Brunswick Today Newsletter: The storm has passed but development is still brewing

Jamey Cross, Wilmington StarNews
·3 min read

Hello, and welcome to the Brunswick Today newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Jamey Cross.

It’s a stereotype that North Carolinians over prepare for potential disasters, and I don’t believe it’s an unfair one. I grew up toward the center of the state and remember panicked grocery store runs for milk, bread and water at the first prediction of incoming snowfall. Since I’ve moved to the coast, that familiar feeling comes when a bad rainstorm is forecast.

So, of course I stopped by the grocery store Tuesday night ahead of Idalia’s anticipated arrival. Mostly afraid I’d lose power, I grabbed some water and nonperishables just in case. To my surprise, there was plenty of both. Maybe I lucked out and chose a store that hadn’t been ravaged yet, or maybe my neighbors have an instinct I’ve yet to develop, and they just knew the storm wouldn’t compare to others in Wilmington’s past.

Eventually downgraded to a tropical storm, the effects of Hurricane Idalia were mild in Southeastern North Carolina. From Brunswick County reporter Renee Spencer, here’s our recap coverage of the storm and what damage was caused. From reporter Gareth McGrath, here's what threats remain.

I hope you were over prepared for the storm, too. Thanks for starting your week with us. Here's the latest in Brunswick County news.

Here we grow again

Storms eventually pass, but it seems Brunswick County's constant development won't go anywhere anytime soon. The Brunswick County Planning Board recently approved a modification to a once-dead planned development off N.C. 211. The Groves at Olde Georgetown got the green light to add even more homes in the planned development. Here's my story with the details and what it all means.

Sure, more people are moving to Brunswick County, but more people are also visiting the area. A recent study shows Brunswick and New Hanover counties are among the top in the state in tourism spending. Reporter John Staton breaks down the data here.

In Shallotte, town leaders approved a rezoning to make way for a four-building apartment complex nearby a popular subdivision. Here's what to know.

Meet Timothy Hinds

After questioning some practices in the Ocean Walk Condo Association, property owner Timothy Hinds is working to advocate for HOA reform at the state level.
After questioning some practices in the Ocean Walk Condo Association, property owner Timothy Hinds is working to advocate for HOA reform at the state level.

An ongoing fight over contracts and transparency led Oak Island resident Timothy Hinds to establish the North Carolina Homeowner Association Law Reform Coalition. Spencer talked with Hinds about the issues he's experienced in the area and what he believes is the root of the problem.

Go | See | Do

I constantly hear from residents confused about local government processes, and events like Leland's town hall forums are a great place to learn. This Wednesday's town hall forum focuses on community enrichment and will be held at 6 p.m. at town hall. Reporter Cheryl Whitaker has the details and more going on across the county here.

Let’s get social

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Reach Jamey Cross at jbcross@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick Today newsletter