Topsail Beach offering shuttle service after property dispute

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A Memorial Day weekend mess is what folks visiting Topsail Beach are facing if a property... — A Memorial Day weekend mess is what folks visiting Topsail Beach are facing if a property dispute isn't solved.

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - The town of Topsail Beach plans to offer a shuttle service throughout the holiday weekend.

The plan is Topsail Beach's attempt to overcome a potential parking issue that came up this week.

For years, the town has used property at the south end of the island, which can fit up to 30 cars. Back in January, the owners said that they wanted to raise the lease agreement with the town from next to nothing to $12,000 a year – or else. Now, the chained-off parking lot has signs that read, "No trespassing."

Friday, Topsail Beach announced the shuttle will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The shuttle will take off from 820 South Anderson across from Town Hall.

Herb Netherton lives down the road from the lot, and he says he already knows what the weekend will bring.

"We're going to have major congestion," he said. "Some that we've never seen before."

Netherton also worries that cars will be parked illegally, or even on vacant vacation home property, and he feels that breaking the rules can start a vicious cycle.

"There could be some problems like vandalism," said Netherton.

Mayor Howard Braxton says despite the town's efforts to negotiate with the parking lot owners, no one is giving in. The town says the $12,000 annual cost is not going to happen.

Commissioners held an emergency meeting Thursday night to discuss options. They believe they have a right to the lot, because they say under the lease agreement, the town needs at least 30 days notice before the owners can cut off access. The two groups are trying to figure out an agreement.