urban park, and
fireboat dock.
(2) That the City Manager be authorized to proceed with detailed plans,
studies, and cost estimates required for phased development of the
facility.
1-2

(3) That the City Manager be authorized to identify funding sources and
submit applications for grants or other appropriations for construc-
tion and maintenance.
1-3

SECTION 2. NEED FOR A BOAT LAUNCH
2.1 History
Throughout its history, the Cape Fear River in the vicinity of downtown Wil-
mington has been used almost entirely for commercial shipping purposes. Rec-
reational boaters have been drawn traditionally to the region's sounds and the
ocean. As pleasure boating has continued to increase inpopularity-, however,
the supply of sound -side boating facilities has been outpaced by the demand.
The earliest record identifying a need for a recreational boat launch on the
Cape Fear River near Wilmington dates back to the 1940's. At that time, design
drawings were prepared for a launch with a series of finger piers at Hilton Park
in the vicinity of the Sweeney Water -Treatment Plant. There is no indication
that the design was ever carried out.
In 1957,.at the request of the New Hanover Fishing Club, City Council authorized
several improvements at the foot of Nun Street. Numerous dilapidated wharves,
half -sunken barges, and various other heavy debris were cleared away. The
street was widened and paved for the full width of the City -owned right-of-way
to accommodate boats and trailers. A "safety gate" was installed over concern
that unwary motorists might accidentally drive into the river. Under agreement
with the adjacent property. owner, the site immediately to the south ,of Nun
Street was also cleared, graded, and planted for use as an unofficial park
Records indicate that this project was completed and maintained in reasonable
shape for a number of years. In recent years, however, the.Nun Street site has
received,little maintenance attention, with improvements limited to occasional
clearing of vegetation, and the installation of trash receptacles.
The 1976 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan for Wilmington and New
Hanover County, prepared by Gardner Gid ey_and Asso is ates, called for a water-
front park on the river stretching from Nun Street south to the Memorial Lift
Bridge. While the plan included a boat launch at the park, it is not clear
whether a new launch was intended or simply improvements to the existing ramp at
Nun Street.
In 1978, a riverfront concept plan prepared for the City by Stone and Associates
also called for a recreational boat launch, identifying the area near the
vicinity of Castle Street as the desired location.
In 1982, Wilmington Looks To The River: A Plan For the Redevelopment of'the
City's Waterfront, prepared —by the WilmingMan—tonning Department, identified
the Hilton Park and Castle Street areas as possible locations for one or more
boat launches with associated park facilities.
Also in 1982, City Council authorized the application and acceptance of a
$12,000 Coastal Area Management Act planning grant to prepare this report and
design the facility. Concomitant with the planning grant application,'Council-
placed $33,000 in the City's capital budget for the purpose of site acquisition
during fisca1-1982-83.
2-1

2.2 Fishing and Hunting on the Cape Fear
By all available accounts, the Cape Fear River in the vicinity of Wilmington is
under -fished and under -hunted. While hard data on non-commerdial wildlife
catches is not available, interviews with area sportsmen consistently yielded
this viewpoint. In addition, most fishermen and hunters stated that a lack of
suitable access was a primary reason for the present underuse of the river.
Those sportsmen who do use the river at Wilmington are a determined group,
putting up with hazardous launching conditions, no fuel availability for many
miles in either direction, and frequent break-ins to their automobiles. (See
table 2.2.1. )
Table 2.2.1
Automobile.Break-Ins, Thefts, and Damage
Reported in the Zero Block of Nun Street
June 1979 to September 1982
(By Month and Day of Week)
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Jan
X
1
Feb
X
X
X
3
Mar
X
X
2
Apr
X
X
2 -.-
May
0
Jun
X
X
2
Jul
XX
X
X
XX
X
7
Aug
X
1
Sep
X
X
2
Oct
X
X
2
Nov
XX
X
3
Dec
X
1
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
5
5
1
2
6
2
5
26
Total
Crimes
Source: Computer printout of records maintained by the Wilmington Police
Department.
2-2

Recently, fishermen have been observed parking their cars and trailers on Nun
Street near its intersection with Front. This may be a response to security
problems (i.e., frequent break-ins) to automobiles left near the foot of Nun
Street.
Despite the conditions, a substantial number of sportsman/boaters continue to
use the Cape Fear in search of -bass, 'shad, eel, duck, and other wildlife.
Fishing is especially popular during the Spring and Fall, with duck hunting
occurring predominantly during December and January.
Statistics on non-commercial catches of seafood -are not available. How-
ever, an examination of recent Marine Fisheries records for commercial landings
provides some idea of the variety of fish found in the Cape Fear:
Table 2.2(2)
Cape Fear River Commercial Catches Summarized
1980
1981
Species
Pounds
Value
Pounds
Value
Bluefish
--
--
1,796
323
Catfish
178,038
56,253
1819893
63,476
Croaker
--
--
2.,118
819
Flounder.
--
--
2,392
1,510
Mullet
29,570
8,318
19,551
5,549
Grey Trout
--
--
7,419
2,437
Shad
45,486
23,469
52,911
32,778
Spot
20,746
6,228
7,086
2,159
Striped Bass
17,418
22,558
7,394
7,394
Sturgeon.. ..
2,841
994
--
--
Misc. Finfish
14,634
12,531
18,607
12,908
TOTAL FINFISH
308,733
130,351
301,167
129,353
Blue Crabs
767,235
1539448
810,075
169,240
Shrimp (Headson)
154,291-
273,563
76,175
155,462
Clams
90,638
385,720
108,172
470,516
Oyster
5,873
.6,908
5,024
5,627
Misc. Shellfish
3,995
811
3,450
. 708
TOTAL SHELLFISH
1,022,032
820,450
1,002,896
801,553
TOTAL
1,330,765
950,801
1,304,063
930,906
Note: Some figures for individual.species-.are suppressed to preserve confi-
dentiality of business enterprise.
Source: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
Statistics for waterfoul hunting are not available, though duck hunting is
widely reported in the extensive riverine wetlands north and south of Wilmington
and along the Brunswick River west of the City. The New Hanover County chapter
of Ducks Unlimited has roughly-225 members. An estimated 500 to 600 residents
of the County are reported to be duck hunters.
2-3

2.3 ' Pleasure Boating
General pleasure boating on the river near Wilmington has picked up considerably
in the past few years. The interest in boating seems to be paralleling im-
provements being made along the shore. Developments such as the Cotton Ex-
change, the Hilton, the Fishmarket Restaurant`, and Chandler's Wharf are -sig-
nificant contributions of the private sector tothe beautification and economic
revitalization of the riverfront. The public sector has also taken an active
interest with notable investments made along Front, Water, and Market Streets.
Wilmington's Waterfront Plaza Park has reclaimed the foot of Market Street as
the logical focal point of the City's riverfront. The new ferry landing, an
integral part of the.park, is a strong physical reminder of downtown Wilmington's
historic ties to the river.
The U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial is a dramatic visual asset on the
west side of the river immediately opposite downtown Wilmington. Some 250,000
visitors are drawn to the battleship annually. Active river vessels adding
interest to the area include the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter "Northwind", numerous
brightly painted working tugboats, the Captain J..M. Maffitt tour boat, and
various commercial barges and ships. Collectively, these land and water sights
create an interesting, appealing environment for pleasure boating on the Cape
Fear. As improvements along the shore continue, there is little reason to
believe that interest in river boating should not also heighten.
2.4 Special Events
Interest in boating on the river has received impetus from an increasing number
of special events and festivals held on the waterfront. Large numbers of
boaters are brought out during -the Azalea Festival in April, the Independence
Day Celebration and Fireworks display in July, and the Riverfest held annually
in October. In addition, the Waterfront Plaza Park opposite the steps of the
Federal Building now provides a suitable area for a variety of entertainment and
cultural events. Since the park's dedication in the Spring of 1982, the plaza
area has played host to craft shows, dance troupes, and a host of musical
performers. Because of the open design of the plaza (i.e., the river provides
a backdrop), these entertainment shows can be viewed from the river as well as
from the steps of the Customs House.
Over the years, the Hilton Hotel has also developed a reputation for outdoor
entertainment at its courtyard pool and hospitality dock. These activities are
not limited to holiday or festival weekends, but occur increasingly throughout
the year.
Even more important than these general interest activities are several annual
events well suited for the boating public. They are separately discussed as
follows:
2.4.1 Riverfest Raft Race
Raft races have been a growing phenomenon.throughout the country in recent
years. Wilmington held its fourth annual race in 1982 in conjunction, as
2-4

customary, with the Riverfest celebration. Each year the rafts vary consider-
ably in size, shape, and level of design sophistication, as well as crew attitude
about winning. The event is considered by many to be the highpoint of the
annual river festival, providing as much entertainment to those on the shore as
to those riding the 150 to 200 rafts which typically enter.
For the first three years of the race, the rafts.were taken out and trailered at
the foot of Nun Street. Problems of inadequate parking, steep grade, a poor
ramp surface, no dock, and crowding spectators caused heavy congestion and were
troublesome to raft race organizers. In 1981, the finish line was placed at the
top of Nun Street (intersection of Front) in hopes of expediting the clearance
of rafts from the ramp area. Problems persisted. In 1982, the finish line was
placed at the Memorial Lift Bridge and rafts were taken out at facilities
provided by Cape Fear Towing Company on the West side of the river, south of the
bridge. The raft race chairperson has stated that the use of these or other
private facilities are on a year-to-year basis with no guarantee for future use.
A permanent publicfacility on the river south of the downtown would be of
considerable assistance to future raft races.
2.4.2 Riverfest Invitational Sailing Regatta
A second special boating event held during the annual Riverfest is the Invita-
tional Sailing Regatta. 1982 was the third year of the event with some 50
sailboats participating in six races. Regatta organizers have settled upon
Hobie Cat 16's and Lazers for the event due to their popularity and interest
locally. The boats and their brightly colored sails create a pleasant sight
on the water.
Despite bad launching conditions, the sailors have continued. to use the foot of
Nun Street to float their boats. To aid in rigging the boats on the water, the
regatta brings in its own temporary floating dock. Parking is.cramped and
maneuvering space limited. Yet, much like the fishermen who use Nun Street, the
sailors tolerate the conditions for lack of an alternative launching area.
With regard to any.new launching facility, regatta organizers made two design
recommendations: (1) that the launching area be free of overhanging trees and
power lines to allow for mast clearance; (2) that a dock or "beach" area be
provided to allow for the rigging of the sails.
2.4.3 Power -Boat Racing
For several years during the 1970's, power boat racing was held on the river
opposite downtown Wilmington. Events involved specially designed high per-
formance boats capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph. The races were usually
held in conjunction with the Azalea Festival, and Festival organizers typically
made a small funding contribution to help promote the activity. An advertising
booklet also helped raise money for the event.
2-5

Discussions with persons familiar with the races; indicated that they were
discontinued some five years ago due to the lack of a suitable launching area
and the withdrawal of Festival -support for the event.. Concern about.the launch-
ing area.arose regarding possible and actual damage to the expensive boats. One
boat owner estimated that it costs $25,000 today to build and.fit out a power
racing boat.
Despite the stoppage of these races in Wilmington, the sport is reported to be
gaining interest in other partsof the country. A recent race in St. Louis,
Missouri, -for example, reportedly drew over eighty entries with'only the top .25
boats:_qualifying. In other cities, power boat racing reportedly has been.Used
successfully for,fund raising and as a promotional tool for tourism.
With regard to facility design, separate in -ramps and out-ramps.were.recommended
to facilitate efficient launching and trailering of boats.
2.4.4 Fireworks Displays
Fireworks displays staged from the grounds of the Battleship Memorial across
from downtown Wilmington have brought out boaters in increasing.numbers over the
past few years. In 1982, for example, fireworks were held on at least three
different occasions: (1) during dedication ceremonies for the new Waterfront
Plaza Park, (2) during the Independence Day festivities, and (3) during the
Riverfest celebration.
Wilmington's riverfront provides an excellentlocation for holding fireworks
displays. The Battleship Memorial, for -example, provides.a fitting backdrop for
the Independence Day celebration.` The location is well known and the view -
across the river is heightened by reflections on the water. Explosive sounds
are also increased by the echo effects of the river surface and nearby downtown
buildings.
If these qualities ofthe river site.are enjoyable
also hold -special value to the many boaters who pr
.anchored positions on the water. A boat launch in
Wilmington with adequate parking and lighting for
doubt allow a great many more boaters -to enjoy the
perspective.
2.5 Registered Vessel Records
to shoreside viewers, they
efer to watch -them -from their
the vicinity of downtown
security and safety would no
fireworks from this unique
Tallies of registered vessels in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties compared to
other North Carolina coastal counties provide additional insight into the demand'
for launching facilities locally. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
maintains statistics on full-time, part -.time, -And -pleasure vessels by coastal
county. These statistics are presented in tables 2.5.1 to 2.5.4.
2-6

In terms of overall numbers, New Hanover and Brunswick Counties.rank second and
third, respectively, out of the nineteen counties for which records are main-
tained. (See Table 2.5.1) Only Carteret County with its large commercial
fishing industry, ranks higher.
More significant, however, are the individual county figures for part-time and
pleasure vessels. Table 2.5.3 shows that New Hanover County ranks second, and
Brunswick fourth in numbers of 'part-time commercial fishing vessels. Table
2.5.4 reveals that. New Hanover County has more registered pleasure.boats than
any other County in the Coastal area. Brunswick County tray s a close fourth,
even with its much lessor population. These numbers are noteworthy, in that
boats registered in the part-time and pleasure categories are more likely to be
users of public launching facilities.. Heavy use of the public ramps at Wrights-
ville Beach and Snows Cut support this contention.
Table 2.5.1
All Commercial Fishing Vessel Licenses:
1981 Coastal County Rankings
Number of
Registered
Rank County Vessels
1
Carteret
3,927
2
NEW HANOVER
2,649
3
BRUNSWICK
1,991
4
Onslow
1,952
5
Craven
1,552
6
Dare
1,209
7
Beaufort
1,098
8
Pender
891
9
Pamlico
876
10
Hyde
429
11
Currituck
355
12
Martin
265
13
Washington
263
14
Chowan
233
15
Pasquotank
197
16
Bertie
168
17
Perquimans
128
18
Tyrrell
126
19
Hertford
68
2-7

Table 2.5.2
Registered
Full' -Time Commercial Fishing
Vessels:
1981 Coastal -County Rankings
Number of
Registered
Rank
County
Vessels
1
Carteret
1,365
2
Dare
562
3
Onslow
406
4
Pamlico
299
5
BRUNSWICK
287
6
Hyde
- 236
7
NEW HANOVER
190
8
Beaufort
185
9
Chowan
99
10
Currituck
82
11
Tyrrell
75
12
Pender
61
13
Craven
46
14
Washington
35
15
Pasquotank
31
16
Bertie
23
17
Perquimans
17
18
Hertford
6
19
Martin
4
Table 2.5.3
Registered Part -Time Commercial Fishing Vessels:
1981 Coastal County Rankings
Rank
1
2...
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Count
Carteret
NEW HANOVER
Onslow
BRUNSWICK.
Dare
Pender
Beaufort
Craven
Pamlico
Currituck,
Hyde
Pasquotank
Chowan
Martin
Washington
Perquimans
Tyrrell
Bertie
Hertford
Number of
Registered
Vessels
1,482
1,063
828
704
492
398
387
383
193
177
143
98
88
72
59
50
47
28
16
2-8

Table 2.5.4
Registered Pleasure Vessels:
1981 Coastal County Rankings
Number of
Registered
Rank County Vessels
1
NEW HANOVER
1,396-
2
Craven
1,123
3
Carteret
1,080
4
BRUNSWICK
1,000
5
Onslow
718
6
Beaufort
526
7
Pender
432
8
Pamlico
384
9
Martin
189
10
Washington
169
11
Dare
155
12
Bertie
117
13
Currituck
96
14
Pasquotank
68
15
Perquimans
61
16
Hyde
50
17
Chowan
- 46
18
Hertford
46'
19
Tyrrell
4
2.6 Inventory of Existing Public Boat Launches
Contrasting the number of registered vessels, are the number of public landing
areas in New Hanover County. Figure 2.6.0 shows the locations of public facili-
ties serving the Wilmington urbanizing area, whether on the river or sound. The
map shows that boat launches rim the county to the north, east and south, but
fail to provide access to the river on the west. The closest publicly main-
tained boat access point to Wilmington via water is the Carolina Beach State
Park facility, some thirteen miles south of the downtown. Table 2.6.0 summarizes
the general features of each facility as observed by field inspection.
2-9

Table 2.6.0
Inventory of Existing Boat Ramps - New Hanover County
Location
Castle Hayne at
133/117 Bridge
Wrightsville Beach
at Draw Bridge
Snows Cut. on Intra-
coastal Waterway
Estimated
No. of
No. of Parking
Rams Spaces
1
3
2
Carolina Beach 2
State Park
Fort Fisher 2
Special
Features
20+ Small bait & tackle
store nearby
75+ More use of signage
than most other
ramps
50+ Pleasure Cove
Marina Nearby
50+ Fuel pumps, wash -
down area, ice,
paved parking,
$2.00 fee
35+ Bulkhead -enclosed
launching basin
Comment
Loop road design,
trees
Reported to be the
most heavily used
facility.in State
Ramps are not steep
enough; causes
problems at low water
Ramps are too steep
Congested maneuvering
near ramps
Note: With the exception of the Carolina Beach State Park facility, all launches
are owned and maintained by the North Carolina. Wildlife Commission.
Inspections of the existing facilities revealed several noteworthy points.
First, a proper slope for the boat ramp is important. If the ramp is too
steep, vehicles must struggle to pull the trailer'out or back it in. If the
incline is too gentle, the trailer may not reach into deep enough water to
facilitate trailering or launching. Second, parking, maneuvering and tie -down
areas must be logically designed and be clearly identifiable to the first-time
user. A simple, rational traffic flow and parking scheme will be the easiest
for the boating public to identify and follow. Appropriate, attractive signage
can aid in the safe and efficient use of the facility. Caution must be used to
avoid unnecessary sign overkill, however, if the launch area is also to be an
aesthetically pleasing addition to the urban park system. Appropriately placed
trees and vegetation can provide useful relief from the large expanses of
parking lots. "Parking -spaces -per -ramp" ratios generally worked out to be 20 to
25 spaces per individual ramp, though there was no hard and fast rule. The
Carolina Beach State Park facility appeared to be underutilized, apparently due
to restrictions on the hours of park operation.
2.7 Summary of Need
Based on the foregoing assessment of prior plans, fishing and hunting statistics,
boating activities, vessel records, and inventory of existing launching facilities,
a clear need for a boat.launch serving the City of Wilmington is established.
2-10

WIL.MINGTGN
I CAROLiNA BEA(
STATE PARK
FORT FISHER
BRIDGE
IIGHTSV IU
BEACH
4
�Q
ov
P
4e
SNOWIS CUTr
CA OLINA
BEACH
KURE
BEACH
Figure 2.6.0
Inventory of
Existing Boat Launches
NEW HANOVER COUNTY
-- --__
-- 1

SECTION 3: SITE EVALUATION CRITERIA
3.1 Capsule Listing of Criteria
Based upon the project objective and elements, several evaluation criteria were
established for the ranking.of the sites and selection of the best site. They
are listed below and separately discussed on the pages that follow. The criteria
are then applied to site evaluations in Section 4.
(1) Site Size and Future Expansion Potential
(2) Land Use Compatibility
(3) Access From the Street System
(4) Suitability of Location for Pleasure Craft Use
(5) Suitability of Site for Use as a Park
(6) Contribution to Riverfront Redevelopment
M Site Availability and Acquisition
(8) Ease of Site Preparation and Construction
(9). Suitability for Fireboat Location
(10) Alternative Use of the Property
3.1.1 Site Size and Future Expansion Potential
As a general rule, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officials rec-
commend an optimal site size of one to two acres for their boat launching areas.
This amount of acreage allows adequate space for the ramp, parking and maneu-
vering, etc. The actual amount of land developed and put in use will vary
according to the demand placed upon the particular facility at a particular
location: Acreage over and above the one to two acre size is desirable for
future expansions of the launch and parking areas. Extra space can also be used
for associated activities such as the development of a park,.fuel and supply
services, rest roans, wash down area, etc. Investments in some non -essential
services are best left undone until after a clear need has been established.
Nonetheless, areas should be set aside in the master development plan to con-
veniently accommodate these services at some future point perhaps, provided
sufficient acreage is available.
3.1.2 Land Use Compability
A boat launching facility is'a unique land use which requires special attention
to its relationship to adjacent land activities. While a boat launch is often
perceived as a recreation or park -type use, the clanging of empty trailers, and
the sound of outboard engines and four wheel drive vehicles can create con-
siderable noise levels at times. These noises can be disruptive to nearby
residential development, particularly if the facility is used late at night or
early in the morning by sportsmen.
Conversely, boaters should ideally have the use of a pleasant launching area
free of incompatible commercial and industrial activities.
3-1

In most instances,.the location of the facility and specific layout of its
component parts will be best determined by the site size, topography, and
natural and man-made features. Sensitivity of site design in densely developed
areas of the city becomes particularly important for this reason.
3.1.3 Access From the Street System
Cars or trucks towing boats and trailers should have convenient, straight-
forward access to the launching facility free of numerous turns, traffic lights,
excessive grades, and traffic congestion. Ideally, the facility should be a
short distance from a major traffic artery, perhaps in view of.the larger road.
The major anticipated routes to the boat launch should not traverse residential
neighborhoods or congested commercial areas such as the central business district.
3.1.4 Suitability of Location For. Pleasure Craft Use
Boaters using the launching facility will likely include fishermen, hunters,
sailors, raft racers, and pleasure cruisers. The location of the selected site
will in some measure determine which of these potential users will benefit most
from the facility.
Fishermen and hunters, for example, are known to travel considerable distances
north a-nd south of the existing Nun Street site for their catches. These two
groups are therefore less "location sensitive" than the other user groups.
Sailors currently use the Nun Street site almost exclusively for their river
regattas, and would likely favor a similar location within -a reasonable distance
of the downtown waterfront. Raft racers are in need of a take-out point a short
distance beyond the finish line of the annual Riverfest competition. Because
the finish line must be.located south of the downtown core (for viewing pur-
poses), site selection for use by the raft racers is more limiting. Finally,
pleasure cruising boaters are likely to be more flexible in their locational
requirements. Even so, a central location would probably be favored in light of
fireworks displays and other special events held at the downtown core.
3.1.5 Suitability of Site for Use as a Park
A secondary_ objective identified by the project statement is to create, if
possible, a useful addition to the City's urban parks system. Several questions
may be asked to determine the suitability of -a given site for use as a public
park: Is the site of sufficient size to accommodate park facilities in addition
to the boat launch? Do the site's topography and natural features lend them-
selves.to park development? Is the site appropriately located with regard to
residential areas and/or employment centers? Does the site relate well to other
park and open space areas in the vicinity? Are adjacent land uses compatible
with park development?
3-2

3.1.6 Contribution To Riverfront Development
In recent years, Wilmington has witnessed substantial improvements in develop-
ment along its riverfront. If properly designed and located, a boat launch
could effectively contribute to that redevelopment effort.
Since about 1976, for example,. the riverfront has seen investments made at
Chandler's Wharf, the Fishmarket Restaurant, the Cotton Exchange, and most
recently at the new Waterfront Plaza Park. The area of.the river shore between
the Memorial Lift Bridge on the south and the Seaboard Coastline Railroad
property to the north of the.central business district is generally considered
to be the most important area for redevelopment. Therefore, any boat launch
site falling within this area should be viewed more favorably than sites located
outside those bounds.
One of the specific ways that a boat launch could contribute to riverfront re-
development would be to create another activity center to help bring people back
to the river. The much -discussed riverfront walkwaycould also be tied into the
boat launching area. Boaters visiting the area could then tie up at courtesy
docking provided at the boat launch, and walk to the downtown or other points of
interest.
3.1.7 Site Availability and Acquisition
Presently, the City of Wilmington does not own waterfront property of sufficient
acreage and suitability to accommodate a boat launch and urban park facility.
For construction of the boat launch, fee simple acquisition of an appropriate
site is recommended. The ease with which such acquisition is accomplished is
dependent upon a variety of factors including number of property owners involved,
whether the title is clear or clouded, whether the property owner is amenable to
the sale, etc. In addition, the relative value of each of the alternative sites
being considered may vary according to existing site conditions and improve-
ments, depth of the river channel offshore, general location, available utilities,
access, etc.
A detailed assessment of these various.factors for each of the alternative sites
is not feasible within the context of this report. The following information is
provided, however, to indicate a range of prices paid per acre for property
fronting on the river. These prices were provided with the consent of a quali-
fied appraiser who confirmed these sales and used them.in the preparation of
property value appraisals in the recent past.
Location
Size
Price/Acre
South
of
Castle
Street
(East
Bank)
9.8
Acres
$12,545.00
North
of
Castle
Street
(East
Bank)
79.5
Acres
13,208.00
South
of
Castle
Street
(East
Bank)
31.0
Acres
19,000.00
South
of
Castle
Street
(East
Bank)
46.3
Acres
15,815.00
South
of
Castle
Street
(East
Bank)
31.8
Acres
27,000.00
North
of
Castle
Street
(West
Bank)
1.25
Acres
15,000.00
3-3

The figures do not necessarily coincide with the potential values of any of the
alternative boat launch sites under consideration in this report. They are
presented for general information purposes only and are not intended to be a
substitute for a formal appraisal report.
3.1.8 Ease of Site Preparation and Construction
Fundamental .to the selection of any site will be the degree of difficulty in-
volved in preparing the site for development, and then actually constructing the
facility. The -ease with which a site can be developed can vary considerably
depending upon existing site conditions prior to construction. Variables can
include, for example: c-learance,of vegetation as necessary; grading and leveling
of the site to accommodate parking and other activites; construction of an
access road as necessary; dredging and bulkheading the waterfront area to pro-
vide sufficient -depth in and around the ramp area,. etc.
Consideration should also be given to the ongoing maintenance that may be
required due to nearshore siltation of dredged areas or onsite settling of pre-
viously placed fill materials.
3.1.9 Suitability for Fireboat Berth
The Fire Department is in need of a permanent berth for the City's new fireboat.
Currently, the boat is temporarily docked at facilities provided by Almont
Shipping Company- While a dock for the fireboat is not -considered an integral
element of the boat launching facility, it is felt that a cost savings could
result if both needs were to be met through the acquisition of a single suitable
site.
The Fire Chief has indicated that there are two primary considerations in
determining a berth for the fireboat. First, adequate water depth is required.
Since the boat will have a draft of four feet fully loaded, a minimum depth of
five feet of water at mean low tide is necessary. The extra foot of clearance
is to provide for adequate depth during extreme low tide conditions. Second,
since the fireboat is normally operated by a'land based company of men dis-
patched from Fire Headquarters, sites closest to the headquarters station should
be given higher priority. The advantages of a close -at -hand berth for the fire-
boat include ease of daily maintenance and accessability, and reduced response
time in emergency operations.
3.1.10 Alternative Uses of the Property_
From a larger perspective, a boat .launch is just one of many viable uses for
waterfront property. In planning for the development of Wilmington's river -
front, the City must consider all potential alternative uses for the sites being
considered. While a site may be well suited for use as a public boat launch, it
may be even better suited for some other alternative use.
3-4

Identification of potential alternative uses for a given site requires an
examination of historical use of the property, its present use, known proposed
uses, the surrounding land use and development pattern, existing and proposed
zoning, and existing site conditions. Each of these considerations will receive
different degrees of importance depending upon the circumstances of the par-
ticular site in question. The six general policies contained in the 1982 ,
Riverfront Plan provide guidance as to how these factors should be applied.
K11

SECTION 4: SITE SELECTION
4.1 Initial Screening to Six Sites
At the outset of the site selection process, the widest possible range of
alternative locations was considered. Sources of information included aerial
photographs of the river corridor, and land use and property ownership surveys
conducted for the recently completed riverfront redevelopment plan.. Prior plans
and studies were also reviewed for applicable findings and recomendations.
From this initial reconissance, the field was then narrowed to six primary sites
for comparative evaluation. All sites chosen fall within the City limits and
all but one meet the minimum acreage requirements recommended by the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Moving from north to south along the
shoreline, the six sites -are as follows:
(1) Hilton Park Site -- approximately fifteen acres in private ownership,
so name .because of the proximity of this property to the City's
Hilton Park.
(2) Seaboard Coastline Railroad Site -- approximately three-quarters of an
acre in railroad company ownership located behind the old warehouses
just north of Cape Fear Technical Institute.
(3) Nun to Church Street Site -- approximately one and three-quarter acres
in private ownership, located generally at the foot of Nun Street and
including vacant property south along the river to Church Street.
(4) Castle Street Site - North Side of Street -- approximately two and
one- a f acres owned by Carolina Power and Light Company located just
north of Castle Street.
(5) Castle Street Site - South Side of Street -- consists of some four
acres of property at the Memorial Lift Bridge owned by the Pacific
Molasses Company (Sucrest).
(6) N.C. State Ports Authority Northern Tract -- a large tract consisting
of some 40+ acres of wooded land loci—ted north of the Greenfield Lake
outfall canal. It is owned by the NCSPA.
Figure 4.1.0 shows the locations of these sites in the city.
4.2 Site Evaluations
In the pages that follow, each of the six sites identified is evaluated in
succession according to the ten criteria established in Section 3. An evalua-
tion matrix is then presented summarizing the individual findings for each site
and selecting the best site.
4-1

(Hilton Park Site)
4.2.1 Hilton Park Site
(1) Site Size. and Expansion Potential
With roughly 15 acres, this site is the second most extensive of the
six properties being considered. However, the topographic conditions
of the site and competition from other uses may constrain the amount
of space available for a boat launch. Steep slopes to.the east and
low-lying acreas along the river to the west effectively -remove major
sections of the property from the supply of buildable land. The
junction of the proposed Smith Creek Parkway with the new bridge will
consume much of the southern end of the tract. Planned expansions of
the City's Sweeney Water Treatment Plant complex call for the use of
the northern end of the site. Construction of an access road into the
property would use up some of the remaining land.
In short, existing conditions and planned or required improvements
leave a relatively small parcel of buildable land compared to the full
15 acres originally identified. In light of other factors working
against this site (to be explained in ensuing paragraphs), a precise
delineation of buildable sections of the site would not be worthwhile
at this time.
(2) Land Use Compatibility
This site is generally isolated from other potential conflicting land
uses. To the immediate north of the site is the City's Sweeney Water
Treatment complex, consisting of a number of masonry structures and
storage tanks in a quiet, park -like environment. Hilton Park is
contained in the area. The northern end of the site's eastern border
is bounded by several small wooded tracts of land while the southern
half of the eastern property line runs alongside US 117/Castle Hayne
Road. Several scattered wholesale and distributive type land uses
largely define the character of the road as it passes by the site. A
rail line and the new bridge meet to form the southern border of the
site. The former A&P, now a wholesale supply and equipment store, is
located atop a bluff separated from the site by the rail line. The
Northeast Cape Fear River completes the perimeter of the site on the
west. None of these adjacent land uses.are expected to be affected
positively or negatively by the boat launch, nor would the boat launch
negatively impact any of its potential neighboring uses.
(3) Access From the Street System
Immediate.access to the site is via North Fourth Street from US 117/
NC 133 (Castle Hayne Road). There is currently no maintained road
into the site from Fourth Street, however. General approaches to the
area are good from the west (new four lane bridge) and north (Castle
Hayne Road). Approaching .the site from the south or east entails
traveling through downtown Wilmington, though entirely on major streets.
In general, approaches to the site pose little or no difficulty, but
construction of an access road onto the site 'would be a costly neces-
sity.
4-2

I
Figure 4.1.0
Alternative Boat_ Launch Sites
Wilmington, N.C.
H I LTON PARK
SEABOARD COAST
RAILROAD SITE
NUN TO CHURCH STREET
FOOT OF CASTLE ST. -North Si
FOOT OF CASTLE ST.-South.Sid
NC State Ports Authority
NORTHERN TRACT.
Elm
F
► a WWII Ff, rr'r07#A'4
ml
��1.111
Yam■
:.M■■IF. ■A!■!1!!!■■
■MINIM �!EI■■■■■■
LuWc®M33H3�"il0.1101 N
■=■■ ■■■■11111'1■1111■
■■■■ ■■11111111111IA■■■
■MINIM. !1��■1�111111!!!�.\I
■■ Elm ■■■71i1■■��■
■■ ■■■■■■■ ■11■
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'a■ MIN ■■USE■■ ■■ 4■11■■A
11■
ODQu
I1

(Hilton Park Site)
(4) Suitability of Location for. Pleasure Craft Use
T
The suitability of this site for pleasure craft use is fair to good.
Being -the northernmost of the six sites, this location provides good
access to prime duck hunting wetlands north of the city. Obviously,
access to wildlife areas downstream of the city is less convenient.
While the confluence of the Cape Fear and.Northeast Cape Fear Rivers
is only about one mile to the south, the mouth of the Brunswick River
as it meets the Cape Fear is a full five miles downstream.
The site is also approximately 1-1/4 miles from the Battleship Memorial
and the downtown activity center. While the new US 117/NC 133 bridge
is between the site and the downtown, clearances are adequate to
accommodate small sailing vessels without raising the bridge.
This location would be unsuitable as a pull-out point for the raft
race unless the direction of the race were changed to coincide with
the incoming tide. This would enable race participants to pass the
downtown reviewing area en route to the finish line and pull-out area.
The likelihood of changing the direction of the race is not known.
(5) Suitability For Use as.a Park
As stated in the 1982 Wilmington Riverfront Plan, park development of
this site is supported by "...the variable, wooded topography of the
property, by the need for an attractive visual enhancement at the
north entrance to the city, by the floodprone nature of the site, and
by the site's proximity to Hilton Park." (p. 13). While the property
is not located within any major population or employment centers, the
Brooklyn neighborhood area lies generally 1/2 to 1 mile southeast of
the site. There are no other major park facilities in the northwest
corner of the city.
(6) Contribution to Riverfront Redevelopment
The site is not located within the primary area of interest for r'e-
development. As noted above, however, development of the property as
a park could do much toward improving the visual appearance of this
sector of the city, particularly as viewed from the new bridge.
(7) Site Availability and Acquisition
As mentioned under (1) above, plans have been prepared for construc-
tion of the Smith Creek Parkway over the south end of this property
and for an expansion of the City's water treatment plant complex on
the north end. No specific development plans are known for the
balance of the property nor is the site being actively marketed. The
site is in single ownership, belonging to the Corbett family of
Wilmington.
4-3

(Hilton Park Site)
(8) Ease of Site Preparation.and Construction
Development of a boat launch and park amenity at this site would be
expensive. The site's variable topography would require extensive
grading to create a useable area for the ramp and parking area. A
steep bluff along the.east side of the property would limit the
location of any access road into the site. Substantial clearing of
existing vegetation would be necessary. Shallow water and wetlands
along the site's riverine shore would require.extensive dredging
initially and on a continuing basis to maintain sufficient water depth
for the facility. Treated water is available to the site, but any
sewage disposal needs would require that a liftstation be installed.
(9) Suitability For Fireboat. Location
This site would not be as well -suited for use as a fire boat berth as
several of the other locations. The presence of wetlands and shallow
water here would necessitate dredging, bulkheading and maintenance to
provide satisfactory water depth. Any berth at this site would be
from 17. to 19 blocks from Headquarters Station, depending upon the
exact location chosen within the site. Response times and daily
access would therefore be hampered relative to other sites.
(10) Alternative Uses of the Property
Prior uses and existing conditions indicate the possibility of this
property being developed -for industrial. purposes. Records show that
this site was formally in industrial use and was served by a rail spur
of the old Atlantic Coastline Railroad Company. Remnant pilings in
the river offshore are evidence of the former Bates Lumber Company
Warehouse. Prior to its burning, the warehouse was last used for
furniture storage. The majority of property is currently -zoned M-2,
the City's least restrictive manufacturing district. While the river
channel decreases substantially in depth above the new highway bridge,
a 25 foot channel is nonetheless maintained and available to the site.
The presence of U.S. 117 and the possiblity of the Smith Creek Parkway
coming together at the south end of the site add some credence to the
industrial development potential of the property. To date, specific
industrial proposals.for the site have not been publicly discussed.
4.2.2 Seaboard Coastline Railroad .Site
(1) Site Size and Expansion -Potential
Consisting of only 3/4 of. an acre, the small size of. this site is
probably its most limiting factor. As shown in Figure 4.2.2, the area
under consideration is only a small portion of the total tract owned
by the railroad; the remainder of the property is better suited for,
commercial or light industrial uses. Thus, while the 3/4 acre portion
of the tract could accommodate a boat launch and parking area, there
would be little room available for other amenities. Future expansion
of the facility would also be constrained by the unavailability of
additional land.
4-4

�iyv� �', Z • 1 N,�-t'oN Ic 5rt'�
Ly Gao-
(PY�oR
OM65

(Seaboard Coastline Site)
(2) Land Use Compatibility
This site is located in the midst of a largely developed area. A
storage tank and fuel transfer facility occupy the land immediately to
the north. Wholesale and storage activities are located in two old
railroad warehouses to the east. Cape Fear Technical Institute
maintains a floating barge for classrooms on the water area to the
south. None of these uses are considered incompatible with a boat
launch at the present time. Should the southernmost warehouse ever be
converted to a commercial or mixed use development, however, the car,
boat and trailer traffic generated by the launch could be a problem.
It is also reasonable to assume that the continued growth of Cape Fear
Technical Institute will place further demands on the supply of avail-
able land in this area.
(3) Access From the Street System
Traffic to the facility would logically flow from Third or Front
Street to Red Cross Street to Nutt Street. Access to the facility
from the north would be acceptable from either Third or Front, as both
streets travel through sparsely developed commercial and light indus-
trial areas. Approaching the facility from the south would require
cars with trailers to pass through the urban core, probably via Third
Street. In any case, problems of traffic congestion would be most
likely to occur along Red Cross Street in competition with traffic
generated by Cape Fear Technical Institute.
Access into the site is provided by an existing single lane road along
the south side of the southernmost warehouse. This access road would
require widening and possibly other improvements to make it acceptable
for traffic associated with the boat.launch.
(4) Suitability of Location For Pleasure Craft Use
This site is centrally located between the two bridges and lies
roughly opposite the confluence of the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape
Fear Rivers. The mouth of the Brunswick River is about four miles to
the south. As such, the site provides good access to hunting and
fishing grounds north of the City and acceptable access to points
south of Wilmington.. In addition, the Battleship Memorial and down-
town center are less than 1/2 mile to the south, making the site well -
suited for pleasure boating.and.sailing activities. As with the
Hilton site, the usefulness of this location during the raft race
would be limited unless the direction of the race were changed.to
..coincide with the incoming tide. Even then, traffic congestion would
be likely in and around this small site.
(5) Suitability For.Use as a Park
As stated under (1) above, there would be limited space available at
this location for park amenities after the boat launch and parking
area were constructed. The industrial and shipping uses to the north
could also have a negative impact on park use. While the storage tank
and northern warehouse provide some buffering in this regard, these
structures do not contribute positively to the creation of a
4-5

(Seaboard Coastline Site)
park environment. Cape Fear Technical
periodic park -like improvements on its
perhaps lessening the need for another
Institute.has.also made
grounds in recent years,
park in the immediate. area.
(6) Contribution to Riverfront.:Redevelopment
This site lies near the northern edge of the City's area of concen-
tration for redevelopment.- The redevelopment area is generally
defined as ending in the vicinity'of Red -Cross -Street. Development
of a public facility such as a boat launch at this site could clearly
define the northernmost extent of the prime redevelopment area. It
could also create a point of interest for the upstream end of the
proposed-riverfront walkway.. Conceivably, boaters temporarily
docked at the facility could,make convenient trips to food and goods
stores housed in the nearby Cotton Exchange (2 blocks walking dis-
tance), The demand for such trips is unknown at this time, however.
(7) . Site Availability and Acquisition
Most prior plans by The Family Lines Rail System (FLRS) for use of
its property in this vicinity have largely ignored this relatively
small, three-quarter acre site. The site is effectively severed
from the remainder of the FLRS holdings in the area by -the presence
of the storage tank and warehouses to the north and east respectively.
Thus, the property under consideration has laid dormant over the
past several years. An exception was the installation of the City's
main northside sewage outfall on the property in 1981.
Generally, it is the policy of the railroad company to encourage real
estate transactions and developments.of its landholdings which will
generate further demand for rail service. The construction of a boat
launch would obviously not be consistent with.this policy. None-
theless, the small size and relative isolation of this site might
render the site more expendable than other riverfront properties
owned by the railroad.
(8) Ease of Site Preparationand Construction
Preparing this site for use by boaters would be relatively easy in
some aspects and more difficult in.others..-Access to the site, for
example, is convenient along the.south side of the southernmost
warehouse. The site is generally level and clear of large trees.
There is good water depth immediately offshore minimizing the need
for dredging. Construction of the ramp, however, would be made
difficult -by the large difference in elevation between the site and
the water level. Substantial cutting and grading deep into the site
would be necessary to achieve an acceptable slope for the ramp.
This could cause problems with existing utilities and, perhaps,
the foundation of the nearest warehouse.
(9) Suitability.For Fire Boat Location
The navigation channel comes close to the shore in this stretch of
the river affording good depth near the site. The small size of
the property, however, limits.the availability of space for a fire-
boat berth. Available site frontage along the river is less than
4-6.

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200 feet, making the likelihood of.a well -spaced boat ramp, courtesy
docking, and a fireboat berth improbable. Also contributing to the
problem is the presence of the City's main outfall pipe from the
Northside Sewage Treatment Plant. While the effluent is usually clean
and odor -free upon reaching the river, the mere location of the outfall
on the site creates another potential physical obstacle to full use of
the property.
In terms of response time, the site is located approximately ten
blocks from Fire Headquarters, making it reasonably accessible.
(10) Alternative Uses of the Propert
As stated under (1) above, this three-quarter acre tract is only a
small portion of a larger piece -of property owned by the Family Lines
Rail System. Due to the location of the property in a transitional
area between the central business district and shipping -related uses,
a wide-ranging cross section of development proposals have been put
forth for the property over the past several years.
In 1978, for example, a riverfront concept plan prepared for the City
by a private consultant envisioned a mixed use development on this
property. The proposal suggested high-rise residential uses along the
river, restoration,and commercial retail use of the existing ware-
houses, outdoor open space and recreation areas, and ample parking.
The plan for this property was never carried beyond the conceptual
stage.
In 1981, a controversial' proposal was made to construct a coal trans-
fer facility on a portion of the larger property located north of the
storage tank and warehouses. Falling demand for coal in Europe
delayed implementation of the project. In the meantime, a special
zoning referendum held in 1982-effectively barred coal transfer
facilities from this site and any other properties in the M-1 zoning
district. During the heighth of the coal facility controversy, the
non -industrial, mixed use concept reemerged as an alternative use of
the site. The property was also among those sites evaluated in the
January, 1982 convention center location and feasibility study pre-
pared for the City. The consultants ranked the site lowest among the
five considered in the study. Most recently, the 1982 riverfront
redevelopment plan for Wilmington -calls for use of the property con-
sistent with a commercial and light industrial designation.
4.2.3 Nun To Church Street Site
(1) Site Size and Expansion Potential
This narrow, undeveloped strip of land consists of 1-3/4 acres,
falling within the one to two acre standard used by the N.C. Wildlife
Resources Commission. The present makeshift launch site at the foot
of Nun Street has been_in continuous use since the late 1950's when
the site was first cleared and a ramp installed. Parking for the
existing facility is accommodated within the fully paved right-of-way
of Nun Street. Continued use of the facility, however, would
4-7

(Nun to Church Street Site)
likely require an expansion of available parking onto the property
south of Nun Street. The narrow, sloping character of the property
could make the creation of an adequately sized, level parking area
difficult to achieve without destroying the natural beauty of the
site. This site is also considered a critical area for.a section of
the proposed riverfront walkway, making provision.of space for that
feature important. Future expansions beyond the 1-3/4 acre area are
not possible in light of the existing development which surrounds
the site.
(2) Land Use Compatibility
Land use issues for this site revolve around its.location in the
Wilmington Historic District. The property is located -between
Chandler's Wharf on the north, and the Cameron-Hollman House property
on the south. The Governor Dudley Mansion and the Cassidy House sit
on elevated tracts immediately to the.east, separated by a stone re-
taining wall. The wall averages 15 feet in height, affording a
stronger physical: separation that would be available on level
ground.
While the present light use of the existing Nun Street facility has
generated only infrequent complaints from surrounding land owners,
there would likely be more serious objections from Historic District
residents if the facility were improved or expanded for greater use.
While this statement has not been validated by formal survey, a
review of related letter files and general knowledge of resident
attitudes is considered reliable.
(3) Access From Street System
Access to this site is from Third or - Front Street to Nun Street.
While the right-of-way for Church Street fronts on the south end of
the site, the street is not open or,improved and the slope is ex-
cessive. The fact that traffic would have to pass through the heart
of the Historic District toreach the facility is.a principle
drawback of this site. Existing land uses along Front, Church, and
Nun Streets are predominantly single family and multi -family resi-
dential development. The Governor Dudley -Mansion, headquarters of
the Historic Wilmington Foundation, sits immediately to the east of
the property. Considerable effort has gone into the preservation,
rehabilitation, and restoration of structures in this area. There
is legitimate concern that the presence of a fully developed boat
launching facility could generate traffic and activities that would
be detrimental to the individual and community value of these structures.
(4) Suitability of Location For Pleasure Craft Use
The twenty -year -plus history of continuous use of the Nun.Street
location by area boaters is a proven -track record of the need for
such a facility in the general area. Such use has persisted despite
hazardous ramp conditions, frequent automobile break-ins, and lack
of services such as fuel, water and restrooms. The fact that this
particular site has seen such use may be more a function, however,
of its monopolistic position in this section of the river - rather
than its other assets.

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(Nun to Church Street Site)
These arguments aside, the site is well -centered with regard to most
boating needs, providing balanced access to points north and south
of the City. The confluence of the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape
Fear Rivers is less than one mile to the north and the mouth of the
Brunswick River is roughly three and one-half.miles to the south.
The downtown center and Battleship Memorial are less than one-half
mile away. The Nun Street site has been used for the past three
years for the launching of sailboats.for regattas held on.the river
in conjunction with Riverfest. 1982 marked the first year that this
site was not designated as the pull-out point for raft race par-
ticipants. The congestion, bad ramp conditions, and steep slope of
Nun Street apparently outweighed the convenience of the location_.
While ramp conditions would be improved if this site were fully
developed, it is doubtful that the problems of congestion and ex-
cessive slope could be easily remedied.
(5) Suitability For Use as a Park
The site has several features which make it especially well -suited
for use as a park. The property has moderate to gently sloping
terrain and has numerous attractive mature trees. Views from the
site are pleasant and dramatic at the same time, including the
Cameron-Hollman House and grounds, the Memorial Lift Bridge, un-
developed property directly across the river, the Battleship Memorial,
and Chandler's Wharf.. The site is located within convenient walking
distance of the entire Historic District area, yet 'is somewhat
buffered from the closest residences by a stone retaining wall.
While the 15 foot high retaining wall would be insufficient to block
the noise and activity generated bya boat.launch, it would be
adequate to buffer any passive activities associated with a small
urban park. In fact, this relatively small site is sufficiently
well -suited for park use to recommend that development of a full-
scale boat launch and parking area on this site be avoided, leaving
the maximum area available for possible future park development.
CO Contribution To Riverfront Redevelopment
Development of the Nun to Church Street site for public use would be
highly compatible with the City's redevelopment efforts along the
riverfront. Presently, the extent of public and private improve-
ments along the water occurs in a generally spotty fashion, high-
lighted by (from north to south) the Cotton Exchange, the Hilton,
the Waterfront Plaza Park and foot of Market Street area, Stemmer-
man's Restaurant, Chandler's Wharf, and the Cameron-Hollman House at
the foot of Church Street. Development of this site for public use
would fill one important gap in the redevelopment effort. This
would be especially true if the site were developed for park purposes,
with a section of the riverfront walkway traversing the property.
While a locked gate presently blocks passage of pedestrians through
Chandler's Wharf to the north, the owner of the Wharf has stated
that he would have no objections to allowing free passage through
the area as part of a riverfront wal kw,_y.
4-9

(Nun to Church Street Site)
(7) Site Availability and Acquisition
The Nun Street to. Church Street site is comprised of two tracts of
separately owned properties which are similar in size. In both
cases, the existing north -south running retaining -wall defines the
percentage of each tract available for use.
The northern tract, owned by the Thomas Wright family, consists of
one acre. One-fourth of that area is above the retaining wall,
however, leaving roughly three -fourths of an acre available at the
water's edge. Mrs. Jesse Newbold is listed in the tax records as
the -owner of the tract closest to Church Street. While the full
tract contains roughly one and a quarter acres, only about one-half
acre occurs below the retaining wall.
Neither site is known to be on the market for sale or lease.
(8) Ease of Site Preparation and -Construction
The Nun to Church Street site would require the least amount of site
preparation of any of the properties being considered. The near
shore water is sufficiently deep and fairly well protected. The
existing boat ramp could be incorporated into any new design. A
nominal amount of clearing and grading would be required. The
existing foundation of an old wharf could possibly serve as at least
a partial substructure for a fireboat:dock. There is an insig-
nificant amount of marsh grass at the site, minimizing the prob-
ability of any environmental problems. Partial demolition of a
comparatively small retaining wall along Nun Street might be re-
quired. Any of these site improvements would require review and
approval by the Historic District.Commission, due to the site's
location in the historic area.
(9) Suitability For Fireboat Berth
Several factors make this site desirable as a location for the
City's fireboat. The near shore water is sufficiently deep so as to
minimize the -need -for initial and continuing dredging. The length
of frontage along the river provides adequate space for a fireboat
dock in addition to the ramp and other site amenities. As stated in
(8) above, the existing foundation of an old wharf might be used in
conjunction with the fireboat dock. The site is within close
proximity of much of the City's riverfront development, making
delivery of fire protection services efficient. Finally, the site
is only seven blocks from Fire Headquarters, making it easily
accessible to fireboat crews for maintenance and emergency response.
(10) Alternative Uses of the Property
The 1945 consultant's report Economy of Wilmington Area identifies
this property as being in use at the time by a wharf at the Broadfoot
Iron Works. The wharf was eventually abandoned and left to decay.
4-10

(Nun to Church Street Site)
(Foot of Castle St. - North)
In the late 1950's City crews cleared away much of the remains of
the Iron Works wharf, leaving only some bulkheading along the
river's edge and remnant pilings in the nearshore water. Under
informal agreement with the property owner., the property was es-
tablished as an unofficial park along the waterfront. Since then,
the property has changed hands and the informal agreement apparently
abandoned, as evidenced by the no trespassing signs posted on the
property.
Future industrial use of the site is highly unlikely. Alternative
uses generally known to have been discussed for the site in recent
years have included an extension of Chandler's -Wharf or a townhouse
development. Park use of the property has been a continuing option,
of course, since the site was first cleared over 20 years ago.
4.2.4 Foot of Castle Street - North Side of Street
(1) Site Size and Expansion Potential
This site consists of roughly two and one-half acres including about
two-thirds of an acre within the Castle Street right-of-way adjacent
to the property. The privately held land is owned by Carolina Power
and Light Company, which operates an electrical substation on the
site. Despite rumors to the contrary, discussions with CPR officials
indicate no plans to phase out the substation in the near future.
If continued dredging of the river channel should eventually cause
damage to the submarine cables feeding the station, a reevaluation
of this position would*be likely, however. So long.as the sub-
station occupies a significant portion of the property, use of the
site for a boat launch would be untenable. Without the substation,
there would be ample room for the boat launching facility and other
amenities.
(2) Land Use Compatibility
The development of a boat.launch at this site would pose a land use
conflict with the residential use of.the Cameron-Hollman House,
located immediately adjacent to the property. Traffic and other
.activties would generate undesirable noise levels.in close proximity
to the residence. Otherwise, the property is acceptable with regard
to land use. Solomon Towers is situated a good distance from the
site on the rise to the east across Surry Street. Mixed wholesale,
retail, and distributive land uses occupy the block southeast of the
property. A large vacant tract and the Memorial Lift Bridge are to
the south across Castle Street. Finally, the river provides roughly
240 feet of frontage to the west.
(3) Access From the Street System
This site is well located for direct access from several major
thoroughfares. F`,nt and Third Streets intersect with Castle
Street only two blocks from the Dawson/Wooster, US 17/74/76 travel
4-11

(Foot of Castle St. - North)
corridor. This corridor, along with Third Street .to the north and
Carolina Beach Road to the south, provides excellent access from all
compass points in New Hanover County. Brunswick County is also well
served by the proximity of this site to the bridge and thus points
west. Identification of the foot -of Castle Street area with the
bridge would aid the prospective user in finding the launch.
(4) Suitability of Location..For Pleasure Craft Use
The proximity of this site to the existing Nun Street facility
renders conditions regarding pleasure craft use at this location
very similar. The area is centrally located between hunting and
fishing grounds north and south of the City. -The downtown center
and Battleship Memorial are about one-half mile to the north. The
location could be a good pull-out point for the conclusion of the
Riverfest raft race as the Lift Bridge is the last point on the
City's shore before the river bank becomes primarily industrial.
Similarly, the.site is well suited for launching sail craft, due to
the potentially large area available, the uncongested conditions in
and around the site, and the unobstructed clear sailing north to
the downtown center. It has been noted that'the bridge caissons in
the water offshore may serve to break up the river current near the
site, creating more sheltered water at the shore.
(5) Suitability For -Use as a Park
The location of this site within a reasonable distance of Solomon
Towers and the Historic District contributes to its value as a
potential park site. While the property is not actually within the
Historic District, it is nonetheless, within a convenient two to ten
block walking distance of several hundred dwellings. Creation of a
new park at this site would complement the recently completed
Waterfront Plaza Park, -some six blocks to the north. Since there
are no existing trees of significant size on the property, plantings
would be necessary to create a suitable park environment. The only
drawback of the location for park use is the fairly constant noise
level generated by traffic crossing the lift bridge.
(6) Contribution to Riverfront.Redevelopment
Development of this site for a boat launch and urban park would con-
tribute appreciably to redevelopment efforts -along the waterfront.
Currently, a clearly defined southern locale for the termination of
riverfront redevelopment activities is lacking. The Cameron-Hollman
House stands alone in this function. If the boat launch were to be
constructed .at this site, it would help extend redevelopment closer
to the lift bridge, the logical demarcation between downtown develop-
ment to the north and industrial uses to the south. The facility
would also create a southern terminus for the proposed.riverfront
walkway. A finite destination such as a park and boat launch would
add to the utility of the walkway.
4-12

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'>F

(Foot of Castle St. - North)
Nearby elderly residents of Solomon Towers would also be provided
with a point of interest on the river. In addition to viewing or
aiding launching activities at the ramp, the residents might enjoy
examining the catches brought in by sportsmen using the facility.
(7) Site Availability and Acquisition
As stated in (1) above, much of this property is currently occupied
by an electrical substation owned and operated by the CP&L Company.
So long as the substation continues on the site, development of the
property -for public use is unlikely. In the event that the sub-
station is no longer needed or is retired for other reasons, removal
of the-unit's components would aid the appearance of the area.
(This is despite commendable efforts by CP&L officials to buffer the
appearance of the facility with planted vegetation.). At that point
in time, it would be advantageous for.the City or a private developer
to acquire the property for appropriate redevelopment use (for a
boat launch or otherwise).
(8) Ease of Site Preparation and Construction
The likelihood that the electrical substation will continue to
occupy this site for the foreseeable future creates a cloud on its
potential use for boat launching purposes. Other than that major
obstacle, the site is in good condition for development; the portion
of the site not actually occupied by the substation has been cleared,
graded, grassed over, and is generally well -maintained. Castle
Street provides good access along the south side of the property,
while Surry Street abuts the site to the east.
With the exception of the Castle Street right-of-way, the site's
shoreline has been bulkheaded. The unengineered shoreline at the
foot of Castle Street would be the most logical location for con-
struction of the ramp The street would have to be regraded to get
it down below the water's surface. Dredging would be required to
accommodate the ramp area and a berth for the fireboat.
Development of this site would be contingent upon the eventual
removal of the substation; potential dredging conflicts with sub-
marine cables serving the station would then be resolved. Even so,
an existing private water line serving the western shore operations.
of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would require attention in any
dredging operations.
(9) Suitability For Fireboat Berth
This site would be suited for the permanent location of the City's
fireboat. The site is centrally located between the State Ports on
the south and the downtown center to -the north. The existing
bulkheading along the shore of the property would provide a possible
infrastructure upon which to build additional piers, catwalks or
docks. Castle Street is roughly nine blocks from Fire Headquarters,
4-13

(Foot of Castle St. - North)
(Foot of Castle St. - South)
making routine maintenance as well as emergency response time
favorable. Dredging and/or the placement ofthe dock for the boat
in deeper water would.be necessary to achieve a minimum five foot
clearance at low tide. As is the case with pleasure boats, the
bridge caissons in the water offshore could serve to create calmer
waters immediately adjacent.to this site.
(10) Alternative Uses of .the Propert
Years agothis property was the site of an electrical generating
plant and a gas plant, with the property south of Castle Street
serving as a coal dumping facility for the units. These facilities
have been long since cleared away. As noted previously, there has
been discussion recently of the.possible phasing out of the electrical
substation which currently occupies the site. It had been rumored
that the construction of the new -substation at 9th and Orange would
eliminate the need for the Castle Street station. CP&L Company
officials, however, have stated that there are no plans to retire
the substation in the foreseeable future (i.e., ten years)." .
Alternative uses of the property are difficult to identify, owing to
the transitional nature of the Castle Street area between.the Historic
District and industrial areas to the south. While views from the
property are good and its position close to downtown is strategic,
noise levels from the lift bridge make residential use of the property
less desirable. Some type of marine office or appropriate commer-
cial use of the property might be the -next best alternative.
4.2.5 Foot of Castle Street.- South Side of Street
(1) Site Size and Expansion Potential
Consisting of about four acres, this property includes about two-
thirds of an acre within the Castle Street right-of-way and one and
a third acres of North Carolina Department of Transportation right-
of-way under the Memorial Lift Bridge. There appears to be ample
room available for a boat launch and urban park amenity. With 240
feet of frontage on the river, the site would also be able to accomo-
date a berth or dock for the City fireboat. Preliminary discussions
with officials of the N.C.D.O.T. have indicated that use*of the
right-of-way area under the bridge would be feasible, so long as a
liability agreement is arranged. The easement area could be used as
necessary to accommodate parking for cars and trailers.
(2) Land Use Compatibility
Owing largely to its increased distance from the Cameron-Hollman
House, this site is well suited for boat launch development. In
contrast to the site just north of Castle Street, this property does
not directly abut the restored residence; the CP&L property con-
taining the electrical substation intervenes. The president of
Industrial Sales Company, owner of the Cameron-Hollman House, has
endorsed the concept of a public boat launch and park on this site.
4-14

(Foot of Castle St. - South)
Solomon Towers is within convenient viewing distance of the site,
but is sufficiently removed so as not to be disturbed by activities
associated with a boat launch. A block of mixed commercial and
wholesale uses.lies to the east of the property. The Memorial Lift
Bridge and the operations of .the Pacific Molasses Company are located
south of the site. Land uses across the river to the west include
largely vacant property and another electrical substation.
The lift bridge clearly dominates the character of the site by its.
size and presence and also by the.nearly constant noise generated by
traffic passing over the structure. In this respect, noise caused
by cars, boats, and trailers at.the boat launch facility would be
expected to contribute only marginally -to noise levels in the vicinity.
(3) Access From the Street System
Characteristics are the same as for the site north of Castle Street.
See Section 5.2.3(3).
(4) Suitability of Location For Pleasure Craft Use
Characteristics are the same as for the site north of Castle Street.
See Section 5.2.3(4).
(5) Suitability For Use as a Park
Characteristics are the same as for the site north of Castle Street.
See Section 5.2.3(5).
(6) Contribution to Riverfront Redevelopment
If the boat launch were to be developed at this site, its contri-
bution to the riverfront redevelopment would be similar to that of
the Castle Street - North site. A southern.anchor for non -industrial
redevelopment would be created, an end point for the riverfront
walkway would be established, and an activity node would be made
available for the residents of the Historic District in general, and
Solomon Towers in particular.
Beyond these similarities, however, this site's location is stra-
tegically superior to the property north of Castle Street. The 1982
redevelopment plan for Wilmington's riverfront identifies the
Memorial Lift Bridge -as -the most logical point of separation between
the non -industrial redevelopment activities of the urban center, and
the industrial/shipping related uses to the south.. Creation of a
public boat launch and urban park at the lift bridge site would
answer this need, effectively resolving the issue. Pursuit of full
riverfront redevelopment north of the bridge to the downtown core
could then occur with greater certainty. Completion of the river -
front walkway could tie the various activities together, with the
boat launch and bridge forming a stronghold at the southern end.
4-15

(Foot of Castle St. - South)
(7) Site Availability and Acquisition
The Pacific Molasses Company (Sucrest) is listed in the tax records
as owners of the -property -south of Castle Street. The North Carolina
Department of Transportation holds a 150 foot strip of land under
the Memorial Lift Bridge running generally northwest to southeast
across the property.- Castle Street and Surry Street are fully open
and are in public ownership, The first 3901 feet-of•Queen Street
west of Surry Street is owned by the City; the remaining 245t
feet down to the river's edge has been closed and is held by Pacific
Molasses.
During development of the 1982 riverfront plan, the terminal manager
of Pacific Molasses Company expressed -opposition to the plan as
proposed, i.e., the designation of the lift bridge as the northern-
most extent of industrial activities south of the urban center.
While there are apparently no immediate plans to expand the Company's
operations north of the lift bridge, the management would nonethe-
less prefer to keep its options open .for the property. Acquisition
of the property might therefore be necessary over the objections of
the owner.
(8) Ease of Site Preparation and Construction
This site is in good condition for possible development as a boat
launch facility. Despite the presence of kudzu vine over the
majority of the tract, the site is generally clear of obstructions
and is reasonably level. Castle Street provides good access along
the north side of the property, while Surry Street abuts the site to
the east. A portion of Queen Street is also open along the south
side of the site.
One problem might be the presence of remnant foundations from an old
rail siding and former bottom -dump coal unloading facility. It is
expected, however, that the foundations could be removed through
normal bulldozing or similar clearance operations. While the soils
on the property may be infiltrated with coal, procedures to deal
with this problem will depend upon the amount of coal present.
As with the site north of Castle
is bulkheaded, leaving the Castl
e
Characteristics are the same as for the site north of Castle Street.
See Section 5.2.3(9).
(10) Alternative Uses of the Property
As discussed under (7) above, the terminal manager of Pacific Molasses
has expressed his company's desire that this property remain in its
possession for possible future expansion of plant, tank farm, or
4-16

(Foot of Castle St. - South)
NCSPA Northern Tract)
office uses. Current zoning of the tract is for M-Z, the least re-
strictive manufacturing/industrial district in the City. Expansion
of the Pacific Molasses Company operations would be allowed under
present zoning.
While the proposed new zoning ordinance is still under review at
this time, indications are that the new law, if adopted, would
prohibit tank farms and other similar uses from this property. The
intent is to protect the integrity of the Historic District and
associated property values in the area, as well as providing a
transitional use between the Historic District and industrial uses
to the south.
While industrial use of this property -may be viable from a purely
economic perspective, the resulting damage to.aesthetic and commu-
nity values in the area would be large. In the absence of a -boat
launch, other preferred uses might include a marine -oriented office
or some type or appropriate commercial use.
4.2.6 N.C. State Ports Authority Northern Tract
(1) Site Size and Expansion Potential
This is by far the largest of the sites evaluated, consisting of
some 40 to 45 acres of undeveloped land. Much of the eastern half
of the property is low lying wooded swamp, however, and is subject
to the protective environmental laws of the State and Federal govern-
ment. A strip of marsh along the site's river shore is also covered
by wetland laws. The northernmost corner of the property is currently
leased to the Southern Wood Piedmont Company which operates a creosote
log treatment operation on the property immediately to.the north.
The remaining estimated 20 to 25 acres of land is characterized by
secondary growth of hardwoods on spoil deposits that were emplaced
many years ago. Absent some.alternative use, there is plenty of
space available on -site for the boat launch, a park, a fireboat
berth, and for future expansions.
(2) Land Use Compatibility
Due to the large size of the tract and its location away from any
residential or retail commercial establishments, a boat launch at
this site would be expected to have few land use compatibility
problems. As noted above, Southern Wood Piedmont operates a log
treatment business immediately north of the site. To the east
beyond the wooded swamp and a rail line are three ballfields in
Optimist Park. The southern boundary line of the site is formed by
the outfall canal for Greenfield Lake. South of the canal are
storage tanks and facilities of the Chevron.Company. The land area
across the river to the west is undeveloped. Despite the site's
location between industrial uses, noise levels on the property are
extremely low. The heavily wooded nature of the site tends to
muffle sounds in the area. The noise generated by activities at the
boat launch would have no negative effect on area land uses.
4-17

(NCSPA Northern Tract)
(3) Access From Street System
Currently, there is no direct access road from a public street to
the site. Vehicularaccessmust be gained via an unimproved road
which emerges at the south central end of the Southern Wood Piedmont
property. The single lane dirt road traverses the SPA property from
north to southwest, ending at the City's:floodgate for the outfall
canal.
While there is a dedicated "paper" street extending west to the site
from Front Street, it is unlikely that it would ever be -opened. The
right-of-way for the street passes through Optimist Park, across the
railroad tracts and into a wooded marshland area of the site.
Developing such a street would be both -disruptive and costly. Like-
wise, an extension of the existing dead end road lying north of
Optimist Park would also be expensive due to the rail and wetland
problems. SPA officials have indicated that the prepared access way
to the site would be by an extension of Woodbine Street north. The
Greenfield outfall canal would have to be enclosed or bridged. This
route would provide for increased security as vehicles would have to
pass through the SPA gate to get onto Woodbine Street. While this
is desirable from a port operations standpoint, it would not be
desirable for boat launch use.
(4) Suitability of Location For Pleasure Craft Use
As the southernmost site, a boat launch at this property would
provide good access to fishing and hunting areas south of the City.
The Brunswick River confluence with the Cape Fear is only two miles
from the site. Access of pleasure craft for other recreational
purposes, however, would be more limited. The site .is well south of
the Memorial Lift Bridge, for example, making use of the site for
sailing regattas, raft races 9nd other purposes less advantageous.
The Battleship Memorial is some 1-3/4 miles upstream. Wildlife
resource areas - north of the City would also be less accessible. The
confluence of the Northeast Cape Fear and Cape Fear Rivers, for
example, is more than 2 miles to, the north -while the Hilton Railroad
Bridge is another mile and a half beyon that point.
(5) Suitability For -Use as a Park
Despite its position between industrial uses on two sides, the site
has -several features that make it suited for park development.
First, the 40-45 acre size.of the tract is quite extensive, allowing
for flexible design and buffering as desirable. Second, the property
has varied topography and vegetative cover. Vegetation, for example,
includes a wooded swamp area.to the east, mature hardwoods on higher
ground to the west, and a strip of regularly flooded marshland along
the river's edge. The property is also strategically aligned on an
east -west axis with Optimist Park, the City's Rose Garden, and
Greenfield Lake. Collectively, these areas comprise a sizable open
space corridor extending deep into the urbanized area from the
river.

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(NCSPA Northern Tract)
Because the site is an old dredge spoil deposit area, the load -
bearing ability of the soil is limited for "heavy" land uses, except
on pilings. This makes industrial use of the property more costly.
The only drawback of the property for park development is the apparent
lack of a suitable, low cost access road into the site..
(6) Contribution.To Riverfront Redevelopment
This site is remote'from.the City's prime riverfront redevelopment
area. Any boat launch and/or park improvements made at the site
would not be nearly as visible or accessible as improvements made at
any of the other sites. Consistent with the points made under (5)
above, however, preservation of the site in a park -type use could
contribute significantly to a major east -west open space corridor.
(7) Site Availability and Acquisition `
The entire tract is owned by the North Carolina State Ports Authority.
As discussed in (10) below, the SPA has been marketing the site for
prospective shipping related tenants.
An evaluation of site availability requires discussion of the City -
County Land Use Plan and Policies For Growth and Development. The
property is classified as "Conservation" in the Land Use Plan and
would require a reclassification for industrial development to
proceed.. In a previous application for reclassification to a less
restrictive category, the request was denied on grounds of environ-
mental and urban open space objectives.
Reclassification of the property would not be consistent with the
Land Use Plan and Policies -.unless (1) wetland and important environ-
mental features were largely preserved, (2) provision was made for
the allocation of permanent open space and (3) the anticipated use
of the property was water dependent (i.e., economically dependent
upon the river channel). .
It is possible, therefore, that a reclassification of the site could
result in the alloation of some portion of the property for permanent
public open space use. The open space could conceivably be used for
a boat launch facility if the acreage allocated was of an appropriate
size and location.
The probability of all of these factors working favorably for the
allocation of space for a boat launch is not known; the intent here
'is to simply note the possibility.
(8) Ease of Site Preparation and Construction
The undeveloped, overgrown, and relatively inaccessible nature of
this site would make it costly to develop as a boat launching facility.
Vehicular access to the site, for example, mingt require either an
elevated roadway constructed on pilings through the wooded swamp
area or a bridge across the Greenfield Canal from Woodbine Street.
Construction of the boat ramp and fireboat berth would require
considerable dredging of the wetlands and shallow areas along the
river. Clearance of trees and undergrowth would also be necessary.
No water or sewer service is immedately available on site.
4-19

(NCSPA Northern Tract)
(9) Suitability For Fireboat Berth
This site is the most distant from Fire Headquarters, being some 25
blocks or roughly 2 miles from Fourth -and Dock Streets. Emergency
and maintenance access to the facility would therefore be less con-
venient than the other sites. Response time to fires in the industrial
area south of the lift bridge would be good, but clearly less effective
in serving a fire in the downtown area or points north. While there
is ample property frontage along the river, construction -of a fireboat
dock would likely be costly, requiring extensive dredging or piering
to reach water of sufficient depth.
(10) Alternative Uses of the Property
For several years in the 1970's it was generally known that the
State Ports Authority was looking to this site as a possible expan-
sion area for its port operations. With the decision to expand the
container operations southward to the former Texaco property however,
the plans were set aside. Since that time, the SPA has been looking
for a prospective tenant -for the site. Discussion of possible
occupants have included wood chip handlers, a coal exporting facility,
and a transshipment site for new automobiles. Most -recently, a
shipyard or similar use has been disucssed, perhaps associated with
offshore oil development operations.
In any event, use of the full tract will be.limited by extensive
interior and river shore wetland areas. As much as 30 to 50% of the
site may be -unavailable for development of any kind. Heavy develop-
ment on the remaining higher ground would probably-require.con-
struction on pilings due.to the poor load bearing qualities of the
site's spoil deposits.
4.2.7 Summary Evaluation of Alternative Sites
Table 4.2.7 translates the written evaluations of the previous pages into
numerical rankings. For each evaluation criterion, a point ranking from 1 to
6 was assigned to each alternative site. The number one (1) indicates that
the given site favored particularly well under that criterion. Conversely, an
assignment of six (6) means that the site ranked poorly. In the event that
two or more sites warranted similar rankings, the same -number was assigned.
The lower the overall score, the higher the ranking of the site for use as a
oat I aunch. — —
The table indicates that in selecting a location for the development of a boat
launch/urban park/fireboat berth, the City should consider the various sites
in the following order:
(1) Foot of Castle Street - South Side
(2) Nun to Church Street Site
(3) Foot of Castle Street - North Side
(4) Hilton Park Site
(5) Seaboard Coastline Railroad Site
(6) N.C. State Ports Authority Northern Tract
4-20

To summarize, the Castle Street site at the Memorial Lift Bridge was chosen
above the other sites because it is superior in a number of respects. The 4+
acre size of the tract affords ample room for initial development as well as
future expansion. The proposed facility would provide an appropriate tran-
sitional land use between the Historic District and the industrial area south
of the bridge. Access from the street system is excellent as the site is only
two blocks from the intersection of US 17/74/76, US 421 (Carolina Beach Road),
Third Street and Front Street. Identification of the facility with the lift
bridge will also aid first-time users in locating the launch. The site is
well positioned for pleasure craft use, including the vessels of sportsmen,
sailors, and Riverfest.raft racers. Proximity of the property to the Historic
District, Solomon Towers, and the downtown core makes it desirable for park
use.
The contribution of the site to riverfront redevelopment would be significant,
providing a needed southern anchor for downtown area waterfront improvements
and a logical terminus for the riverfront walkway. The site is privately held
by a single owner, and is presently undeveloped. Development of the property
is aided by .the generally cleared and level site conditions, existing bulk -
heading along much of the river shore, and the Castle, Surry, and Queen Street
improvements immediately adjacent to the property.- Frontage along the river
is sufficient to provide a berth for the City -fireboat separate from the
recreational launch area. Finally, development of the property as proposed
would head off any possible industrial -use of the site, an alternative which
could render considerable damage to historic preservation and redevelopment
efforts north of the bridge.
4-21

TABLE 4.27 SUMMARY EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE SITES
C
N
i i
d -
O
O O
4J
4)
G. Z
i
V10
b�
to
Rf
a
t0
'O O
.0
U
U tN
U Cn
e0 �-
4j i
O
bur-
O W
O�
04J
Nt V
O
O "
+J -P
'Z
i
O
��
�N
oz
oN
ViJ
Q�
............................ ... 2......
N........Z
........
4-...:....1+•
0.
.......
Z..
Site Size and
=
Expansion Potential
5
= 6_
3
4
2
1
Land Use Compatibility
1
5
6
4
3
2
Access From Street System
4-
5
3
1
1
6
Suitability of Location for
Pleasurecraft Use
-
- 5
-
4
1
1
1
6
Suitability for Use As A
Park
2
= 6
1
3
3
5
Contribution To Riverfront
=
=
=
Redevelopment
5
4
3
2
1
6
Site Availability and
Acquisition a/
3
4
3
4
3
5
Ease of Site Preparation
and Construction
5
= 4
1
3
2
6
Suitability for Fireboat
-
Berth
5
4
1
1
1
6
Alternati�� Uses of the
-
Property' _
2
5..
3
4
1
6
OVERALL SCORE ..................
3.7.......47
...
25-....:.27
,.:
1.8:...
49..
Rankings for Site Selection 4 5 2 a 1 6
a/ Rankings under this criterion reflect the varying powers of eminent domain by local
government over nrivate', quasi -public, and state-owned properties.
b/ A higher number indicates that there are one or more better uses for the property
than for a boat launch.
4 - 22

SECTION 5:. CONCEPT PLAN FOR SELECTED SITE
5.1 Desi4n Rationale
Figure 5.0 presents a conceptual plan for the development of a boat launch,
urban park, and fireboat berth at the foot of Castle Street near the lift
bridge. The conceptual nature of the plan must be emphasized. Any final
design would be dependent on a detailed topographic survey (including near
shore marine conditions), locations of utilities, a review of the proposed
circulation by the City traffic engineer, a detailed landscaping scheme,
etc.
Nonetheless, some of the reasoning behind the design presented is as follows:
1) The double ramp is located directly at the foot of Castle Street,
where no existing bulkheading would have to be removed.
2) .The parking area will accommodate 24 cars with trailers within a
reasonable walking distance of the ramp, and the lot does not
consume desirable waterfront turf.
3) A dock for the fireboat is located on the site but at a good
distance from the recreational activities associated with the
boat ramp.
4) A small amount of parking is provided for the limited needs of
fireboat crews.
5) The picnic area is located immediately adjacent to the water, and
is partially shaded by the lift bridge to provide choice of
comfort.
6) Space is reserved next to the ramp for a possible fueling facility
as future conditions may warrant.
7) A wash down and tie down area is provided on one side of the exit
route, a suitable distance from the ramp.
8) Construction of extensive new road surfaces is minimized by the
design; i.e., access to the ramp, the fireboat and the picnic
area is via the same entrance. Separate access routes as well as
additional parking for the exclusive use of picnickers could be
provided as desirable or warranted.
9) With regard to the fireboat berth in particular, consideration
might also be given to locating the fireboat at a site separate
from the boat launch. Possible locations could include the
Castle Street north site (long term lease from CP&L) or similar
arrangement near the foot of Nun Street.
5-1

WASu DOWN & TIC DOWN AREA ---
- CASTLE ST. EXIT
RAMP _ ONLY-- V
FUTURE
' FUELING 1 NOT TO SCALE
-
' STATION ` \
V
/ PARK114C\
O
i
/ BRIDGE
PIER
ENTRANCE 1 .
s rr
\ NIC ONLY 1 '
r.. 1
f
l / , `tiJ[��• AREA
PARKING
co
cu
cc
FIRE'
BOAT
.. DOCK ;' �;� R/Cyr � � I I • +
OP
FOOT OF CASTLE STREET• -.SOUTH SIDE OF STREET
CONCEPTUAL PLAN
PROPOSED BOAT LAUNCH �0
FIREBOAT DOCK FACILITY

APPENDIX ONE
LIST'OF'CONTACTS-
Roy Armstrong, Jr.
President
E. A. Bordeaux
Member
Bobby Britt
Richard Carpenter
Biologist
James Cobb
Public Education Officer
John Crew
Land Use Planning.Coordinator
James Fox
Member
Charles Fullwood
Director of Field Operations
Ted Funderburk
Division Engineer
Edward V. Grace
Captain of the Port
Ms. Pat Hardy
Chairperson
Tommy King
General Chairman
Steve Lee
Chairman
Steve Lund
Donald J. Manley
Regional Director
Pender County Bass Club and
Eastern Regional Bass Federation
New Hanover Fishing Club
Wilmington
Power Boat Builder and Racer
Wilmington
N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries_
Wilmington
Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla
Wilmington
N. C. DNRCD
Washington, N. C.
Ducks Unlimited
Wilmington
N._C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Raleigh
N. C. Department of Transportation
Wilmington
U. S. Coast Guard
Wilmington
1982 Riverfest Raft Race
Wilmington
Ducks Unlimited
Wilmington
Riverfest Invitational Regatta
Wilmington
Regulatory Function Branch
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington
Eastern North Carolina Ducks Unlimited
Clinton
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Ken•:McGee
President
John Murchison
W. E. Phillips
Assistant Chief
Dr. Fletcher Reiman.
Dr. Al Roseman
Sponsor Chairman
Kenny Sprunt, Jr.
Member
Robert Stroud
CAMA Permit Officer
Lloyd Tyndall
Tony Williams
Wildlife Enforcement Officer
Sandy Wessell
Les Wyatt
Civil Engineer
New Hanover Fishing Club
Interested Citizen and Fishermen
Wilmington
Division of Boating
N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Raleigh
U. S. Power Squadron
Wilmington
Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited
N. C. DNRCD
Wilmington
Civil Engineer and Boater
Floodplain Management Section
U. S. Army Corps of -Engineers
Wilmington
N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Wilmington
Duck Hunter
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington
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APPENDIX TWO
WIL R41100 MoftWA Sw. t-2• 63
LocallRegionlSfate
Annexations burn firefighters, 4B
Planners
determined
to construct
boat launch
By BotheNewsona
The of at
twikBng a bo
launch along WilmingWn9 river.
front, bantered about sporadically
since the I%0a, is still af]at
thanks to a group of a
who are continwng to for an
a=priata site and adequate
TU plannem
junction with citymng nproperty management olfc-'r s, are
now evaluating sites Cor a boat
launch, said Arcelia Wicker, the
city's associate director of planning.
Finding a site is cemplicated by
the fact. Wilmington doesn't want to
build just an ordinary boat launch,
Wicker said. -We're looking beyond
the kind you we at Wrightsville
Beach, for example."
It should have from two to four
concrete boat ramps with catwalks,
he said. in addition, the facility
should have adequate lighting,
benches. restrooms, shelters and
pirnic tables he said. "It should
help rejnrenato the riverfront be.
tween the two bridges." It would
also oa mooring for the city's
firebat
In seeking a site, the plaonen an
keeping in mind the need Cor ade-
quate parking, he said, which is a
major hassle at the existing make-
shift boat launch at the foot of Nun
Street
They also want the new site to be
easily accessible from the city's
main streets, to have room for ex.
pansion and to provide temporary
docking space for waiting boats, he
explained
Wilmingtorra riverfront plan
lists two primary sites — Hinton
Park and the foot of Castle Street —
but Wicker said other sites also are
under ronsideration. They include
the beabowd Coast Lino siteaseti
of (kpe Fear Technical Institate,
just north of the N.C. State Ports
Authority mad the existing Nun
.Str'e!t cilia.
Making the Nun Street site a per-
manent boat launch might arouse
the ire of residents whose homes are
just ,a few yards away.
The idea of building a boat
launch goes back at least to 1947,
when it was part of a city plan,.
Wicker said. But due to other prior-
ities, it has taken a back seat The
recent reawakening of interest in
the riverfront and the proliferation
of boats has tesarracted the eoaept,
he said.
Last March, the city applied for .
and in August received a S12.000
state planning grant. matched by
$6,000 in local funds. After taking
to state wildlife and fisheries ex -
as well as
local fishing and
hunting clubs, Wicker said he and
his staff were able to confirm the
need for a boat launch.
e
aff sloe -j
1:
7.Par
Al
t laun.
f boa
.
3 By Beth Newsome - , tract
1. Sfax Writer ; Construction- is expected to •cage
$135,000, ' excluding land acquisitioiij
.A'_ Oat re ;site at -the foot of Castle the report:says: The Castle Street site is
Street; n' ortli'of the:Cape-Few-Memorial: owned by - I*cific Molasses Co. Which Vj
B>�idge; has been designated by the city. opPoses.its use as a boat launch, prefer
staff -best; sitefor a proposed boat ring to. keep the property foF expansion!
<_launch park•and fireboat dock. _:` i =The ciWs;only .public- boat access to
The site;is recommended in a report the river. is a°steep p:at the foot,oT j
released by : testy -administration and Nun Street, hampered- by lack- spacer
approved unan mously:by;the Wilming -the streeCs steepness ;and overhangmgj
ton; City. Council :Tuesday night.`.The
' Property`Wes selected:from five possible "There if3 a confirmed stronghdemand
f ' ' o re ale
or a boat launchin facili n.
Fear River.ia Wilmington; :.:the __port
r It was chosen because its �sLze would ,.
a11ow,-ample:: room- for' initial :develop- :said. The design should .include tw�pat
meat and for expansion; the report _said... ramps, Parking,for, up: to 2 cars _ `vlt,t4 r f
It'could" also• -serve as .a• transition' be- trailers, enough room for: maneuvering,,
tween. the .Historic District and -the: in :automobiles, courtesy: docking -and a sep-�
" :dustrial area south of the
', =addition, easily accessibleb:rfirdogmet the:uil- po�s atz tsotheseIdnc
rding
rtuTneotheiameriitieshould
tersections : of ` M&,,.17174l'ls i i &;-, 2, f Abe added to create az atmosphe>te;
Thirdr Street .and Front $tree
The:other'sites,.undei:.e side;ration'-. Thg.fireboat'doc probably vifouldno"t '
t were t near Hilton ` ?'aik; ; se4board Sys be . tx nstruc — at first: f'= •
t gailroad'', pipperty north .of: cape . = if constructed; the boat Iaunch wi111ir{ `
1 � Fear=Technical Institute,: a:location_ be � . the. tbs such facility; in Nervtr Hanover. = t
�tweo*--Nuniand".Churcir.:streets..andrthe ; Count3r'and,_the. first. developed by the
N C:;State Ports :Authof' Wa northern City,of'Wilmington t -.
l .--us..xar:iffi.�t•s:3aa».;.-....s.-.r.....:+>s�.: «:... .`:.. -i a.e ...�........ a ....j.»... >-.....�»-...es-•i:.::,.a.a....-�':..
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4A Wilmington Morning Star / Tuesday, January 4,1983'
WILMINGTON/
:.. or,�on •
ar • _ .
ESTABLISHED 1887
Jsm.s C. Week*, Publisher
Charles K Anderson, Edits +
W1111wn J. Coughlin, Maneging Eclifor
Charles W. Rlesz Jr., Editorial Page Editor.
P1d i-
SNews Newspapes
17th Street
WYtrr*KMm. N.C. 28401
ANEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
Cl launches..
_ ty
Aoodidea-
One of the delights- of Riverfest is the colorful-
confusion of pleasure boats on the Cape; Fear
River. So why aren't boats on theoriver at:other
' times of the year? ;
j i. Partly because you can't'get there from down-
town — unless - you ' are the daredevil sort who
wants to challenge his brakes and his nerves on
the slippery cliff at the foot of Nun Street: .
City planners would like. to change that.
They're trying to decide where a good boat launch•
ing facility might be built, complete with rest
rooms and parking. It's a great idea. `
True, the river, with its strong. currents and
tricky breezes, isn't likely to tempt many sailors:.
And power boaters. will have to keep a sharp eye .
out for barges and freighters.
Still, the river is �a' scenic body of water that
many boaters have never explored because it was -
too
too much trouble. Giving them launching ramps.
I should not only put a few more boats on the Cape
Fear, but give strollers and bench -sitters some-
thing else to look at.
-Themew riverfront park was a first step toward
Winging Ahe.xiver, back; as Wilmingtoa's. scenic .
frbnt. yard. Boat' ramps would gibe that. `effort i
another boost.
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