The picturesque living shoreline project in Nags Head, focused on ecological restoration.
Nags Head, NC has received a $500,000 grant to develop a nearly one-mile living shoreline along Harvey Soundside, aimed at enhancing ecological restoration and community engagement. This project will stabilize the coastal area, support marine life, and expand the Soundside Event Site with new amenities. The initiative is a part of ongoing conservation efforts in the town, which has previously secured significant funding for environmental projects. The local government is actively involving the community in decision-making processes regarding these developments, aligning with sustainability goals.
The charming coastal town of Nags Head, North Carolina, is set to transform its waterfront landscape with an exciting new initiative aimed at environmental sustainability and community enjoyment. During the recent commissioners meeting held on January 8, 2025, the town’s governance body made a significant decision by accepting a $500,000 grant from the NC Land and Water Fund to spearhead the development of an almost one-mile living shoreline along the scenic Harvey Soundside/Soundside Event Site. This project has been highly anticipated, marking a major milestone in local conservation efforts.
The approved funding aims to construct a living shoreline that will serve multiple purposes: it will not only stabilize the coastal area but also foster a healthier ecosystem by reestablishing a brackish marsh that will function as a nursery for various marine life. The initiative is part of continuing efforts by the community to address erosion issues while enhancing the natural beauty of Nags Head.
In addition to the grant approval, the commissioners also greenlighted a special use permit/site plan amendment for the Soundside Event Site. The applicant for this exciting development is Albemarle & Associates Ltd on behalf of the Dare County Tourism Board. The proposal includes the incorporation of five additional properties into the event site, notably the former Dairy Queen and Aerial Adventure Park, alongside local favorites like Pamlico Jack’s and South Beach Grill.
The plans promise to bring further enhancements to the area, including the construction of boardwalks, gazebos, platforms, and docking facilities, which are expected to elevate the visitor experience. As part of these upgrades, the addition of 10 pickleball courts will cater to the growing popularity of the sport, promising vibrant recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors alike.
During discussions, there was a keen interest regarding the docking facilities and the types of watercraft that would utilize them. The expectation is that small crafts such as jet skis and small boats will take advantage of the new boat slips, enhancing the recreational offerings at the site.
Attention was also turned to public safety and community well-being with a discussion led by Planning Director Kelly Wyatt about a fresh initiative known as “Dark Skies and Bright Stars”. This initiative aims to reduce unnecessary artificial lighting, benefiting local wildlife and enhancing the health of the community by promoting a more natural nighttime environment. The lighting for the newly added pickleball courts, for instance, will only be used during court occupancy to align with these goals.
The meeting also highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding local governance, as Mayor Cahoon shared updates on the vacant commissioner seat, which has attracted 14 applications. The selection process is set to take place at the upcoming January 22 meeting, indicating community engagement and involvement in local decision-making.
Nags Head has consistently demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. The town has benefitted from a total of $4.5 million awarded by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund for various conservation projects. Remarkably, a chunk of this funding has been designated for conservation easements over 250 acres of maritime forest in the Nags Head Woods, alongside the newly approved funds for stabilizing 550 feet of public shoreline along Roanoke Sound.
As Nags Head implements these vital ecological projects, the community is poised not only for enhanced environmental resilience but also for an enriched recreational landscape that underscores the town’s charm and commitment to sustainable development.
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