As a local resident in the Wilmington/Wrightsville NC beach area, I've seen firsthand how the high parking fees at Wrightsville Beach negatively impact our community. Many of us already bear the burden of taxes and other area-specific fees, making it difficult to enjoy simple pleasures like going to the beach. For this coming 2024 season, the town of Wrightsville is once again raising prices for parking, no sitting at $6 per hour for “premium” spots and $30 all day pass. This issue is not just personal to me; it affects all residents in our area who are not property owners. 

Under the current laws, “Property owners in Wrightsville Beach are eligible to purchase up to 2 residential parking permits (hang tags) for $50 each.”

This excludes a large number of Wilmington and Wrightsville beach residents who are not home owners and are renting within the community. In addition, the current pass offering also excludes local Wilmington home owners as well. 

We believe that local residents (renters included) should have access to reduced parking fees or cheaper permits as part of their contribution towards maintaining our beautiful city. This would not only ease financial pressure on locals but also encourage more people to explore what our city has to offer.

We call upon the City Council of Wrightsville Beach to review current policies on parking fees and permits with consideration for local residents' economic situations. We urge them to implement changes that will make accessing public spaces more affordable for everyone who calls this place home.

Please sign this petition if you support fairer pricing structures for local residents when it comes to parking fees at Wrightsville beach.