Town hears update on River’s Edge development

Meetings with a local developer regarding an unfinished Shallotte subdivision have been fruitful, a town alderman says.

In 2012, Coastal Companies developer Mark Saunders agreed to meet with the town on a regular basis to keep them informed of progress in the Rivers Edge development.

In an attempt to avoid calling bonds, Shallotte aldermen established a subcommittee to meet with Saunders and his team to discuss infrastructure improvements in Rivers Edge.

Alderman Walt Eccard serves is a liaison to the board.

“June of this year is the expiration of the bonds,” Eccard said. “The subcommittee is aware, as is Saunders. They hope to get something going by the end of January with DOT and stormwater permits and sewer lines down Copas and Mill Pond Road and its extension.”

Eccard said Saunders has been working with property owners who are willing to “swap properties” to have a more centrally located property where infrastructure is complete or under way.

“Two are completed. Two are in the process of closing and several more are in discussions. This process has been going on while they are waiting for permits,” Eccard said.

Eccard reassured the board that current litigation actions involving The Coastal Companies and Saunders don’t affect Rivers Edge.

“Saunders said the lawsuits won’t affect his ability to complete the project,” Eccard said. “In summary, as much progress as possible has been made. We hope to get permits this month, and then we will consider how to proceed. More property transfers will make it clearer to us as to what makes the most sense…my understanding is that construction will begin almost immediately once permits are issued.”

Public hearings, meetings

A public hearing is set for Tuesday, Feb. 5, during the board’s regularly scheduled meeting. The pre-agenda meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. with the regular meeting to immediately follow.

A public hearing for voluntary contiguous annexation of .38 acres at 675 Lightwood Lane will also be during the Feb. 5 meeting.

A public information exchange has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in council chambers to discuss a draft of a public parking plan. The meeting is a time for all interested stakeholders to come and discuss the plan.

Contact the town for an outline of the public parking plan.

Rachel Johnson is a staff writer at The Brunswick Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or rjohnson@brunswickbeacon.com.