Ask a Journalist

Last month, after commissioners unanimously penned a letter to Congressional reps, the county’s federal lobbyist followed up. Next steps include exploring a case study of a Minnesota-Wisconsin bridge project that got major federal funding and exploring an extension on the current federal grant for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement.

Q: After a sizeable property off Carolina Beach Road was essentially clear-cut earlier this year, neighbors had concerns and questions – including, ‘How was this allowed?’A: The short answer is that the county’s development regulations give individual lots of a subdivision broader leeway to remove trees than, for example, an apartment complex. But the county is considering some possible changes to those rules.

Q: Listeners and readers have asked WHQR: Why are county social workers concentrating more efforts on the new downtown library and museum?A: For the last couple of months, the county has directed ‘Getting Home’ staff to focus on the area, and has paid out overtime to provide more coverage.

Q: Why does it seem like container traffic has slowed down at the Port? Are there long-term concerns about the downturn, and does it impact plans to dredge the Cape Fear River?A: The Port saw significantly fewer cargo containers this past fiscal year due to waning consumer sentiment, Trump’s tariffs, and shake-ups in shipping routes. But officials remain bullish on the future — and the dredging project.

Q: Is North Carolina’s film grant program out of money?A: No — not exactly. The program is still getting $31 million annually, and all the current grants are fully funded. However, the program has depleted a reserve fund left over from past years, meaning new applications might have to wait for disbursements.

The Eastwood overpass or 'flyover' project addresses a notoriously slow intersection, but residents have voiced concerns over the timing, safety, and efficacy of the $81.4 million project. That includes many who have moved to the area in the seven years since NCDOT held its last public hearing on the project.

Q: What's up with the county employee posted outside the New Hanover County building at 320 Chestnut Street?A: After contractors were found parking in spots reserved for county staff, the employee was temporarily assigned to monitor the lot.

For most local governments, budget negotiations are underway, as elected officials hash out details, and figure out what that means for their bottom lines. In our latest edition of Ask a Journalist, WHQR’s Ben Schachtman and Kelly Kenoyer answer the question: what’s going on with local taxes?

Question: What’s going on with law enforcement training on CFCC’s North Campus?Answer: We know there are many taking place, but – to be honest – it’s been hard to get more information.

On Monday, New Hanover County commissioners will vote to add $1 million in funding to help the City of Wilmington purchase a new park. For the edition of Ask a Journalist, WHQR’s Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith tackle some questions about the plan.