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Currituck County Settles with Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners and the Outer Banks Conservationists (OBC) have agreed to resolve issues concerning a land use dispute over the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

The long awaited good news came April 21, 2006. In a special meeting, the Board voted 3-0 to accept the terms of a Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement. The County recognizes the fact that the lighthouse is immune from Currituck County land use regulations as long as the United States Government continues to hold an interest in the historic structure.

The agreement states that all three parties - the County, OBC and the State will cease all litigation which has been ongoing since OBC was awarded custody in October, 2003.

Other provisions of the settlement agreement include:

• The County will allow the OBC to jointly utilize parking and public restroom facilities that are located at Currituck Heritage Park. The parking and restrooms are owned by the County and managed by the WhaleheadPreservation Trust.
• Beginning July 1, 2006, the OBC will deposit 17% of the gross revenues generated annually at the Lighthouse into a fund managed by the Whalehead Preservation Trust. The money will be used for upkeep and maintenance on the restrooms and parking.
• The OBC shall have the right to retain one-half of its annual contribution to the fund for reimbursement - up to $200,000 – in out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the lighthouse transfer. Currituck County may utilize this fund to reimburse its out-of-pocket expenses.
• The County and the OBC agree that the Executive Director of the Whalehead Preservation Trust will serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the OBC Board of Directors and the Executive Director of the OBC will serve as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Whalehead Preservation Trust.