Currituck

Courtesy purchase a Done Deal ?

Signage and fixtures removed from building

by John H. Snowden, III
Publisher / Editor

Currituck County’s purchase of The Courtesy Ford dealership in Moyock is apparently coming closer to reality. Visitors to the facility located in the Virginia / North Carolina State line will be greeted by an empty parking lot, bare interior walls, and a message to Courtesy Ford patrons from sales manager Greg Stewart.

A large sign placed inside the front door of the building bears a note expressing thanks to all of Courtesy’s customers at this location over the years. The note goes on to say that Courtesy has had the opportunity to “assist” the county achieve it’s goal of locating a visitors center on NC 168 in mainland Currituck.

The Board of Commissioners held a closed session for the purpose of acquiring property at their Monday, December 3 meeting. county Attorney Donald “Ike” McRee identified the purpose - for development of a tourist or visitor’s center - and the location - the Courtesy Ford dealership - of the property.

The Board took no action on the purchase of the property at the December 3 meeting; however, they did direct County Manager Dan Scanlon to conduct due diligence and investigate the possibility of purchasing the property in question.

Scanlon indicated via telephone interview later that week, that the owner of the dealership had contacted the Board of Commissioner’s members, inquiring if the county would be interested in purchasing the property. He stated that possible use for this tract falls in line with suggestions the county recently received in a marketting report on Travel and Tourism from the Randall Group.

Scanlon also confirmed that a representative for the owner of “The Dog Track” property - a 62.5 acre parcel approximatley 1/2 mile south of the state line - had contacted the county via letter prior to the car dealership offer, offering the larger parcel for sale.

By comparison, the car dealership property’s combined acreage is 3.4 acres, with a total tax value of buildings and improvements listed at $1,411,438.53.

Prior to purchasing either property, the Board of Commissioner must meet in open session to vote on the acqusition.

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© 2008 NE NC News.