NC 58, the road used by most beach-bound drivers, intersects NC 24, the inland road to Morehead City. West of town, a stand of mature red cedar trees, sculpted by ocean winds, runs along the river to White Oak bridge. But not for long. If the state widens the road to four lanes, these trees may have to go. From Thurman Upchurch's vantage point, the growth is inevitable.
People say they've got their place and they want to close the door.
Growth is going to take place. And there are going to be lots of secondary impacts. The biggest one is already seeping through the ground in some places. All of Bogue Banks, including Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, uses septic tanks. Bierly also says the county desperately needs year-round businesses.