Residents in the Historic District will be impacted by decisions made by the City, County and State in the coming weeks, months and years that affect the quality of life downtown. These issues are monitored closely by ROW as explained below.
I. The City Council has approved regulations for Home Stay Short Term rentals. Home Stays are rented rooms in homes where the owner is on the premises. The Council has been studying Short Term Rental issues for two years. The conflict over STRs has centered on whether Short Term Rentals should be allowed in Residential Districts. Wilmington's Zoning Code previously did not permit any businesses to operate in neighborhoods zoned single family residential.
These new Home Stay regulations will become effective March 1, 2019:
- Home Stay owners must register each year and provide proof of property ownership.
- The owner must buy $500,000 of commercial liability insurance.
- The owner must keep records of all rentals and pay the city occupancy tax based on those records.
- Information about the property and the police non-emergency phone number must be posted in the house.
The Council will address Whole House Short Term rentals (with the owner on the premises) on October 2. ROW opposes Whole House STRs in residential neighborhoods. The City estimates that approximately 540 STRs (both Whole House and Home Stays) are operating within Wilmington. Investors who own Whole House STRs in residential neighborhoods want the code to be changed to allow their businesses in Residential Districts.
If you want to voice your concerns about protecting the Residential Districts, email the City Council at: Council@wilmington.gov
II. The Grace Street Project concerns the development of the downtown block containing the public library, owned by New Hanover County. County Commissioners are considering proposals for a public-private redevelopment of the block that could affect the library, the recently-built Story Book Park, a parking garage, the Register of Deeds building and an empty parcel bordering Grace Street. Moving the Cape Fear Museum to the site is also a possibility. Two public hearings revealed a strong opposition to the re-development, which could include adding apartments, condos and a hotel. The County Commissioners will vote on proposals submitted by developers sometime in 2018.
III. The Cape Fear Crossing Project concerns a new bridge between Brunswick and New Hanover Counties. Twelve proposal were initially introduced, but the two routes that would impact the Downtown Historic District have been eliminated. ROW favors the southernmost routes nearer the port area. The final decision rests with the State Transportation Department, and public hearings will be held before the proposed 2019 decision and proposed 2020 building date.
IV. The City has reviewed its brick street policy, held pubic meetings, and determined steps for improving the existing brick streets since many have been covered with asphalt. The City Council has allocated funds for "Brick Street Rehabilitation" in the 2017-18 Budget Capital Improvement Program. We hope to see improvements in the coming year.
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