A firm with plans to build a shopping center in New Hanover County looked to fast-track the process thanks to the city of Wilmington.
According to an article in the Feb. 16, 1982, Wilmington Morning Star, those plans drew the ire of New Hanover County Commissioners, who threatened to stall the city’s grant request of $600,000 for the complex.
Slated at the intersection of Carolina Beach and College roads at Monkey Junction, it was miles from city limits and in county jurisdiction.
Amid several concerns, Commissioner Howard Armistead said he was “not trying to shoot down the project” but called the situation “a perfect example of the breakdown in communication” between city and county.
The city loan would help with utility lines needed as well as avoiding high-interest commercial interest rates, which could mean the difference of immediate construction and a delay of several years.
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Donald Blake was asked to write city administration to request more on the shopping center project.
Today there are several shopping complexes, fast-food restaurants and big box stores in the Carolina Beach and College roads intersection, such as Lowes Foods, Walmart, Burger King, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Ashley furniture.