During the Pender County Planning Board meeting on September 2, 2025, discussions centered on the proposed expansion of a marina facility, which aims to enhance both parking availability and boat launch efficiency for local residents and visitors.

A key point of discussion was the projected usage rates of the marina, with estimates suggesting around 60 reservations per day, translating to a 26% usage rate. Board members expressed concerns about potential parking shortages during peak times, particularly on busy weekends like July 4th. The conversation highlighted the need for careful planning to ensure that parking spaces meet community needs without exceeding capacity.

The marina's management emphasized the efficiency of their reservation system, which operates via an app that controls the number of users and helps manage traffic flow. This system is designed to prevent overcrowding by ensuring that not all users arrive simultaneously. The facility currently has 42 parking spaces and is proposing to add 89 more, bringing the total to 131 spaces. This increase aims to improve the parking ratio from one space per 7.2 dry stacks to one space per 5.3 dry stacks, which is a significant enhancement.

Additionally, the board discussed the importance of maintaining a balance between parking availability and the marina's operational capacity. The proposed plan includes two new drop zones and additional forklifts to facilitate quicker boat launches, which is expected to alleviate congestion during busy periods.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Planning Board's commitment to addressing community concerns regarding parking and access to the marina. As the proposal moves forward, the board aims to ensure that the facility can accommodate both current and future demands while maintaining a positive experience for all users.