Brunswick County, North Carolina, October 21, 2025
Recent developments in Brunswick County, North Carolina, highlight various residential and commercial projects. These advancements aim to enhance housing availability and improve local infrastructure, ultimately stimulating economic growth and providing better amenities for the community. Wilmington Star-News reports on these initiatives that are set to transform the area, fostering a thriving environment for residents and businesses alike.
Brunswick County, North Carolina, Announces Major Infrastructure and Development Projects
Brunswick County, North Carolina, is poised to launch several significant construction projects aimed at improving local infrastructure, education, and economic development. These initiatives include a new elementary school, extensive road improvements, and the expansion of industrial facilities, all set to play a crucial role in the county’s growth.
New Elementary School in Leland
The Brunswick County School Board has approved plans for a new elementary school in Leland, costing $99 million. This facility will accommodate 750 students and is scheduled to open in 2028 on a 64-acre site within the Jackey’s Creek neighborhood. A recent demographic study indicates that all 20 schools in Brunswick County may be operating at or above 90% capacity within the next decade, highlighting the urgent need for this expansion.
Road Improvements in Brunswick County
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has awarded contracts amounting to $5.2 million for road enhancements across Brunswick County. This project includes milling, resurfacing, and shoulder reconstruction on sections of N.C. 87, N.C. 133, and additional secondary roads. Work is expected to commence in late summer, with completion projected by the end of 2026, aiming to improve road safety and meet increasing traffic demands.
Expansion of Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park
Brunswick County officials have approved the addition of 539 acres to the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park, expanding its total area to 1,100 acres. This initiative is designed to attract new industries and create jobs in the area. A significant investment has already been confirmed, with India-based Epsilon Advanced Materials planning to establish a $650 million facility to manufacture components crucial for electric vehicle batteries, expected to generate 500 jobs.
Legal Action Over Development Denial
Coastal Cornerstone Development, LLC, has filed a lawsuit against Brunswick County and the Brunswick County Planning Board following the denial of its ‘Sailor’s Haven’ project application in July. This proposed development would feature 299 single-family homes across 117.38 acres near Sunset Beach. The Planning Board cited stormwater drainage concerns without specifying the regulatory violations, while the developer claims adherence to all planning criteria.
Community Concerns and Development Moratorium
Despite mounting community concerns regarding rapid development, Brunswick County commissioners recently voted against a moratorium on residential projects. Residents have raised alarm over potential flooding, traffic congestion, and noise levels, yet officials determined that current state laws limit their authority to pause development activities.
Bridge Construction and Road Closures
As part of the widening project for N.C. 211, a section of N.C. 133 (Long Beach Road) near Southport-Supply Road is set to close on November 11, 2024. This closure will allow for bridge construction over N.C. 211. During this period, drivers will be redirected to Old Long Beach Road, with the full project anticipated to improve traffic flow across more than seven miles of roadway by its expected completion in fall 2025.
Data Centers for Schools
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners has approved the installation of two containerized data centers for local schools, to be located at the Center of Applied Sciences and Technology (COAST) and North Brunswick High School. These facilities, provided by Schneider Electric, will each house four server rack enclosures and are expected to be operational by March 2024, aiming to bolster technological infrastructure in educational settings.
Oak Island Re-Pump Station Upgrade
Bids are currently being solicited for materials to replace an outdated sewer line at the Oak Island Re-Pump Station. This project will replace the existing line with a new 24-inch pipe, enhancing wastewater management in the region. Bids must be submitted by July 3, 2025.
Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station
The Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station, situated near Southport, serves as a critical energy source for the region. Covering 1,200 acres and operating since 1975, the plant remains one of the oldest established infrastructures in Brunswick County and continues to support the local economy significantly.
Inlet Square Mall Redevelopment
The redevelopment of Inlet Square Mall is progressing, revitalizing the area with new stores and restaurants after demolition has cleared the way. This transformation aims to enhance the local business environment and attract more visitors to the site.
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, a key transportation link spanning the Cape Fear River, continues to support vital regional traffic. Opened in 1969, this steel vertical-lift bridge remains an essential infrastructure element within Brunswick County and New Hanover County.
Bald Head Creek Boathouse
Once a historic structure built in 1915, the Bald Head Creek Boathouse was destroyed by Hurricane Florence in September 2018, leaving only its timbers. Despite its loss, the site remains a point of interest for both visitors and historians, reflecting significant aspects of local history.
Orton Plantation
Dating back to 1735, the Orton Plantation is a notable example of Southern antebellum architecture located in Smithville Township. Throughout its history, this historic site has served multiple roles, including that of a military hospital and a residence for esteemed figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new elementary school in Leland?
The Brunswick County School Board has approved the construction of a new elementary school in Leland. The $99 million project will accommodate 750 students and is expected to open in 2028. The school will be situated on a 64-acre site in the Jackey’s Creek neighborhood, addressing current overcrowding in the district. A demographic study projects that within the next decade, all 20 schools in Brunswick County will operate at or above 90% capacity, underscoring the need for this expansion.
What road improvements are planned in Brunswick County?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has awarded contracts for road improvements in Brunswick County. The $5.2 million project includes milling, resurfacing, and shoulder reconstruction on sections of N.C. 87, N.C. 133, and three secondary roads. Construction is set to begin as early as late summer, with completion expected by the end of 2026. These enhancements aim to improve road safety and accommodate increasing traffic demands in the region.
What is the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park expansion?
Brunswick County leaders have approved the addition of 539 acres to the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park, bringing the total area to 1,100 acres. This expansion is part of a broader effort to attract new industries and create jobs. In October 2023, India-based manufacturer Epsilon Advanced Materials announced plans to invest $650 million in a 1.5 million-square-foot facility within the park. The facility will produce graphite components for electric vehicle batteries and is expected to employ 500 workers. To support this growth, the county is also planning infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of the industrial park’s water tower and the extension of water and sewer services to county-owned properties within the park.
What is the ‘Sailor’s Haven’ project lawsuit about?
Coastal Cornerstone Development, LLC, has filed a lawsuit against Brunswick County and the Brunswick County Planning Board after its application for the ‘Sailor’s Haven’ project was denied in July. The proposed development includes 299 single-family units on 117.38 acres near Sunset Beach. The Planning Board cited concerns about stormwater drainage but did not specify which regulations were violated. The developer argues that the denial was based on standards not explicitly outlined in the county’s Unified Development Ordinance and that the plan met all criteria.
Why was the development moratorium voted down?
Despite community concerns about rapid development, Brunswick County commissioners voted against implementing a moratorium on residential development. Residents have expressed worries about increased flooding, traffic, and noise due to ongoing construction. The commissioners acknowledged these concerns but determined that a moratorium was not feasible under current state laws, which provide limited authority for local governments to pause development projects.
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Author: Construction NC News
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