Lori Tupper

The board conducted a quasi-judicial hearing regarding an administrative appeal for a property in Newport, NC, where a landscaping business was operating in a residential district. Following testimony from the property owner and neighbors, the board voted unanimously to uphold the planning department's determination that the use of the property as a contractor's storage yard violated the county zoning ordinance.

The commission held a meeting to review a subdivision variance request and a preliminary plan extension request. The variance request regarding a setback requirement at 106 Academy Lane was approved based on findings of unnecessary hardship. Additionally, the commission reviewed a request for a one-year extension of the preliminary plan approval for Phase 2 of the White Oak Shores Campground.

The meeting focused on the protection and advocacy of the coastal fishing industry, specifically addressing challenges related to new regulations, rising costs, and climate-driven shifts impacting fish stocks. The coalition discussed the importance of science-based management and disaster relief for commercial fishermen. Key agenda items included subcommittee reports on education and water quality, as well as legislative updates regarding outreach strategies to educate state legislators on the economic significance of the commercial fishing industry and the potential use of hardened structures to stabilize coastal inlets and protect working waterfronts.

The board meeting primarily focused on a proclamation, resolution, and plaque presentation honoring Sheriff Asa Buck for 28 years of service to the county. The board members provided comments recognizing the Sheriff's leadership, dedication to public safety, and collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal agencies. Additionally, the meeting included public comments regarding the need for an assistant director and increased funding for the high school band program, as well as an advocacy request from the League of Women Voters for salary increases for the Board of Elections staff.

The meeting included the re-election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, a presentation on the Fall 2025 Bogue Inlet survey findings regarding inlet migration and navigation channel shoaling, and the approval of a $84,550 proposal for Phase I of an engineering permit to deepen Bogue Inlet. Additional business included a financial report on the Beach Fund balance, a record-breaking update on 2025 occupancy tax collections, and a schedule overview for the upcoming large-scale nourishment project.