CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) - At Tuesday's city council meeting, town leaders granted a conditional use permit to approve a new Montessori school at 222 Winner Avenue.
Local resident Jennifer Friend has been making strides to prepare the building and lay the groundwork for the new school. Friend is still seeking accreditation from the state to open the preschool. Tuesday night, she received permission to use the building.
She plans to visit Raleigh on Tuesday to meet with state leaders about also bring a charter Montessori school for elementary and middle school-aged children to the island as well.
If she receives accreditation, the preschool would be set to open in August.
The charter school would still be in the works, and it could take between one to two years before that school breaks ground.
Montessori schools focus on the teachings and findings of Italian educator Maria Montessori, and they advocate independent learning and mixed-age classrooms.
Additionally, following a complaint from a resident, town leaders listened to a presentation from city staff about a potential ordinance that would prohibit the growth of uncontrolled bamboo in Carolina Beach.
The ordinance states that the city will have the authority to remove, abate, or remedy everything in the city limits that is dangerous or prejudicial to public health or safety.
Only "running" bamboo, or bamboo that is considered a "nuisance," would be subject for removal. "Clumping" bamboo, as opposed to running bamboo, would be allowed.
Mayor Rothrock expressed concern with enforcement and suggested that perhaps the county or the state should get involved instead of the town council.
A couple of citizens spoke out tonight in favor of the mayor's suggestion.
One man claimed that the council should not take action because, "It would be an invasive ordinance, and there are lots of responsible bamboo owners out there."
Council decided to take no action on the bamboo issue, and they directed town staff to approach the the New Hanover County Co-Op about possible solutions to the problems brought forth by citizens who were complaining.
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At Tuesday's city council meeting, town leaders granted a conditional use permit to approve a new Montessori school at 222 Winner Avenue.
