Dupree Landing took one step closer to its former glory Tuesday, as Lake Waccamaw commissioners approved Lynn Hinnant’s request to add boat storage away from the waterfront.
The board also approved Hinnant’s request to rezone two residential lots beside the One Stop store from residential to commercial.
Dupree Landing once featured a public dock, store, and water access. It was a popular destination at the Lake, along with Weaver’s Pier.
Sam Shore with the Cape Fear Council of Government (COG) was on hand to explain to board members exactly what the rezoning plans entailed and to give the COG’s recommendation to move forward with Hinnant’s proposal.
“It does fall in with the land use plan, and we do recommend approving his request,” explained Shore.
The board approved a special use permit for the boat storage facility. Two contingencies were added to the permit. Lake Waccamaw’s existing regulations do not allow boat stacking when storing vessels. The other statement added limits the property to only one building for the retention of a lawn mower and landscaping equipment.
Hinnant hopes to resurrect the waterfront at Dupree to make it more accessible to all campground visitors, instead of just boat owners.
Hinnant is also closer to being able to allow park model campers at the campground. A special planning board meeting has been set for Nov. 8 to discuss allowing newer and larger park model recreational vehicles.
Valerie Riege returned to talk about how pickleball has caught on at Elizabeth Brinkley Park since the painting of the lines on the tennis courts. Commissioners are looking into the possible purchase of wind blocking tarps after Riege made the request during public comments.
The town also approved Trillium Healthcare’s request to use of Elizabeth Brinkley Park from Monday-Friday with their mobile care unit. The traveling clinic will offer mental healthcare from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily. The operation will not interfere with the recreational events that happen at the park.
Town Clerk Meredith Parker announced that congratulations were in order for Lake Waccamaw Fire and Rescue Department’s Chief Brandy Nance. Nance applied for and was awarded a $35,000 grant for the station. The money will go towards the purchase of defibrillation equipment for medical emergency calls.
The department also received a 4 ISO rating after an inspection two months ago.. A State Office of Fire Marshal rating of 4 is considered excellent. The higher the number on the scale, the worse the rating is for an area.
Major changes are also coming to the U.S. 74 improvement project at the lake. Town Manager Damon Kempski told the board he was recently updated on the road project by the District DOT Engineer Kenneth Clark.
Starting on Monday, Oct. 17, the J-turns on Chauuncey Town Road will be closed to traffic. In order to make a left turn on U.S. 74, drivers will have to go further down to Fire Tower Road and use the U-turn there.
Kempski also expressed his gratitude to first responders and personnel who were active during the Hurricane Ian event.
Lake Waccamaw experienced some hurricane conditions that lead to trees down and electricity lost, but there was no flooding, and Duke Energy was able to restore power to some areas before nightfall, Kempski said.
“I couldn’t be more proud and pleased with the action our staff members and volunteers took during the storm,” expressed Kempski. “I just want to voice my appreciation and thanks.”
