‘It would just really be a detriment’: Neighbors share concerns over first renderings of CFMB replacements

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Neighbors are expressing concerns over some of the possible designs for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement.

Homeowners are worried their homes could be bulldozed, and nervous that the landscape of downtown Wilmington could completely change. They say they know a new bridge is needed, but are hoping their homes won’t pay the ultimate price.

Historic homes sit on Second and Queen Streets in Wilmington. It’s a quiet tight-knit neighborhood nestled in the heart of downtown.

John Cagle is one of many neighbors who calls the area home.

“It’s just a beautiful area. You can walk to the river, walk downtown, and there’s no reason to leave,” said Cagle.

But the new renderings of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement may leave him no other option.

“I think the 135-foot [bridge] is definitely going to ruin the fabric of this neighborhood,” said Cagle.

The bridge proposal would place the bridge south of the current structure.

Plan A includes a moveable deck that could reach 135 feet and would be wider than the current bridge.

Option B would sit at 135 feet in a fixed position, a height that doesn’t sit well with everyone.

“That plan would be the most destructive by far. I think it would just really be a detriment to probably what’s the crown jewel of the North Carolina coast,” said Cagle.

Cagle’s neighbor, Peter Ruffin, agrees.

“A 135-foot bridge, in my opinion, seems to be a non-starter due to the number of people that it will impact,” said Ruffin. “We consider [this] our forever home. We certainly don’t want to see it torn down the torn.”

Option C would also be a fixed bridge, built lower at 100 feet.

Mayor Bill Saffo is also not fully on board with the proposed designs.

“Some of the designs that I saw yesterday, I was not really impressed with,” said Mayor Saffo. “I think that we can do better. I think that there are great, rich designs around the country that we can possibly try to emulate. We want something that’s going to be unique and different, and it’s going to be something that we as a community will be proud of for many, many years to come.”

NCDOT engineer Trace Howell is looking for feedback.

“We always look to avoid and minimize impacts where we can so the more information we get, the better,” said Howell.

Cagle hopes NCDOT hears his voice And all the others that make up the historic downtown.

“Just come take a stroll around this neighborhood, on Queen Street. Go back towards Fifth, go down Castle Street. Look at restaurants like RX, Olivero,” said Cagle. “Look at the wonderful shops that we have, the community we have, and just realize that this is like an important piece of Wilmington, and it needs to remain intact as much as possible.”

The DOT also proposes changes to South Front Street from the Bridge to Burnett Boulevard, which is the intersection of Greenfield Lake and the Handee Hugo Gas Station.

The plans call for expanding the road, including a median with turn lanes and changing a railroad crossing to prevent traffic backups.

DOT engineers are hosting a public meeting next Tuesday at Daniels Hall at Cape Fear Community College to get feedback.

The meetings will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and at North Brunswick High School where the public can be informed of proposed projects.

NCDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive comments at the meeting.

Written comments can be submitted at the meeting, by phone at (984) 205-6615 — the project code for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement is 10626 and the code for S. Front St. is 10422. Comments can also be sent via email to CFMB or S. Front Street.

You can also view the public information on NCDOT’s website.

NCDOT says a design plan could be decided and announced in the spring of 2025.