Several planning initiatives, proposals and projects slated for the new year could potentially change the economic development landscape in greater Wilmington. Lack
of action, conversely, could result in only incremental economic progress or could even spell doom for one regional dynamo: the film industry.
 
Here’s what to expect in 2014:
 
County drafts special use permit amendments
New Hanover County planners are working on an amendment designed to clarify the provisions and process required for getting a special use permit.

The goal is to make the process more understandable and predictable for businesses interested in locating in the county. A draft amendment should come before the county planning commission in January.

GE-Hitachi and GLE look for approvals
After forming a consortium with Fluor and Dominion Virginia Power in 2013 as partners in building and operating a cutting-edge Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor at a Dominion site north of Richmond, Va, GE-Hitachi (GEH) awaits final certification for the reactor from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2014. This green light would allow Dominion to apply for a combined operating license to operate the reactor once it is built by GEH and Fluor.

Meanwhile, GEH’s Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) is hoping for a thumbs up from the U.S. Department of Energy on its proposed uranium enrichment project in Paducah, Ky. The project, if approved, would be managed from the Castle Hayne GLE headquarters and, company official said, involves a different enrichment process than the one being proposed for the Castle Hayne facility.

Officials work on economic development initiative
The city of Wilmington will continue its partnership with New Hanover County in what is being called an economic development planning initiative aimed at identifying ways that the area can better attract and retain businesses, improve infrastructure and protect the environment.

With help from Cape Fear Community College and University of North Carolina Wilmington, and under the guidance of Atlanta-based Garner Economics, the process will continue through 2014.

State tax reform to take effect early in year
There are state tax changes in store for individuals and businesses as a result of the 2013 tax reform bill.

Among the many changes in rules and rates for the new year, the $50,000 small business exemption is gone, as is the Earned Income Tax Credit. The state’s new personal income tax rate drops to 5.8 percent, and the standard deduction is higher, while the corporate tax rate, which is currently 6.9 percent, decreases to 6 percent. The deduction for married couples’ mortgage interest and property taxes is capped at $20,000.

Tickets to movies and many forms of live entertainment also will be taxed beginning this month.

Comprehensive plan continues to take shape
Christine Hughes, Wilmington’s senior long-range planner, said city planning staff will continue to host a series of neighborhood meetings to discuss the future progress and direction of the city’s growth and development.

After all the meetings, city officials and steering committee members will draft a plan this year to shape the city’s overall development by addressing needs in water and sewer infrastructure, roads and building standards. City council could vote on the plan in early 2015.

Wilmington to develop new brew designation
With Atwater officials still mulling locations for its new East Coast brewery, Wilmington planning officials continue to entice the Detroit-based firm and numerous other craft breweries to the city.

City spokeswoman Malissa Talbert said planning and development staff is working on a zoning designation that will allow small and large breweries to brew, serve and sell their Wilmington-made concoctions.

City officials were prompted to act because in 2013, a number of breweries announced plans for new establishments in the downtown area including Good Brew Vibes, which plans to open on Castle Street.
Talbert said city officials hope to introduce the new designation earlier this year.

Convention center hotel could move forward
Construction of a new Embassy Suites Hotel at the Wilmington Convention Center could still hinge on funding, according to city officials and project managers overseeing the development.

Virginia Beach, Va.-based Harmony Hospitality, which is looking to raise EB5 money for the 186-room, $33.6 million, still plans to construct the mammoth downtown project.

But the road has been difficult.

Harmony officials have had to alter the company’s agreement with the city numerous times because federal officials have been slow to move on its application to raise funds for the project.

Lawmakers take up film incentives once again
An issue that will get significant attention as the General Assembly prepares for its short session this year is that of extending film incentives.

Despite very strong support among some state lawmakers for the continuation of the  deal sweeteners, there are influential voices in the legislature who oppose incentives for any kind of business.

The state’s film industry has begun lobbying efforts to convince legislators to extend the state’s incentive program past Jan.1, 2015, when it is currently set to expire.

If there is serious anti-incentive talk among the legislative bodies, look for film projects to begin nixing plans for shooting in North Carolina this year.

Click here to see a list of the area’s top business stories for 2013.