Development in Carteret County is a issue that affects us all. Many of the citizens of Carteret County are not satisfied with the way our area is being developed. Some of the major concerns being voiced are the over-development of our fragile water side areas, the construction high rise buildings, the loss of water access, the loss of our wonderful view of the environment, the construction of marinas, the type of planning being done for our future, and the path our County Commissioners have taken when they vote on what is allowed to be done in Carteret County.
Like many of the decisions we face as a community, we must decide what type of development we want for Carteret County. We must choose if we want to continue to develop every square inch of Carteret County, or do we want to preserve some of our most precious resources. We must decide if we want mass development, with high rise buildings everywhere or do we want to keep development relative to the charm of our rich history. There are many choices to be made about how to develop Carteret County, and each area has it's own special needs. Likewise, every citizen has their own needs and ideas. What we must decide is, what is right for each area and how to encourage development related to that specific area. With the wants and needs of the citizens of that area being satisfied.
Another area of concern is that much of the development being done, is using workers and supplies from other areas. Returning the revenues from development in Carteret County back to our area would not only boost the local economy, but it would change the opinions of many locals, that have negative opinions of development in general. This would be a great advantage to our area in many ways.
Regardless of whether we like it or not, development is going to continue in Carteret County. As your County Commissioner, I will work to improve development practices and find a balance between different practices, for the good of all citizens of Carteret County. Recognizing each community individually and Carteret County as a whole.
