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ONSLO14 COUNTY LAND USE PLAN 1981 Prepared For Onslow County Board of Commissioners Ormond Barbee, Chairman Edward Hurst Joseph C. Bynum, Jr. Luther Mid.gett Paul Starzynski Onslow County Plann ing Board Julius Segerman, Chairman James Rouse, Vice-Chairman Harold C. Morton Mack W. Weatherington Ellis Hines Onslow County Planning Department Kenneth N. Windley, Jr. Carey H. Brigman Tina R. Collum Norma F. Sanmito Lisa L. Turner The'preparation of this doc 'ument was financed in part through a grant provided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is administered by the Office of -Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. HD 211 @@.COASTAL ZONE .057 057 INFORMATION CENTER 1981 TABLE OF CONTENTS PACE INTRODUCTION ISSUES IN THE 1975 LAND USE PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 1975 LAND USE PLAN EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 1975 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 2 EXISTING POPULATION 5 'ECONOMY 11 Labor Force 11 Income 14 Retail Sales 15 Camp Lejeune 16 Industry 17 Agriculture 19 Travel and Tourism 21 Seafood 22 EXISTING LAND USE 24 Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems and Unplanned Development 27 Areas Likely to Experience Change In Predominant Land Uses 30 PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT 32 Hazard Areas 32 Soil Limitations 33 Airport Hazard 35 Steep Slopes 37 Water Supply and Quality 38 FRAGILE AREAS 43 AREAS WITH RESOURCE POTENTIAL 50 Forestry 50 Productive Agricultural Lands 51 Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites 51 Publicly Owned Lands .52 Other Recreation Areas 52 Wildlife Sanctuaries 53 PAGE FUTURE DEMANDS 55 Population Projections 55 Future Economy 57 COMMUNITY FACILITIES 59 Solid Waste Disposal 59 County Schools 61 Water and Sewer 61 Fire Departments 67 Parks 72 Coastal..Carolina Community College 72 Transportation 73 FUTURE LAND NEEDS 75 West Onslow Beach 77 COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMANDS 79 Soild Waste 79 Schools 80 Parks and Recreation 80 COMMUNITY ISSUES 81 Growth of Onslow County 81 Resource Protection 82 Resource Production and Management 85 Economic and Community Development '88 LAND CLASSIFICATION 94 APPENDIX 96 Public Participation 97 Data Collection and Analysf-� 98 Onslow County Plans, Policies and Regulations 101 Questionnaire Results 106 LIST OF MAPS Page Map I - Average Daily Traffic Volumes, 1977 & 1979 28 Map 2 - General Soil Map 36 Map 3 - The Geographical Distribution of Aquifers Used Within Onslow County 39 Map 4 - The Probably Depth of Brackisb Groundwater 42 Map 5 - Areas of@Environmental Concern 48 Map 6 - Prime Wildlife Areas and Sanctuaries 54 Map 7 - County Parks, Landfill and Container Sites 60 Map 8 - Onslow County Public Schools 63 Map 9 - Onslow County Water System 65 Map 10 201 Facilities 66 Map 11 - Volunteer Fire Department Districts 71 Map 12 - Onslow County Thoroughfare Propos al 74 Map 13 - Land Classification 96 LIST OF TABLES Page Table I - Onslow County Population Growth, 1930 - 1980 5 Table 2 - Onslow County Population by Age Groups, Sex and Race - 1970 6 Table 3 - Onslow County Population by Age Groups, Sex and Race 1980 7 Table 4 - Population by Area 1980 8 Table 5 - Population by Township 9 Table 6 - Comparisons of Population Trends in Surrounding Counties 9 Table 7 - Population Figures at Camp Lejuene 10 Table 8 - Military Population in Onslow County 10 Table 9 - Labor Force by-Sex and Minority Status 11 Table 10 - Average Weekly Wages Per Selected Industry Group 12 Table 11 - Trends in Unemployment Rate 13 Table 12 - Estimated Employment by Industrial Breakdown for Onslow County 13 Table 13 - Resident Income Levels For Region P, N. C. , and the U. S. 14 Table 14 - - 1975 and 1980 Annual Payrolls 14 Table 15 Retail Sales in.Jacksonvilleand Onslow County, 1969 - 1979 15 Table 16 industrial Growth in Onslow County, 1941 - 1980 17 Table 17 - Gross Farm Income 7,_Onslow County 19 Table 18 - Changes in Agricultural Factors in Onslow County, 1951 - 1978 20 Table 19 - Estimated Travel and Tourism Expenditures of Surrounding Counties 21 Table 20 - Commercial Fishing Catches - 1975 & 1979 23 Table 21 - Existing Land Uses - West Onslow Beach 26 Table 22 - 1981 Existing La nd Uses Onslow County 26 Table 23 - Estuarine Fishing Waters 46 Table 24 - Timber Volumes 50 Table 25 - Future Population Estimates 55 -II- Table 26 - Population Projections for West Onslow Beach 56 Table 27 - Civilian Employment by Industrial Breakdown 58 Table 28 - Estimated Future Employment by Industrial Breakdown 58 Table 29 - Solid Waste Dumped Per Container 59, Table 30 - Data for Onslow County Schools 62 Table 31 - Volunteer Fire Department Equipment 68 Table 32 - Piedmont Airlines Traffic, Albert J. Ellis Airport, 1975 1980 73 Table 33 - Onslow County Land Use Needs 76 'PO HOFMANN FOREST HOFMANN 0 SERTI COLLIOE FOREST FOREST lo9r 'CHLA _T e K iE NVI E T WAN p V G A E A T S A K D Y R U N N, STUMP SOUND TWP c, 0-\V, J - Q, V 'A ONSLOW COUNTY, N. C. ........ .......... . -iv- INTRODUCTION Onslow County is located in the coastal plains relgion of eastern North Carolina. As one of the twenty, counties regulated by the North Carolina Coastal Area Management Act, Onslow CountV is responsible for updating its County Land Use Plan at least every five years. The Land Use Plan will be used by local government, private individuals and other levels of government as they make decisions concerning future development. Therefore, a public participation campaign has been a major emphasis in updating the Land Use Plan. A large amount of effort has been made to make this Land Use Plan into a workable instrument involving efficient use of public services, wise use of land, sound economic policies and protection of the health and safety of our citizens. The following plan represents the work of the Onslow County Commissioners, the Onslow County Planning Board, the Citizens Advisory Council and many other citizens who are interested in Onslow County's future. -V- ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE 1975 LAND USE PLAN For existing development: I 1. To provide for expansion of water and sewer services 2. To provide for expansion of some local governmental build- ings. 3. A need to develop markets for local commodities. 4. A need to improve storm drainage. 5. A need to encourage industrial employment opportunities. For future development: 1. 'A desire that the county continue to, grownand prosper. 2., A desire for more.industrial development and a diversified economy that would provide more jobs. 3. A desire that future growth be guided by a plan based on sound decisions that would-reflect the higbest and best use of the land and which would reflect community needs and desires. 4. A desire that all available technical resources be utilized to accomplish sound land use and growth. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 1975,LAND USE PLAN 1. Goal Land Use Planning Objective -To make our county a.,place where people can\ live, work and plan under the be-st conditions possible by providing sound environmental and developmental decisions that will enable maximum services to be provided at a minimal -cost. 2. Goal - Commercial Growth Ob.ective To mike commercial areas conveniently accessible to other areas, preventing intrusion into residential neigh- borhoods, encouraging aesthetics in building, maintaining efficient traffic patterns, and pormoting A diversification of actiirities. 3. Goal - Industrial Growth Objective - To encourage additional industrial development and promote a rapid expansion of industrial activities that will offer additional job opportunities and a diversified economy. 4. Goal - Agricultural Growth Objective - To promote the development of self-s "ustaining farming activities by protecting productive farmland and by promoting farm product markets. 5. Goal - Commercial Fishing Growth Objective - To encourage the development of seafood processing and marketing facilities, to continue to promote the improve- ment of the channels of our inlets and of our access areas to the estuarine area, and to promote the development of a dditional docking facilities along our coast. 6. Goal - Community Facilities Provision Objective - To maintain or enhance existing facilities, in- eluding all government buildings; and to plan for new ones to accomodate future growth, in order that, all citizens be properly served by these facilities. 7. Goal - Utility Objective - To promote the development of water and sewer facilities that-will insure that proper removal and disposal of storm water, sewage, and solid waste. 8. Goal Economic Growth Objective - To work towards establishing a more diversified and balanced economy in order to provide more job opportunities and to make job training available. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 1975 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Much of the information related to these goals and objectives will be covered in separate sections. However, a brief discussion is neces- sary at this point to give a summary of their effectiveness. Since 1975 the regulations of the Coastal Area Management Act have been. strictly enforced in Onslow County. The County has also adopted county-wide Subdivision Regulations to insure the proper development of residential subdivisions. At this time the County Planning Board is -2- reviewing a new zoning ordinance which should be in effect by the spring of 1981. A Land Use and Noise Analysis has also recently begun on the land Surrounding Albert J. Ellis Airport. Onslow County has begun im- plementing portions of a Beach Access Plan for West Onslow Beach. Very little commercial growth has occured outside the planning jurisdiction of the city of Jacksonville since 1976. With the exception of Westpark Shopping Center at the intersection of N. C. 53 and U. S. 258, most commercial development has continued in strips along major highway.s Within Jacksonville's planning jurisdiction a large mall is under con- struction at the corner of Western Boulevard and Country Club Road. Industrial growth has continued at an active pace with the addition of several new industries in the county. Most of the recent growth has occured near Jacksonville. However, industrial parks throughout the county are in the planning phase. A new skills center to be built at Coastal Carolina Community College will provide technical training for many residents. Farm income for Onslow County has not kept pace with.economic conditions. This may result in more farmland being available for develop- ment. Onslow County presently has no program to protect prime farmland,, nor does the State of North Carolina. Commercial,fishing catches have increased.dramatically since 1973, not only in pounds caught but thevalue-of the catch. Seafood.marketing and processing facilities have not increased,., however. Channels into the Sneads Ferry and Swansboro areas need dredging. Community facilities and utilities have increased greatly. Two new schools have been built, a new county administration and court building was completed in 1979, and a new c-ounty water system serving much of Onslow County is nearing completion.- Swansboro and Jacksonville have completed their "201" Wastewater Facilities construction work. The Topsail Island 201 plan is still under review by the Environmental Protection Agency. The solid waste program continues to use landfill space at a rapid pace. Additional acreage must be found. Present plans also call for possibly. locating container sites near Belgrade and Sneads Ferry. Onslow County has made a steady effort to provide-a diversified economy and more job opportunities for its citizens. -3- In 1969 the County organized and funded the Economic Development Commission (EDC). In 1970, in cooperation with the EDC, local businessmen organized Your Onslow Opportunities Unlimited (YOU, Inc.) dedicated to attracting new business and industry to Onslow County. The EDC was. instrumental in establishing additional pr ivate and quasi-public agencies which have contributed to the economic growth of the County. These agencies are as follows: Year Organized Agency 1975 The Onslow County Industrial Bonding Authority assists industry in obtaining financing at favorable rates. 1976 The Onslow Business Industry Association (OBIA) promotes inter-industry social and business relationships. 1977 The Onslow County Transportation Committee works to promote high- way".improvements in the County. 1978 The Onslow Industry Association assists industry with various industrial problems such as local labor relations. EXISTING POPULATION O@slow County has historically been a rural county and still is to a large degree. However, the location of Camp Lejeune in - Onslow County in 1941 began a series of changes that are reflected in the large increase in population shown on the table below. ONSLOW COUNTY POPULATION GROWTH TABLE 1 1930 1980 Population To Increase 1930 .15,289 17% 1940 17,939 17% 1950 42,047 134/@ 1960 86,208 -105% 1970 103,126 @20% 1980 112,165* 9% Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census *Preliminary Estimate The percent increase has dropped dramatically since 1960 due to a number of reasons, among them the leveling off *of troop strength at Camp Lejeune and the subsquent leveling off of the local economy affected by Camp Lejeune. Onslow County contains approximately 756 square miles, or about 148 people persquare mile\. 'The'actual-density could be@larger if Hoffman Forest property owned by the State of North Carolina and containing about 8% of the county's land area was excluded from the t@otal square.miles. The following table shows Onslow County's-population by age, sex and ethic origin according tb the1970 census (1.980'figures areonly pre- liminary.). As the-1976 Land Use,Plan pointed out, there are a large number of males in the 15,- 24 age group due to the number of young men in statibned at Camp Lejeune. TABLE 2 ONSLOW COUNTY POPULATION BY AGE GROUPS, SEX AND RACE 1970 CENSUS WHITE NEGRO TOTAL AGES MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE MALE- FEMALE MALE FEMALE UNDER 5 41056 39772 810 824 TO 77 4,936 4,673 5-14 71,508 71077 1,615 19639 105 93 91228 82809 15-24 28,006 81442 41637 11295 441 106 33tO64 91843 25-34 59761 51152 867 842 .61 244 69689 69238 35-44 3t923 31429 535 589 48 148 41,506 4jI66 45-54 21304 29317 348 379 a 12 21660 21708 55-64 11,223 113,82 @259 312 0 6 1,482 1,700 859 '1.106 203 233 2 1 65 & OVER 1,064 1,340 TOTAL 53,640 329677 99274 61113 735 687 63,639 39117 T 20,963 MORE WHITE MALES THAN WHITE FEMALES PERCENTAGE MALE-FEMALE .3jl6l' MORE NEGRO MALES THAN NEGRO FEMALES TOTAL IS YEARS a OVER 48 MORE MALES THAN FEMALESAN OTHER RACES 61-.7 MALE 66.0 MALE 21117@ MORE MALES THAN FEMALES IN ALL RACES 38.3 FEMALE 34.0 FEMALE TOTAL POPULATION 103,126 % OF POPULATION WHITE 86j317 83.7 NEGRO 15,38T 14.9 OTHERS 1.4 THESE TOTALS INCLUDE ALL OF ONSLOW COUNTY 'SOURCE: STATISTICAL SUMMARY, ONSLOW COUNTY, N. C. PREPARED BY ONSLOW COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT9 MAY, 19729 p. 75. TABLE 3 O.NSLOW COUNTY POPULATION BY AGE GROUPS, SEX AND RACE 1980 CENSUS (PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES) WHITE NEGRO OTHERS TOTAL AGES MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE -MALE FEMALE UNDER 5 41412- 41105 896 T6 84 59369 51083 5-14 8,166 71697 .'ll75T 11783 114 101 10903T 99581 15- 24 30,461 91,182 51043 1,409 480 115 359984 996T2 25-a4 61266 5s604 943 916 66 265 71275 61685 35-44 4,967 51730- 582 641 52 '161 41901 4,532 45-54 2,505 21520 3 T9 412 9 13 29893 2,945 55-64 11330 1,505 282 339 0 11612 lj549 65 B OVER 935 1,203 222 253 -2 1 1,157 1.4 5T TOTAL 58,341 35,542 10,089 6,649 799 747 69,226 42,937 The next table breaks population down by jurisdictional boundaries. As compared to the 1970 census: the Town of Swansboro's population declined by 20%; the Town of Richland's population declined by 13%; the Town of Holly Ridge's population increased by 10%; and the City of Jacksonville's populationed increased by 37%. Mostlof the Jacksonville increase was due to annexations of developed property adjoining the city while the declines appear related to the drop in persons per household. TABLE 4' POPULATION BY AREA 19 80 POPULATION SWANSBORO 963 RICHLANDS 815 HOLLY RIDGE .457 WEST ONSLOW BEACH 240 CAMP LEJEUNE 351,000 JACKSONVILLE. 22,000 COUNTY 521690 112,165 SOURCE: U. S. BUREAU OF THE CENSUS, PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES Population by township is shown in Table 5. Population figures for Swansboro Township may appear too high but.they include some residential areas of Camp Lejeune,as does Jacksonville Township. -8- TABLE 5 POPULATION BY TOWNSHIP TOWNSHIP 1960 1970 % CHANGE 1980 % CHANGE. JACKSONVILLE 40t834 559737 36% 581835 -6% RICHLANDS 7t331 7,572 3% 8,178 8'% STUMP SOUND 5,486 5,545 1% 510933 7o% SWANSBORO 21,678 209800 - 4% 21,840 5% WHITE OAK 10,879 -13,472 24% 17,379 29% TOTALS 86l208 103lI26 20% 112vI65 8% SOURCE"- U. S. BUREAU. OF THE CENSUS *PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES Although Onslow County's population continues to grow, the hugh explosion brought about by the opening of Camp Lejeune is nearly over. With troop strength not projected to..be increased greatly at the base in the future, growth will be more associated with new industries and businesses locating in the county. This, along with tourism and good locations for persons looking for retirement homes, has brought about large increases in the populations of New Hanover and Carteret counties. TABLE -6: COMPARISONS OF POPULATION TRENDS IN SURROUNDING COUNTIES COUNTY 1960 1970 % CHANGE 1980 % CHANGE CARTERET 27,438 31,603 15.2% 40,794 2.9.1% JONES 11,005 9,779 11 . I % 9,673 DUPLIN 40,270 38,015 -5.6% 409658 7.0% PENDER 18t508 18,149 1.9% 229107 21.8% CRAVEN 581,773 621,554 6.4% 70v631 12.9% NEWHANOVER 71,742 82t996 15.7% 1029779 23.8% ONSLOW 869208 103tIZ6 19.6% 1 12tI65 8.8% SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF THE CENSUS -9- In 1960, there was 0.8 dependents residing in Onslow County ,for each active duty military person. Ten years later this ratio had increased to 1.1 dependents for each active duty military person. In 1974 this figure dropped to 0.85 dependents and by 1980 it dropped even further to 0.68 dependents. TABLE 7 POPULATION FIGURES AT CAMP LEJEUNE YEAR MILITARY POPULATION CIVIL SERVICE NON-CIVIL SERVIC 1965 .351,416 21,898 1,100 J970 369044 3,077 12100 .1975 39,000 2,,,70,0 19100 .1980 339305 49200 19500 SOURCE: ONsLow COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Active duty personnel levels have remained fairly stable at Camp Lejeune, although*1980 figures are the lowest in the last twenty years. This may have 'a.tignificant affect on Onslow County's economy if the trend continues. TAB LE 8 MILITARY POPULATION IN ONSLOW COUNTY Estimated) 1960 1970 - 1974 1980 TOTAL ACTIVE DUTY 36,525 36,044 39,157 33,305 LIVING ON BASE. ..20,50.8 -..-25,340. .29,800 N.A. LIVING OFF BASE 16,017 11,704 9,357 N.A. TOTAL DEPENDENT 32,037-* 40,316,* 33,481* 22,549 LIVING ON @ BASE 91940 12,695 -.11,481. .110,526 LIVING OFF BASE 22,097x- 27,621)+ 22,000* 12,023 TOTAL ACTIVE DUTY 8 DEPENDENT POPULATION. 68,562* .76,360*. 72,768-* . .55,654 PERCENT OF COUNTY POPULATION 79% 74% 680% 50% *FIGURES PROBABLY TOO HIGH - SOURCE: ONSLOW COUNTY MANPOWER PLANNER, 1974 U.S. MARINE CORPS, CAMP LEJEUNE, 1980 -10- ECONOMY Onslow County has a very stable economy due to a number of reasons, including the presence of Camp Lejeune in the county as well as several new industries and thriving seafood businesses. TABLE 9 LA60R FORCE BY SEX a MINORITY STATUS 1979 PERCENT DISTRIBUTION SEX a MINORITY LABOR EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED LABOR EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOY- STATUS FORCE FORCE MENT RATE BOTH 'SEXES 1. TOTAL .26,310 .24,830 1,480 .100.0 ..100.0 _100.0 .5.6 2. WHITE 211780 20,610 1, 1 TO 82.8 83.0 T9.3 5.4 3. BLACK . . . . . . . . . .. 4,350 ...4,070 .280 ..16.5 ..16.4 ... 19.0 ... 6.4 4. OTHER RACES 180 150 30 0.7 0.6 1.7 16.7 5. SPANISH- AMERICAN. 250 _.220 .... 30 .1.0 ...0.9 1.7 12.0 6. MINORITY GROUP ?j 4,780 4,440 340 18.2 17.9 22A 7.1 FEMALE 7. TOTAL.. .12,220 .. 11,120 1,100 ..100.0, -.100.0 .100.0 ... 9.0 8. % OF BOTH SEXES 46.4 44.8 74.1 9. WHITE_ 9,900 ...91030 -.870 ..81.0 81.2 79.1 .8.8 10. BLACK 2,170 1,970 200 17.8 17.7 18.6 �.2 11. OTHER RACES. 150 120 30 1.2 1.1 .2.3 20.9@ 12.. S PANIS H- AMERICAN 150 120 30 1:2 1.1 2.3 20.0 13. 'MINORITY GROUP 2,470 2,210 260 ..20.2 ..19-9 23.2 ..10.5 jj SPANISH AMERICANS ARE ALSO COUNTED IN _fHE RACIAL CATEGORIES AS WHITE, BLACK OR OTHER RACES. SUN OF SPANISH- AMERICAN .* ETHNIC GROUP ANP ALL RACES EXCEPT WHITE. 1970 CENSUS PROPORTIONS FOR SEX & RACE ARE APPLIED TO MOST RECENT LABOR FORCE DATA AVAILABLE. SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION The following average weekly wage data from the weekly average of total wage payments is divided by average monthly employment, thus re- flecting irregular and partial work schedules, season employment, etc. Data should not be confused with actual average weekly pay rates for a standard work week. Wages include overtime pay and salaries to manage- ment and supervisory personnel. TABLE 10 AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES PER SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUP FIRST OUARTER OF: INDUSTRY I TO 19TI 1972 19T3 19i4 1975 1980 GROUP N.C. COUNTY NC. COUNTY IN.C. COUNTY N.C. COUNTY N.C. COUN-TY -N.C* COUNTY N.C. COUNTY TOTAL 4,11, $113 092 0124 t 94 1131 $101 $140 $100 $147 $117 $219 $191 CONSTRUCTION 114 109 120 114 127 Its 139 111 149 125 16.1, 137 213 182 MANUFACTURING 107 03 111 85 124 as 130 92 139 98 143 Ito 230 174 TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, 201 146 307 228 & UTILITIES 136 96 147 ' 105 164 108' 176 119 191 128 TRADE 103 90 too 93 114 94 120 100 129 103 137 112 189 148 SOURCE: EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION For all industrial jobs in the first quarter of 1975, Onslow County's average weekly wage was only 80% of the average weekly wage of industrial workers statewide. This'figure jumped to 87% by the first quarter of 1980, showing that gains are being made in Onslow County as our economy diversifies. A major portion of income within Onslow County begins with payrolls. A large share of Onslow County payrolls are from the following major sources. The previous table contains a number of striking differences t o 1970 figures. Women in the civilian labor force increased by 2,220 (25%). Up- employment among men in the civilian labor force was about 3%, the same as 1970. However, the total unemployment rate has varied greatly over the years. -12- TABLE H TRENDS IN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ANNUAL AVERAGES 19621 1968, 1971, 1975, 1980 COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT 19 6? 1968 1971 1975. 1980 1* CARTERET. 10.9% .6.5% 5.9% 7.0% .6.3% CRAVEN 5.2 3.7 5.1 6.6 4.7 DUPLIN .5.6 .3.8 .4.3 10.5 7.8 GREEN 8.7 6.1 8.0 7.6 5.0 JONES 6.1 3.2 . . . 8.5 7.8 ... 9.7 LENOIR 6.6 5.0 4.9 7.1 6.6 ONSLOW. 7.1 .5.3 5.6 7.1 . . . 8.2 PAMLICO 9.1 6.2 8.6 11.1 6.7 WAYNE 6.1 4.1 .4.1 ... 8.3 .6.7 LREGON 6.9 4..6 5.1 8.1 SOURCE: North Carolino Employment Security Commission September, 1980 Onslow County's unemployment rate is inflated somewhat due to the large number of marines discharged each month at Camp Lejeune. To reduce Onslow's unemployment the civilian job market must continue to expand. Industrial parks now on the drawing board must become a reality. These parks will not only create jobs for @eople who work in them but will also expand the commerce of the entire county through new businesses and construction. TABLE 12 ESTIMATED EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRIAL BREAKDOWN FOR 1975, 1979, 190-0, 2000 FOR ONSLOW COUNTY 1975 1979 1990 2000 TOTAL.. ..22,710. 24,099. 28,155. 32,450 AGRICULTURE 990 728 400 236 ,NONAGRICUL'tURE. 21,720. 23,371. 27,755. 32,214 MANUFACTURING 1,830 .2,794 3,318 3,851 CONSTRUCTION. - 950 .1,303. ..1,547. ..1,796 TRADES Ek SERVICE 6,340 7,361 8,742 10,146 TRANSPORTATION COMMUNICATION, a PUBLIC UTILItIES . . . . . . . . . 920. 1,001. 1,189. 1,380 GOVERNMENT 7,650 7,788 9,249 10,735 ALL OTHER NON- MANUFACTURING.. 2,840. 3,124 . . . . . .3,710. .4,306 SOURCE: N. C. Employment Security Commission Onslow County Planning Department -13- .These are straight line projections and do not take into account reductions of employment in any field. They may, however, give an idea of the direction employment is going. Income levels in Onslow County continue to lag behind most of the counties in Region P. Out of nine counties, Onslow ranks seventh in per capita income and fourth in median family income. These figures are 1978 estimates and may change when the 1980 figures from the Bureau of Census are released. TAB L E RESIDENT INCOME LEVELS FOR REGION _P, NORTH CAROLINA a THE U.*S., FOR, 1978- 1978 PER CAPITA 1978 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME INCOME CARTERET ........................ 5,9 39..... 1-3,000 CRAVEN 6 205 2,800- 517 3 0.. 1 DUPLIN. 1 10,500 GREEN 7" 16 10,000 JONES.. 5,10 4. ..9,900 LENOIR 6,331 12,700 ONSLOW. ''5,698. 11,800 PAMLICO 5,339 10,400 WAYNE . 6,185. .11, 400 REGION 5,961 NORTH CAROLINA. . 6,640 UNITED STATES 7,840 SOURCE: @-U.S. DEPARMENT OF COMMERCE ESTIMATES TABLE 14. 1975 AIND 1980 A14NUAL PAYROLL 1975 Est. 1980 Est. Payroll Payroll % increase 1. Camp Lejeune $244,000,000 $355,000,000 45% 2. Industry 22,000,000 32,000,000 45% 3. Agriculture 20,000,000 28,000,000 40% 4. Tourism 12,000,000 26,000,000 117% 5. Seafood Industry 8,000,,000 13,000,000 63% SOURCE: Onslow County Economic Development Commission As revealed by the data, Camp Lejeune is by far the largest employer in Onslow County. The largest jtLmp percentage-wise is the county's growing tourism industry. -14- Retail Sales A good example of a healthy economy is one that has a continous rise in retail sales.. TABLE 15 RETAIL SALES IN JACKSONVILLE Ek ONSLOW COUNTY- 1969-1979 % OF TOTAL ONSLOW YEAR 0ACKSONVILLE %INCREASE COUNTY SALES OWSLOW COUNTY MINCREASE .1969 97,936,087 76% 126,492,600 J970 ...... 105,980,11 S... a % - .77% 138,717,657 ...10% 1971 100,640,669 3% 73% 14 7, 325,2 04 6% J972.. .. .122,344,924. 13%. 74 %. .167,139,528. -:13. % .19T3 140.4 76,403 15% 73% 194,066,57 4 16% .1974 ..... 149,6 22,399. .7%. 70% ....... V3,290,728 . . . . . . . 10% J975 160,133,124 7% 69% 232,299,799 8% )9T6 . .',176,974.662. 12% . 69% . .261,858,203. .13% 1977 196,284,346 10% 69% 285,192.0 1 1 9% 1976. 210,103,409, .7% . . . . . . . !ST %. 31 1,938,794. 9% 1979 224,4 59,502 7% 66% 337,73 5,974 SOURCE: ONSLOW COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, DECEMBER, 1980. As shown by the previous table, Onslow County's retail sales have grown steadily, highlighted by a 16% increase between 1972 and 1973. Over the entire decade retail sales increased 143%'. Jacksonville's portion of Onslow County's retail sales dipped gradually,. .showing a trend to locate retailestablishments outside the city limits. What @egan the decade as 77% of the entire county's Iretail sales dropped to 66% by 1979. This figure will probably jump dramatically in 'the early 1980's due to Jacksonville's recent annexation which included Brynn Marr Shopping Center, most of the businesses along Western Boulevard and the site for the new mall which is due to open in late 1981. -15- Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base occupies approximately 166 square miles in the southeastern portion of Onslow County, or approximately 22% of the county's land area. The base, since it is under no county or municipal jurisdiction, is controlled competely by the military. With 33,305 military personnel stationed at Camp Lejeune and living on base, plus throughout the county and neighboring counties, the'econoTTfic impact is very broad and far-reaching. In 1980, 22,549 dependents of military personnel also lived in or near Onslow County. Over 4,000 civil service workers from a multi-countv area commuted to' Camp Lejeune daily to work.' Over 1,500 non-civil service workers communted to work daily on various base construction projects at the base. With an annual payroll now exceeding $355 million, the effect of Camp Lejeune on the entire region is obvious. It is estimated that the government spent $60 million for goods and services at Camp Lejeune in 1980, much of that locally. Camp Lejeune is a city itself. It supplies all of its own power and community facilities. Most living requirements can be purchased directly from'the-commissary or the post exchange which this past year (1980) had combined retail sales of over $67 million. Along with the population at Camp Lejeune come many vehicles. In addition to more than 55,000 registered vehicles in Onslow County, we must plan on over 21,000 unregistered--vehicles (out of state and military vehicles) to get the entire traffic pic tu re. A potential major asset to the county is the 300 - 400 trained .personnel discharged each month from Camp Lej6une. These people are mainly a untapped resource to attract new industry into the county. Matching their skills to the interested industry will be a big job in the future. -16- INDUSTRY Onslow County is just beginning to attract thellarge number of good industries it is capable of supporting. The table below gives a breakdown of industries which have moved to Onslow County. TABLE 16 INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1941 - 1980 Product Total 1941 1965 Manuf actured Emplo@Tment Camp Lejeune ------ Daily News Newspaper 82 Thompson Sign Co. Signs 20 1966 - 1970 Carolina Meat Processors Bacon 500 Weyerhaeuser Plywood 250 Martin-Marietta Aggregates Marl 22 Richlands Textile, Inc. Ladies Blouses 250 Swansboro Garment Co. Clothing 300 Del-Mar, Inc. Clothing 300 Maysville Fashions Clothing 150 Barrus Construction.Co. Paving 40 1971 - 1975 Carter's Packing Co. Beef, Pork 20 Uniflite Yachts 250 Holly Ridge Foods, Inc. Frozen Pastries 30 Progressive Services Co. Cutting Dies 50 Alton Box Board Co. Paper Tubes 100 1976 - 1980 Stanadyne, Inc. Fuel Injection,Equipment 625 Belle-Dream, Inc. Lingerie 100 Mine Safety Appliance Co. Gas Masks, etc. 100 Atlantic Industries Men's Shirts 100 -17- TABLE 16 INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1941 1980 Product Total Other Industries Manufactured Employment Food Industries (total) Seafood Processing 400 As this table shows, most new industries have moved into Onslow County since 1966. However, if Camp Lejeune is considered an industry, it is by far the largest industrial employer and probably will remain SO. The Onslow County Economic Development Commission continues to, seek quality.industries to move to Onslow County. Agriculture Agriculture has always represented a large portion of Onslow County's economy. It contains the third largest payroll among county employers ($28 million) and supplies provide many full'or part-time jobs. Richlands, White oak and Stump Sound Townships are the primary agricultural areas. Tobacco, is the largest money crop. Gross farm income from the major crops_- tobacco, corn, and soygeans has-remained fairly stable as the following indicates. TABLE 17 GROSS FARM INCOME - ONSLOW COUNTY (IN MILLIONS) YEAR CROP LIVESTOCK TqTAL INCLUDES GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS, EXCEPT ISTO 1978 17.4 4.7 22.1 1977 15.7 3.6 18.8 1976 16.2 .3.6 .19.8 1975 18.5 2.9 21.5 19 74 16.81 2.1 19.0 1973 14.4 3.2 17.8 1972 10.5 1.4 12.3 1971 8.3 1.8 12.7 1970. 10.1 1.2 16.2 1969 9.0 3.1 17.5 1968 .7.8 2.5 15.1 1967 8.9 2.5 15.5 1966. .8.6 2.2 .14.0 1965 7.1 2.3 12.5 1964. .8.7 1.5 15.2 1963 8,9 3.2 13.6 1962. .7.0 3.7 11.9 SOURCE: Onslow County Community Resource . Development Committee, 1962-71 North Carolina Crop 8, Livestock Repor.ting Service (1972-78) _19- other farming areas showing increased income over the last years are farm forestry, greenhouse and nursery, and grains. Livestock products such as hogs, cattle, poultry and eggs have increased farming incomes also. This may fluctuate, however, as the price per pound rises and falls. The total amount of acreage in farmland dropped over 28,000 acres from 1951 to 1978, or approximately 16%. This is a significant amount of land. However, acres of harvested cropland increased during the 1970's.after slumping badly during the 1960's. This may be a sign of resurgence in the agricultural sector. TABLE 18 CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL FACTORS IN ONSLOW COUNTY 1951-1978 YEAR ACRES OF ALL LAND PEOPLE ON FARM PEOPLE. WHO WORKED ACRES OF IIN FARMS A TRACTS a 100 DAYS OR MORE HARVESTED OFF FARM CROPLAND 1978. 150,000 .42,596 150,718 1976 46,183 1974 ....... 153,380. 44,147 1973 163,585 _X_ 43,535 1972. 161,040- * . . . . . .. .. .* - .. . . . . _ .45 548 .1971 160,438 6,464 12617 33:797 1969... 161,419 - .7,099. 1,578 . 35,666 1968 164,556 7,501 1,566 36,994 1967- 165,580. 7,410- 1,547 36,594 1966 165,469 8,038 1,651 35,356 1965- .166,909 .8,346 .1,659 35,685 1964 168,426 9,266 1,485 35,285 1962- .170,796 .10,437. .1,665 36,369 1961 173,035 10,477 1,800 46,052 1951.. 178,778. .10,800. .49,042 .A Approximately. .9 A tract is defined as 10 acres or more. )(Not included in census. SOURCE: North . Carolina Dept. of Agriculture, Onslow Co. Annual Land Utilization and Crop Acreages, 1974 19.78 Census of -Agriculture, U.S. Dept. of Commerce. The decline in farm population does not represent a decline in the importance of the agricultural sector of Ornslow.County's economy but rather a change in farming methods and equipment. The tenant farmer is b6ing replaced by larger farms with larger equipment. This -20- accounts in part for the large number of people who work 100 days or more off of the farm. Most farms in Onslow County are family owned (86%, as compared to partnerships (10%) a family-held corporations (22%) and other types (2%). The total number of farms decreased from 871 to 740 in the 1974-1978 time frame, or a loss of 15%. This increases the size of the average farm from 67 acres in 1950 to 95 acres in 1974 to 115 acres in 1978. Travel and Tourism Travel and tourism expenditures increased by 43% in Onslow County between 1975 and 1979 as compared to the entire state which increased by 93%. As-a result, Onslow Countyls share of travel and tourism expenditures statewide dropped from 1.37% to .97%. TABLE19 ESTIMATED TRAVEL AND TOURISM EXPENDITURES OF SURROUNDING COUNTIES % OF STATEWIDE % OF STATEWIDE 1975 STAT E TOTAL RANK 197.9 STATE TOTAL RANK CARTERET 9,714,000 .89 25 $6116531000 2.93 10 JON ES 6631000 .06 91 1181000 .01 95 DUPLIN 2,776,000 .25 63 1,498,000 .07 75 PENDER 11622?000 .15 77 512641000 .25 55 CRAVEN 816151000 .79 34 14,213,000 .68 33 NEW HANOVER 3312701000 3.05 7 8670337000 4.08 7 ONSLOW 1419831000 1 1.37 1 15 1 $20,493,0001 .97 1 22 Source: N. C. Department of Com. merce Hammock Beach State Park is located on the coast near Swansboro and is accessible.only-by ferry. Attendance at the park has increased from 20,085 in 1976 -to 29,029 in 1980 (45%). -21- Seafood Industry The seafood industry in Onslow County has experienced a very good overall growth rate over the past several years., This is indicated by the tab le on the following page. The large increases from 1975 to 1979 are partially due to better reporting of catches. However, more seafood is being caught by Onslow fishermen now than in most of the recent years. Most seafood caught by Onslow County's commercial fishermen is sent out of the county for processing. This is a weakness in the seafood industry that should be rectified by Onslow County actively seeking this type of industry. Onslow County in 1979 ranked fifth statewide in the dockside value of seafood landings,up from sixth place in 1975 and seventh place in 1972. Sneads Ferry and Swansboro continue to be the main ports for commercial fishermen despite the need for'dredging work in the New River and White Oak areas. -22- TA B L E 2-Q- COMMERCIAL FISHING CATCHES 1975 a 1979 TYPE 1975 1979 1975 19,79 POUNDS POUNDS DOCKSIDE DOCKSIDE VALUE VALI)k BLUEFISH 5,300 1 1 5,200 526 19@369 BUTTERFISH 300 .76 CROAKER 49,700 344,500 4,619 69,373 DRUM BLACK) ..2,000 ..138 EELS 31,000 27,700 FLOUNDER -164,700 846,200 54,100 .445,806 GROUPER 100 5,.300 15,000 4,631 KING WHITING ..40,800 .5,400 5,757 .927 MULLET 283,500 142,900 29,802 26,808 PIGFISH 300 ...34 SCUP / PORGY 2,000 7,500 466 5,459 SEA BASS. 129,400 .68,400 51,807 ..53,477 SEA TROUT, gray 62,800 325,400 6,748 69,312 SEA TROUT, spotted 15,600 5,648, . SHEEPSHEAD 200 9 SNAPPER 5,800 28,900 .3,857 43,578 SPANISH MACKERAL .3,400 503 SPOT .98,800 ...186,900 .11,520 .38,304 STRIPED BASS 4,200 3,591 CRABS, BLUE, HARD .160,400 .291,100 18,939 48,335 SHRIMP 597,100- 724,500 546,297 1,295,415 CLAMS .113,300 261,400 .88,729 .774,211 OYSTERS, PUBLIC, SPRING 7,700 24,000 5,978 38,572 OYSTERS, PUBLIC, FALL 4,600 50,400 .3,888 .86,549 OYSTERS, PRIVATE, SPRING 3,300 4,100 2,562 6,905 OYSTERS, PRIVATE, FA LL...- .4,900. .8,479 SQUID 2,100 200 1 287 59 T 0 T A L 1,762,900 3,472,700 s42,229 3,066,936 SOURCE: -N. C. DIVISION OF MARI NE FISHERIES -23- EXISTING LAND USE Approximately 4% of the land in Onslow County is developed (used for commercial, residential, industrial or recreational purposes). The remainder of the county is divided among Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base - 22%, Hofmann Forest - 11%, privately owned forest land - 42%, agricultural - 13%, and water and marsh - 8%. Total farm land is declining at a very gradual pace with farms being combined or used for purposes other than farming. Most of the forest land is owned by commercial.foresters such as Weyerhauser and International Paper. Hofmann Forest is.owned by North Carolina State University and contains agricultural.as well as' forest lands. It is not available for development. According to the Neuse.River Council of Governments, in 1979 Onslow County contained .29,996 housing units, of which 3,133 were substandard.(11%). This includes mobile homes and base single family housing. Residential use is densely developed around Jacksonville. This is especially tru6...in the Southwest community, along Piney Green Road, along G.um"Branch-R6ad, and in other areas such as.the Sneads Ferry community, the 'Qu.eents Creek area and along U. S. 258. Second home development at West-Onslow-Beach has attracted many people since 1965. A recent survey,bf*tbat.area showed that permanent residents owned less that 7% of.the total housing stock. Many of these homes are mobile-homes. However, condominiums are being sold more recently at a faster pace than'e Iver before. Approximately 60 were built and sold in 1980, signaling A. new trend in building. New subdivisions.have been minimal since the adoption of county subdivision regulations@in 1979. This is due to exemptions.granted to 25 new subdivisions Which'were in the planning stage when the ordinance .was passed. 'New projects and plans.are now filtering in at a faster pace, possibly due to developers looking for newer sites and due to falling rates of interest.. -24- Industry is located mainly in and around Jacksonville, although there is some industry elsewhere in the county (Uniflite - near Swansboro, Carolina Meat Processors - Holly Ridge, Richlands Textile - Richlands). Commercial areas are located mostly within municipal boundaries. However, strip commercial development has occurred in large amounts along U. S. 17, U. S. 258 and N. C. 24 near Jacksonville and along N. C. 24 near Swansboro. These are the heaviest traveled traffic arteries in Onslow County. Water and marsh cover 8% of the total acreage of Onslow County. Approximately 26 miles of oceanfront Also is in the county. Of this total, 11 miles are in Camp Lejeune, 12 miles are in Onslow County's jurisdiction (West Onslow Beach), and 3 miles Are in Hammock Beach State Park. West Onslow Beach fronts on 13 miles of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway on its mainland side and also possesses the greatest flexibility for civilian access to the ocean. West Onslow Beach is part of Topsail Island, one of the many barrier islands along the North Carolina coastline. It is subject to tremendous development pressures and will likely-experience many land use changes in the next decade. It is.for this'l,reason that.Onsloi4 County government is seeking land at West Onslow Beaclf,to.-provide'-for future public access. A $56,000 grant application has been made to the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service to develop 7 a -cres the county already owns. Other potential park sites on the northeast end of the beach are also being reviewed. A Beach Access Study, conducted by John-J. Hooten and Associates in 1979, is being imp@iemented on a gradual basis. In addition, the Onslow County Subdivision Regulations requir e the dedication of a public pedestrian easement for each 600 feet of oceanfront subdivision. Using data from the 1976 Land Use Plan supplemented by a windshield survey, an existing land use inventory has been conducted. The results are as follows: @-25- TABLE 21 EXISTING LAND USES- WEST ONSLOW BEACH USE 1976 ACREAGE % OF TOTAL 1981 ACREAGE % OF TOTAL RESIDENTIAL 15'5.2 4.7 216.4 6.6 COMMERCIAL 26.0 0.7 36.9 1.1 UNDEVELOPED a % 749.0 22.7 676.9 20.7 WETLANDS 11788.5 54.4 11788.5 54.4 BEACHES 564.3 17.2 564.3 L7.2 3,283.0 100.0% 3,283.0 100.0% Churches and schools are dispersed throughout the county occupying, only a small percentage of the total acreage. onslow County has 15% of its land area used for agricultural pursuits. This figure does not include the commercial forest lands. Farm land is predominant in the Richlands area, the T.,Thite Oak area, the Sneads Ferry area and scattered throughout the remainder of the county. TABLE 22 1981 EXISTING LAND USES ONSLOW COUNTY -ACREAGE. % AGRICULTURE (CULTIVATED)-. ..42,596. -.8-80 INDUSTRY 600', (1 . . . . . . . . 113,726 COMMERCIAL FORESTRY. .23.51 CAMP LEJEUNE 108,480 22.42 INCORPORATED AREAS- - 8,095 1.67 HOFMANN FOREST 53,696 11.10 COMMERCIAL 561 -(I RESIDENTIAL 6,170 1.28 WATER a MARSH F . ORES'T`S_ 36 864- .7. 6 PRIVATE 8; OTHER 96 002 19.84 RECREATION LAND (PUBLIC)- - 1,050. NON-FARM 16,000- 3.31 URBAN 8i RURAL 483,840 100% Sources: t of Onslow County Agriculture: Land Utilization and Crop Repor Industry, Economic Development commission Camp Lejeune, onslow Countv Statistical Summary 1968 Forest Private;Forest Statistics for Southern Coastal Plains other Forest: U.S. Forest Service _26- Significant Land Use Compatibility Problems and Unplanned Development A large number of land use compatibility problems exist today in Onslow County and there is potential for many more. Strip commercial development along U. S. 17, U. S. 258 and N. C. 24 contributes to traffic problems daily, especially during the morning and evening "rush hours". This problem is compounded by the intermingling of residential property along these traffic arteries. With this strip development occurring, speed limits become reduced, turning traffic becomes a problem, and the utility of the highways is decreased. County subdivision regulations adopted in 1979 will help cut down on strip residential development. Zoning could help control strip commercial development but zoning is implemented by the county only at West Onslow Beach. Overall traffic volumes, as shown on the map on the next page,'have been increasing along major arteries within several miles of the city of Jacksonville while decreasing the farther one travels away from Jacksonville. This suggests that traffic problems related to strip development near Jacksonville will continue to increase unless appropriate measures are taken. The.presence of,firm regulations, as prescribed by the Coastal Resources Commission, related to building in estuarine and ocean erodible areas has proven to be a great help to each entity. Homes are set back properly and estuaries are protected. However, the lack of clear-cut regulations in inlet hazard areas could create problems in the future. Scientific data related to the migra tion of each. inlet along the coast should be used to determine the type and density of future development in these are as. The problem with malfunctioning septic tanks in poor soils has caused additional problems to develop. Along the coast they have been one of the culprits in polluting valable shellfish areas. Their odor also creates problems for the property owner as well as neighbors. The amended septic tank regulations which came into effect in 1977 (Laws and Rules for Ground Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems of 3,000 Gallons on Less Design Capacity) -27- A, I, F 0 a f c a 0 :A -4 ;TIC) 4700 ONSLOW COUNTY - NORTH CAROLINA 0 o',-- 7000 0 _5600 00 0 1800.@ /00 6- 16 140 7-- -136,00 (100 0-- 0 PS BASE :NE p&ARINE COR 17700 _,700 k- 2809 5800 CKSONVILLE L - -- 3900 j7' 7:- __3800 39700 4 0 lel I 'Ej, ... .... .... 81,00 2 600 4- 0 .4.600 '1 71 550 - 140 0 0@7 0 0 Al 4200 p A, po HOLLY RIDGE -28- 0 2 have prevented many of these types of failures from occurring on newly developed lots. In older subdivisions, adequate land may not be available for the installation of a second or third system. This m,aV put pressure on municipalities and the county to service these areas, causing random extension of utilities and increasing the possibilities of urban sprawl. Land use problems that have been corrected to some degree are the need for good water in many areas and the need for adequate public access at West Onslow Beach. The county water system, n6w under construction, will provide water to many residents who had poor water previously due to a number of reasons (shallow wells, heavy mineral content, etc.). As for beach access, all new subdivisions at West Onslow Beach shall provide at least one 10 foot pedestrian easement for each 600 feet of ocean frontage. The easements will be dedicated to Onslow County. Onslow County is also working on two potential park sites at the beach in its ongoing effort* to provide public access. Potential problems which maV create some concern in the future should also be reviewed. Development around airports has created difficult situations in many localities across the country. In preparation for what may happen around Albert J. Ellis Airport in Onslow County, the county is undertaking a Land Use and Noise Analysis with the help of the Federal Aviation Administration.' This-study will make recommendations as to how Onslow County can effectively deal with any new development in the vicinity of the airport. Development pressure on the ecosystem of Onslow County should also be monitored closely (see Environmental Effects of Potential Development Act ivities in Coastal Onslow County, 1980). As development spreads to areas that were previously used for other purposes compatibility problems could occur between urban uses and rural farm operations. Stricter land use regulations should be considered if this type of conflict continues to occur. Development pressures will continue to be great at West Onslow Beach. To serve this future development, a "201" Facilities@Plnn was designed -29- have prevented many of these types of failures from occurring on newly developed lots. In older subdivisions, adequate land may not be available ,for the installation of a second or third system. This may Dut pressure on municipalities and the county to service these areas, causing random extension of utilities and increasing the possibilities of urban sprawl. Land use problems that have been corrected to some degree are the need for good water in many areas and the need for adequate public access at West Onslow Beach. The county water system, now under construction, will provide water to many residents who had poor water previously due to a number of reasons (shallow wells, heavy mineral content, etc.). As for beach access, all new subdivisions at West Onslow Beach.shall provide at least one 10 foot pedestrian easement for each 600 feet of ocean frontage. The easements will be dedicated to Onslow Count y. Onslow County 'is also working on two potential park sites at the beach in its ongoing effort' to provide public access. Potential problems which inav create some concern in the future should also be reviewed. Development around airports has created difficult situations in many localities across the country. t n preparation for what may happen around Albert J. Ellis Airport in Onslow County, the county is undertaking a-Land Use and Noise Analysis with the help of the Federal Aviation AdministratioTt. This study will mak e recommendations as to how Onslow County can effectively deal with any new development in the vicinity of the airport. Development pressure on the ecosystem of Onslow Coun ty should also be monitored closely (see Environmental Effects of Potential Development Ac-tivities in Coastal Onslow County, 1980). As development spreads to areas that were previously used for other purposes compatibility problems could occur between urban uses,and rural farm operations. Stricter land use regulations should be considered if this type of conflict continues to occur. Development pressures will continue to be great at West Onslow Beach. To serve this future development, a "201" Facilities Plan was designed -29- (also serving Surf City, Topsail Beach, and a small part of Pender County) with Onslow County serving as the lead agency.! The planning area had a 1980 permanent population of 820 and a--peak seasonal population of 19,950 (1980 estimate). None of the planning area is presently served by a central sewer system. Several scientific studies have revealed that significant water quality problems exist in this 201 area, mostly related to septic tank seepage, rapid percolation and a high water table. This situation has resulted in the closure of large areas to shellfishing. With a great deal of growth projected for West Onslow Beach (see Seasonal Population), the degredation of ground and surface waters will continue. With 'the regional wastewater management system designed by Henry Von Oesen and Associates, Inc. at a cost of approximately $15 million (1979 dollars), water quality will greatly improve. This project, along with others, is being delayed by the U. S.. Environmental Protection Agency which is reviewing i. ts impact on the barrier island. With or withour implementing this 201 plan, development will continue to occur, even in high densities. See the North Topsail Shores development at New River Inlet as a good example because on-site waste disposal was used.- The only effective long term answer for existing and future homes, however, is implementing thi:s 201 plan and, thus, preserving water quality. Areas Likely to Experience Change in Predominant Land Uses. A few areas of Onslow County stand out as most likely to experience change in predominant 1and uses. They include: undeveloped portions of West Onslow Beach' areas adjacent to U. S. 258 from Jacksonville to the Airport Road (SR 1001);,.land in the vicinity of Albert J. Ellis Airport; areas adjacent to Gum Branch Road (SR 1308) from Jacksonville toward Richlands for a distance of approximately five miles; land adjacent to and in the vicinity of Piney Green Road; the Southwest community; land just south and north of Richlands; and land adjacent to or near N. C. 24 west of -30- of Sw ansboro. With the beach as an exception, this land is presently in timber or is used for farming. -31- PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT High water table, especially in the eastern portions of Onslow County, makes the use of land difficult at times. Level terrain offers builders little help in efforts to drain water away from development sites. Some drainage work has taken place along the coast to make property usable and control mosquitos. However, adverse side effects have taken place or could take place in many -instances, such as: causing an influx of fresh water into salt water estuaries, stunting the growth of species that live there; or allowing pesticides and fertilizers to flow with the fresh water into nursery areas, causing eutrophication, siltation and poisoning of those areas. Hazard Areas Flood hazard is something many coastal communities must deal with. In addition to Jacksonville and Swansboro being located adjacent to large bodies of water, the Queen's Creek area plus Sneads Ferry and West Onslow Beach are communities that must contend with flooding in the future. At-the present time Cinslow County is in the'emergencv.phase of the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Existing preliminary maps are not accurate enough to be very useful. They also do not show flood elevations. Final maps, produced under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be-available in 1982. The impact of these flood hazard areas on future development can be better assessed when th ese maps are available. Shoreline erosion data, prepared by the Office of Coastal Management, shows that the oceanfront of Onslow County is eroding at a very gradual pace when compared to many other counties and municipalities. The thirty year long-term annual erosion rates vary from 60 to 76 feet. These figures are averages, however, and should not hide the potential dangers of building on the oceanfront. -32- At West Onslow Beach a problem has developed whereby property owners have had land rendered unbuilable because of CAMA setbacks from the ocean and/or zoning setbacks from roads. A policy has been adopted by the state to allow some types of development on this land. However, the value of the property in many cases has been lessened. Onslow County should adopt a policy of lowering the value of the property somewhat for tax purposes if a variance is not justified or a reasonable use cannot be made of the property. The only'inlet subject to development pressures is New River Inlet. .The inlet is presently migrating southwest, creating a "spit" .(a finger of land projec.ting partially across the mouth of@the inlet) on the Camp Lejeune side of the inlet. Although no existing scientific.data is available to prove it, local-property owners feel the present dredging practices in the inlet are accentuating erosion on the southwest side which, according to recent estimates, may reach more than 20 feet per year. Several alternatives are available; (1) limit,-.development in this hazardous area; (2) allow stabilization procedures t o be implemented along eroding portions of the inlets shoreline; or (3) dredge the inlet in a manner which will not accentuate erosion on the southwest shore (if the existing dredging is indeed a problem). The only other area of Onslow County that appears. to have an erosion problem is part of the shoreline along the New River in Camp Lejeune. Cliffs-10 20 feet high have formed due mainly to,wave action against the sandy loamy shoreline. Soil Limitations Onslow County contains three different soil groups with distinct horizonsor layers. The first group includes the Norfolk, St. Lucie, and Lakewood soils. These soils are probably the most thoroughly weathered and best drained soils in the entire county. The next group is the Dunbar, Coxville, Bladen soils. They have,3 distinct horizons: (1) a gray to dark gray surface layer; (2) a light gray to yellowish-gray subsurface; and (3) a tough, mottled and sometimes plastic subsoil layer. Because of this plastic subsoil layer, drainage in this group is often poor. _33- The last group is the St. Johns, Onslow, and Leon group. These soils are characterized by a distinct "hardpan" layer of blackish-brown sand cemented together by organic matter. This hardpan results in poor drainage. (See Environmental Effects of Potential Development Activities in Coastal Onslow County). Onslow County's soil survey is being done by.the U. S. Soil Conservation Service. However, it is not scheduled for completion until 1983. The importance of building an good soil cannot be stressed enough. Building foundations on soils that lack strength.or have shrink-swell potential can cause cracks or major structural damage. The location of sanitation systems on individual lots is greatly affected by soil types. The North Carolina Administrative Code, Section .1900, is very specific about soil characteristics suitable for placement of sewage disposal systems. Each building lot is inspected by a county sanitarian and soil borings are made. The soil texture, structure, depth and drainage are assessed in determining suitability. Poor soil types for buildings and septic systems are not limited to one area of the county but are scattered throughout. Hardpan is also"a problem in many areas, especially in and around Holly Ridge, Dixon and Hubert. High water table cannot be narrowed to any one area,of Onslow County either. As an example, many sandy soils, have no problern but many loamy soils have %a dark gray color indicating a water table problem. These two soil types occur in every township. In general, the.best soil types that have the least number of complications tend to be in Richlands and Swansboro Townships. Modified septic systems are being used more in Onslow County as they are across the state. They are installed to overcome specific handicaps, with high water table the main problem. Soil types that show the greatest hazard for building are in the severe category: Portsmouth Torhunta, Johnston Bibbs, and Ponzer-- Pamlico soils. In addition to the severe limitations category, the poorly drained soils of the county include the moderate limitations category. This category includes the soils of the Craven-Lenior, Tidal Marsh, Coastal. Beach, Rains Lynchburg-Goldsboro, Leo-Lynnhaven and Onslow-Lumbee types. -34- The following are Onslow County areas, their soil classification, and relationship to septic systems. Swansboro Township Majority area: Onslow-Lumbee, Leon-Lynnhaven, Coastal Beach (Moderate Limitations), 'Tidal Marsh (Severe Limitations) small area north of Oueens Creek, Johnston-Bibb (Severe Limitations) small area at Bear Creek, and Ponzer-Pamlico (Severe Limitations). White Oak Township Majority area: Craven-Lenior and Onslow (Moderate Limitations) north boundary and central portions,and Johnston-Bibb (Severe Limitations) SneadsFerry Leon-Lynnhaven, Onslow-Lumbee, Coastal Beach (Moderate Limitations), Kenansville-Dragston (No Severe Limitations); Low marsh areas, Johnston- Bill; (Central and North Central Area Severe Limitations). Stump Sound Central area: Ponzer-Pamlico (Severe Limitations) includes low swamp areas, Kenansville-Dragston: (No Severe Limitations). Richlands Area Majority area: Rains Lynchburg Goldsboro (No Severe Limitations), Airport area; Kenansville, Dragston (Slight Limitations); Intermingled areas, Johnston-Bibb (Severe Limitations) and Kenansville-Dragsto.n (Slight Limitations). The generalized soil map along with the limitations chart provide a ready reference to soils in Onslow County; however, for more specific detail, the Soil Surver, of Onslow County, North Carolina, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils, 1923, should be consulted. This report is available through the Onslow County Farm Agent's Office on College Street. Airport Hazard It is important that Albert J. Ellis Airport can maintain or expand its size and level of operations to satisfy aviation needs. The protection of the public investment in a facility for which there may be no future replacement should also be considered. Equally important are those people _35- ............ ;N17 ONSLOW COUNTY :NORTH' CAROLI NA IN -36- Af who live, work or own property near the airport and their freedom from noise and other adverse impacts of the airport. With a small amount of deve lopment encroaching into the vicinity of the airport, the time is right to review alternatives which would protect both the airport and its neighbors. A planning group has been organized to conduct a Land Use and Noise Compatibility Study for the airport. Members of the group include the County Planning Director, Airport Manager, Airport Engineers, members of the County Planning Boa rd and Airport Commission, members of the aviation community, and other interested parties. The study-will, indicate potential problems and will recommend measures that the county, the airport, pilots and local residents may take to prevent future compatibility problems between the airport.and its environs from occurring. It-is due for completion in December 1981. Steep Slopes With the exception of coastal sand dunes, steep slopes are not a problem in Onslow County. --37- Water Supply and Quality All of the water approved for human consumption in Onslow County comes from groundwater. Wells in Onslow County obtain their water from three aquifers - the surficial sands, the Peedc@(Cretaceous Sands):; and the Castle Hayne formation (tertiary limestone). Surficial sand covers the entire county to depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet. This layer supplies enough water for domestic purposes since the water table is within 15 feet of the surface countywide. The Peedee formation supplies well water in the northwest portion of the county. The Peedee's yield is shown by a well of the town of Richlands which is 535 feet deep and yields 500 GPM at a drawdown of about 80 feet. Except in the northwestern portion of the-county, salty water may be found in the lower part of the Peedee aquifer. The entire formation may contain salt water in the New River vicinity and.south of Jacksonville. The Castle Hayne aquifer (or tertiary limestone unit) supplies water to drilled wells south of U.S. 17. It thins out to the north but remains an important aquifer as far as Richlands. Much of the groundwater from this aquifer is discharged into the New River or in the Catherine Lake Vicinity. It's degree of consolidation and it's composition may vary greatly and open-end wells can be used almost everywhere. Permeability also varies with location. The surficial sands yield water that is soft and low in dissolved mineral matter. It usually contains dissolved carbon di.o-xide to render it corrosive. Peedee water is a soft, sodium bicarbonate generally suited to all uses. The tertiary limestone aquifer yields a hard, calcium bicarbonate and may contain high levels of iron. Problems occur on Topsail Island with the intrusion of brackish water into well water. To.alleviate this problem, Onslow County has included the beach area in its county water system. With the construction of a new water line to serve North Topsail Shores, tho %,.ounty water systm will serve the entire Onslow County portion ',')f ropsntt Isl,,@3nd. _38- I ONSLOW COUNTY NORTH C;AROLINA 0 13 ,f /::* .......... .......... 4 Min ... ... .... . . . . . . . . . . THE% GEOGRAPHICAL OF AQUIFERS USED WITHIN ONSLOW COUNTY DISTRIBUTION C 140 Y RIDGE -39- 0 As stated in Environmental Effects of Potential Development Activities in Coastal Onslow County, the use of water should be monitored closely. The tertiary limestone aquifer can provide 100,000 to 1,000,000 gallons per day over an area of one square mile. The cretaceous and sand aquifer can provide an estimated 50,000,gallons per day of groundwater. With one-half of this aquifer being brackish, it can still supply 15,000,000 GPD'(assuming an area of 300 square miles and a rate of discharge equal to the rate of recharge, not including possible induced recharges). Since wells are usually concentrated in one area, the possiblity that withdrawals will be in excess of natural recharge is a possibility. This results in continually expanded cones of depression.. Since well fields of Onslow County and Jacksonville are in the same general area, the levels of withdrawal should not exceed recharge. Consequences could be the lateral or even vertical movement of brackish water into.fresh water. Therefore, Onslow County and Jacksonville should work closely together,to prevent this type of problem. There are two cateaories of pollutants: point and non-point. Point sources, like sewage treatment plant discharges,are controlled by state and federal agencies and must conform to strict emission standards. With the help of recently completed 201 projects in Jacksonville and Swansboro, treated wastewater discharge from these two towns has improved. This cannot be said for Holly Ridge which has a malfunctionion sewage treatment plant and raw sewa ge being dumped into storm drains which lead to Khl,gs Creek and eventually, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Studies done by Marine Fisheries indicate,that high CDliform bacteria counts along the waterway can be partially attributed to the pollution of Kings Creek. Plans for a new sewage.treatment and collection facility at Holly Ridge should continue. Recent tests by UNC -- Wilmington indicate that points of discharge by Camp Lejeune into New River have very low coliform bacteria counts, indicating a high degree of treatment. Non-point sources, like urban and agricultural runoff, continue to be a cause of polluting our rivers and streams. Little can be done by Onslow County to .illeviate this problem other than to notify the appropriate state of fedr:r.--il :'igoncy if,a 0 problem is detected. Due to a high water table, water quz@Ii_ty in the yicinity of all landfills in Onslow County shoilld be clo!@(:!ly by Hie appropriate state and federal agencies. Septic tank seepage into,estuarine waters is widespread along the coast. This situation, along with runoff from livestock areas and urban developments, has created high coliform bacteria counts along-the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and in many parts of the New River. This is substantiated by recent findings of Marine Fisheries and UNC - Wilmington Possible solutions may include some form of central.sewage collection and treatment for developing areas such as Sneads Ferry and West Onslow Beach. The Topsail Island 201 Facilities Plan presently includes the developed portion of West Onslow Beach. Further design and construction of the project has been delayed while the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency conducts a new environmental impact study of 201 programs on barrier islands. The problem continues to get worse, more shellfish acreage is exposed to pollution, the cost of the project continues to rise, and funding for the project is jeaparized. HPA should release funds for this project immediately. Pesticides and nutrients are used extensively in agriculture and may, depending on conditions, be transported into streams. Pesticides are poisonous and can kill valuable organisms in these streams. Nutrients from fertilizers have the potential to speed up eutropbication and the growth of algae which depletes oxygen supplies. Nearly 80% of annual soil erosion in North Carolina comes,.from agricultural land. Some of.this is discharged into large'.rivers as sediment, adversely affecting aquatic life and reducing the carrying capacity of the water bodies. This may be one of several problems the White Oak River has been experiencing for some time. Other problems are also being reviewed at this time in phase one of a hydrology study of-the river. 1@ A ONSLOW COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA lb lax N THE PROBABLE DEPTH -600 BRACKISH GROUNDWATER fl TO .-500 How RIDG!, -42- FRAGILE AREAS There are a number of fragile areas throughout Onslow County which could easily be damaged by insensitive land development. These ar.eas include coastal wetlands, sand dunes, ocean beaches and shorelines, estuarine waters, public trust waters, complex natural areas and archeological sites. Coastal wetlands are defined as any salt marsh or other marsh subject to regular or occasional flooding by tides, including wind tides (whether or not the tide waters reach the marshland areas through natural or artificial watercourses), provided this shall not include hurricane or tropical storm tides. Salt marsh or other marsh shall be those areas upon which grow some, but not neccessarily all, of the following salt marsh and marsh species: Smooth or Salt Water Cordgrass (Spartina alt.erniflora): Black -7 Needlerush (Ju-ncus roLmerianus); Glasswort (Salicornia spp. Salt - Meadow Grass (Spartina Patens); Sea Lavender (Limonium spp.); Bulrushl(Scirpus_spp.); Saw Grass (Cladium Jamaicense; and Salt Weed Grass (Spartina cynosuroides)-. Included in this definition of wetlands is "any conti-uous land as the Secretary,. of NRCD reasonably deems necessary to affect by any such order in carrying out the purposes of this Section." (G.S. 113-23b(a)). Also see the Topsail-Surf City 201 Facilities Plan for other relevant data. Onslow County has Jurisdiction over several large wetland areas. The first extends from the Pender County line to and including a portion of wetlands 'along the New River not.incl6de d as part of Camp Lejeune. It is also,bounded on one side by Topsail Island and the other side by the mainland. Portions of other bodies of water like Beasleys Creek, Kings,Creek,.Mill Creek, Turl<ey Creek and Chadwick Bay also contain.wetland areas. Much of this. wetland area is accessible by road. -43- .The second wetland area-extends from the northeasteril border of Camp Lejeune to the Carteret County line. It includes the following area wetlands between the. mainland and the Atlantic Ocean; wetlands along Queens Creek and its tributaries; and the White Oak River as far inland as Grants Creek. With the exception of the areas around Queens Creek and Swansboro, much of t,his area is inaccessible except by boat. Vacation home developments are becoming popular in nccessible areas adjacent to these wetlands and could pose a threat in the foreseeable future. Much of the wetlands along the New River between Jacksonville and Sneads Perry is in Camp Lejeune and is underdeveloped. These wetlands along our coast serve as a cr,itical part of the ecosystem. Estuarine dependent species like fish and shellfish make up 01ver 90% of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch. Low tidal marsh also serves as the first line of defense against shoreline erosion by dissipating wave action. There are no known endangered species in-coastal wetlands. However, adjacent lands subject to development @Lre .-known to be the babital of the red-cockaded woodpecker which is endangered. Every possible effort will be made to preserve this species. Sand dunes are defined as ridges or mounds of wind-blown material, usually sand. They comprise a major portion of the outer banks,'which includes West Onslow -Beach, Onslow Beach, (Camp Lei,cune) , and Hammock Beach State Park. De velopment with inadequate design, construction or setback from the ocean may create problems with the diine's stability and in.crease the risk of damage t-o the development due to Nqiiid and water. 'Appropriate land uses shall be only those davelopmet-its that are set back adequately from the ocean to limit the risk of dama.ge and those additions to structures of secondary w1lich are unattached (ex. - gazebos, walkways, decks) and do not c'..nise irreversible damage. Development shall also be consistent with local regulations and regulations of the Office of Coastal Management. -44- Ocean beaches and shorelines are defined as land areas without vegetation@covering and consist of unconsolidated soil material that extends landward from mean low tide to a point where any one or combination of the following occur: (1) vegetation, or (2) a distinct change in predominant soil particle size, or (3) a change inslope or elevation which alters the physiographi.c land form. Sand deposits of ocean beaches and shorelines represent a dynamic zone which does not afford long-term protection for development. The nature of tidal action and the force of storms is such that they cause the beach areas to shift constantly. Littoral drift is a natural phenomenon whereby sand is removed from beaches by wave action and littoral currents and is deposited upon a different stretch of the beach; this action also shifts the line of high tide and low tide. Ocean beaches and shorelines are valuable for public and private recreation and are located within natural hazard areas. Thus, development within these dynamic zones may result in loss of property and possible loss of life. Such areas must be preserved to the greatest extent feasible with opportunity to enjoy the physical, aesthetic,-cultural and recreational qualities of the natural shorelines ofIthe State. Estuarine waters are defined as all water of the Atlantic Ocean within the boundary of North Carolina and all the waters of the bays, sounds, rivers and tributaries there to seaward of the dividing line between coastal fishing waters and-inland fishing waters, as set forth in an agreement adopted-by the@Wildlife Resources Commission and the Department of Conservation and Development filed with the Secretary of State entitled "Boundary Lines, North Carolina Commercial Fishing- In land Fishing waters, revised March 1, 1965" or as it may be subscquiE@ntly revised by the Legislature. These areas are among the most productive natural erivironments of North Carolina, for they not only support valuable commercial aad sports fishei-i-es, but are also utilized for commercial navigation, cecrcation, and aesthetic purposes. Species depeudent upon estuaries, such as manhaden, shrimp, flounder, oysters and c-rabs i,,gake up over 90 percent of the total value of North Carolina's commercial catch, and tlie..qe __45- species must spend all or some part of their life cycle in the estuary. The high level of commercial and sports fisheries and the ]esthetic appeal of coastal North Carolina are dependent upon the protection and sustained quality of our estuarine areas. (See the next page for estuarine bodies of water). Public trust waters are define-d as all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the lands therunder from the mean high water mark to the seaward limit of state jurisdiction, all natural,bodies of water subject to measurable lunar tides and lands thereunder to the mean high water mark, all navigable natural bodies of water and lands thereunder to mean high,water mark or ordinary high water mark, as the case may be, except privately owned lakes to which the public has no right of access, all waters in artificially created bodies of water in which exist' significant public fishing resources or other public resources,'which are accessible to the public by navigation from bodies of water in which the public has no rights of navigation, all waters in artificiallv created bodies of water in which the public has acquired rights by prescription, custom, usage, dedication or any other means. Included in public trust waters are areas such as waterways and lands under or flowed over by tidal waters or navigable waters, to which the public may have rights of access of public trust rights, and areas which the State of North Carolina may be authorized to 'preserve, conserve, or protect under Article XIV, Section 5. of the North Carolina Constitution. The Belgrade quarry is considered a unique geologic fooi)ation. It has been providing high quality limestone cons truc r ioa -i-ilaterial for .almost a quarter century. The 1-akes left as a by-product of this strip mining operation provide an excell(--it recreational resource, for they are abundant in fresh water fish and open to public enjoyment. The 'Belgrade quarry is not considered a fragile area and, therefore, should .not be designated as an Area of Environmental Concern. Within the county there are no known complex natural areas; that is areas sustaining remnant species, registered natural landmarks or historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As noted in the Onslow County Ar(_@heological Assessme-nt., tho-re are four --46- TABLE 23 Many commercial fi.shing waters also contain nursery areas for fish and shellfish. The following is a list of all estuarine fishing waters in Onslow County. 1. Beasleys Creek Below the Narrows. 2. Kings Creek. 3. Turkey Creek. 4. Mill Creek. 5. New River - Below U.S. 17 bridge in Jacksonville. 6. Wheeler Creek. 7. Everett Creek. 8. Stones Creek. 9. Muddy Creek. 10. Mill Creek. 11. Lewis Creek. 12. Southwest Creek Below Maple Hill Landing- 13. Freeman (Browns) Creek. 14. Bear Creek. 15. Queens Creek Below Raymond Frazier's Landing. -Parrotts Swamp. 17. White Oak River Below Stella. 18. Howard Creek. 19. Mill Pond Creek. 20. Webbs Creek -@ Below Railroad Brid@ye. 21. New River Inlet 22. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 23. Bouge Inlet -47- I A A I I A ONSLOW COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA IL 4L 1E).EuNE CORPS ILLE CKSO o V o p E HOW RIDGE -48- archeologically sensitive areas in the co6nty: (1) around the White Oak River, (2) Queens Creek, (3) Chadwick Bay, and (4) Topsail Island. The previously mentioned study will be used to determine the Value of any archeological sites prior to development in these areas. In addition, the N. C. Department of Cultural Resources will also be contacted for'its input. For more specific information about these sites, see the Onslow County Archeological Assessment. AREAS 14ITH Rj'SOT,JRCE POTENTIAL identification of areas with resource potential reflects the way in which these,valuable lands are being used. This includes lands being used for forestry, agriculture and recreation, plus potential peat resources and mineral deposits. Forestry Most of the commercial forest land is owned b y Weyerhaeuser and Tnternatio'nal Paper with several other companies owning small tracts. One unique facet of the forest industry in Onslow County is the extent. of forest land ownership by commercial forestry companies. Forest land ownership maps prepared by the North Carolina Office of Forest Resources, with the approval of the major companies, indicate that approximately 37% of all the land in Onslow County is owned by these users. of the 494,453 acres of land in Onslow County 377,046 acres are commercial forest, 300,094 acres are covered by pines, and 76,952 acres are covered by hardwoods. The Paper companies are utilizing the forests of the county well. There are 152,632 acres understocked; 129,165 acres adequately stocked and 95,249 acres of land stocked to capacitv. rA B L E -.Z-4- TIMEER VOLUMES ON�LOW COUNTY SAVITHABER GROWING STOCK THOUSAUS OF BOARD FEET THOUSAHOS OF CUBIC FEET ALL SPECIES 730,546 26ST098 PINE A 477,608 176,039 OTHER SOFT@A/OODS t3 25,837 61406 SOFT il-ARDWODDS C 140,971 571523 HARD HARDWOODS 28,(30 A LONGLEAF LOBLOLLY, POWD, SLASH, SH01-',,TLEAF a CYPHSS, EASTEIM 9FD CEDA1q, ATU104'fl-u Vf'HlTr CEDAR C BOXELDER, REDtWLE, KAMURY, LOSLOLLY ! Y, St?EF-T WAS BLACK GUM, T.UPELO GUM, YEI-LO,,'l POPLAR, COTTMV-1001), "YC4HOH, B LP-Cll' 1(C HRY, ELM r1,1,CH, @MliORY, HPSIii!,MN, A@H, HOLLY, 11LACK '.'.@AIJWT, ',@,`OLBERIIY, AU (1) P, X TH!S .@ATA ",'.',AS Ili T"iE !9'(S 1 'd![) 0E '.PLAN k@') H'A'S '110T BEU, UPDATED UY- I @IiE DIV. OF FO?REST Si"CE 1973- Productive Agricultural Lands By tradition, agricultural lands have played a major role in the county's economy. The farming regions are in the area around Richlands, within I-Thite Oak Township and, to a lesser degree, around Sneads Ferry. The big money crops are tobacco, corn and soybeans. Livestock also provides a major source of. income. Adjacent to the City of Jacksonville, some prime agricultural lands are being used for urban development. In the remaining portions of the county, the total acreage of cropland in cultivation has remained relatively stable. The actual number of farms is decreasing because of a trend of larger farm owners purchasing smaller farms and combining that acreage withprevious holdings The trend toward greater mechanization is partly responsible for this phenomenon. Soil information from the county soil survey is still not in.published form and provides little detailed information on soil quality. Potentially Valuable Mineral Sites The mineral resources found in Onslow County:.are classed as non-metallic. Along the coast and for several miles inland the land is made up almost entirely of unconsolidated sands and clays which are of little value commercially. Inland there are several formations which are of areater value as the sands in that location are useful for construction materials, especially for j--oad building. The limestone contains phosphate rock which makes it extremelv important as a source of agriculture lime, road and ai-r-port foundation material, and aggregates for concrete and cement blocks. There is a-limestone quarry at Belgrade, owned by the Martin Marietta Aggregates that mines limestone for use in construction. The State Department of Transportation also mines paving sand for state highways from Z@ several-borrow pits located throughout the county., Seven oil and gas prospecting wells have,been drilled in Onslow County, the deepest 1,570 feet, drilled in 1953,; the-shallowest 1,232 feet, drilled in 1960. There were eleven wells drilled in surrounding counties, (Carteret, Pender and Jones) with the deepest well in Cartei:c-@t County at 5,609 feet, all of which 7jc7@@re dry holes. E-@7011 though oil and gas have not been found, t1ae thickness and character of the sedimentary beds found along the coast make Onslow.County interesting for further research. Research should also be done in the Great Sandy Run Pocosin area of southern Onslow County to determine if peat is available for miningin the future. Peat is a material made kip of partially decomposed plant -material and inorganic minerals that have accumulated in a water-saturated environment over a period of time (also referred to as young coal). About 35,000 acres of the pocosin is owned by International Paper. According to a recent Research Triangle Institute study, North Carolina's coastal area contains peat reserves which could supply 24 -years of our state's annual energy consumption at 1976 rates. These reserves total about three billion tons of peat in coastal bogs and pocosins. In North Carolina the peat harvest-ing season is about nine months. Major items of significance about peat is its potential for generating electricity and its low particulate emissions when it is burned. Publicly Owned Lands There are three major publicly-owned tracts within the county, the largest being the U. S. Marine Corps bases at Camp Lejeune. This federally owned land accounts for approximately 20% of the county's total land and is riot open for,civilian use. Hofmann Forest, open to public recreational use, is the second largest publicly owned tract within the county. It is ow-ned by North Carolina State Uni-l'Tersity at)d is leased (-,o Champion Tifflber Coiiip aiay. The third major publicly-owned area within the county is Hammock Beach State Park. This park is de ,veloped as open-space recreation with picnicing areas, camping areas and swimming areas provided. Access to the-beach is via a passenger ferry which makes several round-trips daily. Much of the park is in its natural state. Other Recreation Areas At West Onslow Beach approximately 677 acres of privately owned land is undeveloped. Much of this is used by swimmers, sui)bathers and fishermen. However, as with most beaches developTDent is gradually taking place. Onslow County plan-, to provide public facilities 52- at the beach in several ways. Plans are being formulated to develop a seven acre county park in the Seahaven area, mainly to provide parking and restroom facilities. Other sites are also being considered. Wildlife Sanctuaries Privately owned or rented wildlife areas are shown on the following page. --53- E4GRADE H E OAK IMPO SITE ALBEMARLE PAPER CO., BEAR SANC. HUBE-RT BEAR GAMELAND CR 258 HELL AND PURGATORY 24 GAMELPQq RICHLAN S JAC SONVI LL 258 24 17 24 RHODESTOWN 53 PRIME WILDLIFE AREAS STUMP SOUND AND SANCTUARIES FIRE PREVENTION AND HUNTING CLUB ONSLOW. COUNTY PLANNING DEPT. 1981 53 -HOLLY RIDGE MAP 6 PENS 0 VV 17 FUTURE DEMANDS Population Projections According to recent trends, On slow County's population will continue to increase over the next ten years but at a slower pace than in the past. Projections given by the Nort@ Carolina Department of Administration for 1980 (121,653) were extremely optimistic in relation to the preliminary estimates by the Bureau of the Census (112,165)._ Therefore, their 1990 projection of 124,000 should actually be less. TABLE .25 Future Population Estimates 1980 1990 % Change Onslow County 112,165 120,017 6% Jacksonville Twp. 58,835. 61,534 5% Jacksonville City (22,000) (25,000) (14%) Swansboro TwP. 21,8,40 22,714 4% Swansboro Town (963) @(1,011) (5%) Stump Sound Twp. 5,933 6,348 7% Holly Ridge (457) (503) (10%) Richlands T@@,p. 8,178 8,914 9% Richlands Town (815) (905@ (11%) Whiite Oak Twp. 17,378 20,507 .18% *U.S. Bureau of the Census Preliminary Estimates A major constraint to growth in many areas will continue to be poor soils which create foundation and I septic tank problems. Install- ation of proposed sewage systems at Roll y Ridge and West Onslow Beach will help alleviate this problem. Much of th e projected growth in Onslow County will continue to be in the vicinity of the City of Jacksonville. Some of this growth will be within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city, while other growth must be regulated by county government. Subdivision review by the Onslow County*Planning "Dept. will assist in developing this area at adensity where septic tanks or private sewage systems can be used successfully. An important factor to consider i's the impact of the seasonal population on Onslow County's economy and public facilities. These visitors will grow in number"and will demand many of the same services provided for full-time residences. Much of the seasonal population will be located at West Onslow Beach. Listed below are population projections for that area. TABLE 26 POPU-LATION -PR.OiECTIONS FOR WEST ONSLOW BEACH Average. Peak MaxiMum Permanent Seasonal, Seasonal Population 1980 240 1,850 3,480 3,770 1935 465 3,515 6,612 7,770 1990 700 5,273 9,918 10,335 when compared to the 1976 Land Use Plan's estimates, these fiaures are somewhat smaller. However, the 1976 figures were based on a central sewage system being installed at West On.slow Beach by this time. At this point there is doubt that a central sewage system-. will be installed in the next five years due to present plans by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review and possibly cut back on barrier island 201 Wastewater Collection and Treatment projects., Onslow County w-ill continue to support this project and will work toward sc@tting up the Metropolitan Sewer District previotisly discussed 6 in conjunction with Surf City, Topsail-Beach'and a small portion of Pender County. The Swansboro and Sneads Ferry areas also have a small amount of seasonal population but not enough to justify addressing in great detail. According to the results of the questionnaire, in the Appendix, 27% of Onslow County's residents would like the county's population to remain the same, while 42% would like it to grow somewhat, or grow a great amount*. Onslow's growth rate over the 1970-1980 period was about 8%. Future Economy Economic conditions o f an area play a major role in the expansion or contraction of employment opportunities. Onslow County's economy is highly dependent on Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base, whether directly through employment opportunities on the base or indirectly through thr provision of goods and services in the civilian community, such as retail trade, housing, etc. All present-indicators show the military population has stabilized. Therefore, future employment increases must come from the provision of jobs in the civilian sector of the economy. Continued efforts to attract electronic firms,' seafood processing i-,,nd other industries should be successful. With increased financial pressures facingmiany families, the number of women seeking jobs should increase. Women presently up about 46% of the county labor force and-that figure is likely to increase. With PiAi--iy "mil itary wives" entering and leaving the local job narket, co-ITipetition. for the better paying jobs is very keen. -57-- TABLE-ZL CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRIAL BREAKDOWN 1970 ONSLOW COUNTY REGION P. TOTAL .18,970 ... 100 % .134,295 ..100% AGRICULTURE 1,090 5.7 19,210 12.1 NONAGRICULTURE. .17,880 :94.3 115,085 -87.9 MANUFACTUPING 1,340 7.1 24,575 19.4 CONSTRUCTION- ..620 3.3 . 6,180 TRADES a SERVICES- 5,980 31.5 31,315 23.5 TRANSPORTATION ei COMMUNICATION. 11090 5.8 .4,170 ..3.0 GOVERNMENT 6,835 36.0 29,395 20.1 ALL OTHER NON- MANUFACTURING. .2101,5 .10.6 ..19,450 15.4 SOURCE: Region, P Multi-County Statistical Data, May 1972 Neuse River Council of Government. TABLE 28 ESTtMATEO EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRIAL BREAKDOWN FOR 1975, 1979, 1990, 2000 FOR ONSLOW COUNTY 1975 1979 1990 2000' TOTAL. -22,710. 243099. 28,155. 32,450. .AGRICULTURE 990 728 400 236 NONAGRICULTURE 21,720. 2 3,371 . 27,7 55. 32,214 MiANUFACTURING 1,630 2,794 3,316 3,851 CONSTRUCTION. - .950 11303. .1,547. .1,796 TRADES a SERVICE 6@340 7,361 8,742 10,146 TRANSPORTATION COMMUNICATION a PUBLIC UTILItIES 920. 1,001. 1,189 1,380 GOVERNMENT 7,650 7,788 9)249 IO,T35 ALL OTHER NION-MANUFACTURING_ 2,840- 3,124. 3,710. .4,306 Increased industrial e-mplo),ment will in turn, ere-ate a )1eed for additional co-ifinunity f;icilities,.. plus additional land for residential, com.mefcial, industrial and recreational purposes. _58- COWUNITY FACILITIES An inventory of existing community facilities and their design capacities will assist in the assessment of future needs. Solid Waste Disposal The present approved county landfill for Onslow County is a 75 acre site just north of.Jacksonville near SR 1409.' The site serves all of Onslow Coun ty, including its four municipalities (except Camp Lejeune). The lease for the site expires in the near future, leaving thre'e 61te.rnatives: (1) negotiate a new long-term lease, (2) purchase the property, or (3) move to another site. .There is also a former landfill site in the Southwest community that was closed several years ago, plus a landfill at Camp Lejeune operated by the Marine Corps. Thirteen container sites have been placed strategically around the county to accomodate residents. All sites use forty cubic yard containers. The following table lists all sites and gross cubic yards of dumped waste at each site (non-compacted): TABLE 29 SOLID 11,@ASTE DU_J%fl?ED PER CONTAINER (in gross cubic yards) Coai_-;',.ii-.ier site 1979 1980 % cbange 1. Pump_klin (,enter 4828 2. Swansboro 7388 8098 9.6% 3. Silverdale 4310 3646 --15.4% 4. Hubert 8882 8573 -3.5% 5. Midway Park 14,916 14,112 -3.4% 6.. Georgetown 4,329 3,282 -24.2Z 7. Folksto-ne 10,575 9,999 -5 @ 8% 8_. Nine Mile 3,741 3,530 -5.6% 9. Verona 14,981 14,231 -5.0% 10. Catherine Lake 13,758 11,068 -19.6% 11* Richlands 7,758 6,760 -12.0% 12. Onslow Memorial Hospital:- - - - - - *_ . 3,485 13. W. Onslow Beach 3,554 Source: Onslow Cleati County Comi-,ii.ittee @@Infori@llation riot available -9 This solid waste is picked up by the County Solid Waste Department and transported to the landfill for dumping and compaction. Compaction can save up to 60% of the space required for solid waste. The city of Jacksonville is the largest user of landfill space, followed by independent haulers, Onslow County, commercial and construction sites, and private individuals. There are no immediate plans for expansion since the existing landfill has an expected life of about ten more years. Several new container sites are being considered. They include Belgrade, Sneads Ferry, a permanent site at West Onslow Beach, and another site near Richlands (to replace the existing site). County Schools Efforts have been made to assess the needs of county schools. This inclused an evaluation of existing schools, the need for new schools, and the possibility of combining schools. A document entitled Onslow County 1979-1980: School Survey Report was prepared by the Division of School Planning, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. It contains a thorough review of each school and brings to light many needs. The most pressing problems appear to be the age of some buildings, overcrowding at many schools, the lack of a cafeteria at two schools, inadequate size of media centers, and the lack of art centers at most schools. The table on the next page lists each school and its facilities. Water and Sewer All four municipalities in Onslow County operate water and sewer systems to various degrees. The City of Jacksonville is presently served by two well fields north of town for its water supply (plus one field in reserve). Total capacity of the system is 6.44 MGD, more than double an average day's useage. Water storage capacity totals 3.3 million gallons. The sewer system has just been updated through the Jacksonville 201 Facilities Plan to meet the city's need through 1995. The sewer plant presently handles an average of 4.46 MGD while having a peak capacity of 12.2 MGD. -61- 41 HOFMANN FOREST HOFMANN 0 FOREST @ITI --E 0 71 71 a G R E A s N D y R U T Y, N. C. COU 0 U'UT Y R 3 A 0 E c 0 f A I P"'. F_ R 1", s A M, D F- I L L L L 0 CAT 0 IN m A r C, m fn r'i r- M 7j M C4 co r, In ;14 cn @x. C@ cy, ml co ---j C'@ C, ul cn CD U, C:) CD r@ m 10 10 to @.o 1.:. 1-0 ID @o Lo 40 CD 'a C> 0. cr) C-@ U, U, U, 'n --i Q0 'Cl., ---J rO ul C> m ol M: Lo c, rl C'I cl, cn lp U. CD C., to oi r--" RK, c-, cn C, C7) tzi U, C@ -1 cx L, 4, Cl -r-. t cn a, SV (D C.4 CD m --4 m 41 -0 C, cla cn r-D @e C> C', m 43@X ro C.@ 41 f@ L4 Ml ro M) f" )" --, - w 'j, C3 @o 00 -,j --4 r"s W M W C@, im 'n (D C) ---W cu (D M CZ, --4 Lw (.n m --4 r,) J@ -4 cp CA O@ -P. m -4 to C@ C) cn CD " P. 4, N) M m r) m 00 (n G4 CD Cn C:, c-, C) a) 0 M 1> C@, m c, OD C- r.- 3, 31 3" r > m rn 3> 3> C) m C@ J> 3@ E0 C.@ F C-) F" rn ]> )> 3. X. 3> J> 3:. 3> )> --4 zo- @D -A. N -4 -4 C_n (A j@ Ln a, al -4 r. to r... .1@ " m to CD 'D m Ln -4 co cn co -C@ C3 --4 -4 CI -4 cr, ;IV I r C104 4 HOFMANN N FOR EST HOFMANN 041 FOREST 10-T 0 op 4"r @16 f 10 ILL 2 t .:@v G @E,I,T A N Y RUN 41X-z <; a i s L C, w Cl 0 U N, T Y, v-- Bell Fork E-lem 9 F@ a In 17 s 1"_ C, L, 0 0 m Z Blue Creek Elern 10 IN o r @'-r vi os !" (I r k 1 1 gh 3 Clyde Ervin Elr--fn 11 N', o r 1 o d ;",,j I- sk -i r b r, r 0 r 4 Dixon Ele m 12 Flicl"!7' -II"s rn if@51@cro k"liddle school 5 Dixon High 13 ',!):,h Jcc@scnville Jr 1,q 7 Jacksmville Sr L' R, !3 r -e@'5 I- r x, I c@ rJr 3 P', or , a n E 1 6 2 4 VI!o o d n Elcm 4-5 hil I e 0 ci k i I 3 The Town of Richlands is served by three wells providing 400 GPM, more than adequate water for the town's needs. Total water storage capacity is 400,000 gallons. The sewer system has a peak capacity of 300,000 GPD but the average daily use is only about 150,000 GPD. The Town of Holly Ridge is supplied water through only one well at 250 GPD. Should something happen to this well, all town residents would be without water-and firefighting capabilities would be severely limited. The answer to this problem is tying onto the county water system which is presently in the planning stage. Holly Ridge's present sewer system is old, inadequate and in need of repair. A rehabilitated system is presently in design phase and construction could start as early as 1982. This would relieve a terrible problem of sewage running into yards and storm sewers and eventually into Kings Creek. Kings Creek is documented as a prime source of high coliform bacteria counts, the criteria used to close shellfish areas. The Town of Swansboro is served by two wells which supply water at the rate of 300 GPM. Total water storage is 350,000 gallons. Because of recent funds obtained through their 201 Facilities Plan, old sewer lines have been rehabilitated and a new sewer plant has been constructed on the White Oak River. The old plant it replaced was a prime point source of pollution of the White Oak River. The new plant handles about 200,000 GPD on the average with a peak capacity of 500,000 GPD, adequate for the next 20 years. Onslow County is in the process of constructing a $16 million county water system. At the present time approximately 300 miles of pipeline. ranging in size from 2 to 14 inches, have been installed. The actual system is shown on the next page. Three wells willL serve the system but only two can be pumped at one time, producint 960,000 GPD. This will allow the aquifer to recharge itself properly. Approximately 25,000 residents will be served initially, plus a number of businesses industries and schools. Water storage at this time is 2.9 million gallons. Onslow County is also the lead agency in the Topsail Surf City 201 Facilities Plan. The plan excomposses several items; the construction of collector lines for Surf City, Topsail Beach, West Onslow Beach and --64-- a I ONSLOW COUNTY 3,11 NORTH CAROLINA 0 "ell 0 co cAmp 4 vE Rliz-, -7 cl I A MAP 9 41 ONSLOW COUNTY WATER SYSTEM A WELL FIELDS E pw a HoLly RIDGE -65- fj .M A 201.. FACILITIES' AREAS CL Li A,,',\i D S rl G L P, c K s C) NI v IL", L- -5-WANSSORO TOPSAHL, ISLANf@ a u n F" 1 a ri D a O'i, 9 a small portion of Pender County; transmition lines; and a 1.15 MGD sewage treatment plant using lagoons and a land application system. Total cost of the project in 1979 dollars was $15 million, all but about $2 million to be derived from state and federal grants. This project has been delayed, along with other barrier island 201 projects, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prepares an Environmental Impact Statement for all these projects. The EIS will determine if these 201 facilities are actually needed, if they are needed only in certain portions of the 201 planning areas, or if they are not needed. Several other issues will also be discussed; water quality, wetlands protection, natural disaster risks, federal subsidy of recreational homes, Public access, erosion control and reduction of federal expenditures. Should the sewer system become a reality, an organization called a Metropolitan Sewer District will be organized to administer the system. Each unit of government has agreed that this district would be the best way to handle a 201 planning area covering two towns and portions of two counties. The Environmental Management Commission will hold a public hearing at the reqquest of the boards of county commissioners. If proper petitions are signed and if creation of the MSD is desirable for the public health and welfare, the Environmental Management Commission can adopt a resolution creating the MSD. Court action creating the MSD or contesting its validity must be taken within 30 days after first publication of the resolution. If created, the MSD will be operated by a board appointed by the governments in which it is located. All units of government have agreed to organizing the MSD. Fire Departments In addition to the City of Jachsonville's full-time fire department, Onslow County is also served by 18 volunteer departments. The fire- fighting capacity of many departments not only depends on the men involved but in there equipment too. Below is a listing or such department and its fire-fighting vehicles, some of which beginning to show some age and should be replaced. 17 TABLE 31, CAPACITY NAME/LOCATION TYPES'OF EQUIPMENT IN GALLONS Pump/c,.P,.M,. Back Swamp VFD 1952 International Pumper @550 500 1.962 Dodge 3/4 ton Light Brush Truck 2@0. 150 1977 Ford Darley.Pumper 750 750 1980 Ford Pumper Tanker 1200 300 tear Creek VFD 1974 Ford Darley -Pumper 750 750 1946 Mack Hale Pumper 500 75,101 1973 Ford Darley Pickup 200 90 Belgrade VFD 1974 Ford Darley'Pumper 750 750 1966 International Tanker 1500 60 1942 Chevy Pumper 350 350 Half Moon VFD 1973 Chevy Darley Pumper 825 350 1974 Ford Darley Pumper 750 750 International Hale Tanker 1500 350 1979 Chevy Jet Dump Tanker 1200 @350 1981 Ford Pickup .250 250 Haws Run VFD 1975 Ford Darley Pumper 750 750 1969 Ford Darley' 750 750 Holly Ridge VFD 1975 Ford Darley Nimper' 750 750 1952 Chevy Darley Pumper 500 500 1953 Ward Lafra.nce Pumper 250 750 1955 Rio 600 500 1953 Rio 1800 0 1967 Kaiser Jeep 280 65 1953 3/4 ton Dodge (from Forestry) 300 250i. Hubert VFD 1975 Ford Darley Pumper- 750 750, 1972 Ford Darley Pumper 750 750 1969 Ford Darley Pumper 750 750 1966 Ford Pirsch Pumper 500 750 Xine'-Mil6, VVD .1976 Ford Darley Pumper 75b 750 1948 Ford Hale Pumper 750 650 1967 Kaiser Jeep (from Half moon) 60 1968 Ford F-700 2000 0 .Piney Green VFD; 1975 Ford Dar1ey Pumper @O 75 0 1951 GMC Rio Pumper 800 500 1952 Rio (Barton American) Tanker 750 350 1967 Kaiser Jeep Mini Pumper 3.00, 90 Pumpkin Center VFD 1975 Ford Pumper 750 750 1968 Ford,Darley Tanker 1700 350 1970 Ford Darley Pumper 850 350 1967 Kaiser.Jeep Darley Mini Pumper 225 350 1953-Ward Lafrance Pumper 750 750 1956 Studebaker,Light.& ladder Unit .0 0 Rhodestown VFD 104 Ford Darley Pumper 750 750 1967 Chevy Pumper 550 750 .,1954 Dodge Mini Pumper 300 60 1959 Chevy Tanker 1000 0 Richlands 1975 Ford Pumper 750 750 1956,International Pumper @00 500 1958 Dodge Tanker 1200 0 1971 Ford Am. Lafrance 500 1000 Sneads Ferry,VFD 1972 Ford Pumper/ 750 750 1975 Ford Pumper 750 750 1967 Kaiser Jeep 100 60 1962 Chevy Tanker 2000 0 Southwest VFD .1971 Ford Darley Pumper 1000 350 1977 Ford Darley Pumper' 750 750 1975 Ford Berkley Pumper .1000 350 19,53 GMC 2-2 ton Tanker 2000 80 swansboro VFD 1972 Ford Pumper. 750 1974 Ford Pumper 750 750 1966 Chevy Pumper 750/ 750 1966 GMC Truck. Turkey'Creek VFD 1977 Ford Pumper 750 750 1940 Chevy Pumper 500 .1951 Chevy Tanker 1000 Verona VFD 1970 Dodge Pumper .750 750 1974 Ford Pumper .750 750 1950'Chevy,Pumper 1000 500 750 750 White Oak VED 1977 Ford Pumper 500 1952 Ford Pumper 1000 1952 GMC Tanker I:000 65 2 0 A I A 1 0 N A@ L J1. ONSLOW COWNTY NORTH CAROLJNA@ -'dHUBER Y Ggl@EN Jr, MARINEI CAMP LEAUNE CKSONM N RICCA, 0 lop- ONA w R tame Ll IV Parks In addition to parks and recreation facilities provided by schools and municipalities, Onslow County provides two parks for the enjoyment of its citizens. The first park is a 42 acre tract on Onslow County Pines Road about four miles southwest of Jacksonville and contains the following facilities: 1. Covered picnic pavilion (60 seat capacity). 2. Tot-lot area. 3. Bicentennial Nature Trail 02- mile long with rest shelters and 21 interpretive stations). 4. Multi-purpose outdoor arena. 5. Physical fitness trail (9/10 mile long with 13 exercize stations). 6. Senior citizens area. 7. Four lighted tennis courts. 8. Two full basketball courts. 9. One little league field. 10. One combination baseball/softball/football/soccer field. The -.second-- park- is a 37.5 -acre-,tract on.,old-N.. C.. 24 -near. Hubert. Presently under construction, the park.will eventually contain the following facilities: 1., One combination soccer/football field. 2. Two full length basketball courts. @ 3. Park concession/pavilion/restroom complex. 4. 8/10 mile jogging trail. 5. Senior citizens area. 6. 6/10 mile nature trail. 7. 16 primitive camp sites. 8. Parking to accomodate campers and buses. The unincorporated community of Sneads Ferry has a 10 acre community pa,rk that presently contains a softball field.' Coastal Carolina_Community College Coastal Carolina Community College is located on Western Boulevard in the City of Jacksonville. The 75 acte campus serves approximately 2,500.full and part-time students with a number-6f programs such as Pre-Engineering, Pre-Agricujl@@re, Pre-Business Administration, Electronic Data Processing and Secretarial Science'. Degrees include Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Applied Sciences. Diploma and Certificate.programs are also available. Future construction*includes a Fine Arts Building and a Skills Center -in the immediate future-plus long range plans for a Physical Education building, a-Lecture_Hall, another classroom building and a..greenhouse. A primary use of the Skills Center will be to train residents so their skills will match the needs of industries locating -72- in Onslow County. Transportation: Albert J. Ellis Airport is located approximately 14 miles north of Jacksonville. Facilities at the airport include a 7,100 foot runway, a 7,100 foot taxiway, a 13,100 square foot terminal building, one small hangar and a crash-fire-rescue building and its related equipment. There are 17 aircraft based at Ellis Airport. In addition, Piedmont Airlines has a number of flights coming and going daily. This number may vary according to need. In the past two years Piedmont passengers and flights have begun to drop as the following table shows: TABLE 32 PIEDMONT AIRLINES TRAFFIC, 1975-1980 ALBERT J. ELLIS AIRPORT Actual Year Enplanements Deplanements Departures. 1975 42,853 56,595 2,484 1976 @45,444 57,196 2@197 1977 47,246 62,325 2,175 1978 48,380 64,050 2,611 1979. 47,480 61,597 2,317 1980 39,894 49,315 1,899 Source: Piedmont,,Aiklines According to Piedmont authorities, the reason for the drop appeats to be the sagging economy and a drop in military travel. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has not.prepared a thoroughfare plan for Onslow County. They have scheduled improvements through their Seven Year-Plan, however, which include: upgrading -Western-Boulevard from two lanes to a multi-lane facility; upgrading U. S. 258 (from U. S.- 17 to SR 1001) from two lanes to a multi-lane facility; and extending Western Boulevard (two lanes) from U. S. 17 to Gum Branch Road. A number of-additional projects need -to be completed to satisfy Onslow-County's transportation needs. They are shown on the map on the following page. -73-, t c P. la 4A OPJSLOW COUNTY I\JQRTH CAROLINA 0 t 01. itu" Ile/ CAW 'V, CK50WV'LL i :2X ti JI N\l \A !"7 C, 0 -rl #4 -F. mouy agDGF c 0 91 -74- Traffic volumes have decreased slightly on some highways while increasing slightly on others. The-Onsl6w County Energy Commission .suggests that the decreased are related to fewer trips and carpooling due to the price of gasoline. (see Map 1). FUTURE LAND NEEDS Onslow County will continue to grow, although.not at the rates experienced in the 1940's and 1950's. To accommodate this growth, land must be provided to locate various types of land uses around the county. More recreation areas are needed to serve the more rural townships of Stump'..Sound, Richlands, T@hite -Oak and Swansboro. Jacksonville Township is adequately served by the City of Jacksonville and.onslow County. In estimating the recreation land needed in Onslow County, two totals were formulated: the total acreage of recreation land and the total number of people in the county proper. Approximately 1,050 acres are presently used for recreation in the county. This total is a combination of school acreage, parks and state parks. Approximately 52,000 people live in unincorporated Onslow County, or 46%.of the entire population. Thus, there are twenty acres of recreationai'land for every 1,000 people. The North Carolina Department of Natural,Resources and Community Development recommends eight acres of.recreational land per 1,000 population. Beach areas provide some recreation land but access could be a big problem in the future. However, there are needs for specialized recreation areas in different locations. Pure acreage figures do not represent a clear picture of recreation needs, and.it is recommended that a detailed recreation study be prepared. The estimates for residential land are based on the*same population figures as the recreation figures-. The total-- number-- of- acres -is -calculated by multiplying-the total 'number of residential units by..356.acres of land. The latter figure is an estimate of an average residential lot in unincorporated Onslow County. The small acreage assigned per unit -75- reflects the large number of mobile housing units.,in mobile home parks, condominiums and multi-family, dwellings. The total residential acreage estimated to be needed over the next ten years can now be'estimated by multiplying the projected total increase in families (1,617) by the average lot size. The total acreage needed is 576. The estimated industrial land demand will increase as the economy of the state and nation improves. There is no sure means of determining how many industries will locate in Onslow County. The closest approximation is an attempt to show the relationship of industry to population. Industry occupies approximately 600 acres of land in Onslow County. Using the 52,000 estimated population figure, there are .015 acres of industrial land per person. By 1990, assuming an increase of 7,852 persons, an additional 90 acres will be needed. Commercial growth is determined in the same manner as residential growth. Approximately 561 acres are being used for commercial land use. This figure is the product of 740 identified commercial sit es in the county and an estimated .76 acres per average commercial lot in the county. With our 52,000 person population figure, we arrive at .0108 acres per person, by 1990 we will need 85 additional acres for commercial use. TABLE 33 ONSLO14 COUNTY LAND USE NEEDS Acreage 1980 Needed 1990 Recreation 1.050 ------ Residential 6,170 .576 6,746 industrial 600 '90 690 Commercial 561 85 646 Note: Excludes municipailties and Camp Lejeune Some of the land needed for this development will be converted from agric ultural usage to homes and businesses, especially in the vicinity of the City of Jacksonville. This will create a need to.use marginal land for crops. Timber land near Jacksonville will also, be converted. It insure for desirable layouts of lots, proper drainage, street construction and utility access, the Onslow County Subdivision Regulations -76- are being enforced countywide. Zoning designates areas for specific uses and provides for orderly and compatible development. At the present time only West Onslow Beach is zoned. However, land around Albert J. Ellis Airport is'under study at this time to be zoned as should other areas that are or could be subject to development. West Onslow Beach At this time there is uncertainty over the future of providing central sewage facilities at the'beach. An environmental impact, statement ig being prepared for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,to review all barrier islands 201 Plans. All of To psail Island falls under-this review which will decide the fate of...-.many barrier island.- sewage proposals. Even if the beach 201 plan is not funded, growth.will continue to occur. On site sewage disposal similar to the .orth Topsiil Shores plant.will be used for large projects in the future, thereby-liTfiiting density only marginally. West onslow Beach, is now served by the county water system for the first time,'Providing the entire coun@y with an ample amount of potable drinking water. This will encourage more beach de velopment, especially on several large' tracts that have remained u ndeveloped because of the lack of community facilities provided by the county West Onslow Beach is a unique and irreplaceable resource. that is enjoyed by thousands of citizens of Onslow County, North Carolina and many states along the east coast. With development pressures increasing, it will,be up to Onslow County through its ordinances (Zoning, Subdivision Regulations, CAMA, septic tank regulations., beach vehicle regulations) and the State of North Carolina (CAMA, water quality., septic tank regulations, etc.) to insure that proper development occurs and that public access is required. Proper development includes setbacks from the ocean and buildings constructed at elevations to limit the possibility of their destruction by the ocean. It also-includes preserving our estuaries and marslAands in their natural condition. The impact of potable water available in large quantities-at West Onslow Beach will result in increased development and a-drop in the amount of land presently used by the public for aIccess to the ocean. -77- The loss of this access must be offset in the future by the county, state, or federal government providing permanent public access. -78- 17 COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEMANDS Most existing community facilities provided by the county for public uses will be sufficient for the next ten years.. Those facilities that will need additions or modifications are listed below. Solid Waste The count y is presently served by a landfill on a rented 75 acre tract just north of Jacksonville. Another landfill in the Southwest community was closed several years ago due-to a number of problems, including high water table and the expense of operating two landfills. The present landfill should last at least ten more years, according to projections of the landfill supervisor. However, the lease on the property runs out in six years. Therefore, the county should make a decision as to whether the existing landfill property:should be purchased, the lease should be extended, or another site should be under consideration. In an effort to extend,the life of the landfill, the feasibility of resource recovery'should be considered. The Onslow Clean County Committee estimates that 80% of the material dumped in the.landfill is recoverable (paper, glass, tires, metals, etc.). They also estimate that, 80% of the material is combustible and can be used as an energy source. A feasibility study could determine if the volumes of dumping -are large enough to justify a resource recovery operation or using the waste as an alternative fuel. A feasibility study could also determine the potential for a combined civilian-military solid waste disposal-system. 'Onslow County should also guard against'the encroachment of residential subdivisions near the landfill. The smell of garbage before it is covered and blowing sand prior to revegetation can create -problems for nearby residents. Zoning around the landfill is one alternative that can be considered. If subdivisions continue to develop in the landfill vicinity, the possibility of well contamination -79- increases. This-could-.force the county into lining the landfill, which is expensive, or moving to another site, which is even more expensive. Schools Many of Onslow County's schools have needs.- However, most of these needs are for existing schools such as the lack of adequate classrooms, renovations the need for several cafeterias, the need for a gym, and other additions. With 'school attendance leveling off, the. county should catch up with these needs. One exception to this trend is White Oak Township which is served by White Oak High School, Tabernacle School, Morton'-Elementary and Silverdale Elementary. With the exception of Silverdale, the remainder.4re overcrowded. This area is projected to receive a large population increase in-the next-ten-years.-----Exist.ing--- schools must be prepared .to handle this increase. Another problem arises in that Tabernacle School is n ot located in the immediate area which will increase in population. A decision must be made as to. (1) whether additions will be built to the old school; or, (2) whether the old school will be abandoned in favor of a new school closer to the population it serves (see Onslow County School Survey Report, 1979 -80.), White Oak High School is presently undersized by 35%, Morton Elementary by 38%. With attendance levels to increase at these schools, provisions shouldbe made to handle,that,.increase,; Parks and Recreation At this time there are no public parks at West Onslow Beach. With that.dreA beginning to develop rapidly and the price of beach real estate escalating, the chances of providing a public park are becoming slimmer. While property is available and the price reasonable, oceanfront property should be purchased in a sufficient amount to serve Onslow County's needs in the future. The funds for,this purpose could be from county, state and/or federal 'sources, in 'addition to. private.dopa-tions. Plans should also continue in developing'existing county property at.the beach. -80- @,COMMUNITY ISSUES 1. ISSUE Growth of Onslow County Onslow County's growth has caused some problems but has also created many benefits. The booming economy of the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's slowed somewhat in the 1970's. This trend will probably continue throughout the next decade. Much of the county's growth will continue to be in the vicinity of the City of Jacksonville while some scattered rural and community development will'be evident.' The new County Water System may encourage development in some portions of the county outside Jacksonville's "sphere of influence". West Onslow Beach will grow by leaps and bounds barring problems associated with hurricanes. Beach erosion At this point in time is minimal. According to the Land Use Plan questionnaire, residents desire a moderate amount of growth that. can be handled properly while preserving the existing character of rural areas. Successful promotion of industry in the vicinity of our communities and the airport should generate some growth. Policies include: l.- Allowing development to occur,in an orderly manner. 2. Permit intense development in those areas which are served or will be served with urban services. Means for implementing policies include: 1. -Establish a Land Use Plan by which development proposals may be reviewed for consistency. 2. Conform to the State's Balanced Growth Policy. 3.- Conform to all land use ordinances enforced by Onslow County. Primary responsibilitywill lie with the Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Board, the Water and Sewer Advisory Commission, the County Manager and the County Planning Director. -81- II. ISSUE Resource Protection A. Ocean dunes and beaches E. Estuarine shoreline B. Coastal wetlands F.- Other hazardous, fragile or historic C. Estuarine waters areas. D. Public trust waters G. Off-road vehicles. Suitable Uses A. Ocean dunes and beaches Uses shall be compatible with CA-MA regulations and policies. Highest priority given to preserving the dune system and preserving access to the beach strand. Second priority is given to u.ses-which comply with all-local, state and federal laws. Depending on the site and surrounding.land uses, possible uses could -include residential, commercial, public, semi-public or recreational uses. B. Coastal wetlands '@- Uses shall be compatible with CAMA regulations and policies. Highest priority shall be given to preserving coastal wetlands. Second priority shall be given to those activities which require water access and Cannot function elsewhere, or agricultural areas. C. Estuarine Waters - Uses shall be compat ible with CAIMA regulations and policies. Conservation of these waters and its components is very important. Uses shall be allowed which require water access or which cannot function elsewhere such as access channels, erosion,control structures, navigational',cbannels, docks, marinas, piers, wharfs, pilings or bridges. D. Public trust waters Uses shall be compatible with CAMA regulations and policies. Permitted uses shall not hinder access or cause biological or physical damage to the estuary. These uses include navigational channels, drainage ditches, erosion control structures, piers, wharfs, marinas, and bridges. Uses should be monitored to insure that navigation will not be hindered, erosion will not be perpetuated, and water quality will not be damaged. E. Estuarine shoreline - A strip of,land 75 feet wide from mean high water inland. Uses shall be compatible with CAMA regulations and policies. Future development should be compatible with the nature and the values T of the estuarine-system.* Permitted'uses should consist of recreational uses and low density residential and commercial uses which will not -82- greatly increase runoff into an estuary.. F. Other hazardous,', fragile or historic areas Builders and bome-buyers .should be aware that the New River Inlet has historically moved north and south for several thousand feet from its present location. The inlet is presently moving southerly and could endanger structures adjacent to it in the future. All uses in the inlet hazard area, as defined by the Coastal Resources Commission, shall com1ply with all CAMA regulations and policies. A great deal of land in Onslow County, especially along bodies of wat er, may have archeological or historical significance. Lands known*to have archeological or historical significance shall be reviewed through local ordinances before development take's place. of- Onslow County-around -Albert J., Ellis.. 'Airport- are subject to. high noise levels and potential airplane accidents. Land Use and Noise Analysis is presently being conducted,to determine where problem areas are and what can be done to either alleviate them or to keep them from multiplying. Recommendations made in this study should be considered to preserve the safety ana property of nearby residents. G. 'Off-road vehicles Off-road vehicles are presently regulated by the county at West Onslow Beach% From May 15 to September 10 of each year no vehicles are allowed on the beach strand or dunes. Only @four-wheel drive vehicles (with 2 minor exceptions) are allowed on the beach strand during other periods. Strict regulations are enforced as to crossovers and legal driving areas. Lack of manpower hampers good enforcement of the ordinance. Means for protecting AEC's and other sensitive areas while insuring public access: @Implementation methods for protecting AEC's and other sensitive areas while insuring public access: I.: Support-the work of the North Carolina Office of Coastal Management and the local CAMA Permit Officer. 2. Support the evaluation and permitting of activities in environmentally sensitive areas by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and Marine Fisheries. -83- 3. Continue to enforce health regulations'@relevafit to septic tank placement. 4. Protect environmentally sensitive areas by locating new development in accordance with the CAMA Land Use Plan. 1 5. Seek grants to study and evaluate our natural recources. 6. Seek the purchase or donation of oceanfront and other.beach property to provide public access to the Atlantic Ocean and sufficient parking areas. Fencing and crosswalks should.be installed to protect the, dune system. 7. Adopt a Flood Hazard-Ordinance after the county-has been officially mapped for flood prone areas. 8. Support the construction@of central facilities where septic tank .effluent is a contributor to water pollution and shellfish closings. 9. Build permanent vehicle crossovers from the highway to the beach strand. 10. Continue to enforce the ordinance regulation vehicular traffic on the beach strand. -84- III. ISSUE Resource Production and Management Onslow County has a number of resources which are very productive and should be protected. They include: A. Productive agricultural lands. B. Commercial forest lands. C. Mineral production areas. D. Commercial and recreational fishing. A. Productive agricultural lands - If growth continues to occur under present laws and policies, there is a greater possibility of converting productive agricultural land to non-agricultural uses. Three options exist: (1) try to stop growth, which is totally undesirable; (2) promote growth anywhere, which is equally undesirable; or.(3) develop Onslow County with sensitivity to what is already here and at.4'rate our resources, can handle while preserving our agricultural land. Policies include: 1. Encouraging the use of productive agricultural lands for agriculture. 2. Assessing,land constraints prior to changing land from agricultural uses. 3. Encouraging the passage of bills in the General Assembly which would preserve productive agricultural land. 4.',, Encouraging-fa.rm programs which will keep good land in cultivation. Means of implementation: 1. Use the Soil Conservation Service soil survey in evaluation proposed developments. 2. Have farmers sign tax agreements for'keeping property valuations lower in exchange for keeping their land in agriculture. 3. Work with the Agricultural Ext ension Service and other agricultural rel ated organizations to improve awareness of the necessity of preserving productive land. B-. Commercial forest lands - Commercial forest lands comprise over three- fourths-of the land area in Onslow County. -Much of this land is owned by timber companies while private individuals, the U. S. government and the State own the rest. This resource is not only important to Onslow County but to the entire southeastern portion of the State. Many 'incomes areder31-V'ed through forestry. products. However, due to nature's delicate -85- balance, our forest resources should not be abused. Policies include: 1. Encourage reforestation of harvested timber land. 2. Encourage lAnd-owners to work with agencies (N. C. Forest Service, etc.) that will help them protect and market their timber. 3. Encourage landowners to protect fragile areas adjacent to their timber land (marsh, estuaries, etc.)., Means of implementation: 1. Landowners are eligible*for free seedlings through the local ASCS office. 2. Ask landowners to contact the N. C. Forest Service before burning of any typ6.. 3. Ask landowners to check into proper harvesting techniques and reforestation methods before cutting timber. 4. Ask landowners to leave a natural barrier around streams when putting timber in an effort to cut down 'on pollution and siltation. C. Mineral Production Areas - Mineral resources in On-slow County are minimal. Only stone is being mined in the Belgrade community adjacent to the White Pak River.- However, large peat logs are located in, .several portions of the 'county and may be,-a so-urce for future energy demands. Policies include: 1. Support the development of mineral deposits found in--the future. 2. Insure that developing mineral resources-does not harm our economy or our water.and air quality. Means of implementation: lo Seek.grants to fund the evaluation of developing our mineral resources such as peat. 2. Support the preparation of environmental impact statements for projects like peat mining. -86- D. Commercial and Recreational Fishing - The fishing industry has always been important to Onslow County and is continuing to grow. However, siltation, fresh water intrusion and shallow channels are causing problems which must be alleviated. Policies include: 1. Support the expansion of commercial and recreational fishing and shellfish. 2. Improve access to ports through widening and deepening channels. 3. Support efforts to limit fresh water intrusion into salt waters. 4. Support efforts to cut down on the siltation and pollution of our salt water estuaries. 5. Support efforts to expand markets for local seafood. 6. Support-efforts to determine the problems of the,White Oak River and-resolve them. Means of implementation: 1. Have the Economic Development Commission seek to have seafood processing industries locate in Onslow County or to find seafood processing industries that will handle more of the local catch. 2. Seek funding from state and federal agencies that can provide funds for' dredging channels into the New.River and White Oak River for better boat access. 3. Evaluate all channelization projects that can cause water quality problems in our estuaries. 4.. Seek funds to build an artificial fishing reef off the coast. Funding may be received from the U. S. Dept. of Energy. 5. Seek funding to evaluate the effects of the N. C. 24 bridge-causeway and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway on the White Oak River. .6. Seek funding to implement the recommendations of the- White Oak River Study. -87- -fV-. ISSUE - Economic and Community Development A. Residential D. Public.facilities B. Commercial E. Energy Resources C. Industrial F. Commitments to state and federal,programs. A. Residential Presently only 11% of Onslow County's housing stock is. substandard, a very low figure compared to other counties in eastern North Carolina. Occupancy rates of available housing are very high. If present rates continue, more than 2,600 new housing units must be built by 1990 to keep up with growth. Look for mobile homes to increase in popularity as conventional single-family homes increase in price. Policies include: 1. Encourage the development of various housing types (such as.mobile home parks, planned unit developments, apartments, conventional single-family homes, etc.) in the proper location. 2. Support efforts to improve the quality of living in Onslow County. 3. Support local communities in their efforts to be served by water and sewer facilities. 4. Encourage residential development to occur near municipalities or communities. 5. Help communities.with their water and sewer problems. Means of implementation:: 1. Continue to enforce county-wide Subdivision Regulations. 2. Continue to enforce the State Building Code and CAMA Regulations. 3. Enforce the County Zoning Ordinance in areas that arie subject to development pressures. 4. Educate county residents about the benefits of zoning. 5. Continue to seek funds such as Community Development Block-Grants to improve housing and public services. 6. Continue to support the County Water System. 7. Continue to support health and sanitation regulations. 8. Continue to support the housing rehabilitation efforts of the Dept. -of Social Services, Region P and other qualified agencies. -88- 9. Seek funding for community facilities through EPA, Farmers Home Administration, HUD, etc. B. Commercial development in Onslow.County is increasing as shown by the construction of a new mall this year on Western Boulevard. This new development is needed to serve existing and future residents. Policies include: 1. Commercial development should be clustered around intersections and not stripped along major highways.' 2. Commercial development should be compatible with its surroundings and not encroach on residential areas. 3. --Onslow County should work to recruit new businesses. 4. Regulate the location and density of adult businesses.. 5. Promote tourism throughout the county. 'Implementation methods: 1. Enforce the Onslow County Zoning Ordinance in areas subject to strip commercial development or subject to the location of adult businesses. 2. Encourage businesses to locate at.intersections. Industrial The need to diversify our economy is paramount. Notonly would new industry provide more, better paying jobs, but it would add to the county@-s tax base, spur'home building, generate more retail sales and many other benefits. When seeking industry, however, we should seek quality and not quantity. We should also seek industry that will not waste or pollute our natural resources. Policies include: 1. Encouraging industries that will be compatible with the surrounding communities,, and will comply with state and federal standards. 2. Supporting public facilities extentions as inducement for locating industry in Onslow County. .3. Evaluating the impact of new industry on the county's resources. 4. Seeking military discharges with proper training to work for local industries. -89- 5. Working with local industries in the training of workers at the the new Skills Center at Coastal Carolina Community College. .Means of implementation: 1. Develop an evaluation criteria in cooperation with the Economic Development Commission for new industry, (See Environmental Effects of Potential Development Activities in Coastal Onslow County. 2. Continue supporting the Economic Development Commission. 3. Help local communities with their planning and financing of community facilities. 4. Coordinate the efforts of the Onslow County Planning Department, Y.O.U. and the Economic Development Commission in locating industrial sites. D. Public facilitie& The questionnaire which is a part of this land use plan gives some indication as to the types of services and facilities requested by the citizens of Onslow County. Policies include: 1. Developing services and facilities in coordination with expected growth. 2. Locating services and facilities where they may best serve the countylls, population. 3. Seeking funds from.Various sources to. provide public facilities for county residents. Means of implementation: 1. Prepare and distr ibute a citizen survey periodically to determine levels of need. 2. Address the following needs as recorded-through the Citizens Land Plan Questionnaire. a. Improve mosquito control and drainage by spraying more and ditching-In many-;areas where stagant@ -water: stands. Funds:, County taxes b.- Continue to improve'county recreation facilities and beach access for the public by developing a Master.Park Plan for -90-4 the county and by purchasing or receiving donations of land at West Onslow Beach. Continue to require pedestrian easements as re.quired by the County Subdivision Regulations. Funding: County taxes and the National Park Service. C. Promote the improvement 'of our transportation systems in order to foster economic development. Promote the widening of U. S. 17, N. C. 24, and U.' S. 258, paving secondary and primary roads, bridge improvements, improved channelization of the New River and White Oak River, and continued operation,of all railroad lines in the county. Funds: Dept. of Transportation, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sea Grant program. d. Schools Improve the quality of schools by updating classrooms facilities, cutting teacher/student ratios and building other facilities deemed necessary by the Board of Education when funds permit. Funding: State of North Carolina, U. S. Government (Federal Impact Aid)', county taxes, county bond referendum. e. Public transit - Public transit is being offered to a number of needy residents by OUTS (Onslow United Transit System), a combined effort of the Dept. of Social Services and several other human service agencies. Additional public transit is provided by Camp Le@jeune for its personnel. The opportunity for a county public transit,system is remote due to the lack of dense population. A study should be done to determine the feasibility of public transit in the Jacksonville Camp Lejeune area.. Funding- U. S. Dept. of Transportation. f. Land use planning - An effort should be made to implement a comprehensive land use planning program in portions of Onslow County subject to future development demands. This inc-ludes continued use of the County Subdivision Regulations, implementation of zoning where the need arises, solid waste.planning, implementing CAMA regulations, etc. Funding: County taxes, CAMA grants. g. Undertake measures to reduce crime in the county. Evaluate and study existing policies and methods and determine@a course of action by 1985. Funding: County taxes, State of North Carolina. h. Review the Land Use Plan'annually to insure compatibility with the plans and programs of other counties, our municipallities, and Camp Lejeune. -91- F. Energy Resources - A local as well as a national issue is the needl@ to conserve our existing resources in addition to identifying and developing new resources. Easily identifiable energy resources throughout the county include the wind, peat wood, corn, chicken and swine manure, and garbage. However, the feasibility of using these resources cannot be determined without further study. Policies include: 1. Evaluating our energy resources so that we may plan for effective utilization. 2. Evaluating the impact of developing our energy resources on the surrounding environment. 3. Promoting the-developmont of locally produced alternative fuels. 4. Promote the Onslow County Energy Commission and its public education programs. Means of implementation: 1. Seeking grants to fund the evaluation of.our energy resources.,' 2. Preparing Environmental Impact statements-for energy development projects. 3. Seeking grants to determine the impact of energy projects on the countyls economy. (Funds may be available through the U.. S..Dept. of Energy). G. Commitments to State and Federal Programs 0nslow County is commited to those.programs that.will help the economy, preserve our natural resources and make Onslow Countya. nice, safe place to live. Policies include: 1. Continue to work with Camp Lejuene in making Onslow County a_good place to live. 2. Continue to support CAMA regulations and to limit development in highly erodible areas. 3. Work with appropriate state and federal agencies to locate and use spoil areas (with property owner consent).fdr dredging projects in the New River and White Oak River. -92- 4. Assist in developing and implementing plans for dredging New River and rehabilitating the White Oak River. 5. Help the state and federal governments to enforce their laws and licensing requirements contained herein by working with them. Means of implementation: 1. Developing a task force made up of representatives from Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station,_Onslow County and it's municipalities to meet periodically to discuss mutual problems as related to land use, solid waste, sewage, transportation, etc. 2. Seeking funds to rehabilitate the White,Oak River and dredge deeper channels for theNew River. -93- LAND CLASSIFICATION In discussing land classi fication, we must use population pro- jections, development constraints, community policies and other statistical data to make the proper decisions. A land classification system has been developed to guide future activities and construction. It providesai framework for Onslow County to use in illustrating policy:statements as to where.we want growth, at what density that growth should be, and what areas we"'want conserved. Th6relare five basic classifications of-land:, developed, transition, community, rural and conservation. The@developed areas will be broken down into developed and developed without central sewer for better identification. The Onslow County Land Classification Map is in accord with CA.T4A requirements and is located in the Appendix. The relationship between county policies and this map is very important since the land class- ifications will reflect policies adopted"by governing boards. Land Classification..and Local Policies .1.a.@ Developed - Areas to be classified developed.include lands currently developed for urban purposes at or approaching a density of 500'dwellings per square mile that are provided with usual municipal or public services including at least public water, sewer, recreational facilities, police and fire protection. Areas which exceed the minimun@density but which do not have public sewer service may best be divided into a separate class to indicate that although they have a developed character, they will need sewers in the future.. I.b. Developed Without Central Sewer These-areas fit into-,the-basic Developed-classification but are not served by a central.sewer-system. Transition @The purpose of the transition class is to provide for future intensive urban development within the ensuing-ten years on lands that are,most suitable and that'will be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities and services. The transition lands also -94- provide for additional growth when additional landsin the developed class are not available or when they are severely.limited for development. 3. Community - The purpose of the community class is to provide for clustered land development to help meet housing, shopping, employ- ment, and-public service needs within the rural areas of the county. Lands to be classified community are those areas within the rural areas of planning jurisdictions characterized by a.small grouping of mixed land uses, (residences, general store, church, school, etc.), and which are suitable'and appropriate for small clusters of rural development hot requiring municipal sewer services. -4..-" -Rural" -The@--purpose of -the--rural-class- - is -to -provid-e--for-agriculture,- forest management,,mineral extraction and other low intensity uses. Residences.may be,located within "rural" areas where urban services are-not required.and where natural-resources will not be permanently impaired. Lands that can be indentified as appropriate for resource management and allied uses include lands with high Potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction: lands with one or more limitations that would make development costly and hazardous; and lands containing irreplaceable, limited, gr significant natural, recreational, or scenic resources not otherwise classified. 5. Conservation The purpose of the conservation class is to provide for effective.long-term management of significant limited or irreplace- able areas.- This management may be needed because of its,natural, cultural, recreational, productive or scenic values. These areas should not be identified as transition lands in the future. This class should contain the following major wetlands; essentially undeveloped sborelands that are-unIque, fragile, or hazardous for development; necess ary wild- life habitat or areas that have a high probability for providing necessary habitat conditions; publicly'owne.d watersupply watersheds. -and aquifers; and forest lands that are undeveloped and-will-remain undeveloped for commercial purposes. -95- YN k, 0 ONSLOW COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA w. _7 '4 CORPS CAW LEjfk)NE CKSONM@ LAND CLASSIFICATrON r MUNICIPAL :@ @rqmpp DEVELOPED v DEVELOPED (WITHOUT CENTRAL SEWAGE), El TRANSITION COMMUNITY MAP - 13 El RURAL CONSERVATION ROG APPENDIX -97- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Public participati on in the Land Use Plan Update was extremely beneficial to the development of land use issues, policies and implement- ation methods. An initial meeting was held with the Onslow County Board of Commissioners to inform them and the public that work on the plan had begun. The importance of developing a good, workable plan was stressed. A Land Use Advisory Council was formed from interested citizens who wanted input into the plan. This group met publicly at least five times to review data,.discuss land use issues, and recommend policies to handle those issues.. These recommendations were forwarded.to the County Planning Board for review and most of.them were used in the Land Use Plan Update. Represented on the Land Use Advisory Council were the schools, fishing interests, farming interests, the Marine Corps, real estate interests, the City of Jacksonville,-minority interests and other citizens. Different techniques were used to involve the public. They included radio spots, newspaper articles, public meetings, speaking to citizens groups, speaking to school groups and questionnaires. Approximately 3,500 questionnaires Vere distributed and 733 were returned (21%). The following groups and organizations were-contacted and land use planning.issues were discussed: Onslow County Water Department, Agricultural -Extension Service, Onslow County Health Department, local realtors and surveyors, local fishermen, local farmers, North Carolina Dept. of Transportation.- representatives of all towns in Onslow County, representatives of all counties surrounding Onslow County, Onslow County Economic Development Commission, Onslow County.Board of Education, and many more. Many of these groups were involved in several working sessions. These sessions led to specific policies which have been incorporated in this land use plan... Coverage by local radio stations and newspapers also provided a great deal of information to those citizens who could not attend meetings when the land use plan was discussed. In addition, two advertised public hearings were held in Jacksonville. _98- DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data concerning Onslow County was collected from a humber of sources, such as publications from various public and private agencies, conversations with staff members of these agencies and other sources. These sources are listed below: 'PUBLICATIONS Onslow County School Survey Report,. 1979 80, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Division of School Planning. Onslow County Land Use Plan, 1976 Town of Richlands Land Use Plan, 1980 Town of Swansboro Land Use'Plan, _1980 City of Jacksonville Land Use Plan, 1980 North Carolina Population Projdctions,_- 1980. North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of, State'Budget and ManagemenIt... Onslow County Water System Study, 1979 80 81. Pridgen and Consultants, New.Bern, N.C. Onslow County-Beae--h Access Plan, 1979. John J. Hooton & Associates, Wilmington, N.C. Environmental Effects of Potential Development. Activities in Coastal Onslow County,* 1980. John J. Hooten & Associates, Wilmington, N.C. North Carolina State Government Statistical Abstract, 1979, North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of State Budget and Management Onslow County Flood Hazard Boundary Maps, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Soil Survey Maps for Onslow County, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil -Conservation Service, (mapping.in process). Laws and Rules for Ground Absorption Sewage Disposal Systems of 3,000 Gallons or Less Design Capacity, 1977. North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Division of Health Services. North Carolina Administrative Code - Subchapter 7B CAMA Land Use Planning Guidelines, September, 1979. Average Daily Traffic Volumes, North Carolina Department of Transportation. Travel Survey For North Carolina, 1975 - 76 - 77 70. North Carolina Department of Commerce, Travel and Tourism Division. Statistical Summary of Onslow County, N.C., Onslow.County Planning Depart- ment, 1972. Onslow County Annual Land Utilization and Crop Acreages., 1974 78. North Carolina,Depattment of Agriculture. Commerical Fishing Catches, 1975 and 1979. North Carolina Department of-Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Marine Fisheries. Onslow County Statistical. Summary, 1968. Onslow County Planning Department Forest Statistics for Southern Coastal Plains, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Onslow_County Archeological,Assessment, 1979. North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Division of Archives and History. Region P Multi-County Statistical Data, May, 1972, Neuse River Council of Governments. AGENCIES'AND ORGANIZATIONS damp Lejeune Marine.Corps Basle Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, Bureau of Employment Security Research. U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. U.S. Department of Commerce, Census of Agriculture. U..S. Department,of Commerce,,-Bureau of Economic Analysis. Office of Coastal Management, North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. Onslow County Planning Board. Onslow county Citizens Advisory Council. Onslow County Communfty-Re@source Development Committee. North Carolina Crop and Livestock Reporting Service. -100- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission INDIVIDUALS Dr. Gilbert W. Bane, U.N.C. Wilmington Paul Denison, Henry Von Oesen and Associates, Wilmington, N.C. Bill Burnette, Henry Von Oesen and Associates, Wilmington, N.C. Town Clerk, Town of Holly Ridge.- Sherman Husted, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. Ron Baker, Onslow County Economic Development Commission. Richar6 Koonce, Onslow County Health Department., John Riggs, Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department. Andy Ennett, Onslow County Soild Waste Department Sarah Humphries, Onslow Clean County Coordinator. Dan Baucom, Onslow County Agricultural Extension Chairman. Harry Tyson, Soil Conservation Service. Don Herman, Onslow County Civil Preparedness Director/Fire Marshall. ONSLOW COUNTY PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS The following plans, policies and regulations are being enforced or followed by the Onslow, County Board pf Commissioners as related to the use of land: REGULATIONS 1. Onslow County toning Ordinance The Onslow County Zoning '6rdinance was initially adopted February.17, 1969, and has been amended four times since then.- Only West Onslow Beach and county property at Albert,Ellis Airport are zoned. The Onslow County Planning Board is presently working on a new, more up-to-date zoning ordinance. This Ordinance is administered by the Onslow County Plan- ning Department-. 2.' Onslow County Subdivision Regulations - The Onslow County _@ubdivision Regulations were initially adopted in Sep- tember, 1979 and have been amended once. This Ordinance -regulate*s all new residential subdivis 'ions in Onslow County's jurisdiction with the County Planning Board having subdivision review. This Ordinance is administered by the Onslow County Planning Department. 3. Laws and Rules for Ground Absorption Sewage Disposal 'Systems w-,These regulations control.the,use' of.sanitary. sewage.disposal systems with a design capa.city of 3,000 gallons or less serving a single br multi-family residence, place of business, or place of public assembly.. The Onslow County Health Department administers these regulations. 4. State Building Code All new construction and repairs must conform to State standards. The building code is enfoy@ced by-the Onslow County Inspections Department. 5. Coastal Area Management Act - These regulations are enfo rced through minor permits (local enforcement) and major permits (state and local enforcement). All development within Areas of Environmental Concern is subject to review.* This law is enforced by the Onslow County Planning-Department.and-the North Carolina Office of Coastal Management. -102-, 6. Ordinance Governing Motor Driven Vehicles and Horses at West Onslow Beach - This Ordinance regulated the time, type and location of beach strand vehicle traffic. It is enforced by the Onslow County Litter Warden and the Onslow County Sberiff's Department. 7. Onslow County Water Ordinance This Ordinance governs the -installation, maintenance, fees, charges, rates, inspection, extention and all appurtenances of the Onslow County Water System. The Water Ordinance is enforced by the Onslow' County Water Department. 8. Flood Hazard Ordinance - A study showing areas subject to inundation by.a-100-year flood is presently being prepared by the U. S. Army- Corps of Engineers. Upon'completion of the Study a Flood-Hazard Ordinauce will be adopted which will, '-address building requirements in flood prone areas. Onslow County is now under the emergency program. PLANS AND POLICIES 1. County Soil Survey A detailed soils.survey containing maps and soils information has been prepared for approximately 40% of Onslow County. This soils data is valuable to farmers, developers, the Onslow County Health Department, the Onslow County Planning Department and others. 2. Community Development Program - Onslow County submitted a pre-application for 1981 funds for the Georgetown community. The work was accomplished through the combined efforts of Onslow County Government, Region P (Community Action Agency), and the Wilmington field'@'office of the North Carolina Depart- ment of Natural Resources and Community Development. 3. Onslow County Land Use.Plah - The initial plan was adopted in 1976 and includes discussions on goals and objectives, land use trends and issues, population projections, land classifications, econ6mic trends, various ordinance recom- mendations, potential areas of environmental concern, county resources and future land needs. Future plans should be compatible with the base. 4. Recreation Plans In addition to the multi-purpose recreation park on Onslow Pines Road, a passive park is being developed ip the Hubert Community anda Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $56,000 has been applied'for to'develop a county park at West Onslow Beach. The land was donated to Onslow County by Edgar Yow of Wilmington, North Carolina. .5. Implementation and Enforcement Plan This-is an outline to follow for Onslow County to properly guide-development in Areas of Environmental Concern. .-103- 6. Growth Center Designation For purposes of future development, West Onslow Beach has been designed a Seasonal Growth Center by the State of North Carolina. STATE PERMITTING LAWS AND LICENSES Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Environmental Management.- Permits to discharge into surface waters or operate waste water treatment plants or oil discharge permits; NPDES Permits, (G.'S. 143-215). Permits for septic tanks with a capacity of over 3,000 gallons/ day (G.S. 143-215.,3). Permits for withdrawal of surface or ground waters in capacity use areas (G..S. 143-215.15). Permits for a 'ir pollution abatement facilities and sources (G S. 143-215.108). Permits for construction of complex sources; e.g., parking lots, subdivisions, etc. (G.S. 143-215.109). Permits for construction of,a well over 100,000 gallons/day (G..S. 87-88). Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Office of Coastal Management - Permits to dredge and/or fill in esturaine waters, tidelands, etc. (G.S. 113-229). Permits to undertake development in Areas of Environmental Concern (G.S. 113A-118). Note: Minor development permits are issued bv the local government. Department of Natural Resources and Community-Development, Division of Earth Resources - Permits to alter or contruct a dam (G.S.-143-215.66). Permits to mine (G.S.74-51). Permits to drill an exploratory oil or gas well (G.S. 113-331). Permits to coInduct geographical exploration (G.S. 113-391). Sedimentation erosIion control plans for any land disturbing activity of over one contiguous acre (G.S. 113A-54),. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, Secretary of NRCD - Permits to construct an oilrefinery. Department of Administration.- Easements to fill where lands are proposed to be raised above the normal high-water mark of navigable waters by filling (G.S. 146.6 (c)). Department of Human Resources Approval.to oT)erate a solid waste disposal site or..facility (G.S. 1-30-166.16). Approval for construction of any public@water supply facility that furnishes water.-to ten or. more residences,(G..S. 130-160.1).. -104- FEDERAL PERMITTING LAWS AND LICENSES U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Dept. of Defense) Permits required under Sections 9 and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; permits to construct in navigable waters. Permits required under Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Permits required under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972; permits to undertake dredging @nd/or filling activities. Coast Guard (U.S. Dept. of Transportation) - Permits for bridges,P causeways, pipelines over navigable waters; required under the General Bridge Act of 1946 and the. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Deep water port permits. U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management (U.S. Dept, of Interior) - Permits required for off-shore drilling. Approval for OCS pipeline corridor rights-of-way. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Permits for construction, operation and maintenance of interstate pipelines facilities required under the Natural Gas Act of 1'938. orders of interconnection of electric transmission facilities under Section 202 (b) of the Federal Power Act. Peimission required for the abandonment of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities under Section 7C (b) of the Natural Gas Act of 1938. Licenses for non-federal hydro-electr'lc projects and associated,transmission lines under Sections 4 and 5 of the 'Federal Power@. Act."- OTHER NON-PERMITTING LAWS Federal National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974-i Public Law 93-291. Executive Order 11593., Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, 16 U.S..C. 470 (Supp. 1. 1971). - National Environmental Policy Act, Public Law 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321 Et. Seq. (197 0). Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383: Environmental Review Procedure for,the Community Development Block Grant Program (40 CFR Part 58). Procedures for the Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties (36 CFR Part 800). Comprehensive Planning Assistance Program (701) as amended by Public Law 93-30. The Department of-,Transportation Act of 196.6i-Public Law 89.-670. Identification and Administration of Cultural Resources: Procedures of Individual Federal Agencies. -105- State G.S. 121-12(a) Protection of Properties in the National Register. State Environmental Policy Act. Executive Order XVI. Indian Antiquities G.S. 70.1-4. Salvage of Abandon;d Shipwrecks and Other Underwater Archeological Sites: G.S. 121-22, 23; 143B-62(l) g, (3). Archeological Salvage in Highway Construction, G.S. 136-42.1 Provisions for Cultural Resources in Dredging and Filling Operations,"G.S. 113-229. -1o6- ONSLOW COUNTY LAND USE PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS 733 Responses 1. a. ARE YOU A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF ONSLOW COUNTY? Yes 623 (85%) No 110' (15%) b. WHAT TOWNSHIP? Jacksonville - 361 (54%) Swansboro - 29 (4%) Stump Sound - 104 (15%) 1@hite Oak - 70 (10%) Richlands - 113 (17%) 2. WHAT@'IS YOUR AGE?. 5 14: 14 (2%) 15 24: 34 (5%) 25 34: 280 (39%) 35 - 44: 249 (35%) 45 - 54: 53@ (8%) 55 - 64: 33 (5%) 65 and above': 43 (6%) 3. a. DOES MORE THAN ONE FAMILY LIVE HERE? Yes 79 (11%) No 668 (89%) b. DO YOU LIVE IN A: Single Family House? 602 (79%) Duplex Apartment 37 (5%) MObile Home,- 110 (14%) 4. WOULD YOU LIKE THE POPULATION OF ONSLOW COUNTY TO: Increase Greatly? - 149 (20%) Increase Slightly? - 161 (22%) Stay the Same? - 163 (22%) Decrease Slightly? - 38 (.5%) Decrease Greatly? - 27 (4%) No Opinion - 200 (27%) 5. DO YOU FEEL THAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF LAND USES SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL,, CONMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SHOULD BE: Separated As Much As Possible - 570 (79%) Allowed to Develop Without Restrictions -150 (21%) 6. WHAT TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT'WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? Residential: Yes - 361 (79%) No 94 (21%) Commercial: Yes - Ill (36%) No 197 (64%)- Industrial: -Yes - 174 (39%) No 273 (61%) Public Recreation: Yes - 382 (85%) No 66 (15%) _107- other: Nothing 4 Senior-Citizens Status Quo I Renewal - 2 Wildlife Reserve Schools - 1 Farming - Country - Little as Possible 7. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT ONSLO14 COUNTY? Beaches - 130 Sanitary Efforts 2 Nice People - 110 Community-Pride 2 Climate - 46 Reasonable Housing - 2 It's My Home - 41 Recraation.- 38 ALL THE REMAINDER HAD I RESPONSE Rural Areas - 34 ECU Extension School System - 32 Good Roads Way of Like - 18 Politicians Good Shopping 7 17 Agriculture Hunting and Fishing - 13 Ext. Service Quiet, Clean County - 13' Size Scenic Countryside - 13 Country People Access to Water 10 Shrimp Country Living 8 Things to Do open Space - 8 Clubs Good Law Enforcement 8 Dumpsters The Location 7 Onslow Pines Park Environment 5 Near Relatives Wooded Areas 7 5 Close to Job Low Cost of Living 5 Town Services Clean Air 5 New River Good Farming - 5 Sneads Ferry Camp Lejeune Close 4 Dixon School Attractiveness.- 4 People Tend to Own Business Industry - 4 Same as Carteret and Craven New Mall - 4 Volume of Business System of Government - 4 Close State Parks Access to Everything - 3 Not over-crowded Onslow County - 3 Close,Fire and Rescue Service Small Town S-duthern Living 3 Extra-curricular Activities Good Jobs 3 Estuarine Areas Churches 3 Civilians Nice Place - 3 Resources Community College- 3 Small Towns No Traffic Problems -:3 Historical Items Existing Population -.3 Naval Hospital Growth Potential - 3 Stable Economy Reasonable Taxes - 2 Courthouse Little or Nothing 2:.: Post Office Good Land - 2 Water System - 2 Hospital'- 2 Slow Pace 2 Everything 2 -108- 8. WHAT DO YOU LIKE LEAST ABOUT ONSLOW COUNTY? Crime and Violence - 148 Poor Roads - 69 ALL THE REMAINDER HAD I RESPONSE Poor School System - 30 No Unions Lack of Recreation - 29 City Annexation Too Many Marines - 29 Too Much S Ipent on Education Lack of Jobs 28 Over-publicizing Crimes Little Public Transit - 23 Greedy Local Merchants Camp Lejeune 23 Lack of Facilities Bars - 20 Strict Court Sentences Low Pay - 19 Gum Branch Road Court Street Area - 15 Too Small Adult Businesses - 15 Unsed Land Wasted Lack of Shopping Centers - 15 Volumed Of Business Affecting Attitudeof Government Agencies 12 Community Drug Problem - 11 Lack of Family Entertainment Jacksonville - 10 'Government Interference in Lack of Industry - 9 Gfowta Litter - 7 Rural Schools Get Less Summer Insects - 7 Poverty High Property Taxes - 7 Delays in Police Answering Calls Beautification of County 7 Slow Development Hospital and Medical Service 6 High Electric Bills Distance From Large Tovns - 5 Housing Development Poor, Scattered Shopping 5 Too Many Rental Homes Lack of Police Officers 4 Dr*ainage Ditches. Crooked Politicians 4 Lqty People Humidity and Climate 4 No YMCA or YWCA Poor Leadership 4 No TV Station Sprawl - 3 Slow County Administration Lack of Zoning Lack Of Camping Areas Too Political- 3 Lack of Concern for Dixon School Lack of Good Entertainment 3 Lack of Goo-d Dining Places Inflation - 3 Lack of Beautification Upkeep of Beaches - 3 Population No Civic Center - 2 Lack of Cultural Events Highway 17, South - 2 Not Enough People High Living Costs - 2 Soft Court System Lack of*Sidewalks - 2 Stop Lights Too Much Welfare - 2 -Need for Shopping on Hwy 17, Soutl County Commissioners Run-down Residential Areas - Education - 2 Deer Hunting Businesses Rip Off Marines 2 Teen Driving Treatment of Military - 2 School Buses Small Size of Sheriff's Dept. - 2 New River Inlet Unfair Government and Taxes 2 No Dog Catchers Housing - 2 Traffic Problems Haphazard Zoning-- 2 Pollution Too Many Gas Stations 2 Forbidden Use of Glass.and Cans Phone System - 2 on the Beach Lack of Overall Planning 2 Lackof Environmental Protection Government Controls - 2 Can't Do Anything Without a Permit County Water System - 2 Lack of Business Competition _109- Trees Electrical Restrictions Stink Accident Benefits Building Inspections Unfair Law Enforcement Banks Inept Elected County Officials Secretive Hospital Authority Way Social Services Works Impossible Self-indulgent Government Lack of Overall Planning Lack'of Beach Access Military Influence Pea-brained Government People Aggressive Growth Racial Injustice News Publications in Paper Procedure to Aid the Poor Georgetown 9. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE LEVEL OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS? a. MOSQUITO CONTROL AND DRAINAGE Needs More Attention -.487 (71%) Adequate - 193 (28%) Needs Less Attention - 5 (1%) b. PARKS AND RECREATION Needs More Attention 444 (66%) Adequate - 218 (32%) Needs Less Attention 16 (2%) c. ROADS AND HIGHWAYS(Not a county function but asked for a response anyway. .Needs More Attention - 532 (76%) Adequate - 165 (24%) Needs Less Attention - 3 (<I%) d. SCHOOLS Needs More Attention 469 (68%) Adequate - 214 (31%) Needs Less Attention 7 (1%) e. WATER AND SEWER Needs More Attention 307 (47%) Adequate - 315 (49%) Needs.Less Attention 25.0%) f. PUBLIC TRANSIT Needs More Attention - 439 (69%) Adequate - 167 (27%) Needs Less Attention - 26 (4%) _110- g. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Needs More Attention - 462 (72%) Adequate - 145 (22%)@ Needs Less Attention - 38 (6%) h. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Needs More Attention - 320 (50%) Adequate - 284 (457.) Needs Less Attention - 32 (5%) i. LAND USE PLANNING Needs More Attention - 352 (57%) Adequate - 241 (39%) Needs Less Attention - 28 (4%) j. LA14 ENFORCEMENT Needs More Attention 425 (64%) Adequate " 234,(35%) Needs Less Attention 5 k. LIBRARIES Needs More Attention 238 (36%) Adequate - 401 (60%)- Needs Less Attention 24 (4%) 1. GARABAGE COLLECTION 'Needs More Attention 2D8 (32%) Adequate - 430 (65%) Needs Less Attention 19 (3%) m. FIRE PROTECTION Needs More Attention 208 (32%) Adequate - 423 (66%) Needs Less Attention 15 (2%) n. RESCUE AND AMBULANCE Needs More Attention 246 (37%) Adequate - 403 (61%) Needs Less Attention 13 (2%) o. BEACH PARKING AND ACCESS - Needs More Attention 7 377 (581) Adequate - 237 (37%) Needs Less Attention - 30 (5%) p. HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE Needs More Attention- 383 (55%) Adequate - 289 (42%) Needs Less Attention 18 (3%) q. ROAD NAME SIGNS Needs More Attention - 340 (50%) Adequate - 311.(46%) Needs Less Attention - 26 (4%) 10. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL LEVELS OF SERVICE YOU FEEL NEED MORE ATTENTION? Yes 453 (67%) 'No 221 (33%) 11. WHAT AREAS, COMMUNITIES OR SITES NEED TO BE PROTECTED FROM UNWISE DEVLOPMENT? Beaches (Coast) - 149 Woodlands - 49 Residential Areas.- 48 Entire County - 40 Rural, Agricultural Areas 29 River Areas - 19 Downtown Jacksonville 11 Parks - 8 Urban Areas Wildlife Areas 5 Historical Areas - 5 Highway 17 - 5 Estuarine Areas - 4 None - 4 Court Street - 4 ,..Piney Green Road - 4 Highway 24 - 4 White Oak Twp. -3 College Park/Brynn Marr Around Schools - 2 Commercial Areas - 2 Marshland - 2 Country Club - 2 Bar Areas - 2 Southwest Area -.,2 Northwoods - 2 Cardinal Village 2 ALL THE REMAINDER HADA RESPONSE Near Camp Lejeune Weyerhauser Property Back Swamp Waterway City Hall New River Inlet Parks and Recreation Gum Branch Road Hubert Hoffman Forest Meadow Oaks Hall of Onslow County Swansboro Area Recreation Areas Garbage Sites Industrial Sites Country Club. Onslow Pines Road Walnut Creek Slums Regalwoods Outside City Limits- Haws Run Montclair Elizabeth Lake Fishing Village Shopping Centers Private Property Western Blvd. Piney Green Area Sneads Ferry Billboards Lauradale Branchwood' -112- 12. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF STATE CONTROL OF LOCAL LAND DEVELOPMENTS (CAMA)? Good - 54 No Conirol - 42 Should Be Locally Controlled 38 Should Not Have Control - 27 Need More Control 26 Less State Control 24 Should Be State Controlled 6 Some State, Some County Control 5 Necessary - 4 Could Be Improved - 3 Glad To See It - 2 Too Strict at Times - 2 Poor - 2 It Stinks 2 ALL THE REMAINDER HAD I RESPONSE Very Low It's Bad But Needed ,Moderate Regulation Suffices Guarded Fair Controlled Us Out of Existence Fine As Long As Coastal Governments Have Input Hasn't Obtained Public Support State Already Takes Too Much Wise and Saves Money Leave Hand to Nature Bureaucratic/CotTnunistic Plot Waste of Money Infringes on Property Rights Needed for Beach Keep the State Out Gives Time-for Public Input Too Much Control Adequate I Like It Needed But Isn't Effective State Control Needed Due to Local Neglect Owner Should Control Not Strong Enough Abblish it 13. DO YOU FEEL SOME PORTIONS OF ONSLOW COUNTY NEED MORE LAND USE PLANNING AND WHERE?-' Beaches and Coast - 56 Highway 17 16 Urban Areas 16 Western Blvd. - 15 Rural Land - 11 Residential Areas - 10 Downtown Jacksonville 8 Marsh -,_7 Industrial Sites - 7 -113- Court Street 7 New River Area - 7 :Sneads Ferry - 6 Richlands @ 5 Gum Branch Road 5 Whole County - 4 Highway 24 - 4 Jacksonville - 3 Swansboro -' 3 Piney Green Road 3 Commercial Areas 3 Catherine Lake - 2 Jacksonville Suburbs-- 2*@ Georgetown - 2 Southwest Area'- 2 Park Woodlands - 2 Highway 258 - 2 Bell Fork - 2 Drug Areas - 2 Separate-Residential and Commercial 2 ALL THE REMAINDER HAD 1 RESPONSE Sandy Run New Bridge Street Commercial Areas, Dixon Road Area Parts of Highway 258 Around Camp Lejeune Holly Ridge Around Our Farms Landf ill Lejeune Blvd. Hwy. 70 Unused Camp Lejeune Land' Weyerhauser Area Behing Cardinal Village Keep Apartments Away from Single Family Houses Stump Sound Traffic Hubert Area Nine-Mile Area Adult Businesses White Oak.Estates Estuarine Areas 14. WHAT ARE GOALS ONSLOW COUNTY SHOULD PURSUE? More industry 94 Better Roads 67 Parks and Recreation - 63 More, Nicer Schools - 47 Cut Down Crime and Violence 36 More Jobs 32 Better Law Enforcement - 19 Long Range Planning 15 -114- Public Transit - 13 Civic Center - 12 Better Paying Jobs 9 .Close Adult Businesses 8 Sewer - 5 Don't Allow Bars - 5 Control Coastal Development and Erosion 5 Zoning - 5 Wildlife Refuge 4 More Housing - 3 Better Education 3 More Confidence in Local government 3 Discourage Industry - 3 More Public Facilities 2 Increase Litter Control 2 Adequate Hospital and Health Care 2 Wise Land Use -,2 Improved Quality of Like - 2 Keep up With Others - 2 Protect Rural Communities 2 Honesty in Government 2 No Improvements - 2 More Deputies - 2 More Money for Out-of-town Schools 2 Dog Catcher - 2 Control Drugs and Alcohol - 2 Road Signs - 2 Better Wateways - 2 Cultural Development - 2 Help Old People - 2 More Blacks in Planning - 2 ALL'THE REMAINDER HAD;1 RESPONSE Family Oriented Activities Balance Growth Environment Livability Improve Public Image Community Crime Watch Requires Permit for Some Recreation and Not Others Better Water and Sewer Better Fire and EMT Leave Forests Less'Political Bias and More Sound Reasoning Behind Spending Treat Military Better Keep Good Schools Younger-more Competent Persons in Key Positions. Better Beach Access Tourism Improve'Coastal Carolina CC Paid Fire and Rescue Workers Clean Out Rivers Widen Hwy. 258 Shouldn't have Long Distance Cal-ls in the County, Put Those on Welfare to Work -115- Recuit Doctors Expand Hospital New County Commissioners Increase Aid to Schools Diversified Farming Provide Sewer Around Jacksonville Adult Bus Drivers Orient Non-Rural Population Bring in Non-polluting Industries Best County in N.C. Clean up Court Street Keep Young People Here More Waste Containers Maintain What We Have Stop Drunks From Driving Fulfill Needs of Residents More Churches Improve Septic Tank Inspections Building Improvements Have Central Government Clean Up Jacksonville Protect Woodlands Better Administration of County Tax Dollars Attend to Small Town Needs Work Together Dixon High Cafeteria Zoo Raise More Money Delete Rigid Restrictions Treat People as Human Beings Better Military-Civilian Relations Take Care of Young People Family-oriented Businesses Libraries Renovate Downtown Jacksonville Have People With Common Sense Run the County Obtain Taxes from Homeowners Who Are Listed as Out-of-town Rjesidents Remain the Same Marine Corps Museum Get Competent Officials Better Low-Income Housing Higher Living Standards Equal Representation of Political Parties Insect Control Hire,Professional County Manager 15. WHAT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES WOULD YOU (OR DO YOU) OR YOUR FAMILY USE IF AVAILABLE IN ONSLOW COUNTY? CommunityCenter - 273 (35%) Swimming Pool - 414 (54%) Tennis Courts - 295 (38%) Bowling - 271 (35%) Golf 7.124 (16%). Baseball, Basketball, Football 327 (42%) Bike Trails - 323 (42%) -116- Hiking Trails..-7 27L(35%) Hunting and Fishing - 212 (27%) Others: YMCA - 5 traget Practice Areas -.4 Jogging Trails - 4 Skating - 4 Raquetball Courts 3 Beach 3 Soccer 3 Concerts - 2 Boating - 2 Dancing_- 2 Camping 2 Movies 2 ALL THE REMAINDER HAD I RESPONSE 'Teen Recreation Arts and Crafts Parks, Exercize Classes Karate Kiddie Parks Putt-Putt Horse Trails Big Events Hobby Shops Motorcross 'Auditoriums and Gyms Christian Fellowships 16. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS County-Facilities Built Other in Jacksonville 6, more Police Protection 5 M6re Factories -.3 More Commercial Areas 3 More Access to Water 2 Unannounced Nursing Home-Inspectors 2 Stiffer Penalties for Crimes 2 More Public Transit -..2 Clean Drainage-Ditches 2 Nice Place To Live 2 - Park With Animals 2 More Jobs - 2 Don't Need CAMA -, 2 ALL THE REMAINDER HAD 1 RESPONSE Seasonal Amusement Park Do Away With County Fair. Watch Your Beaches -Need More Culture, -Chastize Newspaper for Closed Attitude More School Cl&s-srooMs Future Industries Follow Strict Water and Air Stand;rds Four-lane Gum Branch Road and Western Blvd. -117- Connect Western Blvd. and Gum Branch Road Keep up Roadsides Widen Shoulders of Hwy. 258 for Bikes- Children Sitting on Floor to Eat Lunch is Bad Jobs for Military Wives Encourage Orderly@Development Too Much Done for Jacksonville Nothing for Children to Do in Richlands Supervise Commercial and Industrial Development More Roadwork. Mall Put in Wrong Place Area Too Crowded Inadequate Roads Clean up Hwy. '17, South Handle and Supervise Schools Differenty ,See Area Grow 'Dixon School.Neglected More Money for Rural Schools More Rural Recreation Facilities Grant to Study Donated Beach Property a Rip-o,ff Sending out Questionnaire Encouraging Rid County of Run-down Trailers Litter Control Need Camp Grounds TV Station Poor Availability of-Jobs Keep Military on Base Need Coliseum More Sidewalks Schools Need More Money Better School System YMCA Visability of Street Lines When Wet Should Issue ABC License to Anyone Bars Centrally Located County Slow To Develop Need More Entertainment More Christian Fellowship Make County Safer County needs Careful.Planning Work Foward to Growth Outdoor Theater 3 6668 14101 0589-