While elected government officials were not included in the WilmingtonBiz 100, they without a doubt have a large impact in the community. From the potential sale of a government-owned hospital system to public-private partnerships in residential and commercial developments, elected officials are making major decisions.
New Hanover County: Perhaps the most pressing issue for commissioners this year was whether to move forward with exploring the sale of NHRMC. In September, commissioners voted 3-2 to move ahead to receive proposals from possible buyers or management partners. They will have a say on any final offer if one is negotiated. This year, county commissioners also approved a resolution to pursue a public-private partnership for the redevelopment of the government center at 230 Government Center Drive. Other issues include the decision to end the county’s agreement with Wave Transit and the continuing exploration of different options for Project Grace, a public-private project in downtown Wilmington.
City of Wilmington: Construction for River Place (
pictured above), an $80-million mixed-use project on Water Street developed by East West Partners and the city, is slated to be done in 2020. East West Partners also submitted a $90 million proposal for a mixed-use development on North Front and Third streets this year. In October, City Council accepted the proposal. City council in November approved contract revisions and allocated $11.16 million in additional funding for North Waterfront Park, a 6.6-acre park with a concert venue.
Pender County: More than a year later, Pender County officials are still working to get funds to pay for Hurricane Florence repairs at the still-closed county courthouse. Exterior and interior repair work was underway as of press time. Officials are coordinating payments from FEMA and insurance to cover the cost of the courthouse repairs and are looking at contributions from the Golden LEAF Foundation.
Brunswick County: The $1.1 billion Cape Fear Crossing project, which sought to find another connection between Brunswick and New Hanover counties over the Cape Fear River, was put on hold this year after NCDOT stopped all plans and design work due to lack of funding. One goal for Brunswick County Commissioners is to request that NCDOT initiate a comprehensive transportation plan for Brunswick County that includes municipal and other county partners. One key issue during the 2019 municipal elections in northern Brunswick County was a reverse osmosis plant to filter GenX out of the area’s drinking water. Steve Hosmer and Barry Laub were both elected to the Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO Commission on the promise of proceeding with the plant.
Read more about the WilmingtonBiz 100 by clicking here.
