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Commissioners authorize manager to discuss state interest in 32‑acre parcel for possible Holden Beach boat ramp
Summary
The county manager was authorized to enter negotiations with the state about a 32‑acre county parcel that state officials may want for a boat-ramp and parking project. Commissioners debated selling parkland bought previously for recreation versus retaining it; the board approved discussion and negotiation authority by voice vote.
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners authorized the county manager on March 7 to enter discussions with the state about a 32‑acre county parcel the state is reportedly considering for a boat‑ramp and associated parking.
Manager John Nichols told the board he had been informed the State of North Carolina is evaluating locations for a boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway near Holden Beach and asked permission to discuss whether the state would acquire the county‑owned 32‑acre parcel for that purpose. He said the site could provide substantial parking—comments in the meeting referenced capacity figures of about 90 boat trailers and about 100 vehicles—but also noted the land contains wetlands and that prior county investment in the parcel exceeded $3 million.
Commissioners debated options. Some members said they opposed selling parkland and preferred to seek state help to acquire additional property to build a ramp without divesting county recreational land. Others said the county’s undeveloped parcel was not serving the public as parkland and that state acquisition for a regional boat ramp could provide public benefit.
After discussion the board approved a motion authorizing the county manager to negotiate with the state and other stakeholders regarding the parcel. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript shows an affirmative vote and recorded opposition from some commissioners but does not show a roll‑call tally in the public record.
Why it matters: greater public boat‑ramp access in the Holden Beach area is a longstanding local request; any sale of county parkland would change county recreational assets and raise questions about valuation, wetlands constraints and tradeoffs between park preservation and new public access.
Next steps: the county manager is authorized to pursue discussions, report back to the board on terms and options, and identify whether state or other external funds could be used to acquire or improve access in the area.
