The biggest planned development in one southern Brunswick County town is less than a month from opening.
Stanley Martin Homes, a national real estate developer, is close to opening its The Tides at Ocean Isle Beach project, a development that will eventually house more residents than what's on the island.
The Tides is being constructed within the town of Ocean Isle Beach on nearly 240 acres at the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Ocean Isle Beach Road. Residents have expressed concerns about the number of residents it will bring within town limits since preliminary plat approval in 2023.
Stanley Martin Homes submitted plans for the subdivision after purchasing the forested, vacant land from the town in 2022 for $11 million. The project location
abuts Ocean Ridge Plantation and a public park.
Ocean Isle Beach officials earlier this year approved the final plat for Phase 1A of Stanley Martin Homes' The Tides planned unit development. Phase 1A includes 46 lots, an amenity area and designated open space on 37.23 acres.
The plan is to build more than 600 housing units, said Stanley Martin Homes Division President Katie Willis. The community will consist of primarily single-family homes with some duplex villas, said Willis, noting the entire buildout will take several years.
Town officials and residents previously expressed concerns about the potential added traffic from such a large development, as well as stormwater management and the proposed development's proximity to Ocean Ridge.
Mayor Debbie Smith said traffic remains a top concern as more homes are built in that area. The town has been in contact with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to discuss road and traffic improvements, but no promises or schedules have been made, Smith said.
The Tides development is the only new construction being built by a regional builder inside town limits, Smith confirmed. However, the mayor said the development is surrounded by other large housing projects being built by regional builders in county jurisdiction.
Asked if the town has taken any more steps to de-annex the property, Smith said no. The town does not have the authority to de-annex a property unless it is at the property owners' request, Smith said.
"They have not shown any indication to ask for that," Smith said.
No homes have been sold as of July 28, but a completed model home will be on display during the grand opening on Aug. 22, said Bri Reichenberg, a sales associate for the developer. According to the Stanley Martin Homes website, home designs in the development start from the upper $400,000s.
The resort-style community amenities, like the club house, pool and pickleball courts, will not be ready until summer 2027, Willis and Reichenberg said.
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Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Huge Ocean Isle Beach housing project moves forward
