Dubbed Block Q, this Brunswick town is making big plans to transform an open lot

Plans to transform a 1.79-acre lot in Holden Beach into a public paid parking lot are moving forward.

Looking to further its paid parking plan, the town of Holden Beach purchased the 1.79-acre property between Shore Drive and Brunswick Avenue, commonly known as Block Q, for $2 million in early 2022.

Well over a year later, the town is moving forward with plans to transform the space and create more than just a parking lot. At its August meeting, the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding the town’s application for a $420,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Here’s the latest on the project and what’s next.

What is Block Q?

A previously privately owned vacant lot just off N.C. 130 in Holden Beach, Block Q was purchased in 2022 by the town. At the time, Holden Beach had just approved its paid parking plan and acquired the property with plans to add up to 235 parking spaces.

Mayor Alan Holden confirmed that, to his knowledge, there is no significance to the name "Block Q," and the property has simply been referred to by that name historically.

The property sits across the street from the Intracoastal Waterway and boat ramp, and just one block from the public beach access. The site is currently a vacant lot that the town purchased to “provide additional amenities for residents and visitors” – namely parking.

Local residents expressed concern at the time of the sale, noting that while the purchase would increase revenue for the town, they worried about the impact the purchase could have on traffic and, ultimately, the town’s character.

What is the plan?

At the time of the purchase, the town indicated the lot would be transformed into a public parking lot. Now, updated plans indicate the town looks to further enhance the space with the addition of a new public restroom facility, boat trailer parking, stormwater improvements and green space, in addition to the previously planned public parking.

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According to the town, the site will hopefully relieve the stress and demand on the wildlife boat ramp across the street, which has limited parking that is inadequate for the number of patrons who frequent the facility.

Current plans indicate the lot will consist of 79 car parking spots and 15 boat trailer spots.

The town clarified that it is moving forward with the public car and boat trailer parking independently and is asking for grant assistance with the public restroom facility, associated parking and sidewalks.

Plans indicate the restroom facility will be ADA compliant.

While no members of the public were physically present to voice their thoughts about the grant application at the August meeting, several residents sent their thoughts to town staff. Repeated concerns include the project’s cost and necessity.

What is the North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program?

The town has applied for a grant as part of the North Carolina Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program. According to the DEQ’s Division of Coastal Management, the program looks to provide matching grants to local governments for projects that improve pedestrian access to beaches and waterways in North Carolina.

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Eligible projects include land acquisition, rehabilitation, maintenance and construction projects, such as parking and restroom facilities.

The town of Holden Beach indicated they would match $140,000 for the project – 25% of the grant funds requested. The project is anticipated to cost $560,000.

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What’s next?

Assistant Town Manager Christy Ferguson said the grant application was due to the state by Aug. 28. The town indicated it will move forward with the parking aspects of the project whether the funding is approved or not. The grant would assist in funding the construction of the public restroom facilities.

If the grant is awarded, construction could begin within six months, the application indicates, and the project could be completed within 18 months.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Holden Beach to make vacant space a parking lot