Waterfront Access Plan-2000

WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN
TOWN OF BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA
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2000
' Waterfront Access Plan
Town of Beaufort, North Carolina
' CAMA Steering Committee:
' Commissioner Nancy Russell
Commissioner Dr. Walt Schaw
' Ms. Linda Dark
Ms. Pat Kindell
Mr. Guy Copes
' Ms. Rosalie Piner
Ms. Lorraine Copeland
Ms. Barbara Moore
' Mr. Mark Fleckenstein
Mr. Math Chaplain
Mr. Bennett Moss
' Town of Beaufort:
' Mayor Tom Steepy
Commissioner Julian Arrington
Commissioner Sam Brake
' Commissioner Faye Nelson
Commissioner Nancy Russell
Commissioner Dr. Walt Schaw
' Ms. Corrine Geer, Interim Town Manager
Mr. John Young, Planning and Inspections Director
' Ms. Peggy Langdale, Secretary
Mr. Neil Whitford, Town Attorney
' Technical Assistance:
' Benchmark, Incorporated
Local Government Services — Planning, Community Development, and Management
Kannapolis, NC — Kinston, NC — Columbia, SC
Mr. Robert E. Clark AICP, Planner -In -Charge
Mr. Michael D. Harvey, Community Planner
' Mr. Ed Lynch, Community Planner
Mr. John McHenry, Mapping
Ms. Andrea O'Neal, Administrative Assistant
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal
' Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is
administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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Section
Page Number
Introduction............................................................................................ 1
' Professional Project Team ......... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2
................................................... .
' Components of the waterfront plan ................................ ............................
Town of Beaufort CAMA Land Use Plan ................................................4
Town of Beaufort Strategic Growth Plan .................................................. 5
' Public Participation.................................................................................. 5
Goals for increased waterfront access............................................................. 7
Inventory of Existing or Potential Sites...........................................................
Public Water Access Definitions............................................................ 9
' Potential Local Access Sites.................................................................12
Potential Neighborhood Access Sites ...................................................... 15
Potential Community Access Sites......................................................... 16
' Potential Multi -Regional Access Sites ..................................................... 17
Recommended Improvements Access Sites ....................................................... 18
' Improvements to Local Access Sites .......................................................
18
Improvements to Neighborhood Access Sites ......... 19
..................
Improvements to Community Access Sites ................................................ 20
' Strategies for Implementation....................................................................... 21
' Types of Facilities Appropriate for Access........................................................ 24
Constraints to Public Access . . 24
CostEstimates......................................................................................... 25
Resources for Plan Implementation................................................................ 27
Potential Local Funding Sources............................................................ 27
Potential State Funding Sources............................................................ 27
Potential Federal Funding Sources......................................................... 28
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Appendices:
Appendix A: Maps and Illustrations
Waterfront Access Sites
Color Renderings
Appendix B: The Planning Process
Phase One — Project Initiation and Inventory
Phase Two — Analysis of Needs, Issues, and Assets

' Phase Three — Establishment of Goals
Phase Four — Public Forum
Phase Five — Finalizing the Plan
' Appendix C: Town of Beaufort Attorney's report
' Appendix D: Copy Of Public Forum Handout

INTRODUCTION:
The Town of Beaufort is not under any mandate to expand or contract the existing
water access points within the municipal limits or within the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
A waterfront access study includes an inventory and analysis of existing and
potential waterfront access points. It is by completing this study that the Town can
pursue additional grants to develop identified access sites to allow improved public
access to local waterways. By identifying these sites the Town can formulate long-range
goals for the acquisition and development of property to provide public water access.
This plan represents a public plan intended to be the starting block for an analysis of
potential waterfront access sites.
Any decisions to expand or contract existing or potential waterfront access sites
will ultimately be made by the Town of Beaufort's Board of Commissioners.
The rationale in applying for a CAMA Waterfront Access Grant was to help local
governmental officials consider where public waterfront access sites could be located and
to establish the ownership of street ends within the Town of Beaufort. Several citizens
expressed concern to the Town Board of Commissioners over the privatization of existing
street ends for use by private developers. As early as 1998 local residents were
petitioning the Board to initiate a study of existing street ends, specifically Broad and
Gordon Street, to determine their ownership and to potentially use all publicly owned
street ends for increased public waterfront access sites.
As a result of these numerous petitions, and public comments, requesting a study
to determine the ownership of the existing local street ends, the Board of Commissioners
directed the Town Attorney to begin researching the ownership issue. Also as a result of
public comments, and several requests from private citizens, the Town applied for a
CAMA grant to develop a comprehensive plan to increase public waterfront access in
Beaufort. Benchmark Inc. was selected by the Board of Commissioners to coordinate the
study after several local residents made favorable comments on a similar plan developed
for Morehead City by the planning consulting firm.
In July of 1999 the Town received notification that. the CAMA grant was
awarded. In August of 1999, the Board of Commissioners passed a resolution of support
for the project and contracted with Benchmark Inc. to coordinate the development of the
plan.
The guidelines to the Coastal Area Management Act for the State of North
Carolina requires that the consideration of a public plan include a variety of techniques
for educating and involving the public in the process of the plan's development. The
Town is responsible for involving and educating those who reside within the community
in the development of an official plan. In order to accomplish this task the Town of
Beaufort Board of Commissioners appointed a CAMA Steering Committee at the January
10, 2000 regular meeting. This committee was appointed to coordinate public forums to

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obtain public input as well as provide Planning staff with invaluable guidance and
direction in the formulation of a final plan. The members of this committee are as
follows:
• Linda Dark
• Nancy Russell
• Pat Kindell
• Dr. Walt Schaw
• Guy Copes
• Rosalie Piner
• Lorraine Copeland
• Barbara Moore
• Mark Fleckenstein
• Math Chaplain
• Bennett Moss
This committee has been assisting the Project Team in the formulation of goals
and objectives, with the collection of data, working to identify potential access sites,
assisting with the coordination of public meetings, and eventually guiding staff in the
completion of a final recommendation to the Beaufort Board of Commissioners.
The study area covered by the Plan included the entire Town limits and the
extraterritorial jurisdiction surrounding the Town of Beaufort.
PROFESSIONAL PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
The local Professional Project Team was comprised of the following members:
• Mr. John Young. Mr. Young is currently the Public Works Director, Chief
Zoning Officer and Building Inspector with seventeen (17) years of service to the
Town of Beaufort. Mr. Young is keenly aware of local policies and the
availability of potential access sites. Mr. Young will help staff with the collection
of information and the analysis of local ordinances for presentation to the
committee.
• Mr. Bob Clark AICP Senior Planner of Benchmark's Kinston Office. Mr. Clark
is a member of the American Institute of Certifies Planners and has more than
twenty-five (25) years of municipal, county, and contract planning experience
within eastern North Carolina. He has CAMA planning experience as a North
Carolina Division of Community Assistance Planner as well as a consulting
planner in six (6) coastal communities. Most recently, Mr. Clark was the Senior
Planner in charge of a similar study completed in Morehead City outlining and
identifying potential waterfront access sites. CAMA has approved Mr. Clark as
the certified Planning in charge for this project.
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan
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' • Mr. Michael D. Harvey, Planner II with Benchmark and the Beaufort Code
Enforcement Officer. Mr. Harvey is the local Benchmark Planner assigned to the
Town of Beaufort. Mr. Harvey was previously the zoning administrator with the
' Town of Nags Head where he was also a CAMA Local Permit Officer. During
his employee, he was involved in assisting Nags Head planning staff apply for
' CAMA grants to fund public waterfront access sites.
' It should be noted that the preparation of this report including all maps, drawings,
and renderings was financed, in part, through a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management
' Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

COMPONENTS OF THE WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN:
This plan includes an inventory and analysis of existing and potential water access
sites within the Town of Beaufort and its extraterritorial area. Specific sites are classified
as to types of access and use that are most appropriate given their locations, constraints,
potential obstacles, permitting requirements, neighborhood and community benefits,
' redevelopment potential, and environmental context. The classification of these sites,
and the purposes for which they provide waterfront access opportunities, have
materialized from a comprehensive assessment by the Steering Committee, the Project
' Team, and local citizens.
' In completing this study, an analysis of existing plans, policies, or local
ordinances was conducted to ascertain the existence of rules or regulations that supported
or conflicted with potential expansion or construction of waterfront access sites. In
conducting the review, staff discovered the following:
The Town of Beaufort CAMA Land Use Plan:
In reviewing the Beaufort Land Use Plan, staff identified the following policies and
conclusions that support the creation of additional waterfront access sites:
• Under Section One: Analysis of Existing Conditions, subsection B Economy, the
following existing condition is listed:
`The area's extensive shoreline resources make it a primary vacation area for the entire
east coast of the country. While the greatest tourist impact on the local economy occurs
from May to September, visitation figures maintained for the county by the Carteret
County Economic Development Council indicate a substantial year-round economic
impact from both day and night visitors.'
• This section identifies the importance of the existing shoreline as a vital
component in the local economy in attracting visitors to our area and supporting
several different facets of a tourist economy, which offers several different water
based activities.
• With respect to Estuarine Access, the Beaufort Land Use Plan establishes the
following policy:
`Beaufort supports the state's shoreline access policies as set forth in NCAC Chapter
15A, Subchapter 7M. The Town will conform to CAMA and other state and federal
environmental regulations affecting the development of estuarine access areas. The town
will support development of a detailed shoreline access plan during the five (5) year
planning period.'
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• This CAMA Waterfront Access Plan is an attempt to meet this previously
established goal.
• In reviewing the policy statements of the Land Use Plan, there are several
references to expanding the tourism base in Beaufort, specifically focusing on the
following:
1. Beaufort will support projects that will increase public access to shoreline
areas.
2. Beaufort will preserve its historic district and Taylor's Creek waterfront
area.
• The Land Use Plan supports additional waterfront access so long as the access is
provided in a manner that protects the quality of local water resources while
protecting the visual window of the waterfront area.
The Beaufort Strategic Growth Plan:
The Strategic Growth Plan was developed to act as an extension of the previously
approved and adopted 1996 Town of Beaufort Land Use Plan. It was intended that the
implementation of all the recommendations of the growth plan be consistent with the
Policy Statements and Land Classification System as established in the Land Use Plan.
In reviewing this document, the following goals and policies were established
with respect to waterfront access:
• In order to preserve natural vegetation and scenic views, `no building or houses or
structures excepting noncommercial docks or piers will be erected on the south
side of Front Street in this R-8 district'.
• The plan identifies the need for increased public shoreline access and establishes
the requirement that a community service plan be completed proposing increased
waterfront access.
The only potential limitation of increased waterfront access would be the
limitation of allowed construction at waterfront access sites located within the R8 zoning
district. This means that there can be no gazebos or other similar structures constructed
at such access sites. As we will see, however, the committee is not interested in the
construction of such permanent structures at access sites as they could potentially block
the visual window and the aesthetic beauty of the local Beaufort waterfront.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
From the onset of this project, both the Beaufort CAMA Steering Committee and
local professional staff supported the need for citizen participation in the formulation of
this plan.
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' A public forum was held at the Beaufort Elementary School on May 11, 2000 at
7:00 p.m. The event introduced citizens to the CAMA Waterfront Access Plan Study
' process, the CAMA Steering Committee, and the professional planning team. Members
of both the CAMA Steering Committee and the professional planning team were
introduced and participated in the forum.
The Planning Team presented an overview of how the Beaufort Waterfront Plan
was being developed. An introduction to basic waterfront access types, background
' facts, and other vital information was given. Other information presented included a
collection of photographs taken by committee members, colorized renderings detailing
' the potential development of existing and proposed waterfront access sites, preliminary
goals and objectives, and colorized maps outlining the location of existing and proposed
waterfront access sites throughout Beaufort and the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The Planning Team addressed the attendees and solicited their input and comment
on the proposals that had been developed. Participants provided input on the need for
increased public waterfront access, explained their concerns with respect to the draft
goals and objectives, and made valuable suggestions as to potential development of
waterfront access sites and the preliminary goals and objectives.
' The public forum revealed several concerns and interests. Chief among the
concerns expressed by participants was the need to protect open vistas where possible to
' preserve the visual window of the Beaufort waterfront. Participants also expressed the
need to provide for the connection of these individual waterfront access sites to provide
for a continuous path system throughout Beaufort. This path system would form the
' backbone of a comprehensive greenway system allowing universal access for local
residents and visitors to the various historic, cultural, and retail opportunities throughout
Beaufort. Finally participants discussed the problems associated with providing more
' boat access sites and the need for off street parking. Several participants indicated that
the parking situation around existing access sites was already causing some problems.
Attendees expressed a desire to encourage non -intensive recreational use of street ends to
' alleviate the potential for parking congestion and misuse of the existing on street public
parking.
' Citizens expressed the need to concentrate on providing passive waterfront access
sites where people could enjoy sight seeing, fishing, or swimming without the fear of
being impeded by others attempting to use the area for boat access. The citizens
' indicated a preference for the completed .waterfront access plan to focus on providing
passive recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors rather than providing
more intensive waterfront access sites. While the citizens did not suggest that any local
' commercial businesses could not make use of any proposed waterfront access sites, such
as small commercial fishing boats, the consensus was that the Town should focus on
providing areas where local residents and visitors could enjoy the aesthetic quality of the
' Beaufort waterfront.
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Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

GOALS FOR INCREASED WATERFRONT ACCESS:
The Beaufort CAMA Steering Committee has met frequently in the preparation of
' the Plan. During these meetings local citizens and members of the local press have been
present at each of these meetings to observe the committee and staff as they developed
the study's goals and discussed the many ideas that evolved throughout the development
' of the Plan.
In considering potential sites, the committee made a conscious decision to focus
' on the need to provide more local and neighborhood access to provide local residents
with greater pedestrian access to the waterfront. These type of sites place an emphasis on
providing passive recreational access while encouraging the preservation of open vistas
' and limiting land disturbance whenever possible
' After holding the public forum and reviewing the public input, the Beaufort
Steering Committee drafted the following goals to frame the desired outcomes of the
Waterfront Access Plan:
' 1. To develop the Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan with direct community
participation and consensus building;
2. To prepare the Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan based on CAMA guidelines for
waterfront access types;
' 3. To investigate and prepare a Waterfront Access Plan and Map for the Town of
Beaufort's shoreline including the extraterritorial jurisdiction that recognizes the
' need for, and accommodates, appropriate waterfront development in sensitive
environmental areas while maintaining the public's health, safety, and general
welfare;
' 4. To identify appropriate access within existing neighborhoods while maintaining
the integrity of the neighborhood;
5. To provide improved waterfront access in a manner that will protect the visual
and aesthetic window of our waterfront. Open vistas shall be preserved whenever
' possible and minimal construction shall be allowed to provide community access.
6. To provide additional sources of passive recreational waterfront access for local
' residents and visitors. Passive recreation includes, but is not limited to, fishing
piers, swimming access, pedestrian walkways, nature trails, bird watching areas,
bike paths, and observation decks where appropriate. This is not meant to
' preclude use of existing or potential waterfront access sites for commercial uses,
i.e. allowing a small fishing boat to make use of a public dock for a short time, but
not to focus on providing additional public boat access sites.
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' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

7. To combine waterfront access with educational and historic information
concerning Beaufort wherever appropriate. This information would be placed at
various waterfront access sites identifying the historical significance of a
particular area or providing educational information on indigenous marine or
plant life. This information would be provided in such a manner as not to detract
from the area and not take up valuable open space.
8. To connect these various sites in a path or greenway system where appropriate.
This will allow residents, and visitors to our area, to have greater access to our
waterfront access sites and make the area more pedestrian accessible.
9. To identify security issues associated with waterfront access sites. This includes,
' but is not limited to, lighting, and hours of operation. While there will be no
limits placed on the enjoyment of these public access sites, any waterfront access
' site shall be designed to ensure that local residents and visitors are not negatively
affected by their use.
' 10. To identify funding sources to make these access sites a reality. This includes
identifying grant -funding sources, forming partnerships with other local or state
agencies to develop a waterfront access site, and possibly working with other
' governmental entities, such as Carteret County, to jointly sponsor the
development of an access site.
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Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

INVENTORY OF EXISTING OR POTENTIAL SITES:
Prior to beginning the inventory process the Town Attorney, on the direction from
the Town of Beaufort Board of Commissioners, conducted a study to determine the
ownership of the various street ends throughout Beaufort. This report is attached in
Appendix C and identifies those street ends that are currently within public ownership.
Once this date was obtained, the project team conducted an in-depth analysis of each of
the publicly owner street ends adjacent to the waterfront to determine which areas were
undeveloped and had potential for waterfront access, either in the form of boat or
pedestrian access.
It was noted in completing this analysis that there are already five (5) existing
waterfront access sites within Beaufort. The first site is the downtown Beaufort
waterfront, which is classified as an urban waterfront by CAMA. The second site is the
Curtis Perry Park, located at the far eastern end of Front Street and is classified as a
regional access site. The third site is also located in the downtown area at Orange Street
and is classified as a community access site. The fourth site is the Jaycees Park, which is
located across from the US Post Office on Front Street and is classified as a community
access site. The final site is located off of West Beaufort road, near the marina, and is
classified as a community access site.
Initially, there were thirteen (13) waterfront access points identified for the study.
Seven (7) of these sites appear to be in private ownership while the others are considered
publicly owned. The majority of these sites consist of rights -of -way street ends and
public properties owned by the Town of Beaufort. The typical street end is a fifty (50)
feet wide area ending at, or continuing beyond, the mean high water mark. Most provide
primary or secondary access to adjoining properties. All the sites offer visual
connections to the water. All the sites identified in this analysis yield to marsh, concrete
rubble, or other stabilizing `rip -rap'. These sites are also subject to noticeable tidal
fluctuations. Most of these sites area susceptible to wave erosion and mostly yield to
narrow bands of sandy beaches.
PUBLIC WATER ACCESS DEFINITIONS:
The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) guidelines provide five (5) basic
classifications of public waterfront accesses. They are as follows:
• Local Access Sites
• Neighborhood Access Sites
• Community Access Sites
• Multi -regional Sites
• Urban Waterfront Redevelopment Projects
After studying the Coastal Resources Commission's definitions of `Basic Public
Water Access', the planning team and the local steering committee further defined them
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' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

for application to local conditions and needs. It is the Local and Neighborhood Access
classifications, however, that shall be considered as the primary scope of the Beaufort
Waterfront Access Plan.
These definitions are as follows:
Local Access Sites: Characterized By:
• Public Access points, generally at street ends.
• Minimum or no facilities.
• No directional signage leading to the site.
• Principal use by pedestrians who reside within a few hundred yards of the site.
• No parking areas provided.
• Limited use of hours where necessary.
• Hand launching only of small boats and watercraft. No ramps provided.
• No handicapped access provided.
• Shoreline protection (if needed).
• Appropriate landscaping and plantings.
• Bollards or distinctive markers (spaces eight (8) feet apart), with waterfront
access symbol.
• Markers to demarcate between private and public land spaces.
Neighborhood Access Sites: Characterized By:
• Principal use by individuals near the site within the immediate subdivision.
• Typically forty (40) to sixty (60) feet in width (street right-of-way).
• No directional signage leading to the site.
• Limited hours where necessary.
• Handicapped access provided.
• Five (5) standard parking spaces and one (1) handicapped space.
• Appropriate landscaping and plantings.
• Four (4) foot wide boardwalk for shore access.
• Litter receptacles.
• Bike rack.
• Limited lighting.
• Shoreline protection (if needed).
• Bollards or distinctive markers with waterfront access symbol.
• Markers to demarcate between private and public land spaces.
• Hand launching only of boats and small water craft. No ramps provided.
Community Access Sites: Characterized By:
• Service of the public throughout the community, including day visitors.
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• Where possible, usually has one-half acre open space in addition to all required
setback areas for buffering, day use, nature study, or similar purposes.
• Twenty-five (25) to eighty (80) parking spaces.
• Crossover or path.
• Pier.
• Four (4) foot wide boardwalk for shore access.
• Litter receptacles.
• Public access signs.
• Shoreline protection (if needed).
• Restrooms where feasible.
• Foot showers, where feasible.
• Small boat launching and hand launching.
Multi -Regional Access Sites: Characterized By:
• A site larger than community access but smaller than state parks.
• Two acres of open space, where possible, in addition to all required setbacks
provided for buffering, day use, nature study, or similar purposes.
• Eighty (80) to one hundred (100) parking spaces.
• Various facilities including pier, boat ramp, etc.
• Restrooms.
• Indoor showers and changing rooms.
• Concession stand(s).
Urban Waterfront: Characterized By:
• Active commercial, water dependant and non water dependant uses.
• Promenade or boardwalk for pedestrians.
• Boat slips and bulkheads.
• Located in a downtown area.
• Non motorized boat rentals.
• Commercial boat taxi services.
• Floating docks for day and overnight boat dockage.
• Off street parking.
In utilizing these criteria, nine (9) potential waterfront access sites have been
identified for their potential as improved waterfront access points focusing on providing
additional local or neighborhood access. Eight (8) of these sites have primary waterfront
access with one (1) site being identified as a potential wetland nature trail. All but three
(3) sites are in public ownership and there is one (1) existing site, at the western end of
Front Street, which is already developed. It should also be noted that two (2) areas within
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan
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' Beaufort have been identified for future consideration of a waterfront access site. These
sites are identified within this plan for illustrative purposes only.
The identified sites are as follows: the western end of Front Street, the end of
Gordon Street, the end of Broad Street, two (2) vacant lots with waterfront access on
Cedar Street directly adjacent to the draw bridge on either side, the Gayden Paul Draw
' Bridge, the western side of Turner Street, and a vacant lot located at the end of Riverside
Drive. The two (2) sites identified for future consideration are proposed to be located off
' of Lennoxville Road and Enforcement Lane.
These sites have been identified as being usable to support either local or
' neighborhood access sites. The emphasis on these sites will be the provision of
additional waterfront access for passive recreational activities and limited commercial
use. The vacant lot on Enforcement Lane has been identified for use as a Community
' Access site with the provision of a small number of parking spaces and a small boat
ramp.
' There has been one (1) site identified for a possible interconnected dock system
extending from Live Oak Street that will connect to Turner Street and provide additional
waterfront access for residents on the eastern side of Beaufort. This site has been
' identified as a wetland access point to allow local residents and visitors to be allowed
access to existing wetlands located directly behind the Beaufort Elementary School. This
site was also selected for use as an educational site to provide general information of
' local indigenous plant and animal life as well as educational information of wetland
preservation and other similar ecological concerns.
POTENTIAL LOCAL ACCESS SITES:
During the committee's preliminary analysis of potential waterfront access sites,
' and comments made during the public forum, the central goal of the Beaufort Waterfront
Access Plan was to provide additional sources of local or neighborhood access. During
the public forum, citizens expressed the desire to improve the Town of Beaufort street
' ends by cleaning these sites up and providing a minimum amount of facilities promoting
passive recreational access.
' Local access points along Taylor's Creek are mostly found along Front Street.
These locations provide the immediate residents with opportunities for strolling, bird
watching, informal gatherings, swimming, sunbathing, along with shore or just offshore
' sandbars and portage areas for hand launched skiffs, kayaks, and wind surfing boards.
The end of Broad Street is currently blocked off and currently does not lend itself to
' allow any type of access.
The Plan identifies two (2) sites that are either being used on some informal basis
as a local access site or had the potential for local access type improvements. All sites
' listed below are shown on the Site Map in Appendix A Maps and Illustrations.
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' Two 2 additional sites, on Enforcement Lane and Lennoxville Road, are
identified within this section for illustrative purposes only, in order to indicate the
' potential future development of a local waterfront access sites within these areas.
In order to assist in the planning process, the CAMA has assigned each potential
' waterfront access site identified in this report a name. The name assigned to each site is
preliminary and is only designed to help identify access sites. The committee is not
intending for these access sites to have these preliminary names used for official purposes
' once they are developed as that is the decision of the Town Board of Commissioners. All
potential access sites are identified and defined in random order.
Front Street Way:
Front Street Way is the name given to the piece of property located on the western
end of Front Street at the cul-de-sac turn around point. The site currently contains three
(3) benches and a trash receptacle. While the site does not currently allow for direct
water access, it does provide an area for local residents and visitors to enjoy the view of
the waterfront and of several historic properties along Front Street. There is potential to
expand water access at this street end by developing the area all the way to the existing
concrete riprap. This could include the addition of new benches into the area, installation
of a sidewalk to connect the site to the rest of the downtown area as well as other
waterfront developments to the north. Currently there are no legal on street parking
spaces at this end of Front Street and no spaces are proposed to be added.
Riverside Park:
Riverside Park is the name given to a vacant lot at the end of Riverside Drive.
The lot in question is currently in private ownership and in a natural state with several
trees and other forms of vegetation and pockets of isolated wetlands. The site currently
does not allow any direct water access to local residents. There is potential to provide
water access on this site with the construction of a walkway from the lot in question to
the water. A small dock could be erected at the end of the walkway to allow for the
launching of small day boats or non -motorized watercraft. This area would be developed
for use primarily for people who live on Riverside or Copeland Drive.
According to local residents there is also an old Civil War graveyard located on
site. The committee suggests that the validity of this claim be verified and if the
cemetery does indeed exist, it should be refurbished and maintained. Historic or
informational plaques could be erected on site to inform visitors about the history of the
gravesite as well as provide information about the Civil War and Beaufort's involvement.
There is also
adjoining cul-de-sac.
where local residents
an existing private boat dock across from the vacant lot in an
The dock was developed to be a local neighborhood access site
who helped pay for the docks upkeep, would be granted access
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Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

rights to the dock. After talking with local residents the dock is used very infrequently
and the original members of the group that developed the dock have moved away from
the area. This existing dock could provide additional local access to the water once it is
repaired. The committee has recommended that the Town begin investigating the current
ownership of the dock and look into the possibility of turning it into a local waterfront
access point.
Enforcement Way:
Enforcement way is the name given to an as yet unidentified site on Enforcement
Lane for a potential future local waterfront access site. The committee has determined
that a need for additional local waterfront access may be necessary within the area and
has decided to designate the area as a potential location for a local waterfront access site
once a specific site is made available.
Lennox Point:
As with the potential site on Enforcement Lane, the committee has for illustrative
purposes selected a potential local waterfront access site at the end of Lennoxville Road.
The area in question is primarily developed as a residential area and is within the Town's
ET7 (extraterritorial jurisdiction). The committee has determined that a need may exist in
the near future for a local access site within the area and has decided to designate a site as
a potential location for a local waterfront access site.
Lennox Point and Enforcement Way are identified as potential sites for
illustrative purposes only. The committee will pursue development of access sites within
these areas only if adequate property is made available and a true need for such a site is
determined. If a local access site is developed it will be done so with a minimal amount
of amenities to protect the local environment.
Based on the definition of appropriate local access, a prototype design was
prepared to illustrate the concept. It is recommended that one (1) identified local access
site be chosen for initial improvements using only local funds. The committee has also
selected an identified neighborhood access site to be developed using local funds as a
Prototype for other neighborhood access sites. Once these sites are improved, the Town
Board of Commissioners would seek information from nearby property owners, people
from larger neighborhoods, and those town officials responsible for the management and
maintenance of these sites to determine whether some of all of the remaining identifies
Local and Neighborhood Access Sites shall be developed in the same manner.
The west end of Front Street and the end of Gordon Street both lend themselves to
be the prototype sites to be developed. These sites would require minimal alteration and
improvements and would help to establish the concept of providing for more passive
waterfront access while preserving the existing open vistas.
14
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

' POTENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS SITES:
The Plan identifies six (6) sites that are either being used informally for hand held
' launched boat or pedestrian access, or have the potential for local or neighborhood
improvements. All sites listed below are shown on the Site Map in Appendix A.
' Gordon Street Community Beach:
The Gordon Street Community Beach is identified as the property located at the
southern end of Gordon Street. This site in question is a street end with approximately
one hundred -fifty (150) feet of publicly owned waterfront property that is fronted by an
eight (8) foot sidewalk, which parallels Front Street. Utilities are available on the site. It
is a vacant tract of land with three (3) existing docks that are currently in public
ownership and are privately maintained. The site in question is surrounded
predominately by single-family residential development and is located within the R8
zoning district. The site is predominantly sandy with some pockets of marshland with
Pampas Grass and other forms of vegetation. The site is currently used as an informal
launching point for day boats and kayaks for surrounding residents.
Watermark Park:
Watermark Park is the preliminary name given to the vacant street end located at
the western end of Broad Street. This site is a street end with approximately fifty (50)
feet of right-of-way that has two (2) eight (eight) foot sidewalks located on either side of
the street end. The street end terminates in the water where there is approximately twenty
(20) feet of unpaved area, made up primarily of gravel, dirt, minimal vegetation, and rip -
rap that terminates in Taylor's Creek. The site is adjacent to the Gallants Group
construction project that is proposing to locate a small dock on its property. The site in
question is surrounded by single family residential development and is located within the
R8 zoning district. The site is currently blocked off with a `dead end' sign and is not
designed to provide any incidental public use or access.
Flowers Walk:
Flowers Walk is the preliminary name assigned to a vacant piece of property
located adjacent to the Graydon Paul Draw Bridge. The lot in question is in private
ownership and currently has direct waterfront access. Local residents currently use the
area as an informal fishing spot. There are no formal parking spaces or docks currently
located on site.
Flowers Walk H:
Flowers Walk II refers is the preliminary name assigned to a vacant piece of
property located across from the Flowers Walk site, to the opposite side of the draw
15
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

' bridge. This property is also in private ownership and currently has some small docks on
site. The lot is currently listed as being for sale.
' Town Creek Way
' This site is located adjacent to Turner Street, which allows access from Cedar
Street to West Beaufort Road. The road has a fifty (50) foot right-of-way that currently
terminates in Taylor's Creek on the west side. The area is predominately marsh land with
' some existing concrete rip -rap. The site in question is surrounded by residential uses.
The site does not allow for any incidental public access due to the marshy conditions of
the area.
' Draw Bridge Landing:
Draw Bridge Landing refers to the existing Graydon Paul Draw Bridge that
connects Morehead City with Beaufort. There is a proposal to re-route traffic from
Morehead City into Beaufort, which would make the existing bridge useless for traffic
' purposes. The committee has suggested that the site could be used for a waterfront
access site and encourages the Town to inform the North Carolina Department of
Transportation on our interest to retain ownership of the area once the new bridge is
constructed.
POTENTIAL COMMUNITY ACCESS SITES:
' The Plan identifies one (1) potential community access site:
Tressle Park Wav:
The site identified for a potential community access site is the area behind the
' Beaufort Elementary School. The area is predominately marsh and wetland with an old
railroad trestle spanning the property. The old railroad bridge extends from the Vickers
property, which has access from Live Oak Street, and to several residential properties on
' West Beaufort Road. This area lends itself to be developed as a nature trial system,
allowing potential access from the elementary school, Live Oak Street, West Beaufort
Road, and Turner Street. This proposed trial system would be developed with a raised
' deck system and could allow for a minimal water access area to encourage small boat
access. The area as a whole lends itself to development as a nature and educational trail
providing local residents and visitors with educational information on local plant and
' animal life and on the importance of wetland preservation.
While the majority of the selected sites could be developed into a Community
' Access site, the Beaufort CAMA Steering Committee has determined that they are not
interested in encouraging the development of such sites. The committee determined that
provision of parking spaces would pose a problem for local residents and would destroy
' the visual and aesthetic window for the area as a whole. The committee determined that
16
' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

neighborhood access sites preserve the visual window of the waterfront and the integrity
of the surrounding neighborhoods. The committee has determined that these types of
access would better serve local residents and visitors.
POTENTIAL MULTI -REGIONAL ACCESS SITES:
There are no sites being considered for development as a Multi -regional access
site within the study area. The Town currently has the Beaufort Waterfront, which
supplies several boat slips and dock area to satisfy the Town's need for such an access.
There is also the existing regional boat access ramp at the eastern end of Front Street, in
Curtis Perry Park and a commercial marina off of West Beaufort Road. The committee
and planning staff do not believe there is an additional need for a multi -regional access
site in the area.
17
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS TO ACCESS SITES:
During the site inventory review process it was determined that the Town of
Beaufort owns a portion of waterfront property that can be improved for local and
neighborhood access. It consists mostly of street rights -of -way that end at the waterfront
on the western and southern shores of the Town. It shall be necessary to obtain
additional properties for community, multi -regional, or urban access through land
donation, lease agreements, or land acquisition in order to proceed with a more extensive
waterfront access program if the Town of Beaufort desires to develop such access points.
IMPROVEMENTS TO LOCAL ACCESS SITES:
' The committee has designated the west end of Front Street, where the existing
cul-de-sac is located, and a vacant lot off of Riverside Drive as the primary local access
sites. These areas are designated to be improved as indicated below and on the prototype
' site plan drawing as shown in Appendix A.
' Front Street Way:
The west end of Front Street has already been extensively developed. There are
existing benches and a trash receptacle on site, as well as existing vegetation in the cul-
de-sac. The committee proposes to remove the existing concrete benches and place
wooden style benches, with high backs, into the area. The sidewalk should also be
extended to provide a continuous pedestrian access loop in the area to allow visitors to
' the site to be able to access both sides of Front Street from this site. The committee has
also recommended that a small covered bench be placed at the access site. The cul-de-
sac should be re -landscaped and the existing anchor removed. The new landscaping
should consist of small bushes and indigenous local plants to help accentuate the area.
The committee also suggests that preliminary efforts be taken to look into securing the
necessary access easements to allow either a sidewalk, or a raised walkway, to be
' constructed near the waterfront to connect existing and proposed waterfront access sites
to the north with the Front Street access. This will help facilitate the development of a
continuous path/greenway system connecting the waterfront accesses throughout
' Beaufort.
tRiverside Park:
The vacant lot on Riverside Drive is currently undeveloped and highly vegetated.
' The committee suggests a small portion of the site be cleared to create a path to the water.
A small dock is proposed to be placed at the base of the river to allow local residents to
use it for a boat or personal water craft launching area. AS previously indicated, there
' may be an existing Civil War cemetery on site. The committee proposes the Town begin
working with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources to verify the claim
and develop the appropriate information and historical plaques to advertise the historical
' 18
P
' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

' importance of the site. Other potential amenities suggested by the committee include a
limited number of high back, wood, benches and possible a bike rack.
' IMPROVEMENTS TO NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS SITES:
The committee has designated the following as the primary neighborhood access
' sites within the Town of Beaufort. As previously indicated, the committee has selected
the end of Gordon Street as the prototype development site for all neighborhood access
sites. All of these areas are designated to be improves as indicated below and on the
' prototype site plan drawing as shown in Appendix A.
Gordon Street Community Beach:
The Gordon Street Community Beach currently has three (3) existing docks on
site and a large area of vacant land made up predominately of sand and low lying
vegetation. Two (2) small floating docks can be added to the end of two (2) of the piers
to encourage more boat access. This could include allowing small commercial fishing
boats to dock for temporary purposes. More sand can be added to the area to promote the
`beech' atmosphere of the site and encourage more passive recreation activities. The
committee also suggests that up to three (3) benches be placed on site. These benches
should be the same style of bench installed at every waterfront access site. The
committee also suggests that a bike rack and a trash receptacle be placed on site as well.
Any and all necessary signage shall be kept to a minimum.
Watermark Park:
The end of Broad Street is a fifty (50) foot right-of-way that is located adjacent to
the proposed Gallants Group development site. The committee recommends that the are
be cleaned up and the existing vegetation preserved as much as possible. The committee
recommends that a dock be extended into the waterway with fixed seating along the
edges of the dock. This dock will support the creation of a board walk atmosphere to
allow visitors to bird watch, fish, or just enjoy the view. Small boats shall be allowed to
dock on site with the provision of a limited number of mooring slips being constructed on
site. This will also allow the launching of small day boats, kayak, and other similar non -
motorized personal watercraft vehicles. The site will also have two (2) bike racks and an
undetermined number of trash receptacles on site to handle waste disposal.
Flowers Walk:
This is a vacant lot, located adjacent to the Graydon Paul Bridge and currently
being used by local residents and visitors as an informal fishing spot. The committee
recommends that the lot be secured to allow for it to remain for public use. The
committee suggests that a limited number of parking spaces be provided on site to aid in
traffic control and make the area safer. A small dock is proposed to be developed to aid
in providing a safe location for visitors to fish and enjoy the area. The committee
19
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

suggests that three (3) benches be located on site as well as two (2) bike racks to
encourage more pedestrian use of the area. The committee also recommends that the
Town apply for funding to extend a deck under the draw bridge to allow pedestrians to
access other waterfront access sites located to the south of the property. This potentially
includes Flowers Walk II and Watermark Park.
Flowers Walk II:
Flowers Walk II is a piece of property to the south of the draw bridge with a
' collection of small privately owned docks. The committee recommends that the area be
maintained and a small walk way be constructed to allow for an increased level of public
' access. The existing docks will be allowed to remain and a small number of new docks
shall be constructed to allow for more boat access. The site will have to be landscaped
and existing vegetation preserved to protect the area from over development.
' Town Creek Way
This site is located adjacent to Turner Street, which allows access from Cedar
' Street to West Beaufort Road. The road has a fifty (50) foot right-of-way that currently
terminates in Taylor's Creek on the west side. The area is predominately marsh land with
' some existing concrete rip -rap. The committee has recommended that an elevated
walkway/boardwalk be constructed adjacent to Turner Street to allow for pedestrian
access from the base of Turner Street to the existing CAMA boat access site. The
' boardwalk is proposed to follow the shoreline, going across the new Maritime Museum
Site to the north, and terminating at the boat ramp. The committee also recommends that
the Town look into extending the boardwalk from Turner Street, following the shoreline,
' and connecting the Flowers Walk site. This will establish a continuous trail system along
the waterfront and give residents and visitors the ability to one day access the downtown
area from the Maritime Museum and from West Beaufort Road. This is a ling term goal,
' but central to the development of the Turner Street boardwalk.
Draw Bridge Landinz
Draw Bridge Landing refers to the existing Graydon Paul Draw Bridge that
connects Morehead City with Beaufort. As we already know there are plans to re-route
' traffic from the area, which would make the use of the bridge for automobile traffic
unnecessary. The committee suggests that the bridge be developed as a boardwalk and
park area with benches and picnic tables on site to allow residents and visitors to enjoy
the view. This would mean the placement of fixed picnic tables and waste receptacles on
site. There is currently no proposed public parking for the site.
' IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMUNITY ACCESS SITES:
There is one (1) site proposed for use as a community access. The area behind the
' Beaufort Elementary School is predominantly wetlands and marsh area. The committee
20
' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

' has recommended that a raised walkway be constructed on site to allow for the creation
of a permanent walkway system to allow residents to access the waterfront access sites on
' Turner Street, and the Maritime Museum, from the eastern half of Beaufort. The
boardwalk should be high enough of the ground to protect the existing ecosystem while
allowing for safe pedestrian access to Turner Street. The boardwalk will have several
' staring and ending points with planned access from the Vickers property, the Beaufort
Elementary School, from West Beaufort Road, and from Turner Street. The committee
recommends that benches be provided on the boardwalk to allow people to sit and enjoy
' the view. The committee also recommends that informational plaques and markers be
installed along the boardwalk to provide information on indigenous plant and animal life
as well as the importance on wetland conservation.
' This proposed boardwalk can also be used to preserve the existing train trestle
system if possible. The boardwalk can also contain educational material on trains and
' any appropriate historic information concerning the use of trains in Beaufort and the
historic importance of the railway in the area.
C
21
I
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

' STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION:
In conjunction with using the prototype local, neighborhood, and community
' access designs in the suggested location, the following strategies are emphasized:
' 1. Designation of a committee to oversee the development and property acquisition
associated with the identified waterfront access sites.
' 2. Begin the process to clearly claim and mark public properties and rights -of -way
using a simple but distinctive survey marker system. This will help preserve these
sites for future use and allow local residents to visually identify the proposed
' future waterfront access sites. This will have the effect of encouraging more
citizen participation in the development of these sites and could possible allow for
additional lands being made available to expand proposed waterfront access sites.
' 3. Introduce a "adopt a lot" program within the Town of Beaufort to encourage local
citizens and businesses to adopt public lots and street ends throughout the Town
' to assistance with their improvement and overall appearance. While the Town
would bear the majority of the maintenance cost for a developed access site, this
program would not only lower the overall financial commitment, but also
' encourage local participation in waterway access development and beautification.
4. Adopt appropriate plans and policies that disperse the limited waterfront access
' usage among all identified access projects in order to guarantee the best overall
benefit for Beaufort residents.
' 5. Initiate a pilot development project of a local waterfront access site to encourage
community involvement and support of the overall plan. The west end of Front
Street has been identified as a pilot waterfront access development project.
' 6. Install standardized logos and appropriate markers, specific to each type of
access, to help in the detailing to potential users of the site the permitted and
' acceptable uses, and assist local staff with the enforcement of local ordinances.
7. Install aesthetically pleasing and passive signage to identify each public access
' site.
8. Install appropriate vegetation to accentuate the waterfront access sites and assist
' in shielding adjacent property owners from potential negative secondary effects
associated with waterfront access sites.
' 9. Consider eliminating placement at local street ends beyond existing driveways
that serve adjoining properties where parking problems exist. This, along with the
use of bollards, will help to discourage undesired parking.
22
' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

10. Allow the hand launching of small boats at certain local access points provided
that trailer parking will not be permitted. This would include kayaks, small
sailboats, and small fishing boats.
11. Apply for all applicable State or Federal funding that supports the policies and
goals adopted in this Plan. This would include applying for CAMA Waterfront
grants and NCDOT TIP grants that are designed to assist in the development of
waterfront access sites and nature trails.
12. When appropriate, continue to coordinate efforts with Carteret County to
implement countywide recreation and waterfront access projects that will connect
local access sites with other County recreational and water front sites.
23
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

TYPES OF FACILITIES APPROPRIATE FOR ACCESS:
' The site inventory process revealed that although Beaufort has extensive property
along the waterfront primarily adjacent to Turner's Creek, much of it is in private
ownership. During the public forum, citizens, committee members, and local officials
' expressed the desire to improve Town owned street ends by `cleaning then up' and
providing a minimum amount of facilities in keeping with the `Local' or the
`Neighborhood' access concept. With only one (1) exception, the sites selected for
development as waterfront access sites have been classified as either a Local or
' Neighborhood Access Site.
' Public street ends at the waters' edge, within existing residential neighborhoods,
are to be left accessible to the public through informal usage, encouraging the use of
existing on street parking and primary access by existing sidewalks. Distinctive markers
' near the entrance to these sites are recommended to clearly show where public and
private ownership rights are established.
' A `low key' approach to waterfront access site design shall be taken where
distinctive planting, limited lighting, letter receptacles, and marine type marker bollards
will be provided.
' CONSTRAINTS TO PUBLIC ACCESS:
' In an effort to determine if there were any major constraints to providing access to
the waterfront, the Planning Team considered several factors. One of the primary
constraints to providing public access to the waterfront is the legal status of each
' individual street end. While the sites selected for waterfront access development are
within public ownership there is evidence that this may be in dispute in a few instances
and the total amount of land available is in question.
' In order to connect these individual sites, as the committee has suggested, through
a path or sidewalk system access sites may require lease agreements and easements, or
' the purchase of adjacent properties, may be required in order to provide improved public
access to the waterfront.
' Another issue will be the security of the users of these sites, specifically the
proposed trail system behind the Beaufort Elementary School. Appropriate lighting will
have to be provided to guarantee pedestrian safety while not causing a nuisance for
' adjacent property owners. Hours of operation may also have to clearly be defined and
enforced to guarantee the safety and welfare of adjacent property owners.
24
' Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

COST ESTIMATES:
The following table shows the cost estimates for recommended local,
' neighborhood, and community access site improvements.
ITEM:
UNIT COST:
DESCRIPTION:
1. Demolition and Site
$15 to $20 per cubic yard
Removal of existing
Preparation
pavement, vegetation, or
other elements no
conforming to the proposed
site develo ment.
2. Improvements:
a. Street Furniture
1. Trash containers
$800 each
Based on cost of existing
trash receptacles currently
in downtown Beaufort
2. Bollards
Between $170 and $350
To match those existing on
each
the downtown waterfront.
3. Street lights
$450 to $1,000 each at
Additional reflectors to
(Optional)
approximately $20 a month
direct light toward ground
and cutoff toward
residences.
4. Bike Racks
$200 to $350
Match existing, if in place
5. Bench
$500 to $1,000
New benches with high
wood backs.
b. Site Improvements
1. Paving
$5 per square foot
Minor repairs, patch
existing asphalt where
needed.
2. Curb Stops
$20 each
Utilize where there is
already no curb in place
c. Plantings
1. Trees
$900 to $1,000 each
Species tolerant to coastal
conditions. Cost will vary
based on size ands ecies.
2. Shrubs
$35 to $50 each
Species tolerant to coastal
conditions planted to screen
access site from adjacent
ro erties.
3. Lawn
$1 to $5 per square foot
Where needed
d. Docks/Decks
1. Pier
$1,500 to $3,000
Length will vary based on
site and water conditions
2. Boardwalk
$15 to $20 per square foot
Salt treated wood. LenEh
25
I
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

will vary depending on
project. Based on ten (10)
feet in width.
3. Boat Ramp
$20 per square foot
Length varies based on
unique site/waterfront
conditions.
4. Picnic Shelter
$3,000 to $6,000 each
Standard design.
5. Gazebo
$5,000 to $10,000
Dependant on design and
size.
e. Other
1. Si s
$5 00 to $2,000 per site
Depending on need.
26
I
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

RESOURCES FOR PLAN IMPLEMENTATION:
A main function of the Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan is to help the Town of
' Beaufort proceed from the prepared site inventory, analysis, and selection to site
development. Adequate funding will be necessary to create, or improve existing, water
access sites. The Planning Team suggests the Town apply for the following public and
' private funds to carry out the improvements recommended in the Waterfront Access Plan.
' The public and private funding of improvements to neighborhood or above access
points using locally approved designs, use policies, maintenance, and security may be
used in lieu of CAMA or other outside funding sources if such funding requires
' placement of directional signs beyond the improved sites. The Town should seek State
and Federal funds to implement neighborhood, community, regional, and urban
waterfront level access projects.
In addition to requesting outside funding, the Town will need to allocate local
financial resources in the annual budget to provide for any necessary local grant match
dollar requirement and for any future improvements and maintenance of public facilities.
POTENTIAL LOCAL FUNDING SOURCES:
The Town of Beaufort will bear the greatest burden with regard to providing
public access on a local scale. The Town will have to install improvements without grant
assistance, as well as supply the resources for the daily and long term maintenance of the
access facility improvements proposed within this Plan.
Some of the potential funding sources available to the Town include general fund
revenues, general obligation bond revenues, impact fees, occupancy tax revenues,
subdivision regulation dedication requirements, parking fees, and volunteer efforts.
POTENTIAL STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES:
Potential State and Federal funding sources for the improvement of waterfront
access includes the following options:
STATE:
• Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Funds
• Small Cities Community Development Block Grants (CDGB)
• Clean Water Management Trust Fund
• Water Resources Project Funds through the North Carolina Department of Water
Quality
• The North Carolina `Adopt a Trail' Program
• North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
27
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

' FEDERAL:
• Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)
' . Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Maintaining local control and limiting directional signs to improved local and
t neighborhood waterfront access sites will take precedence over gaining State of Federal
funding is such funding includes requirements that are contrary to the recommendations
in this Plan. Some of the above funding sources would not be easy to compete for if the
public beneficiaries of the proposed public improvements are very limited (i.e. primarily
' to immediate area residents). Typically it is easier to compete for grant funds when it can
be demonstrated that at least an entire neighborhood, or specific population, will be
benefited.
28
I
Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan

� APPENDIX A:
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MAPS
AND
ILLUSTRATIONS

- ENCHMARK
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Local Government Services
Planning, Community Developrncnt
and Management
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Beaufort
Waterfront Access Plan
May 11, 2000
Proposed Bike / Pedestrian Path
-Designates the proposed locations for waterfront access sites or
Greenway trail system including:
• A trail system behind the elementary school (1) connecting the
future maritime museum and a proposed waterfront access
site on Turner Street (2). The Maritime Museum is also shown
on the map, highlighted in gold.
• A proposed water front access site at Broad Street as well as
an access site located adjacent to the bridge (3). Once the
new bridge is completed, the existing bridge could also be
used for a waterfront access site.
• Expand on the existing use of the circle at the end of Front
Street (4). Currently there are some benches in the area. A
path system could be developed to connect the Board Street
access site as well as the new Gallants Channel development.
• A proposed waterfront access site at the end of Gordon Street
(5).
• Various neighborhood waterfront access projects in the
Lennox Point Area (6).
�5 Designates existing waterfront access sites or recreational sites
including:
• Freedom Park.
• The existing regional boat access ramp on Front Street (8).
• The existing access site on Orange Street (9).
• The public boat docks located on the waterfront in downtown
Beaufort (7).
Any and all proposed waterfront access sites shall be
characterized by the following:
• Pedestrian access emphasized.
• No additional boat access sites provided.
• Encouragement of linked waterfront access systems through a
path system.
• Preservation of open space and the visual window of the
waterfront area.
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant provided
by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.

' COLOR RENDERING OF THE POTENTIAL WATERFRONT ACCESS
SITE AT THE WEST END OF FRONT STREET
The following two (2) renderings are meant to provide a visual description of the
proposed development of a waterfront access site at the west end of Front Street.
As already explained within this report, the west end of Front Street has already been
' extensively developed. There are existing benches and a trash receptacle on site, as well as
existing vegetation in the cul-de-sac. The committee proposes to remove the existing concrete
benches and place wooden style benches, with high backs, into the area. The sidewalk should
also be extended to provide a continuous pedestrian access loop in the area to allow visitors to
the site to be able to access both sides of Front Street from this site. The committee has also
' recommended that a small covered bench be placed at the access site. The cul-de-sac should be
re -landscaped and the existing anchor removed. .The new landscaping should consist of small
bushes and indigenous local plants to help accentuate the area. The committee also suggests that
' preliminary efforts be taken to look into securing the necessary access easements to allow either
a sidewalk, or a raised walkway, to be constructed near the waterfront to connect existing and
proposed waterfront access sites to the north with the Front Street access. This will help
' facilitate the development of a continuous path/greenway system connecting the waterfront
accesses throughout Beaufort.
' It should be noted that the development of these renderings were financed, in part,
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by
' the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.

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' COLOR RENDERING OF THE POTENTIAL WATERFRONT ACCESS
SITE AT BROAD STREET
The following rendering is meant to provide a visual description of the proposed
' development of a waterfront access site at Broad Street.
' As already explained within this report, the end of Broad Street is a fifty (50) foot right-
of-way that is located adjacent to the proposed Gallants Group development site. The committee
recommends that the are be cleaned up and the existing vegetation preserved as much as
' possible. The committee recommends that a dock be extended into the waterway with fixed
seating along the edges of the dock. This dock will support the creation of a board walk
atmosphere to allow visitors to bird watch, fish, or just enjoy the view. Small boats shall be
' allowed to dock on site with the provision of a limited number of mooring slips being
constructed on site. This will also allow the launching of small day boats, kayak, and other
similar non -motorized personal watercraft vehicles. The site will also have two (2) bike racks
and an undetermined number of trash receptacles on site to handle waste disposal.
It should be noted that the development of these renderings were financed, in part,
' through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by
the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
' Administration.

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COLOR RENDERING OF THE POTENTIAL WATERFRONT ACCESS
SITE AT GORDON STREET
The following rendering is meant to provide a visual description of the proposed.
development of a waterfront access site at Gordon Street.
As already explained within this report, the end of Gordon Street is made up of
approximately one hundred -fifty (150) feet of publicly owned waterfront property that is fronted
by an eight (8) foot sidewalk, which parallels Front Street. There are currently three (3) existing
docks on site and a large area of vacant land made up predominately of sand and low lying
vegetation. Two (2) small floating docks can be added to the end of two (2) of the piers to
encourage more boat access. This could include allowing small commercial fishing boats to
dock for temporary purposes. More sand can be added to the area to promote the `beech'
atmosphere of the site and encourage more passive recreation activities. The committee also
suggests that up to three (3) benches be placed on site. These benches should be the same style
of bench installed at every waterfront access site. The committee also suggests that a bike rack
and a trash receptacle be placed on site as well. All necessary signage shall be kept to a
minimum.
It should be noted that the development of these renderings were financed, in part,
through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by
the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.

# m
8
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� APPENDIX
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B:
THE
PLANNIPTG
PROCESS

' APPENDIX B - PLANNING PROCESS:
The preparation of the Town of Beaufort CAMA Waterfront Access Study
' involved five (5) phases of analysis that is broken down as follows:
Phase One: Project Initiation
• Hold orientation meeting with local steering committee to introduce team
members and develop a formal schedule of events.
• Conduct a field reconnaissance by land and water of existing and potential water
access locations. Staff is recommending that the Steering Committee and other
identified local citizens be given disposable cameras to take pictures of sites they
believe will make suitable, or unsuitable, waterfront access sites.
• Identify and validate existing access sites and usage
• Identify any and all local issues or concerns about existing and potential access
areas and the vision for future development.
• Identify the availability of land and right-of-ways for access.
• Develop and release a statement clearly articulating the purpose of the project to
the general public.
Phase Two: Analyze Needs, Issues, and Assets
• Identify potential waterfront access sites
• Examine all transportation facilities and services and identify how they could
impact access
• Examine the local environmental and cultural assets as well as identify any
potential negative secondary effects.
Phase Three: Public Forum
• Conduct a Public Forum to inform local citizens of the purpose and goals on the
project, discuss water access issues, goals, and objectives.
• Secure input from attendees to assist with the formulation of specific goals and
objectives.
Phase Four: Draft Plan Preparation
• Summarize the findings of the public forum and in a draft report identify the
following:
1. Key water access issues.
2. Statement of goals and objectives for future water access strategies.
3. Based on the established goals and objectives, review existing conditions
affecting water access opportunities. This will include all the information
gathered at the public forum and from all existing local published plans and
regulations:
• Develop the preliminary map of the Town and the ET7 showing existing and
potential classifications of water access places.
Phase Five: Finalize Plan

' • The Steering Committee will review and comment on the draft plan and instruct
staff on any and all changes.
' • Staff will revise the draft plan as suggested by the committee.
• Steering Committee will endorse a final draft of the plan for presentation to the
Beaufort Board of Commissioners.
' • The Steering Committee will present the final plan to the Board.
PHASE ONE — PROJECT INITIATION AND INVENTORY:
The Town of Beaufort Board of Commissioners appointed a local CAMA
Steering Committee at their regular January 10, 2000 meeting. The committee was
t responsible for overseeing the preparation of the access plan including the identifying the
issues surrounding waterfront access throughout the community, developing the goals,
and developing the recommendations of the plan. Volunteer members who served on this
' committee include the following:
• Linda Dark
' • Commissioner Nancy Russell
• Pat Kindell
• Commissioner Dr. Walt Schaw
' • Guy Copes
• Rosalie Piner
• Lorraine Copeland
• Barbara Moore
• Mark Fleckenstein
' • Math Chaplain
• Bennett Moss
' Initially the process involved a meeting with the Town of Beaufort Planning Staff
to identify key community issues concerning waterfront access, likes and concerns about
existing and potential access areas, and a possible vision of future improvements. The
' project team then met with the local steering committee and through a series of exercises
identified all existing waterfront access sites as well as the existing, and potential,
problems with respect to waterfront access. At this point the committee worked with
' staff to develop a list of preliminary objectives and goals to assist in developing this
proposal.
' Staff and committee members conducted several field reconnaissance trips where
existing and potential waterfront access sites were photographed and catalogued as to
existing infrastructure, identification of problems or issues, and the overall condition of
' the site. This information was then used, in conjunction with the Town Attorney's report
(Appendix C), to select potential waterfront access sites. This helped to further articulate
identified community issues and concerns as well as provide a basis from which to draw
' a vision for potential future improvements.

PHASE TWO - ANALYSIS OF NEEDS, ISSUES, AND ASSESTS:
This phase of the project involved the professional staff and committee members
' finalizing a list of key waterfront access issues, community concerns, and a vision of
what future waterfront access sites should look like. Using all available data, potential
waterfront access sites were further discussed in terms of the availability of land and
rights -of -way for public access. The impact of transportation facilities and services on
the waterfront access were also discussed as well as an examination of possible
environmental and cultural assets.
PHASE THREE — PUBLIC FORUM AND ESTABLISHMENT OF GOALS:
Phase three (3) included the preparation and administration of the public forum to
receive public comment on waterfront access issues and concerns. Preparation involved
' the organization of photographs provided by the local Steering Committee members,
colorized renderings showing potential development at selected waterfront access sites,
and finally the identification of the preliminary waterfront access sites selected by the
committee. The photographs and renderings, along with a list of the potential access sites
and the preliminary goals developed by the committee were displayed for the public's
review and comment.
The public forum was conducted with the primary focus of further articulating the
purpose and goals of the Waterfront Access Plan. The general public was invited to
attend the forum in order to discuss water access issues, goals, and the objectives of the
preliminary plan while soliciting their input on the need for increased waterfront access
and any and all potential concerns related to, expanding the number of public waterfront
access sites.
The Project Team facilitated a round table discussion where attendees commented
' on the proposed access sites and the preliminary goals established by the steering
committee. After general discussion, the Project Team identified a list of revised goals
addressing the public's suggestions and comments. The goals are as follows:
' 1. To develop the Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan with direct community
participation and consensus building;
' 2. To P re are the Beaufort Waterfront Access Plan based on CAMA guidelines for
rep
are
access types;
' 3. To investigate and prepare a Waterfront Access Plan and Map for the Town of
Beaufort's shoreline including the extraterritorial jurisdiction that recognizes the
need for, and accommodates, appropriate waterfront development in sensitive
environmental areas while maintaining the public's health, safety, and general
welfare;
1

' 4. To identify appropriate access within existing neighborhoods while maintaining
the integrity of the neighborhood;
' 5. To provide improved waterfront access in a manner that will protect the visual
and aesthetic window of our waterfront. Open vistas shall be preserved whenever
possible and minimal construction shall be allowed to provide community access.
6. To provide additional sources of passive recreational waterfront access for local
residents and visitors. Passive recreation includes, but is not limited to, fishing
' piers, swimming access, pedestrian walkways, nature trails, bird watching areas,
• bike paths, and observation decks where appropriate.
' 7. To combine waterfront access with educational and historic information
concerning Beaufort wherever appropriate. This information would be placed at
' various waterfront access sites identifying the historical significance of a
particular area or providing educational information on indigenous marine or
plant life. This information would be provided in such a manner as not to detract
from the area and not take up valuable open space.
8. To connect these various sites in a path or greenway system where appropriate.
' This will allow residents, and visitors to our area, to have greater access to our
waterfront access sites and make the area more pedestrian accessible.
9. To identify security issues associated with waterfront access sites. This includes,
' but is not limited to, lighting, and hours of operation. While there will be no
limits placed on the enjoyment of these public access sites, any waterfront access
' site shall be designed to ensure that local residents and visitors are not negatively
affected by their use.
' 10. To identify funding sources to make these access sites a reality. This includes
identifying grant -funding sources, forming partnerships with other local or state
agencies to develop a waterfront access site, and possibly .working with other
' governmental entities, such as Carteret County, to jointly sponsor the
development of an access site.
_ PREPARATION:
PHASE FOUR DRAFT PLAN
' Using the information gathered from the public forum, information gathered by
the professional team members during the initial phases of the plan's development, and
the comments and suggestions made by the CAMA Steering Committee members, a draft
' report was produced for the local steering committee's review and comment. This report
included a preliminary set of maps and development plans as well as the necessary
implementation plan to begin development of identified waterfront access sites.

' PHASE FIVE — FINALIZING THE PLAN:
The final phase involved the consolidation of comments made by all participating
' parties including public forum attendees, local Town staff members, concerned citizens,
and the Waterfront Access Steering Committee. The last steps of this phase consisted of
the final revisions and finalization of the Plan and the map, as well as the final
' presentation to the local steering committee for their review and endorsement.
1
t
1

APPENDIX C: TOWN ATTORNEY'S
REPORT

NEIL B. WHITFORD
' CAROLYN B. BRADY'
KELLY CROWELL HARRIS
MELISSA BERRYMAN
KENNETH M. KIRKMAN
OF COUNSEL.
'ALSO LICENSED IN GEORGIA
TO:
FROM:
RE:
DATE:
TCER a Y WHITFORD & BRAD P.A.
ATToR,z=s AT Law
POST OFFICE BOX 1347
MoREEMAD CITY, 1Vox= CARozmrA 2SS57-1347
TELEPHONE [phone]
FACSIMILE [phone]
E-mail: idrkwhitemail.clis.com
BEEFU PIi1U1
Beaufort Mayor and Commissioners
Neil Whitford
Various street ends
Apri1.10, 2000
STREET ADDRESS:
710 ARENDELL STREET- SUITE 108
MOREHEAD CITY. NC 28557
Gerald and Hill Street. The county tax maps show that Gerald and
Hill Streets extend to the high water mark of Taylor's Creek.
While tax maps do not determine ownership of properties, they are
useful in at least identifying claims. Thus from the tax maps
there are no apparent private claims on these street ends. As
indicated below,. we cannot find legal documents that dedicate these
street ends to the public,' but, given the tax status, to avoid a
"no mans" land, we recommend the town establish a presence on these
areas. This needs to start with a survey, to be followed with some
municipal use such as planting of flowers or shrubs.
On the plat of the Ocean View subdivision recorded in Deed Book 16,
Page 553 in February 1915 (see attachment) , neither Hill Street nor
Gerald Street are extended south of. Front Street. Thus there was
no dedication to the public or to anyone else of these street
"ends" to Taylor's Creek. From the current tax maps there is
almost no. property between the Front. Street right -of-way and
Taylor's Creek. It is thus possible that the high water mark of
Taylor's Creek was on or in the Front.Street right of way. If
property has accreted along the south side of Front Street, there
is an argument that the accreted land belongs to the, Town under
littoral rights.
[In 1938 the property owners along Taylorl.s Creek conveyed a 60
foot right of way to the Town of Beaufort by deed recorded in Deed
Book 87, Page 573. The deed carries a limitation to street and
highway use.' Even if there has been accretion, it is arguable that
the deed limitation interferes with normal littoral right law or
that the accreted property is limited to street use.]
Fulford Street. The county tax map and all mapswe have
reviewed show Fulford Street extending. to the high water mark of
Taylor's Creek, or reserve an unlabeled parcel that appears as an
extension of .the street. The tax maps do not reveal a claim of

ii
private ownership. We thus recommend the town establish a presence
in this area. But as with some 'other "street ends," there is a
' dearth of documentation conclusively establishing the town's rights
in the tract. On a 1919 map of the Hammocks Subdivision recorded
in Deed Book 28, Page 417, Fulford Street is extended to Front
' Street but an unlabeled tract appears to extend the street to the
water. On a 1951 map of the Town of Beaufort City limits recorded
in Map Book 2, page 174, Fulford Street is shown crossing Front
' Street and running to Taylor's Creek. But, it is interesting to
note that Fulford Street was condemned by the Town in January of
1916 with documentation being recorded in Deed Book 27,.page 12.
According to that description Fulford Street stopped on the north
side of Front Street.
Gordon Street. By acts of the General Assembly in the 1800's,
the Town of Beaufort was given ownership of the extension of Gordon
Street into Taylor's Creek.
Pine Street. On the 1816 Jonathan Price plat of the Town of
Beaufort, Pine Street extended to the high water mark of Beaufort
Channel (now Towne Creek). The current county tax map depicts
three small lots across the end of Pine Street in private
iownership. We examined the deed references from the tax records
for these lots, but in our opinion the deeds do not cover the west
end of Pine Street. If the property in question was created
through accretion it would belong to the Town under littoral
1 rights As a street right of way, the street, end could not be
adversely possessed. But, we cannot simply recommend that the town
move in to open the street end. It is likely that private use of
the property has existed for years, and, if so, this tradition
should be given some consideration. Also, there may be some legal
claim of. private ownership we are not currently aware of. We;
' recommend that the town ask the persons shown on the tax maps as
owners to documents their interest in their claim. The responses
will help formulate a town policy with respect to the west end of
' Pine Street.
Seaview Street.- We are not able. to identify an existing
"public" interest in the strip of land that would be an extension
of Seaview Street into Taylor's Creek. On a plat recorded in Map.
ook 1, Page 226, Carteret County Registry, dated February 1945
entitled "Map Showing Property of Beaufort Housing Corporation"
' (see attachment), the subject area is shown as lot 1, block 6. The
gyp, lot is labeled 'landing for lot owners." This appears as a
dedication to the subdivision home owners but not to the public.
' Therefore, it is our opinion that the Town has no existing interest
in this area..
1

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' APPENDIX D — COPY OF PUBLIC FORUM HANDOUT:
The following is the informational handout supplied to public forum attendees.
INTRODUCTION: .
A waterfront access study includes an inventory and analysis of existing and potential
' waterfront access points. It is by completing this study that the Town can pursue
additional grants to develop identified access sites to allow improved public access to
local waterways. By identifying these sites the Town can formulate long-range goals for
' the acquisition and development of property to provide public water access.
' The rationale in applying for a CAMA Waterfront Access Grant was to help local
governmental officials consider where public waterfront access sites could be located and
to establish the ownership of street ends within the Town of Beaufort. The grant was
awarded and the Beaufort Board of Commissioners issued a resolution of support at the
' August 9, 1999 meeting.
While this is will be a non -binding plan, meaning the Town of Beaufort will not be under
any mandate to expand or contract existing water access points, it is never the less a
public plan intended to be the starting block for an analysis of potential waterfront access
sites. Any decisions to expand or contract existing or potential waterfront access sites
will ultimately be made by the Town of Beaufort's Board of Commissioners.
' The guidelines to the Coastal Area Management Act for the State of North Carolina
requires that the consideration of a public plan include a variety of techniques for
educating and involving the public in the process of the plan's development. The Town is
responsible for involving and educating those who reside within the community in the
development of an official plan.
In order to complete this study a local steering committee was appointed to coordinate
public forums to obtain public input as well as provide Planning staff with invaluable
guidance and direction in the formulation of a final plan. The members of this committee
are as follows:
•
Linda Dark
' •
Nancy Russell
•
Pat Kindell
•
Dr. Walt Schaw
•
Guy Copes
•
Rosalie Piner
•
Lorraine Copeland
•
Barbara Moore
•
Mark Fleckenstein

• Math Chaplain
• Bennett Moss
This committee has been assisting the Project Team in the formulation of goals and
objectives, with the collection of data, working to identify potential access sites, assisting
with the coordination of public meetings, and eventually guiding staff in the completion
of a final recommendation to the Beaufort Board of Commissioners.
' PROFESSIONAL PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS:
The Project Team is comprised of the following members:
• Mr. John Young. Mr. Young is currently the Public Works Director, -Chief
Zoning Officer and Building Inspector with seventeen (17) years of service to the
Town of Beaufort. Mr.. Young is keenly aware of local policies and the
availability of potential access sites. Mr. Young will help staff with the collection
' of information and the analysis of local ordinances for presentation to the
committee.
• Mr. Bob Clark AICP Senior Planner of Benchmark's Kinston Office. Mr. Clark
' is a member of the American Institute of Certifies Planners and has more than
twenty-five (25) years of municipal, county, and contract planning experience
within eastern North Carolina. He has CAMA planning experience as a North
' Carolina Division of Community Assistance Planner as well as a consulting
planner in six (6) coastal communities. Most recently, Mr. Clark was the Senior
Planner in charge of a similar study completed in Morehead City outlining and
' identifying potential waterfront access sites. CAMA has approved Mr. Clark as
the certified Planning in charge for this project.
• Mr. Michael D. Harvey, Planner II with Benchmark and the Beaufort Code
Enforcement Officer. Mr. Harvey is the local Benchmark Planner assigned to the
Town of Beaufort. Mr. Harvey was previously the zoning administrator with the
Town of Nags Head where he was also a CAMA Local Permit Officer. During
his employee, he was involved in assisting Nags Head planning staff apply for
CAMA grants to fund public waterfront access sites.
• Mr. Ed Lynch, Planner II with Benchmark. Mr. Lynch is currently a member of
' the City of Kinston Planning Department where he acts as the zoning
administrator and code enforcement officer. Mr. Lynch is familiar with Beaufort,
serving as the planner for the past year. Mr. Lynch will primarily act as the GIS
' and mapping technician, providing the necessary maps and graphs for the project.
' COMPONENTS OF A WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN:
This plan will include an inventory and analysis of existing and potential water access
sites within the Town of Beaufort and its extraterritorial area. Specific sites will be
classified as to types of access and use that are most appropriate given their locations,
constraints, potential obstacles, permitting requirements, neighborhood and community
r

benefits, redevelopment potential, and environmental context. The classification of these
sites and the purposes for which they provide waterfront access opportunities will
materialize from a comprehensive assessment by the Steering Committee, the Project
Team, and local citizens. The study will include an analysis of how the plan
complements, or conflicts, with existing plans, policies, or local ordinances including, but
not limited to:
• The Town of Beaufort CAMA Land Use Plan
• The Beaufort Thoroughfare Plan including an analysis of vehicular, bicycle, and
pedestrian trails
• The Beaufort Zoning Ordinance
• The Beaufort Subdivision Ordinance
• The Strategic Growth Plan
The plan will also identify possible funding sources for the development of waterfront
access sites as well as provide information on the types of permitting requirements that
will be necessary to develop identified access site.
Potential, and existing, waterfront access sites shall also be categorized into specific
classifications of access sites. The Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) guidelines
provide five (5) basic classifications of public waterfront accesses. They are local access
sites, neighborhood access sites, community access sites, multi -regional access sites, and
urban waterfront redevelopment sites. Each access is characterized by the following
criteria
Local Access Sites: Characterized By:
• Public Access points, generally at street ends.
• Muumum or no facilities.
• No directional signage leading to the site.
• Principal use by pedestrians who reside within a few hundred yards of the site.
• No parking areas provided.
• Limited use of hours where necessary.
• Hand launching only of small boats and watercraft. No ramps provided.
• No handicapped access provided.
• Shoreline protection (if needed).
• Appropriate landscaping and plantings.
• Bollards or distinctive markers (spaces eight (8) feet apart), with waterfront
access symbol.
• Markers to demarcate between private and public land spaces.
Neighborhood Access Sites: Characterized By:
• Principal use by individuals near the site within the immediate subdivision.
• Typically forty (40) to sixty (60) feet in width (street right-of-way).

' • No directional signage leading to the site.
• Limited hours where necessary.
• Handicapped access provided.
• Five (5) standard parking spaces and one (1) handicapped space.
• Appropriate landscaping and plantings.
' • Four (4) foot wide boardwalk for shore access.
• Litter receptacles.
• Bike rack.
' • Limited lighting.
• Shoreline protection (if needed).
• Bollards or distinctive markers with waterfront access symbol.
• Markers to demarcate between private and public land spaces.
• Hand launching only of boats and small water craft. No ramps provided.
' Community Access Sites: Characterized By:
• Service of the public throughout the community, including day visitors.
• Where possible, usually has one-half acre open space in addition to all required
setback areas for buffering, day use, nature study, or similar purposes.
' • Twenty-five (25) to eighty (80) parking spaces.
• Crossover or path.
• Pier.
• Four (4) foot wide boardwalk for shore access.
• Litter receptacles.
• Public access signs.
• Shoreline protection (if needed).
• Restrooms where feasible.
• Foot showers, where feasible.
' • Small boat launching and hand launching.
' Multi -Regional Access Sites: Characterized By:
• A site larger than community access but smaller than state parks.
• Two acres of open space, where possible, in addition to all required setbacks
provided for buffering, day use, nature study, or similar purposes.
• Eighty (80) to one hundred (100) parking spaces.
' • Various facilities including pier, boat ramp, etc.
• Restrooms.
• Indoor showers and changing rooms.
• Concession stand(s).
Urban Waterfront: Characterized By:
' • water dependant and non water dependant uses.
Active commercial, p p

• Promenade or boardwalk for pedestrians.
• Boat slips and bulkheads.
• Located in a downtown area.
' • Non motorized boat rentals.
• Commercial boat taxi services.
' • Floating docks for day and overnight boat dockage.
• Off street parking.
In formulating this particular plan it was noted that there are already five (5) existing
waterfront access sites within Beaufort. The first site is the downtown Beaufort
waterfront, which is classified as an urban waterfront by CAMA. The second site is the
Curtis Perry Park, located at the far eastern end of Front Street and is classified as a
regional access site. The third site is also located in the downtown area at Orange Street
and is classified as a community access site. The fourth site is the Jaycees Park, which is
' located across from the US Post Office on Front Street and is classified as a community
access site. The final site is located off of West Beaufort road, near the marina, and is
classified as a community access site.
' PRELEVI NARY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
' In considering potential sites, the committee made a conscious decision to focus on the
need to provide more local and neighborhood access to provide local residents with
greater pedestrian access to the waterfront.
' These type of sites place an emphasis on providing passive recreational access while
encouraging the preservation of open vistas and limiting land disturbance whenever
' possible. With this in mind the committee has established several preliminary goals and
objectives in looking into this issue and selecting potential access sites. These goals are
as follows:
1. The committee is dedicated to providing improved waterfront access in a manner
that will still protect the visual and aesthetic window of our waterfront. The
' committee does not want to over develop existing, or potential, access sites and
destroy the natural beauty of the area. With this in mind the committee has made
it a goal to preserve open vistas whenever possible and plan for minimal
construction to provide community access.
2. The committee is focusing on providing additional sources of passive recreational
waterfront access for local residents. Passive recreation includes, but is not
limited to, fishing piers, swimming access, pedestrian walkways, nature trails,
bird watching areas, bike paths, and observation decks where appropriate.
3. The committee is interested in combining waterfront access with educational and
' historic information concerning Beaufort. This information would be placed at
various waterfront access sites identifying the historical significance of a
particular area or providing educational information on indigenous marine or
' plant life. This information would be provided in such a manner as not to detract
from the area and not take up valuable open space.

' 4. The committee has also made it a goal to connect these various sites in a path or
greenway system where appropriate. This will allow residents, and visitors to our
area, to have greater access to our waterfront access sites and make the area more
' pedestrian accessible.
5. The committee has made it a priority to look into security issues associated with
waterfront access sites. This includes, but is not limited to, lighting, and hours of
' operation. While the committee does not want to limit the enjoyment of these
public access sites, it does want to ensure that local residents are not negatively
affected by their use.
' 6. The committee has made it a priority to identify funding sources to make these
• access sites a reality. This includes identifying grant -funding sources, forming
partnerships with other local or state agencies to develop a waterfront access site,
and possibly working with other governmental entities, such as Carteret County,
to jointly sponsor the development of an access site.
7. The committee is looking into developing local regulations that would support the
' development of waterfront access sites and other recreational sites within new
residential developments. This might include revisions to the Beaufort
Subdivision Ordinance requiring a specific amount of recreational space for
residents or establishing a fund where local developers help contribute to the
purchase and development of waterfront access and recreational sites.
8. The committee is looking into providing more boat access by looking into
' providing a boat ramp near Enforcement Lane. While the committee is primarily
concerned with providing more pedestrian access, boat access is also a concern
' for the group and by providing greater access
As you can see the CAMA Steering Committee has made great progress in
' developing the preliminary scope of this plan. The one element that is missing is public
input. This public forum has been scheduled because the committee wants to hear your
suggestions, concerns, and advice on how to best provide for more waterfront access
within Beaufort.
Tonight's meeting shall be conducted under the following format:
' • Introduction and J ro'ect overview b Mr. Bob Clark, the Senior Planner for
P Y
the project.
' • Overview of the preliminary goals and objectives.
• Discussion of identified potential access sites including possible development
and use ideas.
• Breakup into separate groups for in-depth discussion and analysis of the issues
surrounding increased waterfront access. CAMA Steering Committee
members and Project Staff will facilitate these individual group discussions.
' • Discussion of group ideas, concerns, and suggestions.
• Modify preliminary goals and project ideas as needed.
' • End the meeting.

Any and all comments will be welcome. We thank you in advance for your interest
and assistance in helping to finalize the Beaufort CAMA Waterfront Access Plan.