The Town Council at a public meeting in early February approved a conditional use permit and gave site plan approval for 10 overflow parking spaces along Beachside Drive to serve the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club.
The Project Manager with MBV Engineering, Inc. was on hand during the quasi-judicial hearing to provide a presentation of the project, which had undergone vigorous review by the staff at Town Hall, the Town Planning Firm, and the Town Attorney in advance of the meeting.
The presentation provided particular emphasis to the construction of the parking spaces, which feature sub-surface stabilization materials with a grass sodded finish on top. This material and structure were explained to be highly suitable for overflow parking, which generally enjoys less frequent use. The grass top is to be continually maintained, and the parking can support an irrigation system within it. The design of the spaces includes a concrete parking stop for each space in accordance with the Town Code.
The buffering of Highway A1a should include an increase in vegetative materials. The approved landscaping plan features the on-site relocation of 17 Sabal palm trees, along with the addition of 8 varieties of shrub species and more. Invasive, exotic species will be removed from the project site per the Town Code.
Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club CEO Rob Tench said that the proposed landscape plan would enhance the area. He added that the parking project will provide for safer off-street parking for the Club’s larger events.
Application and approval documentation is available from the Town Clerk.