Boards or pavement? Kure Beach's iconic boardwalk could see future changes

Plans to replace part of Kure Beach's iconic boardwalk with a paved path faced opposition this summer from locals and visitors who worry the replacement will alter the beach town's character.

Kure Beach leaders say proposed changes would help lengthen the path's lifespan and would mean less maintenance. Changes, which include expanding the boardwalk to a width of at least 10 feet and replacing the boards with precast concrete or another material, are part of the town's Bike and Pedestrian Plan that was released in March.

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A wider sidewalk is proposed along a roughly three-block stretch of boardwalk, running parallel to Atlantic Avenue from N Avenue to K Avenue. Earlier this summer, the town of Kure Beach applied for a Coastal Area Management Act permit from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Coastal Management Division.

Although final plans are still a work in progress and will include opportunities for resident feedback, Kure Beach leaders pursued the permit. That's because town leaders wanted to use the town's current development line as the construction boundary, according to a statement from Kure Beach Mayor Craig Bloszinsky. The setbacks were subject to change as of Aug. 1.

"With a permit in hand we will develop a specific plan for the best outcome in considering all factors," Bloszinsky wrote in a statement posted to the town's website earlier this summer. Bloszinsky called the statement a way to "clear the air" on plans for the boardwalk.

Since plans for widening the boardwalk were introduced, Kure Beach residents and visitors have expressed concern about the proposed changes. An online petition started on July 3 represents community pushback to the change. The petition has collected 673 signatures so far.

"Removing this and replacing it with a paved option is not something that Kure Beach residents desire and adamantly oppose," the petition states. "This proposed plan would completely change the very landscape of our most wonderful community."

Those who have signed the petition have raised concerns about increased flooding, the possible removal of plants bordering the boardwalk and increased bicycle traffic in the area. Many who signed the petition worried paving the section of boardwalk would alter the town's laid-back character.

Cathy Shepherd's family has owned a home near the corner of M Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Kure Beach since the 1980s. Shepherd affectionately calls the home's front porch the "front porch of America."

Shepherd regularly bikes and walks in the area and said she doesn't see a need for more room for cyclists on the boardwalk.

"There's no problem with traffic with talking on the street or the boardwalk and sharing it with bicycles," she said.

She also wants the boardwalk to remain because it gives the town a unique, hometown feel and look, Shepherd said, although she acknowledged the wooden boardwalk often required more maintenance from town staff.

Diane Webster, whose family owns a home on Atlantic Avenue, said she doesn't see the need to replace the boardwalk with pavement.

"I just think it's unnecessary," she said. “This is a quiet beach, that’s why we love it.”

The boardwalk, which was installed in 2009, will need to be replaced, according to Bloszinsky, and the town is just starting to develop a plan that will take into account stormwater drainage, reasonable future maintenance costs and the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and beachgoers.

"Our town has much to consider and will develop an inclusive plan for community input and comment," Blozinsky wrote.

Shepherd said she wants to see the boardwalk remain a part of the town's unique character. "It's important that we preserve it and make it stay homey and welcoming to people," she said.

Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at 910-343-2096 or edill@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Kure Beach boardwalk could see change with paved path proposal