CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. -- A few dozen Carolina Beach residents say they don't want a six-foot, chain-link fence with three rows of barbed wire going up in their community. Some say the fence, which would surround the Island Greenway Project, is an eye sore.

• Many residents living nearby oppose the six-foot high, chain-link fence.
• Mayor says it resembles a detention center.
• Meeting will be held on Aug. 14.

"It's going to look like a prison. We live here full time and we're going to have to look at it every day,” said Kristen Dunn, who lives right across the street from the mile-long project between Alabama Avenue to Mike Chapel Park.

And the Mayor of Carolina Beach, Joe Benson agrees, “It almost resembles a minimum security detention center. So that's why I ordered a stop, cease and desist on the fence on Friday."

The fence is required by federal law since the property is located at the Military Ocean Terminal and Sunny Point. However, concerned citizens say this decision was made three years ago before they even lived in the area. They are hoping a compromise could be reached, one that is cost effective.

The mayor says an ugly fence is not just about the 35 some people directly affected.

"Really if you think about it, The Island Greenway will be enjoyed not just by people who live near here, but all the residents, in Kure Beach and over the bridge. It is going to be an attraction that our town offers,” said Benson.

Benson says they will consider all options and costs before moving forward. Thursday, concerned residents met with the project manager to go over their options.

They will vote on the best solution at a town hall meeting Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.