Plans for Emerald Isle pier move forward

EMERALD ISLE - Plans for The Aquarium Pier at Emerald Isle continue to progress as partners behind the project formalize their commitments.

Town commissioners in Emerald Isle approved two significant actions related to the pier plans during the board's November meeting.

A formal Pier and Ocean Access Agreement outlines the partnership between the town and the N.C. Aquariums and a second Option Agreement details the transfer of Emerald Isle's Eastern Ocean Regional Access to the State of North Carolina.

The proposed plans call for a 1,000-foot ocean fishing pier to be built at the site of the Eastern Ocean Regional Access. The foundation of the pier will be concrete to withstand hurricanes but will have a traditional wooden decking as well as a pier house complete with tackle shop, exhibit areas and public meeting space.

The project also includes plans for a smaller sound-side pier on the opposite side of N.C. 58.

The Town of Emerald Isle has partnered with the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores to develop this project; and terms of the partnership and conveyance of the land have been reviewed by the town, the aquarium, the state property office and the N.C. Attorney's General's office.

Town Manager Frank Rush said the most significant provision in the Option Agreement is a reverter clause that would return ownership of the property to the town if the project does not happen.

"That's certainly a worst-case scenario," Rush said. "It's in everyone's best interest and our goal to move forward with this project. It will be a wonderful facility in Emerald Isle."

The goal is to open the facility by 2012. However, due to the potential for delays during project development and construction, the town cannot activate the clause any earlier than Dec. 31, 2015. That date can be extended if the parties agree.

The reverter clause could also be used if the property is not used for intended purposes.

But as the project proceeds, town officials are looking ahead to what the partnership can accomplish.

As part of that partnership, the town manager and the mayor will serve in an advisory capacity to the project development team.

The town will also appoint four members to a special citizen advisory committee that will provide input into the development of the project. The town seats will include a member of the Board of Commissioners, a property owner in the vicinity of the project, an avid pier fisherman and an at-large member.

The mayor and manager will serve as non-voting members.

Members appointed by the aquarium will include: a member of the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Advisory Committee, a member of the Carteret County surfing community, a member of the Carteret County university research committee and an at-large member.

The N.C. Aquariums and the town will likely conduct an application process in November and December, with formal appointments made in January.

The agreements approved by the town will now go to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary and N.C. Council of State for approval.

Staff writer Jannette Pippin can be reached at jpippin@freedomenc.com or 910-382-2557.