The Saltwater Connections Resource Team will return to Hatteras Island on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 to present the team’s assessment report for Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, and Avon.
Public meetings are scheduled for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building, and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Avon Fire Station.
The 10-member resource team talked to dozens of residents, community leaders, and business owners about the strengths and assets of the villages and major challenges during a 3-day visit in May and during a follow-up visit in early October that focused on post-Hurricane Irene redevelopment.
Those conversations form the foundation for the report and recommendations on ways residents might strengthen the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the villages through community-based projects and programs.
“Hatteras Island has always held an abundance of cultural and natural assets with its people, its history, and the beauty of the Outer Banks, but we realize that in today’s economy these communities also face challenges to economic sustainability and community livability. Team members bring a remarkable wealth of expertise and experience together to support the community as they work collaboratively to develop an innovative ‘roadmap’ for the future starting with this report,” said Karen Amspacher, Saltwater Connections project coordinator and executive director of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center.
Amspacher said the report includes information on how villages might implement short-term and long-term projects and programs through funding available from the NC Rural Center and the Saltwater Connections initiative.
“We’ll have information at the January meeting about projects that have worked well in other communities, and information on building partnerships and about other resources, including the Saltwater Connections community fund,” she said.
More information about Saltwater Connections is available at www.saltwaterconnections.org , or by contacting Susan West at 252-995-4131 or ridgeroad@earthlink.net .
As a Tarheel of now going on 50+ years I have seen many changes myself…from nothing open at 6am to hardly any access for inlander’s to the beach…now I don`t condemn coast development but imhho it has gotten shall we say packed like sardines.The balance seems segued more to the commercial/development side than your everyday North Carolinian. Private ownership of the beach has even been contemplated to stop foot traffic along the shoreline….unbelievable..
So I salute your effort and will support your quest….