THE COLLAPSE OF THE BUXTON OCEANFRONT

Never has "I told you so" felt worse. Since its inception, the BCA has been advocating for the stabilization of the Buxton Oceanfront at its most vulnerable location. Along with these homes - many of which are homes that have been in families for generations, a far cry from the "rich folks' second home" narrative that seems to circulate among keyboard warriors - Highway 12 is in absolute peril. From our 2024 NCBIWA presentation to lobbying local, state, and government officials, we have begged and pleaded to expedite stabilization of the beach. Unfortunately, starting with Hurricane Erin in August 2025 (which, by the way, came nowhere near a direct hit), the significantly heightened erosion resulting from the absolutely dilapidated groins (which were placed in the late 60s / early 70s by the US Navy to protect their base and the lighthouse) became too much for the shoreline. Homes that were two and three rows back from the ocean mere months ago are now at risk of falling. As of November 1, 2025, fifteen homes have succumbed to the ocean. This is not purely the result of global warming, sea level rise, or stronger storm systems. This is the result of the abandonment of the maintenance of the groins, which were placed there by the US government which then allowed a community to be built up on the beach they held.