Public Notice

New River Waterfront Park Conversion

The City of Jacksonville and Onslow County are proposing to convert 1.2± acres of the New River Waterfront Park (located by the USO) and replace it with 5.2± acres located directly across the river to what is now called Jacksonville Landing. This conversion would transfer the federal requirements from the New River Waterfront Park to Jacksonville Landing to become a park in perpetuity. The City and County respectively own 0.7± and 0.5± acre of the 1.2± acre site to be replaced and 3.0± and 2.1± acres of the 5.2± acre conversion site.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to help evaluate the environmental consequences of the proposed action on the human environment and allow the affected public to understand the context for the proposed action. Public review of the Environmental Assessment (PDF) is available for public comment period ending on February 1, 2017 and can be viewed at City Hall, 815 New Bridge Street or online at this link (PDF).

New River Waterfront Park

New River Waterfront Park

Jacksonville Landing

Jacksonville Landing

Benefits of Park Conversion

The New River Waterfront Park (conversion site) is a park located adjacent to the eastern side of the New River in a downtown setting. The conversion site includes a boardwalk, fishing pier, general picnic area with tables and benches, a dual launch boat ramp, and parking. The purpose of the proposed conversion is to allow for greater and enhanced usage of the New River while also allowing for the enhanced recreational uses at the replacement site.

The Jacksonville Landing (replacement site) is a larger tract of land located directly across the river which includes a boardwalk, fishing pier, general picnic area, restrooms, three boat launches, a canoe/kayak launch, and parking. This site represents an improvement over the conversion site in that there is no restroom building or canoe/kayak launch at the conversion site. Additionally, the replacement site results in three boat ramps versus the existing two as well as, vastly improved parking. Single vehicle parking will be increased from 35 to 60 spaces while boat trailer parking will go from 10 to 69 spaces.

Contact Information for Written Comments

To provide written comments, please submit them to either the City Attorney at 815 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540 or the County Manager at 234 NW Corridor Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28540.