~~  Emerald Tidings  ~~ Island Review Magazine

In This Issue NCDOT Installing New Traffic Signals in Emerald Isle Coast Guard Road Storm Water Project Moving Forward Town Continues NC 58 Corridor Improvements Time Warner Cable Launches Speed Zone High Speed Wireless Internet Service More 50th Birthday Events Town Staff Continue to Enhance Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities! Join Our List

May 16, 2007 Print Edition   Emerald Tidings, composed monthly by Town Manager Frank Rush, is the official newsletter of the Town of Emerald Isle. NCDOT Installing New Traffic Signals in Emerald Isle     Signals Will Be Electronically Linked to Improve Traffic Flow The North Carolina Department of Transportation's contractors are currently installing a new traffic signal system at 4 intersections along NC 58 in Emerald Isle.  Work began in April and is expected to be complete prior to Memorial Day weekend.    The traffic signal improvements include electronic links among the 4 signals, the installation of new signal housings and lights, the installation of new loops (sensors) in the asphalt travel lanes, and new pavement markings.  The new system is expected to improve traffic flow along NC 58, just in time for the 2007 summer tourism season!     The project also includes the installation of new pedestrian crossing signals at the 4 intersections.  The new signals will allow for safer crossing of NC 58 from the sidewalk to the bike path, and will enable our residents and visitors to access the beach more easily in these areas.   These improvements have been planned for the past few years, but were delayed due to NCDOT budget constraints.  The Town appreciates NCDOT's assistance in finally getting the project completed.  The Town also extends its thanks to Senator Jean Preston for her efforts on this beneficial project. Coast Guard Road Storm Water Project Moving Forward    At it's April meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Moffat & Nichol Engineers, Raleigh, NC, for overall permitting services for the remaining phases of the Coast Guard Road Storm Water Project, and for detailed deign work for Phase II of the project.   Phase I of the project, involving the construction of new pumps at Deer Horn Drive and Conch Court, a new storm water pond at Deer Horn Drive, drainage improvements on Fawn Drive, associated piping, and improvements to the Emerald Isle Woods stormwater receiving site, was completed in June 2005.  Phase II involves the construction of two new pumps in Spinnakers Reach, associated piping, and additional improvements at Emerald Isle Woods.  Moffat & Nichol have begun permitting and design work, and the Town's goal is to secure permits for construction by early 2008, with construction beginning shortly thereafter.   The planned new pumps are expected to relieve storm water flooding concerns in Spinnakers Reach and Lands End, and should indirectly benefit other areas along the Coast Guard Road corridor.  Special attention will be placed on the necessary improvements in Emerald Isle Woods to prevent any negative impacts on surrounding properties as a result of storm water pumping activities.    Although an admittedly ambitious goal, the Town hopes to have the Phase II system completed prior to the 2008 hurricane season.  It is more likely that the project will be ready in time for the 2009 hurricane season.   Town Continues NC 58 Corridor Improvements   Goal is to create a more "park-like" setting   The Town continues its ongoing efforts to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the NC 58 corridor between Coast Guard Road and the Town Hall complex.    Thanks to a generous donation of more than 1500 trees and shrubs from NCDOT, the NC 58 corridor is now greener than ever!  New live oak, holly, crepe myrtle, and chinese pistache trees have been planted along the bike path, near the US Post Office, Town Hall, and other areas.  Hundreds of day lilies, junipers, lariope, and other plants have also been added.  The Town greatly appreciates the assistance of NCDOT in this project.  The Town's Parks Maintenance staff, especially Alice McCormick, has worked hard to get it all planted - and there's still more to come.   Public Works staff also recently completed the painting of the curb islands along NC 58 in the middle of Town.  The islands had not been painted for many years, resulting in a mixture of chipped yellow paint, scuff marks, and concrete.  The new islands were painted white to blend in better than yellow, yet still be visible to vehicles.   The Town has made significant aesthetic improvements to the NC 58 corridor over the past 5 years, and will continue these efforts.  The Town's approach to this area is to treat it like a park, and continue to improve the aesthetics and functionality of this area. Time Warner Cable Launches "Speed Zone" High Speed Wireless Internet Service in Emerald Isle   You can now surf the web while relaxing by the beach, sitting on your deck, or in the comfort of your own home. Daily, weekly and monthly rate plans are available to accommodate your usage needs.  All you need is a wireless compatible laptop or PDA. Select TWC Speed Zone as your wireless connection service.  Launch your preferred web browser, and follow the Speed Zone log on instructions.  Simple, Fast & Secure! Now you can surf while you're at the beach in more ways than one!  For more information, visit www.speedzone.twceastnc.com.        More 50th Birthday Events!     The Town of Emerald Isle is 50 years old in 2007, and many great events are planned to commemorate this milestone! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events commemorating the Town's 50th Birthday:     MAIN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION EVENT IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 - ALL DAY LONG!   FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT FEATURING ARTISTS AND MUSIC FROM THE PAST 50 YEARS, INCLUDING A RISING STAR FROM TODAY!    FIREWORKS, KIDS ATTRACTIONS, AND MORE PLANNED!  SAVE THE DATE!  MORE DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!     LIMITED EDITION Commemorative 50th Birthday Lapel Pins and Picture Books Coming Soon!   The Town has commissioned the design of the official 50th Birthday commemorative pin, and these pins will be on sale at various locations in Emerald Isle in the coming weeks.  Cost is $5 per pin.  Keep an eye out for its attractive design!   The Town has also commissioned the creation of a special 50th Birthday coffee table book highlighting the pictorial history of Emerald Isle.  The book will feature a variety of historical photos and notes, and select local recipes.  The book will be first quality, and will be a must-have for everyone who loves Emerald Isle!  Cost is $19.57 per book, and they will be available throughout Town in the coming weeks.     May at the Marina May 12, 2007  6:00 pm Island Harbor Marina   Do you have Emerald Isle boating, fishing, and ferry tales to share?  Well, dig out your photographs, your gear, and your memories to celebrate Emerald Isle's 50th Birthday at the Marina!  Even if you just want to listen, come out for the fun!  All ages are encouraged to attend this free event.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Hot dogs, chips, s'mores, and drinks will be served.  For more information, contact Diane Schools at 252-354-2916 or dschools@ec.rr.com .     Drive-In Movie "ET" May 18, 2007 Gates Open at 6:00pm Movie Showtime Dusk   Flash back to the 50's and the height of the drive-in movie explosion for a night of pure family fun!  Put 'em in their pj's and pack 'em into your '57 Chevy or your '07 minivan.  One thing is for sure - you'll want to bring the whole family to see "ET" under the stars.  Concessions will be served, fees apply.  Admission is free. It's going to be a blast!  Drive-in movie takes place at the Eastern Ocean Regional Access, between Pier Point and Ocean Reef Condominiums at 2701 Emerald Drive.  Gates open at 6pm and the movie begins at dusk.  All children must be supervised.     Drive-In Movie "Grease" May 19, 2007 Gates Open at 6:00pm Movie Showtime Dusk Flash back to the 50's and the height of the drive-in movie explosion for an evening under the stars and chance to watch "Grease" on the outdoor, big screen.  This movie will have you singing and dancing before the evening is through.  Concessions will be served, fees apply.  Admission is free.  "Grease" is rated PG.  It's going to be a blast!  Drive-in movie takes place at the Eastern Ocean Regional Access, between Pier Point and Ocean Reef Condominiums at 2701 Emerald Drive.  Gates open at 6pm and the movie begins at dusk.  All children must be supervised.    Fabulous Fifties Drive-In Diner June 7, 2007  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Community Center   Emerald Isle and Andy's Cheeseburgers and Cheesesteaks celebrate the romance of drive-in restaurants with a "Car Hop and Car Service" dinner event.  Enjoy the flavor and the feeling of days gone by with fifties music and a classic soda fountain-style meal delivered by roller skating waiters!  Bring the kids on their last day of school or just drive in with your sweetie for a truly memorable evening.  The menu includes some of Andy's favorites like cheeseburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and their famous milkshakes, lemonade, and orangeade.  No rain date.      Additional information about future events will be published in upcoming editions of Emerald Tidings. For more information about the entire 50th Birthday celebration, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 252-354-6350 or visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org.   Town Staff Continue to Enhance Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities!     Alesia Sanderson, Parks & Recreation Director,has successfully graduated from the 2006-2007 Municipal Administration Course of the School of Government, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  The program in Municipal Administration is designed for managers, department heads, and officials whose responsibilities require a broad understanding of functions beyond individual areas of specialization. The course is approximately 150 hours in length, and more than 40 instructors participate in leading the program. Course instruction covers North Carolina local government law, organization and management, finance and budgeting, personnel law and administration, planning and regulation of development, and the delivery of specific city or county services.   Kevin Reed, Director of Planning and Inspections, has recently received his professional designation as a Certified Zoning Official (CZO).  The certification process to obtain this designation is administered by the Certification Committee of the North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials with assistance from the North Carolina Institute of Government.  The Certified Zoning Official designation is awarded to persons who meet the program's standards of experience, educational requirements and has received a passing score on a written examination.  In addition to his designation as a CZO, Mr. Reed is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a Certified Floodplain Administrator (CFM).   The entire Town staff remains committed to continual improvement of our knowledge, skills, and abilities so that we can provide the highest quality service to our community.      Frank A. Rush, Jr. Town Manager Town of Emerald Isle 7500 Emerald Drive Emerald Isle, NC  28594   252-354-3424 frush@emeraldisle-nc.org