Beach and Waterfront Access Plan-1997

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DCM COPY DCM COPY
[Please do not remove!!1111,
Division of Coastal Management
CENTURY/von Oesen
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
TM

BEACH AND WATERFRONT
ACCESS PLAN
Town of North Topsail Beach
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
February 6, 1997
Ms. Ann Vause, Town Manager
3883 Island Drive
North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
Prepared By
CENTURY/von Oesen
Consulting Engineers and Planners
805 N. Third Street Wilmington, N.C. 28402
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
j APPROVED BY TOWN OF
NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA
' ON FEBRUARY 6, 1997
The preparation of this plan 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 administrated by the Office of Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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BEACH and WATER ACCESS PLAN
Town of North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
TABLE OF CONTENTS
'
Page Number
I.
CREDITS and GRATITUDES
3
'
II.
INTRODUCTION
4
III.
ADDENDUM
4
IV.
METHODOLOGY
6
V.
SURVEY RESULTS ANALYSIS
10
A. Demographic Information
10
B. Current Access Area Use
13
C. General Survey Opinions
14
D. Facility Improvements
16
E. Additional Comments
18
VI.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
18
25
VII.
COST ESTIMATES FOR PROPOSED FACILITIES
VIII.
SOURCES OF REVENUE
27
IX.
REFERENCES
28
"A":
APPENDIX Beach and Waterfront Access Map
'
APPENDIX "B": General Construction Details
APPENDIX "C": Playground Equipment/Site Amenities Supplier List
'
APPENDIX "D": Water Access Recreation Facilities Improvement Survey
/ P
Survey Result Summary
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I. CREDITS AND GRATITUDES
Citizens of the Town of North Topsail Beach for their enthusiastic response
to the survey and their endless hours of voluntary time spent in survey
tabulation.
' Ms. Ann Vause - Town Manager and the Town of North Topsail Beach
Employees for input and assistance in preparing and mailing the Survey.
' The following members of the Beach and Water Access Committee for their
coordination and assistance in preparation of the Plan:
Ms. Ginny Hillyer
Ms. Margaret Stackleather
' Mr:. William R. Rogers
Ms. Zoe Brunner CAMA District Planner for the North Carolina
' Department of Environmental Management.
Ms. Susan R. Daughtry Zoning/CAMA Administrator for the Town of
North Topsail Beach.
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' II. INTRODUCTION
The Town of North Topsail Beach has prepared this Beach and Water
Access Plan to assist its future efforts in improving beach and water access and
to determine the recreation needs and desires of the Town residents. Every effort
' has been made to incorporate the suggestions put forth at the public meetings
and summarized in the Water Access/Recreation Facilities Survey.
I
This Plan was prepared under the Department of Coastal Management -
Local Planning and Management Grant Program. The Planner -in -Charge for this
project was John P. Ryder, A.S.L.A., Century/von Oesen, Engineers and Planners
of Wilmington, North Carolina.
M. ADDENDUM
During the preparation of the final addition of this plan, the Town of North
Topsail Beach sustained direct hits from two Hurricanes and one Tropical Storm.
On July 12, 1996, Hurricane Bertha struck the Cape Fear River Area with
sustained winds of 80 to 90 mph. However, the northeast quadrant of this storm,
which contained the strongest winds, passed directly over the Town of North
Topsail Beach. Less than two months later, Hurricane Fran, with sustained
winds in excess of 100 to 110 mph also passed over the Topsail Island area.
Again, the northeast quadrant of the storm, with the strongest winds, passed
directly over the Town of North Topsail Beach. Less than a month after Hurricane
Fran, Tropical Storm Josephine also passed over the Town delivering torrential
downpours on the few remaining buildings, most of which still had heavy roof and
structural damage sustained by the two hurricanes. This resulted in an
enormous amount of additional water damage to the remaining structures.
As a result of these storms, all existing beach and water access structures
in the Town were damaged or destroyed. This destruction also included the
demolition of the three existing Onslow County Regional Access Areas. Other
items damaged or destroyed by the storms included the Town water and sewer
' system, several roads, the Town Hall structure, all existing fishing piers and
several hundred houses, trailers and mobile homes.
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The entire oceanfront dune structure was destroyed with the sand from
these areas being deposited in the salt marsh located on the west side of Topsail
Island. Several new inlets were also formed during the storms and one continues
to have sustained tidal flow.
While this plan was modified to respond to the post storm situation, it was
not feasible to completely redirect all of the final plan recommendations. The
following additional recommendations are made in an effort to improve the
usefulness of this document:
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1. All previously existing water access structures and areas
should be visually surveyed to determine their post storm
condition. A list of sustained damage should be compiled and
prioritized to facilitate future repairs.
2. Existing access structures should be repaired.
3. A Map or List of unbuildable lots resulting from storm erosion
should be completed. This effort will not be feasible until the
first line of stable vegetation is reestablished or CAMA officials
are able to make a determination of buildability by other
means.
The following recommendations are made to assist the Town and its
residents. depending on the outcome of the buildability survey:
4. Town officials and residents should contact the North Carolina
Land Trust to secure information relating to their programs for
environmentally sensitive land preservation. At this time, two
programs are available for land owners to assist them in this
endeavor.
a. Property Title Transfer to the NCLT. Under this program
the owner of the property makes a charitable donation
of their property to the NCLT. This action results in the
previous owner then being eligible for an income tax
deduction. The NCLT becomes the sole owner of the
donated property and controls any future use or
development of the parcel.
b. Conservation Easement Transfer to the NCLT. Under
this program the current owner of the property retains
ownership and gives the NCLT an easement that
restricts use and development of the parcel. This action
also results in the owner being eligible for a tax
deduction.
5. Town officials should contact Federal Emergency Management
Agency representatives and inquire about the availability of
Federal Funds for the purchase of unbuildable lots that the
current owners would be agreeable to selling to the Town. This
could be a source of property to facilitate future conservation
uses and recreation facilities.
6. Another resource available to the Town of North Topsail Beach
is The Center for Urban and Regional Studies located at the
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. This state
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' supported agency is actively ` involved in land planning_
activities in the coastal areas of North Carolina and could be
helpful to the Town in making post storm land planning
' decisions. Their address is as follows:
' Center for Urban and Regional Studies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Campus Box 3410 - Hickerson House
Chapel Hill, NC 27599 - 3410
Phone No.: 1-919-962-3074
At the time of completion for this Plan, the decision to rebuild the three
Onslow County Regional Access Areas had not been made. If these areas are not
rebuilt, the Town of North Topsail Beach can expect to have additional pressures
placed on any remaining Town and private beach access areas by main -land
users. Although the financial gain to the Town from the presence of the Regional
Access Areas. in negligible, we would recommend that they be reconstructed to
help direct beach access areas and minimize any adverse environmental impacts.
Repairs to the Regional and Local Access areas on the oceanside area of the
' Town should be delayed until repairs are made to the dune system. Placement
of temporary fencing and barriers is recommended to help direct pedestrian traffic
and minimize damage to the dune areas as they rebuild.
The Town of North Topsail Beach is scheduled to revise their CAMA Land
Use in late 1996. As a result of the storm damage sustained during the summer
' of 1996, this effort will be met with renewed interest by the officials and residents
of the Town. Many difficult land use decisions wait to be considered. It is the
intention of the individuals responsible for the completion of this Water Access
Plan that the information and recommendations gathered here be used and
incorporated into the revised Land Use Plan where appropriate.
IV. METHODOLOGY
Research and Existing Facilities Reconnaissance
The Town of North Topsail Beach staff and the Access Committee members
compiled an overall map of the Town that located existing access areas. After
receiving the map, the Planner -in -Charge, accompanied by the local CAMA officer,
visited the entire length of the oceanfront and soundside areas of the Town
1 investigating existing access areas. Aerial maps obtained from the North Carolina
Highway Department were also utilized in this survey.
Water Access and Recreation Facilities Survey
A thirty-three question survey was developed and mailed to all known
property owners in the Town of North Topsail Beach. The survey was designed
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to target the residents and property owners of the Town. Input from short-term
renters and day-trippers was discouraged. The survey consisted of questions
designed to gather demographic information on the Town inhabitants and to
obtain opinions relating to their desires and priorities relating to beach and water
access and future recreation needs.
Two thousand one hundred and seventy-five (2175) surveys were mailed out
by Town personnel. Seven hundred and ninety-five (795) survey forms were
returned for tabulation for a participation rate of thirty-seven percent (37%). The
survey was tabulated by Town resident volunteers under the guidance of the local
Access Committee and the Planner -in -Charge.
The survey results were tabulated individually within six geographic areas -
North End Oceanside, North End Soundside, Middle Area Oceanside, Middle Area
Soundside, South End Oceanside, and South End Soundside. The survey
participants were asked to determine which geographic area they thought
represented the location of their resident or property. Six individual geographic
areas were used to allow for a more precise determination of resident desires and
to facilitate future facilities location.
' The largest percentage of returned surveys were from the oceanside
geographic areas with the largest single group of responses being from the North
End Oceanside. This fact does result in some of the broader based questions
being overly influenced by the survey participants associated with the North End
Oceanside.
1 The percentage of the total number of returned surveys (795) from each of
the geographic areas were as follows:
North End Oceanside -------- 42.1%
North End Soundside -------- 11.2%
Middle Area Oceanside ----- 20.3%
IMiddle Area Soundside ----- 11.2%
South End Oceanside------- 9.4%
South End Soundside------- 5.8%
Sub -total Soundside 28.2% Oceanside 71.8%
Total 100%
Some individuals answered questions in more than one category while
' others participants chose not to answer a question at all. To minimize the
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influence of these situations and the large number of North End Oceanside
responses, the percentages for each portion of each question was tabulated by
comparing the individual response numbers to the number of total responses for
each individual geographic areas. This methodology and the fact that several
questions contained a list of possible answers from which the respondent was to
choose, results in the total percentages for any, given question not necessarily
adding up to 100%.
Numerous opportunities were also made available in the survey form for
individuals to add additional comments and input. This information added to the
difficulty of the survey tabulation and its utilization was only made possible by
the patience and understanding of the Town volunteers. While it was impossible
to prioritize most of the additional comments, they did offer valuable insight to the
direction and location of future activities and facilities desired by the Town
residents.
Some question apparently created confusion, most noticeably questions
relating to existing public accesses. These questions were designed to gather
information relating to all existing dune cross-overs and access points. However,
it was the feeling of the Access Committee that survey participants interpreted
these questions to be related to the County Regional Access Areas.
Another question that was difficult to tabulate was Question # 21 relating
to the number of days individuals spent each month in the Town of North Topsail
Beach. The large numbers became difficult to manage and the necessary math
resulted in a consider amount of time being required to tabulate this individual
question. However, the volunteer's patience resulted in the Access Committee
being able to estimate where the largest number of year-round resident are
located at any given month of the year and what percentages of housing capacity
is being used during any given month of the year. This latter fact was somewhat
misleading in that many residents and property owners answering the survey rent
their properties out for the majority of the year resulting in the actual percentage
of occupied housing being much higher than the survey results would indicate.
The survey results were rearranged in order of priority based on
percentages of total responses within each geographic area. The portions of the
answers with the highest percentages were placed first on the list with the
remaining results listed by descending order of percentages. Two additional
tabulation were also completed. Once the individual geographic areas results
were tabulated they were combined on an additional tabulation form so that the
' results from each area could be compared to the results from the others.. A final
tabulation was made by combining all the results from all of the individual areas
to compile a Town total. A copy of the original survey and final tabulations have
' been included in this plan document.
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IPublic Participation Meetings
' All meetings held by the Water Access Committee were open to. the public.
Two additional Public Participation Meetings were held at the Town of North
Topsail Beach South End Fire Station. The first meeting took place on May 20,
1996 at the termination of the first survey tabulation.
The initial results from the survey.were well received. There was a general
' concern and lack of support for any increase in taxes to finance any future
improvements. Opinions were also expressed about potential increases in crime
resulting from improved access for non-residents and the potential for existing
Iparking problems and property rights violation (trespass) to increase.
The second Town Meeting was held on August 27, 1996. This meeting
' occurred after a comparison was made of the survey results from each of the
individual geographic areas. A graphic display that located existing and proposed
access points and facilities was developed for this meeting. The draft edition of
this Beach and Water Access Plan Report was also made available for public
review.
' There was some confusion evident among the residents about the extent of
the public area on the oceanfront. They were informed that the State of North
Carolina owns the beachfront areas from the mean high waterline downward to
' the edge of water. It was also explained that, in North Carolina, the Public has
the right to use the oceanfront from the edge of water upward to the first line of
stable vegetation.
There was additional discussion about allowing people to drive on the
' beach. A comparison was made to the area of the Town of Carolina Beach that
currently allows beach driving. Residents in attendance at the meeting pointed
out that the area of the Town of Carolina Beach were beach driving occurs is not
a residential area. The beach area on the north end of the Town of Carolina
Beach is also much wider than the narrow area of vehicle accessible beach
located in the Town of North Topsail Beach. The majority of Town residents in
attendance were not in favor of allowing people to drive on the beach in any area
of the Town of North Topsail Beach.
Another good point was made by the Town residents concerning the draft
report recommendation to encourage day-tripper parking along the shoulder of
the public right-of-ways at the oceanfront. The shoulders currently have
mailboxes located in front of each individual residence.. This fact would greatly
reduce the effectiveness of roadside parking unless the existing mailboxes were
grouped together in some manner. This subject would require discussion with
' the U.S. Postal Service and agreement among the residents affected.
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IWaterfront Access Plan
Once the results of the survey and public meetings were obtained, the
Access Plan was devised. This plan includes recommendations for future actions
and facilities construction, possible locations of future facilities, cost estimates
' and potential sources of revenue available to the Town. A map is also included
that graphically displayed the conclusions of the Access Plan.
V. SURVEY RESULTS ANALYSIS
IA. Demographic Information
Several questions were used to determined the general make-up and
' distribution of the Town of North Topsail Beach property owners and residents.
The following discussion summarizes the results of these areas of the survey.
Length of Residency
The largest group of individuals have had a residence on North Topsail
' Beach for 5 to 10 years followed by 10 to 20 years. and 1 to 5 years. These three
groups accounted for 76% of the survey responses. This indicates that the Town
' is currently undergoing considerable growth with many people recently moving
to the Town from other areas of North Carolina and the United States. This
pattern is anticipated to continue and will result in growing demands on Town
Iand County services and facilities.
Residential Status and Business Persons
The largest group of individuals, seasonal residents, accounted for 43% of
the survey responses. The next group, non-residents comprised 27% of the
I survey responses and year-round residents accounted for 20% of the survey
responses. These three groups totaled 90% of the survey responses.
The results of this question points out one of the difficulties in determining
and providing Town services and facilities. The majority of the Town inhabitants
are made up of three distinct groups with particular needs and perceptions. The
' seasonal residents can be expected to have difficultly in realizing the need for
Town services being provided year round and their being expected to pay for
them. This problem is even more accentuated among non-resident property
owners who may not even visit the Town on a regular basis. However, the survey
clearly points out that 20% of the inhabitants are year-round residents. This is
a sizable population that must be provided on -going Town services.
' This question also determined that the Town of North Topsail Beach has a
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very limited number of business establishments within its boundary. It is the
' understanding of the Planner that this is by Town zoning design. The majority
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of Town residents do not want commercial properties in the Town and wish that
the Town remain strictly a residential community. This has resulted in the Town
' looking and operating much differently than the other two Towns located on
Topsail Island. The lack of commercial establishments has not resulted in a
shortage of services and supplies to the Town. The close proximity of commercial
development immediately across the Highway 210 bridge on the mainland and in
Surf City and Topsail Beach to the south provide adequate shopping
opportunities.
' The lack of commercial establishments in the Town of North Topsail Beach
has severely limited the ability of the Town to benefit financially from tourist and
' day-tripper visitation through tax revenues. The large number of tourist and day-
trippers that annually visit Topsail Island have very limited opportunities to.
contribute to the tax base of the Town.
Len gth of Time S ent on North Topsail Beach
As expected, the summer months of June, July and August are the times
of the year when the Town is the busiest with percentages of 36%, 35% and 35%
reported on the survey. These months were followed by the fall months of
' September, October and November with percentages of 31%, 29% and 240/6 and
the spring months of March, April and May with percentages of 22%, 27% and
i 29%. The survey results also showed a sizeable usage of the Town throughout
the year. The least busy months of December, January and February still showed
usage rates of 18%. The results of this question shows the need for the Town to
provide year round services and facilities.
The survey results also suggest that the residential capacity of the Town is
not being used to the fullest extent possible. This is somewhat misleading. It was
the conclusion of the Access Committee that these percentages do not accurately
represent the usage rates due to the fact that they do not take into account the
large number of residences that are occupied by individuals other than their
owners for a large portion of the year.
' Tvne of Residential Structure
The group of individuals living in condominiums comprised 37% of the total
responses. This ranged from a high of 68% in the North End Oceanside to a low
of 4% in the South End Soundside.
The second largest group of individuals live in single-family residences and
comprise 30% of the total. This category ranged from a high of 63% in the South
End Oceanside to an expected low of 10% in the North End Oceanside.
The largest number of duplex units were found in the North End Soundside
area and the largest number of trailers were located in the South End Soundside
area.
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INumber of Bedrooms in Residence
The majority of residences have 2 or 3 bedrooms for a combined percentage
of 72%. This fact is influenced by the limited private sewerage capacity available
and restrictive soils for septic tank usage. The current zoning rules of the Town
also encourages a limited number of bedroom units in new development.
Number of People in Household
The majority of households in the Town of North Topsail Beach, 41%, are
occupied by two people. The second largest group of households, 32% are
occupied by three to five people. These two groups accounted for 73% of the total
households responding to the survey.
It was the opinion of the Access committee that the results of this question
was affected in two ways by the close proximity of the Marine Corps Base at Camp
Lejuene. The first situation is the fact that a significant number of rental units
in the Town are occupied by various size groups of single Marines. Another
common residency pattern is two married Marine families sharing a resident so
that the two wives and the remaining family can be together when their Marine
' Corps spouses are away on duty.
Any conclusions reached from the results of this question must be
considered in combination with the question concerning age of individuals in each
household.
'Age Groups of People in Households
' The total number of people represented by the returned surveys were 2,792
individuals. The largest number. of these individuals were located in the North
End Oceanside geographic area. While it would be expected that the large
1 number of North End Oceanside responses would consistently skew the overall
results, this was not the case. By tabulating the results on a percentage basis
within each set of results from each geographic area a more realist comparison
1 was possible. The spread of percentage points of each age group within each
geographic areas, in most cases, remained small.
' The groups of people between the ages of 40 and 69 years old comprised
48% of the survey respondents. This group is typically viewed as "empty nesters"
with few children living at home. This information combined with the fact that
r the largest number of residences are comprised of two people would suggest that
the number of children in the Town of North Topsail Beach is limited. However,
the age groups of 20 to 29 and 30 to 39 years old combined for a percentage of
27% and the age groups of 1 to 9 and 10 to 19 years old combined for a
percentage of 21%. These results show that a significant number of children are
present within the residential population of the Town.
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It is also important to realize that the age groups comprising the "empty
nesters" consist of individuals who are still very active and typically require a good
deal of accommodation relating to their activity and facility needs.
Handicap Needs
Survey results indicated that 11% of respondents required handicapped
access and facilities. The largest number of individuals was 17% in the Middle
Area Soundside. The lowest percentage was 4% in the South End Soundside
area.
B. Current Access Area Use
Oceanside Area
The first group of uses ranged from 89% to 70% and consisted of
walking/running, swimming, sunbathing and shell collecting. The second group
of uses ranged from 57% to 45% and included beach combing, people watching
and fishing/crabbing. The next group of uses ranged from 33% to 20% and
consisted of bird -watching, frisbee/other games and walking the dog. Remaining
listed uses received less than 10% responses. Other uses noted in more than one
geographic area were protecting turtle nest, watching, meditation/relaxation,
reading, kite flying, sketching/photography, biking and surfing.
Soundside Area
The first group of uses ranged from 31% to 23% and consisted of
fishing/crabbing, boating and bird -watching. The second group of uses ranged
from 17% to 10% and included walking/running and oystering/clamming.
Remaining uses were less than 10%. Other uses noted in more than one
geographic area were canoeing and viewing/relaxation. In general, the results of
the survey would indicate that the level of use of the soundside areas of the Town
were considerably lower than the oceanside use.
Existing Public Access Area
The majority of respondents, 36%, stated that they "never" use existing
accesses. This ranged from a high of 48% at the North End Oceanside to a low
of -15% at the South End Soundside. In general, the oceanside residents
consistently had the highest percentages of non -usage. This would be expected
due to the fact that the majority of these residents have a private access
structure. It was also the feeling of the Access Committee that the survey
respondents mistakenly thought they were being asked how often they used the
regional access areas. This was not the intention of the survey design.
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' The next highest use group was "occasionally" for a total percentage of 33%.
This ranged from a high of 37% at the North End Oceanside to a low of 25% at
the Middle Area Oceanside.
Distance from Existing Access Area
The majority of residents, 53%, stated that they are currently located less
than 1 /4 mile from an existing access area. An additional 18% stated they were
located 1 /2 to 1 mile from an existing access area. Only 14% of respondents
thought they were located more than 1 mile from an existing access area.
Problems Encountered at Existing Public Access Areas
The overwhelming majority of respondents, 77%, stated that they had not
' encountered a problem at existing public access areas. However, when they were
asked to list any problems encountered, one problem, trash and litter, was
mentioned in every geographic area. Unleashed dogs was mentioned in all but
one geographic area. Other problems mentioned in at least three geographic
areas were inadequate parking and narrow existing cross-overs. Remaining
problems mentioned in at least two geographic areas were drinking and drunks,
' congestion, theft/car theft and poor existing access maintenance.
C. General Survey Opinions
Major Benefit of Improved Public Water Access
' The majority of respondents, 28%, did not feel that their household and the
Town would benefit from improved water access. This ranged from 30% of the
North End Oceanside responses to 21% of the Middle Area Soundside responses.
This was followed by 17% of the respondents stating that the Town would benefit
from improved water access, especially soundside access, because it would
provide increased recreational opportunities and enjoyment for the residents.
Remaining listed benefits received less than 10% each. Other benefits mentioned
in more than one geographic areas were decreased congestion, more
' convenient/available access, improved community image and increased
fishing/crabbing opportunities.
' Major Concern of Improved Public Water Access
The leading concern category, at 25%, was overcrowding and reduced
privacy. Again, the majorities in each of the oceanside areas was higher than the
soundside areas. This is to be expected due to the fact that most existing access
areas are located on the oceanside and the pressure exerted by the public when
' using these facilities is imposed on the oceanside residents. Other concerns
expressed were increased traffic and parking problems at 14%, destruction of
dunes and natural resources at 10%. Remaining listed concerns received less
than 10% individual responses. Other concerns expressed in more than one
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geographic area were increased commerciality, increased noise and the possibility
that new facilities would not be maintained.
Improved Public Oceanside Access
' The majority of respondents, 53%, did not want the Town to improve
oceanside access. As expected, the people located on the oceanside, the majority
of which have private accesses, were less supportive of improved oceanside access
than the people located elsewhere in the Town.
While only 40% of the total respondents were in favor of improved oceanside
' access, the majority of residents in each of the soundside areas were in favor of
improved oceanside access.
' Improved Public Soundside Access
Again, the majority of respondents, 48%, did not want to improve soundside
access. The two geographic area exceptions to the general conclusion were the
North End Soundside and Middle Area Soundside areas. Majorities in both of
' these areas supported improved soundside access.
Public Access Easements
' The majority of respondents, 72%, were not interested in giving the Town
an easement for improved water access. Again, the oceanside residents had the
' largest number in opposition. Overall, only 11% of the survey respondents stated
that they would consider giving the Town an access easement, with the largest
number of these individuals being located in the three soundside areas. While
this is a small number of individuals, it does indicate that possibilities for
improved public access across private property exist in the Town of North Topsail
Beach.
Desired Maximum Distance from a Public Access Area
' Most respondents, 27%, wanted to be located less than 1/4 mile from a
public access area. The next largest group, at 25%, wanted to be located more
than 1 mile from a public access area. It was the opinion of the Access committee
that the respondents who wanted to be located as far away from a public access
as possible were confused about whether this question was asking about their
desired closeness to a Regional Public Access Area.
Need for More Regional Oceanside Access Areas
The overwhelming majority of respondents, 70%, did not feel there was a
need for additional Regional Access Areas in North Topsail Beach. This is
understandable due to the fact that the Town has limited commercial
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' opportunities to benefit from tax revenues generated from increased tourism and
day-tripper visitation.
' Community Center
The majorities in each of the six geographic areas were not in favor of the
Town building a community center. The overall result was 53% against.
' Use of Town Financial Resources to Improve Water Access
The majority of respondents, 47%, did not support the use of Town financial
resources to improve water. access. Again, the people located in the oceanside
areas were less supportive of using Town financial resources than the people
located on the soundside.
While only 43% of the total respondents were in favor of improved oceanside
access, the majority of residents in each of the soundside areas were in favor of
' using Town financial resources to improved water access.
Use of Town Financial Resources to Improve Recreational Facilities
' A small majority of respondents, 45% versus 44%, did not support the use
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of Town financial resources to improve recreational facilities. The two geographic
areas with majority support for the use of Town funds for improvements to
recreation facilities were the North End Soundside and South End Oceanside with
57% and 52%.
Volunteer Maintenance of Public Access Areas and Recreational Facilities
' The majority of the North End Oceanside respondents were not willing to
assist the Town with maintenance of public facilities while the majority of the
' respondents from the North End Soundside area were willing to help the Town
with maintenance. The remaining four geographical areas were evenly split on
their willingness to help the Town perform maintenance on public access areas
and recreational facilities. The Access Committee found the results of this
question very encouraging. A large number of Town residents are apparently
available and willing to help the Town personnel on a voluntary basis, should the
' opportunity be presented.
D. Facility Improvements
While the majority of respondents did not support improvements to public
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access and recreational facilities, the results of the survey did show considerable
' support for some improvements. Due to this fact and the many hours spent by
the volunteers tabulating the survey, the Access Committee felt it was appropriate
to include the results from the survey relating to specific proposed facilities. This
Page 16

information in this portion of the report should be helpful to the Town in future
planning efforts.
' Parking Facilities
' The majority of respondents in all six geographic areas, 54% versus 38%,
were in favor of providing parking facilities at future access areas. The highest
number of respondents requested as many spaces as possible while the second
' largest number of respondents requested only 1 to 5 spaces.
Public Access Area Facilities
This survey question was a two part question where respondents were
asked what facilities should be provided at "all" and "some" proposed access
areas. Restrooms was the leading choice in both the "all" and "some" categories
followed by telephones in both categories.
' Other facilities receiving strong support in both the "all" and "some
categories were handicap access, outdoor shower/footwash, bike racks, seating
areas and bathhouses.
Additional facilities receiving PP modest support in the "some" category only
' were pavilion and cabana.
Other facilities mentioned in all geographic areas were trash receptacles
and dumpsters. The following facilities were mentioned in at least two geographic
' areas - police patrols/lifeguards/first aid station, water fountain/drinking water,
safety information/regulations/beach conditions and soundside boat ramps.
IRecreational Facilities
The leading facilities requested were bike routes followed by boat
ramps/canoe launch, fishing/crabbing docks, playground and picnic areas.
These facilities received at least 30% support. Modest support of at least a 20%
' level was apparent for trails, and public tennis court. The following facilities
received at least 10% support - nature interpretive center, basketball court, band
stand/outdoor dance area and swimming pool.
�. One additional facility, movie theater, was mentioned in at least two
geographic areas.
' Public Playground Amenities
Parking received 41% support followed by 37% for swings. Additional
amenities receiving at least 20% support were slides, fitness course, tot lots and
lights, Amenities receiving at least 10% support were climbers, adventure play
' area and pre -fabricated play systems.
Page 17

Additional amenities mentioned in at least two geographic areas were
telephones and bathrooms.
ICommunity Center Amenities
I Fitness equipment was the highest ranked amenity with 29% support.
Other amenities receiving at least 20% support were meeting rooms, aerobic
programs and indoor swimming pool. Amenities receiving at least 10% support
were gymnasium and after school programs. No additional amenities were
mentioned in more than one geographic area.
E. Additional Comments
The following additional comments were received with the completed survey
forms with support ranging from 6% to 1%
* Do not change.
* Do not raise taxes.
* Keep quiet family atmosphere and pristine natural resources.
* Protect dunes and natural resources.
* Do not allow dogs on beach.
* Improvements will result in increased crime and litter.
The following additional comments were received in at least two geographic
areas:
* Do not open soundside to tourist, too many people already.
* Have organized clean-up days.
' * Discourage trailer usage.
VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made based on the results of the Water
Access and Recreation Facilities Survey, information gathered at public meetings
and observations made by the Planner and members of the Access Committee.
Every effort has been made to clearly and fairly represent the intentions and
' desires of the property owners and residents of the Town of North Topsail Beach.
Soundside Access
Limited opportunities are available for improved soundside access within
the Town of North Topsail Beach. The majority of open water bodies on the west
side of the Town are only 2 to 3 feet deep at high tide. This severely limits boat
access.
Page 18
1

The majorityof marsh land located west of the Town is privately owned.
This also severely limits potential access areas.
The existing North Carolina Wildlife Commission boat ramp located under
the Highway 210 bridge currently offers access to the soundside of the island.
A need exist for a rescue boat access at the North End Fire House. This
report recommends that this access need be met by constructing a boat ramp in
this area for use by Town personnel only. This access project would require a
CAMA permit and continuous maintenance dredging to keep the channel open to
the Intracoastal Waterway.
State Development of Permuda Island
' Permuda Island offers a unique opportunity for the State of North Carolina
to develop a low impact and controlled access facility. The archeological research
and environmental uniqueness of the barrier island ecology provides a focal point
that could be used to develop an educational and interpretive facility similar in
scale to the existing State Aquariums.
Utilization of this property for this purpose would result in increased
tourist and day-tripper visitation which the survey respondents clearly did not
' want to happen. The addition of a unique State facility on Permuda Island would
have a positive effect on Topsail Island rental property occupancy rates. However,
the lack of commercial property in the Town of North Topsail Beach would result
' in little or no positive impact on Town financial resources from development on
Permuda Island.
' Maintenance of Access Structures
Improve maintenance of existing public access structures and replace with
' wider structures, where possible, that have a minimum of 4 feet clear travel
surface width. The capacity of the Town employees to perform maintenance is
limited and a higher level of maintenance could require the hiring of additional
employees. The majority of existing public access structures were destroyed
during Hurricanes Bertha and Fran. Any new replacement structures should be
a minimum of 4 feet in width.
Developer Access Requirements
' With limited remaining opportunities for new residential development, the
Town should use the site plan review process and zoning requirements to obtain
standard public access structures with parking facilities. Develop a standard
Town detail for access structures with minimum requirements which must be met
before occupancy permits are granted.
I
Page 19

IParking Improvements
' Provide the maximum number of well defined parking spaces in as close
proximity as possible to existing and proposed access areas. There are very
limited opportunities at existing access areas to provide parking due to the
I
minimal amount of public owned property at these locations and the narrowness
of the existing oceanfront lots and access easements.
' The most obvious solution for immediate improved parking is for the Town
to clearly define the edge of the State Highway right-of-way and allow parking
between the edge of pavement and the outer edge of the right-of-way. Currently,
these public areas are frequently incorporated into the landscaped front yards of
the residents. The existing signage "Do Not Park on Pavement" located in these
areas is confusing to visitors. A better signage solution would be "Parking
' Allowed" signs placed on right-of-way line with "No Parking Allowed" signs at
driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants. It would be necessary to group mailboxes
to maximize available right-of-way area.
' The require improved signage would also uire a more intense level of
P
enforcement with tickets and vehicle towing charges assessed in -,adequate
amounts to get peoples attention. This could also be a source of revenue to
facilitate future access improvements and maintenance expenses.
Another possibility would be additional property acquisition by the Town
in areas adjacent to access areas which could then be used for parking facilities.
After the damage and erosion from Hurricanes Bertha and Fran, numerous
unbuildable lots are available in the oceanfront area which could be purchased
by the Town for this purpose. Fees could be charged for use of these parking
' areas to provide Town revenue.
Location of Additional Oceanfront Access Areas
' Prior to the Hurricanes, the recommendation was for residential lots and
developments that are more than 1/4 mile from an existing access area to be the
' first areas considered for new access structures. See Water Access Exhibit
contained in this report for these proposed locations. Construction of additional
oceanfront access areas will only be possible after reconstruction of existing
' access areas destroyed by the Hurricanes has been completed. We recommend
that the existing access areas be reconstructed in phases, starting with
replacements spaced approximately one mile apart, followed by additional infill
' reconstruction on 1 /2 mile spacing. The final phase would attempt to have
oceanfront access structures every 1 /4 mile by replacing the remaining existing
structures and adding necessary new access points. It is anticipated that this
' effort could take several years due to the magnitude of the Hurricane damage and
the limited financial and personnel resources available to the Town.
Page 20
1

Additional Facilities at Public Access Areas
Survey respondents requested public bathrooms and telephones at all
access areas. This would be impossible to accomplish without the acquisition of
additional property at most existing access areas.
A seasonal solution to the bathroom Y
problem, used b some beach
P
communities, is to lease and place portable bathrooms adjacent to the access
1 areas. The State Wildlife Commission should be encouraged to place a portable
bathroom at the State boat ramp under the Highway 210 bridge.
Town representative should contact the local telephone company about
placement of public phones at selective access areas. The highest priority
locations should be the areas located at the North End where fisherman
' unfamiliar with the inlet dynamics regularly drive their vehicles into the inlet or
get stuck in the marsh area. Other locations with potential for telephones are the
new Town Hall building and any additional public parking areas developed.
' While CAMA requires that all access structures built with CAMA rant
q g
money be handicap accessible, it is very difficult and cost prohibitive to do so at
every existing access structure. Many of the oceanfront lots are very narrow with
high dunes structures and minimum beach area. This results in the need to rise
' to an elevation adequate to clear the dunes in a very short distance. Most
existing access areas are very narrow with limited space available for ramp
switch -backs and required rest areas. In an effort to negate this situation and
maximize handicap access to all Town visitors, handicapped individuals are
allowed to access the beach at designated cross-overs with ATVs.
Due to the damage sustained during the Hurricanes, the opportunities to
rebuild existing access structures with handicap accessibility is feasible where
adequate land area is available.
Outdoor shower/footwash facilities and drinking water fountains could
easily be placed at existing and proposed public access areas providing a public
water supply is readily available. If these facilities are constructed, care should
be taken to protect them from frost damage by using self -draining or seasonally
removable fixtures.. The necessity for repair work can also be expected after storm
' events.
Bike racks and seating areas could be added to existing access areas
providing the easements are wide enough. The racks should be firmly anchored
to the ground and provide the opportunity for use of a lock to improve security.
Seating areas on new access structures, if allowed by CAMA, should be located
' at the top of the crossover structures to maximize the view.
Trash receptacles should be located at each existing and proposed access
area and emptied as necessary. If the number of trash receptacles is increased
Page 21

I
I
h
significantly, it may be necessary to hire additional Town personnel to regularly
service them.
The construction of a bathhouse, cabana, public safety station or pavilion
in the oceanfront area would be expensive, require significant property acquisition
and continuing supervision. However, some of these structures could become a
source of income for the Town through the assessment of user fees or rent to non-
resident users.
Regional Public Access Areas
The survey respondents were very clear about their desires not to have any
additional Regional Public Access Areas in the Town. However, as the population
in the Eastern Carolina area continues to soar and the activities assigned to
Camp Lejuene are increased, the Town of North Topsail Beach can expect
increased pressure on all Town access facilities by non-residents. The existing
Regional Access Areas offer the best existing solution for facilitating these
additional visitors. The Town should encourage the County to maximize the use
potential of the existing Regional Access Areas by completing their construction.
The available land for additional Regional Access Areas will continue to
diminish in the coming years as the Town reaches build -out making this concept
irrelevant.
All of the Regional Public Access Areas were heavily damaged by the
Hurricanes. At the time of completion of this report, the decision had not been
made by the County to rebuild these structures. If these structures are not
repaired or replaced, additional pressure from day-trippers can be expected along
the entire oceanfront area of the Town of North Topsail Beach.
Bike Routes
Town representatives should contact North Carolina Department of
Transportation to explore the possibility of expanding the paved shoulders of
Highway 210 and the highway servicing the north end of the Town along the
entire length of the Town from New River Inlet to the existing bike route at the
Town of Surf City. The addition of a bike route along these roads would complete
a bike route system for the entire length of Topsail Island. While separation of
bike routes and vehicular transportation is preferred, this solution offers the most
expeditious solution for making this idea a reality.
The need to repair the existing highways damaged by the Hurricanes offers
an opportunity to expand the shoulder areas to facilitate bikeways..
Page 22

Boat Ramp/Canoe Launch
' Due to the shallow water and private ownership of the majority of marsh
property, additional Boat Ramp facilities other than the location previously
discussed at the North End Fire House are not practical. A canoe launch facility
could be located on the soundside area of the island providing an easement or
property with access to open water could be obtained by the Town. If this type
of facility was located at the south end of the Town, it would provide centralized
' access to the entire west side of the island. This type facility does not need to be
elaborate and should be designed in such a way to prevent the launching of other
types of boats. Some parking area and a public telephone should also be
provided at the canoe launch area. A less desirable location would be at the
north end fire house boat ramp.
Fishing/Crabbing Dock
A soundside fishing/crabbing area could be located on the intracoastal
waterway on the property currently being used by the Corps of Engineers as a
spoil area under the Highway 210 bridge. This areas is currently used for
fishing/crabbing by people who walk in to the waterfront from the State boat
' ramp area. This site would be centrally located and readily available to Town
residents. Parking associated with the Town Hall and the State boat ramp could
be used for the proposed dock. A CAMA permit and permission from the USCOE
would be required.
' Community Playground
Should the Town decide to construct a playground in the future, a site in
the Middle Area Soundside portion of the Town would be most appropriate. The
survey results suggest that a sizable number of permanent residents of the Town
are children. This fact combined with the large number of families that visit the
Town during the summer season should result in a playground receiving
considerable use. The linear nature of the Town dictates that the majority of the
playground users would arrive at the facility by car. A small parking area should
1 be provided. Although biting insects may limit nighttime use during the summer
months, lights should be provided for nighttime playground use during times
when insects are not a problem.
The following facilities were requested by the survey respondents and
should be included in the playground design:
' * swings with soft seating areas
* slides with soft landing areas
* tot lot
1
' Page 23

1 Additional items mentioned in the survey were:
* adventure play area
* climbers
* pre -fabricated play equipment
' Playground construction projects typically do not require complex
construction techniques and are an excellent opportunity for adults with and
without children to practice their construction and team building skills. Making
these projects a community effort offers an opportunity for the citizens to take
pride in and display ownership of the finished product. This sense of ownership
typically translates into people taking better care of their facilities.
Some support was shown in the survey for a fitness course. Typically,
these facilities are located along a linear trail system covering several miles. If the
' station areas are made attractive and challenging, they would add aesthetic value
to the Town and might receive some regular use. The linear nature of these
facilities would make their placement in locations other than the playground site
' more appropriate.
While support for a tennis court and basketball court were minimal, the
playground site would be an appropriate location for such facilities. This would
allow for the simultaneous use of the facility by various age groups and provide
1 a more secure atmosphere through increased public supervision opportunities.
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas, excluding land acquisition cost, require a minimal initial
investment. Individual picnic areas should be located at the North End, Middle
1 Area and South End of the Town. Tables should be securely fastened or anchored
to prevent theft.
A picric areas could be combined with the proposed soundside
fishing/crabbing dock at Town Hall and the canoe launch proposed for the south
end. A picnic area should be placed at the North End in the area of New River
Inlet.
Community Center
' While the majority of respondents did not support a community center,
there were certain functions such as meeting rooms and classrooms which could
' be met with the new Town Hall facility and selective use of the existing fire
houses. Opening these Town buildings for these type activities offers an
opportunity for interaction and communications among the citizenry which
' should help build community pride. These facilities would not be available for
activities that are currently handled by facilities offered by the private sector of
the surrounding communities.
' Page 24

IConclusion
' The Access Committee and the Town Administration are both very sensitive
to the citizens concerns relating to the expenditure of their tax dollars. It is this
fact that has prompted the Access Committee to obtain a grant from CAMA to
Ncomplete this study and obtain a clearer direction from the citizenry.
Many low cost opportunities for improvements to existing access areas do
' exist. However, the provision of additional public access areas and recreational
facilities will require a more substantial expenditure of public funds. Due to the
lack of majority support and the limited sources of income available to the Town,
it can be expected that major improvements to water access and recreational
facilities will take considerable time, unless financial assistance is obtained from
the State or Federal Government. Upon completion of this report and plan a
' CAMA grant application will be submitted for funding of additional water access
areas.
VU. COST ESTIMATES FOR PROPOSED FACB.ITIES
rThese preliminary cost estimates have been developed to provide general
guidelines to the Town of North Topsail Beach for decision making purposes and
to assist the Town in developing a phased water access and recreational
' improvement plan implementation schedule through the coming years. The
damage sustained by Hurricanes Bertha and Fran and Tropical Storm Josephine
during the summer of 1996 will place a considerable burden on the financial
resources of the Town and can be expected to prolong the completion of
recommended projects.
IIt should also be understood that many factors, such as contractor and
material availability, affect the cost of construction projects. Considerable cost
' savings can often be realized by using Town personnel or resident volunteers to
complete projects. The cost estimates developed in this report assume completion
by private contractors under normal material cost and are representative of
' generic type structures. Individual sites can be expected to require modifications
to the general details supplied with this report with corresponding changes to the
final construction cost. These preliminary cost estimates do not include the cost
of any land acquisitions or utilities placement which may be necessary to facilitate
individual projects.
Page 25
1

'
Total Cost
'
A.
Pedestrian Dune Crossover Structure (901.0
$14,000 - $18,000
Additional Features:
Add
Handicap P Access Ram
$1,200
Seating
$300
Footwash/Shower
$2,400
Water Fountain
$1, 600
'
Graveled Parking Area (6 Spaces)
$17,000 - $18,500
1
Bike Rack
$890
Portable Toilet Seasonal
$60/Mo./Unit
Trash Receptacle
$200
'
Public Telephone
Lease
B.
Emergency Vehicle Dune Crossover (561.f.)
$10,000 - $12,000
iC.
Soundside Emergency Boat Ramp/
Canoe Launch
$15,000 - $19,000
Additional Features: (See Item A above)
'
D.
Fishing and Crabbing Dock
$20,000 - $24,000
Additional Features: (See Item A above)
'
E.
Picnic Area
(no base cost)
'
Features
12' x 8' Picnic Table Cabana
$2,200
8' x 4' Wood Picnic Table
$450
Charcoal Grill
$90
Lights
$1,500
Page 26

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Power Receptacle $150
Additional Features: (See Item A above)
F. Playground (no base cost)
(These cost are based on contractor installed manufactured equipment.
Cost can vary widely for playground equipment, depending on the level of
local involvement in the design and construction of proposed facilities.)
Features:
Swing Set (4 swing minimum) $1,200
Slide $1,900
Tot Lot $2,500
Adventure Play Area:
(Note This could be an elaborate piece of play equipment or simply an old
donated boat or pile of used lumber) $3,000 - $25,000
VM. SOURCES OF REVENUE
CAMA Grants
Grants from the Department of Environmental Resources are available to
local governments for water access improvements.
NCDOT Funds
The State Highway Department has discretionary funds available for local
use to facilitate recreational improvements such as bike routes and highway
beautification.
Federal Funds
U.S. Corp of Engineers
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Federal Highway Administration-ISTEA Funds
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Page 27

Private Foundation Grants
The acquisition of private funds for the construction of public
improvements, water access and recreation facilities requires considerable
research to secure sources and determine eligibility. It is recommended that a
grant writing specialist be consulted by the Town of North Topsail Beach for this
purpose.
RI. REFERENCES
Town of North Topsail Beach - CAMA Land Use Plan - 1991
Town of North Topsail Beach Code - Planning and Zoning
' Town of North Topsail Beach - Crossover Access Inventory, January 1996
1
1
Page 28

APPENDIX "A"
BEACH AND WATERFRONT ACCESS MAP

_PROPSJSED__FACILTIES_1_ACTIVIT_IE S _
.B UTE- .
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it
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FISHlNG/_CRABBING DOCK
-EMERGENCY BOAT RAMP
ME-RGENCY VEHICLE CROSSOVER
_ I
_IP_U.BUC RESTROOM(PORTABLE)
,AN O E LAUNCH
F EA EMENT- S•
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]IMPROVED-RUBLIC-ACCESS
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MKS -SAS _ S;
• PUBUC-ACC PARKS EASEMENTS
�_TO_BE C_ONSTE�UCTED (1996)
PRIVATE ACCESS
• I
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-L
BEACH AND WATERFRONT
ACCESS PLAN
TOWN OF TOPSAIL BEACH
.NORTH CAROLINA
CENTURY/vOn Oesen
CONSULTING ENGINEERS be PLANNERS
805NORTH THIRD STREET, r&wNCTON, N.C. 28402
PHONE: (910) 76-N-0141 FAX_- [phone]
SEAL DES FLE NO.
JPR
DRMM
RR
CHK SHEET
JPR
scAl
JPR .0
DATE - - OF 01 \
JAW
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1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
APPENDIX "B"
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

I
A
CT11DC
CONTRACTOR TO FIELD VERIFY
4'-O�
---CONTRACTOR TO FIELD VERIFY
�iiIIIIIIIIIIIIII��dIIlU1111111�11191111v�11191111Bi9111-�llllll��l_61111nINC�llllllllllllllllllllllllE
S101 PLAN
DUNE CROSSING
NTS
GENERAL NOTES
THIS DRAMANG IS FOR COST ESTIMATING PURPOSES ONLY.
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
1. DESIGN LIVE LOAD 50 PSF.
2 PILING: =8 SQUARE ROUGH DIMENSION. S.Y. PINE; SEE PLAN FOR
LENGTH. PRESSURE TREAT MATH CCA TO 2.50 LB/CF NET RETENTION
PER AWPB MP-4.
& DRIVE AND/OR JET PILES TO A PENETRATION OF 5—O' MIN.
4. FRAMING LUMBER AND DECKING: NO. 2 S.Y. PINE; S4S PRESSURE
TREAT WITH CCA TO 250 LB/CF NET RETENTION PER AWPB MP-4.
5. ALL HARDWARE AND NAILS SHALL BE HOT DIP GALVANIZED UNLESS
LL BOLT HEADS AND
MOWN ON THE
'WOOD CONTRUCTION'
THE N.C. STATE
MEMBERS AS
IRIZONTAL JOIST
ING OR SPIRAL. SHANK
Y SPACED AT EACH
REVENT SPLITTING.
CAP
RAIL'
POST
RAIL
2X8 TREADS
5/WO THRU BOLTS
D.G. WASHERS OUTSIDE
e WASHERS INSIDE
2X12 STRINGERS
2X8 DECKING ", o„ ""r 10'
10" ' , 1
I 2 2X8 CAP4 2 5/8'# THRU BOLTS (2) 2XG TREADS (2) 2xe CAP
J I 1 (2) 2X8 TREADS () O.G. WASHERS OUTSIDE 2X12 STRINGER
AAND a WASHERS INSIDE SO. PILE
L.ci L.Ji 2X12 STRIN (2) 2X8>--axa
UC281F slMPsoN
SO. PILE HANGEI? OR 8 SIX AT 1-r QC. MAX ds rA S�RIN��
S103 SECTION
5105 DETAIL S106 SECTION
S108 DETAIL
NTS
NTS NTS
NTS
NOT FOR CONSTRUC110N
CEN*'�+
1 U� von U636?Z
CONSULTING ENGINEERS &PLANNERS
805 NORTH THIRD STREET, %ILWNGMN. N.C. 28402
fJOB NAME
BEACH ANDWATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN
TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC
DESCRIPTION:
PEDESTRIAN DUNE CROSSOVER
DESIGN:
DT
DRAN?J: JOB NO.: rJ
rT*
BH 4497 7OF 1
;AN�.9
PHONE [phone] FAX: [phone]
1

3/8"0 (6000 LB. TEST MIN.)'
WIRE ROPE (IWRC) TYP.
(7) 8' SECTIONS = 56'-0,,
SECTION' S102 X 12" SPACER (NAILED)
[2X6
(TYP.) 4X6 TIMBER
S202
'�
ri4l,
f!;jl
1 i
(
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[.11111
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12" DIA. PILING W/ TOP BURIED
12" MIN. BELOW SURFACE (TYP.),
12' MIN. EMBEDMENT
12"0 TREATED '
PINE PILING
(2.5 PCF CCA)
J �I
�' „ 3/8"o (6000 LB
/8 MIN GALV. (IWRC)
EYEBOLT W/ WIRE ROPE
FLATWASHERS
& DBL BOLTS
I jWIRE ROPE CLIPS
(yXSEE
S203
(2 REQ'D)
Sl 01 PLAN
VIEW
DUNE
VEHICLE
CROSSOVER Sl
03 DETAIL
SCALE: /8" = 1,-O"
SCALE: 1" _ 1'-0"
16'-0"
MIN.
WIRE ROPE
2X6 X 12" LONG
00
ou_
TREATED PINE SPACER
t
_
4X6 X 16' LONG
TREATED PINE TIMBE
4X6X16 (TYP)
2X6X12" SPACERS
(TYP)
S104
"0
S103
z
1 X LENGTH VARIES
-
-
-
-
CV
H
-
2
GALVANIZED PIPE
S102
SECTION
ENDS &CENTER
ONLY
1/4"
S104
DETAIL
SCALE:
= 1'-0"
SCALE: 1"
= 1,-0„
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTIO
CENTUIRY/won Oesen JOB NAME: ' DESCRIPTION: DESIGN: DRAWN: =4�7
LDATE:SHEET:CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PLANNERS BEACH AND WATERFRONT ACCESS PLANTRE
605 NORTH THIRD SET, WMUNGTON, N.C.2W2 TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC EMERGENCY VEHICLE DUNE CROSSOVER JRT BH N-97 1 OF 2
PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]RO

I
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I IUIV
lJ
SCALE: /4„ = 1,_O„
L�
7/8110
EYEBOLT W/
12"0
TREATED
FLATWASHERS
PINE
PILING
& DBL BOLTS
(2.5
PCF CCA)
3/8' 0 (6000 LB
MIN. GALV. (IWRC)
WIRE ROPE
SPACERS TO BE CONNECTED TO
WIRE ROPE CLIPS
TIMBERS W/ GALV. SPIKES (4)
(2 REQ'D)
EA. MIN. PRIOR TO DRILLING - 8—
0 ",f TYP.
2X6 X 12' LONG
.
TREATED PINE SPACER
4X6 X 16' LONG
TREATED PINE TIMBER
f
I
f �
CUT SPACER SHORT
' TO WRAP WIRE ROPE
SLEEVE
CAD
MIDDLE 3/s„o (6000LB MIN.
y
AROUND PIPE
SLEEVE AT: END OF
PILE
ONLY
GALV. (IWRC) WIRE ROPE
MAT (TYP.) BOTH SIDES
S202 TYPICAL
8
SECTION
S203
DETAIL
SCALE: /2„ _ 1,_0„
SCALE: 1"
= 1,_O» NOT FOR CONSTRUCTIO
CEN=/von Oesen_
JOB NAME:
TM CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PLANNERS
DESCRIPTION:
AND WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN
EMERGENCY VEHICLE DUNE CROSSOVER
DESIGN: DRAWN: JOB NO.: DATE: SHEET:
DT BH 4497 JAN. 97 2 OF 2
BEACH
aO5 NORh1 MRD s UT. rau1INGMN. N.C. 2a402
TOWN
OF NORTH
TOPSAIL BEACH, NC
PHONE [phone] FAX: [phone]

WATER
EDGE OF
GRASS/WATER
GENERAL NOTES
GRASS
1.
THIS DRAWING IS FOR COST ESTIMATING PURPOSES
-4/
ONLY. NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
$4'
2.
CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT 28 DAYS; fc=3000 psi
3.
REINFORCING STEEL: ASTM A615, GRADE 60
.70' RAMP ® 12% \/ 14'`L
4.
WELDED WIRE MESH: ASTM A185
24'
S102
5.
MINIMUM CLEAR CONCRETE COVER ON REINFORCING:
CONCRETE CAST AGAINST AND PERMANENTLY
EXPOSED TO EARTH: 3 INCHES
�- .. .'ram
�_I •i�•\• :7�;
:,
�S202
CONCRETE EXPOSED TO EARTH OR WEATHER: 2 INCHES
-
♦• :: _
W W
W
LwL
S101 BOAT RAMP PLAN
SCALE: 1" = 20'_0»
-
6" CONC. SLAB REINF.
W/ 6X6 W2.9 X W2.9 WWF
2' . _ 14'
CRUSHED STONE SIZE #57
COMPACTED SANDY FILL -
OR CRUSHED STONE
VARIE
Sl 02 SECTION -
=SCALE: /ti 1 -0
2'
1
�1 ;�-12„ MIN.
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTIO
CENTURY/won O6sen DESIGN: DRAWN: JOB NO.: DATE SHEET:
JOB NAME: DESCRIPTION:
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PLANNERS BEACH AND WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN EMERGENCY BOAT RAMP JRT BH 4497 JAN. 97 1 OF 2
W5 NORTH THIRDSTREET, WMUNGTON. N.C. za4Os TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC
TMPHONE: [phone] FAX [phone]

•• �• `.
• ' C1
RAMP SLOPES 8.40 IN 70'
6" X 14' X 60' CONC. BOAT RAMP ON 6"
CRUSHED STONE. REINFORCE W/ 6X6
W2.9 X W2.9 WWF--,
(16) CONC. PLANKS ON 6"—
CRUSHED STONE, SEE S202
14'
FILL AS REQ'D W/
CRUSHED STONE
CRUSHED STONE
APPROXIMATE EXISTING GRADE
FILL & GRADE EXIST. SURFACE/BOTTOM AS
REQ'D TO PROVIDE FINISH GRADES AS SHOWN
S201 BOAT RAMP PROFILE
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0" 6" CONC. W/ ROUGH TEXTURE FINISH & GROOVE
2" X 1/2" ® 4" O.C., SLANT TO ONE SIDE
72" IN 14' TO ALLOW DRAINAGE FROM GROOVE-7
3/4"0
GALV. EYE
BOLT CONNECTED
W/ 3/4to0
GALV.
M—BOLTS
W/ (2) WASHERS
(4 BOLTS EA. PLANK
(16) 6" X 16" X 14'—.0" CONC. PLANKS ON 2#4T&B
6" CRUSHED STONE 2"
•e.,.: O
O
' a
3I $ �0
00o00���120.0° 3#4
6" MIN.
SAW JOINT ® 20'—o" O.C.
#3 TIE @ 12"O. C.
S202
RAMP PROFILE
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTIO
SCALE: 1"
= 1'-0"
LTM7
CENTURY/Von O636n
ENGINEERS & PLANNERS
DESCRIPTION:
EMERGENCY BOAT RAMP
PLAN-11
DESIGN: DRAWN: JOB NO.: =DATECONSULTING
BH 4497 2 OF 2
JOB NAME:
BEACH AND WATERFRONT ACCESS
805 NORTH THIRD STREET, VaLND1cTON. N.C. zaras
TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH,
NC
LJRT
PHONE [phone] FNL• (919) 7E3-41a6

\-WATER-,,,,,,
36'
in
DOCK HEAD
PLAN, SEE S102
E
EDGE OF GRASS/WATER
\-GRASS--,,,,,,,
Sl 01 PLAN
GENERAL NOTES SCALE: 1„ = 20 -0
THIS DRAWING IS FOR COST ESTIMATING PURPOSES
ONLY, NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
U)
1. DESIGN LIVE LOADS:
Ir—
FIXED PIERS — 30 PSF OR 300 POUNDS CONCENTRATED
ON 2 FEET SQUARE AREA: WIND — 110 MPH.
2. PILING: DRIVE AND/OR JET PILES TO AN
8—FOOT MINIMUM PENETRATION. DOCK & PIER, 8—INCH
DIAMETER (7 TO 10—INCH TOP). GUIDE PILES — CLASS
B (12 TO 14—INCH TOP); TREAT WITH CCA TO 2.5 LB/CF
NET RETENTION PER AWPB MP-4.
3. FRAMING LUMBER S.Y. PINE NO. 2 OR BETTER,
S4S, PRESSURE TREATED WITH CCA TO 0.80 LB/CF.
4. DECK: S.Y. PINE NO. 2 OR BETTER, S4S . PRESSURE
TREATED W/ CCA TO 0.25
5. ALL HARDWARE AND NAILS SHALL BE HOT DIP GALVANIZED
UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE. USE CUT WASHERS UNDER ALL BOLT
HEADS AND NUTS NAIL SIZES AND NUMBER ARE NOT SHOWN
8,_9„ 8'-99) 8,_g,� 8'-g„
0
s
0
rl
2X6 DECK LAID W/ 1/2" S201�
GAP (TYP) ZI
"
2X8 JOISTS ®16 O.C. TYP.
FIXED PIER
USE ACCORDING TO GOOD CARPENTRY PRACTICE.
6. BOLTS SHALL BE MACHINE OR CARRIAGE .BOLTS OF ASTM A307
HOT DIP GALVANIZED WITH TWO WASHERS PER BOLT.
7. DRILL UNDERSIZED HOLES FOR NAILS WHERE NECESSARY TO PREVENT SPLITTING.
8. NAIL SIZES AND NUMBERS ARE NOT SHOWN IN MOST INSTANCES. SUFFICIENT NAILING
WILL BE REQUIRED IN ALL CASES TO DEVELOP FULL JOINT STRENGTH. USE ONLY
COMMON DOMESTIC GALVANIZED NAILS.
S102 PLAN DOCK HEAD FRAMING
SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTIO
CENTURY/von Oesen JOB NAME: DESCRIPTION:
FISHING CRABBING DOCK DESIGN: DRAWN: JOB NO.: DATE: SHEET:
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PLANNERS BEACH AND WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN /
805 NORTH THIRD STREET. WILMINGTON, N.C. saws TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC PLAN, DETAILS & NOTES JRT BH 4497 JAN. 97 1 OF 2
PHONE [phone] FAX: [phone]

8 PILES @ 7'-0" O.C. = 49'-0"
POSTS @ 5'-0" O.C. TYP.
APPDXIMATE
Il II II II � EXIST. GRADE
RIM
U �U
80 PILE (TYP)�� u U jj u
8' MIN. EMBEDMENT
S201 SECTION THRU CRABBING/FISHING DOCK
SCALE: /e" = 1'-0"
6'-0"
6X6 TIMBER (S4S) POST
@ 5'-0„ O.C.
3"0 ALUM. ALLOY
(6061—T6) HANDRAIL (TYP)
2X6 DECK, LAID W/ 1/2" GAP
2X8 JOISTS
8"0 PILE W/ 8'-0"
MIN. EMBEDMENT
N
6X6 TIMBER (S4S) POST
@ 5'-0„ O.C.
s 202 TYPICAL 8' SECTION S203 DETAIL
SCALE: /2" = 1'-0" SCALE: 11/2"' = 1'-0" INOT FOR CONSTRUCTIO
CENTURY/won Oesen JOB NAME: DESCRIPTION: DESIGN: DRAWN: =4Z49
LDE: SHEET:
TM CONSULTING ENGINEERS & PLANNERS BEACH AND WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN FISHING/CRABBING DOCK
aO5 NORTH THIRD STRIXT. V4LMINGTON. N._G 2M2 TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC PLAN, DEETAILS & NOTES JRT BH N. 97 2 OF 2
PHONE (919). 765-0141 FAX [phone]a6

APPENDIX "C"
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT/
SITE AMENITIES SUPPLIER LIST
l�

APPENDIX C
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT/SITE AMENITIES SUPPLIERS LIST
Bliss Products & Services
P. O. Box 248
Bryson City, NC 28713
[phone]
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Carolina Recreational Products, Inc.
P. O. Box 29242
Greensboro, NC 27429
[phone]
[phone]
Cunningham Associates
P. O. Box 204981
Charlotte, NC 28224
[phone]
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Lary Hasley & Associates
Route 1, Box 161
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
[phone]
[phone]
Peggs Recreation and Architectural Products, Inc.
P. O. Box 538
Mooresville, NC 28115
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Piedmont Parks, Inc.
Attn: Tim Thornburg
P. O. Box 8370
Greensboro, NC 27410
[phone]
[phone]
Fax [phone]

APPENDIX "D„
WATER ACCESS/RECREATION FACILITIES
IMPROVEMENT SURVEY
SURVEY RESULT SUMMARY

TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH
WATER ACCESS/RECREATION FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT SURVEY
MARCH 1996
INTRODUCTION:
' This surveyhas been prepared to assist the Town of North Topsail Beach in its efforts
P P P
to improve designated public oceanside and soundside access and recreational opportunities
within the municipality. An attempt has been made to reach and receive a survey response from
every household in the Town of North Topsail Beach. Every household is encouraged to fill out
one copy of the survey and return it to the Town in the enclosed stamped envelope. Due to the
time needed to summarize the results, the returned survey must be postmarked no later than
midnight March 18, 1996 for your input to be included in the final tabulation. You are
' encouraged to provide any additional comments you may deem appropriate. Your timely
cooperation in this effort is greatly appreciated.
i1. HOW DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD CURRENTLY USE THE OCEANSIDE AREA OF THE ISLAND?
[ ] SWIMMING
[ ] SUNBATHING
[ ] WALKING/RUNNING
[ ] PEOPLE WATCHING
[ ] WALKING THE DOG
[ ] SHELL COLLECTING
[ ] BIRD WATCHING
[ ] BEACH COMBING
[ ] FRISBEE/OTHER GAMES
[ ] VOLLEYBALL
[ ] FISHING/CRABBING
[ ] OTHER
1 2. HOW DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD CURRENTLY USE THE SOUNDSIDE AREA OF THE ISLAND?
[ ] SWIMMING
[ l WALKING/RUNNING
[ ] WALKING THE DOG
[ ] SUNBATHING
[ ] BOATING
[ ] SHELL COLLECTING
[ ] BIRD WATCHING
[ ] FISHING/CRABBING
[ ] OYSTERING/CLAMMING
[ ] PICNICKING
[ ] CAMPING
[ ] OTHER
3. IN WHAT GEOGRAPHIC SECTION
OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH IS YOUR HOME
LOCATED?
[ ] SOUTH END
[ ] MIDDLE AREA
[ ] NORTH END
4. ON WHAT SIDE OF THE ISLAND IS YOUR HOME LOCATED?
• [ ] OCEANSIDE [ ] SOUNDSIDE
5. HOW OFTEN DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD USE THE EXISTING PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS?
[ ] DAILY [ ] WEEKLY [ ] MONTHLY [ ] OCCASIONALLY [ ] NEVER
6. DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD WANT THE TOWN TO IMPROVE PUBLIC OCEANSIDE ACCESS?
[]YES []NO
7. DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD WANT THE TOWN TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SOUNDSIDE ACCESS?
[]YES NO
' 4497 (02/27/96)

8.
HOW FAR IS YOUR HOME FROM AN EXISTING PUBLIC ACCESS AREA?
[ ] LESS THAN 1/4 MILE
[ ] 1/2 TO 1 MILE
[ ] 1/4 TO 1/2 MILE
[ ] MORE THAN 1 MILE
9.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM DISTANCE YOUR HOUSEHOLD WOULD WANT TO BE LOCATED FROM
A PUBLIC ACCESS AREA?
[ ] LESS THAN A 1/4 MILE
[ ] 1/2 TO 1 MILE
[ ] 1/4 TO 1/2 MILE
[ ] MORE THAN 1 MILE
10.
DOES ANY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD OR YOUR GUEST REQUIRE HANDICAP ACCESS
AREAS OR FACILITIES?
[]YES []NO
11.
IF POSSIBLE, SHOULD PARKING FACILITIES BE AVAILABLE AT ALL FUTURE PUBLIC ACCESS
'
AREAS?
[]YES NO
12.
IF THE PUBLIC ACCESS AREA ALLOWS PARKING,
HOW MANY SPACES SHOULD BE PROVIDED?
[ ] 1- 5 SPACES
[ ] 11-20 SPACES
[ ] 6-10 SPACES
[ ] AS MANY AS POSSIBLE
13.
DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD FEEL THERE IS A NEED FOR MORE REGIONAL OCEANSIDE PUBLIC
ACCESS AREAS IN NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH LIKE ONSLOW COUNTY PARKS #1, #2, AND #4?
[]YES NO
14.
WHAT TYPE OF FACILITIES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE
AT ALL OR SOME PUBLIC ACCESS
AREAS?
ALL SOME
ALL SOME
[ ] [ ] REST ROOM
[ ] [ ] OUTDOOR SHOWER/FOOTWASH
[ ] [ ] BATHHOUSE
[ ] [ ] CABANA
[ ] [ ] SEATING AREA
[ ] [ ] PAVILION
[ ] [ ] PASSENGER LOADING AREA
[ ] [ ] TELEPHONE
[ ] [ ] BIKE RACKS
[ ] [ ] INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE
[ ] [ ] HANDICAP ACCESS
[ ] [ ] OTHER
15,
WHAT TYPES OF ADDITIONAL PUBLIC OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SHOULD THE
TOWN DEVELOP?
[ ] PLAYGROUNDS
[ ] SWIMMING POOLS
[ ] TENNIS COURTS
[ ] BASKETBALL COURTS
[ ] BAND STAND/OUTDOOR DANCE
[ ] BASEBALL/SOFTBALL/SOCCER
AREA
FIELDS
[ ] PICNIC AREAS
[ ] BIKE ROUTES
[ ] TRAILS
[ ] FISHING/CRABBING DOCKS
[ ] BOAT RAMPS/CANOE LAUNCH AREA
[ ] NATURE INTERPRETIVE CENTER
[ ] MUSEUM
[ ] OTHER
4497 (02/27/96)

i
16. IF PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS WERE DEVELOPED, WHAT SITE AMENITIES WOULD YOUR
HOUSEHOLD WANT TO HAVE AVAILABLE?
[ ] TOT LOTS [ ] PRE-FAB PLAY SYSTEMS
' [ ] SWINGS [ ] SLIDES
[ ] CLIMBERS [ ] SPRING RIDERS
[ ] valms [ ] FITNESS COURSE
l ADVENTURE PLAY AREA [ ] LIGHTS
[ ] PARKING [ ] OTHER
17. SHOULD COMMUNITY CENTER(S) BE DEVELOPED?
[IYES [INO
18. IF COMMUNITY CENTER(S) WERE DEVELOPED, WHAT AMENITIES WOULD YOUR HOUSEHOLD
WANT TO HAVE AVAILABLE?
[ ] INDOOR SWIMMING POOL [ ] AEROBICS PROGRAM
[ ] FITNESS EQUIPMENT [ ] GYMNASIUM
[ ] RACQUETBALL COURT [ ] AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
[ ] MEETING ROOMS [ ] OTHER
19. HOW LONG HAS YOUR HOUSEHOLD MAINTAINED A RESIDENCE IN NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH?
[ ] LESS THAN 1 YEAR [ ] 11 TO 20 YEARS
[ ] 1 TO 5 YEARS [ ] 20 TO 30 YEARS
[ ] 6 TO 10 YEARS [ ] MORE THAN 30 YEARS
20. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES BEST DESCRIBES YOUR HOUSEHOLD'S
RELATIONSHIP(S) WITH THE TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH?
[ ] YEAR ROUND RESIDENT ----------------- [ ] HOME OWNER [ ] RENTER
[ ] SEASONAL RESIDENT --------------------- [ ] HOME OWNER [ ] RENTER,
[ ] NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY OWNER:
[ l OWN 1 PROPERTY [ ] OWN MORE THAN 1 PROPERTY
[ ] NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH BUSINESS PERSON:
[ ] OWNER [ ] OPERATOR
21. HOW MANY DAYS EACH MONTH DOES YOUR HOUSEHOLD SPEND IN NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH?
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
22. HOW MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD?
[ ] ONE [ ] THREE TO FIVE [ ] MORE THAN TEN
[ ] TWO [ ] FIVE .TO TEN
23. HOW MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD ARE IN THE FOLLOWING AGE GROUPS?
1 TO 5 YRS _ 20 TO 29 YRS _ 60 TO 65 YRS
- 6 TO 10 YRS = 30 TO 39 YRS = 66 TO 70 YRS
11 TO 15 YRS 40 TO 49 YRS 71 TO 80 YRS
16 TO 19 YRS _ 50 TO 59 YRS _ 81 OR OLDER
4497 (02/27/96)

1
I
24. WHAT CATEGORY OF STRUCTURE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR RESIDENCE?
[ ] CONDOMINIUM [ ] DUPLEX [ ] MOBILE HOME
[ ] SINGLE-FAMILY [ ] OTHER MULTI -FAMILY [ ] CAMPER
25. HOW MANY BEDROOMS ARE LOCATED IN YOUR RESIDENCE?
[I 1-BR [ ] 3-BR [ ] 5-BR [ ] 7-BR [ ] MORE THAN 8-BR
[ ] 2-BR [ ] 4-BR [ ] 6-BR [ ] 8-BR
26. WHAT IS THE MAJOR BENEFIT TO YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND THE TOWN, IF OCEANSIDE AND
SOUNDSIDE ACCESS IS IMPROVED?
27. WHAT IS THE MAJOR CONCERN OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD RELATING TO IMPROVED OCEANSIDE
AND SOUNDSIDE ACCESS?
28. HAS YOUR HOUSEHOLD EVER ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM(S) WHEN USING AN EXISTING
PUBLIC ACCESS AREA?
[ ] YES (IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN.) [ ] NO
29. WOULD YOUR HOUSEHOLD BE WILLING TO GIVE THE TOWN A PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENT
ACROSS YOUR PROPERTY TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND/OR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR
THE COMMUNITY?
[]YES NO
30. WOULD YOUR HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT THE USE OF TOWN FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO
IMPROVE PUBLIC OCEANSIDE AND SOUNDSIDE ACCESS?
[]YES []NO
31. WOULD YOUR HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT THE USE OF TOWN FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PROVIDE
OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES?
[]YES []NO
32. WOULD MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD BE WILLING TO HELP THE TOWN MAINTAIN
PUBLIC ACCESS AREAS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES?
[]YES []NO
33. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: -
The preparation of this survey was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program,
thorough funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
4497 (02/27/96)

TOWN OF NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH - WATER A=S/REC. FACILITIES SURVEY SIIUMARY SHEET
TOWN TOTAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA PRIORITY LIST
795 Responses
QUESTION #1: How does your household currently use the oceanside area of the island?
Geo.
Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1.
Walking/
709
89
Running:
1
2.
Swimming:
683
86
3.
Sunbathing:
652
82
4.
Shell
559
70
Collecting:
5.
Beach
452
57
Combing:
7.
People
385
48
Watching:
6.
Fishing/
356
45
Crabbing:
8.
Bird-
263
33
Watching:
9.
Frisbee/
164
21
Other Games:
10.
Walking the
158
20
Dog:
11.
Volleyball:
63
8
Other Uses by residents (no
priority given):
1.
Protecting turtle nest.
7.
Watching/Viewing.
2.
Meditation/Reflection.
8.
Reading.
3.
Kite Flying.
9.
Soccer.
4.
Sketching/Photography
10.
Biking.
11.
Horseshoes.
5.
Surfing.
6.
Wind Surfing.

I
Page 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION-#2: How does your household currently use the sounds ide-area-of-the-
area of the islands?
-------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area %
1 Fishing/ 246 31
Crabbing:
2.
Boating:
189
24
3.
Bird-
Watching:
182
23
4.
Walking/
138
17
Running:
5.
Oystering/
83
10
Clamming:
6.
Shell
49
6
Collecting:
5
7.
Picnicking:
43
1
8.
Walking the
36
5
Dog:
9.
Sunbathing:
34
4
10.
Swimming:
29
4
11.
Camping:
7
<1
Other
Uses by residents
(no priority
given):
1.
Canoeing.
4.
Viewing/Watching.
2.
Water Skiing.
5.
Netting.
3.
Exploring.
6.
Appreciating Aesthetics.
--- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Answers to Questions #3 and #4 have been included in the initial sort.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #5: How often does your household use the existing public access areas?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area S5
1. Never: 286 36
2. Occasion- 263 33
ally:
3. Daily: 103 13
I

Page 3
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area
4. Weekly:
74
9
5. Monthly:
53,
7
------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #6:
Does your household wantjheTown
---
toimprovepublic _oceanside access?
--
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1. No:
420
53
2. Yes:
321
40
QUESTION #7:
Does your household want the Town
to improve public soundside access?.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals
382
Geo. Area %
48
1. No:
2. Yes:
350
44
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #8:
How far is your home from an existing public access area?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1. Less than
425
53
1/4 mile:
2. 1/2 to 1
147
18
mile:
3. 1/4 to 1/2 118
15
mile:
t4.
More than
108
14
1 mile:
I
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #9:
What is the maximum distance your
household would want to be located from a
.
public access area?
Geo.-Area-Totals
Geo. Area %
1. Less than
216
27
1/4 mile:
2. More than
202
25
1 mile:
3. 1/4 to 1/2
133
17
mile:
4. 1/2 to 1
119
15
mile:

Page 4
i
------------
_---------------------------------------y
---------�.----------------_
QUESTION #10•
Does any member of your household or our guest require handicapaccess
areas or facilities?
1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area
1.
No:
669
84
2.
Yes:
88
11
i
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #11:
If possible, should parking facilities be available at all future public
access areas?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1.
Yes:
429
54
2.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No:
299
38
QUESTION #12:
I# the public access area
allows parking, how many spaces should be
---------------provided?
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area `Xa
1.
As many as
237
30
possible:
2.
1-5 spaces: 157
20
3.
11-20
119
15
spaces:
4.
6-10 spaces: 115
14
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #13:
Does your household feel
there is a need for more regional oceanside
public access areas in North
Topsail Beach like Onslow County
Parks #1, #2, and #4?
---- ---- ---------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
----
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1.
No:
559
70
2.
Yes:
162
20
--------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #14:
What type of facilities
should be available at all or some public access
areas?
`.l',
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area
ALL
1.
Restrooms:
399
50
2.
Telephone:
327
41

1
Page 5
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area
3.
Handicap
292
37
Access:
4.
Outdoor
240
30
Shower/
Footwash:
5.
Seating Area:
198
25
1
6.
Bike Racks:
160
20
7.
Bathhouse:
155
19
8.
Passenger
123
15
Loading
Area:
9.
Interpretive
100
13
Signage:
4
10.
Pavilion:
34
1
11.
Cabana:
26
3
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area %
SOME
. Restrooms:
228
29
2.
Telephone:
190
24
179
23
3.
Bathhouse:
4.
Handicap
173
22
Access:
5.
Outdoor
162
20
Shower/
Footwash:
6.
Seating Area:
146
18
7.
Bike Racks:
137
17
'
8.
Pavilion:
125
16
9.
Cabana:
122
15
i10.
13
Passenger
107
Loading
Area:
11.
Interpretive
82
10
Signage:
i

Page 6
'
Other Facilities requested by
residents
(no priority given):
1.
Widen all Existing Beach
Access Structures
'
2.
Trash Receptacles/Dumpsters.
7. Police Patrol/First Aid Station/Lifeguard.
3.
Water Fountain/Drinking Water.
8. Concession.
4.
Shade.
9. Safety Info/Regulations/Beach Conditions
'
S.
Sauna.
10. Golf Cart Access.
6.
Public Fishing Pier.
11. Soundside Boat Ramps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #15: What types of
additional
public outdoor recreational facilities should the
------------------=--------------
Town develop?
-------
----------------- --------------------------------
Geo.
Area Totals Geo. Area %
1.
Bike Routes:
312
39
I2.
Boat Ramps/
287
36
Canoe Launch Area:
3.
Fishing/Crabbing Docks:
259
33
4.
Playgrounds:
255
32
5.
Picnic Areas:
251
32
6.
Trails:
212
27
7.
Tennis Courts:
186
23
8.
Nature Interpretive
151
19
Center:
1
9.
Basketball Courts:
145
18
10.
Band Stand/Outdoor
102
13
Dance Area:
11.
Swimming Pools:
84
11
'
12.
Baseball/Softball/
73
9
Soccer Fields:
13.
Museum:
64
8

1 Page 7
Other Facilities requested by
residents
(no priority given):
1.
Movie Theater.
6. Waterslide.
'
2.
Lifeguard Stands.
7. Plant and Flower Beds.
3.
Golf Course.
8. In -Line Skating Area.
4.
Bike Trail
9. Bird Watching Trails
5.
Walking Paths.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #16: If public playgrounds were developed, what site.amenities would your
household want
to have available?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area
1.
Parking:
322
41
2.
Swings:
293
37
3.
Slides:
219
28
1
4.
Fitness Course:
197
25
5.
Tot Lots:
185
23
6.
Lights:
183
23
7.
Climbers:
155
19
8.
Adventure Play Area:
130
16
9.
Pre -Fab Play System:
109
14
10.
Whirls:
57
7
'
11.
Spring Riders:
54
7
Other
Facilities requested by
residents
(no priority given):
1.
Telephone.
6. Restriction/Liability Signage.
2.
Pavilion.
7. Nature Center.
'
Play Area.
3.
Bathrooms.
8. Soft and Safe
4.
Bike Path.
9. Dog Walk.
5.
Seating.
11

'
Page 8
1
--------
------------------
----------
------------ ----------------------------------
QUESTION-#17:--Should-caomnunity-centers)-
be-developed?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo.
Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1.
No:
420
53
'
2.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes:
252
32
QUESTION #18: If community
center(s) were developed, what amenities would your household
1
want to have available?
-------
- - - -------------------------------------------------------------------
------
Geo.
Area Totals
Geo. Area %
1.
Fitness Equipment:
232
29
2.
Meeting Rooms:
200
25
3.
Aerobic Programs:
.179
23
4.
Indoor Swimming Pool:
172
22
15
5.
Gymnasium:
121
6.
After School Programs:
107
13
7.
Racquetball Court:
72
9
'
Other Amenities requested by
residents (no priority given):
1.
Privately Developed Community Center.
7. Summer Programs.
8. Art Classes.
2.
Kitchen Facilities.
3.
Adult Education Classes.
9. Card Tables.
4.
Sauna.
10. Tennis Courts.
5.
Place for Teenagers.
11. Senior Citizens Activity Center.
6.
Rental Space for Parties.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
QUESTION #19: How long has
your household maintained a residence in North Topsail Beach?
'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo.
Area Totals
Geo. Area
1.
5 to 10 years:
209
26
2.
10 to 20 years:
202
25
3.
1 to 5 years:
198
25
'
4.
20 to 30 years:
66
8
t

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Page 9
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area
5. Less than 1 year: 55 7
6. 30 years or more: 26 3
QUESTION #20: Which of the following categories best describes your household's
relationship(s)
with
the Town of North Topsail Beach?
--
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area `b
1.
SEASONAL RESIDENT
341
43
Homeowner:
2.
NON-RESIDENT
215
27
Owner of 1-Property:
3.
YEAR ROUND RESIDENT
157
20
Home Owner:
4.
NON-RESIDENT
65
8
Owner of More than
1-Property:
5.
SEASONAL RESIDENT
14
2
Renter:
6.
YEAR ROUND RESIDENT
14
2
Renter:
7.
NTB BUSINESS PERSON
6
<1
Owner:
8.
NTB BUSINESS PERSON
2
<1
Operator:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.
SEASONAL.
355
45
RESIDENT
TOTALS:
2.
NON-RESIDENT
280
35
PROPERTY OWNER
3.
YEAR ROUND
171
22
RESIDENT
TOTALS:
4. NTB BUSINESS
PERSONS
TOTAL:
8
1

Page 10
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
QUESTION #21: How many days each month does your household spend in North Topsail Beach?
Geo. Area Total Days
Geo. Area Days
1.
July: 8,980
36
2.
August: 8,520
35
3.
June: 8,303
35
4.
September: 7,496
31
5.
October: 7,204
29
6.
May: 7,081
29
7.
April: 6,517
27
8.
November: 5,632
24
9.
March: 5,349
22
10.
December: 4,468
18
11.
January: 4,378
18
12.
February: 4,251
18
TOTAL NUMBER OF DAYS/YEAR GEO AREA:
78.179
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS RESPONDING TO SURVEY CEO. AREA: 795
AVERAGE DAYS/YEAR/HOUSEHOLD RESPONDING TO SURVEY GEO AREA: 98
TOTAL POTENTIAL DAYS/YEAR: 290,175
PERCENT OF POTENTIAL DAYS/YEAR USED:
27%
QUESTION #22: How many people are in your household?
Geo. Area Totals
Geo. Area
1.
Two:
327
41
2.
Three to Five:
253
32
3.
Five to Ten:
98
12
4.
One:
39
5
5.
More than Ten:
26
3

Page 11
QUESTION #23: How many people in your household are
in the following age groups?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Number of People/Geo. Area:
NO NSS
MO MSS
SO SSS
1,181 257
582 344
303 125 1
'
TOTAL NLMER OF PEOPLE:
2.792
Geo. Area Totals Geo.
Area %
1. 50 to,59 years:
481
17
2. 40 to 49 years:
454
16
3. 60 to 69 years:
421
15
4. 30 to 39 years:
380
14
351
13
5. 20 to 29 years:
'
6. 1 to 9 years:
346
12
7. 10 to 19 years:
247
9
8. 70 to 79 years:
112
4
9. 80 or Older:
20
<1
i----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #24: What category
of structure best describes
your residence?
-----------------------
Geo. Area Totals------ Geo.
Area % ^-------------
1. Condominium:
298
37
2. Single -Family:
239
30
3. Duplex:
134
17
4. Mobile Home:
81
10
5. Other Multi -Family:
50
6
6. Camper:
1
<1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
located in
QUESTION #25: How many
bedrooms are your
residence?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo.
Area %
1. 3-Bedroom:
298
37
2. 2-Bedroom:
275
35
3. 1-Bedroom:
95
12
4. 4-Bedroom:
92
12

'
Page 12
'Geo.
Area Totals Geo. Area %
5.
5-Bedroom: 22 3
6.
6-Bedroom: 11 1
7.
8-Bedroom: 1 <1
8.
More than 8-Bedroom: 1 <1
9.
7-Bedroom: 0 0
--
----------
QUESTION #26: 'What is the major benefit to your household and the Town, if oceanside and
soundside access is improved?
-
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area %
1.
No major benefit.
221 28
2.
Increased recreational opportunities/enjoyment (soundside in particular).
139 17
3.
Retain privacy, reduce trespass on private property and reduce illegal parking.
66 8
4.
Protect and increase property values (including rentals).
56 7
5.
Dune and turtle protection.
37 5
6.
Better day access for tourist.
18 2
Other Benefits perceived by residents (no priority given):
1.
More convenient and available access - especially for the handicapped, children and
visitors.
2.
Increase crabbing and fishing opportunities.
'
3.
Improve image and upgrade the community.
'
4.
More development. 8. More seating.
S.
Improve oceanside safety. 9.. Peace and quiet.
6.
Better views. 10. Better parking.
7.
Decrease congestion. 11. Improve local economy.

Page 13
--------------------------------------------- 7-------------------------------------------
gJESTION #27: What is the major concern of your household relating to improved oceanside
and soundside access?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area
1. Overcrowding and reduced privacy.
201 25
2. Increased traffic and parking problems.
112 14
' 3. Destruction and erosion of dunes and other natural resources.
80 10
4. Potential need for tax increase to pay .for proposed improvements.
74 9
5. Increased tourism and visitation by day/trippers.
71 9
' 6. Increased litter.
66 8
7. Increase in crime (theft, trespass, vandalism).
42 5
8. No major concern.
36 5
9. Any change to existing access is undesirable. Do not change.
21 3
10. Dogs on the beach.
1 8 1
11. Restrict free amenities use to residents only and charge fee for use by non-residents.
5 <1
' Other Concerns perceived by residents (no priority given):
1. Commerciality. 5. Noise.
2. More lights (effect on turtles?) 6. Existing accesses are not maintained.
' 3. Existing accesses are too narrow. 7. Too much regulation.
4. Ruin family atmosphere. 8. Need access at 7th Street.

Page 14
' ------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #28: Has your household ever encountered a problems) when using anexisting
public access area?
�eo. Area Totals Geo. Area S5
1. NO: 609 77
2. YES: 71 9
Problems noted by residents (no priority given):
' 1. Existing accesses are not maintained and some have broken steps.
2. Existing cross -over stairs are difficult to manage.
3. Trash/Litter. 10. Surfboards blocking access walks.
' 4. Drinking and drunks. 11. Noise.
5. Unleashed dogs. 12. Driving on beach.
6. Inadequate parking. 13. Existing cross-overs are too narrow.
' 7. Not enough restrooms. 14. Congestion/too many people.
8. Sand covers stairs. 15. Theft/Car Theft.
' 9. Can not put boat in at Reed Street. 16. Dunes are too high.
' QUESTION #29: Would your household be willing to give the Town a public access easement
across your property to improve access and/or recreational opportunities
for the community?
----------------------- Geo. rea---------------- o.Ar ----------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area "
NO: 570 72
IYES: 84 11
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #30: Would your household support the use of Town financial resources to
improve public oceanside and soundside access?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=-
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area.%
' NO: 376 47
i YES: 345 43
1

Page15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #31: Would your household support the use of Town financial resources to
provide other recreational facilities?
`-----------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ceo. Area Totals Ceo. Area%
NO:
361 45
YES:
353 44
'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #32: Would members of your household be willing to help the Town maintain
public access areas and recreational facilities?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area %
NO:
419 53
YES:
258 32
---
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION #33: Additional Comments:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geo. Area Totals Geo. Area %
1.
Do not change.
45 6
1.
Do not raise taxes.
31 4
2.
We moved to North Topsail Beach to enjoy quiet family atmosphere and pristine natural
resources.
'
29 4
4.
Protect the dunes and the natural resources.
'
25 3
5.
No dogs on the beach.
11 1
6.
Increased litter and crime.
8 1
Additional Comments made by residents (no priority given):
1.
Keep as is. Want less access to preserve island and keep beaches quiet.
2.
Do not open soundside to tourist, too many people.
'
3.
Recreational areas are uneconomical and put natural resources at risk.
4.
Develop PermudA Island for use of Natural Resources.
5.
Make State and County maintain existing regional accesses.
6.
Have builders and developers fund public accesses.

Page 16
'
Additional Comments continued:
7.
Absentee owners should not have to pay for
year-round residents benefits.
'
8.
Make out-of-town property owners maintain
properties.
9.
Recreational facilities should be for Town
resident use only.
10.
Non-residents should have to pay fee for use
of Town facilities.
11.
More "No Parking" signs needed on edge of
streets at existing accesses.
12.
Provide golf cart parking at some accesses
for handicapped convenience.
'
13.
Provide parking at regional accesses only.
'
14.
Provide benches or built-in seating at accesses.
15.
Provide potable water/drinking fountains at some accesses.
'
16.
Boat and fishing access is needed at 17th
Street.
17.
Develop rules on jet skis (Town currently
working on this subject).
'
18.
Town should hire a full-time maintenance person.
'
19.
More street lights needed on South End.
20.
Merge three existing Topsail Island governments.
'
21.
Need Post Office in North Topsail Beach.
22.
Town personnel are doing a good job. 32.
Provide pagers for fire department.
23.
Police force is "Top Notch". -33.
Reduce police harassment.
24.
Provide public tennis courts. 34.
Provide bike paths.
25.
Provide bathrooms at boat accesses. 35.
Fix boat ramp at Reed Street.
'
26.
Have organized clean-up days. 36.
Provide lifeguards at some areas. -
27.
Need a newsstand. 37..
Need a general store.
'
28.
Decrease speed limit and traffic. 38.
Improve pest control.
29.
Improve zoning laws. 39.
Discourage trailers.
30.
Improve water pressure. 40.
Improve sewer system.
'
31.
Too many dunes, no beach area.