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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
1996 Survey of Citizen Opinion, Currituck County
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Division of Coastal Management
Regional Development Services
Eastern North Carolina's Gateway to New Horizons
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APR 21996
E A S T
CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY
SURVEY OF CITIZEN
OPINION
CURRITUCK COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
MARCH, 1996
CONDUCTED BY
Kenneth Wilson, Ph.D.
Claudia Williams
Tonya Bizzell
Kimberly H. Harris
Michael J. Langer
Amy Shende
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
THE SURVEY RESEARCH LABORATORY
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
INTRODUCTION
Traditionally American businesses have focused on the
bottom line of a profit/loss statement and public employees
have focused on election results to measure their success.
While these are important measures of success, they are not
the only ones. People may vote for candidates while
opposing some of the positions they support. People may
vote for the "lesser of two evils" or for the "better of two
great candidates." During the last decade people working at
all levels of government in the United States have become
aware of the need to systematically evaluate their
performance.
People from many different perspectives (e.g., Total
Quality Management and Reinventing Government) have
recognized that customer satisfaction with both the product
and services provide the important foundation underlying
future success. Since judgments of customer satisfaction
are often based on informal feedback, it can be very biased
and inaccurate. Many people working in private enterprises
and in government (national, state and local) have turned to
scientific surveys of their customers to evaluate this
important area.
In 1995, the East Carolina University Survey Research
Laboratory began working with the Planning Inspections
Department of Currituck County, to develop a scientific
survey of Currituck County. The research design emphasized
the need for accurate and valid data assessing citizen views
on a wide range of issues important to the future of
Currituck County. A draft version of the questionnaire was
circulated for comment and revision. The final design was
approved by the Currituck County Board of Commissioners.
RESEARCH DESIGN
The research was designed and executed according to the
scientific standards for mail surveys developed by Don
Dillman at the Washington State University. The Dillman
Total Design Method specifies rules for questionnaire
development, length and format, packet contents, mailing
procedures and follow-ups. This research design calls for
three questionnaire mailings and a postcard reminder.
1
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
On November 21, 1995, the questionnaire, a cover letter
explaining the purpose of the survey and a stamped return
envelope was mailed to the random sample of 789 Currituck
County property owners. On November 28, 1995, a follow-up
postcard reminding people to return their questionnaires and
thanking them for their help was mailed to all respondents.
On December 15, 1995, a second questionnaire, cover
letter and return envelope was mailed to everyone who had
not responded. Finally, on January 3, 1996, a third
questionnaire, cover letter and return envelope was mailed
to everyone who had not responded by that date.
Ten people were eliminated from the sample: six people
because the Post Office could not deliver their
questionnaires; two respondents had died; two reported that
they had sold their property in Currituck County. The
response rate for the survey was 71.0 percent. This
response rate meets all scientific standards for mail
surveys and allows for accurate and valid estimation of the
views of the population of property owners in Currituck
County.
In virtually every survey, some respondents fail to
answer some questions (or choose a "don't know" response).
The cases are relatively few in this survey. Following
normal survey procedure, in most cases these responses have
been excluded from percentages and tables in the text. They
have been included in Appendix B, Survey Frequencies.
F
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
MAJOR FINDINGS
1. The citizens of Currituck County were very pleased with
the quality of life that they currently enjoy.
However, many were worried about the future. Nearly
half of the citizens believe that development will
negatively affect the quality of life in Currituck
County over the next 10 years.
2. When the citizens were asked to evaluate general goals
for the county, the overall pattern showed that the
citizens of Currituck County have a complex system of
values. The pattern suggests that the citizens want to
see development and growth that is consistent with the
rural character of the county and does not harm the
environment or the water quality in the county.
Citizen support for protecting the water quality in the
sounds and rivers is particularly strong. If forced to
choose between development and the environment, citizen
support for protecting the environment is clearly
stronger.
3. When the respondents were asked to evaluate specific
proposals that are being considered, there was very
strong citizen support for measures that limit the
impact of development on the county including two
provisions already adopted and the proposed impact
fees. This may reflect the citizens' lack of
confidence that the new development code will protect
the quality of life in Currituck County. There is also
support for measures that increase open space in
subdivisions
4. When the five lane highway of US 158 and NC 168 becomes
overcrowded, most citizens prefer a by-pass versus
expanding the number of lanes on highway US 158 and NC
168. Allowing US 158 and NC 168 to stay overcrowded
has more support than expanding them to seven lanes.
People also favor connecting subdivisions to local
roads that will allow citizens to avoid these highways.
5. The county was evenly divided on the issue of building
a paved road north of Corolla to Virginia.
3
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
6. Even though most of the respondents felt that Currituck.
needed additional recreational areas, the majority were
not in favor of paying more taxes or user fees in order
to increase the number of recreational areas.
7. When the respondents were asked to evaluate eight
county services, the highest ratings were given to the
public library and the emergency medical services.
Most citizens also gave high ratings to the police,
fire protection, and the schools. While only a
minority of citizens gave positive ratings to
recreational services, government administration and
trash collection, more citizens gave them good ratings
than bad ratings.
8. The county was divided on whether to build a
centralized sewer system. Respondents were also divided
on extending the county's water system to four areas
that were not currently being served. Most citizens did
feel that Currituck County should work with the
surrounding areas to find a source of water.
9. A majority of the respondents thought that the current
federal, state, and local regulations provided "about
the right amount" of protection to Currituck's
environment. Few people thought that the current
regulations provided "too.much protection."
10. Large majorities of the citizens were willing to
support new county programs to protect the quality of
environmental resources in Currituck County.
11. The open-ended questions show that the citizens of
Currituck County share a widespread belief that the
best thing about their county is the rural atmosphere
and country lifestyle.
J
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
DESCRIPTION OF THE RESPONDENTS
The first seven questions provide background
information on the people responding to the survey. Table 1
shows that roughly one-third of the respondents lived
outside Currituck County with most of the remainder living
on the mainland. Table 2 shows that the majority of the
respondents were full time residents (59.30) with roughly
one-third being non-resident property owners (31.6%). Less
than 10 percent were seasonal residents of Currituck County.
TABLE 1: Where do you live?
TOTAL RESPONDING
533
PERCENT
Outside Currituck
County
36.4
Knotts Island
2.3
Gibbs Woods
2.1
Mainland, North of
Coinjock
29.1
Mainland, South of
Coinjock
22.9
Outer Banks From Corolla South
5.6
Outer Banks.North
of Corolla
1.7
TABLE 2: Which of the following best describes you?
TOTAL RESPONDING 548
PERCENT
Full Time Resident
59.3
Seasonal Resident
9.1
Non -Resident Property Owner
31.6
Most of the full-time and seasonal residents of
Currituck County are well established in the community, with
almost two-thirds living there over 10 years. Table 3 shows
that only 16.6% of the respondents report becoming either
full-time or seasonal residents in the last five years.
TABLE 3: You have been a seasonal or full time resident of
Currituck County for:
TOTAL RESPONDING 386
PERCENT
5 Years Or Less
16.6
Between 5 Years and 10 Years
19.2
Over 10 Years
64.2
5
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 4: Where in Currituck County do you own property? If
you own property in more than one location, circle
ALL that apply.
TOTAL RESPONSES 565
PERCENT
Knotts Island
4.0
Gibbs Woods
2.4
Mainland, North of Coinjock
37.6
Mainland, South of Coinjock
33.8
Outer Banks from Corolla South
17.2
Outer Banks North of Corolla
18.0
The majority of property owners in Currituck County
(71.40) own their property on the mainland or on the Outer
Banks (35.2%). Table 5 shows that most respondents live in
single family homes. Mobile homes account for almost all of
the rest.
TABLE 5: What best describes your residence?
TOTAL RESPONDING 414
PERCENT
Single -Wide Mobile Home
8.2
Double Wide Mobile Home
10.6
House
78.5
Condo or Townhouse
0.5
Apartment
0.5
Camper
1.7
TABLE 6: The primary wage earner living in this house
currently works in:
TOTAL RESPONDING 342
PERCENT
Currituck County
34.5
Dare County
5.8
Camden/Pasquotank or
Elsewhere -NC
4.4
Virginia
52.0
The primary wage earner is
currently unemployed.
3.2
0
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 7: Other wage earners living in this house currently
work in: (circle all that apply)
TOTAL RESPONDING 405
PERCENT
Currituck County
25.2
Dare County
10.6
Camden/Pasquotank or
Elsewhere in NC
5.7
Virginia
25.2
No Others Wage Earners
33.3
. Most primary wage earners living in
the respondent worked in Virginia. Only
employed in Currituck County. Secondary
more likely to be employed close to home
number being employed in Virginia and in
(See Table 7).
the same place as
one-third were
wage earners were
with an equal
Currituck County
QUALITY OF LIFE IN CURRITUCK COUNTY
Respondents were asked two questions that assessed
their overall views on the quality of life in Currituck
County. The first asked them to rate Currituck as a place
to live today. Almost one-third gave it the highest rating
(See Table 8) and another 40.9 percent said it was a "good"
place to live. Roughly one of every four respondents rated
Currituck as average or below average.
TABLE 8: How would you rate Currituck County as a place to
live today?
TOTAL.RESPONDING 518
PERCENT
Very Good
31.5
Good
40.9
Average
22.0
Poor
4.4
Very Poor
1.2
Next respondents were asked a question to assess their
opinion of how development affects the quality of life in
Currituck County (See Table 9). The respondents were almost
evenly split in this question. Almost half (46.1%) thought
that continued development would have a positive effect
while 49.1 percent of the respondents thought that it would
have a negative effect.
Wl
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 9: Assuming the development now occurring continues
(same type and speed) how will it affect Currituck
County as a place to live ten years from now?
TOTAL RESPONDING 516
PERCENT
Very Positive Effect
15.5
Positive Effect
30.6
No Effect
4.8
Negative Effect
32.8
Very Negative Effect
16.3
These two tables suggest that while the citizens of
Currituck County were very pleased with the quality of life
that they currently enjoyed, many were worried about the
future. Nearly half of the citizens believed that
development will negatively affect the quality of life over
the next 10 years.
CITIZEN OPINIONS OF THE EFFECTS OF POSSIBLE
ACTIONS ON FUTURE QUALITY OF LIFE -
Growth does not occur in a vacuum. Citizens were asked
to evaluate how nineteen possible courses of action would
affect the quality of life in Currituck County. Table 10
presents the proportion who gave each action a "positive" or
"most positive" rating.
The first thing to notice in Table 10 is that the
majority of the citizen respondents felt every initiative
presented to them had a positive effect on quality of life
in Currituck County. However, the degree of positive effect
of those initiatives does vary a great deal. Six of the
actions were supported by over 80 percent of the citizens as
having a positive effect on quality of life. They are:
1) Protecting the water quality in the sounds and
rivers (94.9%)
2) Protecting residential property from undesirable
development (88.5%)
3) Protecting the environment (88.3%)
4) Making new development pay for its
services (85.5%)
5) Improving highway safety (81.1%)
6) Protecting the rural character of
(80.1%)
impact on county
Currituck County
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1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 10: Citizen Opinions on how nineteen possible actions
would affect the quality of life in Currituck
County.
PERCENT
POSITIVE
EFFECT
Slowing the speed of growth
68.0
Protecting residential property from undesirable
development (e.g., noise, odor, traffic, etc.)
88.5
Improving Currituck's appearance (e.g., remove
dilapidated buildings, landscaping, etc.)
78.3
Protecting the rural character of Currituck
County.
80.1
Allowing growth only when County facilities
(i.e., school) are available.
73.6
Opening more public recreational areas.
61.4
Providing bike lanes along roads.
54.6
Preserving farmland.
68.8
Preserving historic buildings and sites.
78.5
Making new development pay for impact on county
services.
85.5
Improving school facilities.
77.6
Recruiting new industries.
63.1
Protecting the environment.
88.3
Improving drainage.
75.0
Protecting the water quality in the sounds and
rivers.
94.9
Providing a variety of housing types and prices
available (single family, duplexes, apartments)
52.3
Improving highway safety.
81.1
Providing more public access to sounds, rivers,
and creeks.
56.4
Providing more commercial shopping areas in
Currituck.
55.4
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
Although supported by a majority of respondents, the four
actions with low support for having a positive effect on
quality of life in Currituck County are as follows:
1) Providing more public access to sounds, rivers and
creeks (56.4%)
2) Providing more commercial shopping areas (55.4%)
3) Providing bike lanes along roads (54.6%)
4) Providing a variety of housing types and prices
(52.3%)
The actions identified as having the least positive effect
on quality of life in Curritick County are:
1) Providing a variety of housing types and prices
(30.2%)
2) Recruiting new industries (27.4%)
3) Providing more commercial shopping areas (27.3%)
When the citizens were asked to evaluate specific
actions for the county, the overall pattern suggests that
the citizens want to see development and growth that is
consistent with the rural character of the county and does
not harm the environment or the water quality in the county.
Citizen support for protecting the water quality in the
sounds and rivers is particularly strong. If forced to
choose between development and the environment, citizen
support for protecting the environment is clearly stronger.
10
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
CITIZEN OPINIONS OF SPECIFIC
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS
Next people were asked to give their opinions of
several specific policies and programs. Respondents were
shown diagrams and descriptions of two different types of
subdivisions -- a conventional subdivision and open space
subdivision (See Questionnaire, Appendix A). They were
asked to indicate the subdivision they would prefer to see
developed in Currituck County. Table 11 shows that most
citizens would prefer to see more open space subdivisions
developed in Currituck County.
TABLE 11: Citizen preferences for conventional and
open space subdivisions in Currituck County.
TOTAL RESPONDING 451
PERCENT
Conventional Subdivision
37.7
Open Space Subdivision
62.3 _d
Next the respondents were asked whether they supported
five changes that the Board of Commissioners had recently
made to the development code. These results are presented in
Table 12. In most cases a majority of the citizens support
the changes made by the Board of Commissioners and in every
case, more citizens support the change than oppose it. The
strongest support is for the requirement to limit
development to the County's capacity to provide adequate
public facilities (e.g., schools, fire, etc.). The
Commissioners decision to require statements that explain
how a new development will impact county services was also
supported by over 80 percent of the citizens. Consistent
with their endorsement of the "open space" subdivision,
almost two-thirds of the respondents supported the change
that requires improvements to open space in residential
developments.
Citizen opinion was more divided on the two decisions
to increase lot sizes. A majority (52.5 versus 23.6)
supported increasing the lot size in all zones but
Agriculture to 40,000 square feet. A plurality (45.3 Vs
24.5) of the citizens supported increasing the lot size in
the Agriculture Zone to 3 acres. While these results show
that the Board of Commissioners actions were clearly
supported by the citizens of Currituck County, the fact that
a substantial minority (almost one-fourth) opposed
increasing lot sizes suggests that a continuing debate
should be expected.
11
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
TABLE 12: Citizen support for five changes
development code recently made by
County Board of Commissioners.
CURRITUCK COUNTY
to the
the Currituck
PERCENT.
PERCENT
SUPPORT
DO NOT
SUPPORT
Require that developments not exceed
the ability of Currituck to provide
83.6
7.9
adequate public facilities.
Increase lot size in all zones but
Agriculture to 40,000 sq. ft.
52.5
23.6
Increase lot size in Agriculture zone
to 3 acres.
45.3
24.5
Require improvements to open space in
residential developments (e.g.,
64.5
15.5
ballfields, tennis courts, etc.).
Require statements that explain how a
new development will impact county
80.1
8.0
services for all subdivisions of 20 or
more lots.
To assess the respondents' overall feelings about the
course of future development in Currituck County after they
reflected on these changes in the Development Code, they
were asked to.indicate how confident they were that the
County's development regulations would maintain or improve
the quality of life in Currituck County. Roughly equal
percentages reported that they were "confident" (31.7%) and
"not confident" (31.9%). The largest group said they did -
not know (36.5%) if these regulations would maintain or
improve the quality of life in Currituck County.
TABLE 13: Including these changes, how confident are you
that current county development regulations will
maintain or improve the quality of life in
Currituck County?
TOTAL RESPONDING 524
PERCENT
Confident
31.7
Don't know
36.5
Not confident
31.9
12
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
While the Board of Commissioners has adopted important
changes in the Currituck County Development Code, more
changes are currently being considered. Respondents were
asked to indicate their support for or opposition to four
additional changes to the development code. The results are
presented in Table 14.
TABLE 14: Citizen support for four additional changes to the
development code being considered by the Currituck
County Board of Commissioners
PERCENT
PERCENT
SUPPORT
DO NOT
SUPPORT
Require curbs and gutters on new
54.8
25.6
streets in developments.
Requiring sidewalks for new
48.6
29.9
developments.
Require street lights for new
62.5
22.5
developments.
Establish impact fees so new
development offsets the costs to
74.3
9.4
county services.
A plurality of the citizens supported all of the
proposed changes in the development code. However, the
level of support is relatively low for the proposal to
require curbs, gutters and sidewalks in new developments.
The opposition is also fairly large. Support for requiring
new developments to have street lights was stronger but
there was still a significant minority who opposed this
measure. These results suggest that while most people
support these changes, there will be substantial controversy
when they are considered.
The proposal to establish impact fees to offset the
costs of providing county services to new developments was
supported by a large majority of the citizens of Currituck
County. Almost three -fourths of the citizens support this
proposal while less then ten percent oppose it.
There is very strong citizen support for.measures that
limit the impact of development on the county including the
two measures already adopted and the proposed impact fees.
The overwhelming support of the proposed impact fee
legislation may reflect the citizens' lack of confidence
that the new development code will protect the quality of
life in Currituck County. There is also support for measures
that increase open space in subdivisions.
13
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TRAFFIC ISSUES
The respondents were asked their opinions on four
issues concerning highways and traffic facing Currituck
County. To assess how involved the citizens want their
county official to be, they were asked to indicate if the
county should be more or less active in improving safety
along its streets. Table 15 shows that over half of the
Currituck residents felt that the county should become more
active in improving the safety along the streets of the
community. Most of the remaining respondents (43.5%) were
happy with the current level of involvement.
TABLE 15: Overall, how active do you think the county
should be in improving safety along streets?
TOTAL RESPONDING 506
PERCENT
Become more active
54.7
Maintain current level
43.5
Become less active
1.8
TABLE 16: Once NC 168 is widened to 5 lanes, and traffic
continues to increase on US 158 and NC 168 to a
point where the 5 lane road becomes overcrowded,
which method do you think would be best to
correct the overcrowding?
TOTAL RESPONDING 502
PERCENT
Widen US 158 & NC 168
13.1
to 7 lanes or more
Bypass overcrowded
58.2
roads
Leave as 5 lanes with
28.7
no bypass
The majority of the respondents (58.2%) believe that
the best choice would be to bypass overcrowded roads. Over
one-fourth (28.7%) were in favor of leaving an overcrowded 5
lane highway with no bypass. Only a small minority of the
respondents would be in favor of widening the road to 7
lanes or more.
14
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 17: Should the -county require new subdivisions to
connect to community roads so local traffic can
avoid highway 158 and highway 168?
TOTAL RESPONDING 519
PERCENT
Yes
58.8
Don't Know
24.3
No
17.0
Over half of the respondents felt that the county
should require new subdivisions to connect to community
roads so that local traffic could avoid the major highways.
Almost one-fourth did not know if this action should be
taken.
TABLE 18: Currently there is no paved road on the Outer
Banks north of Corolla into the Carova Beach
area. Would you support a paved road north of
Corolla to the Virginia state line?
TOTAL RESPONDING 528
PERCENT
Yes
42.2
Don't know
14.2
No
43.6
The levels of support for and opposition to the
development of a paved road north of Corolla to the Virginia
state line were almost equal. Most people have an opinion
but there is no county wide consensus on this issue.
Most of the citizens of Currituck want the County to
actively promote highway safety. When US 158 and NC 168
become overcrowded again, most citizens prefer a by-pass to
expanding the number of lanes in highway US 158 and NC 168.
Letting these highways stay overcrowded has more support
than expanding them to seven lanes. People also favor
connecting subdivisions to local roads that will allow
citizens to avoid these highways. The county was evenly
divided on the issue of building a paved road north of
Corolla to Virginia.
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1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
CITIZEN EVALUATION OF COUNTY SERVICES
The next section of the questionnaire focused on the
respondents' perception of the services offered by Currituck
County. The first two questions asked about the quantity of
public recreation areas in the County.
TABLE 19: In Currituck County, there are public
recreation areas.
TOTAL RESPONDING 453
PERCENT
Too many
3.3
The right amount of
34.4
Too few
62.3
Most (62.3%) of the respondents felt that Currituck
County has too few public recreation areas with most of the
remaining respondents indicating that the number of
recreation areas is about right.
TABLE 20: Are you willing to pay more taxes or user fees in
order to provide additional parks and recreation
areas in Currituck County?
TOTAL RESPONDING 444
PERCENT
Yes
28.4
Don't know
14.5
No
57.1
Even though most of the respondents felt that Currituck
needed additional recreational areas, the majority were not
in favor of paying more taxes or user fees in order to
increase the number of recreational areas (57.1%). Only
slightly over one-fourth (28.4%) were willing in increase
taxes or user fees to create additional recreational
centers.
The respondents were asked to evaluate eight county
services, rating them from "very good" to "very bad." The
highest ratings were given to the public library and the
emergency medical services. Both of these county services
were rated as "good" or "very good" by over sixty percent of
the citizens. A majority of the citizens gave these ratings
to the police, fire protection, and the schools. Only a
minority of citizens were willing to give recreational
services, government administration and trash collection
16
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
positive ratings. The proportion of "bad" and "very bad"
ratings given to recreational services (29.3%), government
administration (20.3%) and trash collection (32.10) was
lower than the proportion of positive ratings.
TABLE 21: Percentage of citizen rating various county
services as "good" or "very good."
PERCENT
Police protection
58.6
Trash collection
37.9
Schools
56.2
Recreational services
32.0
Public library service
65.1
Fire protection
57.2
Emergency medical service
63.7
Government administration
1 36.2
The final set of questions in this section asked the
respondents' opinions on sewer and water issues. The first
question asked if Currituck County should establish a
centralized sewer system throughout the county. While a
small majority of the respondents support the centralized
sewer system, a large minority oppose it (See Table 22).
TABLE 22: Should Currituck County establish a centralized
sewer system throughout the county?
TOTAL RESPONDING 501
PERCENT
Yes
51.9
Don't know
2.2
No
45.9
Respondents were also asked if it is important to
extend the county's water system to four areas that are not
currently being served (See Table 23). A small majority
support extending the water system to the lower section of
the mainland and a large minority of the respondents
supports extending it to the Outer Banks. Only roughly one
in four supported extending the water system to Gibbs Woods
or Knotts Island. Most citizens feel that Currituck County
should work with the surrounding areas to find a source of
water (See Table 24).
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1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 23: Is it important for the county to provide water
in the following areas that are not currently
being served?
PERCENT
Lower section of mainland
52.8
Gibbs Woods
26.9
Knotts Island
28.8
Outer Banks
45.8
TABLE 24: Should Currituck County work with the surrounding
areas, i.e. Dare County and Virginia, to find a
source of water for the region?
TOTAL RESPONDING 519
PERCENT
Yes
82.2
Don't know
17.0
No
0.7
Even though most of the respondents felt that Currituck
needed additional recreational areas, the majority were not
in favor of paying more taxes or user fees in order to
increase the number of recreational areas.
The respondents were asked to evaluate eight county
services. The highest ratings were given to the public
library and the emergency medical services. Most citizens
also gave high ratings to the police, fire protection, and
the schools. While only a minority of citizens gave
positiveratings to recreational services, government
administration and trash collection, more citizens gave them
good ratings than bad ratings.
The county was divided on whether to build a
centralized sewer system. Respondents were also divided on
extending the county's water system to four areas that are
not currently being served. Most citizens did feel that
Currituck County should work with the surrounding areas to
find a source of water.
S
18
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
CURRITUCK COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
A final set of questions asked respondents to focus on
the quality of the environment in Currituck County and to
indicate what they thought of several approaches to
protecting the environment.
TABLE 25: How would you rate the quality of Currituck
County's environment?
TOTAL RESPONDING 522
PERCENT
Better than average
54.2
Average
42.3
Below average
3.4
Table 25 shows how the respondents rated the quality of
Currituck County's environment. A majority of the citizens
rate their county's environment as "better than average."
Almost everyone else rated the quality of the environment in
Currituck County as "average." Only 3.4 percent rated
Currituck's environmental quality as "below average."
TABLE 26: In your opinion, do current federal, state and
local regulations protecting Currituck County's
environment provide:
TOTAL RESPONDING 493
PERCENT
Too much protection
15.8
About right
58.4
Too little protection
25.8
The citizens were asked their opinions of the current
environmental regulations. Over half (58.4%) of the
respondents thought that the current federal, state, and
local regulations provide about the right amount of
protection to Currituck's environment. The next largest
block thought that the regulations provided too little
protection. Few people thought that the current regulations
provide too much protection.
Finally, respondents were asked if they would support
Currituck County taking action to protect six different
natural resources. The results are presented in Table 27.
19
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 27: Proportion of citizens who support Currituck
County taking action to protect the following
resources.
PERCENT
Trees/vegetation
72.2
Surface water (i.e.,
sounds & rivers)
87.4
Ground water resources
(drinking water)
89.8
Agricultural land
64.7
Wildlife habitat
77.0
Scenic roadways
65.9
A majority of the citizens,support taking action in
each of the six areas. Over 80 percent of the citizens
supported actions to protect ground water and surface water.
Roughly three -fourths of the citizens supported actions to
protect wildlife habitat and trees and vegetation. Roughly
two-thirds supported actions to protect scenic roadways and
agricultural -land.
Almost everyone rated the quality of the environment in
Currituck County as "better than average" or "average."
Over half of the respondents thought that the current
federal, state, and local regulations provide about the
right amount of protection to Currituck's environment and
few people thought that the current regulations provide "too
much protection." Large majorities of the citizens were
willing to support new county programs to protect
environmental quality.
20
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
RESPONSES FOR OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
In order to better assess the respondents' views in
five areas, they were asked to write short explanations of
their positions. The literature on survey research shows
that many Americans skip open-ended questions however this
trend was not evident for the citizens of Currituck County.
The fact that most respondents took the time to write a
comment to more than one of these questions testifies to
their commitment to improving local government. These
questions give readers insight into the views of those
citizens who care deeply about a topic. The tables in this
section provide an overview of these responses but
interested readers should take the time to read the
respondents answers which are reproduced in Appendix C.
The first open-ended question asked people "if there is
anything else you feel should be done to improve the quality
of life in Currituck County." Out of the 553 respondents to
the overall survey, there were 260 (47.1%) respondents who
made comments on this question. A summary of the
frequencies (actual number of comments in parenthesis) for
the twenty most common answers is presented in Table 28.
While many people have clear ideas of other things that
should be done to improve the quality of life in Currituck
County, they are very diverse. The issue mentioned by the
largest number of respondents was to minimize or stop
residential development. It was mentioned by 11.9 percent
of the respondents. The only other issue to be mentioned by
ten percent of the sample was improving law enforcement.
At the end of the section where respondents evaluated
the recent changes and possible future changes to the
development code, they were asked to indicate if there was
anything else that the Board of Commissioners should
consider. Out of the 553 respondents to the overall survey,
198 (35.9%) responded to this question. The frequencies
(actual number of comments in parenthesis) for the most
commonly mentioned responses to this question are presented
in Table 29.
Again the respondents offer a wide variety of
suggestions. The only suggestion to gather support from 10
percent of the respondents is to minimize or slow
development and growth in Currituck County.
21
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
The third open-ended question asked respondents to tell
what they like most about Currituck County. Out of the 553
respondents to the overall survey, there were 449 (81.3%)
respondents who answered this question. The frequencies
(actual number of comments in parenthesis) for the most
commonly mentioned responses to this question are presented
in Table 30.
In this case, there is a consensus. Almost half
(48.1%) of the respondents report that they like the rural
atmosphere and country lifestyle that they have found in
Currituck County. It is rare to find such wide spread
agreement in the answers to an open-ended question. It
would seem to reflect a high value placed on this
characteristic of Currituck County.
Three other characteristics of Currituck County are
cited by at least 10 percent of the citizens. The Ocean,
beaches, sound and coast are mentioned by one in every six
people. The people of Currituck are also cited by over ten
percent of their fellow citizens as the thing they like most
about the county. The third popular characteristic of
Currituck County was its clean environment and magnificent
natural resources (wetlands, wildlife and clean air).
Since no place is perfect, respondent were asked "What
do you like least about Currituck County?" Out of the 553
respondents to the overall survey, there were 406 (73.6%)
respondents who answered this question. The frequencies
(actual number of comments in parenthesis) for the most 20
commonly mentioned responses to this question are presented
in Table 31.
While most people were willing to tell us what they
like least about the county, the citizens of Currituck do
not have a widespread, shared idea of its biggest problem.
Two issues were mentioned by more than ten percent of the
respondents. The most commonly mentioned problem was too
much growth and development. It was mentioned by one
citizen in six. The other popular negative characteristic
was the traffic, especially on summer weekends.
Finally, respondents were asked if there was anything else
that "needs to be considered when we are working to maintain
a high quality of life in Currituck County? There were 345
(62.5%) respondents who made comments on this question. The
frequencies (actual number of comments in parenthesis) for
the 15 most commonly mentioned responses to this question
are presented in Table 32.
22
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
CURRITUCK COUNTY
While most people answered this question, none of the
issues that they raised were shared by ten percent of their
fellow citizens. The most common suggestions were to
consider the schools (9.6%), law enforcement (9.6%) and
recreation for young people in the county (9.0%). While it
is not totally clear, one possible common theme to these
answers is a concern for the youth of Currituck County.
Readers should take the time to
are reproduced in Appendix C. While
how widespread opinions are, a single
thoughtful citizen may be the source
improvement.
CONCLUSION
read the comments that
it is important to know
comment from a
of significant
The citizens of Currituck County should be proud that
their local government has cared enough to develop and carry
out a careful, scientific study to assess their views on the
issues. The material presented in this report will provide
commissioners, planning board members, and staff planners
with vital information to help them develop their plans for
the next decade. The hard work is still ahead -- developing
programs and policies so that the citizens of Currituck
County will be as pleased with and as proud of their county
ten years from now as they are today.
23
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 28: If there is anything else you feel should be done
to improve the quality of life in Currituck
County, please describe it in the space below.
N of People Making Comments = 260
PERCENT
Minimize or stop developing
11.9%
(most refer to residential)
(31)
Improve law enforcement
10.0%
(prevent & prosecute crime)
(26)
Increase/Improve public water
9.6%
service
(25)
Protect our environment (dunes,
8.1%
beaches, sound, farmland, air)
(21)
Build a recreational facility for
6.2%
the public/youth
(16)
Improve schools(school buildings,
5.4%
school system, teachers, etc.)
(14)
Keep Currituck the way it is!
5.0%
Preserve the rural life, etc.)
(13)
Increase business and industry
5.0%
(general shopping, dining, etc.)
(13)
Increase/Improve sewage and
4.6%
drainage
(12)
Clean-up roadside eyesores (bill
4.2%
boards, shacks, pig parlor, etc.)
(11)
Increase/Improve trash (waste
4.2%
removal) service
(11)
Widen/Expand/Improve Roads
3.8%
(10)
Implement/Improve emergency
3.8%
services (fire, ambulatory, etc.)
(10)
Regulate/Limit Population Growth
3.5%
(9)
Increase animal (pet) control law
3.1%
enforcement
(8)
Decrease government controls
2.7%
(Respect property rights)
(7)
Open a local (chain) grocery
2.3%
store
(6)
Plan better for growth
2.3%
(6)
Implement/Enforce proper zoning
2.3%
restrictions
(6)
Build more to create jobs
1.9%
(5)
24
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 29: Other than those listed above, what steps do you
think the Board of Commissioners should take
concerning growth and development in Currituck
County?
N of People Making Comments = 198
PERCENT
Minimize/Slow/Stop Development
10.6%
and Growth
(21)
Provide Public Water System
7.6%
(15)
Require developers to pay impact
6.6%
fees for public services
(13)
Plan Better for Growth and
5.0%
Development
(10)
Provide some recreation and other
5.0%
activities for children
(10)
Consider growth only for the
4.5%
benefit of current citizens
(9)
Provide better services and
4.5%
facilities
(9)
Increase business and industry
4.5%
(9)
Provide Sewage/drainage system
4.50
(9)
Clean/Expand/Improve roads and
4.5%
road signs
(9)
Create decent paying jobs for
3.0%
residents
(6)
Increase or maintain lot size
3.0%
(6)
Improve old developments before
3.0%
or with new ones
Build quality, affordable housing
3.0%
(no more trailers and apartments)
(6)
Be mindful of Currituck heritage
3.0%
(plan to preserve it)
(6)
Encourage/Welcome Growth and
3.0%
Development (flexible regulations)
(•6)
Upgrade police force
2.5%
(5)
Attract more high -income folks
2.5%
(5)
Provide street lights (in both
2.5%
old and new developments)
(5)
Ensure compliance of developers
2.0%
(4)
Provide waste removal/trash
2.0%
service
(4)
25
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 30: What do you like most about Currituck County?
N of People Making Comments = 449
PERCENT
The Rural Atmosphere/Country Living
48.1%
(quiet, beauty, relaxed lifestyle)
(216)
Beaches/Ocean/Sound/Coast
16.7%
(75)
The People/Community (friends,
11.6%
neighbors)
(52)
Clean Environment/Natural Resources
11.4%
(wetlands, wildlife, clean air)
(51)
The Climate
4.5%
(20)
Open Spaces
4.5%
(20)
Low crime rate (safety here)
4.2%
(19)
Fishing and Hunting
4.2%
(19)
It's home (includes location in
4.2%
general)
(19)
Proximity to Metropolitan/Urban
4.2%
Areas (Norfolk, VA Beach)
(19)
Low Taxes here
4.0%
(18)
Quality of Life
2.4%
(11)
The Sound
2.0%
(9)
Good Schools
1.6%
(7)
Northern Outer Banks area
1.1%
(5)
The Off-season
1.1%
(5)
What it used to be
1.1%
(5)
It's not commercialized
1.1%
(5)
County Commissioners care
1.0%
(4)
People care about senior citizens
1.0%
here
(4)
Potential for growth
1.0%
(4)
26
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 31: What do you like least about Currituck County?
N of People Making Comments = 406
PERCENT
Too much growth and development
16.50
too fast (with poor planning)
(67)
Too much traffic (especially
14.3%
summer and weekends)
(58)
Politics/Local Government
7.9%
(32)
Lack of shops and businesses
7.9%
(must drive too far)
(32)
Taxes too high with little
7.1%
visible benefits .
(29)
Strangers/tourists/crowds coming
5.9%
in (population problems)
(24)
Schools, School Board
4.9%
(20)
Trash Service (we pay to take it
4.9%
to dumpster, want yard pick-up)
(20)
Shabby developments (trailers,
4.7%
etc.)
(19)
Roads
4.7%
(19)
Need recreation, activities, and
4.4%
support for youth
(18)
Police force/Law enforcement are
3.7%
lacking
(15)
Public Water Service (lacks
3.7%
quality and coverage)
(15)
Drugs and Crime
3.7%
(15)
Lack of concern for environment
3.0%
(12)
Lack grocery/drug store
2.5%
(10)
Inadequate fire protection and/or
2.2%
emergency services
(9)
Lack of good jobs
2.0%
(8)
Billboards (tacky, dilapidated)
1.7%
(7)
Poor sewage/drainage
1.5%
(6)
27
1995-6 SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION CURRITUCK COUNTY
TABLE 32: What else do you feel needs to be considered when
we are working to maintain a high quality of life
in Currituck County?
N of People Making Comments = 345
PERCENT
The schools/education
9.6%
(34)
Improving police and law -
9.6%
enforcement(prevent drugs, crime)
(33)
Safe places/recreation for youths
9.0%
(31)
Control/Plan for growth
6.9%
(24)
Protection of Environment/Natural
6.7%
Resources
(23)
Involve, Inform, Consider
6.7%
Citizens when planning
(23)
Bringing in more business,
6.1%
industry, restaurants, shops,etc.
(21)
Improve/Provide Public Water
5.5%
(19)
Improve/Beautify Roads
5.5%
(19)
Remain Rural
4.9%
(17)
Bring Jobs (increase pay scale)
4.9%
(17)
Don't raise taxes, see tax
4.6%
dollars at work
(16)
Build the Bridge (may consider
4.6%
charging toll)
(16 )
Improve/Reform Local Government
4.3%
(15)
Decrease and Control Development
4.3%
(15)
28
APPENDIX A
CURRITUCK COUNTY
SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
29
Survey of Citizens'
Views and Opinions
zVCK epU�
-A . A
1070
30
Please circle the number that most closely represents your answer.
1. Where do you live?
1. I LIVE OUTSIDE CURRITUCK COUNTY
2. KNOTTS ISLAND
3. GIBBS WOODS
4. MAINLAND, NORTH OF COINJOCK CANAL
5. MAINLAND, SOUTH OF COINJOCK CANAL
6. OUTER BANKS FROM COROLLA SOUTH
7. OUTER BANKS NORTH OF COROLLA
2. Which of the following best describes you?
1. FULL TIME RESIDENT
2. SEASONAL RESIDENT
3. NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY OWNER
3. You have been a seasonal or full-time resident of Currituck
County for.
1. I AM NOT A RESIDENT
2. 5 YEARS OR LESS
3. BETWEEN 5 YEARS AND 10 YEARS
4. OVER 10 YEARS
4. Where in Currituck County do you own property? If you own
property in more than one location, circle ALL that apply.
1. I DO NOT OWN PROPERTY IN CURRITUCK COUNTY
2. KNOTTS ISLAND
3. GIBBS WOODS
4. MAINLAND, NORTH OF COINJOCK CANAL
5. MAINLAND, SOUTH OF COINJOCK CANAL
6. OUTER BANKS FROM COROLLA SOUTH
7. OUTER BANKS NORTH OF COROLLA
31
5. What best describes your residence?
1. SINGLE -WIDE MOBILE HOME
2. DOUBLE -WIDE MOBILE HOME
3. HOUSE
4. CONDO OR TOWNHOUSE
5. APARTMENT
6. CAMPER
7. LIVE OUTSIDE CURRITUCK COUNTY
6. The primary wage earner living in this house currently works in:
1. CURRITUCK COUNTY
2. DARE COUNTY
3. CAMDEN/PASQUOTANK OR ELSEWHERE IN NC
4. VIRGINIA
5. THE PRIMARY WAGE EARNER IS CURRENTLY
UNEMPLOYED
6. OTHER
7. Other wage earners living in this house currently work in:
[Please circle as many answers as apply]
1. CURRITUCK COUNTY
2. DARE COUNTY
3. CAMDEN/PASQUOTANK OR ELSEWHERE IN NC
4. VIRGR41A
5. THERE ARE NO OTHER WAGE EARNERS
6. OTHER
8. How would you rate Currituck County as a place to live today?
1. VERY GOOD
2. GOOD
3. AVERAGE
4. POOR
5. VERY POOR
9. Assuming the development now occurring continues
(same type and speed), how will it affect Currituck County
as a place to live 10 years from now?
1. VERY POSITIVE EFFECT
2. POSITIVE EFFECT
3. NO EFFECT
4. NEGATIVE EFFECT
5. VERY NEGATIVE EFFECT
32
Protecting residential property
from undesirable development
(e.g., noise, odor, traffic, etc.)
1
2
3
4 5
Improving Currituck's appearance
(e.g., remove dilapidated buildings,
landscaping, etc.)
1
2
3
4 5
Protecting the rural character
of Currituck County
1
2
3
4 5
Allowing growth only when County
facilities (i.e. schools) are available
1
2
3
4 5
Opening more public
recreational areas
1
2
3
4 5
Providing bike lanes along roads
1
2
3
4 5
Preserving farmland
1
2
3
4 5
Preserving historic buildings
and sites
1
2
3
4 5
Making new development pay for
impact on county services
1
2
3
4 5
Improving school facilities
1
2
3
4 5
33
MOST
LEAST
POSITIVE
NO
POSITIVE
EFFECT
EFFECT
EFFECT
Recruiting new industries 1
2
3
4
5
Protecting the environment 1
2
3
4
5
Improving drainage 1
2
3
4
5
Protecting the water quality in
the sounds and rivers 1
2
3
4
5
Providing a variety of housing types
and prices available
(e.g., single family, duplexes,
apartments, etc.) 1
2
3
4
5
Improving highway safety 1
2
3
4
5
Providing more public access to sounds,
rivers, and creeks 1
2
3
4
5
Providing more commercial shopping
areas in Currituck 1
2
3
4
5
11. If there is anything else you feel should be done to improve
the quality of life in Currmituck County, please describe it in
the space below.
34
12. Below are two different types of subdivisions for the same
property. Subdivision A is a Conventional Subdivision and
Subdivision B is an Oven Space Subdivision. The total site area is
50 acres and both subdivisions contain 33 lots. Please circle the
letter of the subdivision you would prefer to see developed in
Currituck County.
A. Conventional Subdivision: large lot sizes of 40,000 square feet or
more; small community open space area of 2.5 acres; small
community waterfront park with community dock.
B. Open Space Subdivision: small lot sizes of 12,000 square feet or
more, large community open space area of 40 acres; avoids placing
lots in sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands, woodlands,
near water bodies and scenic areas; large community waterfront
park with community dock.
35
13. The Board of Commissioners recently made changes to the
development code. The Commissioners expect these
changes to slow the speed of development and to improve
the quality of development in the county.
This section asks for your opinion of the changes already
made by the Board of Commissioners?
SUPPORT DONT DO NOT
IDEA KNOW SUPPORT
Require that developments not
exceed the ability of Currituck
to provide adequate public
facilities (e.g. schools, fire) 1 2 3
Increase lot size in all zones but
Agriculture to 40,000 sq. ft. 1 2 3
Increase lot size in Agriculture zone
to 3 acres 1 2 3
Require improvements to open space
in residential development (e.g., ball -
fields, tennis courts, etc.) 1 2 3
Require statements that explain how
a new development will impact
county services for all subdivisions
of 20 or more lots 1 2 3
14. Including these changes, how confident are you that
current county development regulations will maintain or
improve the quality of life in Curritack County?
1. CONFIDENT
2. DON'T KNOW
3. NOT CONFIDENT
36
15. The Board of Commissioners are considering additional
changes to the development code. The Comma sioners
expect these changes to slow the speed of development and
to improve the quality of development in the county.
This section asks for your opinion of the changes currently
being considered by the Board.
SUPPORT DONT DO NOT
IDEA KNOW SUPPORT
Require curbs and gutters on
new streets in developments
1 2
3
Require sidewalks for new
developments
1 2
3
Require street lights for new
developments
1 2
3
Establish impact fees so new
development offsets the costs to
county services
1 2
3
16. Other than those listed above, what
steps do you think
the Board
of Commissioners should take concerning
growth and
development in Currituck County?
37
17. Overall, how active do you think the county should be in
improving safety along streets?
1. BECOME MORE ACTIVE
2. MAINTAIN CURRENT LEVEL
3. BECOME LESS ACTIVE
18. Once NC 168 is widened to 5 lanes, and traffic continues to
increase on US 158 and NC 168 to a point where the 5 lane
road becomes overcrowded, which method do you think
would be best to -correct the overcrowding?
1. WIDEN US 158 & NC 168 TO 7 LANES OR MORE
2. BYPASS OVERCROWDED ROADS
3. LEAVE AS 5 LANES WITH NO BYPASS
19. Should the county require new subdivisions to connect to
community roads so local traffic can avoid highway 158 and
highway 168?
1. YES
2. NO
3. DON'T KNOW
20. Currently there is no paved road on the Outer Banks north
of Corolla into the Carova Beach area. Would you support
a paved road north of Corolla to the Virginia state line?
1. YES
2. NO
3. DON'T KNOW
21. In Curritack County, there are public recreation areas.
1. TOO MANY
2. THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF
3. TOO FEW
22. Are you willing to pay more taxes or user fees in order to provide
additional parks and recreation areas in Currituck County?
1. YES
2. NO
3. DON'T KNOW
38
23. Please rate the following county services:
VERY NE=R
VERY
GOOD GOOD GOOD BAD
BAD
OR BAD
Police protection 1 2 3 4
5
Trash collection 1 2 3 4
5
Schools 1 2 3 4
5
Recreation 1 2 3 4
5
Public Library 1 2 3 4
5
Fire protection 1 2 3 4
5
Emergency Medical 1 2 3 4
5 -
Government
Administration 1 2 3 4
5
24. Should Currituck County establish a centralized sewer
system throughout the county?
1. YES
2. NO
25. Currituck County has a water system on the
mainland serving the upper 2/3rds of the county.
Is it important for the county to provide water
to the following areas:
DON'T
YES . KNOW
NO
Lower section of the mainland 1 2
3
Gibbs Woods 1 2
3
Knotts Island 1 2
3
Outer Banks 1 2
3
39
26. Should Currituck County work with surrounding areas, i.e.
Dare County and Virginia, to find a source of water for the
region?
1. YES
2. NO
27. How would you rate the quality of Currituck County's
environment?
1. BETTER THAN AVERAGE
2. AVERAGE
3. BELOW AVERAGE
28. In your opinion, do current federal, state and local
regulations protecting Currituck County's environment
provide:
1. TOO MUCH PROTECTION
2. ABOUT THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF PROTECTION
3. TOO LITTLE PROTECTION
29. Would you support Currituck County taking action
to protect the following resources?
Trees/Vegetation
Surface water
(i.e., sounds & rivers)
Ground water resources
(Drinking water)
Agricultural land
Wildlife habitat
Scenic Roadways
SUPPORT DONT DO NOT
IDEA KNOW SUPPORT
1 2 3
1
2 3
1
2 3
1
2 3
1
2 3
1
2 3
40
30. What do you like most about Currituck County?
31. What do you like least about Currituck County?
32. What else do you feel needs to be considered when we are
working to maintain a high quality of life in Currituck
County.
Thank you very much for your help. If you would like a
brief summary of the results, please check the box below.
41
APPENDIX B
CURRITUCK COUNTY
SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
FREQUENCIES
42
Currituck County Survey of Citizens' Vie►ts and Opinions 1995-96
TABLE 1: Where do you live?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
I LIVE OUTSIDE
194
CURRITUCK COUNTY
35.1
KNOTTS ISLAND
12
2.2
GIBBS WOODS
11
2.0
MAINLAND NORTH OF
155
COINJOCK CANAL
28.0
MAINLAND SOUTH OF 122
COINJOCK CANAL 22.1
OUTER BANKS FROM
30
COROLLA SOUTH
5.4
OUTER BANKS NORTH
9
OF COROLLA
1.6
DON'T KNOW
1
0.2
NO ANSWER
19
3.4
TABLE 2: Which of the following best describes you?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
FULL TIME RESIDENT 325
58.8
SEASONAL RESIDENT 50
9.0
NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY 173
OWNER 31.3
DON'T KNOW 0
0.0
NO ANSWER 5
0.9
43
TABLE 3: You have been a seasonal or full time resident of Currituck County for:
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
I AM NOT A RESIDENT
153
27.7
5 YEARS OR LESS
64
11.6
BETWEEN 5 YEARS AND
74
10 YEARS
13.4
OVER 10 YEARS
248
44.8
DON'T KNOW
0
0.0
NO ANSWER
14
2.5
TABLE 4: Where in Currituck County do you own property? If you own property in more than one
location, CIRCLE ALL THAT APPLY.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
I DO NOT OWN PROPERTY 29
IN CURRITUCK COUNTY 4.7
KNOTTS ISLAND
20
3.2
GIBBS WOODS
12
1.9
MAINLAND NORTH OF
188
COINJOCK CANAL
30.3
MAINLAND SOUTH OF
169
COINJOCK CANAL
27.3
OUTER BANKS FROM
86
COROLLA SOUTH
13.9
OUTER BANKS NORTH OF
90
COROLLA
14.5.
DON'T KNOW
3
0.5
NO ANSWER
23
3.7
44
TABLE 5: What best decsribes your residence?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SINGLE -WIDE MOBILE
34
HOME
6.1
DOUBLE -WIDE MOBILE
44
HOME
8.0
HOUSE
325
58.8
CONDO OR TOWNHOUSE
2
0.4
APARTMENT
2
0.4
CAMPER
7
1.3
LIVE OUTSIDE
124
CURRITUCK COUNTY
22.4
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
13
2.4
TABLE 6: The primary wage earner living in this house currently works in:
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
CURRITUCK COUNTY
118
21.3
DARE COUNTY
20
3.6
CAMDEN/PASQUOTANK OR
15
ELSEWHERE IN NC
2.7
VIRGINIA
178
32.2
THE PRIMARY WAGE
11
EARNER IS UNEMPLOYED
2.0
OTHER
173
31.3
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
36
6.5
45
TABLE 7: Other wage earners living in this house currently work in: (circle all that apply)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
CURRITUCK COUNTY
102
17.7
DARE COUNTY
43
7.5
CAMDEN/PASQUOTANK OR
23
ELSEWHERE IN NC
4.0
VIRGINIA
102
17.7
NO OTHER WAGE EARNERS
135
23.4
OTHER
98
17.0
DON'T KNOW
1
0.2
NO ANSWER
73
12.7
TABLE 8: How would you rate Currituck County as a place to live today?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD
163
29.5
GOOD
212
38.3
AVERAGE
114
20.6
POOR
23
4.2
VERY POOR
6
1.1
DON'T KNOW
4
0.7
NO ANSWER
31
5.6
46
TABLE 9: Assuming the development now occurring continues (same type and speed) how will it
affect Currituck co. as a place to live ten years from now?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY POSITIVE EFFECT 80
14.5
POSITIVE EFFECT 158
28.6
NO EFFECT
25
4.5
NEGATIVE EFFECT
169
30.6
VERY NAGATIVE EFFECT
84
15.2
DON'T KNOW
6
1.1
NO ANSWER 31
5.6
TABLE 10: Slowing the speed of growth
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
236
EFFECT
42.7
2
106
19.2
3 NO EFFECT
52
9.4
4
42
7.6
5 LEAST POSITIVE
67
EFFECT
12.1
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
48
8.7
47
TABLE 11: Protecting residential property from undesirable development (e.g., noise, odor,
traffic,
etc.)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING
553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
349
EFFECT
63.1
2
103
18.6
3 NO EFFECT
34
6.1
4
9
1.6
5 LEAST POSITIVE
16
EFFECT
2.9
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
40
7.2
TABLE 12: Improving Currituck's appearance (e.g., remove dilapidated buildings, landscaping,
etc.)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 289
EFFECT 52.3
2
108
19.5
3 NO EFFECT
71
12.8
4
15
2.7
5 LEAST POSITIVE
24
EFFECT
4.3
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
44
8.0
48
TABLE 13: Protecting the rural character of Currituck County
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
281
EFFECT
50.8
2
125
22.6
3 NO EFFECT
60
10.8
4
24
4.3
5 LEAST POSITIVE
17
EFFECT
3.1
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
44
8.0
TABLE 14: Allowing growth only when County facilities (i.e., school) are available
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
271
EFFECT
49.0
2
104
18.8
3 NO EFFECT
65
11.8
4
32
5.8
5 LEAST POSITIVE
37
EFFECT
6.7
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
42
7.6
49
TABLE 15: Opening more public recreational areas
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 187
EFFECT 33.8
2 124
22.4
3 NO EFFECT 104
18.8
4 35
6.3
5 LEAST POSITIVE 57
EFFECT 10.3
DON'T KNOW 2
0.4
NO ANSWER 44
8.0
TABLE 16: Providing bike lanes along roads
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 161
EFFECT 29.1
2 117
21.2
3 NO EFFECT 116
21.0
4 32
5.8
5 LEAST POSITIVE 83
EFFECT 15.0
DON'T KNOW 2
0.4
NO ANSWER 42
7.6
50
TABLE 17: Preserving farmland
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
212
EFFECT
38.3
2
137
24.8
3 NO EFFECT
115
20.8
4
22
4.0
5 LEAST POSITIVE
21
EFFECT
3.8
DON'T KNOW
3
0.5
NO ANSWER
43
7.8
TABLE 18: Preserving historic buildings and sites
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
254
EFFECT
45.9
2
147
26.6
3 NO EFFECT
69
12.5
4
15
2.7
5 LEAST POSITIVE
26
EFFECT
4.7
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
40
7.2
51
TABLE 19: Making new development pay for impact on county services
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
314
EFFECT
56.8
2
124
22.4
3 NO EFFECT
41
7.4
4
17
3.1
5 LEAST POSITIVE
16
EFFECT
2.9
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
39
7.1
TABLE 20: Improving school facilities
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
271
EFFECT
49.0
2
120
21.7
3 NO EFFECT
90
16.3
4
11
2.0
5 LEAST POSITIVE
12
EFFECT
2.2
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
47
8.5
52
TABLE 21: Recruiting new industries
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 207
EFFECT 37.4
2 109
19.7
3 NO EFFECT 48
8.7
4 55
9.9
5 LEAST POSITIVE 82
EFFECT 14.8
DON'T KNOW 3
0.5
NO ANSWER 49
8.9
TABLE 22: Protecting the environment
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 329
EFFECT 59.5
2 122
22.1
3 NO EFFECT 43
7.8
4 10
1.8
5 LEAST POSITIVE 7
EFFECT 1.3
DON'T KNOW 2
0.4
NO ANSWER 40
7.2
53
TABLE 23: Improving drainage
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
225
EFFECT
40.7
2
153
27.7
3 NO EFFECT
98
17.7
4
18
3.3
5 LEAST POSITIVE
10
EFFECT
1.8
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
47
8.5
TABLE 24: Protecting the water quality in the sounds and rivers
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
381
EFFECT
68.9
2
105
19.0
3 NO EFFECT
19
3.4
4
6
1.1
5 LEAST POSITIVE
1
EFFECT
0.2
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
39
7.1
54
TABLE 25: Providing a variety of housing types and prices available (e.g., single family,
duplexes, apartments, etc.)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 146
EFFECT 26.4
2 116
21.0
3 NO EFFECT 88
15.9
4
60
10.8
5 LEAST POSITIVE
91
EFFECT
16.5
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
50
9.0
TABLE 26: Improving highway safety
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
254
EFFECT
45.9
2
157
28.4
3 NO EFFECT
73
13.2
4
11
2.0
5 LEAST POSITIVE
12
EFFECT
2.2
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
44
8.0
55
TABLE 27: Providing more public access to sounds, rivers, and creeks
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE
173
EFFECT
31.3
2
115
20.8
3 NO EFFECT
107
19.3
4
55
9.9
5 LEAST POSITIVE
61
EFFECT
11.0
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
40
7.2
TABLE 28: Providing more commercial shopping areas in Currituck
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
1 MOST POSITIVE 180
EFFECT 32.5
2 104
18.8
3 NO EFFECT 89
16.1
4 52
9.4
5 LEAST POSITIVE 88
EFFECT 15.9
DON'T KNOW 2
0.4
NO ANSWER 38
6.9
56
TABLE 30: Please circle the letter of the subdivision you would prefer to see developed in
Currituck
County.
TOTAL '
TOTAL RESPONDING
553
100.0
A. CONVENTIONAL
170
SUBDIVISION
30.7
B. OPEN SPACE
281
SUBDIVISION
50.8
DON'T KNOW
3
0.5
NO ANSWER
99
17.9
TABLE 31: Require that the developments not exceed the ability of Curri tuck to provide adequate
public facilities (e.g., schools, fire)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 442
79.9
DON'T KNOW 45
8.1
DO NOT SUPPORT 42
7.6
NO ANSWER 24
4.3
TABLE 32: Increase lot size in all zones but Agriculture to 40,000 sq. ft.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA
274
49.5
DON'T KNOW
125
22.6
DO NOT SUPPORT
123
22.2
NO ANSWER
31
5.6
57
TABLE 33: Increase lot size in Agriculture zone to 3 acres.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA
237
42.9
DON'T KNOW
158
28.6
DO NOT SUPPORT
128
23.1
NO ANSWER
30
5.4
TABLE 34: Require improvements to open space in residential developments (e.g., ballfields,
tennis courts, etc.)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 338
61.1
DON'T KNOW 105
19.0
DO NOT SUPPORT 81
14.6
NO ANSWER 29
5.2
TABLE 35: Require statements that explain how a new development will impact county services for
all subdivisions of 20 or more lots.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 419
75.8
DON'T KNOW 62
11.2
DO NOT SUPPORT 42
7.6
NO ANSWER 30
5.4
58
TABLE 36: Including these changes, how confident are you that current county development
regulations will maintain or improve the quality of life in Currituck County?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
CONFIDENT 166
30.0
DON'T KNOW 191
34.5
NOT CONFIDENT 167
30.2
NO ANSWER 29
5.2
TABLE 37: This section asks for your opinion of the changes currently being considered by the
Board. Require curbs and gutters on new streets in developments.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 287
51.9
DON'T KNOW 103
18.6
DO NOT SUPPORT 134
24.2
NO ANSWER 29
5.2
TABLE 38: Require sidewalks for new developments.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA
252
45.6
DON'T KNOW
ill
20.1
DO NOT SUPPORT
155
28.0
NO ANSWER
35
6.3 59
TABLE 39: Require street lights for new developments.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA
325
58.8
DON'T KNOW
78
14.1
DO NOT SUPPORT
117
21.2
NO ANSWER
33
6.0
TABLE 40: Establish impact fees so new development offsets the costs to county services.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA
388
70.2
DON'T KNOW
85
15.4
DO NOT SUPPORT
49
8.9
NO ANSWER
31
5.6
60
TABLE 42: Overall, how active do you think the county should be in improving safety along
streets?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
' BECOME MORE ACTIVE
277
50.1
MAINTAIN CURRENT
220
LEVEL
39.8
BECOME LESS ACTIVE
9
1.6
DON'T KNOW
2
0.4
NO ANSWER
45
8.1
TABLE 43: Once NC168 is widened to 5 lanes, and traffic continues to increase on US158 and NC168
to a point where the 5 lane road becomes overcrowded, which method do you think would
be best to correct the overcrowding?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
WIDEN US158 & NC168
66
TO 7 OR MORE LANES
11.9
BYPASS OVERCROWDED
292
ROADS
52.8
LEAVE AS 5 LANES
144
WITH NO BYPASS
26.0
DON'T KNOW
4
0.7
NO ANSWER 47
8.5
W
61
TABLE 44: Should the county require new subdivisions to connect to community roads so local
traffic can avoid highway 158 and highway 168?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 305
55.2
NO 88
15.9
DON'T KNOW 127
23.0
NO ANSWER 33
6.0
TABLE 45: Currently there is no paved road on the Outer Banks north of Corolla into the Carova
Beach area. Would you support a paved road north of Corolla to the Virginia state
line? _
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 224
40.5
NO 230
41.6
DON'T KNOW 75
13.6
NO ANSWER 24
4.3
TABLE 46: In Currituck County, there are public recreation areas.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
TOO MANY 15
2.7
THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF 156
28.2
TOO FEW 282
51.0
DON'T KNOW 15
2.7
NO ANSWER 85. 62
15.4
TABLE 47: Are you willing to pay more taxes or user fees in order to provide additional parks
and recreation areas in Currituck County?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 147
26.6
NO 297
53.7
DON'T KNOW 75
13.6
NO ANSWER 34
6.1
TABLE 48: Please rate the following county services: Police protection
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD
68
12.3
GOOD
215
38.9
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
143
25.9
BAD
39
7.1
VERY BAD
18
3.3
DON'T KNOW
16
2.9
NO ANSWER
54
9.8
63
TABLE 49: Trash Collection
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD
45
8.1
GOOD
132
23.9
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
140
25.3
BAD
66
11.9
VERY BAD
84
15.2
DON'T KNOW
16
2.9
NO ANSWER
70
12.7
TABLE 50: Schools
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD
55
9.9
GOOD
202
36.5
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
159
28.8
BAD
30
5.4
VERY BAD
11
2.0
DON'T KNOW
20
3.6
NO ANSWER
76
13.7
64
TABLE 51: Recreation
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD
28
5.1
GOOD
123
'
22.2
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
182
32.9
BAD
87
15.7
VERY BAD
51
9.2
DON'T KNOW
16
2.9
NO ANSWER
66
11.9
TABLE 52: Public Library
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD 98
17.7
GOOD
206
37.3
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
126
22.8
BAD
26
4.7
VERY BAD
11
•
2.0
DON'T KNOW
18
3.3
NO ANSWER
68
12.3
65
TABLE 53: Fire Protection
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD
68
12.3
GOOD
204
36.9
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
136
24.6
BAD
39
7.1
VERY BAD
29
5.2
DON'T KNOW
17
3.1
NO ANSWER
60
10.8
TABLE 54: Emergency Medical
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD 95
17.2
GOOD
209
37.8
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD
119
21.5
BAD
38
6.9
VERY BAD
16
2.9
DON'T KNOW
17
3.1
NO ANSWER
59
10.7
66
r
t.
i
TABLE 55: Government Administration
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
VERY GOOD 31
5.6
GOOD 138
25.0
NEITHER GOOD OR BAD 203
36.7
BAD 65
11.8
VERY BAD 30
5.4
DON'T KNOW 17
3.1
NO ANSWER 69
12.5
TABLE 56: Should Currituck County establish a centralized sewer system through- out the county?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 261
47.2
NO 230
41.6
DON'T KNOW 11
2.0
NO ANSWER 51
9.2
TABLE 57: Is it important for the county to provide water in the following areas: Lower section
of the mainland
r TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
}
YES 261
47.2
DON'T KNOW 168
30.4
NO 65
11.8
67
NO ANSWER 59
10.7
TABLE 58: Gibbs Woods
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES
129
23.3
DON'T KNOW
242
43.8
NO
109
19.7
NO ANSWER
73
13.2
TABLE 59: Knotts Island
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 140
25.3
DON'T KNOW 234
42.3
NO 112
20.3
NO ANSWER 67
12.1
TABLE 60: Outer Banks
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES
227
41.0
DON'T KNOW
161
29.1
NO
108
19.5
NO ANSWER
57
10.3
ti
68
TABLE 61: Should Currituck County work with the surrounding areas, i.e. Dare County and
Virginia, to find a source of water for the region?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 427
77.2
NO 88
15.9
DON'T KNOW 4
0.7
NO ANSWER 34
6.1
TABLE 62: How would you rate the quality of Currituck County's environment?
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
BETTER THAN AVERAGE 283
51.2
AVERAGE 221
40.0
BELOW AVERAGE 18
3.3
DON'T KNOW 5
0.9
NO ANSWER 26
4.7
TABLE 63: In your opinion, do current federal, state and local regulations protecting
Curritick County's environment provide:
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
TOO MUCH PROTECTION 78
14.1
ABOUT THE RIGHT 288
AMOUNT OF PROTECTION 52.1
TOO LITTLE PROTECTION 127
23.0
DON'T KNOW 9
1.6
69
NO ANSWER 51
9.2
TABLE 64: Would you support Currituck County taking action to protect the following resources?
Trees/Vegetation
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 381
68.9
DON'T KNOW 89
16.1
DO NOT SUPPORT 58
10.5
NO ANSWER 25
4.5
TABLE 65: Surface water (i.e.,sounds & rivers)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA
464
83.9
DON'T KNOW
44
8.0
DO NOT SUPPORT
23
4.2
NO ANSWER
22
4.0
TABLE 66: Ground water resources (Drinking water)
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 476
86.1
DON'T KNOW 39
7.1
DO NOT SUPPORT 15
2.7
NO ANSWER 23
4.2
70
TABLE 67: Agricultural land
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 341
61.7
DON'T KNOW 128
23.1
.DO NOT SUPPORT 58
10.5
NO ANSWER 26
4.7
TABLE 68: Wildlife habitat
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
I
SUPPORT IDEA 406
73.4
DON'T KNOW 74
13.4
DO NOT SUPPORT 47
8.5
NO ANSWER 26
4.7
TABLE 69: Scenic Roadways
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
SUPPORT IDEA 346
62.6
DON'T KNOW 120
21.7
DO NOT SUPPORT 59
10.7
NO ANSWER 28
5.1
71
TABLE 73: Please send brief summary.
TOTAL
TOTAL RESPONDING 553
100.0
YES 331
59.9
NO ANSWER 222
40.1
72
APPENDIX C
CURRITUCK COUNTY
SURVEY OF CITIZEN OPINION
ANSWERS TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
73
Table 29: If there is anything else you feel should be done to improve the quality of life in Currituck County,
please describe it in the space below.
A large grocery store chain where we could buy our groceries near home, meaning weekly or biweekly (Ex.
Food Lion).
Currituck County needs a police department. The area to cover makes the sheriffs department unable to
respond when needed quickly. An urgent medical care facility is needed on the Coinjock Currituck side.
Enforce litter laws!
Take good care of the beach. Tax base equals 75% from the beach. Without the beach, Currituck would be
in the lowest 10% of the counties in North Carolina for income or standard of living.
Public water system to the whole county.
A theme park would be a great start. It would create income and would be a place for tourist to spend money
in this county, rather than just in Dare.
Minimize the building development on the outer banks.
Environmental ... Do not over develop.
There is no way I can answer these questions since I have not been in the area in 12 years.
Mid -county bridge. Water to lower Currituck mainland. New or improved CATV service. 5 or 7 lane
Battlefield Blvd. Reorganize building inspections department. Prosecute and send to jail the crooks and
druggies, rather than putting them back on the street.
The swimming pool at the Whale Head Club should be made public. All of the Whale Head Club and
property should not be a museum, but should be areas for boating and other recreation.
Industry and its associated problems are what is driving retirees out of the New Jersey/New York area to seek
refuge in places like Currituck County. Pollution of air and water, overcrowding, increased cancer rates,
increased crime; all are associated with industrilized areas.
Provide water to all residents where population and roads/right-of-way are present.
I would like to see the area of Gibbs Woods be provided with city water. With living so close to swampy areas,
our water is only used for bathing, washing clothes, etc. I currently pay for Colligan service and also buy
bottled water, which adds up. Willing to pay for city water.
Provide garbage pickup. There should be more enforcement of the game laws. Have more game wardens,
even part-time.
It has been proven over and over again that massive residential development does not pay. The benefits of
development does not keep pace with cost or liabilities. If residential development is to be encouraged, keep
lot size larger and require developers to pay all costs both short and long term.
Stop all development county wide.
Affordable housing to buy or rent.
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Dredge area entering whalehead marina. Schools definitely need improvement and I wonder what is being
done with the 10% taxes on rentals on the Currituck outer banks. Children need recreational facilities. It
would be nice to have a decent food/grocery store in the northern part of county.
Remove the immoral topless bars and maintain a "family" community.
Implement and improve the Sherriff's Department so that it can effectively deal with drugs known in the
county.
Better planning for growth and it's impact on roads, schools, welfare, & quality of life.
Crime prevention, outlaw police monitoring devices and more police.
Put more Sherriffs on staff and try to stop drugs in the county.
Less government, less development.
Halt subdivisions until and as facilites come on line for any subdivision of more than 3 lots. County officials
must assume fiscal responsibility- raise money and build public buildings without bond issues. Cease matching
funds just because they are available, match only with needs.
County residences & property owners should have the opportunity to buy beach tags south of Corolla &
allowed on the beach. Money from this should go to protection of the environment and county services.
Would limit amount of traffic on beach & allow quads, trikes, & beach vehicles with proper tags.
Better roads.
Provide sewage and drainage. Also improve fire/EMT services for existing sub -divisions and developments.
We also need major hospital and health services in Currituck County. Increase law enforcement services to
keep peace with development and tourism.
More officers so that the area north of Corolla can be monitored more to keep cars off the dunes and ATVs
off dunes.
Efforts should be made to concentrate develop in particular locations or particular tracts of land by developing
a system for the purchase and sale of development rights as they relate to specific tracts there by compensating
land owners to sell development rights, allow developers who purchase the rights greater density. In doing so,
open space areas can be preserved and more amenities can be required in subdivision with higher density.
More specific and controlled activities for senior citizens. Developers should pay a premium for any business
activity. (Impact fee) Make natural gas available for home heating.
The farmland in the county is a natural for golf course development and the accompanying housing could be
for retired folks without school age children. The county should make an effort to attract more golf on the
mainland. Provide adequate water supply.
Planting of trees and shrubs along all major highways wherever possible.
Control Virginia and out of state traffic. Don't stop it, just control it.
Billboards are not attractive, especially when not regularly maintained.
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Teach children what side of the road to walk on and enforce it by law. Keep dogs on own property.
As a tax payer, one without a vote, I feel we get very little for the money we pay. I'd like to see more
lifeguards on the beach and more vehicle control on the beach in particular. Cars travel much too fast on the
beach around people, children and pets. We need to be able to turn in license numbers and get a response.
Better police service in lower Currituck County.
Keep it the way it is.
Improve quality of law enforcement. Improve trash service. Restrict recreational driving on beaches. Remove
businesses activities from beaches and wildlife areas, i.e., ATV, gliders, and rental horses. Public disclosure
of dist. of tax revenures collected & spent enclose in taxes.
The leash law should be throughout the county. Until the quality of people and family life improve there is
not much you can do to improve life in Currituck. I have been here since 1972 and have seen the quality of
life continue to decline and I believe it has nothing to do with any lack of zoning laws, but has to do with new
people in the county and the way they live their lives.
Allowing permanent residents to have garbage pickup service.
Too much law is no good. Respect people's property rights.
Mandatory countywide waterland sewage. See Myrtle Beach, Pawley Island, Surfside, Murrels Inlet area "S.C.".
Widen N.C. roads secondary such as 1142 to 20' instead of 15'. 20' pavement required in subdivision entrance
roads. More business and industry.
Currituck County needs to develop its plan that allows an orderly development of Corolla/Corova. The tourist
industry will dominate the rural aspect of Currituck if allowed to go at it's current rate. The all weather tourist
industry can pay for major improvements in quality of life.
Limiting and controlling development of the Outer Banks to preserve the natural character of the environment
such as: zoning of minimum size lots no less than 1/2 acre. Water should be trucked in for swimming pools
and hot tubs. Reduce traffic generating uses on the Outer Banks.
Improved trash pickup north of Corolla. Now there is no approved way to dispose of old couches,
refrigerators, etc.
Do a better job of protecting the environment and remember that Currituck was once a sportsman paradise.
Thanks to our local government no more. Of course, we must not forget the greed of a few non -government
individuals.
Actively seeking to establish a central recreation complex similar to United Way Family Centers for residents
to use, particularly in the Barco area. Better support of public library. Better cooperation with Humane
Society in support ofleash laws.
Keep it as it is please!
Have people who live in developments keep their dog and cats in their own yard!
Improve the school system. Greaten hunting restrictions. Increase animal control. Another county bank.
Help in restoring washed out beaches. Protect dunes already established and creating more done protection
for ocean front.
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Allow more rapid development of northern Currituck, Outer Banks.
Widen route 12. A second bridge in Corolla is needed. .
Do not enlarge government. Do not build large expensive government buildings. Keep the country atmosphere.
I like the idea of building more for job purposes; however, the country setting is still very important.
The road north from Corolla to Virginia state line. Giving property owners priority access to the beach to
4-wheel up to their property. Proper zoning to protect and enhance property values.
We have too much low end housing and this attracts folks that do not really help the quality of life in our
county.
Instead of building expensive architectural schools, build educational facilities on minor subdivision restrictions.
We are running costs so high that average consumers cannot afford to pay prices.
Make public water and sewage available to all households, if possible. We are looking forward to the new
bridge.
Let's see the county pay for some recreational facilities on the beach!! Like some of that occupancy tax they
collect over here 6040
Currituck is too strict on single -wide trailers. A lot of young families starting out and retired couples can get
single-wides and put them on lots and they'd be just as nice as double-wides. This has never made sense to
us. We are born and raised residents.
Don't allow dog -hunting in Currituck. Hunters are standing along side of roads with guns and it doesn't look
too good nor is it safe.
Street lights in the new developments. There are too many trailers (for kids) at Moyock Elementary School!
The school is too small.
Build a road north from the existing road up to at least Swan Beach.
Limit the building of multi -home developments to at least 3 acres per lot and keep it that way.
With present school building program and aging population, school facilities should be less problems. The
county should be zoned mostly for quiet, residential, environmentally protected area with businesses in small
spots of high density, not scattered along the main highway.
Restrict marginal businesses such as used car sales and encourage major employers (i.e. Food Lion, Wal-Mart,
etc.) to build in the county.
Bridge to Currituck County & Outer Banks.
County wide sewer.
Better law enforcement programs.
A road is needed at north beach in back of the dunes to protect the beach. Restrict the beach traffic.
Decrease the population.
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Police the rules!
It needs more doctor's offices or a place you can go to for help. Needs more fire department help and
equipment (ambulances,etc.)
911 (emergency response). Mandate 24 hour emergency services, i.e., fire department. Not all volunteers.
You evaluate property much above its real value intentionally overtaxing property owners.
If a policy of regulated growth is implemented, then allows the growth to occur, and allows auxillary facilities
to materialize, i.e., sewage treatment and extended water supply.
Allow people to use their land without so many restrictions. Zoning and restrictions, etc., are responsible for
many homeless people in our country.
Regular public transportaion. Buses to stop and pick passengers up at their residence.
A recreation center for the youth.
More types of recreations like bowling alleys, movie theaters, roller skating rinks, etc. Not just outdoor
recreation.
Concentrate the development in designated areas. Preserve the remaining areas by leaving them in their
natural state.
Need to have more recreational areas and activities for the children of all ages.
This is very much needed and strongly support effort to obtain these goals.
No more used car lots. Attract new car dealers. Insist on natural barriers in front of automobile cemeteries.
Do not permit strobe lights.
On the Outer Banks: put a bike lane along route 12, improve the trash collection and make the sound
accessable.
Reduce local government expenses and bureaucracy.
Protect the wild horses north of Corolla. No northern paved roads. Develop the Whalehead Club and
Currituck Lighthouse into a public park and facility.
The county water.
Install a sewage system.
There should be an independent garbage pick-up to pick up at homes and the individual propety owner pays
for it.
Have some shopping centers come in then we would not be supporting Virginia.
Parks and recreations for youth and children.
Schools: With over 50% of county taxes going to the schood board, Currituck should have some of the best
schools in the state. Management of school funds should be revised and there should be tighter controls on
spending.
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Great thought should be put into types of housing and where they are to be located.
A good restaurant in Coinjock area.
Stop bringing in outside residents. Have brought in children that have had a bad effect on our children. In
just the last 5 years the discipline has become a horrible problem. Example, fights, drugs, and language, etc.
Good reputation is long gone.
Clean up #158 eyesores (shacks bad signs). Professional oversight regarding school -board, etc. Flexibility
regarding building permits. Recreational facilities for youth! County push for public access areas to water,
scenic sites etc. Smaller lot sizes/better site plans
Restrict the traffic north of Corolla to landowners and their guests. I have a seasonal residence in Carova and
the beach has too much traffic with no destination. The 4-wheel mania must stop!
We need paid firefighters in Knotts Island and funds for the fire department, rescue squad and improvement
of law enforcement.
Growth will occur if the market demands it. Growth, however, can be directed to certain areas with some
county development ordinance, most of which already exists.
Slow the growth in Currituck County
Please build a large chain grocery store.
Spend more time and money on mainland Currituck, to slow tourist down. Attractions should never have
changed where Albermarle Museum was originally going to be. Commissioners spend too much time and
emphasis on beach property.
At least one public boat ramp in lower county from Jarvisburg south to Saint Harbor.
The strand of beach I travel to and from work on was my beautiful route of peace. Now during most of the
months, it has become a nightmare. We at the north beach need desperately to restrict traffic to permits in
order to save the beach, the dunes, the wildlife. Please hear our cry for help.
Better Roads.
Prohibit mobile homes and parks. Seek to attract large houses on large tracts of land.
A car/boat wash.
Don't .... the farmer for being the backbone of Currituck in the past.
We need a public ramp on the Albemarle Sound. There is not one place to put a boat in south of the bridge
to the end of the peninsula, 20 miles!
I have not been in the county for years.
Its slower growth.
Start a daycare center for people who work evening and nights. Street lights would benefit everyone on those
dark, lonely, stretches of road.
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Improve the roads. Widen them from the southern shores to Corolla for safety purposes and an easier route
out in case of an emergency. Open up the outlet to Norfolk by way of a new bridge.
Lower the prices of land and allowing single wides to be put on land. Allow you to do whatever you want on
your own land once you purchase it.
Door to door trash pick-up and recycleables. Hasten a bridge to Corolla.
Recognize the benefits (financially and otherwise) of the "non -mainland" parties of the county and put more
money into them.
Enforce the abandoned vehicle law. Punish those who break the law - don't give them suspended sentences.
More effective police patrolling.
Careful planning so as not over growing the area.
New industries if chosen to "fly with the environment" - growth should be managed not stopped.
The tax base would best increase by bringing interesting businesses and industry to Currituck. More housing
without industry only brings more Virginians in to live but they still work and shop in Virginia. Residents
alone can't support the needed money for schools that will be required with residential growth. We need
industry and retail businesses first, before rapid housing growth.
The rural farms are polluting the sound. Protecting the shallow water of the sound is critical to the county.
Stop the drugs in Gibbs Wood.
When developing Currituck, do not build houses so close. Leave people some space and trees. Do not close
them in. That is why they come here.
A grocery store is needed. A bowling alley would be nice. Widening the road is a good idea. Please, for
future children's sake improve the school systems. i.e. more educational fieldtrips, updated worksheets and
books. My child had worksheets from 1970! Some teachers should be investigated and dismissed (Mrs. Griffin
who says she's just staying until she can retire, and is very nasty to students.)
Allow airport development, shopping malls and colleges!
Remove the billboards from the roadside.
All adjacent property owners should be notified by mail on all proposed commercial development. This is
supposed to be the policy now so we understand but it was not carried out in a recent development joining
our property.
Shopping is 1 12 hours away, we need some type of upper scale shopping.
A leash law.
Build the new bridge.
Clean up. Get rid of filthy run down, falling down trailers and houses. Don't you have a building code???
Enforce it!
Avoid what happened to Dare County south of milepost 10 to 14 and from 18 on.
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Make sure to plan carefully. Development codes should follow the master plan. Protect as much of the
wildlife and character of the county.
Watch commercial growth i.e. fast food, strip shopping, etc!
Change from the septic tank to a county sewage system.
Extend county water lines all the way south to the bridge.
Preserve the beaches.
Improve the police and fire protection on the Outer Banks and work to find adequate water sources for the
development which has already been approved.
Attempt to influence the widening of route 168 on the Virginia side through legislators in Raleigh.
Build the third bridge!!
Currituck County was once sportman's paradise, now with the development we're running out of space.
Reduce the use of pesticide run-off into our sound waters and bring back more animal life, prevent
construction which require the cutting down of our trees.
Making it affordable for low income families to hook-up to the water line.
There are no public recreational areas in Currituck County. This is a must- children have no place to go.
Need restaurants, shopping and a variety of banks.
Improve highways. Leash law in subdivisions. Keep development down. Maintain rural atmosphere. Protect
Sound and it's areas.
A real grave concern by elected officials as to what we the people see as needed improvements not what some
New York analyst says we need.
To create more jobs that pay good so I can find a job in Currituck County. To build shopping centers and an
emergency center like a patient first in Moyock.
We need a high school on the north end of the county. 18 miles is too far to go to school. It's hard to be
involved as a parent in the activities. We need door to door trash pick up, a paid fire department and a police
de-partment.
I feel to keep Currituck a county, we should slow down on building, preserve the woods for the wildlife that
we do have in Currituck. Stop trying to turn Currituck into a city with all the building of new homes and
stores.
Discipline in school. Teachers can't teach and students can't learn in a no discipline environment. Teachers
can't even protect themselves from abuse by students in Currituck.
The roadside beautification. The Currituck Thank You signs are great.
Provide services and access to the outer banks north of Corolla.
Improve water quality in the county water system.
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More stores.
Provide excellent school facilities for students.
The farmland cannot support the growth of Currituck.
Develop a program for the young people (teenagers). There is currently nothing for them to do in Currituck
County.
Keep the commercial areas compact in certain areas along the highway i.e. Grandy, rather than all the way
from Moyock to Harburger.
Do away with puds, stick to 12 acre lots, this was what the people wanted on the outer banks. The last land
use planning survey was not followed; now look at it. All the so called open space has been filled with houses
and you can't support the water and sewer requirements.
We definately don't need housing units/apartments. I would like to see what open/swampland is left and leave
it alone. Protect the environment of Currituck. That's why I moved and retired here.
We desperatley need strict and more law enforcement! Drugs are taking over the county. Clean up the drugs
and crime and we will have a beautiful place to live and raise our children. Involve parents!
Halt the growth until public services can catch up regarding: schools, water, fire protection and public safety.
There are in some cases a need to be able to have single -wide mobile homes. If a person owns land it is a
shame to have to go in a trailer park.
File a questionnaire concerning character and financial status before allowing people to purchase property in
the county. Also their age and family size.
Less control in people's life and property by Currituck County.
Would like to see a plan implemented to keep public traffic from using the beaches as a thoroughfare and also
to build an all weather road for property owners north of Corolla. Both would help preserve the environment
and the natural shoreline.
More jobs for the younger people. More law enforcement or get rid of these car sales along the highway
(Looks terrible).
Enforce all zoning restrictions. This has not been done (Grandy, North Carolina, Walnut Island, has become
horrible). Drugs, junk cars, old trail-ers moved in, (small) additions are done without permits and nothing is
done about it. Drugs are known to be sold and nothing is being done. I purchased a lot in 1972 and three
more later. When I retired I planned to build a nice place in Walnut Island. It was nice there until subsidized
rents (trailers) that brought in law breakers, drugs, etc. began. Now I am trying to sell out and get out. I've
been to many meetings with county officials. Nothing has improved as promised.
I believe we need to ease our zoning and solicit commercial development, i.e. shopping centers, grocery, drug
and dry cleaning stores. Charge a user fee to pay for needed schools water, etc.
I like Currituck County and I'll say again and again the Sherriff's Department needs a Sheriff and Deputy that
cares.
Remove the billboards from the roadside.
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I think the wealthy persons building the expensive homes should pay their share of taxes instead of raising on
my trailer to offset their taxes.
Keep the paths/walkways over the dunes clean. Please do not let the wealthy developers ruin every acre with
new subdivisions. Let the County Council stand up for the county.
Take care of what you have before you try for more.
Remove the pig parlor on.the highway. The central sewage. Improve the drinking water as it is bad.
I feel that charging $90.00 for trash disposal a year for property owners who are only at their property 4-5
times a summer is too much.
Better control of speed limits particulary in Grandy.
I live in Moyock and they closed the drug store. We need a Food Lion and at least a drug store.
Enforced spot zonings a must to protect residential areas from industry & commercial property. Route 158
should not be one continuous long commerical corridor. Keep some towns with rural atmosphere interspersed
with commercial tracts. Provide compensation to retain farms, countryside.
Improve water quality and quantity to the Outer Banks area, especially Corolla and North Corolla. .
Stop the idiotic school board spending, implement new user impact fees, stop duplicating county services on
the outer banks and hire a dozen more deputies.
County -wide ordinance banning loose dogs and 4-wheeler ATVs and dirtbikes in residential neigborhoods.
Cut down in spending and reduce the taxes.
The beauty of the Sound itself at times is indescribable, but environmental monitoring could be strenghtened
to provide Currituck County with the best recreational facility possible. Please pay heed to the development
of Corolla/Duck area - it has affected the sound greatly.
I feel the best thing about Currituck county where I live in Carova Beach is the lack of development and I
want to keep it that way.
New land purchases should be stopped. Use already purchased land and build on to existing schools.
Install more street lights especially at turn offs along highways 168 & 158.
Higher density zoning for developments, along with improvements in availability of water and sewage disposal,
which will greatly increase the tax base and in turn improve living conditions.
The rural character of the county can be preserved and still allow development with proper development
controls.
Stop growth.
Water quality and sewage treatment are seriously inadequate considering growth that has been occurring
particularly on the Outer Banks.
Carefully control business permits for flea markets, etc., in order to present a better roadside appearance for
permanent residents and tourists passing through. A county ordinance to force existing productive businesses
to maintain some neatness of appearance.
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Currituck needs to slow down its growth commercially.
There is nothing that gets done on our side most of the time.
The water and sewage.
New industries are not clear enough a question. Non -manufacturing businesses would be ok. Example, prison.
More recreational facilities for children and young adults.
How can you keep growth to a minimum? While saving farmland - bring industry - shopping - housing variety.
I would never approve all the developments until you could increase schools, police, fire, and all the needed
government services that come with growth. You need to implement those first and then allow limited
development. You need industry then housing, but that's not the way it works and we all know that!
I would like to see a trash/garbage pick up service integrated into a public works system.
Water quality in the sounds, creeks, and wetlands. Protect from sewage and surface pollution.
Provide a county park with a play area.
I've been waiting 20 years for a Food Lion. Moyock has the largest concentration of people and the least is
provided for us.
Improve the roads, ditches, drainage, and power line.
Save our children! The shool officials and teachers need backing from the law enforcement officers to rid the
schools of drug pushers/dealers. Law enforcement officers should arrest members of the wealthy families who
are involved in drugs.
Bring more jobs in Currituck Co. so people will not have to go outside of county to make a living.
We are still waiting for county water!! It has been so many years we have given up hope!
More help for senior citizens. Upper Currituck has vans to take them to the nut site, lower Currituck doesn't.
Do not let so many trailer double or single wides come in.
The school system is terribly overcrowded.
The rapid growth in the Deich area has ruined the natural beauty. It could be like living in Disney World!
Provide entertainment or sports or hobbies for young people growing up in the community so that they don't
turn to violence, vandalism or drugs. Instead, let them be proud of the community.
The need for bike paths can not be over emphasized! Except for winter months traffic is dangerous to both
motorist and pedestrians. Sudden stops and start impede traffic flow.
1.Adequate fire protection. 2.Promoting organic farming procedures to protect our ground water and air.
3.Better animal welfare (spelled Humane Society) support from county.
Bowling, movies and a recreation center for residents but charge a fee to visitors. Outdoor concerts and races .
too.
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Spend the tax dollars received in the area the tax dollars came from. Taxation without representation is
unconstitutional, but taxation without thought to spending those dollars on a pro -rated basis from whence they
came is reprehensible.
Require stricter dog laws. Too many dogs run free.
Large farm across the road (168) from Roland Creek Road #1347, drain on said road years ago filled in a
ditch when they logged and before they sold the land, namely Ferrel Brothers.
Expand the school system; building the zoning as not to overcrowd.
Better. enforcement of game hunting law.
Stop catering to the whims and wishes of private developers. Stop allowing backdoor policies to pressure
commissioners into granting developer's rezoning.
We need a water system in the southern mainland desperately! Our well water is below average.
If development must occur, preserve the woodland and open farmland. Do not allow development to occur
and overburden communities with increased taxes that some people cannot afford.
More growth off 168 with access limited. Commercial and residential zoning areas.
Get that bridge built.
I still remember the $50 paid in the eighties for "city water". Remove commercial advertising bill boards from
Highway 158.
I think if something was done to control the tourist traffic Currituck County would be an enjoyable place to
live again.
Recruiting new industries if environmentally sound. No hog farms as we see what they have done to rivers
and sounds in other parts of North Carolina.
Reduce traffic. Slow the speed of traffic off of the main roads. Slow the rate of commercial development.
Provide water for areas of the county who have problem obtaining good drinking water due to iron content,
etc. (eg., Gibbs Woods, Knotts Island)
Better management of money spent for public facilities. A decrease in personal property tax.
Trash festivals can be an incentive for clean-ups if entertainment is suitable for residents of retired ages and
food is of appropriate quantity and quality. Do not hire musicians who look and perform like prisoners at a
police lineup.
Do not jam too many homes in an area.
No more development, leave it as it is!
Make more jobs available to Currituck County persons.
Provide more things to do for retired people. Provide communities for retired people only - such as Florida
has done.
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Set up more refuges or have a state park on the sound or river, and stay on Virginia about route 168 (four
lane; North Carolina has done their part).
We need more people in the sheriff's department. There are too many break-ins and no investigation
department.
Crack down on the sale of illegal drugs! Establish and enforce ordinances requiring upkeep in appearance
of property -especially residential. Establish curbside trash/garbage pick-up.
I am sorry I can not answer more questions. For over forty years my husband and one or two of the children
enjoyed weekends and weeks of quiet and fishing at Knotts Island. The people were all so friendly and kind
to us. We had planned to retire on Knotts Island. My aunt gave us land in Chesterfield to be near her.
Some services should be looked at periodically to determine if they are cost effective. (Meals for senior
citizens, etc.)
Slow down new home construction south of Corolla. Too many rentals for the market. Real estate agents
forecast 20-22 weeks of rental, but most people get 14-16 weeks. This creates a large negative cash flow and
leads to unhappy property owners.
You should leave old barns and buildings that are aged but not dilapidated.
The three lot limit for building restrains owners who only have one or two lots in a development. A central
sewage system would be able to relieve this restriction.
I like the county like it is!
Get rid of drugs.
Please- there should be a job created for an inspector to drive through Currituck, especially the back roads
and issue warnings to remove trash, junk cars, etc.
Build the bridge. Improve the water supply. Prohibit secret builders fees charged by developers or require
disclosure.
Improve the training or oversee the quality of training of the fire department volunteers.
Mid county bridge. Low density development Moyock. Orient development and services mid -county.
To be honest, we will not be in this area in about 8 years. We will retire where we will be fairly certain taxes
will not be a major expense. We have worked hard to make sure we have funds for this. The tax base in this
area continues to increase.
County officials should be more in touch with the needs of people of the county and not special interest groups
or themselves.
Allow large communities to incorporate. It's all too much for 5 commissioners to handle. Allow billboards for
more local businesses.
Less restrictive to new businesses and environmentally acceptable industry. More restrictive to new residential
subdivisions.
More law enforcement to get a handle on the huge drug problems on the mainland.
Lower taxes and repeal trash disposal fee.
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Table 41: Other than those listed above, what steps do you think the Board of Commissioners should take
concerning growth and development in Currituck County?
Again, law enforcement isn't mentioned. Before we can provide housing and businesses we need to upgrade
to a police department.
To consider growth only for the benefit of present citizens as a whole, and not for the benefit of a few
developers and speculators.
Require impact fees for the police, schools, the fire department, rescue, etc. on a clear formula (per dwelling).
Also buses so developers can factor that cost into each unit.
Public water system to Outer Banks. Too much development in Outer Banks with no central water system.
If you want all of the above move to the city! Look into creating jobs for the residence of this county that
pays more than $4.25 an hour.
Minimize.
Environmental issues were not addressed. We need to preserve!!
Building better services and better planning. As the county grows, commissioners should adjust their way of
thinking to accommodate that growth. Be fle:able. Let's clean up the junk, mobile home parks, and look
toward the next century, not backwards.
Should not allow anymore development on the Outer Banks until a source of water is available. Should
encourage the development of hotel, motel, and other recreational development that does not impact the
schools and other facilities.
Replace the county planning director.
There should be a moretorium on the rampant mass development occuring on the outer banks. Currituck
needs to preserve its most precious reserve before it disappears under a mass of beach houses and condos as
it has in Dare.
Water! Stop allowing larger developers to have their way! Pine Island, Monterey Shores, and Ocean Hill.
Do not let anymore subdivisions be built in the county, just single residents
Provide a larger variety of restaurants; Oyster Bar, Pizza Hut, Steak House etc.
Environmental areas should have first consideration but a choice should be given to all who want to live here.
We will not be a tourist attraction like the Outer Banks but we should look attractive enough to garner
revenue from out-of-towners.
Stop all development county wide.
Before a development is approved, careful consideration should be made to ensure that the people who will
live there have access to adequate facilities to maintain a higher standard of living.
Very concerned about the inadequate fire protection and the increasing astronomical cost of homeowners
insurance. I also wonder about the "good oleboy" network in the law enforcement area. Children need
recreational faci-lities and I fear these will not appear until it is too late for mt children. More access by water
to the Outer Banks for mainland residents.
87
Encourage business and industry to locate here. Encourage retirement communities. Encourage growth.
Increase the tax base. Improve public facilities and improve schools.
Questions 1 & 2 do not take into consideration water runoff.
Crime prevention.
Levy heavy fees as per expected impact. Have fees placed in interest escrow until all funds are available for
new facilities. Discourage large areas of industry and manufacturing - disperse them throughout the county.
Schools. Garbage. Roads.
For every new development requiring above criteria, the county should require an older development(s) to
receive the same which would improve and increase its value and be more appealing.
Build a second bridge and reduce the traffic.
Consider issuing a permit or charging a fee to drive on the beach.
Try to get some light industries in Currituck County.
Media coverage of developers intent and follow up to insure strict compliance. Provide natural gas for home
consumption.
Don't change impact fee so great that the average home builder can't hook on to the water.
Do not allow outsiders, i.e., city slickers to tell us how to run and develop the county.
Growth and development are necessary and healthy if done cautiously and wisely. New developers need to
include things such as additional public services needed to support development. The county is having a hard
enough time now meeting those needs with no new development.
Slow development. Use same rules for all development, such as Perk Tests, wet lands, etc.
We don't need the look of the big city with sidewalks and street lights and high taxes. If you do, you will not
have a growth problem, we will all just move to the big city.
Emergency facilities to grow, i.e., fire, first aid, etc.
Take steps to make pet owners keep their pets on their property. A 40,000 foot lot should be big enough for
their pets to roam on without turning them loose on the neighborhood. There are entirely to many crab pots
in the sound.
The more growth, the more taxes will be paid. Currituck has too many lower income residents, let higher
income individuals come into the area to offset the lower income. It will improve our services.
Be happy that people want to move to your area. Don't make the new folks do things that you did not have
to do when you moved there!
Waterland sewage as in #11. Also widen secondary roads as in #11. Bulkhead roads boardered by water.
Improve current water supply and treatment - too hard now. Require all utilities to be underground including
those existing along roads.
Closely monitor development that encrouches on wetlands or shoreline. Keep these areas public if possible.
88
A comprehensive development plan for Corolla - Corova that preserves the wilderness character but allows
the development of tourist destinations of high quality.
A large protion of the taxes collected in Currituck County is generated from the homeowners of the Northern
Outer Banks (as we understand approximately 85%). A consideration should be given to the taxpayers whose
needs have been ignored. Ex Water, building, natural habitat.
I'm not so much interested in the new developments as I am in the old substandard area of Currituck. i.e.,
run down old houses and trailer parks.
Stop most of the growth.
Before changes are made in development code, conduct a public opinion poll of residents of Currituck County.
We moved to Moyock to get away from apartments that were built around our area. Apartments bring people
who cause problems. I don't want apartments built in Moyock!
Recreation for the children.
The beach is one of the county's most important assets. Beach development is very important for the future.
Have some system of cleaning up roads.
Pay as you go without bonds.
Doing the same for older communities. To improve is always helpful even for the worst community.
I have never seen a county anywhere where there is not one identifiable industry or plant for folks to work
in. Why is that?
I feel that growth should not be curbed, that the time spent on this should be allocated on how to deal with
the situation and use it to an advantage.
Before more growth, be sure there's enough schools and services to accomodate.
School Bus for outer banks.
Put a stop light at Pudding Ridge Road and the 168 intersection for the Quail Run development.
Currituck County needs more family fun activities; bowling, theatre, etc. Concentrate on possible marketing
techniques to bring in more industry in this area along with shopping centers.
I don't know about current plans as we only own lots which we haven't seen in 20 years.
Water and sewer for all new developments. Also, fencing for the playground for the kids of the new
development.
Zone for business. Encourage cleanup -water and land. Provide natural habitat areas and encourage more.
Provide a good water supply-R.O. not wells. Provide a good waste treatment, not outdated solutions.
Follow the rules!
Lower tax assessment.
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I think that regulations now under consideration will seriously affect the ability of local people to sell their land
for development. Several local people would like to do this! Including me!
Use common sense and let people build what they can afford as long as they meet sensible sanitary and
environmental practices.
We need more industry in the county in order to provide more job opportunities.
Overall drainage should be considered and address who is responsible for future maintainance of drainage
ditches.
Increase developers fees all around!
Have development pay for the impact on county services up front.
Set aside more public recreational areas and water access.
Be sure all parts of the county benefits from expenditures. 98% of the money and attention go to the north
end of the county and Outer Banks. The whole county paid for a water system to benefit the northern people
in power!
Be mindful of the heritage of Currituck as it elates to the rural form community, its natural surroundings and
the Currituck Sound. And always, please put the interest of the people here now first to eliminate catch 22
situations.
Do not permit business (or any) driveway close to street intersections, i.e., 7-11 at 158 and Walnut Island Blvd.
Be flexible on regulations.
Allow no multi -unit housing projects. Do not encourage more low income housing - the county is full of this
type.
Continue to seek input (such as this survey) from county taxpayers.
Avoid high density housing. Obtain water rights from Virginia Beach for Lake Gaston sufficient to support
growth.
Install sewage system.
Provide industry - seek to bring in more shopping, restaurants, and hotels.
Farmland should be preserved; it's some of the richest soil in the country. Development should stop until the
county drafts a comprehensive plan that emphasizes and preserves its rural character.
Have minimal and maximum amount to be spent on individual dwellings in the different done components.
Don't know about requiring curbs because that is dependent upon elevations, topography, etc. Impact fees for
services would be dependent upon Outer Banks b/c would be in excess of resident average.
Limit growth to certain corridors of the county. Wide spread/scattered growth is most costly.
One acre or more for new homes and no townhouses, condos or strip malls.
We need sewage system in order to get new businesses. .
90
Possible cost of house sales.
Please put some regulations on businesses that use the stretch of beach between Corolla and Caravas. I have
watched trucks and 34 wheelers tear down dunes in 1 week of summer. A lot of people want to drive their
4 wheel drives on the beach but they don't care shape they leave beach in.
They should support access by water (i.e. bridges, etc.) or roads as opposed to beach access only to the Carova
Beach area in the northern part of the county.
Eliminate mobile homes and parks.
Hire a qualified county manager to guide the county in the proper direction to manage growth suitable for
Currituck. The Commissioner should be a policy board not a county managing board.
Put street lights on Knotts Island.
Impact fees need to be reasonable while at the same time encouraging quality development.
Slow development so Currituck does not share with Chesapeake and Virginia Beach their problem with water,
overpopulations, etc.
Stop all sub -divisions until our school, police, fire and rescue can accomodate what we already have here.
The right step.
Extreme importance of specific planning and judgement before development.
Pave road completely not partially.
Advertise more to attract tourists, then 1% goes right to the bottom line.
Close the loop holes in the laws that allow people to do as they want to, e.g., see rules are followed.
I think they should consider something for children and teens because if they have something to do (a game
room etc.) they will get in a lot less trouble.
Until industry comes into Currituck County there is no need for massive housing development.
Don't allow "junk" development, such as go-kart tracks, water slides and jet -ski operations. Support resturants,
retail shops, etc.
Build so younger people can afford housing without moving into apartments or slums around the area.
I do not think any more developments should be started until more schools are built in Currituck County. The
elementary school is very overcrowded. Some students are crammed in single -wide trailers.
Enforce noise ordinances. Enforce stray dog ordinances. Enforce better police protection throughout the
county.
Anything to encourage growth on the Outer Banks.
Think about and consider the income of existing Currituck County residents, availability of higher paying jobs
and the abilities to occupy those jobs.
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Carefully evaluate the impact of improving the quality of development to the point that the average person
can't afford to live in the county. While Corolla is really beautiful, the housing prices have priced many good
homeowners out of the market.
Watch public beach access by others not part of private community. Watch development in wildlife areas -soon
there will be none!
Attract more business.
As the commissioners think about future development I hope they will keep in mind their obligation to current
property owners.
Require dedication by developers for school sites where possible and where headed.
Build the third bridge!!!
Myself, I think development should stop. The county supported itself 15 and 20 years ago without
development.
Let's get home builders to put in developments the proper roads and sidewalks. Improve the lighting system
in streets. Keep these people from destroying the forest and our wetlands.
Increase minimum lot sizes. Make developers pay their share of cost of schools, county services, recreation.
No more trailer parks. Make tax department access developers full asking price, that they are aksing for their
lots.
To have county trash pick-up. To build apartments for senior citizens. To bring some kind of recreation
center or YMCA for the kids.
Pets should be contained (restrained by their owners) in all subdivisions.
We need recreational areas. The gym types for our kids. It must be run by the Agriculture Extension office
or hired out.
Keep us informed of new changes.
Large lots do not control growth they just take up more land and reduce the value of land. This is a ridiculous
way to grow.
Treat all development equal and according to zoning laws. Quit changing in the middle of the stream to
accommodate certain people.
Let the individual decide. He or she is the one that's going to live there, etc.
We need places to work in Curtituck. Keep our money in our county. We need more and better law
enforcement. We do not have enough manpower to cover the county.
Suggest that a study be conducted on how the county could supply water to all who live within the area, ground
water contamination has been caused by increased waste water from the ever increasing development.
Available housing and services must match the ability to pay if economic growth is to occur.
A development of 200 lots. Anything larger would surely make it difficult to supply water, etc., as well as
crime protection and overcrowding our schools.
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Be a resident of Currituck county for five years before becoming eligible to purchase property. School children
entering the county by development or otherwise shoud pay a impact school entrance fee yearly of $500.00 for
five years.
Try to stop it.
If new development has all these new rules, what effect would it have on the old ones that do not have shut
light and the other. Would the old development taxes go up for the new? People can't live if taxes keep going
up. There has to be a line drawn, lot of people live on fixed income.
I agree with the concern for new growth and there should be, but first we need a board of commissioners to
clean up what has happened in the past and the state of North Carolina to come down on them if they don't.
No one wants to live (invest) in or build near an area that has become trashed. This can be done with proper
leadership and law enforcement.
Require developers to share cost of main roads to be widened outside of developments such as Dozus Road,
Brumsey Road. Building code shoudl be changed to 16" center on all buildings.
Regarding number 13 (open space development) We agree with providing park type areas as long as all the
trees and plants are not destroyed. Use old farm land if available.
Require all new developments to have adequate recreational areas put in as they are being built. Make sure
it is done and done right.
Put in street lights and develop the already existing water plan.
Better road signs for turn offs of 158 into side roads, particulary at night.
Growth is ineviatble; it's critical to develop variety - lot sizes, industry & farms, otherwise if whole county has
no variety, boredom sets in. I've seen it happen in a lot of communities. Allow lot & houses to beg rouped
& varied to maintain lively atmosphere, differing class & opinions.
Find a solution (feasible) to the water problem (quality and quantity). Improve roads to improve traffic flow
and congestion.
A bond for the schools. It's becoming a bedroom community for the Tide -water and beach areas and has
tourism as a number one industry.
We need more food and drug stores. Also, maybe a park around the Moyock area.
More affordable housing for low to middle class.
Limit the size of development, enforce the noise ordinance, lower the speed limits and allow those who
purchase property for private development 10 to 15 years ago to go ahead and do so. You have legislated me
out of my retirement!
That mainland Currituck is a different sort of place than the Outer Banks of either Dare or Currituck County.
That rampant growth would be detrimental to the character of it.
Assure available water possibly via Lake Gaston and Virginia.
Proceed cautiously with large scale developments. Industry and people defile the land and take more from
the land and area than they can ever return. Make Currituck a model by "care and concern".
pig]
Stop catering to the "big shots" and take all developments as they come. Make all comply to the same rules
and regulations.
Use zoning to set a number of lots per acre. Use physical conditions (soiltyped, utilities available, etc.) to
determine the lot sizes. Place deed restrictions on the balance of property to restrict use to open space,
farmland, etc.
Try stopping so many housing developments. We want this to stay the country not the city. This is a good
place to live now. But moving so many strangers in? I'm scared of what could go wrong.
Avoid Virginia Beach -type development on the outer banks.
It is inevitable that mainland Currituck County will be the bedroom community for the Outer Banks. This
should be encouraged. Recent B of C code changes are anti -growth and should be rescinded.
Some areas for development may not blend in with the sidewalks although they may be a good idea with
development (but should be predicated on character.) If not already on staff, hire a well qualified planner to
administer the program.
Study before approval.
We have enough growth. Over run schools. Taxes are too high for senior citizens.
I favor slower growth.
Precautions should be taken to guard property becoming so high, natives can't afford to buy property or pay
taxes. Rich outsiders are taking over our county. It's not right for natives and their children to leave the
country home they loved.
Better access to Carova.
In reference to the above, support or new support to the 4 issues listed would depend much on the kind of
development area. Needs to be economically feasible.
I strongly suggest implementing a toll at Southland in order to generate funds for the county. If we do not
do this, Chesapeake will and then we will be losing out all the way. It can be done if you take appropriate
steps. We will be stuck if Chesapeake does it first.
Maintain large lots acreage for new home. Quality not quantity. No overcrowding. A few good homes. Open
area. Public access to sounds and ocean front parking and bath houses.
Protect the environment, water, wetlands and woodlands. No lot size should be under one acre.
Quit worrying about the tourists and be concerned about the residents. Frankly, I don't give a damn about
the tourists.
Better fire protection. Roads and drainage programs.
Somehow what you do to the new developers you are doing to lifetime people of this county, either
grandfather lifetime residents or people who have lived here all their lives, so they will not be penalized for
new development coming in this county.
Have sense enough to know that where you put 8 or more double wides trailers on a piece of land that it is
a trailer park.
94
(Community gyms and pools.
The proposed mid -county bridge, while having many advantages, will completely chang the character of the
Northern Banks! Crime will increase dramaticlly because it gravitated to areas of easy access. Development
will go out of control and many tourists who come here to get away will be forced to go elsewhere.
1.Limiting "steel buildings" to industrial parks only. 2.Zoning only certain locations as commercial and
industrial (not just because it's on the highway) to control "sprawl".
All strip malls should have public restrooms. The landlord should be responsible as not to stress the store
owners over restroom use to the public. That's the worse thing about Dare County codes.
There should be a way to help older subdivisions upgrade their roads. My community does not have the means
to improve or adequately maintain the roads. Old county subdivision requirements and present Department
of Transportation requirements seen to eliminate any hope of improvement. I don't think that any exceptions
can be made in these cases.
Develop the water system in lower Currituck County.
Retain all quality requirements on new structures.
On lots developed in 1975 why did you approve sand filled drain lines, then amend to 2 lots in a subdivision?
I know it will work and so did Mr. Ralph Hollowell, Edenton, NC Health Department.
Need open space development. Need to change subdivision rules so we won't have this along road
development. Stop this strip development along the roads. It is non-stop houses and then comes 35 mph on
a major road! Why can't they have 1 road from the development to the road?
Limit growth as long as possible or end up looking like Virginia Beach.
Increase the lot size in agricultural zones to 5 acres and not allow any exceptions. Require developers of fifty
lots of more to contribute an ample school site/public park site ... and require the developer to pay $10,000 per
lot for the construction of the school.
Different in seasonal occupancy and year round areas. In a resort area it is unreal to require school to be built
before development. Also curbs and sidewalks depend on traffic on streets.
Restrict access to northern Outer Banks, many days people come there for the days, tear up the beach with
4 wheel drive trucks and ATVs. Create a lot of unwanted traffic and drinking. Very little law enforcement.
Remove delapidated houses and buildings, junk cars, etc.
Protect freshwater acquiters on Currituck Outer Banks.
Install more street lights in/on rural subdivisions which already exist.
Insure that tax rates are equitable between Mainland and Outer Banks. Also water, sewer and trash charges.
Stop it (the growth) all together. Find more recreation for the kids. We have nothing!
The county needs to think of the future -come up to the 20th century regarding development.
Take the growth slow, it's a beautiful county and has some old history. Make sure our waterways, schools and
fire departments can handle the growth. A major grocery store around the stateline on 168 would be very
prosperous.
95
Since building vacation mental houses, taxes have risen sharply and no service has changed for the better. The
outer banks pays more than half of all taxes paid by mainland residents, yet we have no vote or representation
Eliminate mobile homes and parks (mobile).
Provide street lighting in older established residential communities where there is a substantial concentration
of housing such as "Walnut Island".
I think they need to slow the growth down! Our back roads are in need of repair. They are concentrating
on widening 168 and all other roads are being forgotten!! Example-Tulls Creek Road and Dozier Road both
need major work. The county repairs Brunsey Road which is a dead end with no traffic.
Should restrict low income apartments and be consistent when making laws to achieve slower growth.
Ensure there is a water treatment facility for areas on the Outer Banks and less reliance on individual wells.
Make each development support it's own needs.
Stop over building and developing in small areas. No more shopping centers
Maintain, update and improve medical facilities. Organize more outreach i.e. those needing meals, etc.
Maintain and supervise clean up programs- even along back roads -we are the taxpayers!
The number of septic tanks being allowed; the size of a house on the lot; and keeping people and development
off the dunes. i.e. If the home is oceanfront, require that a walkway be built to the beach.
Develop plan - follow for everyone. Utilize soil types. Cluster develop. Centralize growth. Low growth both
ends. High growth central.
I saw in the paper an article on a new ordinance that restricts parking on the streets in the Whalehead area.
I believe the developers should be made to set aside parking areas for people on the beach and be required
to put enough parking areas on rental cottages to accomodate people renting them.
Make it easier for businesses and industry. Need jobs and places to shop. Make it harder for strictly residential
growth.
Developers should have to pay a premium; an impact fee, etc. for demands placed on county -wide water
system.
Begin thought process for traffic problems in the next 15 years. It is going to get rough.
4
70: What do you like most about Currituck County?
The beauty, quiet and off season.
Rural atmosphere.
It's fun to watch the evolution of a 19th century county turn into a 21st century county.
Beaches. Area.
It's a rural community.
It's natural beauty, sand dunes and open beaches.
The water. We enjoy fishing and boating.
The natural areas.
Natural resources. Convenience to ocean and metropolitan Norfolk.
The quietness.
The Atlantic Ocean.
The people.
Location to urban and coastal areas.
Low taxes.
The good quality of life and the beaches.
We love the quieter, more laid-back lifestyle; Currituck cares about the senior citizens.
Rural area.
Off-season on Outer Banks.
That it is a quiet county with a real low crime rate.
I like the fact that everyone knows each other and the friendships based on knowing each other so well.
Central location for beach access and shopping availability. People.
The peacefulness and knowing I live in a community which is safe from drugs and crime.
The clean roads and highways. Fairly quiet country scenery, etc. Overall beautiful county to live in.
If development would slow and law increase protection, it could be a great place to live again.
The outdoors, fishing, hunting and people.
Considerably lower taxes; security in reference to property and bodily harm
The rural nature, low taxes, small government, good schools, outdoor environment and abundance of water.
97
The peace and quiet for our neighborhood.
Being able to hunt, especially with high power rifles.
It's a small community and the peace and quiet.
Rural atmosphere.
What it used to be.
The sound and living on the water. The quiet, the darkness, the stars. Lower crime. No traffic lights, I used
to like the lack of traffic and small schools.
It's not the Outer Banks.
Rural nature and ease of living. Hopefully lower crime rate.
Rural, open space. Not crowded.
The country living.
Fishing and hunting.
It's out of Virginia.
Small population.
The small communities.
The emptyness - no phones and etc.
The ocean.
Remoteness and clean beaches.
It's history.
It's country.
Low crime, low taxes, scenery and space.
The natural environment and the people.
Beach.
It's not a high crime area.
The quiet rural lifestyle. I hope it doesn't change that much.
Good developments on Currituck Beach and the Good Soundfront Developments.
The rural setting.
The quality of life and opportunity.
98
Currituck Sound.
It's beauty. The quiet country but not too far from the cities.
Fishing.
Country setting.
We like the people, natural wildlife, and the water areas.
That it's rural.
Beauty.
Open spaces. I am not in favor of too much development.
Growing.
The peace and quite. Few stoplights.
Rural character. Natural beauty.
Country - like for it to stay that way.
Quiet. Good air. Mild climate. The people.
Ocean. Feeling of openness.
It's a quieter place to live and less congested in the summer.
Rural lifestyle.
The beaches and waterways.
The water.
The way it is now.
Peace and tranquility, good neighbors, Currituck Sound, Food Lion, Dr. Martz, rural setting, safety.
The school system.
Corova.
The Northern Outer Banks. The undeveloped areas and the openess of the areas. Natural beauty and the
wildlife.
As a weekend resident of Carova Beach, we like the remoteness we have there.
The Currituck Sound and what's left of its natural beauty.
Beauty and willingness to accept the new ideal.
Rural atmosphere, yet close to metropolitan areas for cultrual opportunities.
99
It's a fine place to live, low taxes and extremely nice people.
Open space. Property size. Country- in a project.
Rural nature, agricultrral nature.
The wetlands, sounds and agricultural areas.
(Moyock)- rural setting, quiet and peaceful.
There's not too many people or buildings. It's not polluted. I like the wildlife and safety.
Quiet living and low taxes.
Fine vacation spot! Good retirement spot!
Nice quiet place to live.
The high quality of development on the Outer Banks.
The clean environment and slow pace with less dense homesites.
Rural environment.
Country, no big city life.
The country -like atmosphere.
The natural resources.
Country atmosphere.
Country living.
Rural atmosphere. Close to cities in Virginia.
Uncrowded.
I haven't visited in years.
Climate and people.
The beauty of the area, the beaches, golf courses and resturants.
This is my home.
That it is rural.
It's a wonderful place for all. I appreciate the senior citizen building and support!
Water and wildlife.
The rural atmosphere.
Outlet surroundings.
100
We are rural! We want to stay that way.
Location. People. Weather.
Good country living.
The quiet country living.
It's on the water.
The fact that we're not overcrowded -yet!
Fishing, golfing, recreation, and open spaces.
The environment.
Pleasant rural setting fairly close to major urban areas/services.
Rural atmosphere. Low taxes.
Th\residents are warm, friendly people. Very low crime rate. The rural, relaxed lifestyle.
The bit d estuary north of Corolla and the unpaved Corova Beach area.
The q i 't.
The en ' onment.
The water
Fishing on he sound.
Great place
It's location.
The water.
Where I am it is very peaceful in the sound.
Peaceful.
The beach.
How the county s being improved from a very attractive but spoiled area to one in which the natural beauty
can be reestablis ed.
The location and he people.
The county is ne the beach and not too far from Virginia. It's home. I have lived here most of my life.
A sense of wildem ss in non -tourist times.
TIT
The rural atmosphere.
Its location.
Good country living.
Its potential.
The peace and quiet and not living in fear of family's life.
Wildlife and the rural areas.
i
Open, rural atmosphere. /
The rural setting and quality schools.
Tranquility.
Sun - sea- sound.
Location. Weather.
It's rural character.
Rural life style.
I was born, raised and educated here.
The waterfront and close to beach.
Rural areas.
The rural lifestyle.
Quality of life, rural but progressive, low crime, good neighbors.
The outdoor living.
The people and the rural waterfront setting.
It's a wonderful place to live. Fishing and hunting.
Rural farm land.
Rural setting.
A nice, clean, country place.
The growth. The potential that is here. -
Its rural character, yet it is close to the metropolitan of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Country living.
Clean environment and good schools.
102
It used to be not quite so crowded but I guess it's still better than towns.
rural environment
The beaches, hunting and fishing.
'. The country living, atmosphere, low taxes, beaches and wetlands.
Rural and recreational flavor and affordable houses.
Peace - I'm a seasonal home owner
It's not Dare County.
The taxes, land, no city atmosphere and country living.
Undeveloped land and waterways.
The potential.
Taxes were good when we had the dog track. We need another income source.
The rural character.
The land, ocean, beaches so clean and not over crowded.
The people and county. Recreation for kids (i.e. baseball, basketball)
It is a good place to live.
Rural atmosphere, nearby modern amenities, quality of life.
That it is largely unpopulated.
The laid back atmosphere, the ocean, the times in dead of winter when I have peace.
Commercial is in it's place.
Quiet, well maintained and freindly people.
The beaches.
Rural area, untouched by commercialism.
Quiet life on the water near major metropolitan area.
Peace and quiet.
• Quality of living.
The tranquility.
Beaches.
Still trying to stay country.
103
The rural and historic aspects.
Lower rates.
The country living.
Not too many people.
A beautiful place to live if growth will stop.
The feel of country living.
The peace and quiet. That's why I won't move to the city. It's noisy.
They are doing a nice job.
I like the least developed part and the quiet.
The residents.
Living here is safer than the average places you live now a days.
Layed back life style. Small town atmosphere.
It's not commercialized.
Beauty, open spaces and the beaches.
The environment.
The ocean.
Weather.
Small community, rural atmosphere.
The rural lifestyle.
Don't know.
The people are friendlier. It has a rural feel.
Undeveloped -rural nature.
It's peaceful atmosphere.
The fact that it is still rural.
Natural beauty.
The natural resources, the sound and fishing.
The people, the ocean and the sound.
Rural.
or-, I
The rural living and enjoying the sound.
The people and the open land.
It's not too populated.
The wildlife.
It is a beautiful and friendly place to We. I had to move to Ohio and I really miss Currituck County. I wish
I was still there. Even the summer traffic didn't bother me and I lived right off 168.
The quiet, rural lifestyle, access to the Outer Banks and good churches.
The rural atmosphere, sounds, rivers, waterways, fishing and the people.
The rural lifestyle, the school system and the people.
It's quiet and restful.
The beach.
Space, wildlife, privacy when you want it.
The country.
The seashore.
A rural area convenient to urban areas (Norfolk, Chesapeake, etc.) and also the coast (outer banks).
The openess of the country.
A quiet small town atmosphere.
I've lived on the outer bank for 20 years and hope to retire soon to Currituck because it still holds the essence
on eastern North Carolina. I like the open, undeveloped land, the wildlife on the land and the water.
The rural character.
Good living, it's near the ocean and beautiful surrounding areas.
It's rural, the location and the people.
The relaxed informal atmosphere. Fresh air, water and sunshine.
Rural character and lack of commercialism.
The country setting and ducks in my yard.
Rural character. Good quality of life.
The beautiful coastline.
Lower taxes, friendly people.
The rural atmosphere.
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The natural beauty and peacefulness.
The people.
Its rural character and it's one hour from Norfolk.
(Carova) The beach.
I've lived here all my life, it was nice once.
The open spaces and that it is natural.
Fishing and fig trees grow easy. I just love the land.
A quiet, good place for seniors.
The rural atmosphere and it's close to the sounds and the ocean.
County Commissioners really listen and care about citizens. The country and rural life with hunting & fishing
are great.
The rural environment.
Living away from an overpopulated county.
It's my native county where I was born and raised. Also the open space and most of the people.
The country living.
The rural atmosphere.
That Currituck is still a peaceful place, low in crime, and good woods and land for hunting.
It is a beautiful place to live and close to big cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
The Outer Banks.
The casual lifestyle.
Beautiful beaches. Not too commercialized.
The location and historical background. It all started here.
That it is in North Carolina, that it can be kept rural, residential and recreational if Currituck people are
determined.
The peace and serenity on the outer banks.
The relative simplicity of the lifestyle.
The rural atmosphere and open space.
The quiet.
A quiet, country atmosphere.
u.
We need more stores and movies.
Best place to live. Most people are friendly.
The rural area and schools
The history, slow pace and the local people who are down to earth.
The beaches.
The country atmosphere.
The waterways.
The area itself; the people; the water and the weather.
The outer banks commercial and residential building is generally well done but not on the mainland.
The uncrowded living conditions which we are loosing fast.
The quality of life.
Environment is nice for fishing and hunting.
It used to be a safe, quiet place to live and raise a family.
The rural appearance and quietness.
The quality and efforts of the staff.
Rural environment.
We still have some open space.
It is my birth place and I have lived here most of my life, except the time I was away in WWII.
It's in close proximity to the sound and desirable conditions to raise children.
The rural atmosphere.
Country living.
Mix of people; rural and urban areas; small towns.
The friendly people. It is small and everyone helps one another.
The country living.
Water for boating, swimming and fishing. The beautiful bay and ocean (area after you go over Currituck
sound to Kitty Hawk on to Hatteras in DareCounty is a good model for Currituck to look at).
The rural lifestyle.
I love the natural beauty.
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Because of small population.
It's old fashioned country feel.
It is a little less crime infested than Virginia. However, with more of them moving to N.C., I don't know how
long we will enjoy our present safety.
You're not jammed together. Officials do listen and try to help.
Living near the water.
The people and the peaceful beach.
It is still somewhat shielded from some of the big city problems.
To date, the low cost of living and good services and climate.
The country style living.
The isolation.
The rural characteristic of country life.
The country life.
Friendly people - clean air. Small town atmosphere.
We liked the quiet area we purchased our lot in ... we don't know how things are now.
Slower pace of living.
Country atmosphere - peaceful living away from stress, pollution, over -regulations.
It's rural appeal.
The waterways (river and sound) and hunting.
Large lots and low taxes.
It's quieter than the beach.
The country atmosphere.
The rural peacefulness.
The rural environment and the majority of people are honest and neighborly.
Rural surroundings, peace and quiet.
The people are friendly and concerned for one another.
Agriculture/ school system.
The slow living.
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Rural life and wildlife.
The peaceful quiet, pastoral, rural environment.
I like the fact that it is so desolate with little development.
Low taxes, peace and quiet and a beautiful intracoastal waterway.
I like it because it is home and I was born and raised here.
The scenery and the environment.
The rural atmosphere.
That it is still the country.
It's rural atmosphere. Friendly people.
A family setting in the outer banks.
The land and its people.
Not crowded. Lower crime rate.
The coastal character.
Where I live is quiet and peaceful with good neighbors.
The scenic beauty.
The rural way of life. The Currituck Sound. It has good water quality and few congested boating areas.
Environment!
Quiet.
Being close to shopping areas and grocery stores.
It's heritage (Corolla).
I lived here all my life and would like it to be like it used to be.
Still have a "little" country living left.
The seashore.
That it is on the "undeveloped side".
It's a central location to Virginia and the outer banks.
Access to the water.
The country and open land.
Peace and quiet and a slower living pace.
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Rural area. Friendly atmosphere.
The residents make the area a great place to live.
Its rural and undisturbed aspects the character of the sounds and swamps.
Rural oriented living.
Openness.
The space and quiet living.
The water.
The satisfaction of having lived here all my life.
The quiet, country environment, dark nights where you can see the moon and stars and low taxes.
The natural beauty of water, vegetation, animals; birds etc. The slow pace. The lack of development.
The rural atmosphere.
It's still trying to hang on to its rural "feel".
Open spaces and being rural. Being able to hunt and fish.
Don't Know.
Lower taxes.
Born and raised here and hope that someday my daughter in Africa and family with 3 grandchildren will be
able to come back and live on 1 acre or less, that one rule won't change.
It's quiet and peaceful.
The country style of life.
Hunting, fishing, close to the ocean and close to Virginia.
As I live off the main road (158), I like the quiet, the sunsets on the sound and the friendly people.
It's quiet, there's a low crime rate and the fresh air.
I did like it because it was country until the Commissioners let a trailer park be put in front of my house.
The break from the rat race.
Natural beauty and wildlife birds.
Its hospitality.
Friendly and honest people except for developers. Peace and quiet from September to June. I used to enjoy
the "rustic" quality which is disappearing.
Peaceful, quiet and not too much crime.
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It's rural atmosphere.
The somewhat isolated seashore.
The quiet, rural lifestyle.
The climate.
The rural seaside envrionment.
Rural community atmosphere and country living (Need space).
Tax structure and living in the country.
The clean, small communities and the friendly environment.
Quiet country atmosphere.
Location.
The easy living and it's not that busy.
The natural areas.
Peaceful and well kept.
Its "under" -populated character.
Nautral, clean environment. Lack of industrial development.
Country living and wildlife.
The rural character.
The rural feeling.
Seashore, weather, atmosphere. I just love the place.
It is where I was raised and plan to live.
The traffic issue is the main complaint about Currituck County.
The wildlife and water accessibility (Bell's Island).
The peacefulness.
The clean ocean. It's the ideal vacation site.
Like the wild life and houses in Outer Banks and water and ducks.
Location. Proposed highway additions.
The natural resources and rural character.
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Quiet, rural country environment.
The country living.
The natural beauty of the water areas and wildlife there.
The friendly people and it's a quiet rural area.
The quality of life and the cost of living.
The easy going rural way of life. The slow pace.
The seclusion.
It's still country.
It's peaceful, the nice people and low taxes.
People, quaintness and quietness.
It is peaceful, has good neighbors and low tax rates.
It has good beaches.
Clean air, people, and scenic areas.
Rural character and sparse population.
The laid back country life! I love being in the country but yet close to Elizabeth City and Norfolk.
Not living there it is hard for me to know, but the people were wonderful.
Rural.
The beaches of the Outer Banks.
The ferry, wildlife, community involvement and country atmosphere.
The rural atmosphere and closeness to bodies of water.
The rural setting, no street light or garbage collection, etc.
The rural life with beautiful scenery.
It is a county and that is what it should remain to be.
A good place to live.
I like it less each year since it is so hard to drive. Beach, people on beach, and extra high tides.
The rural atmosphere, wildlife and knowing county administration.
The outer banks and northern beaches -natural environment.
It's close to the beaches! It's country! It's quiet.
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My duck blind.
The environment.
That there are no roads for commercial buildings north of Corolla.
Undeveloped - Rural Nature
Environment
Rural atmosphere - close to larger areas for shopping, recreation, etc., without being directly "inside" these
areas.
Not being in the city.
Business potential. Great people.
Nice billboards.
It's a great place for anyone to live and is great for recreation and tourism.
I live in the county close to the beach.
Rural living.
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Table 71: What do you like least about Currituck County?
We do not support our youth. We need to think about our youth which will soon be our government.
Lack of insect control.
Refusal to accept the fact that the main reason for this existence depends upon a "lucky chance". i.e., the
beach, and therefore act accordingly.
Taxes on Outer Banks and not getting any or very little benefits. Public water system.
People trying to make it a city.
There's too much development in the outer banks.
Wetland restrictions.
We are over developing way too quickly.
Building Inspections Department. Obstacles constantly created by the county to do anything with your own
land.
It is undecided geographical.
I cannot think of anything I don't like.
Changes placed upon developers during development phases of projects.
No local places to shop. Schools are getting too crowded.
Lack of animal (dog) control. Local areas such as 7-Eleven are hangouts for kids. Drugs are a real and
growing problem.
Driving so far to go shopping.
Growth too fast for infrastructure.
The way that it has built up in the last 10 years.
The strangers moving in to the neighborhoods and all the crime that's coming with them.
Need more public recreation. Summer traffic.
The traffic in the summer time, but with the completion of the road work that should subside.
Over and shabbily done development.
Vacationers, traffic, out of staters and not treating the county with respect.
Inconvenience during months when traffic on route 168 is next to unbearable
It's becoming a bedroom community to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake which will eventually be very costly
to provide services.
The lack of businesses. I have to go to the beach or Elizabeth City.
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Taxes are way too high. This is not good for the natives of Currituck County.
Having to travel to get to stores.
Overdevelopment, inadequate facilities.
Liquor by the drink has not been legalized.
Lack of adequate fire protection. The fear of population growth and concern for the environment.
Topless bars, especially on 158.
School Board. Advisory relationship to new business. Youth activities. Loss of tax dollars going to other
areas due to entertainment, i.e., drinks and food.
Local type government. Need "expert" planners.
Too much traffic on 158.
Crime prevention and emergency medical services.
It's trying to be like Virginia.
Elected officials failure to prevent rapid development.
The schools.
No paved road to our property.
The congested traffic
Non -county residences using and trashing the beaches.
Schools are too far from where I live.
They are building too fast.
Not enough shopping areas. A lot of money being carried out of the county by local residents. Also would
be tourist attractions.
It's hard to get to.
Traffic.
There are no jobs for residents.
We need more police protection in the county. Also if they see young kids out after a certain time, take them
home and warn their mom and dad.
Shoddy developments.
Water quality (very poor). The lack of natural gas for home heat use.
Lack of water and mid -county bridge to join the county.
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Summer thru-traffic.
The traffic going through it.
The bureaucrat atmosphere when you try to find out something or get something done.
Summer and weekend traffic on Highway 168.
Not having door to door pick up garbage and trash service.
Politics - Public offices and natives vs. non -natives.
The development.
Traffic.
We feel as if a great deal of the taxes come from those who benefit the least.
Too few policemen.
Taxes going up. Traffic.
Emergency services. Unrestricted development of Route 12 corridor. Unrestricted vehicle access of northern
beaches eroding natural environment.
Law protection. Shooting guns on Sundays in residential areas. Need dog leash law.
Hauling trash.
Access to my land.
Not enough places to eat. Kids need more recreation.
Poor sound water quality.
The amount of cars on the highway in the summertime and the way the people drive.
Apathy among the government officials and mainland - Outer Banks residents.
What you are about to do; that is, tell tax -paying land -owners and home -owners what they can and can't do.
Traffic on 158/168 May thru September. Voters not approving with pervious 25M bond for schools. Board
decides without referendums on some decisions, such as raising water hook up fee to $3,000. Lack of
comprehensive news coverage and publishing, both TV and printed.
The drive and 168.
Unchecked development without care to preservation of the natural character of Northern Outer Banks.
Trash services in northern beach areas.
Poor leadership in local government and especially the school system. Also how greed has taken over.
County not wanting qualified volunteers to work on committees and officials that won't answer calls or return
letters.
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Lack of strong discipline policies and enforcement in school system, particularly at the junior high and high
school.
Nothing if they don't over develop.
No stores. Have to go to Virginia.
Developers who are not concerned about quality of life.
Housing plans being developed.
There are too many trailers, the school system is poor and there is only one bank.
No sewer systems and no shopping centers.
Traffic backs up in summer!
The lack of a centralized water supply.
The crowded roads that are inadequate. (Route 168 and the bridge)
Politics.
Not enough police availability.
The roads.
Certain regulations are too strict.
Drinking water.
Delapidated buildings, trash.
It's all north/south. Must drive a long ways for anything.
The traffic getting onto and off of the island. An additional bridge would be very beneficial.
How to develop and dispose of my property. I pay taxes. I should have options.
The lack of police and fire protection.
Traffic.
3 acre lot in agricultural zone.
Fighting over the Outer Banks; where money should be spent!!
Not having building inspectors that really can give answers. Also having people move to the country, but bring
the city with them.
Too much retail development directly on 158.
No big grocery store or drug store.
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There's not enough shopping areas in Moyock; grocery/discount, etc.
Politics on the North end.
The overdevelopment.
There's not enough services and major retail businesses.
Lack of direct access form mainland to Outer Banks.
Very limited selection of shopping areas for other than the most basic necessities.
Zoning department.
There's too much development too quickly.
The talk about the presence of satanic and sex cult organizations in the county. (Moyock)
Minimum services for high tax dollars on the outer banks.
Too much taxing.
Deer and dog hunters, mobile homes, too high taxes on wetlands.
Not policing the rules!
Not enough medical places. Not enough equipment for rescue workers or ambulances.
No good shopping areas, i.e., hardware, cleaners, grocery store, Food Lion or Farmfresh.
The taxes.
Junk homes.
Nit picking.
We have no major medical facility. Need a medical center or hospital. Too few supermarkets.
Heavy tourist crowds in the summer.
Development.
The fast growth.
Lack of jobs within the county.
No paved road to Corolla.
The school system and the lack of shopping and recreation.
Monterey Shores.
Commissioners/Advisors focused on own needs!
Traffic, drugs, crimes and seemingly ineffective law enforcement.
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Lack of cultural activities.
Access.
Development.
The rapid growth.
Increasing development, traffic, etc.
County politics. Too much control by the county by restricting the use of personal property.
The overcrowding of 168.
Rampant developments, particularly on waterfront/oceanfront property.
Recent growth in Corolla and northern Outer Banks removed much of the natural vegetation and charm.
The slummy trailer parks and red neck rif/raf.
The possibilities of environmental damage.
So many new people.
No sewage system.
The overcrowding of some areas.
Billboards. No shopping available.
No shopping centers.
Building and planning office.
The unplanned growth on US 158 and NC 168. The huge, unsightly highway billboards.
Lack of good restaurants and too many fast food restaurants.
Traffic.
County political vision; bureaucratic enforcement (permits regulations).
The Unneccessary 4-wheel traffic.
The police department and fire/rescue of Knotts Island needs more monetary support.
Access from Virginia and other parts of North Carolina.
Knotts Island residents pay taxes for improvements only to the mainland.
over building
The bugs. We need grocery stores
Zoning rules on signs and businesses. Unqualified people holding offices due to their name or family ties.
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The planning.
Too many drug outlets in the area.
The changes from rural.
There are too many cars.
No place for kids to take swimming lessons.
Threat of out of control growth beyond the ability to support it.
Highway 168.
The fact that big developers have taken over a most beautiful county.
Waters are not being protected from sewage and trash.
Power shortage
The excessive real estate tax (which is escalating too rapidly) on uninhabited lots (not served by satisfactory
roadways). We feel that absentee owners are being taken advantage of.
Getting overdeveloped
Mobile homes and parks.
The grocery stores
Leadership.
The rapid growth and its effects on everything!
Traffic, Taxes
This is supposed to be the country. Too many people trying to make it a city.
No company.
Lack of water system.
Too much development. We need to play catch up for schools, etc.
Fight the drug and alcohol problems harder.
Fishing on the surf is not as good. Carts from a nice rental place are getting too high.
Paying $100.000 per year for a trash collection system that I have never used.
The trailer laws and the pay in Currituck County is very low rated.
Carrying trash to sites.
Traffic to get to the Outer Banks.
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Traffic.
The lack of attention to Corolla's needs.
Unpaved roads
Lack of garbage collection. Lack of enforcement of rules and regulations. Highways cluttered with election
posters and billboards.
Lack of recreational facilities.
Lack of some basic businesses.
No place to shop without traveling a lot of miles. Not anything for children and teens to do.
There are no food stores in the northern part of the county. (With reasonable prices or selections)
Failure to enforce "ascetic" standards for home construction in (very) Northern beaches
Scattered - isolated shopping areas.
The lack of retail business, restaurants and road accessibilities.
Fear of overdevelopment.
Traffic jams.
The lack of concern for the environment -especially the water.
Yankees
Get rid of the recycling bin that costs $99.00 a year that is hardly used.
The money management in the county and the school systems. Someone is not planning very well and wasting
money that would have been spent towards something more prudent. ex. Money spent on the land on
Pointers Road.
Trash pickup,
Dare County is full and development is moving north to Currituck.
The construction.
The school system. It must be improved for the children's sake.
There are no schools, parks, colleges and community buildings for conferences, etc.
Traffic and taxes
The destruction of Moyock by the fire laning of highway 168.
The lack of access to Corova from Sand Bridge.
The drive from Corolla back to mainland.
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There's no leash law.
The crowded roads. The lack of a bridge to the Outer Banks.
It looks so "low rent" from the main highway as you pass through. The development seems more directed
toward the beach or lower Currituck.
Volunteer fire dept. with out of date equipment. Police Dept. turning their heads to the drug dealer down
the street, busted once and now deals in the open. Not enough street lights on the side roads. Not enough
single family houses to rent.
Run down trashy trailers and houses and yards - especially in Walnut Island and Grandy, North Carolina.
Dare County businesses advertizing on the billboards that litter the drive along 158 like the "Pedro South of
the Boarder" on 95.
The lack of road access to Carova Beach.
Lack of shopping facilities.
Poor local government and poor preparation for the future.
Summer traffic.
Lack (or little) support on beach i.e. trash containers, lifesaving services.
The drive from Great Bridge to Coinjock.
Too much "politics" included with major decisions made by the Board of Commissioners.
The idea of a new bridge to the northern banks.
Rate of growth.
The extreme rate of growth. The amount of new subdivision going up and wooded areas going down.
Concern over continued availability of drinking water.
A lack of shopping centers.
The access roads from Norfolk.
Taxes for no services (Carova)!!
The development.
The new malls and commercial development.
It has no central sewer system and no water supply.
Incovenient shopping, no dry cleaner, no selection of banks and no restaurants.
Crowded ... and very inconvient dumpsters.
The influx of tourists in the summer.
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High land value/tax assessment. Over demand for county services relative to invested interest of "bedroom"
residents.
Elected officials don't listen to local people - natives - it's always the advice of outsiders who have moved in.
No shopping centers, grocery stores. No restaurants, doctor offices, not enough of them.
The summer traffic on route 168/158.
That Currituck is becoming too crowded too fast, needs to slow down on building houses.
Being a bedroom community for people from Virginia.
The Political decisions.
The growth of the county is too fast.
Phone service on Outer Banks.
The inspection department.
That it is slowly being subsumed into the state of Virginia and it provides a place for transients who cannot
make it in Virginia.
No services, roads or access north of Corolla.
The bigotry and narrow-mindedness of many county residents.
The lack of trash pick-up. Large unsightly billboards on roadsides.
We are so far from shopping centers.
The drinking water.
The road (two lanes).
Drugs.
The people trying to make the county flashy.
Not enough jobs and they are low paying compared to other areas.
The outer banks is remote without a bridge to mainland.
The government administration of the county, wasting taxpayers money on surveys like this is a good example.
The taxes.
A few roads need fixing (Poyners Road, Tulls Creek Road, etc.).
Shall I say the least desirable people moving here with no respect for our way of life or the environment.
The rapid growth.
Lack of support for regionalism and pitting mainland against outer banks.
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Too much Virginia traffic during summer months.
We cannot help that our county is so long, but we can't take advantage of something the county offers because
of mileage.
High taxes, development impact, and Currituck County having to build new schools about every three to six
years.
Development.
Dumping on unimproved areas and seemingly little control over junk metal disposal, i.e. cars,etc.
Heavy traffic during the summer months.
Not enough to chose from to eat out. We have to go to Elizabeth City or Chesapeake for everything.
The school system.
The leadership of the board of commissioners. Law enforcement, lack of past and present. Zoning
enforcement; there were many violations in the past and still going on (Grandy, North Carolina and Walnut
Island).
The politics.
The traffic.
The Sheriffs Department.
Growing population.
No real grocery stores north of Grandy.
I don't like being poor. However, that is uncomfortable anywhere. I don't know how much longer I will be
able to stand the taxes.
No recreation for children or teens. No garbage pick up. We are paying for taking garbage to the dump.
We used to do it for free.
Government control.
The "political" maneuvering; we need stronger leadership with some vision and courage.
It is growing too fast and unplanned.
Poor animal control laws.
Rules and regulations do not apply to all equally.
The trash fee for part-time users.
Not wanting to develop and the same old people in office.
The increase of low cost housing.
The building of too many houses.
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Better medical facilites. Bowling alley, activites for youth.
Crowded roads and only one access to island.
The traffic.
Distances to shopping, etc. Rusty well water staining everything. Junky properties.
Roads and water on Outer Banks.
No modern conveniences, no large grocery stores. Most people drive 45 minutes to get anywhere. Traffic in
the summer.
It's behind times in many ways.
The high taxes.
Property taxes and the school board.
Some deterioration of our quality of life, usually associated with sub standard developments.
Unrestricted nature of residentail lots, i.e., lack of zoning concerning mobile and modular homes.
The crime is rising and people aren't being punished enough.
Mobile home parks.
Unqualified people trying to run an expanding county.
Overcrowding of OB in summer.
At present, very happy but have concerns regarding development and overdevelopment.
Crowds during the summer months.
Low wages, no real amenities and inadquate management.
The way the courthouse is run with assistants to the assistants and hire as few people as you can that will work
& not just sit and look pretty.
The congestion and traffic volume.
The lack of planning to keep schools, water, etc. up to demands.
That more people from other places are moving in and overcrowding our schools.
Actions recently taken by the board of commissioners.
Too much beach traffic. We need traffic lights to get on the busy highway for local residents.
Overdevelopment, the lack of concern for water supply or quality and the degradation of the sounds and
marshes.
Traffic.
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Government!
Not enough fire protection.
Too crowded. Locals can't get on the highway in summer for tourists. Overcrowded schools.
Tourist - not able to get on or off 158 or 168.
Excess of traffic.
I don't like the county's government pushing regulations down people's throats. Example: The water system
was voted down by majority. Then commissioners pushed it through anyway. Why vote? Example: People
were not asked to vote on a major issue like Whalehead Club, which cost so much money. More needs to be
done about drugs/crackhouses. Draw line in sand during summer months so taxpayers can enjoy their most
valuable land.
The access to the lot at Carova Beach.
We need better youth activities for our youth; pop warner football, etc.
The traffic on 168. The garbage is not collected.
They promised water but didn't deliver.
Current residential growth.
Backward ideas concerning development.
Indiscriminate, poorly planned development.
Lack of considering housing for underprivileged families.
Not maintaining open areas on the Outer Banks. Too much over development.
It doesn't have anything for the teens to do.
Getting too crowded.
Too many people moving in.
I don't like the fact that a community can have a speed limit unreasonablly reduced on a primary highway so
their kids can unlawfully play in the street.
Developers that are ruining a wonderful place.
The lack of major food stores.
Tourists and their "red carpet" treatment.
Poor drainage, water quality, lack of fire protection and an increase in drugs in the area.
Deep holes left by Outer Banks and other developers by selling dirt for roads, developments. Crop dusting
and chemicals that are life threatening.
No job's for our people living in our county and children have to go outside to support our families.
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Highway 158 during the summer.
There is too much growth too quickly. The traffic is horrible year round. Speed limit signs "45" have no
meaning and that should be changed to "55".
The summer crowds on the 158, the high taxes, like the $99.00 we pay and have to take the trash to the site.
The high taxes.
The Commissioners are too lazy to check into anything by personally inspecting it. They look at a map and
don't get the whole picture.
The fact that drugs are on the rise.
The traffic.
Traffic in the summer.
Some developers never get their taxes paid. If they can't pay, forclose!
No movies, recreation center, bowling alleys or malls.
I came from an area with state, county and city or town streets and feel that was a better system.
The development, high taxes and little service.
Transportation (public)
All facilities in the upper end of the county (the Senior Center is one).
Too many people.
The Health Department has too much authority and are too unreasonable about approving perk test.
Ugly trailer parks and rental trailers. You don't make people pay their taxes. Ugly billboards. Houses
not -stop along roads and all the low speed limits on major raods because of all the housing development along
road.
No household trash pick up.
The congested traffic and the poor school system.
Developments.
Present development.
The growth rate and policies.
The break -neck speed of development.
Lack of quality (exterior) construction, i.e., metal buildings on 158 & 168. potty looking commercial areas.
Billboards.
No trash collection.
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The rapid growth of the county.
The lack of roads other than 168. The lack of shopping (service areas)
The taxes (in relation to services).
Highway billboards.
The traffic during tourist season makes Currituck undesirable to us.
The inconvenience of food shopping.
Taxes - and no door-to-door trash pickup.
Traffic to and from the outer banks is a nightmare.
Not enough law enforcement in Outer Banks north of Corolla.
Police efficiency. Court house staff efficiency.
The speed of development and the quality of county government.
Route #168.
Bad developments.
No opportunity available for young people for job choices.
Narrow roads i.e. route 12 and poor drainage of parts of route 12.
Traffic during the summer months.
The new development.
Traffic in the summer.
I don't like the idea that I pay taxes on a lot and the property does not perk.
Negative thinking in all areas of government! Cost overruns on all major projects.
The traffic in Virginia is getting to Currituck County.
Alternate 168 has a trashy look. There are too many billboards and slummy areas.
Overgrowth of grass in sounds!
Blatant drug dealing. Run-down properties. Too many people on welfare who are unwilling to work.
Traffic on 168 in the summer.
Rapid growth.
It is starting to resemble the beach of Virginia Beach during the summer. It's too crowded.
Lack of shopping for foods, drug store and summer traffic.
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The overcrowding of schools and not enough ballfields.
The drug problems in the school. The lack of help from the Sheriff's Department.
Congested traffic on highway 158/168 and uncontrolled development.
Too much growth and drugs.
As a resident of Outer Banks, north of Corolla, it is so far to court house. We need mid -county bridge &
paved road to Virginia line.
Cutting trees and no reseeding, excessive overdevelopment of the Outer Banks and the future of mid -county
bridge.
Overdevelopment in areas.
Not enough recreation.
Dare County tourist traffic.
The difficulty and time it takes to get to Corolla.
The garbage site needs more attention. The police need to come north of Corolla more often.
Failure to enforce "ascetic" standards for home construction in (very) Northern beaches.
Uncontrolled growth.
Compared to other areas (that are similar) in the South (GA, Fl� Al., etc.) property taxes are high. I have
done my research!!
The fact that county officials favor the beach residents over the mainlanders.
No jobs. Bad schools.
No shopping malls or good shopping areas.
Slowing growth and development will hurt Currituck County in years to come.
Drug problems; summer traffic.
Taxes.
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Table 72: What else do you feel needs to be considered when we are working to maintain a high quality of
life in Currituck County?
Our youth, law enforcement, our elderly and recreation and activities for the current residents.
Scenic qualities of Currituck. Sponsor cultural heritage and arts of the region. Maintain clean environment.
Make the voting county have a vested right in the beach by providing public access to the sound and beach.
Also, a county park on the beach but for Currituck County residents only.
Public water to Outer Banks. Beach side (Outer Banks) pay a lot of tax for the entire county. Roads, bike,
and walks and Outer Banks roads.
Currituck is and should remain a rural community, not a suburb of Virginia.
Minimize the over development that is currently taking place in the outer banks. At this rate it will soon be
over built and loose its appeal and belike any other area. It had been a unique area.
Lets not try to slow development, lets work with developers to make Currituck a nice place to live. What
retired couple wants to keep a 3 acre lawn or 40,000 square foot for that matter. Change impact fees when
a water tap or building permit is issued if that is needed.
Be open and honest with the residents.
Attract business to the county to support our youths for jobs at home. The mid -county Bridge is not needed.
It will ruin the view of Currituck Sound and our populate of the Outer Banks.
Reviewing boards should recognize that developers concerns parallel many of those regulated. The developer
recognizes the fact that it is not marketable unless it is attractive, not only aesthetically, but in many ways.
Board should not be adversarial.
Medical care is a problem. The nearest hospital is Elizabeth City. Rundown housing is attracting a very
undesirable element on the mainland. There should be a safe place for teens to gather in a drug -free
environment
Less billboards. People on a fixed income cannot afford more taxes. More recreation. Things for youth to
do.
More police/Sherriff, fire, safety, etc. on Outer Banks.
The new bridge that has just been built should be a toll bridge. Not the bridge that is in the process of being
built. It's not going to work. This money would help reduce taxes, build schools and other things that need
to be done. But not to be used for pay raises for county officials.
I feel we should always remember the younger generation (our kids) and what they will have to look forward
to and also the problems that "our" decisions may cause them in their futures.
Currituck County is unique within itself. Local government must keep Currituck county from becoming
another Dare County or Virginia Beach municipality. Must keep some of it's rural characteristics.
Do not forget about the areas of Gibbs Woods and Knotts Island when considering changes in Currituck
County. We are a small community, but our growth is continuing as is in Currituck. We should have the same
choices as those in the county.
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Stricter laws. Better schools. If you charge for trash pick-up then it should be picked up. This would decrease
littering.
There should be more restaurants.
Derive a plan to cause the state of Virginia to build roads (route 168) to ease traffic congestion. Charge
$10.00 per month per resident in lieu of current fee for dumpsters and provide trash pick-up at least once a
week.
Remember what makes Currituck unique and attractive. Rural, nature, natural beauty, clean and small
unintrusive government.
Industry and more jobs. This is a seasonal area. We need more year round industries.
Some of the old people had to move away because of taxes. Some had to sell what was handed down to them.
Let's protect our children from this. Stop the development before it is too late.
This county is known for wildlife and its peace and quiet. With all the cutting down of trees and destroying
the wildlife habitat, it's going down hill fast.
Control growth. Adequate public facilities, i.e., roads, schools, etc. Employment for residents (available in the
county - light industry). Retail outlets.
That it forever remains a fact that those living and working on the beach side are 50 miles from the
courthouse, library, etc.
Improve the fire protection. Increase EMS. Need better schools with quality education. Trim out the "pork"
and get the school employees back to the classrooms to teach. Eliminate outcome based education. Create
a recreational facility for the students to provide positive activities.
Look to the future not the past.
The business that will provide more shopping, tax dollars, and quality of life in the community should be given
considerations to the economic feasibility of the county regulations and rules.
Better schools.
Ease up on social restrictions, assuring that they are socially motivated.
Less government, fewer regulations.
Impose high fees for subdivisions and business expansion.
The future of our children.
Upgrade traffic control. There are too many ucoordinated lights!
Better roads.
Improve what is here, older neighborhoods, road sides (scenic), fire department, sewage. Spend money
equally. Build and improve in historic sense ex. Williamsburg, Virginia. Durham, North Carolina. Also
community votes.
Get another bridge, quick!
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I know the county needs growth but not at the risk of loosing so much of the natural environment. Work on
developing upper part of the county.
Roads.
Everyone should have access to a county water system and shouldn't have to pay so much to hook up.
We need to get rid of the dope dealers in this county. I would like the county to see if they could do
something about the teenagers and the young kids running the streets. See if you could hold the parents
responsible for their actions. -
The county should control development to ensure that we attract people who make positive contributions. We
should not try to stop development by making it prohibitively expensive (i.e., Curb and gutter on 3 acre tracts).
Enforce dog leash regulation. Enforce laws to prevent dumping garbage and waste materials on roadways and
waterways. Provide a law to prevent hunting with rifles near homes and highways. Enforce the law to remove
duck blind debris and greens after hunting season. Enforce the laws on recreation water -way vehicles.
Move townhall meetings. Make the school board accountable. Involve more people in the county planning.
Promote the county heritage. Thanks for the survey.
Reduce size and number of billboards. Beautify roadways with trees and shrubs, preferably native species such
as loblolly berry, cypess, white cedar, ... myrtle, etc. Enforce cleanup of dilapidated building and trashy areas.
Public needs to be better informed on decisions affecting the county, especially when it comes to spending tax
dollars. Are we so big that public input doesn't matter?
The greed!
We hope you are as truly concerned about the growth as you indicate.
Police. Good roads. Fair tax.
Jobs for our children to keep them in NC. More technology in the schools.
Stronger law enforcement of remote area. Builders responsible for amenties of their development.
Ditches and culvent pipes should be kept open. Better fire protection and more recreational centers to keep
children off roads, i.e., no walking, skateboarding, etc. Teach proper bicycle laws and enforce them.
-The tax payer.
Build a bridge from mainland to Corolla.
A better cable TV company.
Young people need a starting place such as more trailer parks, however, there needs to be space between
trailers, say at least 100' x 200' lots.
A DMV office. College classes being offered in local schools. YMCA. No more modular homes.' Improved
county services. Local address on each house. Let it grow!
Leave it alone.
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Bond issue for county wide water and sewage and securing all state and federal aid possible for same, state
of art computer system in all schools. New county seat facilities, i.e., register of deeds with microfile, clerk
of court offices.
Zone commercial devlopment closely and maintain high standards.
There's overcrowding in the Outer Banks. There is a natural limit to how much development the Outer Banks
can sustain. The tendency to over build without regard to preservation of natural beauty and character of the
area is degrading the area.
Try not to over crowd the northern outer banks. Paved roads would kill the natural beauty of the area.
Try to elect local officials that are intelligent enough for the job and don't have a conflict of interest. Don't
let greed be the criteria for making decisions.
Stronger technical/vocational program at high school. Separate alternative school for chronic troublemakers
away from main campus.
Hope you can give senior citizens on fixed income a tax break. Chesapeake, VA has a good program, giving
senior citizens a tax break.
Teaching of moral values in the school system. How much government action is desirable?
Maintain the rural community and natural resources that Currituck County offers.
Police, fire, and medical personnel needed to be added.
Slow controlled growth and maintain a small town community (i.e. stores in small regional centers).
Build a new causeway north of Corolla to a new paved road. Try and get government funds for a large part
of this project.
More police and fire protection.
Water for the Outer Banks is the number one concern.
Limit public recreation facilities that encourage "day tripping". Keep lot sizes large. Improve the water and
water pressure.
Do not bloat government. I love the place.
Work on cleaning up lower income communities and drug elimination.
Zoning and controlled development to enhance property values.
Not make it impossible for the poorer person to enjoy Currituck.
Rate of growth.
Control the type of growth and assure public access to the beaches.
We have to get away from being a bedroom county for Virginia and Dare.
Efforts to bring in an industrial base is key to going forward or our county will just be a haven for low end
developments.
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I feel that agricultural land should be dealt with as per individual owner. If a person wants to farm his land,
o.k. If a person wants to develop his land, o.k.
Better education of our children.
We have a good sheriff, our superintendent of schools is superior, our commissioners are fine people working
for the county. Our county officers do a good job. We just want to keep it that way.
Create more jobs to support families.
Keep in mind that the Outer Banks is a family destination beach.
Remember the ones that have always been here. Remember that we live here because it is rural. Stop trying
to bring the city to the ones here from the city. Include the public more. This survey was a good idea.
Quality of education is important because this is our future.
A karate school would be wonderful.
In widening Route 158, Moyock will need an additional traffic light at Puddin Ridge Road for better and safer
access for Quail Run residents to 158 north and south.
Look further into the future and plan ahead.
Pre -Kindergarten or optional childcare. Transportation for senior citizens. Health and nutrition services for
the afore mentioned groups. Entrepreneural and small business encouragement.
Control of beach use at Corolla Beach area and north. It is beginning to look like a circus area instead of a
pristine beach area.
See attached letter (did not directly answer question).
More billboards to let people know what is available here.
Good police protection and sanitation programs. (Sewage)
Equality between the mainland and the outer banks.
The older natives.
Have a good plan to control the growth.
Not enough eating places. Would like a Dairy Queen across from Walnut Island in front of Food Lion.
Keep the growth at a constant with larger, enough lots so that you are not in your neighbor's window. Better
lighting and wider streets.
Lower taxes.
Interests of local business. The attitude necessary to create new business. Creation of jobs, attract industry.
Do as much as possible to promote being good neighbors. Church attendance and good morals. Promote high
morals among parents, teachers and students.
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We need a water system all the way to the end of the county (Point Harbor).
Property owners rights, user fees for recreation, head tax for schools and drainage system maintainance.
Mainly what is best for our children!
Have those who place the burden on county service bear the burden for those services.
A paved road to Corolla to prevent beach damage and provide emergency access and egress.
Please improve ther quality of our water, it's aweful.
The children. They are the future. Don't push them out of the schools and give them places to go to have
fun instead of corner hangouts. Listen to some of their thoughts on these questions as well as the adults.
You'll find that they would like some of the same things.
Look to interest for youth, Care for elderly, activities for senior citizens and insure that law enforcement does
a thorough job to keep the county as crime free as possible.
County traditions for major holidays - parades, band concerts, activities on mainland.
Go slow but keep working.
Local residence.
Property owners on Currituck's Outer Banks pay a considerable tax amount. Our needs should be supported
as well as those living in other area of Currituck County.
Drug testing for all county political employees.
Keep above semi -regular standards. Use common sense.
Medical clinic. Parks.
Continue to seek input from taxpayers/residents.
Build the bridge to the northern Outer Banks, put a toll on it, give residents toll ticket price breaks.
No apartments and no low cost housing. Make whatever growth we have support itself and quit making me
support your foul ups.
Education, education and education!
Public swimming place. One at each end of the county. Also, place to put boats - free.
Listen to local people and not the big developer.
Get some shopping centers and food stores such as Food Lion and Farm Fresh.
Get the county office in order. We are paying high taxes for nothing.
To an extent there is mainland development, it should be concentrated off of US 158 and NC 168. High
density development on the outer banks should not be permitted.
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More control of speeders through posted lower speed zone in Grandy, Moyock, and Shigo. Does the sheriff
department ever issue speeding tickets?
New industry, such as an assembley plant of some kind.
We need better law enforcement practices. They don't seem to be well organized or familiar with catching
criminals or what to do with them.
COA branch campus, commercial growth encouragement, aesthetics along #158, attention to South mainland
area, support to youth, water access for southern mainland (piers, ramps, docks)
Corova Beach pays a disproportionate amount of taxes for services provided3/4-wheelers should require safety
training.
Quality of life is an admirable goal, but please do not let the quality of life concept translate into elimination
of affordable lifestyles. Increase of development controls increases the cost of development.
We need more industry for jobs and tax reasons. Better control on the Social Service Bureau also. Too many
able bodied people are receiving assistance. We need more programs for the elderly on Knotts Island and
more supervised recreation for the children.
Ground water protection, dune and land erosion
Moderate growth. Growth short of Dare, Virgnina Beach but something greater than existing agricultural.
Plan roads before growth develops. Plan for schools and parks before further growth occurs.
We need to get more Republicans in Currituck.
To maintain a high quality of life in Currituck County as it is now!
Don't change the rural character. Don't raise taxes!!!
Stop building so many houses. Long Beach Island, New Jersey is so over crowded. In the summer there is
a light on each corner. It's noisy because the houses are so close. The beaches are dirty. It takes 3 1/2
hours in the summer to get on the island and 45 minutes in winter. Don't destroy the Outer Banks like they,
did in NJ.
What type of businesses are allowed in the area.
1)Enforce minimum lot sizes. 2)Control of commercial growth to prevent a "french fry alley" 3)High quality
water and sewer 4)Preserving the residential nature of the county while accomodating the inevitable future
growth
More law enforcement.
I think the mid -county bridge would lesson traffic to Dare Co. Have a slowing of big development. Schools
and learning centers. Permit system for north beach residents - Ernie's cows have done no damage compared
to 3-wheelers breaking down the dunes.
Discipline in schools. Arrest known drug dealers and control hangouts.
The satisfaction of all landowners, residents and non-residents alike.
Attract expensive homes and affluent owners who provide a good tax base to support county services.
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Natural gas.
The land owner and tax payer.
Need more things to support the taxpayers like a big shopping enter in the Moyock Area.
Work out some method of helping residents get access to 158 in heavy traffic months. Charge tolls for bridges,
ferries, etc.
We live on a dirt road. We would like to have it fixed. We pay taxes to you, now it is real bad. Just come
and see.
Water system. Access to more recreations. Lower taxes.
The historical part of Currituck. Preserve the trees.
Drugs are becoming one of our biggest problems. Drug tests should be given regularly to county and state
employees and especially at random road blocks. Hopefully it will keep people on guard. You'd be surprised
to know how many people slide by and still drive. Post heavy fines, loinger jail or prison terms.
Maintaining the wetlands, natural environment, preserving dunes and careful, strict planning to maintain the
quality of a (more or less) secluded area.
Consider raising the pay scale in Currituck County.
A few nice malls to shop without going 25 miles or more.
Build another bridge over to Corolla.
Build a bridge from Corolla to the mainland.
Realize that the vast majority of tax dollars come from Corolla and put more money and county services into
Corolla.
Work with federal, state, and local officials to determine the high rate of cancer patients in the county.
Public transportation.
Create a youth center for teens/preteens that would provide activities outside of school. Activities: dances,
sports, movies, crafts, swimming,etc.
Require developers to pay for infrastructure improvements
Age of citizens and needs.
Students have to be bused too far to attend school. There needs to be more schools. Recreational activities
are a good idea but also we need more things geared towards our teens and young adults. This county does
not provide any activities or social areas for teens other than school activities.
Allow high quality development. Discourage development that distracts from the beauty of the county.
Promote development of services (medical, etc.) for the northern outer banks.
Be sure any ordinances reflect the opinion of 100% of the people and not any "green" pressure groups.
Stop the drugs coming into Gibbs Wood, which is mostly crack.
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Having "professional" consultation. There is more money wasted in this county than is prudent. Evidently,
the people holding some of these offices are not qualified to do so.
Better trash collection for one. Better enforcement to keep dumping out of the woods. Better law
enforcement. Better quality of businesses.
Stop growth.
I liked everything in Moyock. It is a great place to live.
No more trailer parks and no more trailers. Enforce no littering. Remove all billboards.
Protect the rights of native property owners of Currituck County especially consider the rights of older citizens
who are often taken advantage of.
Some housing with deep water dockage, more golf courses to complement the beach.
Play area's and recreation centers for children and teens.
Enforce the codes you already have!
Realize the existing residents and don't drive them out of their homes like Dare County by driving up taxes
and making it impossible for the native of generations (which makes the couty what it is) to exist.
Be careful with the rezoning laws. Big business means more taxes and that's good, but too many empty
buildings means trouble blight etc. Make sure Currituck county doesn't turn into a city like atmosphere.
Let's not have Currituck jump ahead of our school, water, sewage, police and problems, etc.
Better schools, better youth facilities and better police.
As the year round population increases it will also increase in age. The county should anticpate more senior
citizens and the special demands they will require.
Beach erosion. Allowing growth when there is a water problem (Pine Island?). North county bridge? - to
decrease traffic and improve exits during hurricane season
Water and sewage and housing codes.
Rigid growth of new development which should keep pace with county services.
Preservation of the environment. If you don't protect it you (we) will end up looking like the New Jersey
Coast (crowded and polluted).
Level of taxation/just about right.
I feel most people who live in Currituck County do so for the quiet country lifestyle. The rate of new
development endangers that. I don't want to see us turn into an extension for Great Bridge, VA.
Work and persuade Virginia to widen route 168 from the North Carolina line to interstate 64.
Communication between the governing body and the people.
Relieving weekend summer traffic problems through cooperation with adjoining jurisdictions.
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Keeping Currituck County a sportman's paradise.
On a long range period, the removal of septic tanks and the installation of a purification waste water plant
because in time our drinking water level will be contaminated.
Do not allow mobile home parks. Add recreation areas for children. Add amenities, i.e., banks, dry cleaners
and restaurants.
Maintain sufficient number of sheriff deputys in county to keep crime and drug problems to a minimum. A
24-hour fire department and rescue squad. Keep greedy land developers from over taxing schools and county
services. Better garbage disposal.
Water has to be the first priority.
,Get a cross section of people to serve on boards and committees (natives and women) not just people who
want personal gain, much like our elected officials.
More jobs. To think about the children and build boys or girls clubs, YMCAs.
We badly need discipline in all schools and high standards of morality and proper education for our teachers
and school boards and school superintendents. Also build toll roads where they are needed and not clogging
our present roads.
Keep all taxpayers in mind when decisions are made.
The Whalehead Club and surrounding county property is a great asset. Develop it wisely.
A bridge from midcounty to Corolla. There is no paved road north of Corolla. Protect the Outer Banks to
produce high quality property with funds for Currituck mainland - no road to provide pass through along the
Outer Banks.
Improve the quality of education. My relatives who are high school graduates are in some cases practically
illiterate.
Affordable, quality childcare for young families. A facility/center that is state licensed or better still accredited.
Curbside trash pickup.
It needs a large grocery store in north Currituck.
More group meetings.
Schools should not take all the "rap" for tax increases. What about government buildings??
Public transport.
Better education. Don't consider new residents as outsiders when a job becomes available. They may have
a lot of input. More support for your county fire, rescue and police departments. Develop a program to
entice new businesses to help keep some of the money in our own county.
Seek quality development no matter what the lot size.
Don not build a toll bridge and completelyruin the senic view of the Currituck Sound which is one of your
pluses from the mainland as well as the outer banks.
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Stop building. Soon there will be no more wildlife left. Water will be all polluted. History always repeats
itself, think about it!
Places to work. Places to play. Safety. Law enforcment. Education. Protect our farmers and our wildlife.
This is not a city. This is a county that I am proud of.
Halt all growth until the county's public services can catch up or have the developers pay for the following
community sewer system and water, also construction of communtiy recreation facilities!
A regional approach to needs such as water.
Youth recreation facilities. Maintain it's rural quality. Prevent it from becoming a "bedroom" community of
Virginia by strictly enforcing developments.
Retirement housing, wholesome entertainment and continue to keep the people informed about what is being
done in the county.
Our judicial system in Currituck needs reform and also the county offices.
Less government involvement in people's lives.
Get rid of all the cars along Hwy. 168 & plant some nice trees & some places to get some decent food. Be
able to get on and off the Hwy. better. Have a DMV in this area. Get another doctor here. A good food
store.
Keep in mind that North Carolina, Currituck area, needs tourists and property owners from other areas who
pay taxes and spend money in the county. Those who live and "work" in the county, their rights to have a nice
area to live is very important and if not protected they will leave.
Later generations.
While it does not effect me, I really feel that the children on the Outer Banks must get to school with less than
the current time they now travel
We need to get the dope out of Currituck County and it seems the Sheriff's Department is not to interested
in doing so. They have been told of suspicious and obvious places, but they don't seem to follow up.
Try to attract some chain stores (i.e. Food Lion, Wal-Mart, K-Mart) to the northern section of the county.
I am going to leave that up to the rich persons. I am one of the poorer ones. I always get picked for things
like this. Never picked in a lottery or drawing for money.
If you are going to charg for garbage then start picking it up. If people don't want it picked up then still
charge for them to take it to the dump.
More communication. Do away with development. We would like to have our trash picked up once a week
instead of every other week (Hampton Roads Sanitation and Bill Richardson have been contracted). Why are
we paying for services we don't receive??
Make a decision about the new bridge (Corolla); make it a toll road. Announce definite plans and get on with
it.
There better be larger and better schools. Also better fine protection, etc.
I can't believe the sheriff's office is closed on weekends. We have to call 911 for emergencies.
WO
Better water. Strict codes and enforced improved codes; hurricane zone.
Use younger people in the county's work force. Get middle-class people in offices.
More business and less low cost housing. People require services; schools and etc.
Remove advertising signs on 158. Remove all junk cars. Change your rules. Full time fire department.
Maintain variety by "area" zoning - most important. Don't let Route 158 turn into one big commercial
corridor. Set aside a few areas for public swimming, boating, fishing, etc. now before land costs become
prohibitive.
Keep a good balance between government regulations and free enterprise to maintain a very beautiful
environment.
Jobs bringing opportunities to local people. Bring in IBM or 3M or something prosperous.
Fewer politicians and more common sense approach to county administrative decisions!
You need to consider what is best for the county as a whole, while not leaving those of us who already are
longtime residents and small businesses out to dry because we don't provide a lot of county revenue.
Continue to take steps encouraging orderly growth. Some type of impact fees need to be put in place to make
new development pay for the financial burden they place on the county. Making people pay will insure quality
developments.
Maintaining the rural landscape. Brining in business so money will be spent in this county, but making sure
it does not blight the landscape, i.e., Kill Devil Hills.
Make everyone that owns anything pay their taxes and if they do not pay taxes they should not be allowed to
serve as our county leaders.
Health care.
Water, water, water!
Not to spoil the environment and the quality of life in Currituck County by developing it in favor of more
revenues from industry, subdividions - Currituck County is a virtual paradise compared to Dare County.
Recreation for all ages.
Cut the water system workers in half and make the other half work. Cut the courthouse workers in half and
make the other half work. Cut the county extension service workers and if Currituck County is helping to
pay their salaries. They are absolutely worthless.
The Planning Board and Commissioners seem to be controlled by whatever group yelled last and loudest.
There's no long-term plan to provide for services needed.
Take the wildlife in consideration more. Stop raising the taxes on so many things that we are already over
taxed on.
Higher density zoning for developments along with improvements in availability of water and sewage disposal
will greatly increase the tax base and improve living conditions.
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Proper planning, a land use plan that can be defended and is fair for residents and development as well. A
good administrator and/or planning staff that work for the county.
School buildings as we are able to finance. Do not over burden taxpayers. To try to see if we can find a way
to get the state legislature to enforce judges to put a stricter penalty on drug offenders.
Maintain excellence in schools. Work diligently on traffic control. Support farming and truck farmers and
roadside stands existance.
Maintain or improve the level/quality of the schools in the county.
Reduce senior citizen taxes. We should not have to pay as high as the younger ones that have children in
schools. Bringing in outsiders to overcrowd the schools.
We need some industries or places for locals to work.
Laws are good for some; bad for others. Natives or long time residents should be given extra consideration
when it comes to laws of the land. It is senseless when a native owns at least an acre of land and can't build
a home, because of a new law protecting growth They've earned their place supporting the county all these
years.
A bridge to Carova Beach.
Better, higher paying jobs.
Until Currituck County provides a paved road to Carova Beach I will never get to appreciate the "high quality
of life in Currituck County".
We need more deputies to police or at least show a presence in the area. Better schools. Better fire and
emergency services.
Recreational facilities for children and teens. We really need something to interest our kids and keep them
out of trouble, especially in the winter.
Maintenance of a quality sewer, maintain and strengthen the unique natural quality of Currituck County;"sense
of place".
The needs of all the people.
Preserve the Spanish Mustangs on the Outer Banks. Restrict development north of Corolla. Preserve the
natural beauty. It can't be replace when it's gone.
Keep politics out of community affairs.
Involve dedicated people who will protect what we have.
The county recreations for the kids are nice but they need a neighborhood ballfield, etc.
Cut down on power outages and length of time for services. Better communication between the mainland and
Knotts Island residents.
Drug dealers and drug users should be arrested, not protected by law enforcement officers. The largest drug
dealers are big, big, and "respectable" businessmen.
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Listen to all, not just a small group. More jobs and give our people 1st choice. Longtime residents have to care
for their children or whatever they want to do with their land. Residents on fixed income. Don't let outsiders
overrule the land.
The lower end of the county need its own water supply (like Currituck and Grandy have).
Stop advertising Currituck to the outside. We aren't getting quality people.
I think you should be concerned about overcrowding. I also think you have to consider ways of helping senior
citizens. Most are on fixed salaries and can't keep up with high taxes. Please remember that when it's time
for the next tax hike.
Currituck County is going to be the biggest trailer park in the state of NC. Do not let teachers charge coffee
and cream for themselves for the school board to pay.
Since I have only lived there a short period of time (vacations and summers) I am not qualified to answer.
Public service -police, game commission, fire, school system and wages need to be higher for all county officials.
Drive through Currituck mainland is tacky looking to say the least. Removing billboards would be an
improvement. Take a second look at the mid -county bridge particularly if you are trying to control growth.
Require permits for beach driving.
The cleanliness of the highways. Keep the troublemakers off the streets and away from public hang outs.
1.0pinions of current taxpayers. 2. What the taxpayers want the county to look like in 2025.
Do not infringe on my right to privacy, property, etc.!
Maintain zoning.
Allow more than one year to build on lots.
More control of school spending. They waste money. Need to really work on getting open space subdivision
going in this county. Need a health spa, pool, and etc. for all county people. Need a Food Lion at Moyock
and some larger businesses in a certain area. Beach accesss w/bathrooms and parking
Expedite issues voted upon in a timely fashion.
Protecting the agricultural nature of Currituck County.
Proper zoning is always #1.
The people who live and work here that do not have the affluence or political connections the developers and
business owners have.
As noted, above all, protection of the environment!
Avoid strip malls similar to Dare County. Supply water to lower Currituck. Limit mobile home establishments
and campground type recreations. People are firing guns everywhere around us and we are afraid of stray
bullets.
Avoid development.
Good road planning. More people are coming whether residents want them or not.
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Not allowing Route 158 to look like 1 gigantic "strip" shopping center with billboards all over.
I think finding ways to help people live with the traffic is the best way and to find a way to have more public
places for the local people to enjoy and finding a way to keep our environment safe.
Good schools, improvements of roads and we need a grocery store.
Stop spending money foolishly. Keep taxes down.
Keep development to a minimum -no more mall, fast food type places, etc.
Dirt bikes and motorcycles should be outlawed in northern beaches. Beach buggies and ATV of norther beach
property (1 per family). Owners should recieve special sticker when paying personal property taxes on them.
No other people should be allowed to have ATV on the beach.
Better and stricter highway patrols. Better water quality. Further adjustment of stoplights to accomodate local
and turning motorists.
More schools, a larger police force, and a more efficient trash collecting system.
To use the information obtained from this survey to very carefully control the pace and scope of future
development in the county.
Involving Outer Banks residents in council decisions and actions (as in the case of this survey).
The individual and his rights.
Job related industries need to be brought into the county. Plus things for the young people of the county.
Ten acres or more to build a new home is a very positive effect, yes!
Traffic control.
The hospital, schools and roads.
Development is bound to come! Get these farmers off varoius committees and get someone with vision for
the future.
Not to grow too fast and not too big.
A better police department. Lower taxes for the outer banks, garbage collection and the outer banks north
area bridge. Currituck merchants and service people charge too much, causing tourist and outer banks
property owners to purchase their needs in Virginia and other places.
Curtail commercial fishing in Currituck Sound in order to rebuild fish stocks.
We need to slow down on residential development and overcrowding our schools!! I would like to see the
county take better care of our schools. Central Elementary needs a new gym and larger classrooms.
If the county does not get so crowded, the quality of life will be much better. That would put more money
in the county. I do wish I could answer all and I hope the best for Currituck.
Need county jobs to be filled with best qualified people and not those with the best connections as it is now.
Widen the road from Duck to Corolla. Add a road from Corolla to Virginia.
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The county should help with the development of open areas for recreation.
We need more police protection.
A central sewage system.
Seek out industry that complements current industries to ultimately provide tax base to take the burden off
of landowners.
Keep Currituck rural and not let it be turned into a city.
Need to control number of people on beach since it is only road to house. The people do not understand it
is only road we have and they are rude. I pay too much taxes to have a fight every time I go home if weather
is nice.
Never allow a mall. People go easily to Virginia, Elizabeth City or Nags Head. Be sure all commercial
development is off 158 and 168.
Provide the basics: police protection, fire departments, fresh water, education and_ keep it natural. The
tourists are killing it!
Organize town parades- the 4th of July, Easter, etc. Recreation -the young people need a hangout. Support
the schools and athletic programs.
The strain the tax payers are already under.
Nonresident property owners have mad major investments in Currituck County. We are apprehensive of our
interests being subjugated by local agendas.
Require developers to pay for infrastructure improvements.
Development plan. Low density both ends. Mid -county bridge SOON - no more game playing.
I know the "Big Bridge Debate" has a lot of folks concerned. I really think there should be more studies done,
and it should be the full-time residents to make this decision, not DOT, not government, because in this
instance, the residents should decide.
The building inspector's office needs a full-time inspector to assist people instead of the runaround that
happens now. We need to clean up the drug traffic and stop slapping dealers on the hand and sending them
home.
Support local business growth so taxes don't have to go up.
Do so without being too restrictive. Taking too many rights away from people will degradate quality of life.
New bridge to Corolla, Corova, will eliminate a good portion of traffic.
A new board of commissioners.
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Regional Development Services
East Carolina University
Willis Building
Greenville, NC 27858-4353