2016 BoC Retreat Discussion Question

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On the topic of overcrowding and high density construction in Corolla, there have been some chilling revelations.  Our volunteer fire department has excellent ratings for skill levels and responsiveness, but our infrastructure limits the size of fire that can be controlled.  It may be okay to allow a house to be built at a size above the fire-fighting capacity, as long as the owner explicitly accepts the risk.   

But should it be okay to allow that house to be close enough to the property lines to threaten its neighbors if it should catch fire?  

Are the recent multi-structure blazes in Whalehead, Pine Island and Corolla Light the start of a dangerous trend?  

Will the proximity of a large home or commercial structure have a negative effect on the sale prices of its neighbors?   

Will the last 20% of development in Corolla weaken, or enhance, our attractiveness to vacationers and investors?

Three homes lost to fire.jpeg
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Ed Cornet

Ed Cornet, PhD, is a long time Currituck resident in Corolla. He has over six years of service as a member of the County's Economic Development Advisory Board and the Land Use Plan Steering Group. His business career was in high-tech industries and as a Partner of Booz Allen Hamilton. He has served on several corporate Boards. After retiring from business Ed was a Professor in the Kenan-Flagler Business School of UNC Chapel Hill where he established the STAR Program guiding MBA students to help NC businesses.