Town of Beaufort hitting reset button on proposal for future of docks

BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT) — The Beaufort Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to start over on their proposal about the future of the town’s docks.

This comes after concerns from people living in the town over the lack of transparency from the board. Prior to Thursday, the Board of Commissioners was having closed-door meetings about who is going to take over managing the docks.

This left many in the town angry and suspicious. The motion made by the board was to start over on the proposal. They are extending the lease with the current company and planning to get more community input through a new committee.

Members of the board said they had closed-door meetings so other companies weren’t aware of bids. The original proposal had a company called Safe-Harbor managing the docks. However, the town only found out about it recently and many had speculations.

“It created a degree of lack of information and transparency with the town moving forward,” Commissioner John LoPiccolo said. “Hopefully we can improve upon that and hopefully we can have the objectives in place that the town also agrees upon and the concerns of citizens agree upon.”

Now, the board is getting rid of the letter of intent to Safe-Harbor and reconsidering new bidders. Beaufort Mayor Sharon Harker said it’s important for citizens to stay engaged with the process and not fall for misinformation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.