FROM STAFF REPORTS and NOTEBOOKLM
Recent reporting from the Albemarle Observer highlights several significant local developments across Edenton and Hyde County, North Carolina. Key themes include discussions around economic development and housing in Edenton, opposition to proposed ferry toll increases and state-level regulatory changes in Hyde County, community events, and local safety concerns. Notable stories include the planned restoration of the historic Hotel Hinton, a proposed large apartment complex, strong local opposition to state legislation impacting ferry access and local zoning, a prisoner escape in Hyde County, a recent shooting incident in Edenton, and community celebrations such as a JROTC awards ceremony and a Blessing of the Fleet. The Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library is also promoting its free seed exchange and upcoming summer programs.
Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:
1. Edenton Development and Economic Growth:
- Hotel Hinton Restoration: Down East Preservation and SAGA are partnering to restore the Hotel Hinton on East King Street in Edenton. This project is described as a significant venture for the town’s economy and is expected to be a “boutique, nice hotel for events, weddings, a place for travelers stay downtown.” Mayor Hackney High indicated the project is definitively “a go.”
- Quote: “There would be no world in which all the money that’s being spent, all the time that’s being spent, all of the excitement and minds shared — it’s a go.” – Dawson Tyler, Down East Preservation.
- The project must adhere to 13 conditions set by the Town Council’s Major Special Use Permit (MSUP), including maintaining at least two commercial spaces on the ground floor facing East King Street and primarily functioning as a combination of short-term and less than one-year rentals. No condominiums are permitted without an additional MSUP. Compliance with the National Park Service schedule is also required.
- The Hotel Hinton property is significant due to its location in the historic district and Edenton’s growing tourism base.
- Proposed Beechwood Apartments: SAGA Development is also proposing a 144-unit apartment complex at 1311 Paradise Road. The project would include 1-3 bedroom units, a small clubhouse, and a swimming pool, with exteriors designed to fit the town’s aesthetic. SAGA aims to market these units to “local workers, new families and retirees,” addressing a perceived need for affordable housing. This project was tabled for a future Town Council meeting.
- Watercraft Rental Services: A new boat rental service is planning to set up at Scotty’s Marina in Edenton by Memorial Day, offering pontoon boat rentals.
- New Public Information Officer: Megan Weiss, formerly with the Chamber of Commerce and Edenton-Chowan Partnership, has been introduced as the Town of Edenton’s new Public Information Officer.
2. Opposition to State-Level Regulatory Changes and Ferry Tolls (Hyde County & Regional):
- Proposed Ferry Toll Increases: The State Senate has passed a measure (25-24) proposing toll hikes for ferry services between Hatteras and Ocracoke (currently free, proposed $20-$40 per vehicle) and doubling the toll between Swan Quarter and Ocracoke (from $15 to $30).
- Local officials and residents strongly oppose these tolls, arguing they are potentially illegal based on state statute requiring a free alternative and would negatively impact Hyde County’s economy and residents’ access to their homes and services.
- Quote: “So it says right there in the General Statutes that they will never put in a toll route that doesn’t have a free alternative… And we consider that ferry our road… and it should not be tolled.” – Kris Cahoon Noble, Hyde County Manager.
- Quote: “Every person deserves a free route to travel home. Tolling would make us the only place in North Carolina that cannot be accessed without paying a toll.” – Kris Cahoon Noble, Hyde County Manager.
- Concerns were raised about the lack of infrastructure for toll collection at Hatteras, the absence of waivers for essential personnel and services, and the potential negative impact on tourism and day-trippers to Ocracoke and Hatteras Island.
- The Hyde County Commission is poised to approve a resolution condemning the toll hikes, and the Albemarle Commission will also discuss the matter.
- State Senator Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck) and Senator Norm Sanderson (R-Pamlico) opposed the tolls, and Representative Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort) is reportedly against them as well.
- Hyde County Commissioners are asking the State House to restore funding removed by the Senate from the NC Department of Transportation Ferry Division budget, arguing it’s needed for maintenance and to cover overtime due to staffing shortages.
- Opposition to HB 765 (State Control of Local Development Regulations): Both the Chowan County Commission and the Hyde County Commission have formally opposed House Bill 765, which seeks to centralize planning and zoning authority at the state level, reducing local control.
- Quote: “Let that sink in for a minute – the state, in all its wisdom, wants more power to dictate rules about how, when and where property development takes place rather than local regulatory and zoning authorities who know the lay of the land in their communities quite a bit better than Raleigh’s Kommissar central planners who covet a one-size-fits-all approach.” – Albemarle Observer author.
- The Chowan County Commission condemned the bill in “favor of legislation that respects local authority, reduces regulatory burdens and promotes flexible, community-driven development strategies.”
3. Community and Local Events:
- John A. Holmes High JROTC Awards: An awards ceremony was held for the JROTC program at the American Legion Hall. Cadet senior speakers included Major Jordyn Ward, Command Sergeant Major Diamonique Dillard, Lieutenant Commander Briley Koller, and Lieutenant Amaya Cortezano. They spoke about the positive impact of JROTC on their discipline, leadership skills, friendships, and personal growth.
- Quote: “Through JROTC, I’ve learned discipline, courage, and what it truly means to be a leader.” – Major Jordyn Ward.
- Quote: “Being a leader in GRTC has taught me far more than how to wear a uniform or march in formation… It taught me accountability, resilience, and how to put others before myself.” – Command Sergeant Major Diamonique Dillard.
- Instructors Lieutenant Colonel Neil Parks and Sergeant First Class Michael Jackson (retiring after 20 years) were praised for their guidance and impact.
- Blessing of the Fleet: The annual Blessing of the Fleet was celebrated at the Edenton Yacht Club. Reverend Melody Perdue and Jonathan Tobias blessed various types of boats. The event was followed by the Gil Burroughs Spring Regatta.
- Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library Programs: The local library is promoting its free seed exchange, offering vegetable, leafy green, herb, and soon, native North Carolina wildflower seeds. They also have a “Library of Things” with gardening tools available for checkout. The library is preparing for its busy summer season with various programs including reading programs, book clubs, storytime, gaming, and speaker series.
- Hyde County/O.A. Peay Alumni Homecoming: This event is scheduled for May 23-24 in Swan Quarter, featuring a teen dance, parade, vendors, seafood lunch, and a live DJ.
- America 250 NC Grant: The Hyde County America 250 NC committee received a state grant to create a booklet about local heritage and history for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
4. Public Safety and Health:
- Edenton Shooting Incident: Two people were hospitalized following a shooting incident on Sunday at Chowan Crossing Shopping Center (Food Lion) in Edenton. Police have detained suspects and stated there is “no ongoing threat to the community” as it appears to be an “isolated incident.”
- Hyde County Prisoner Escape: Francisco Cardenas, serving time for drug trafficking, escaped from minimum custody at the Hyde County Correctional Institute on Thursday. As of Saturday morning, he was still at large. The author notes the challenges of the local terrain (swamps, snakes, alligators, large black bears) and the likelihood of armed local residents.
- Dr. Vashti Ramphal: Dr. Ramphal, an Internal Medicine physician at ECU Health Internal Medicine in Edenton, is highlighted for her holistic approach to patient care and belief in the six dimensions of wellness. She is an advocate for the Mediterranean Diet and Blue Zones lifestyle. She served in the US Army for three years.
5. Political and Community Recognition:
- Chowan County Democrats Convention: The convention included tributes to Lueta Sellers, a long-time and influential member of the party who recently passed away. She was a former chairperson of the Chowan County Democratic Party and active in state and national women’s political organizations.
- Quote: “Lueta just served as the president of North Carolina Women’s Political Caucus and was active in the National Women’s Political Caucus as a member of the finance, ERA, and training and education committees.” – Proclamation read at the convention.
- Also recognized were John Guard, Lynn Partin, and Jerald Perry, who are retiring from the Chowan County Board of Elections, for their “outstanding contributions” and service with “integrity, fairness and respect.”
6. Other Community News:
- Balloon Release/Litter Ordinance: The Edenton Town Council is considering an ordinance regarding balloon releases and litter, prompted by a suggestion from Susan Inglis.
- Hyde County CDBG-NR Program: Hyde County has awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of six residential properties as part of the 2022 Community Development Block Grant for Neighborhood Revitalization program.
- Hyde County Schools Public Meeting: A public informational meeting is scheduled to discuss state and federal programs and their funding for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Bigfoot Slough Channel Dredging: Hyde County Commissioners will request state financial assistance ($567,476) for dredging the Bigfoot Slough Channel and Emergency Authorized Route within the Pamlico Sound to maintain a safe and navigable channel.
This briefing provides an overview of the significant events and discussions covered in the recent Albemarle Observer articles.
