North Carolina Town Plans for Starbucks & Storm Water Mitigation

Dec. 15, 2020

Starbucks plan may receive approval for North Carolina town

Cape Carteret, North Carolina commissioners are considering approval of a Starbucks site plan.

The town planning board, during its online meeting Dec. 1, recommended approval of the plan, which includes demolition of the old PNC Bank building, reported Carolina Coast Online

During the planning board meeting, Chairman John Ritchie expressed excitement about the national coffee chain coming to Cape Carteret, since it is likely more businesses will follow. 

“I think you’re going to see things happen here you’ve never seen before,” said Ritchie.

The main concern about the plan is storm water runoff. According to Ritchie, as a “green” construction company owner, he knows Starbucks has a reputation as a “green,” or environmentally friendly company. 

Cape Carteret is heavily dependent upon good coastal water quality.

The project will need to limit polluted storm water runoff from the parking lot into drains that lead to Deer Creek, across Highway 24, reported Carolina Coast Online. 

According to Swain, the plan is to build a swale that would catch at least some of the storm water runoff and filter pollutants before they enter the state Department of Transportation drain. The drain channels the water under the highway.

The plan also wants landscaping improvements that will reduce the impervious surface of the parking lot.

According to Cape Carteret Commissioner Steve Martin, the Starbucks will be a catalyst for new commercial development or redevelopment. This is a goal for the town in order to reduce reliance upon residential property owners to finance town operations through property taxes.

Planning board member Paxon Holz made the motion to recommend town commissioners approve the site plan. The plan includes several conditions, such as receiving a copy of the Carteret County Environmental Health Department’s septic tank permit, a photo of the Starbucks’ sign and assurance it will meet town regulations and the final lighting plan, reported Carolina Coast Online.

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Cristina Tuser