Castle_Hayne_Small_Area_Plan
Castle Hayne
Community Plan
A plan for the future growth of the
Castle Hayne Community in
New Hanover County, N.C.
Created by the New Hanover County Planning Department with assistance from the residents
and business owners in Castle Hayne
Introduction
Castle Hayne is an unincorporated community located in northern New Hanover County,
less than ten miles from the heart of Wilmington. The residents of Castle Hayne cling to a rich
history, a rural heritage, beautiful trees, an attractive riverfront and many more attributes that
make this community unique from the rest of New Hanover County. When asked why they live
in Castle Hayne, many of the residents point to the lack of traffic, large lots, abundance of open
space, small community feel, location to the Cape Fear River, and general idea that they are only
a few miles up the road from Wilmington in a community that still feels rural in nature.
While New Hanover County is the second smallest County in North Carolina, it is also
the second most densely populated. Development in New Hanover County as a whole continues
to occur at a rapid pace, and the amount of developable land is quickly diminishing. Until
recently, Castle Hayne remained one of the few areas of the County that had not kept up with
this trend of development. The lack of water and sewer infrastructure in the community and the
presence of some of the County’s only rural zoning districts made Castle Hayne less appealing to
developers. However, this slow rate of growth in Castle Hayne is starting to change. With some
of New Hanover County’s largest remaining expanses of undeveloped land, developers are
prospecting the Castle Hayne area for what remains of the County’s dwindling developable land
at an increasing rate.
Many residents of Castle Hayne realize that development will occur, however they do not
want to lose sight of the unique characteristics of their community that appeal to them most.
While most residents have not embraced the idea of change, they do want to see improvements
and realize that development can bring this. They talk about the lack of jobs and lack of local
income, and they fear that businesses will pass them by for other areas of New Hanover and
Pender Counties. They want to see the aesthetics of their community improved, but they do not
want to lose sight of the small community feel they have grown to cherish.
With these conflicting points of view in mind, it quickly became apparent to the staff of
the New Hanover County Planning Department that a plan was needed for the long term growth
of the Castle Hayne community. In order to create a plan that encompassed the ideas and
concerns of the members of the community, it was important that planning staff engaged the
residents of Castle Hayne. Through numerous meetings and lengthy discussions with residents
of the community, a plan began to take shape.
The Castle Hayne Plan is part of a larger effort to create area plans for the entire
unincorporated portion of New Hanover County. This plan is the fifth to be created for
unincorporated New Hanover County, and the first in over fifteen years. For New Hanover
County, the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Land Use Plan, which is updated every six
years and sets forth goals, policies and strategies for meeting the long-term social, economic,
environmental and land use needs of the County, is a guiding document for development in the
entire county. Small area plans or community plans are strategic planning documents for
specific areas of the County. Both the CAMA Land Use Plan and the community plans are part
of a planning hierarchy which relies on citizens, dedicated staff, appointed and elected officials
for implementation.
Mutually supporting goals, objectives, policies and implementing actions contained in the
CAMA Land Use Plan and this plan provide for optimum planning effectiveness and benefits for
the residents of the Castle Hayne community. In particular, this plan reflects current and
anticipated conditions in the Castle Hayne area and advances planning goals, objectives, policies,
and implementation considerations to guide decision-making in the region in the future.
Implementation of the goals, objectives and policies in this plan are defined by specific
recommendations. The plan will be used to guide various regulatory processes, including
zoning, subdivision, and special use permit and rezoning reviews.
New Hanover County Planning Department Staff
Chris O’Keefe, Planning Director
Shawn Ralston, Senior Environmental Planner
Jane Daughtridge, Senior Planner
Wanda Coston, Community Development Planner
Sam Burgess, Principal Development Planner
Steven Scruggs, GIS Technician / Address Coordinator
Bobby Harris, Planning Specialist
Karyn Crichton, Administrative Support Specialist
Dorothy Smaldone, Planning Intern
Tiffany Suggs, Planning Intern
Ashli Barefoot, Planning Intern
Castle Hayne Task Force Members
Barbara Branch
Marcus Conklin
Steve Gause
Daryl Grady
Betty Hudson
Jay Hudson
Ruth Lawrence
Shirley Mazzeo
John Parker
Elaine Parker
Mary Phelps
Annie Sidberry
Garry Silivanch
John Still
Gerald Urban
Rosemary Watkins
Timeline for the Castle Hayne Planning Initiative:
• July 2007 – Resolution passed by New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
recognizing the Castle Hayne Planning Process as a priority for the New Hanover
County Planning Department
• August 2007 – Survey mailed to all residents in Castle Hayne study area inquiring
about existing conditions and the need for services
• September 13, 2007 – First public meeting held at Cape Fear Community College-
North Campus for all residents in the Castle Hayne study area
• October 2007 – Castle Hayne Task Force formed of area residents to help steer the
County Planning Department through the planning process
• October-February 2008 – Castle Hayne Task Force met to discuss the major issues
facing the community
• November-January 2008 – Subcommittees formed to further discuss the major issues
facing Castle Hayne
• February 2008 – Final Castle Hayne Task Force Meeting – Draft recommendations
presented at this time
• May 2008 – Completion of Draft Castle Hayne Plan
• June 12, 2008 – Second public meeting held at Castle Hayne Community College-
North Campus for all residents in the Castle Hayne study area
• October 2008 – Castle Hayne Plan Finalized
• November 2008 – Castle Hayne Plan presented to New Hanover County Planning
Board
• December 2008 – Castle Hayne Plan presented to New Hanover County
Commissioners
Table of Contents
A Brief Look into Castle Hayne’s History 1
Creating a Plan for the Castle Hayne Community – The Castle Hayne Planning Area 2
The People Who Reside in Castle Hayne – Demographics, Projections & Current Housing 4
Survey Results from the Castle Hayne Community 6
Issues and Recommendations 13
Issue #1: Castle Hayne Commercial Corridor 15
Issue #2: Transportation and Pedestrian Access 22
Traffic and Roadway Improvements 22
Public Transportation 25
Pedestrian Access 26
Issue #3: Water and Sewer Infrastructure 28
Issue #4: Drainage and Stormwater 31
Issue #5: Environmental Concerns 34
Groundwater 34
Surface Water Quality 35
Tree Preservation and Enhancement 39
Natural Heritage Areas 40
Issue #6: Parks and Recreation 42
Issue #7: Community Enhancements 45
Issue #8: Housing 48
Implementation of the Castle Hayne Plan 51
Appendix A: Farmers Market Information
Appendix B: Commercial Corridor Illustrations
Appendix C: Maps of the Castle Hayne Study Area
Zoning
Land Classification
Land Use
Population
Water and Sewer Infrastructure
Collector Street Plan
1
A Brief Look into Castle Hayne’s History
Castle Hayne is a historic pocket of the Northeast Cape Fear River, having once
housed two ferryboat vessels (“Blossom’s Ferry”) on the river that borders New Hanover
and Pender Counties. The ferries were stored one mile upstream of the present day
Commercial Corridor’s center, and nine miles north of Wilmington, NC, the metropolitan
core of New Hanover’s population. Wilmington, established as a town in 1740,
continued to develop in great part due to the settlement of towns along the Cape Fear and
Northeast Cape Fear Rivers. During the eighteenth century, the region’s needs generated
the growth of naval stores and increased agricultural activity, ample enough to justify the
operation of a ferry serving the road that connected Duplin County (to the northeast) to
what would become the port of Wilmington.
In 1731, Captain Roger Haynes bought 1000 acres from naturalized citizens who
had been granted the land by the King of England. The property, bordered to the north
by the river and to the south by Prince George’s Creek, was known as the Castle Haynes
Plantation, and the home that was built there was called Haynes Castle. Captain Haynes’
father-in-law owned property across the road to the east, and soon built another plantation
home with highly crafted gardens that was referred to locally as The Hermitage. Soon
after, other plantations were built along the river (i.e., Rocky Run, Rose Hill, and Cedar
Grove). In the 1760’s, a 30 foot mechanical drawbridge, intended to accommodate
travelers, was erected at Blossom’s Ferry, and was later destroyed by British soldiers
during Cornwallis’ occupation of Wilmington in the 1780’s. The bridge was rebuilt after
the American Revolution ended, but the duration of its survival and use is not clear.
George Averitt purchased the ferry property in 1859, with the deed listing “a bridge or
ferry”, indicative of some confusion about what actually existed on the property, but he
appears to have operated the ferry throughout the Civil War. By the time the property
was sold in 1866, there was no longer a bridge. In 1922, Samuel and Margaret Blossom
purchased the ferries and operated them until 1926, when service was discontinued as the
result of the construction of a state-maintained bridge, bringing nearly 200 years of ferry
service to an end.
In 1889 Hugh MacRae bought 16,000 acres of land, including Grandfather and
Grandmother Mountains, from Walter Lenoir, and founded the Linville Improvement Co.
to develop a tourist spot. By the end of the century, MacRae had become president of his
father's company, Wilmington Cotton Mills, and the Wilmington Gas Light Company. In
1905, MacRae, wanting to continue running agricultural experiments in the Pender
County vicinity, attracted European and North American residents to the Northeast Cape
Fear area to establish six agricultural communities. Two of those were settled in Castle
Hayne. The property once owned by Roger Haynes became known as Castle Hayne
Colony, and the Rocky Run plantation was renamed Marathon Colony. MacRae
segregated the two colonies by nationality, with the Castle Hayne Colony populated by
Dutch immigrants and the Marathon Colony by Greek immigrants. Eventually, both
colonies became ethnically diverse and flourished, financially. Many of the original 10
acre tracts settled by MacRae are still in existence, and some of the land continues to be
farmed. Many of the descendants of these twentieth century immigrant families have
2
remained residents of Castle Hayne. Present residents of Castle Hayne treasure these
significant historical events that took place in their area and many feel that this history
can still be glimpsed in the existing character of the community.
Creating a Plan for the Castle Hayne Community
The Castle Hayne Planning Area
For the purpose of this planning initiative for the Castle Hayne community, the
planning area was separated into three concentric circles. The northern and southern
boundaries of the study area extended to the Interstate 140 interchange on the south and
the New Hanover-Pender County line on the north. The three circles represent the core
of the community and two outer areas of influence that create the primary market area
from which to encourage and sustain new business opportunity. The core area or inner
circle includes a commercial corridor along US Highway 117 from the New Hanover
County-Pender County line running south to the confluence of US Highway 117 and NC
Highway 133. This area has been considered the commercial center of the community
and today, contains a mixture of small, daily-needs businesses. The second and third
circles of the planning area are primarily residential. The majority of housing is single-
family, however multi-family development and mobile homes are scattered throughout.
Other land uses include office and institution, industrial, commercial, forestry and
agriculture.
The three circles of the study area determined by the New Hanover Planning Department
and used for the Castle Hayne Community Planning Initiative
3
The illustration above displays the core area, or inner circle, and the two outer
circles of influence utilized for the planning initiative. For purposes of this plan,
population and demographic estimates were captured for each of the three designated
circles in the planning area and then combined to create estimates, as three of the census
blocks are both within and outside of the planning area. Population estimates show about
32.4% of the population is within the inner circle; 52.3% resides in the second circle and
the remaining 15.3% lives in the third circle. The third circle is heavily influenced by
industrial zoning districts and large areas of swamp forest along the river.
Even under current zoning patterns, the study area has impressive potential for
future growth. Nearly 60% of the total acres are currently vacant land. The table below
shows a purely mathematical build-out potential. It does not fully account for
conservation resource areas or the lack of water and sewer services to support such
growth, and should only be viewed as a very rough approximation of potential.
Current
Zoning
Total
Lots
Total
Acres
Average
Size
(acres)
Vacant
Lots
Total
Vacant
Acres
Average
Size
(acres)
Residential-
Allowed
Density
Residential-
Potential
New Res.
Units
Industrial 280 4,017.49 14.35 136 1,943.81 14.29 n/a n/a
R-10/R-
15
1,541 3,116.73 2.02 535 1,799.62 3.36 2.5 4,500
RA-
Res.Ag.
654 4,176.46 6.39 156 2,939.84 18.85 1.5 2,235*
Business 165 341.09 2.07 64 263 4.11 n/a n/a
TOTAL 2,640 11,651.77 4.41 891 6,946.27 7.8 6,735
Therefore, assuming ideal conditions for development, with no changes in zoning the
population of the overall planning area at build-out could be as much as 20,000 persons.
Land classification data was also calculated for the study area using the land
designations assembled for the CAMA land use plan (see appendix C for the land
classification map). According to the land classification map, 80% of the study area is
comprised of environmentally sensitive land including aquifer resource protection (39%),
conservation (25%), and wetland resource protection areas (16%). The remaining land is
comprised of community (15%), rural (3%), and transition land (2%).
4
The People Who Reside in Castle Hayne
Demographics, Projections and Current Housing
New Hanover County has the ninth largest population in the State with 2% of
North Carolina’s total residents. The population in unincorporated New Hanover County
in 2000 was 75,591.1 By 2006, the estimated population in unincorporated New Hanover
County had decreased to 75,084, primarily as a result of annexations by the City of
Wilmington. In 2000, the estimated population within the Castle Hayne planning area
was approximately 4,182 persons, or 5.5% of the unincorporated County. An estimate of
the 2006 population in the study area was roughly 4,431, or 5.9% of the unincorporated
area. Future projections that are based on historic trends, suggest that by 2020, if growth
continues at a moderate rate, the population within the study area will be around 7,250
persons. Estimates for the unincorporated County depend to a large degree on the
aggressiveness of Wilmington’s annexation policies and the availability of public water
and sewer in outlying areas. Utilizing the CAMA Land Use Plan projections,
unincorporated population in 2020 under a moderate growth trend will be about 92,000
persons. Therefore, the significance of the Castle Hayne population to the unincorporated
County will build over time as the percent of population increases to nearly 8%.
The median age for all households in the Castle Hayne planning area is 33 years.
School aged population (ages 6-19) accounts for about 2.5% of the population, and elder
ages (55-74) account for 15.7%. Another 3.6% of the population is 75 or older. There are
1,598 housing units in the planning area. Utilizing Census 2000 data, there were 1598
housing units in the plan area, with 1500 occupied, 98 vacant, and 5 seasonal dwellings.
Of those units, 1189 (79.3%) were owner- occupied and 311 were rental units (20.7%).
The median household size for owner occupied units was 2.52, and the median household
size for rental units was 2.00. In addition, there were 78 people living in non-
institutionalized group quarters, and 17 living in institutionalized group quarters.
Figure 1: Study Area Household Demographics (2000 census)
Household Demographic Number Percentage
Single 275 18.3%
Family 1138 75.9%
Non-family 87 5.8%
Male - Single Parent 31 2.1%
Female - Single Parent 108 7.2%
Household with Children 606 40.4%
Household with Elderly 251 16.7%
Single Elderly Household 73 4.9%
1 U.S. Census Bureau
5
Figure 2: Study Area Household Gender, Race and Ethnicity (2000 census)
Gender Number Percentage
Male 2023 50.3%
Female 1998 49.7%
Race
White 3176 79.0%
Black 711 17.7%
American Indian 53 1.3%
Asian 7 0.2%
Hispanic 102 2.5%
Other 28 0.7%
Reported Two Races 46 1.1%
The following table indicates median and average sales prices in the plan area for
single family residences and vacant residential land transactions in 2005, 2006 and
through October of 2007.
Figure 3: Single Family Home and Unimproved Land Sales for 2005-2007
As shown in Figure 3, recent sale prices have demonstrated a gradual increase
over the last three years. The highest sale price in 2007 for a single family dwelling was
$800,000, and the lowest sale price was $2000. In 2006, the highest single family sale
price was $370,000, and the lowest was $12,000. In 2007, the highest sale price per acre
was $762,162, and the lowest was $40,323 per acre. In 2006, the highest sale price per
acre was $157,143, and the lowest was $14,023. The impact of recent nationwide
economic downturns in 2008 have not been determined as this plan is being completed,
however, it can be presumed that sales and values have followed the same downward
trends as elsewhere in the Country. In July 2008, the median price of homes sold in this
region was down nearly 6% from a year earlier, and conditions have declined since the
summer of 2008.
Year Median SF
Sales Price
Average SF
Sales Price
Median Land
(residential,
per acre) Price
Average Land
(residential,
per acre) Price
2005 $128,500 $140,698 $43,356 $68,782
2006 141,750 155,060 35,233 49,882
2007 151,500 183,306 51,105 165,780
6
Survey Results from the Castle Hayne Community
In order to learn more from the residents within the study area, a community
survey was mailed to 1608 land and property owners within the Castle Hayne study area
boundaries. Duplicate owner and address records were researched and deleted
accordingly. The purpose of the survey was to retrieve demographic information and to
find out what the residents of the community felt was most important to the current status
and future growth of their community.
• Total number of surveys returned by mail: 387
• Number of mailed surveys ineligible because of blank address: 34
• Number of mailed surveys ineligible because of return date: 8
• Number of mailed surveys “Return to Sender”: 1
• Number of surveys returned online: 28
• Number of online surveys ineligible because of blank address or duplicate of
paper address: 8
Respondent Location
% of Survey Responses
Inner Circle 35.7%
Circle 2 43.2%
Circle 3 13.7%
Residence outside of plan area 7.4%
88.4% of respondents were current residents of Castle Hayne and 11.3% were not
current residents. 94.6% of respondents were property owners, 1.2% were renters (4.2%
did not answer the question). 69.6% of resident respondents had lived in Castle Hayne for
5 or more years, 10.4% had resided in Castle Hayne for one to three years, 9.5% for three
to five years, 1.8% had lived in Castle Hayne for less than one year and 5.7% had never
lived in Castle Hayne.
Requested return date – September 21, 2007
Actual return cutoff date – October 1, 2007
Overall Response Rate: 24%
Usable Response Rate: 21%
7
Respondent Information
Age, Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Citizenship, and Marital Status
• The largest age group represented in the survey was 50-59 at 35.1%
• The majority of respondents (67.2%) were 50 or over
• 47.1% of respondents reported their gender as female, 52.9% male
• 90.4 % of respondents reported their race as White, 8.98% as Black or African
American, and 0.62% as Native American.
• 74.2% of respondents identified themselves as married, 10.6% single, 6.7%
divorced, and 8.5% widowed
Employment Status and Income Level
48.8% of respondents who answered the employment status question identified
themselves as employed, 14.3% as self-employed, 4.2% as unemployed, and 22.9% as
retired. The majority of
the respondents reported a
household income of over
$99,000. 43.8% of
respondents reported
receiving social security,
private pension or VA
pension benefits. 6.0% of
respondents reported
receiving Medicaid, and
5.4% disability income.
8
Respondent Ratings - Current Quality of Life
Streets &
Roads
Traffic
Congestion
Parking in
Business Area
Pedestrian
Safety in
Business Area
Police
Protection
Crime
Prevention
Fire
Department
Good 24% 17% 43% 19% 29% 21% 76%
Fair 57% 49% 38% 33% 40% 40% 10%
Poor 16% 30% 13% 39% 14% 18% 2%
Never Experienced 1% 2% 3% 7% 16% 19% 11%
Blank 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 3% 1%
Garbage
Collection& Disposal Water Supply Septic System Sewer System Flood Control/ Drainage Parks & Playgrounds
Recreation
for Teenagers
Good 63% 29% 37% 16% 13% 36% 6%
Fair 22% 21% 24% 10% 27% 37% 14%
Poor 3% 30% 18% 17% 51% 16% 48%
Never
Experienced 9% 18% 15% 48% 6% 9% 29%
Blank 4% 3% 6% 10% 2% 2% 3%
Recreation for 12 &
under
Recreation
for Adults
Overall community
appearance
Appearance of
businesses
Variety of
Businesses
Neighborhood
Friendliness
Local Government
Interest
Good 8% 8% 15% 17% 11% 52% 9%
Fair 21% 24% 49% 51% 42% 38% 30%
Poor 42% 49% 33% 29% 43% 5% 38%
Never Experienced 25% 16% 2% 1% 2% 3% 18%
Blank 4% 3% 1% 2% 2% 2% 5%
Community
Interest
Availability of
MDs
Availability of
DDS
Availability of Care for
Children
Availability of Care for
Elderly
Availability of Care for
Disabled
Availability
of Affordable
Housing
Good 16% 7% 14% 9% 7% 4% 13%
Fair 46% 16% 22% 18% 25% 16% 39%
Poor 23% 61% 50% 36% 33% 37% 24%
Never
Experienced 12% 14% 13% 35% 32% 40% 20%
Blank 3% 2% 1% 3% 3% 3% 4%
Appearance
& Condition
of Housing
Number &
Quality of
Eating Places
Variety & Quality of
Goods in
Stores Banking
Community Media
Coverage &
Recognition
Hotel, Motel or
B&B
Accommodations Churches
Good 14% 6% 9% 18% 5% 2% 43%
Fair 56% 26% 49% 35% 27% 3% 40%
Poor 20% 63% 37% 40% 53% 69% 6%
Never
Experienced 5% 2% 2% 5% 12% 22% 9%
Blank 4% 2% 3% 2% 4% 4% 3%
9
Family
Oriented
Activities
Good 6%
Fair 26%
Poor 50%
Never
Experienced 16%
Blank 3%
10
Respondent Ratings - Future Benefits
Attract new Industries
Revitalize &
Beautify Business Area
Retail &
Commercial Development
Expand
Parks & Recreation Develop Tourism
Develop
Retirement Services
Expand &
Develop
Locally Owned Business
Highly
Beneficial 35% 59% 44% 51% 33% 36% 52%
Somewhat
Beneficial 38% 26% 35% 37% 39% 44% 36%
Not At All
Beneficial 21% 8% 15% 9% 24% 16% 8%
Blank 7% 7% 6% 3% 4% 4% 4%
Maintain
Technical
Support Group
Rehab
Existing
Residential
Build New Affordable
Communities
(Income-
Based)
Renovate
Existing
Stores and
Homes
New Retail Construction
at Holly
Shelter and
NC 117
Add Public
Schools Add Library
Highly
Beneficial 56% 42% 32% 54% 43% 44% 58%
Somewhat
Beneficial 30% 41% 36% 35% 34% 33% 31%
Not At All
Beneficial 10% 12% 28% 9% 20% 20% 9%
Blank 4% 5% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2%
Develop
Farmers
Market
Develop Park
and Rec.
Facilities with Emphasis on
Cape Fear
River
Develop Family Oriented
Entertainment
Facilities
Add Public Transport
to City at
Peak Times
New
Home/Rental
within Walking
Distance of
Business
Incorporate
Affordable Housing into
New
Development
Consider
Visual and
Environmental Factors with
Building
Design
Highly Beneficial 56% 48% 49% 44% 43% 31% 55%
Somewhat Beneficial 34% 37% 39% 35% 32% 35% 29%
Not At All
Beneficial 8% 14% 9% 18% 21% 30% 9%
Blank 2% 2% 3% 2% 3% 4% 7%
Redesign
117/132
Preserve
Trees and
Natural Areas
Develop
Pedestrian Amenities in
Commercial
Corridor
Develop
Bike Lanes and
Pedestrian
Trails
Highly Beneficial 65% 78% 63% 55%
Somewhat Beneficial 23% 17% 25% 30%
Not At All
Beneficial 8% 2% 8% 11%
Blank 4% 4% 4% 4%
11
An important segment of any population is the youth. There was concern that the
thoughts and opinions of the youth in Castle Hayne would not be adequately represented
through the community survey. Understanding this, youth from the planning area were
recruited to serve on a Castle Hayne “Next Generation” committee. The committee met
twice at the Riverside Park Community Center. At the initial meeting, the participants
were asked the following two questions. Following each question are the responses.
Question #1 - What do you think about Castle Hayne as it exists today?
• Great. It is not over commercialized; traffic is more desirable then that in
Wilmington, but we need more aesthetic appeal.
• Needs more of a town feeling and less of just a drive-through area.
• Commercial area is great size for the size of the area but should be less of a drive-
through.
Question #2 - What changes would you like to see occur?
• Need more recreation opportunities including a picnic area overlooking the river,
soccer fields at the park, and more pedestrian friendly and more pedestrian
opportunities.
• Need better after-school opportunities.
• Community center at Riverside Park should be utilized more.
At the second meeting, the results of the Castle Hayne Community Survey were
discussed. The following is a summary of the amenities that committee members would
like to see in their community in the future:
• More of a town feeling, and less of just a drive through area – enhance
commercial area
• Community Appearance needs sprucing up
• More trees and flowers planted
• More pedestrian friendly
• Farmers Market
• Library
• Litter cleanup
• Better upkeep of parks
• Visitor’s center
• Coffee shop or destination in CH that CFCC students could use during class
breaks, etc.
• Child care facility with after-school opportunities
• Better use of Community Center
• Picnic area overlooking the river
• Soccer and baseball fields
• Outdoor skating rink
• Outdoor concerts and movies
• Kayaking
12
• Annual fair or carnival
• Family-oriented restaurants, banks, drycleaners and Laundromat
• Media attention is lacking
13
Issues and Recommendations
While a great deal of information was generated from residents who returned the
Castle Hayne community survey, to further discuss and identify issues that the residents
in the Castle Hayne community found most important, planning staff requested that
residents apply to a Castle Hayne task force. The resultant Castle Hayne task force (Task
Force) was comprised of residents that represented each circle of the Castle Hayne study
area. The task force met on six occasions from October 2007 to February 2008.
Members included:
Barbara Branch, Marcus Conklin, Steve Gause, Daryl Grady, Betty Hudson, Jay
Hudson, Ruth Lawrence, Shirley Mazzeo, John Parker, Elaine Parker, Mary
Phelps, Annie Sidberry, John Still, Gerald Urban, Rosemary Watkins
Through the task force, subcommittees were formed to discuss particular issues
that were of greatest concern within the community. The subcommittees were
represented by members of the task force, additional interested members of the Castle
Hayne community and County and Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization
(WMPO) staff. A subcommittee was formed to discuss each of the following issues and
generate recommendations for future growth in each of these areas:
• Commercial Corridor
• Water and Sewer Infrastructure
• Stormwater and Drainage
• Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement
• Environment and Groundwater
• Transportation and Pedestrian Access
Throughout the following sections of the plan, the issues and recommendations
that were generated as a result of the community survey, as well as the discussion
generated by the task force and associated subcommittees, are outlined. A draft list of the
recommendations for each issue area was then presented at the second community
meeting, which was held on June 12, 2008 at the Cape Fear Community College-North
Campus. Attendees were asked to rank the importance of each recommendation and add
any additional recommendations that they believed were omitted. Staff then took those
rankings and comments and prepared a final draft of the recommendations for this plan.
Full implementation of the recommendations generated by this planning process
will require considerable investments of time, additional staff and monetary commitment
from the public and private sectors. Within the realities of the County’s competing
economic demands, budgetary constraints, and political pressures, a phased approach to
implementation is the most logical. The Castle Hayne plan should be periodically
reviewed to assure its continuing validity. The status of implementation should also be
reviewed every 3 to 5 years. By far, the strongest and most effective force for
implementation of this plan will be the residents themselves as they organize and
promote the Castle Hayne community.
14
In order for the Castle Hayne Community Plan to be a meaningful tool and for the
plan to be implemented effectively and efficiently, a strategy for implementation has
been developed. The strategy that was developed was to separate recommendations into
two categories: (1) recommendations that can be completed by 2012 or
(2) recommendations that are either ongoing or cannot be implemented prior to 2012. In
order to track implementation of the recommendations, an “I” or “O” has been listed
beside each recommendation with these letters representing the following:
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
15
Issue #1: Castle Hayne Commercial Corridor
The existing commercial corridor has developed along Castle Hayne Road from a
point immediately south of the intersection of US Highway 117 and NC Highway 133 to
the Pender County line. Presently, the commercial corridor is a mix of land use types and
intensities with single family lots of varying sizes on all sides of the corridor. Most of the
surrounding residential community to the west of
the commercial corridor is low density residential
development and farmland or pastures. To the
east of the commercial corridor, the land use is
single family development at a density of three to
four units per acre. A new middle school and a
new elementary school are under construction
within the central core area of the plan to the east
of the commercial corridor.
The community survey results showed
strong public opinion on the topic of business
within the Castle Hayne community. Eighteen
items in the “Quality of Life” section of the
survey were rated as “poor” by the respondents. Ten of those items relate to business in
the community. Additionally, twenty items on the “Future Benefits” portion of the survey
were rated as “highly beneficial.” Eight of those ratings were attached to business
opportunity and design. Though not directly linked to business, it is noteworthy that
“Preserve trees and natural areas” received the highest percentage of “highly beneficial”
ratings. As design standards are adopted for the corridor, landscaping and tree
preservation will be incorporated.
A subcommittee of the Castle Hayne task force was formed to discuss issues
specifically related to the commercial corridor. The subcommittee met on November 7,
2007, December 12, 2007, January 10, 2008 and February 14, 2008. It was made up of
A view from a current segment of the commercial
corridor in Castle Hayne.
16
residents, property owners, and commercial realtors. The mission was to define the
corridor boundaries and to narrow and refine a range of use and appearance preferences
for the corridor to be presented for consideration by the larger task force, corridor
property owners and the public at large. Ideas for the future of the commercial corridor
attempted to blend elements of Castle Hayne’s traditional rural crossroads character with
a vision for a thriving commercial and mixed use district to serve the daily needs and
future demands of the community. The vision requires substantive transportation
improvements, new housing potential, image enhancements and a reinvented regulatory
framework. Water and sewer infrastructure is also critical to moving the vision from plan
to reality.
In the Fall of 2006, an Urban Design Study was developed by the North Carolina
Division of Community Assistance for the Castle Hayne Commercial Corridor. Using
information collected from the community over several years, that study offered images
of neo-traditional design for infill development along Castle Hayne Road and a portion of
Holly Shelter Road as well as practical suggestions for image enhancements on existing
commercial buildings. Conceptually, new buildings would be drawn to the front of lots,
keeping parking in the rear or on the sides. Pedestrian scale and public spaces for people
to gather and interact in the commercial corridor were encouraged. Façade improvements
for existing buildings were suggested. Upper story residential uses were contemplated.
Sidewalks and streetscapes were emphasized, as well as further development of a grid
street pattern. The study was well received by the Castle Hayne Steering Committee, and
County Planning staff felt the study was an excellent tool for incorporation into the
neighborhood plan if it is truly representative of the community’s current vision.
Planning Staff felt the range of participants in the decision-making process needed to be
as broad as possible before endorsing regulatory changes to facilitate a particular
direction, so once again, efforts were made to explore the community’s wishes for the
commercial corridor.
The surveys and the task force input for this plan have produced very similar
results as to the community’s preferences for the commercial corridor. All of those results
were compiled, and Cline Design, a professional urban design firm, drafted them into an
illustrative corridor plan, showing a potential scenario of what the community might look
like if the corridor recommendations are implemented. The following illustrations are
those created by Cline Design to serve as examples for future development within the
commercial corridor. Illustration A and B show an improved traffic pattern and gateway
entrance on northern and southern extent of the commercial corridor. Illustrations C and
D show both a mixed use shopping and living scenario for Highway 117 and a bungalow
shopping district on Blossom Street. Illustrations E and F show community enhancement
projects that include a community kiosk, park and ride lot and farmers market within the
commercial corridor. The relative locations of these cross-sections correspond to the
letter on the overall map that follows the illustrations. These illustrations may also be
found in Appendix III.
17
A. North Gateway B. South Gateway
C. Castle Hayne Road D. Blossom Street
E. Community Kiosk F. Park & Ride/ Farmers Market
18
In order to facilitate new and improved development as desired by the community, it is
likely that zoning district changes must occur. A new district will be recommended for
approval that will set up the design standards and use preferences described in the plan.
The following illustration shows an example of a new land use map designed by Cline
Design that could be used to create a new zoning district for the commercial corridor.
19
The tax implications of zoning changes were explored at the February
subcommittee meeting, and it was explained that when zoning is changed, the Tax
Administrator reviews the change to see if values have been influenced. Any changes in
value would not take effect until January 1 of the next year. Values are typically based on
the highest and best use of the land and on the sales history for similar properties in the
area. Generally speaking, residential uses on commercial property are viewed as a
liability to the property and so the value would be based mostly on the land and not the
structure where a parcel is used as a residence. Also, owners of any farm or timber or
horticultural land that meets certain criteria can apply to be “use valued” as long as it is in
production. The Homestead Exemption is another tax relief mechanism which could be
useful to elderly and disabled property owners on fixed incomes under $25,000. Over
time, property values will inevitably rise whether the plan is implemented or not.
Discussions and preferences by the corridor sub-committee are reflected in the
following list of issues:
BARRIERS/CHALLENGES
• Lack of defined identity
• Difficult to build due to the following issues:
o Water/sewer lacking
o Street access/circulation poor
o Heavy pass-through traffic/congestion
o Pedestrian access lacking
o Haphazard development patterns
o Drainage problems
o Mostly small lots on east side of Castle Hayne Road
• Need to clean up image – appearance and quality of offerings
• Wrong mix of commercial uses -Residents are shopping elsewhere
• Commercial area is not linked to river assets
OPPORTUNITIES
• New growth in northern New Hanover County and southern Pender County
already passing through
• General Electric expansion of employment base
• New County middle and elementary school being built for 2009
• Availability of land
• An adopted plan and vision
BROAD OUTCOMES DESIRED
• Expand commercial to address daily needs and draw from surrounding market
area – “Community Destination” will attract more customers to support business.
• Pay more attention to environment
• Limit signs and make them more consistent
• Keep green space-enhance landscaping
• No “superstores”
20
USES MOST DESIRED OR APPROPRIATE
Dine-In Restaurants Apparel Shops
Banks & Other Financial Book Store
Dance School Dry Cleaners
Gifts/Crafts Hotel/B&B
Library Medical Clinic/Hospital/Urgent-Care
Nursing Home/Personal care Taxi Shelter
Offices – Medical, general, etc
Outdoor Recreation
Post Office
Water Sports on River
DESIRABLE EXISTING USES
Gas Station Grocery
Hardware Pharmacy
POTENTIALLY APPROPRIATE USES
Adult Daycare Auto/Boat Repair
Barber/Beauty/Salon/Spa Business Service/Printing
Bus Terminal Childcare
Computer/Appliance/Electrical repair Church
Dancing/Cabaret Jewelry
Martial Arts/Music Training School
Senior Housing/Workforce Housing/Mixed use
Specialty Contractor w/Outside Storage in Rear
Theater
A field survey in October 2008 indicates that existing uses in the corridor area are
largely oriented toward daily needs goods and services. Two of the eight eating places in
the corridor appeared to be closed.
The following are recommendations developed for the commercial corridor from
the survey results and the subcommittee discussions. The listing order is the priority order
expressed at the larger community meeting held on June 12, 2008 at the northern campus
of Cape Fear Community College.
Recommendations:
1. Aesthetic improvements to existing buildings are encouraged. (O)
2. Recommend working with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority to secure adequate
water and sewer infrastructure capacity to support development in the commercial
corridor. (I)
3. Opportunities should be created for the development of commercial or mixed use
projects with primary access from new collector streets. Projects should be designed
with internal driveways, parking areas and public gathering spaces to bring people to
the commercial area for a community experience and to enhance the community
image through sensitive urban design. (O)
21
4. Link the commercial corridor and residential destination points with a network of
sidewalks and bicycle paths. (O)
5. Recommend that the County or other public entity anchor the commercial corridor
with a civic or cultural facility such as a library or post office. (O)
6. Advocate for North Carolina (NC) Department of Transportation and developer
investment in a variety of transportation improvements, including dedication of new
routes; completion of planned improvements to NC 117/NC 133 intersection, and
paving of currently unimproved rights-of-way to establish a new patter of traffic
circulation that draws traffic off of Castle Hayne Road and enhances vehicular and
pedestrian access around commercial or mixed use development. (O)
7. The east side of the commercial corridor – along Blossom Street – should be
enhanced. A tree-lined right of way should be enhanced with sidewalks and small
businesses that celebrate Castle Hayne’s past by reusing existing bungalows for
offices or small arts and crafts businesses or add new construction that preserves a
small town atmosphere. (O)
8. The building height should remain at a maximum of three stories. (I)
9. Create a new zoning district within the commercial corridor to facilitate appropriate
development within the corridor. (I)
10. Recommend the establishment of a farmers’ market in the commercial corridor. (O)
11. The properties west of the Sycamore Street within the commercial corridor should
remain as low-density residential properties and be protected from higher density or
intensity uses. (I)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
22
Issue #2: Transportation and Pedestrian Access
Traffic and Roadway Improvements
Residents of the Castle Hayne community expressed concern over the status of the
roads in their community through the survey as well as the participation at both the task
force and transportation subcommittee meetings. With substantial growth projected for
this area, including new elementary and middle schools, traffic will continue to increase.
In order to improve the status of the roadways in Castle Hayne, several objectives will
need to be addressed. Of these, the most important include the improvement of existing
intersections and the encouragement of connectivity. As a result, a subcommittee of the
Castle Hayne Task Force was formed to further discuss transportation and pedestrian
issues in the community.
Several locations within the study area were identified by residents as “areas of
concern” for transportation planning purposes. The areas of concern are listed and
mapped below, and include locations in both the first and second circles of the planning
area.
1. Castle Hayne Road-North College Road
2. Parmele Road-North College Road
3. Parmele Road-Castle Hayne Road
4. Holly Shelter Road-Castle Hayne Road
23
Transportation “areas of concern” within Castle Hayne study area.
The primary area of concern identified by the community is the confluence of Castle
Hayne Road and North College Road. Presently, this intersection is confusing and
dangerous – the result of which has been several documented accidents and injuries in
recent years. The following is vehicular crash data received from the Wilmington-
Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) for this intersection from January 2002-
December 2006:
• 36 total crashes
• 1 fatal crash
• 40 total injuries
• 9.32 on the Severity Index which takes into account severity of injuries and
property damage. (*This is considerably higher than most of the intersections
analyzed in the 2006 WMPO Crash Report)
• 26 angle crashes (the most dangerous type of crash with regards to personal and
property damage)
• 25 crashes occurred during the daylight hours
• Majority of the crashes occurred on a Wednesday or Saturday
• 98.58 Vehicle Exposure Rate (of 1 million vehicles entering the intersection,
approximately 99 would be involved in a crash)
• Estimated value of property damage from all 36 crashes (vehicle and roadway
damage only) = $259,375
24
The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance
(DCA), created a design for a roundabout at this intersection as part of a study completed
for the entire commercial corridor. The WMPO stated that they can support an option
similar to this, but would recommend a traditional round-a-bout without the “pass-
through lane” proposed by the DCA. Currently any improvement to the intersection is
unfunded by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The current confluence of N. College & Castle Hayne Rd. Roundabout design created by NC DCA.
In order to ensure the livelihood of the commercial corridor and to ease traffic on
existing roads, Planning staff worked with the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning
Organization to develop a collector street plan for the Castle Hayne study area (appendix
II). A collector road system provides drivers with a safer and more efficiently planned
transportation system to meet the daily needs of residents. By removing traffic off the
major thoroughfares, collector streets help maintain required traffic speeds, promote
safety, and enhance the aesthetic quality of the area. The purpose of a collector street
system is to move traffic more efficiently. Collector streets serve as a buffer between a
local street and a thoroughfare. The purpose of the collector street is to designate streets
to provide safe and efficient access to major roads, thereby preserving neighborhood
vitality by reducing cut-through traffic on local streets and preserving neighborhood
vitality. A collector street plan identifies streets that provide safe and efficient access to
major roads and better serve future development. The collector street plan developed for
the Castle Hayne study area includes the connection of several roads within the
commercial corridor that run parallel to Castle Hayne Road in an effort to move traffic
off of Castle Hayne Road and onto secondary collector streets.
Below is a list of recommendations developed from the survey results and
meeting discussions.
Recommendations:
1. Recommend incorporating the collector street plan developed by the WMPO and
County Planning staff into all future development projects in the community. (O)
2. Recommend establishing a gateway at the entrance to the commercial corridor on
the north, south and east. (I)
25
3. Recommend reducing the speed limit on Castle Hayne Road in the commercial
corridor to provide a safer environment for pedestrians. (I)
4. Roadway improvements are recommended at the following locations: (O)
• Castle Hayne Road-North College Road
• Parmele Road-North College Road
• Parmele Road-Castle Hayne Road
• Holly Shelter Road-Castle Hayne Road
5. Recommend the creation of a traditional roundabout at the intersection of Castle
Hayne Road and North College Road. Recommend researching the addition of a
roundabout at the intersection of Old Bridge Site Road and Castle Hayne Road or
some other traffic calming feature. Both roundabouts could create gateways to
the commercial corridor as well as create a traffic calming device on both the
northern and southern boundary of the commercial corridor. (I)
6. Recommend removing the US 117 designation from Castle Hayne Road and
North College Road. The federal US 117 designation on Castle Hayne Road
currently limits the ability to modify the existing road cross-section to promote
slower speeds and a pedestrian-oriented town center in Castle Hayne. (I)
Public Transportation
Public transportation options are very important for communities in order to
present opportunities for alternative transportation. On March 31, 2008, the Cape Fear
Public Transportation Authority (WAVE transit) completely restructured its entire fixed-
route bus system. As part of this restructuring, a new route, the 207 Castle Hayne, was
introduced. This route runs every hour, Monday through Friday, between the hours of
6:30am and 9:30pm. The route travels via North College Road and Castle Hayne Road
and connects the Castle Hayne business district with Cape Fear Community College –
North Campus, downtown Wilmington, General Electric (GE), New Hanover County
Detention Center, Northchase and Wrightsboro. Currently, transfers to other WAVE
Transit bus routes are available in downtown Wilmington.
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions.
Recommendations:
1. Support increased frequency and expanded service hours on the 207 Castle Hayne
route. (I)
2. Recommend that the community implement an adopt-a-shelter program in the
commercial corridor. (I)
3. Recommend the establishment of a park-and-ride lot in the commercial corridor
near a transit stop for carpooling and bus ridership. (I)
4. Establish a location for transit passes to be sold locally. (I)
5. Post WAVE Transit bus schedules and system maps in area businesses. (I)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
26
6. Continue to express support for the long-range implementation of railroad transit
from Raleigh to Wilmington with a station in Castle Hayne. (O)
7. Limit driveway access off of Castle Hayne Road. (O)
Pedestrian Access
In a small community where a downtown corridor exists, access for pedestrians is
essential. Currently, within the Castle Hayne commercial corridor, there are no
sidewalks or bicycle lanes, and pedestrian accommodations are minimal. Safety is a
major concern for pedestrians and bicyclists in the community. The lack of safe areas for
walking and biking discourages the residents from participating in these activities.
Castle Hayne residents have expressed an overwhelming desire to establish
pedestrian and bicycle accommodations within the commercial corridor as well as
neighborhoods, schools and parks. Within the commercial corridor, retail establishments
are located on either side of Castle Hayne Road – making an ideal environment for
pedestrians to park and shop. However, with the lack of sidewalks and crosswalks,
inevitably what happens is that the patron drives and parks for each retail establishment
they are visiting. Not only does this negate the idea of a healthy, walking community, it
also increases the amount of cars on Castle Hayne Road, thus increasing traffic and the
likelihood for accidents with people pulling in and out of stores. Lack of adequate
bicycle and pedestrian facilities create mobility barriers and safety issues for individuals
without access to private automobiles. Often times, these mobility barriers can lead to
social and economic disadvantages.
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions.
Recommendations:
1. Encourage NCDOT to include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in all new
roadway projects within the Castle Hayne area. (O)
2. Work with the WMPO, NCDOT and ILM to implement the recommendations of
the Blue Clay Road Bicycle Facilities Study. The preferred alternative will serve
as a main bicycle corridor, connecting the Castle Hayne area to Wilmington. (O)
3. Require sidewalks in all new subdivisions and along the frontage of all
redevelopment projects. This recommendation shall apply to residential,
commercial, as well as office and institutional developments. (O)
4. Work with NCDOT and the Wilmington MPO to develop high-visibility
crosswalks or pedestrian refuge islands in these areas in order to facilitate the safe
movement of pedestrian and bike traffic. (O)
5. Plan for pedestrian connectivity within a one-half mile radius of the new school.
Require implementation of those plans through the planning and zoning review
processes for new projects within the one- half mile area. (O)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
27
6. Construct sidewalks in the commercial corridor. (I)
7. Connect the proposed Blue Clay Road corridor multi-use path to the commercial
corridor along Holly Shelter Road. (O)
8. Incorporate pet waste stations into pedestrian areas. (O)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
28
Issue #3: Water and Sewer Infrastructure
The majority of Castle Hayne is not currently serviced by public water or sewer
facilities. As a result, most of the residents in Castle Hayne depend on wells and septic
tanks for their water and sewer needs. The public sewer infrastructure within the Castle
Hayne planning area is isolated to a small area clustered around the commercial corridor
(see figure). While water infrastructure covers a somewhat larger area, the majority of
the residents remain on wells. In July 2008, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
(CFPUA) assumed all water and sewer responsibilities for New Hanover County. The
CFPUA is a non-profit
public agency
organized under the
provisions of the North
Carolina Water and
Sewer Act. Starting in
July, the Authority was
authorized to construct
and operate all new
water and sewer
systems in New
Hanover County. The
decisions that will be
made regarding future
expansions of water
and sewer to the Castle
Hayne community will
originate with this
newly-formed
Authority.
Current water and sewer infrastructure within the Castle Hayne study area
29
While there are no plans to extend water and sewer to the entire community, there
are several developments underway that could possibly create opportunities for water and
sewer expansion. One of those opportunities is the new schools that are being
constructed off of Holly Shelter Road. Water and sewer lines will be extended to this
new school and a sewer pump station will be constructed in association with this project.
There currently are no plans to extend sewer lines outside of this project, however, it is
predicted that the capacity of the new pump station would be enough to sewer much of
the community. Any sewer extension outside of the schools project currently has not
been budgeted by the CFPUA and would have to be paid for by a third party entity.
Because water and sewer expansions are not currently budgeted for the entire
study area, other financing options have been explored. There is no dispute that the need
to expand and maintain infrastructure strains the resources of many cities, towns and
counties and New Hanover County is no different. As a result, the County continues to
look for alternatives to traditional methods of financing, building and managing
infrastructure. One alternative is Project Development Financing (PDF) or more
commonly known as Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
In 2003, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted TIF, noting that local
governments in other states have succeeded in creating jobs and investment in designated
development areas through incentive packages that included infrastructure funded by
project development bonds. In 2007, legislation expanded the scope of the financing act.
TIF is a method of increasing the overall property value in an area that is currently
blighted, depressed, or underdeveloped. Using the development financing designation, a
county or city then borrows money to fund public improvements in a community area
with the goal of attracting private investment. The debt incurred by funding the
improvements is repaid and secured by tax increment revenue – the additional property
taxes that the new development will generate.
North Carolina TIF statutes also permit local governments and individual property
owners within the development financing area to enter into agreements establishing
minimum assessed values for properties. The County tax assessor will assess property at
the agreed upon value if it is higher than the market value of the property. If the property
has a market value higher than the minimum agreed upon value, the higher value will be
used for assessment purposes. During the bond repayment period (typically 30 years),
the base value of property in a development financing district, preceding creation of the
district, will not increase in subsequent reevaluation years nor include the value of any
improvements made to the property after the district is created. During repayment years,
all revenue resulting from the increased property value must first fund repayment of the
bond before being deposited in the county’s general fund. Because a County may place
only 5% or less of its total land area into a development financing district, this should not
significantly hinder a locality’s ability to provide countywide services.
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions. The listing order is the priority order expressed at the larger
30
community meeting held on June 12, 2008 at the northern campus of Cape Fear
Community College.
Recommendations:
1. Recommend the extension of water and sewer within the commercial corridor.
(O)
2. Recommend prioritizing the commercial corridor as a Tax Increment Finance
(TIF) district. (O)
3. Discourage the expansion of water and sewer in the area of Castle Hayne that is
zoned Rural Agriculture (RA) unless needed to abate health issues. (O)
4. Recommend the extension of water in areas of concern due to well contamination
as determined by County Environmental Health staff. (O)
5. Recommend that the CFPUA make priority the majority of the areas of Castle
Hayne lacking sewer and water for future expansion of the Authority’s water and
sewer systems. (O)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
31
Issue #4: Drainage and Stormwater
Flooding and drainage issues are present throughout New Hanover County, and
the Castle Hayne community is no different. While the water within the Cape Fear River
and Prince George Creek provide residents in the Castle Hayne community with an
outstanding natural resource, the community’s proximity to these two water bodies also
increases the community’s likelihood of flooding. Additionally, blocked streams and
inoperable drainage ditches have only exacerbated the occurrences of flooding in the
community. As a result, many areas of Castle Hayne continually experience flooding or
significant drainage problems during minimal rain events.
The New Hanover County Engineering Department is charged with enforcing the
County’s Stormwater Ordinance. Engineering staff review new development projects to
ensure that they meet the requirements put forward in the County’s Stormwater
Ordinance. In addition, staff responds to citizen complaints about drainage issues.
While County residents are responsible for the maintenance of drainage ditches on their
property, often drainage problems are much larger than those that can be remedied by an
individual property owner. In particular, the Prince George Subdivision has experienced
a great deal of drainage issues. Engineering staff has been working to resolve the major
drainage problems in the subdivision, and presently 90% of the required work has been
completed to open neglected drainage systems and alleviate flooding problems in the
subdivision. In addition, the area surrounding Northeast Avenue has experienced a great
deal of drainage problems in recent years. Engineering staff has accomplished the
majority of work needed to alleviate these drainage problems as well.
In addition to the Prince George Subdivision and area surrounding Northeast
Avenue, the following locations were identified by the members of the Castle Hayne
Drainage and Stormwater Subcommittee as areas of concern in the Castle Hayne
planning area. All areas of concern are located within the first and second circles of the
study area, with the majority of the drainage problems in or near the commercial corridor
and in the immediate vicinity of Prince George Creek.
32
1. Old Bridge Site Road and Northeast Avenue
2. Castle Hayne Road at Go-Gas
3. Castle Lakes Road at Prince George Creek
4. Castle Hayne Road at Prince George Creek
5. Tom Road at Prince George Creek
6. College Road at Prince George Creek
7. Parmele Road near Creekstone Lane
8. I-40 at Prince George Creek
9. Blue Clay Road at Prince George Creek
This map indicates the primary drainage concerns reported by the Drainage/Stormwater Subcommittee
for the Castle Hayne Task Force. Each blue raindrop indicates a primary drainage concern for subcommittee members.
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions. The recommendations are listed by the priority given by the
attendees at the June 12, 2008 meeting.
Recommendations:
1. Encourage the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) involvement
with beaver dam removal within blocked drainage corridors in the Castle Hayne
study area. (O)
2. Map drainage corridors in the Castle Hayne study area. (I)
3. Encourage developers to assist with drainage issues on adjacent properties during
the development process. (O)
33
4. Recommend that County Engineering staff document and track all drainage and
stormwater complaints within the Castle Hayne study area and collaborate with
Planning staff to research possible solutions. (O)
5. Pursue grant opportunities for stream restoration and drainage projects in the
Prince George Creek watershed. (O)
6. Create a public information brochure about drainage and flooding and disseminate
to the Castle Hayne community. (I)
7. Utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to cover the costs of stormwater, drainage
and flood control improvements. (O)
8. Acquire a new easement at McClure Circle to improve the improper elevation of
the existing exit drainage point. (I)
9. Target the two existing exit drainage points to relieve stormwater in the Castle
Hayne commercial corridor. (I)
10. Recommend that the County Engineering Department continue to be proactive in
identifying drainage concerns associated with proposed development sites. (O)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
34
Issue #5: Environmental Concerns
Groundwater
In New Hanover County, the primary aquifer system consists of a composite
aquifer system of the Castle Hayne Limestone and the underlying Pee Dee Sandstone.
Groundwater is provided to Castle Hayne residents via these aquifers, which then serves
as the primary groundwater resource for well water in Castle Hayne. The aquifer itself is
made up of the following vertical sequence of conditions: (1) fine sand water-table
aquifer at the land surface that absorbs the recharge water from precipitation; (2) an
underlying thin layer of finer sand or clay that generally separates the shallow water-table
aquifer from the underlying; (3) Castle Hayne Limestone aquifer; (4) clay separation
zone; (5) Pee Dee Sandstone Aquifer.2 Water is replenished into the Castle Hayne
Aquifer via primary recharge areas which correspond with high positions of the water
levels within the aquifer.
Historically, the groundwater system has not been impacted by a great deal of
pollutants; however, growing concerns about the quality of the groundwater have
increased. Groundwater quality continues to be monitored by the New Hanover County
Environmental Health Department. Some contamination has been detected and
remediated as a result of leaking fuel tanks from a local service station. Elevated levels
of iron and sulfides have also been detected in some well samples. Concerns also stem
from a nearby superfund site. Additionally, as a result of the shallow nature of the Castle
Hayne aquifer, the aquifer is sensitive to contamination via septic tank systems. The
aquifer is moderately to highly permeable in most places and can be contaminated locally
if wells and septic tanks and spaced too close together. In addition, farming practices
such as the piling of manure in the vicinity of a well can also threaten the quality of water
in the well.
2 New Hanover County Aquifer Management Program, New Hanover County Planning Department, 1982.
35
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions that have been prioritized based on community comment.
Recommendations:
1. Protect the primary recharge area by locating industrial uses away from this critical
area to avoid the occurrence of contamination. (O)
2. Work with Environmental Health to determine areas of concern for groundwater
contamination and formulate a plan of action for how to deal with these concerns (i.e.
track pollution source and alleviate the source or refer the area to the Cape Fear
Public Authority for County water infrastructure). (I)
3. Encourage extension of water infrastructure to areas with poor groundwater. (O)
4. Coordinate an educational campaign for residents with wells in order to help them
understand the impacts of their actions on groundwater quality. (I)
Surface Water Quality
Castle Hayne is surrounded by surface water. The community is located within
the Prince George, Holly Shelter, and Little Creek watersheds – all of which drain into
the Cape Fear River. Surface water is
important to the community for a variety
of purposes including swimming, boating
and fishing. In addition, several
industries rely on the surface water in the
Castle Hayne community to discharge
water from their processes through the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES). The NPDES permit
program controls pollution by regulating
point sources that discharge pollutants
into surface water. There are four active
NPDES permits within the Castle Hayne
study area. The NPDES permits include
Elements Chromium and Hermitage
House Rest Home (located within the second circle of the study area) and two permits
belonging to General Electric (located within the third circle of the study area). These
permits are regulated at the state level through the North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources and at the federal level through the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Old Railroad trestle on the Cape Fear River near Riverside Park.
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
36
The community has expressed their concern about the quality of the surface water
in the community. In order to identify the quality of water in the Cape Fear River and
Prince George Creek and to protect public health, surface water quality is monitored in
the Cape Fear River and in Prince George Creek by several different agencies.
Cape Fear River
Water quality is currently being monitored in the Cape Fear River by several
agencies, including the North Carolina Division of Water Quality - Surface Water
Section, UNCW-Lower Cape Fear River Program, and the New Hanover County Health
Department. Through the North Carolina Division of Water Quality and the University
of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW)-Lower Cape Fear River monitoring programs,
samples are taken at the Wildlife Resource Commission Boat Ramp on a monthly basis.
Water quality samples are analyzed for physical, biological (including bacteria) and
chemical criteria through the Lower Cape Fear River Program (LCFRP). The monitoring
results have shown generally low dissolved oxygen levels in the Northeast Cape Fear
River. These low oxygen levels are likely due to the “black water” conditions that
prevail in the Northeast Cape Fear River. The black water conditions occur as a result of
the river water passing through swamp conditions and picking up decaying vegetation
Map of watersheds, water quality monitoring stations and NPDES permit locations in the Castle Hayne study area.
37
along the way. This decaying debris thrives on oxygen and depletes the overall oxygen
levels of the water in the Northeast Cape Fear.3 Additionally, according to the most
recent report presenting the LCFRP data, the mean bacteria level at the boat ramp fell
within the State’s standard for human contact. Water quality samples are also taken at
the boat ramp and analyzed for bacteria on a monthly basis through the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality, Surface Water Program.
Research students with the Center for Marine Sciences at UNCW have also been
sampling sediment in the area of Riverside Park to measure the amount of bacteria
present within the sediment. As a result, in response to concerns about bacteria pollution
in the Cape Fear River at Riverside Park, the New Hanover County Health Department
began monitoring bacteria levels in the water column of Cape Fear River in the vicinity
of the park in November 2007. A sign was posted by County Health Department staff at
Riverside Park, alerting people of the possibility of the presence of bacteria pollution in
the area. At present, County staff and UNCW representatives continue to meet in attempt
to determine a possible source for recorded bacteria contamination in the area and County
Health Department staff continues to monitor bacteria levels in the water column.
Prince George Creek
The Prince George Creek watershed, which drains approximately 11,300 acres, is
located predominately within the three circles of the Castle Hayne study area. The
headwaters of Prince George Creek begin east of I-40 and Blue Clay Road and extend
westward until the creek eventually drains into the Cape Fear River.
To determine the overall health of Prince George Creek and identify areas of
potential pollution in the watershed, the County began monitoring water quality in Prince
George Creek in November 2007.
Currently, water quality is monitored on
Prince George Creek in three locations,
the first location being near the
commercial corridor in the first circle of
the study area and the second two being
in the second circle of the study area.
The three monitoring stations include:
(1) Prince George Creek at North
College Road; (2) Prince George Creek
at Castle Hayne Road; and (3) Prince
George Creek at Marathon Landing
Court (see figure). In order to assess
the overall health of the creek, water
quality is monitored on a monthly basis
at each location.
3 Mallin, M.A., M.R. McIver and J.F. Merrit. 2007. Environmental Assessment of the Lower Cape Fear
River System, 2006.
Water quality monitoring stations in Prince George Creek.
38
While the general quality of water in Prince George Creek classified as “good,”4
low levels of dissolved oxygen have been recorded at the monitoring locations at North
College Road and Castle Hayne Road. There are several locations within this section of
the creek that are partially blocked, preventing adequate movement of the water. The
lack of movement in the water could be a reason for the low dissolved oxygen levels.
Additionally, the banks of this stretch of the creek are broad and shallow, creating
somewhat of a swamp-like setting. Dissolved oxygen levels are traditionally low in
swamp conditions. In addition, high bacteria levels have been reported at the Marathon
Landing Court monitoring location after rain events. The high bacteria levels could
potentially be a result of the farming practices in the area, but no conclusive source has
been located. All other water quality parameters measured at the three monitoring
stations have been within the State’s acceptable levels.
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions and prioritized by community comment.
Recommendations:
1. Continue water quality monitoring in Prince George Creek at North College
Road, Castle Hayne Road and Marathon Landing Court. (O)
2. Continue water quality monitoring in the Cape Fear River. Coordinate County
monitoring efforts with those of UNCW, NCDENR, DWQ, and the Lower Cape
Fear River Program. (O)
3. Continue work with UNCW and New Hanover County Health Department to
track pollution sources in the Cape Fear River in the vicinity of Riverside Park. (I)
4. Implement a campaign for water quality education in the Castle Hayne area that
could include public information dissemination, a public watershed meeting, and
presentations about water quality. (I)
5. Encourage waterway cleanups in Prince George Creek and the Cape Fear River.
(O)
6. Track pollution sources in Prince George Creek and implement a source reduction
campaign to improve water quality within the watershed. (O)
7. Create a Prince George Creek watershed plan that could include: an overview of
watershed conditions, threats and opportunities; ways to improve, restore and
protect water quality and the habitat in the Prince George Creek watershed; and a
means to educate residents, businesses, and developers about the watershed. (I)
8. Encourage an adopt-a-stream program within the Prince George Creek
Watershed. (O)
9. Identify opportunities for best management practices (BMPs) and restoration
projects within the Prince George Creek watershed to stabilize stream banks and
improve the quality of water. (I)
4 Rosov, B., 2008. New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring Program: Final Report. New Hanover
County, North Carolina: Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. 51p.
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
39
Tree Preservation and Enhancement
Several large hardwood trees can be spotted throughout the Castle Hayne
community. Trees are regulated within Section 67 of the New Hanover County Zoning
Ordinance. During the development process, all trees must be identified within the
project boundaries. As stated in Section 67 of the Zoning Ordinance, trees that are
considered “Significant,” must be protected to the greatest extent practical.5 If significant
trees are to be removed, they must be mitigated on site with twice the caliper width of the
trees that were removed. If trees
cannot be mitigated on site, a
donation for the total amount of the
mitigated trees and installation costs
must be contributed to the County’s
Tree Fund in order to plant trees in
locations across the County.
While Section 67 of the
Zoning Ordinance may deter people
from removing large trees, it does not
preclude them from doing so. In
order to protect the large trees that are
present throughout the Castle Hayne
community and ensure that they are
not removed during the development
process, additional measures, such as the establishment of a Heritage Tree Program,
would have to be taken. Through a grassroots effort such as a Heritage Tree Program, a
local citizen-based group could identify large “majestic-quality” trees and catalogue the
location of these trees.
While there are areas of Castle Hayne that contain stands of large trees, there are
also several areas of the community that have little to no trees or vegetation. In
particular, much of the commercial corridor was constructed prior to the establishment of
the tree and landscaping requirements within the County’s Zoning Ordinance. As such,
trees and landscaping is lacking within the commercial corridor.
The following are recommendations developed from the survey results and the
subcommittee discussions and prioritized by community comment.
Recommendations:
1. Reduce or eliminate the indiscriminate removal of or damage of large trees in the
Castle Hayne community. (O)
2. Identify and catalogue specimen trees within the Castle Hayne community. (I)
5 Significant Trees: “Hardwood and conifer trees at least 24” DBH, and dogwoods, American Hollies and
flowering trees at least 8” DBH, anywhere on the site shall be considered protected, and must be preserved
or their removal mitigated as hereinafter provided, regardless of location on the site…”
A large oak tree near the intersection of Holly Shelter Road and
Blossom Ferry Road.
40
3. Create a Heritage Tree Program for the Castle Hayne community. A Heritage Tree
program could include a listing of specimen trees, trees of historical significance, and
landmark trees, and management strategies for these trees. (I)
4. Recommend the supplementation of trees and landscaping within the commercial
corridor. (O)
Natural Heritage Areas
Throughout North Carolina, terrestrial and aquatic locations have been identified
as areas of especial biodiversity significance. A location’s significance may be due to the
presence of rare species, rare or high quality natural communities, or other important
ecological features as determined by the Natural Heritage Program Office within the
North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. The North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program has listed the entire Northeast Cape Fear River
floodplain as a significant natural heritage area. Much of this floodplain is contained
within the Castle Hayne study area.
Specifically within the Northeast Cape Fear River floodplain, a recognized tidal
cypress-gum swamp community along the Cape Fear River contains some of the oldest
stands of longleaf pine and thirteen communities of rare plants, including some federal
species of concern. This area provides a unique and important conservation opportunity
for New Hanover County. In order to maintain the national significance of this area, the
land must be preserved and the habitat must be protected to maintain water quality,
provide flood control, promote recreational uses, and protect rare plant species.
The land classification map within the 2006 update of the CAMA Land Use Plan
identifies this area as “Conservation Area.” The purpose of the Conservation class is to
provide for effective long-term management and protection of significant, limited or
irreplaceable natural resources while also protecting the rights of the property owner.
While the lands within the Conservation class are generally appealing to the development
community as a result of their proximity to scenic views and natural resources, these
lands are generally less suitable for development because they are fragile, hazardous or
the natural resources are deemed as being too valuable to be endangered by development.
The CAMA Land Use Plan encourages that lands within the Conservation class
be preserved in their natural state. Recreation and open space areas are deemed to be the
most appropriate uses of these areas.
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
41
Map of significant natural heritage area in Castle Hayne study area.
Recommendations:
1. Recommend the continued preservation of lands located within the Castle Hayne
determined to be significant natural heritage lands for the continued enjoyment of
residents and for the land’s contribution to the community today and for future
generations. (O)
2. Encourage the further acquisition of natural heritage land by local agencies and land
trusts for the purpose of placing these lands in permanent conservation easement. (O)
3. Protect this area as a natural greenway and incorporate in a natural area master plan to
be created for the entire County. (O)
4. If development is to occur in this area, allow only exceptional developments that
preserve natural features and are sensitively designed to be in harmony with the
land’s natural features and functions to be allowed. (O)
5. Limit impervious coverage in this area to 12% (as referenced in the N.C. Coastal
Stormwater Rule) and preserve a natural buffer along the Cape Fear River. (O)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
42
Issue #6: Parks and Recreation
Through the Castle Hayne community survey, as well as the task force, residents
of the community expressed a distinct interest in family-oriented recreational and
entertainment opportunities. While there are several opportunities that currently exist for
the community to recreate in a public setting, residents of the community believe that
these facilities could be improved, or additional facilities could be constructed, in order to
provide more diverse forms of recreation.
A map of the current public recreation facilities in the Castle Hayne study area.
Castle Hayne Regional Park is the largest park within the Castle Hayne study area
and is located within the the second circle of the study area. The park is owned and
operated by New Hanover County and provides several opportunities for the community
to recreate in a public setting. Amenities at the Castle Hayne Regional Park include
43
playground facilities, picnic shelters, ball fields, tennis courts, restrooms, and a frisbee
golf course. While this park presents diverse opportunities for recreation, community
members also feel improvements could be made to make this park more appealing to area
residents.
With much of the Castle Hayne community located at the water’s edge, several
water-dependent activities are possible for residents of Castle Hayne. Currently, there are
two opportunities for the public to access
the water within the Castle Hayne
community. The first opportunity is
Riverside Park. This County-owned and
operated park is located on the banks of the
Cape Fear River. Riverside Park offers an
excellent opportunity for the public to be at
the water’s edge in a public setting. While
there are no established areas for the
community to physically access the water
(i.e. wade into the water or launch a boat),
the park offers wonderful opportunities for
members of the community to enjoy the
scenery of the Cape Fear River. Current
park amenities include an observation pier overlooking the Cape Fear River for onlookers
and fishing opportunities, a grass lawn for picnicking and enjoying the views of the river,
and a community center and associated parking facility.
The other opportunity for public water
access in the Castle Hayne community is a
regional boat launch owned and operated by the
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.
The boat launch offers one of the only
opportunities for boaters in New Hanover
County to access the Cape Fear River at a public
location. The boat launch is heavily utilized not
only by residents of the Castle Hayne
community, but by residents from all over New
Hanover County and Pender County.
While these public recreation facilities
currently exist in the Castle Hayne planning area,
residents identified several recommendations for
the improvement or expansion of these facilities,
as well as the creation of new opportunities in
the community. The following is a list of
recommendations developed from the survey results and the subcommittee meetings and
ranked accordingly at the public meeting held on June 12, 2008 at the Cape Fear
Community College- North Campus.
Observation dock at Riverside Park on the NE Cape Fear
River.
Illustration of potential riverwalk along Cape Fear River near
Riverside Park. Illustration created by Cline Design.
44
Recommendations:
1. Establish a restroom facility at Riverside Park. (I)
2. Explore opportunities for enhancements at Riverside Park including: a boardwalk
along river, expansion to the area north of the park, addition of picnic shelters,
addition of playground facility, addition of pet waste stations. (I)
3. Encourage enhancements to Castle Hayne Regional Park including a walking trail
around the park, pet waste stations, and a designated area for special events such as
movies or small concerts in the park. (I)
4. Establish better signage for both Riverside and Castle Hayne parks. (I)
5. Improve lighting and add gravel to parking lot at community center at Riverside
Park. (I)
6. Establish a recreation center for teens in the community. (O)
7. Encourage water access opportunities including “blueway” or canoe and kayak trails
on the Cape Fear River and Prince George Creek. (I)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
45
Issue #7: Community Enhancements
Community Appearance
A resounding 92% of the respondents of the Castle Hayne survey rated the overall
community appearance as either fair or poor. 80% of the respondents rated the
appearance of the businesses as either fair or poor. Additionally, during meetings with the
Castle Hayne Task Force and Subcommittees, the consensus was that the overall
community’s appearance needed improvement.
In Fall 2007, Planning staff began compiling a list of properties that negatively
impact the quality of life in Castle Hayne. The goal was to encourage property owners to
clean up or demolish vacant dilapidated houses and clean up lots that were in violation of
the County’s ordinance (s). This is being achieved through the enforcement of the
County’s existing ordinance (s). To date, several properties have been brought into
compliance.
There are many ways to improve the appearance of a community, most of which
depend on the desire of the property or business owner. If the property or business owner
is not willing to improve the appearance of their property, there is not an opportunity for
this to occur. The only opportunity for regulators to become involved is when a code has
been violated for things such as abandoned vehicles or excessive trash.
In order to improve the appearance of the community as a whole, a community
cleanup could be organized. Working cooperatively to address the needs and problems of
the area creates a sense of community and pride among residents and gets them interested
and involved. The importance of a community cleanup is to improve the overall
appearance of the community, to attract perspective residents, businesses and service
providers to the area, reduce the breeding sites of rodents and mosquitoes and create a
sense of community pride.
Farmers Market
The Castle Hayne community is one of the few areas of New Hanover County
where agriculture and farming practices still exist. Many of the residents of the
community list this trait as the number one reason why they chose Castle Hayne as their
residence. To enhance this cherished symbol of the community, the concept of a farmers
market was presented to residents. When asked if a farmers market would be desirable
within the Castle Hayne Community, an overwhelming 90% of the survey respondents
considered the development of a farmers’ market in their community as either highly
beneficial or somewhat beneficial.
In recent years, there has been growing consumer demand to buy foods that are
locally grown and produced, thus increasing the need for more markets. As such, the
number of farmers markets across the county has increased dramatically. A growing
interest in high quality and/or organic foods is fueling the demand for locally grown
46
products. By helping farmers expand the types of food products they raise and market
and by helping create inviting places for social interaction, farmers markets continue to
grow and expand in number. By keeping the focus on the farmer, on the food, and on the
unique local values, farmers markets are important outlets for both farmers’ and
shoppers. Farmers markets serve many purposes and find valuable support from many
places. One group of people with a special affinity for America’s farmers markets is area
chefs. As more chefs come to appreciate the value of locally-grown food, regional
specialties, and seasonal produce, they are finding that farmers markets are an invaluable
source of high quality ingredients for their menus.
The benefits to the community can be numerous. A farmers market often serves
as a community and the benefits to the community can be numerous. The market offers
direct marketing opportunities for farmers, and the presence of a market within a
community can often increase the community’s recognition and attract visitors from
outside the community, thereby creating a source of revenue for the community.
In order for a market to exist, there must be an active group that oversees the
operation of the market. Across the nation, organizations that are often referred to as
“friends of the market” are assembled to take an active role in operating and seeing the
success of the market. In many cities, the “friends” organizations take the leading role in
developing the promotional and educational programs at the markets. Arranging for the
entertainment and organizing special market day features and cooking demonstrations are
just some of the activities carried on by “friends of the market” groups. The organizations
can also provide important political and citizen support for markets, helping insure
government leaders appreciate how important the markets are for local residents. In
New Hanover County, the downtown farmers market has been a tremendous success.
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension has worked with the City of Wilmington to
develop the market. A tool-sheet for developing a farmers market was developed as a
result of the establishment of the downtown market and is found in Appendix I of this
document.
Recommendations
1. Recommend the community utilize the “Planning a Community Cleanup and
Beautification Project guide.” (O)
2. Utilize existing New Hanover County Ordinances to cleanup illegal dump sites,
dilapidated housing, and vacant lots. (O)
3. Recruit volunteers to organize a community cleanup. (I)
4. Recommend that the community establish an “Adopt a Neighborhood Leaf
Raking Program” or “Adopt a Lawn Mowing Program” to assist residents who are
physically unable to do these activities themselves or cannot afford to hire
someone to do these services. (O)
5. Utilize the expertise of Keep America Beautiful of New Hanover County to assist
with community cleanup efforts. (O)
6. Establish a voluntary program to assist with the cleanup of materials that cause
unsafe, unsightly or unsanitary conditions. (O)
47
7. Establish a committee to research grants and funding opportunities that can be
applied to organize a community cleanup and/or community beautification
projects. (I)
8. Discourage litter within the community through signage. (I)
9. Encourage the dissemination of the services listed in the “Waste Disposal and
Recycling Information for Castle Hayne Residents” brochure. (I)
10. Recommend the community establish a farmers market within the commercial
corridor. (O)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
48
Issue #8: Housing
Although housing was not a specific issue addressed by the subcommittees, it is
an important element to sustain and/or enhance the quality of life in the Castle Hayne
community. Decent, stable housing is a prerequisite to a family’s full participation in
education, employment, and civic affairs- the “quality of life” issues that make a
community healthy and attractive. More than 70% of the respondents from the survey
felt that it would be either highly beneficial or somewhat beneficial to attract new
industries and an overwhelming 88% indicated that locally owned businesses should be
expanded and developed. When new industry or businesses locate to a community, jobs
are created. When jobs are created, housing is needed to accommodate new members of
the community.
Examples of existing housing within Castle Hayne study area.
According to the survey results, more than 60% of those responding to current
quality of life issues felt that the availability of affordable housing was either fair or poor.
Sixty-six percent of the respondents considered as either highly beneficial or somewhat
beneficial that a future benefit to the community would be to incorporate in development
affordable home/rental opportunities, and nearly 70% considered building new affordable
home (income based) communities a future benefit to the community.
Workforce housing provides alternative living options and a mix of housing styles
and values to accommodate future change and growth in the community. Also with the
community experiencing job growth, diverse housing will support economic development
by retaining existing residents and attracting new people from various social and
economic backgrounds.
49
Examples of workforce housing in other communities.
Workforce Housing is a somewhat new term that is defined by four principal factors:
Affordability: Based on criteria established by mortgage lenders, the United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) it is maintained
that no more than 30% of household income should be allocated to housing,
Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance (PITI). Workforce housing pricing
calculations use 30% of household income as the maximum limit of affordability.
Homeownership: Workforce implies single-family detached homes for sale at
prices that workforce families can afford.
Critical workforce: Workforce housing refers to housing intended for major
segments of the workforce such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses
and medical technicians, office and retail workers, etc.
Proximity: Workforce housing is typically located in or near employment
centers.
The goal of workforce housing is to satisfy the housing needs of family household
earning 50% to 150% of median household income in a given Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Area (SMSA). In New Hanover County, the 2008 median income for a family
of four is $56,600.
The following recommendations are those generated by County Planning staff and
then listed in the order of priority given by the attendees at the June 12, 2008 meeting
held at the Cape fear Community College- North Campus.
Recommendations
1. Encourage programs that educate the public about workforce housing
development to support economic development and business growth. (O)
2. Encourage the adoption of inclusionary zoning with the goal of diversifying the
residential base by constructing house at all affordability levels. This could be
supported by density bonuses, reduced impact fees and a simplified development
approval process. (I)
50
3. Evaluate the need for market rate and affordable Senior Housing ranging from
age-restricted apartments with no services to assisted living facilities. (I)
4. Request legislators to introduce and /or support legislation that provide financial
and regulatory incentives for the development of workforce housing for major
segments of the County’s labor force. (O)
5. Develop a partnership among major employers in Castle Hayne, workers and
County government to develop workforce housing.(I)
6. Focus immediate efforts and funds on the preservation, rehabilitation and
replacement of affordable housing in the community. (I)
7. Consider mixed-use development that incorporate workforce housing along with
commercial development to accommodate the demand for this type housing that
is in close proximity to job growth. (O)
8. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) should be considered to fund the construction of
workforce housing. TIF is an effective tool to offset the amount of subsidy that
may be needed. (O)
9. Tax incentives used to attract business and industry should also be applied to
encourage workforce housing construction in Castle Hayne. (O)
10. Encourage the use of green building techniques in all new construction in the
Castle Hayne community. Recommend following the criteria from programs such
as N.C. Healthy Built Homes and LEED for Residential Communities in order to
incorporate green design into new construction. (I)
11. Recommend the use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques in all new
housing developments. Recommend referring to the New Hanover County-City
of Wilmington Joint LID Manual for information about incorporating LID into
new and existing development projects. (I)
I: Recommendation implemented or plan adjusted by 2012
0: Implementation is ongoing or implementation will occur after 2012
51
Implementation of the Castle Hayne Plan
The Castle Hayne Community Plan serves a variety of functions for the residents
of the Castle Hayne community and provides a blueprint for future growth in the
community. Collectively, the recommendations provide guidance for both short and long
range planning decisions and directions as well as decisions made within other
instrumental departments.
It is envisioned that the recommendations in this document will also help to guide
the decisions and actions of the elected and appointed officials and the staff to the County
government as well as supporting agencies. The County Planning Board and Board of
County Commissioners will use the plan and its policies to determine the consistency of
project plans and development proposals with the community issues and
recommendations. The recommendations in the plan will provide a layer of guidance for
decisions on whether to grant or deny requests for items such as ordinance amendments,
special use permits, or approval of project plans.
Staff within the County’s Planning Department and Zoning Division of the
Inspections Department will use the recommendations when reviewing site plans and
development proposals. Other County departments such as Engineering and
Environmental Health will use the recommendations to guide proposals for projects and
plans. The Plan will also be used by the Cape Fear Public Water and Sewer Authority
when planning for extensions of water and sewer infrastructure, as well as the North
Carolina Department of Transportation and Wilmington Metropolitan Planning
Organization when forming plans for transportation improvements within the Castle
Hayne community.
Additionally, the plan will be of great use to a variety of community members.
The Plan will be a tool for developers who are planning projects within the Castle Hayne
community. Importantly, the plan will also be a tool for the residents of the Castle
Hayne community, since the document was largely created with the community’s
input.
As stated previously, many of the recommendations within the plan require
significant funds to be fully implemented. County funding priorities are driven by need
and decisions are made based on the priorities as perceived by our elected officials. In
order for the plan to be implemented successfully, it may be necessary to explore outside
funding sources including bonds, grants, gifts, donations and alternative financing
projects such as Tax Increment Financing.
In order to keep the plan current, County Planning staff must review the
recommendations of the plan over time and make periodic adjustments based on
budgetary considerations, emerging issues or to coordinate with unforeseen issues or
needs. As needed, the plan may need to be amended to reflect the emerging issues that
inevitably will need to be reflected within this plan. It is recommended that a report be
generated with regard to the implementation of this plan on a four year cycle with the
52
first report generated in 2013. It will be the responsibility of County Planning staff to
assemble and distribute this report to the public.
Appendix A
Farmers Market Information
Suggestions for Starting a Farmers Market
(Adapted from a document created by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension)
Finding the Market
1. Create an organizing committee that is responsible for establishing rules and regulations
such as vendor fees and the appropriate day and time of operation for the market.
2. Get buy-in from the residents, government and businesses.
3. Understand the demographics of your community and surrounding communities.
4. Consider locating a permanent market facility within the commercial corridor.
Finding the Location
1. When choosing a location, important considerations are accessibility and parking.
2. The location should be highly visible.
3. The location is important to draw people from outside the community.
Soliciting Vendors
1. A minimum of 10 vendors are needed for a sustainable market.
2. There needs to be a good mix of products.
3. A long-term commitment from the vendors is essential.
Marketing the Market
1. Use all free outlets for getting the word out about the market
2. Investigate advertising in school or neighborhood newsletters.
3. Advertise in the local newspaper Wednesday food section.
4. Plan food, gardening, and etc. demonstrations that promote the market.
5. Add atmosphere by having live music.
6. Provide entertainment for children.
Securing Funding
1. Seed money is needed for advertising, market signs, etc.
2. Explore grant opportunities for the market.
3. Understand that it usually takes three to five years to fully establish the market and
customer base.
Additional Tips for a Successful Market
1. Get buy-in from the Community
2. Create an organizational committee and invite potential vendors to start up meetings to
discuss guidelines, management, site needs, etc. They have the expertise to help shape
the market.
3. Location, Location, Location: will you have adequate parking, shade, visibility, access to
electrical outlets or generators for vendors needing refrigeration, etc.
4. Will your market be volunteer driven or sponsored by a local organization? For example,
the Riverfront Farmers Market is sponsored by the City of Wilmington and is governed
by a Market Steering Committee that consists of participating vendors and city staff.
5. It’s important to have a Market Manager to enforce the rules, regulations and vendor
guidelines (voluntary or salaried).
6. Market the Market: create a logo, advertise - try to secure $2000 in seed money, but take
advantage of the freebies.
7. Decide on a fee setup. For example, will you have both an annual fee and weekly space
fee, or just one? Will vendors be required to participate regularly or will there be
advance space reservations each week?
8. Establish a high standard for goods from the beginning.
9. Have at least 10 vendors offering different kinds of goods to start the market.
10. Use only locally developed or grown products.
11. Don’t overwhelm the market with non-food items.
12. Add live music, children’s entertainment, food and gardening demonstrations, etc.
Sample Rules and Regulations to Avoid Squabbles, Legal Troubles and Other
Common Operational Problems with a Farmers Market
(From the Riverfront Farmers Market in Wilmington)
Eligibility
• All persons who are the original producers of the fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers,
eggs, meats, baked goods, pickled items, cheeses, jellies, jams, honey, art and craft work,
seafood and/or other products that they intend to sell at the market
• If a vendor wishes to sell any product other than what was initially applied for, the
vendor must get prior approval from the Market Committee.
Fees
• Seller must pay a $50 annual membership fee to participate in the market. This fee must
accompany a seller application.
• A non-refundable monthly fee for 1 vendor space of $50 will be collected on the first
market day of each month. For Farmers’/Producers, one space encompasses the length of
a vehicle, approximately 20’ and width of a vehicle plus a 10’ x 10’ space adjacent to the
vehicle. Arts and Crafts vendor spaces are 10’ x 10’. You may request and pay for up to
2 spaces.
Attendance
• The market will operate rain or shine. Vendors must give 24 hour notice to the Market
Committee if they will be unable to attend a market that they have reserved space for.
• Sellers are required to remain on site for the entire duration of the market. Conversely,
any vendor who is not on site by the start time of the market will not be allowed to set up.
Display and Set Up
• Spaces will be assigned alphabetically based on the farm or business name. As this is an
open-air market with several entrance points, we do not anticipate “priority” spaces.
• All products produced under certification, such as organic, licensed meat, poultry, dairy
products, or products requiring inspection, such as baked goods, preserves, or seafood,
must include a copy of certification or license with the market application. Licenses shall
be displayed at the market as well.
• Vendors may not sublease their spaces. Vendors must provide their own tables and
displays. Canopies, tents or umbrellas are encouraged.
Miscellaneous
• If the Market committee believes the number of vendors offering the same or similar
products is excessive, duplicate products may be denied entry.
Violations
Violations of any of the above rules will result in a verbal warning to the offender for the 1st
offense, a written warning and 2 market day suspension for a 2nd offense, and removal from the
market for a 3rd offense. Appeals may be made in writing to the Market Committee.
Hold Harmless Clause and Insurance
Participating vendors are required to provide a signature in acknowledgement of this clause on
their vendor application.
Appendix B
Castle Hayne Illustrations
This plan and/or drawing is for illustrative purposes only and is subject to change.
Project #: 18020 Date: 07.23.08New Hanover County, NC
Castle Hayne EXISTING LAND USE
New Hanover County, NC
200’100’0’200’400’
CAPE FEAR RIVER
This plan and/or drawing is for illustrative purposes only and is subject to change.
Project #: 18020 Date: 07.23.08New Hanover County, NC
Castle Hayne EXISTING ZONING & CIRCULATION
New Hanover County, NC
200’100’0’200’400’
CAPE FEAR RIVER
This plan and/or drawing is for illustrative purposes only and is subject to change.
Project #: 18020 Date: 07.23.08New Hanover County, NC
Castle Hayne PROPOSED LAND USE OVERVIEW
New Hanover County, NC
200’100’0’200’400’
CAPE FEAR RIVER
This plan and/or drawing is for illustrative purposes only and is subject to change.
Project #: 18020 Date: 07.23.08
Castle Hayne PROPOSED LAND USE PLAN
New Hanover County, NC
200’100’0’200’400’
CAPE FEAR RIVER
This plan and/or drawing is for illustrative purposes only and is subject to change.
Project #: 18020 Date: 07.23.08New Hanover County, NC
Castle Hayne COMMUNITY VIGNETTES
New Hanover County, NC
A. North Gateway B. South Gateway
D. Blossom Street C. Castle Hayne Road
E. Castle Hayne Community KioskF. Park and Ride at the Farmers Market
G. River Walk
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CASTLE HAYNE RD.
36’ (3) Lanes22’10’
6’11’24’ (2) Lanes8’ Parking6’10’
22’10’
Appendix C
Castle Hayne Maps