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Resident urges Hertford to press DOT for bulkhead and expanded No Wake markers at S-Bridge
Summary
At the Feb. 14 council meeting resident Sara E. Winslow presented photos and cited state rules, asking the town to oppose rip rap at the Hertford-side S-Bridge abutment and to pursue expanded No Wake buoy markings to reduce boat strikes and debris hazards.
Sara E. Winslow told the Town of Hertford Council that shoal areas off Front Street and near USCG Marker 9 create a serious boating-safety hazard and that the Department of Transportation’s planned use of rip rap at the Hertford-side abutment of the S‑Bridge would worsen maintenance and debris problems.
Winslow said the town previously adopted a Perquimans River No Wake Zone resolution and that for enforcement buoys must be installed. She cited the administrative code (15A NCAC 10.F.0355) that establishes no-wake zones and a statute (G.S. 75A-13.3) governing personal watercraft proximity to docks and anglers.
“This is a true safety issue!” Winslow told the council and provided photographs, copies of the earlier town resolution, and a draft resolution for council consideration. She warned that rip rap, while cheaper, would collect trash and debris and that the town would bear ongoing monitoring and maintenance costs; she said a properly placed bulkhead would be more resilient to strong southeast winds and storm surge.
In response, Mayor Pro Tem Ashley Hodges moved that Town Manager Janice McKenzie Cole prepare a letter for Mayor Earnell Brown to send to the Department of Transportation opposing use of rip rap at the abutment and asking Perquimans County to join the objection; Councilman Jerry Mimlitsch seconded the motion and it passed 5-0. The minutes show no DOT representative was present and DOT’s position was not given during the meeting.
Winslow also asked the town to begin the process of expanding No Wake markings from the Perquimans River Bridge (No. 8) northeast to 25 yards past USCG Marker 9 (Green) to improve safety; council action recorded only the motion to draft a DOT letter. The resident’s packet included photos showing shallow shoals sometimes with as little as 18 inches of water and documentation she said supports buoy placement.
Next steps: Town staff were directed to draft the DOT letter and to contact Perquimans County to seek joint support. The matter of buoy placement and formal No Wake designation will require follow-up action by the council and engagement with state agencies for marking and enforcement.
