PETITION TO PROTECT MOREHEAD CITY PARKS, PUBLIC ACCESS, AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

This online petition demonstrates public concern. Verified resident signatures are being collected separately for official submission.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Morehead City, formally oppose the proposed sale of four neighborhood parks—The Curb Market, Snookie Wade Park, Piney Park, and Mitchell Village Park—and the proposed use of eminent domain to take The Red Fish Grill in order to fund “Project Grandeur,” a downtown amphitheater.

These parks are not surplus land. They are essential public assets that serve neighborhoods, families, seniors, children, anglers, and visitors year-round. In particular, Mitchell Village Park is one of the few remaining locations in our community that provides public access to the sound for fishing and swimming. Once sold, this access will be permanently lost.

Mitchell Village Park was gifted to the City for the enjoyment of its citizens, and selling it violates both the spirit and intent of that gift. While we do not yet have full documentation on the other parks, many neighborhood parks exist because earlier generations deliberately preserved shared green space for public benefit—not private sale.

From a fiscal responsibility standpoint, we are deeply concerned by the proposal to permanently liquidate irreplaceable public assets to fund a discretionary entertainment project. Parks, public water access, and established local businesses represent long-term community value, while an amphitheater carries ongoing costs, financial risk, and uncertain returns.

We also question who ultimately benefits from Project Grandeur. Large amphitheaters and tournament-driven event spaces often primarily serve outside promoters, tournament organizers, and short-term visitors, while local residents bear the permanent cost through the loss of parks, public access, neighborhood character, and local businesses. Public funds and public land should not be used in ways that disproportionately benefit private or commercial interests at the expense of the community.

Equally troubling is the proposed use of eminent domain to take The Red Fish Grill, a long-standing local business that contributes to our economy, jobs, culture, and waterfront identity. Eminent domain is intended for true public necessity—not to advance an optional project when less destructive alternatives exist.

Once public parks are sold, waterfront access is lost, and small businesses are displaced, these losses cannot be undone. An amphitheater can be redesigned, relocated, delayed, or funded through other means. The permanent loss of public trust, community assets, and neighborhood spaces is irreversible.

We respectfully call on the Morehead City Council to:

Immediately remove the sale of The Curb Market, Snookie Wade Park, Piney Park, and Mitchell Village Park from consideration
Protect Mitchell Village Park and its public water access in perpetuity
Reject the use of eminent domain against The Red Fish Grill
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility by preserving long-term public assets rather than liquidating them for short-term projects
Pause Project Grandeur and engage in transparent, meaningful public input—including a clear accounting of costs, beneficiaries, and alternatives—before proceeding

Morehead City’s strength lies in its neighborhoods, its public waterfront access, its small businesses, and its shared spaces. Decisions made should serve residents first, NOT outside promoters or private interests.

We urge City Council to honor past commitments, protect public assets, and act in the best long-term interest of the community.

Signed,
Concerned Residents and Supporters of Morehead City

Reminder: City Council will only count signatures from residents within Morehead City town limits. Please include your city, ZIP code, and neighborhood (if applicable) or leave a comment when signing.

Lee Stiles

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