As someone who’s been to the Outer Banks several times over the past 20 years, I read with interest part one of Lorraine Ahearn’s three-part N&R series on the changing nature of the region. As you can imagine, I have issues.
Ahearn tries to make the case that continued development of beachfront rental property along the Outer Banks doesn’t do much to help the local economy. Check out who she cites as sources to support that view:
Despite the spiraling prices, some question how much these big vacation homes really contribute to the native economy.
Vacationers such as Teresa Pettit, of Luray, Va., or Dorothy Jemson, of Akron, Ohio, have been coming to the Outer Banks for years for their summer family reunions. But they all stay under one roof, bring much of what they need and pitch in to cook every night.
That’s it. Not even a supporting quote from the cited vacationers. Anyone think some local officials or business owners might have a slightly different opinion on the subject?
Don’t get me wrong. When I go to beach, my goal is not to go anywhere but, well, the beach. That’s why you’re there. But among large groups of vacationers, sun, sand and surf just isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, and sitting around the house reading eventually gets old. So they look for something else to do, whether it’s shoppping or tourist attractions. And no one brings everything they need, so trips to local stores are a regular occurance. You’re usually running low on gas when you get there, so you have to fill up at the local station. And at least one night out for some fried seafood is a given, right?
Many down on Hatteras Island may indeed believe that development doesn’t do much to help the local economy. But there are probably more than a few people who think it doesn’t hurt, either.
