Paid parking fails, possible tax increase suggested | News

KURE BEACH, NC (WECT) – Town leaders in Kure Beach are not ready to charge for parking, so residents might have to cover the bill, according to Mayor Dean Lambeth.

A pay-to-park program for folks visiting Kure Beach would generate enough money to cover the town's cost for beach nourishment, according to Lambeth.  The mayor said without the money, tax payers will have to makeup the lost revenue.

"They're the ones that are going to take it on the chin," said Mayor Lambeth.

The alternative would be a half-a-penny tax increase, according to the mayor. He said the town needs to find a way to fund beach nourishment, and a tax increase is one option on a shrinking list.

Currently, Kure Beach is the only beach in New Hanover County that does not charge for parking during the peak season.

Paid parking would have extend beyond just beach access spots, to downtown and nearby streets – just like other beach towns in the county.

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