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Let conventioneers go to Myrtle Beach
After the latest report on the old Windmill Point property, I’m almost warming up to the decision to pump $36 million worth of sand onto Nags Head’s beaches.
Beach nourishment has never been a favorite of mine, not because I don’t think the effort might keep the Atlantic away from some houses and roads for another few years.
It’s the idea of spending so much money on a finite project, money that could be used in other ways. Like finishing a first-class network of multi-use paths.
But at least beach nourishment is tending to the amenity that makes the Outer Banks what it should be: A great place to relax on the sand and enjoy the ocean.
Now we have the blessing of an engineering study on the idea of a hotel and convention center on one of the last open spaces along the Roanoke Sound. The study was commissioned by the Dare County Tourism Board, which owns the Windmill Point property with the town of Nags Head.
There. They’ve said it. After circling around the phrase “convention center” by declaring it a harmless multi-use facility, I guess the powers pushing this idea feel we should start getting used to their vision for the swampland on the sound. Wasn’t it under water after Hurricane Irene last year?
For years, people have complained about the Outer Banks becoming the new Myrtle Beach. Some local leaders swear they will never let that happen, then oil the political machinery for more development. Here is the latest example.
Despite clear and overwhelming public sentiment for green space and a venue for outdoor events, the bulldozers are queuing up for the latest assault on what little is left of the real Outer Banks.
If we are not there yet, we are close to the point of diminishing returns.
For every conventioneer we bring here to create jobs and revenue, maybe just as many tourists will go elsewhere. They might even think Myrtle Beach isn’t such a bad place after all.
See what people are saying:
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lisa bradley says:
Please don’t allow Nags Head to become Myrtle Beach or VA Beach. I live just across the stateline in Suffolk VA and I drive to OBX for my beach time rather than go to VA Beach. I hate all of the overrun of touristy crap that both cities flaunt. Forgetting that the BEACH is what is supposed to be about. I have so many wonderful memories of going to OBX. Going Camping in a tent on the dunes is one of my favorite that I have with my family. Please consider the impact that this will have on the entire wonderful area known as ” The Outer Banks”
KiteFlyer says:
I agree with this article whole-heartedly. Instead of developing the site as another means for us to leach money from the beauty of this place, we should consider ways to develop it into another natural asset that actually draws people to the Outer Banks. An alternative public sound access to help ease the burden on Jockey’s Ridge comes to mind.
Ray Midgett says:
To borrow your words, Rob..”Despite clear and overwhelming public sentiment”, residents were AGAINST spending public funds for beach nourishment..Did the elected officials listen? No. Will they listen now? Doubtful.
Al DeMatteo says:
I’d say it’s perfectly reasonable for the OWNERS of that property to have their own vision for the property and to let the elected officials decide if that vision is acceptable. We elect these people and put our trust in them. We are free to voice grievances and suggestions, but it seems to be a bit over the top to be belly aching about every outcome regarding the development of property which was legally purchased, inherited, or donated to owners who want to find their own uses for their properties.
Rob Morris says:
Al — You are absolutely right — in most instances. But in this case the taxpayers are the owners. The property was purchased by the Town of Nags Head and the Dare County Tourism Board.
MichaelAP5 says:
Sound access with adequate parking, public restrooms, a ball field and/or soccer field, and green space… It wouldn’t cost very much and it would enhance the quality of life for year-round residents including our young people.
Vikki says:
The almighty dollar always wins out over public sentiment.
Let’s hope this doesn’t happen in this case…what a total shame that would be.
Steve Andrus says:
One of the reasons so many people come to the Outer Banks is that it is not like all of the other beaches…..I talk to hundreds of visitors that come through my gallery and that is sure their thoughts……..we don’t need more building we need less………Less is more
non-KDH folk says:
During July and August, most rentals are already booked. We don’t need more tourist traffic !
pris says:
Thanks, Rob. I totally agree with your thoughts. My outlook may seem a bit antiquated, but, I think life is not all about money, but about quality. Wanting the most return out of the investment does not have to be monetary; how about a venue for the quality of life on the the OBX for both residents and tourists. The teens who live here say there is ‘nothing to do’- give them a spot. The Nags Head family carnival was a great hit – keep the space for events like that….and on and on. We are losing our quality and uniqueness…may as well live in a suburb!
Must also mention TRAFFIC! How in the world will we handle cars for 175 hotel rooms? We residents look forward to the decrease in traffic in the off season and with all the ‘shoulder season’ events now on calendar, we already have less traffic peace. These off season events are great and I applaud them, but they are family, food, fitness, wildlife oriented and not a convention!
KDH Rezident Evil says:
It’s a vicious cycle that goes something like this:
The area is growing in population.
therefor…
Local government needs to grow to serve the burgeoning population.
therefor…
Local officials need to find new revenue generators since everyone freaks out over a 2 cent tax increase.
therefor…
Larger and more businesses are invited to the area to raise those revenues.
therefor…
New employment opportunities are created.
therefor…
Opportunity attracts people to the area…
therefor…
The area grows in population.
therefor…oh, back to square one.
The question is can an area achieve some kind of happy “stasis” and survive? That, I don’t know.
roanokeislander says:
more green space and sound access is what we need. not a convention center! tie that in with the jennettes pier complex. we are already overbuilt in my opinion.
Andy says:
“First class network of multi-use paths.”
That is something we could really use. Paths would cut down on car vs pedestrian/bicycle accidents. And they would encourage healthy activity and employment.
Russell Lay says:
I’m heading to Myrtle with the Shriner’s in September. And you know what, that’s where we belong! They have the resources for us, they have a long parade route, and well, you know Shriners! We don’t need to be here
charlie says:
I went to the tourism website and looked up heery. The plan is there. A quick 20 minute scan and I found lots of areas of concern. The best line was that conference and convention business is stagnant…and spending gazillions into a mature market with other venues offering a lot more than the OBX is a smart thing?
The plan did say that we have to determine who we are and how we want to present ourselves. Does the word referendum mean anything? Just who decided it was in the best interests of the OBX to buy this land at inflated prices and then come up with this scheme? Nowhere in the report was there any low impact family friendly discussion on the use of this property.
The tourism board sure hasn’t sold me on this bill of goods.
Zappy says:
I think Al DeMatteo is right.
As a matter of fact, I say we build another Palm Island (do the google). That way, property owners can actually extend their properties out in to the water and build even MORE stuff!
If we let the “elected officials” have their way, some of them’ll just do whatever they can to help whomever put the most towards their election campaigns, right? Do you think that OBX politicians are any different from politicians elsewhere?
Here’s some other things Al supports I guess, with that mindset:
-Let’s put a Crematorium where Jockey’s Ribs was before they closed down. We were getting tired of the smell of cooking ribs anyway…cow ribs that is…
-How about a giant Mosque where Kellog’s is/was? Hey – it’s their money, their land, they can build anything they want, right?
-Let’s not forget the Sam’s Club and the Costco across the street from Lowe’s – that’s a nice, big, open piece of land privately owned as well. Heck we won’t need street lights for 5 miles in either direction – it’ll save the town money!
Pave paradise and put up a parking lot – Al will park in it!
Stop making sense! says:
How about a large indoor recreation center(sorry mustain st). A safe place to go swimming indoors and play basketball tournaments and kickball indoor soccer. I love the YMCA but the cost for a family is pretty expensive. You ask them why and they tell you that you can use any YMCA you would like in Hampton roads yuck. Can’t the tourism board do something for the residents and workforce of the OBX. A place to drop your kids off all day while you get the rental houses ready. Or maybe Saturdays and Sunday’s tourists can stage there till their house is ready and the rest of the week you need a county ID to enter. And non residents pay for a wrist band to get in on a rainy day while mom and dad spend money in the OBX stores. Dare county needs to do something for these folkes coming down on a Saturday. And the tourism board needs to spend some money on the locals.
Beach Girl says:
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Visitors Bureau, let’s have a park and green space and not a hotel and convention center. Look at the Town of Duck and see how much use they get out of their soundside park. Look at Currituck Heritage Park and see those people enjoying their green space. Please don’t block another soundside view in Nags Head.
kdhgirl says:
I don’t think we can support a convention area,our airport is small and in Manteo, and who wants to drive this far from the Norfolk airport to attend a convention. If it built it will stay emtpy most of the time, don’t we already have enough of those buildings?
K. says:
To have a convention center you need a big enough airport close by for people coming from all around the country. You not only need hotel rooms but also many large “break out” rooms for meeting places. Companies will not pay the additional airfare to fly their people here from Norfolk airport. Nor will people want to drive a couple hours after long flights. You will need a good transportation system to get people from place to place and the restaurants will have to stay open year round.
Mmm says:
They took the Carnival away from us because the local restaurants were afraid of competition. Is funnel cake and fried twinkies competition? Get real. God forbid one of these expensive local restaurants has a little competition! They wouldn’t be able to close down and spend three months in the Bahamas in the off-season!!!!!!!
Mmm says:
Oh, I forgot… At least there is something to do in Myrtle Beach.
A local says:
How about taking care of the stormwater issues you already have before creating new ones!
Larry says:
Mmm says:
Oh, I forgot… At least there is something to do in Myrtle Beach.
Your kidding right? There are so many thing to do in the outerbanks and unlike Myrtle you won’t have to pay for them all.
If you are that addle-minded that you can not entertain yourself on a beach and all the things that naturally go with it I suggest you resign yourself to watching Jersey Shore, X factor and staying in a 12 bedroom mc-hotel in Corolla
obxdad says:
The beach has never been the same since Dowdy’s closed… let there be a carnival, and be done with it.
Great article & comments. We are the OBX, not just another tourist trap.
Frisbee Golf Course says:
That is all I have to say!
KDHgal says:
Adding my voice to Rob’s and everyone else’s……..NO, NO, NO to hotels and convention centers. Keep what little open space and original Outer Banks habitat we still have left. Tourists have always come here because it was ‘different’ and will continue to do so without the more, more, more mindset.
junkman says:
A network of multi-use paths is a good idea that has been long ignored. I’m still baffled by the denial people are still in over beach nourishment. On the Outer Banks, the beach is the one and only “job creator” to use a much abused term. Without it tourism, constriction, remodeling, etc, etc. are minimal. So, unless we want to attack global warming, shrinking ice packs and attendant sea level rise, nourishment is a response – get over it.
As for a convention center, forget it. We’re too far off the map to allow for easy access. I’ve scheduled many events in the past and the criteria is always easy in and easy out. OBX is neither. Spend the monet on the beach and do what we do best.
Jerry Alexander says:
The large majority of The People were not in favor of the Beach re-nourishment either…what difference did that make?
Below is a quote form you:
“But at least beach nourishment is tending to the amenity that makes the Outer Banks what it should be: A great place to relax on the sand and enjoy the ocean”.
It sounds like you also would pay no attention to the People.
Last year while riding an ATV I used the Ramp that was constructed to enable ATV`S to cross over the large pipes.I crossed over the ramp,finished my ride south.When I came back I went up the ramp to discover that they had removed the other side or the ramp while I was making my ride south.I was a pretty long fall to the ground.I talked to a lady at the Town of Nags Head.She said that she would mention the incident at the meeting she was to attend that very same day…Didn`t hear a word from her.One might think the she was in cahoots with the Contractor to see to it that I did`t file suit.Otherwise why would she Not do as she said she would.It just fits in with the way the project came about in the first place.After reading articles where it is mentioned that “Bob” pushed it through in spite of the huge public Objection….who knows the truth,or,will the truth ever be known?….sounds s a little stinky to me,and so does the Convention Center.We will soon know beyond any doubt if the public even matters..at all.
It seems that Local,State,and Federal Gov`s are all in it together…we`ll do as we wish…to hell with the people.
Michael O'Brien says:
How about we just leave a nice open space that will not cost any tax dollars.
That would allow the area to be multi-purpose.
And whoever or whatever organization can pay to use it and erect whatever
temporary structure they want.
It could be used for a music festival… the seafood festival… the carnival…
A permanent structure would limit the possibilities…
Maryruth says:
When can the Outer Banks accommodate conventions? The CVB has done such a great job with shoulder season promotions that we’re at low occupancy only during the winter. Winter convention-goers do not go to summertime beach resorts. Transportation and airports aside, we cannot accomodate conventions when the conventioneers would consider this location. I’ve spent years in the business. What can the local powers that be be thinking
Jon says:
Let’s compromise, we can meet all of these goals. First, the headline is silly. The Myrtle Beach convention center is 250,000 sq ft, that’s 20 times the size of this proposal. This proposal is more like the size of New Bern’s, which is a very nice facility.
Right now we don’t have adequate space for existing uses. The Wedding Expo is where? The high school? Nothing says let’s get married like a gymnasium. Instead, how about a soundfront facility where a bride might actually want to have her reception? We could probably keep it half booked on weddings alone.
RIFP has an excellent outdoor venue for concerts that is underutilized. The Visitor’s Bureau ought to focus on promoting that facility rather than building a competing one.
But I don’t like the proposal for a hotel on the same land, that’s too much for the parcel. Rezone as required so the private sector can build hotels on adjacent property and use the saved space for public sound access. Build the convention center up and use the space underneath for parking; no worries about flooding and more green space preserved.
Next, build a soundside boardwalk (multi-use path!) from Tanger to the go-kart place so that visitors will have walkable/rideable access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, hotels, and the convention center.
Again, look at New Bern, they’ve done a nice job with their waterfront with a lot less natural beauty to work with.
And no, none of this is of any personal benefit to me, which the moderator could use my email address to verify!
fd says:
A convention center would be a waste. From December to May there would be nothing to do. Too cold for the ocean, mini golf places closed. Nothing to do but eat pizza and fudge.
OBXVisitor says:
I love the OBX and would hate to see it turned into another Myrtle Beach. The OBX islands are quiet and unique; that’s why so many people vacation there each year. MB is just a zoo – too many people and too many things for those people to do crammed into too small a space. Give people the opportunity to go to the beach just to BE at the beach. If you lost a lot of the people that vacation there every year, you might not be gaining anything in the long run. And a convention center would bring you a wide variety of different problems that would then have to be dealt with.
Don’t do it – don’t ruin what people love so much.