New Hanover County now owns nearly 30 acres on the western bank of the Cape Fear River.

Deeds recorded last week show the county recently closed on two tracts situated across the river from the northern end of downtown Wilmington. The $2.24 million purchase is the latest in New Hanover County leaders' efforts to preserve green space in the region.

In recent years, public debate over the western bank of the Cape Fear River stemmed from plans for two large-scale developments submitted to county leaders in late 2021. In light of the proposals, New Hanover leaders opted to revisit the county policies that guide development on the riverbank opposite downtown Wilmington. 
 
That’s involved work sessions for county leaders and discussions around new development guidelines and the possible purchase of land on the largely undeveloped riverbank.

When two tracts on the western bank were listed for sale several months ago, the county began considering the purchase, Jessica Loeper, New Hanover County’s assistant county manager, said at the Board of Commissioners' Dec. 15 meeting.

“Acquiring this property aligns with the board’s stated priorities for this area and provides an opportunity to protect a portion of the western bank, limit future land use intensity and enhance both public safety and environmental stewardship,” she said.

The first of the recently purchased tracts, comprising nearly 11.5 acres, is located north of Battleship North Carolina at 1450 Point Harbor Road. The tract is intended for “conservation and preservation,” according to Alex Riley, New Hanover County’s communications coordinator.

To the west of the first tract, the second tract at 1209 U.S. 421 N. is made up of just over 17 acres. It’s adjacent to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office shooting range and training center and intends to “serve as a long-term buffer for public safety operations, provide water access for the Sheriff’s Marine Unit, and to preserve that area from incompatible development,” Riley wrote in an email to the Business Journal.

Riley added that there are no plans to establish a park or public access on either property at this time.

The properties were listed for $2.4 million, Eric Credle, the county’s chief finance officer, told commissioners on Dec. 15, while an appraisal of the properties valued them at $2.475 million. New Hanover County negotiated a price of $2.24 million, given that the sale would close before the end of the year.

The county’s revenue stabilization fund will fund the purchase, Credle said. The county intends to replenish that fund through annual allocations from the county’s general fund for a period of 10 years, he added.

Before unanimously approving the land buy on Dec. 15, several commissioners said the purchase of land on the western bank illustrates the county’s commitment to green space preservation in response to community input.
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“We have heard the community over and over again tell us that they want preservation and particularly in that area,” Board Chair LeAnn Pierce said, “and we are committed to doing that.”

New Hanover County leaders also committed in October to partnering with the city of Wilmington to fund the acquisition of a new city park. In April, county leaders approved the purchase of the 60-acre Flossie Bryan Tract off Independence Boulevard in Wilmington. 

According to Riley, the Flossie Bryan Tract was purchased for preservation and future community green space, but, as of Tuesday, there wasn’t a finalized plan or timeline available.