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Historic Preservation Commission urges council to prefer 65‑ft lift option and oppose tolls for Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
Summary
The commission adopted a statement asking City Council to support the 65‑foot lift bridge option (over a 135‑foot fixed span), oppose tolling, and expand the NEPA study area to include downtown historic districts; commissioners cited potential adverse effects on historic downtown character and recent investments such as 5th Avenue improvements.
On July 9 the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission voted to adopt a statement urging City Council to endorse the lift‑bridge alternative for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement, to oppose tolling, and to expand the NEPA study area to include downtown local historic districts and the Wilmington National Register historic district.
Vice Chair Joan Kestin read the draft resolution, which argued the lift option would ‘‘do minimal harm to historic districts’’ while a fixed 135‑foot span would cause ‘‘significant adverse effects’’ including traffic impacts, noise and vibration in historic downtown. The commission asked the city to pass a resolution in favor of the lift option, oppose tolling because tolls could redirect traffic into historic downtown, and communicate those preferences to the project team. Commissioners discussed adding language noting recent downtown investments (for example 5th Avenue improvements and the Kenan Fountain) and emphasizing risks to bike lanes and pedestrian improvements.
The commission approved the statement as amended and authorized Vice Chair Joan Kestin to present the commission’s adopted recommendation to City Council at the public comment period; commissioners agreed the lift option better preserves the bridge’s historic profile and downtown character compared with a substantially larger fixed span.
