Atlantic Beach to consider $1.2M countywide wayfinding signage plan; council signals consensus to approve

Jim Browder of Crystal Coast Tourism Development presented the Town Council with a phased, $1.2 million countywide wayfinding and welcome‑signage program intended to help visitors reach beach accesses, boat ramps and marinas more directly. Browder told the council the program prioritizes island beach accesses and marinas and will use design elements that conform to North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) standards so the signs will be eligible for NCDOT approval.

Browder said the TDA (Tourism Development Authority) will handle fabrication, installation and maintenance and plans to allocate 10% of the program funding to ongoing maintenance once signs are installed. He also said the TDA, as a quasi‑judicial body, cannot request NCDOT easements and is asking the Town to sign necessary easements; the easement language currently states the town would be responsible for maintenance, which town staff said requires clarification and legal review.

Councilmembers and staff discussed practical benefits such as reducing visitor traffic through residential streets and improving access to heavily used boat ramps. Browder warned that NCDOT will not allow duplicate welcome signs, meaning Atlantic Beach would need to remove its existing green NCDOT “Welcome to Atlantic Beach” sign and several destination signs (the Turtle Sanctuary, Home of Shag Hall of Fame and AB King Mackerel Fishing Tournament signs) in order to comply with state rules.

Council noted the proposal’s typefaces and colors follow NCDOT standards rather than Atlantic Beach’s local branding; Browder said multiple design meetings and town approvals would occur before any installation. He also said some elements of the original proposal, such as twin gateway tower signs, are on hold because not all island towns agreed; Emerald Isle has already approved participation while Morehead City declined.

There was no formal vote on the contract at the work session; the council reached a consensus to place the TDA agreement on the upcoming regular meeting agenda for approval after staff and legal review. Town Manager John O'Daniel and staff will work with the TDA on easement language and confirm maintenance responsibilities and funding before council action.

The council did not take final action during the work session; design approvals, NCDOT permit approvals and any required easement signatures are next steps.