Frazier’s Neck: Fact or Fiction?

I was helping a friend with a job search when I came upon the following: A job listing website— “private island caretaker”. Frazier’s Neck is supposedly a private island, soon to be a “holistic sanctuary”, near Southport. The website claims the future spa and “environmental education resource preserve” will offer walking trails, a European style bathhouse, and stables. The unnamed owners of the island are searching for a “caretaker” to observe and keep records on flora and fauna… to surf fish and maintain the blueberry bushes. The pay is $100,000 a year, and no experience is necessary. Sounds really nice doesn’t it? No fancy resumes needed, just a YouTube video and $26.

Now I think that is a little fishy. Has anyone ever even heard of Frazier’s Neck in Brunswick County? More importantly, would someone really pay me to birdwatch? If this is a scam, taking advantage of unemployed folks, that is beyond lame… is it legal? Thoughts?    

This entry by amy was posted on Monday, September 7th, 2009 and is filed under News & Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

126 Responses to “Frazier’s Neck: Fact or Fiction?”

  1. heather mayberry on September 8th, 2009 at 6:46 am

    i,m currently doing their outlne for organic menue i’m sure it’s real. i walked the land you probably sould do a little resurch

    Reply

  2. Ranald on September 8th, 2009 at 7:29 am

    If you needed a qualified person to do this type of work, would YOU dream up an application process like this? Seems to me if you’re willing to pay ANYONE $100K a year, you’d hire a professional headhunter.

    Sounds like a nice lifestyle, but I’lll pass.

    A Google search shows Frazier’s Neck (131 acres, of which 20 are “buildable”) for sale for $3.3 million.

    The plot stinkens.

    Reply

  3. Tom on September 8th, 2009 at 7:41 am

    Nice headsup. I’ve sent the info to the Brunswick Sheriff’s Office. They should be able to work quickly with the land record & tax people and get to the bottom of this.

    IMO, it stinks to high heaven.

    Reply

    Rachel Reply:

    Tom, Have you actually contacted the Brunswick Sheriff’s Office? I hope so because I hate the thought of folks losing money on what really does seem to be a scam.

    Reply

  4. Tom on September 8th, 2009 at 7:59 am

    As far as “resurch,” I think the police can handle that.

    Reply

  5. Islandking on September 8th, 2009 at 8:02 am

    In response to your post,
    Frazier’s Neck is an island, (actually a peninsula that has been cut off by a Progress Energy access), and can only be reached by boat. The sanctuary project has been in planning for 4 years since the land was purchased. The architect of record on this project is Mark Loudermilk of the prestigious Cline Design Group (Raleigh/Wilmington).
    If you read the actual application, you will not find a request for a “qualified person” it says “no experience needed” please see this excerpt from the F.A.Q. on the application website:

    Q. If you want serious “science” to be done, why are you making the selection of the “director” dependant on producing a video? The Aussie island thing was a crass business PR stunt.

    A. The “science” aspect of the job duties entails merely careful observation of the local environment, the ability to count and make time and dated notations in a log, identifying the flora and
    fauna from materials provided and setting up our initial surf fishing table and schedule simply by actively fishing (catch/release), and logging in what was caught, how many, when, where. This
    data over time will constitute our charts,tables and schedules. As for the video this is the best way for us (including our investors and owners) to judge the enthusiasm, likability and disposition
    of the candidates on video, as this will be the format that will be seen by the public.

    This position is not a simple PR stunt as much as a real full time job. Having the blog published provides current information to our investors, owners and guests.
    Having a hands on person, on site daily provides an important liaison contact during our development stage.
    The collection of data is significant as there have not been any permanent residents on the island since the 1800’s and no data records exist.

    The compensation may seem to some a bit generous, but this is also a spokesperson position.

    There is indeed an expense in weeding out those with questionable backgrounds when hosting such an open job advertisement the application fee covers this expense.

    Also, please note, the island was at one time for sale, the internet needs a good update.

    Reply

    Ranald Reply:

    OK, you’re not looking for a qualified person, but rather someone who requires no experience. My bad.

    If I’m involved in this project and that’s the case, then I’d save the $100 grand a year and do the work myself.

    BTW, do you know Heather Mayberry, and can you confirm that she’s working on an “outline” for an organic menu? Will Frazier’s Neck have a restaurant? A health food store?

    How many homes do you plan to build? Is the island close to any part of the Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant?

    Reply

    heather mayberry Reply:

    phase 1 40 units 1building 7miles from power plant several roads 1000’s of homes and a walmart between fraziersneck and power plant

    Reply

  6. Tom on September 8th, 2009 at 8:21 am

    There doesn’t appear to be a Cline Design in Wilmington or Raleigh. Is there a local number than you can provide?

    Re Mark Loudermilk, is this the architect you are referring to?
    http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=129912909187

    Reply

  7. Islandking on September 8th, 2009 at 8:29 am
  8. Ed on September 8th, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Islandking, I sent all the information that you posted here to both Mr. Loudermilk and Cline Design Association (btw, earlier you referred to them as Cline Design Group).

    I have not heard back from Mr. Loudermilk.

    I asked Cline Design if they were affiliated with Fraizer’s Neck and if they were aware of the job posting. They replied with the following: “This has been forwarded to Senior Principals in our firm. Thanks”

    BTW, have you filed anything with Brunswick county at this time?

    Reply

  9. Ed on September 8th, 2009 at 10:02 am

    Correction: should read Cline Design Associates.

    Reply

  10. islandking on September 8th, 2009 at 10:47 am

    Editor,
    As I write this response, the architect in question is at the offices of Brunswick County for a planned follow-up meeting. Mr. Loudermilk had a previous meeting last week which was very positive as I’m sure will be the case today.
    I must say I’m not surprised with the amount of curiousity surrounding this project, and as you can see from the notation at the begining of the F.A.Q. Section on our website, we not only gladly accept questions, but post all questions and answers to avoid answering duplicate questions asked. We are building an ecologically responsible development that will not only benefit the area, but lead by example the future development of this country as a whole. Our design is in strict accordance with L.E.E.D specifications and will show future developments just how GREEN a project can be accomplished.
    All the best

    Reply

    editor Reply:

    N.B. “Ed” is not me, the Grove Project editor. It is a reader named Ed. :-)

    Reply

  11. amy on September 8th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    IslandKing,

    Since you are being so forthright, here are a few questions I have…

    How long will you continue to accept applications? (and money?) You state that the “top 100″ applicants will be called to submit to a “televised” interview?
    When does the position begin?
    Any reason why there is no contact information anywhere on your “dream job” listing?

    Reply

  12. LL on September 8th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    Hmmm, when they ran the Aussie Island job listing last year, they had over 34,000 applicants. Of course I don’t believe they charged people who submitted a resume/tape. If you can duplicate those numbers, you will stand to make over $880,000.00—–Wow, that’s not a bad payday for you guys.

    http://www.examiner.com/x-537-Seattle-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d26-34000-wannabe-caretakers-aply-for-Best-Job-in-the-World-on-Hamilton-Island

    Reply

  13. Islandking on September 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    Amy,
    The posted position is to be filled within 90 days of the original post, regardless of how many applicants actually apply.
    The statement, “top 100″ is merely a guess.
    The term “Televised”, refers to an on air press release, on the island, with the final candidates. This is for publicity purposes.
    This will also include online press releases.
    The position begins within 1 week of the “date of hire”.
    Contact information was entered at all jobs listing websites.
    We are using an automated system for all employment related contact. We simply cannot respond to an unending deluge of phone calls concerning questions that are better answered on our website. BTW- Your Questions and these answers will be added to our F.A.Q.
    Please feel free to ask additional questions if needed.

    Reply

  14. amy on September 8th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    “IslandKing”

    The red flag for me is that you are charging fees to apply. I understand that you have financial overhead during your job search, but why is that the responsibility of the job seeker? The unemployed, anxious to work— they need their money, too, Island King.

    It also seems that by suggesting that applicants need no education and no experience, you are just hoping to increase the NUMBER of applicants, not the QUALITY. Thus increasing your revenue.

    Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions…

    Also, doesn’t the “caretaker” need a boat? (Since it is a private island, only accessible by boat…) Or do you give a boat with the job? Where do you keep that boat?

    If this job were legit, I know lots of people who would jump at it, qualified people, too.

    Again, thanks.

    Reply

  15. Ranald on September 8th, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    IK:

    A few more questions, if you don’t mind:

    On which “jobs listing websites” did you post this?

    How did you come up with a figure of $26 per applicant?

    Why not go the traditional route and ask for resumes, comb through them, and interview (face-to-face) those who seem compatible for the job (notice I didn’t say “qualified”)?

    Why are you qualified to choose the right person for this position? What is your background? What exactly are you looking for in the perfect candidate?

    When did you purchase the land? When do you plan to have this project completed?

    Thanks,
    RT

    Reply

  16. Islandking on September 8th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    Amy,
    yes, not only is there an expense in hiring the intense background check required to weed out those applicants who may have a questionable background, (our clientele need to feel secure in such isolation). But the processing of the application fee itself is a surprisingly notable expense. BTW- “(Islandking) is only a internet screen name not a personal motto”.
    We certainly are not seeking applicants without education, but when filling out the job listings on the jobsites, the check boxes offer only very specific choices, (ie; highschool, some college, college grads, degrees etc.) we were hoping for a check box stating, “No experience required” as it is stated on our website.
    The purpose in seeking applicants without prior experience is that we desire to train the hire in our prescribed way of doing things. Bear in mind, we have been in the planning stage for some years.
    As for the boat, during the building phase, we will have launches several times each day carrying personnel,materials and supplies necessary for the build. which will be ongoing for some time. Once completed, we will have daily launches several times a day for our visitors and guests. The launch itself is to kept moored in Wilmington until our boat slips on the island have been completed.
    Amy, If you knew, (and this forum is not the place to say), what was paid for the property, the planning, survey, environmental impact studies, architectural and engineering fees to date, you would find this to be the very worst way to pull something illegitimate. After all, we as a group have the very most to lose.

    Reply

  17. Ed on September 8th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Islandking, are you Peter D. Koke? I did some real estate record checks in both Brunswick and New Hanover. It shows that the Frazier’s Neck property was sold by Koke Engineering, Inc to Healthy and Green 2009, LLC. When I checked your name in NH, it appears that you have multiple properties in both names.

    Brunswick shows the tax val at only 37k. Why so low?

    As a proud citizen of the Wilmington area, should we be concerned by any of this: http://www.google.com/search?q=%22peter+d.+koke%22&btnG=Search&hl=en&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS310&sa=2

    Reply

    Miike Reply:

    I did my own research, See the following=
    http://www.wwaytv3.com/node/7547

    This says alot to me.

    Reply

    LL Reply:

    Some real solid DD going on here. That is a wonderful article and it shows a real community minded person at work. But then you get to the comments and obviously, something was amiss. So looking through some of the other google hits,this comes up. http://www.2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?p=1822595

    There’s good and bad out there. I have no idea what to believe as I have no first hand knowledge of this gentleman. My only concern arose when my daughter mentioned the add and the $26 application fee. It’s never a good sign when a company seeks up front money from applicants.

    I read the owner’s reply about the expense but if you whittle the applications down to your top 5 and start background checks from there, You may only have to pay for a couple before you find a sold applicant. It’s not like you have to check every applicant, just the handful that makes the very top of the list. Charging the $26 is a bad idea and it raises an alarm with everyone.

    Reply

  18. Patrick on September 8th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I am an investor who has walked the island. THIS IS THE REAL THING. This is a just one great opportunity to get in at the ground level.

    Reply

    Ranald Reply:

    “Patrick”,

    Can you please reply to Comment #22? Because you may have walked the island, but you didn’t buy it and nor did your friends or investors. Perhaps you’ve been taken in also.

    But, really, I fear the worst — that you have no shame.

    Reply

  19. Ananda on September 8th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    There is no way that one should ever consider paying to apply for a job! That is an instant and obvious indication that the position is not legit. Think about it!

    Reply

  20. Ian on September 9th, 2009 at 5:55 am

    On top of the other things that seem fishy about this, the website itself — THE website for a WHOLE “holistic island” project — is about this single employment opportunity and how to pay to apply. That’s crazy.

    If this is such a giant opportunity — with investors, menus, tons of other jobs presumably, zoning, plans — then why is fraziersneck.com given over to a single, paying application process — AND so cheezy and haphazard looking?

    I think this is a complete scam.

    Reply

  21. amy on September 9th, 2009 at 6:20 am

    Well, I hope we are wrong. Honestly, I don’t want to be a thorn in your side, IslandKing. I do hope you build a wonderful holistic sanctuary spa, LEED certified, too. I hope some lucky kid wins the lottery and scores a job earning the nice round number of $100K per year. Personally, I can’t wait to go visit and have a nice organic meal, get a massage, and take my kids horseback riding on the private island, or peninsula, whatever :) . I mean it. It sounds so lovely and exciting… when will the public get to see the plans? Can we invest? Any other jobs available? Or just the one… ?

    Reply

  22. Ranald on September 9th, 2009 at 6:25 am

    A real estate MLS (Multiple Listing Service) search says this property is still FOR SALE, and has been since May 27, 2008.

    The listing agent is John Aultman of Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Coast Partners LLC.

    This scheme has been exposed. Case closed.

    Reply

    heather mayberry Reply:

    i checked with realtor property is off the market you realy need to do your home work

    Reply

    amy Reply:

    Coldwell Banker said this morning that the property is For Sale.
    http://tinyurl.com/kp8lzb

    Reply

  23. John Aultman on September 9th, 2009 at 8:07 am

    I became aware of the consternation and attention that Frazier’s Neck is receiving and notified my Client of the same via this medium.  As an oversight; he had thought that the property had been previously withdrawn from the local MLS and listed on LOOPNET. That being said; as soon as he is able to endorse the termination document for the same; the property will be officially withdrawn from the MLS. It has been removed from LOOPNET. Effectively the property is not for sale at this time.

    In terms of the inherent as is value of the property, I have walked it many times; and I can faithfully testify that it is a very unique and interesting property. It is absolutley breath taking.

    Reply

  24. J on September 9th, 2009 at 9:07 am

    Look for a Wilmington Star expose’ on this subject shortly.

    Reply

  25. J on September 9th, 2009 at 9:16 am

    John, since you are/were the real estate agent for this property, can you shed some light as to what is happening with it? Bottom line, is this $100k a year island job position a scam to collect $26 from each eager soul or is this a legit business?

    Reply

  26. Islandking on September 9th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    Amy,
    I must say, you sure know how to keep a person busy :)
    I find there are still some questions on this thread that have not been answered and as I previously stated, I am more than happy to respond, (time permitting).

    As to “Any other jobs available? Or just the one… ?”
    Needless to say, there are many positions to be filled prior to opening day of the project, but as of now the need of an on site contact liaison during the build is essential. As I stated in comment 13, there is a publicity aspect to this specific primary hire, and that is evidently working.
    If you are asking, “Will we be mass broadcasting all additional hires?” That would not make much sense.
    Greenskeepers, front desk, cleaning staff, massage therapists, stable workers, (the list goes on), are all available locally.
    So why this one position?
    In a nutshell it’s called “introduction to corporate branding”. We are getting visibility to our project, and this is the first position we need presently, that has not already been filled.
    Is the job real? Absolutely, every duty listed is important to the project right now.

    And now for the one question not asked directly…
    Is the requirement for an application fee for a background check legal?
    Absolutely, and let me add, $26.00 is not only a low end fee (as you will see), but this $26.00 only covers the background check, fingerprinting, drug testing and credit card processing.
    The application fees paid by teachers seeking employment with the state of New York total $120.00 for the same information. And yes, this is not New York, and, no that’s why it is only $26.00
    Please see: http://www.elizabethstewart.com/nycps/requirements.html#2b
    Really, I love the forum, I think your readership is adding a valuable element to the region, and we are trying to do the same.
    A valuable asset to the area that will bring valuable dollars to the economy and most of all, (and please look this up), “Platinum L.E.E.D. certified projects” are extremely rare, and we will settle for nothing less.

    Would any spokesperson from your group like a tour of the island & project?
    Justine or Benjamin M-F 9:00am-5:00pm 910-520-7191
    email: holisticisland@gmail.com
    All the best.

    Reply

    amy Reply:

    No, but thanks on the tour.

    Hate to split hairs, but the example you give above is incorrect. The NY teaching fees are professional license fees, not job application fees. Huge difference. In that case, you would receive something for your money (your teaching license.)

    Finally, you may want to become familiar with this North Carolina law:

    § 14‑357.1. Requiring payment for medical examination, etc., as condition of employment.

    (a) It shall be unlawful for any employer, as defined in subsection (b) of this section, to require any applicant for employment, as defined in subsection (c), to pay the cost of a medical examination or the cost of furnishing any records required by the employer as a condition of the initial act of hiring.

    (b) The term “employer” as used in this section shall mean and include an individual, a partnership, an association, a corporation, a legal representative, trustee, receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, and any common carrier by rail, motor, water, air, or express company, doing business in or operating within the State.

    Provided that this section shall not apply to any employer as defined in this subsection who employs less than 25 employees.

    (c) The term “applicant for employment” shall mean and include any person who seeks to be permitted, required or directed by any employer, as defined in subsection (b) hereof, in consideration of direct or indirect gain or profit, to engage in employment.

    (d) Any employer who violates the provisions of this section shall be liable to a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each and every violation. It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Labor to enforce this section. (1951, c. 1094.)

    Reply

    Robert Reply:

    Nice research Amy, and very applicable to this scam.

    Reply

  27. editor on September 10th, 2009 at 5:59 am

    What a gracious and thoughtful post, Islandking. Thanks for taking the time.

    We’ll see if we can get a Grove Project Frazier’s Neck delegation together :-)

    Reply

  28. Robert on September 10th, 2009 at 7:55 am

    Of course this is a scam. Is anyone really naive enough to think this project is legit?

    Reply

    heather Reply:

    This project is the future of responsible development. The days of irresponsible coastal developments are over, Frazier’s Neck Island is going to set the standard for future projects and represents forward thinking, eco-minded and socially conscious developers. Platinum LEED Certification is the highest ranking a developer can hope to achieve. Go ahead and ‘Google’ it.

    How could anyone be naive enough to believe that a project like this is not possible? We need more people to strive to meet these stringent standards.

    Reply

    Robert Reply:

    Whatever the guise that is being used here doesn’t matter. This is obviously a scam. They are using the green spin to raise the publicity level but at the end of the day, they are collecting $26 for each sucker that sends in a video for this fictitious job. I’m sure whomever is running this thing expects to get thousands of applicants and at $26 a pop, that could add up to a nice return. Forget all this Platinum LLED cert talk, that is all just a cover. The hook is to get suckers to apply.

    PS. For such an ambitious project, there doesn’t appear to be any talk about it. All smoke and mirrors.

    Reply

  29. heather on September 10th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Robert, we probably should not have responded back to you being that this talk is all fluff and does not lead anyone to understand the true vision of this project. Regardless of how you feel, this job is a real thing. It is an amazing opportunity for someone to work in the environment, be a part of a cutting edge sustainable community, and to build a career. In the end this project isn’t all of about this great job offer, it is about creating an alternative/sustainable place for individuals to better their lives and experience a beautiful piece of the world.

    Reply

    Ian Reply:

    Understand the sentiment, Heather, but if this project “isn’t just about a job offer”, and it’s so ambitious and forward-looking and sustainable, then why on earth is the only information people can find about it — about a multi-million dollar LEED project in our backyard — some crappy-looking website with a single job offer on it?

    People can be forgiven for thinking this project does not pass the smell test.

    Reply

  30. heather on September 10th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    The environmental engineering and surveying was completed over 2 years ago. The project had been put on hold while the developer gathered salvaged materials such as hundred year old brick and stone to develop the project. We don’t feel the need to have an elaborate website at this time. There has been several prospectus almost complete for the investment group. Most of the material has been kept private. We welcome those who want to view the island. Our Marketing and Personnel Directors will be offering tours to the island next week at a tentative time. Be prepared to feel positively about this project once you have seen the giant oaks and beauty of the island. We feel that a website outlining every detail of our vision is not necessary currently. But we do expect to have one up and coming very soon once more ground breaks. Thank you for all of your concern about the validity of the project.

    Reply

    Robert Reply:

    Heather, can you give us your name and title? And how about Island King? Maybe once we know exactly who you are and can then look at your background, maybe we will develop a different opinion about this project. Because as it stands now, it comes off as one huge red herring.

    Reply

    Ranald Reply:

    If this project has been in the works for 2 years, then why was the property for sale until very recently (the last few days, apparently)?

    Reply

  31. Robert on September 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    In case anyone was wondering exactly where this property was located

    http://maps.google.com/maps?q=southport,+nc&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=Pl2pSvbNLMOHtgfosrmdCA&t=h&ll=33.925343,-78.050737&spn=0.016131,0.034633&z=15&iwloc=A

    You can match it up exactly with this outlined photo of the property

    http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gPm-N6eO8RA/SqSJ_Gzg9pI/AAAAAAAAABI/DIey5Xl8M-w/s1600-h/J-Aultman_arial.jpg

    Reply

    Robert Reply:

    Actually, if you click the picture here, it will be larger:
    http://www.loopnet.com/property/16135810/Parcel-ID-23700008/

    Reply

    heather mayberry Reply:

    wow! looks great good research.they are offering afree boat ride don’t be afraid the worst that will happen is it will put to bed the sorry people who would rather think the worst then be posative great plan great project

    Reply

    Ian Reply:

    So, Heather….In keeping with your plans to “keep things private”, this Grove Project discussion is about the ONLY place where readers can learn anything about Frazier’s Neck beyond the single job listing you’ve posted…And there are a lot of people paying attention to this thread. And you’re emerging as the spokesperson.

    Are you sure you want to be calling reasonably skeptical readers “sorry”, exhorting everyone to be “posative”, and saying we “sould do a little resurch”??

    By your own accounts, you’ve got a yuppy/ivy/hippy/Robin Leech wonderland going on here. This kind of dashed-off, semi-literate rhetoric is just not going to help you in your promotional cause.

  32. Reina on September 10th, 2009 at 7:40 pm

    What an interesting exchange. However, from a distance, it would seem Heather, and Heather Mayberry, are 2 different people in this discussion. Any additional comment?

    Reply

    Ian Reply:

    Honestly, Reina, I think that “Heather Mayberry” is the blackberry/smartphone handle, and “Heather” is the same person at a keyboard.

    (Or maybe it’s: inebriated and not inebriated) :-)

    In any case, I think there’s an object lesson here, and my point remains: You can’t communicate so haphazardly with your “public” when something needs shepherding like this does.

    Reply

  33. funkymonks on September 11th, 2009 at 7:07 am

    Ummm!
    I believe Heather is Peter Koke and Heather Mayberry is Heather Mayberry. The language skills show.
    My suggestion to everyone is to follow the Peter Koke trail, the spa on water street, The River to Sea (Gateway)Enterprise, Surry street land, New Orleans | Galveston connections, Mt Pleasant, NY and Florida projects.
    As for Koke Enterprises and maybe I am wrong, I do not believe anything has panned out for his lofty dreams and land schemes: at least in the Wilmington area for the last let’s say 20 years?

    Reply

  34. Justine on September 11th, 2009 at 7:37 am

    For the record:
    Heather and Heather Mayberry are the same person. She is dealing with creative aspects of the project directly with investors. Her communication in this forum has been via laptop and also her blackberry. You are correct.
    My role is the Marketing and Personnel Director as well as my husband Ben. We work for a company called HealthyandGreen 2009. This company, along with the approx. 30 or so investors owns the island and are in the beginning stages of this project. Our project and vision does not need to be outlined for the public at this point. Your concern about the validity of this project is warranted being that it is not something happening on every corner of the country. We appreciate the comments and the back and forth. In the end you can find what you are looking for through public record if you feel like spending time doing that. However, the job offer still stands and we are anxious to find an excellent candidate who will divest an ample amount of energy into Fraziers Neck Island.

    Reply

  35. funkymonks on September 11th, 2009 at 9:01 am

    My blackberry has spellcheck, I thought they all came with that.

    My hope is anyone who is seriously considering applying for this job or investing in this project does a serious background check and criminal record check on the parties involved. I believe you will find such things as listed below and more for this Healthy & Green group.

    http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1385&dat=19970416&id=VPAVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XxUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4678,51327

    CAMA Rules & Policies :: Enforcement :: 2006 Enforcement Reports
    Wilmington District:
    Peter Koke, Brunswick County, unauthorized major development and violation of the State’s dredge and fill law by engaging in land disturbing activity on high ground, filling Coastal Wetlands with oyster shells, and altering/disturbing Coastal Wetlands with heavy equipment adjacent to and within Dutchman’s Creek and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

    “his project is the future of responsible development. The days of irresponsible coastal developments are over, Frazier’s Neck Island is going to set the standard for future projects and represents forward thinking, eco-minded and socially conscious developers. Platinum LEED Certification is the highest ranking a developer can hope to achieve. Go ahead and ‘Google’ it.
    How could anyone be naive enough to believe that a project like this is not possible? We need more people to strive to meet these stringent standards.”

    Yes, Heather we ‘Googled’ it. And from Peter Koke’s past history (examples above). I personally do not see it happening. It is not that I am naive and believe it is not possible.
    It is just Peter’s choice in land does not seem to be on a winning streak.

    Reply

  36. funkymonks on September 11th, 2009 at 9:30 am

    Yes, I Googled this too.

    Justine & Benjamin are Peter & Heather, notice the lack of last names.

    Man offering cash reward for information in attack of elderly …
    … of anything that I have said, I encourage you to give me a call. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with anyone.
    Peter Koke (910)520-7191 …
    http://www.wwaytv3.com/node/7547 – Cached – Similar

    The Grove Project » A Local Scam?
    Sep 7, 2009 … Justine or Benjamin M-F 9:00am-5:00pm 910-520-7191 email: holisticisland@gmail. com. All the best. [Reply]. amy Reply: …
    http://www.groveproject.org/2009/09/07/a-local-scam/ – Cached – Similar

    Reply

  37. Ranald on September 11th, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Thank you, Inspector FunkyMonks.

    How do you plead, Justine/Heather and Benjamin/Peter? What’s with the multiple aliases? Seems like a project on the up and up wouldn’t require such shenanigans.

    My head’s spinning. Can we expect anymore surprises? Despite all your positive declarations intended to boost confidence (or should I just say “con”?), the expanding readership here remains deeply skeptical.

    The instigators of a cutting edge green project should come clean.

    Sign me,
    Still Suspicious

    Reply

  38. Ben on September 11th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Hi, my name is Ben. I’m the Marketing and Personnel Director for HealthyandGreen2009 LLC. I’ve been following this thread for a couple of days and I’m starting to think that this site has gone from responsible citizen journalism into a realm of personal attacks and libel. I appreciate the zeal with which submissions to this forum are undertaken, but I believe that responsibility needs to be exercised. I believe that the point at which skepticism turns to written accusations of illegal activities, the line needs to be drawn. The wild, baseless accusations thrown about in this public forum need to be moderated to the point of reason. Simply because the internet is an anonymous medium, does not mean that the rules of libel do not apply.

    As for the application fee, we are not forcing anyone to apply. We are simply asking for a fee to cover our expenses involved in a standard background check. Amy posted a response which, unless closely read, would seem to refute our position. Fees charged to apply for a teaching job do not necessarily go for credentials, nor does paying the fee to apply guarantee a position. There will be dozens of positions available on the island eventually, but there will be the single, high visibility ‘dream position’. At this point, we are charging a fee to apply for that position and we feel that it is reasonable.

    There have been several links posted on this site in regards to persons involved. If a person simply glances at the lead paragraph of a couple of the articles, the wrong idea will be gathered. The articles when fully read do not implicate any persons in wrongdoing or in any ongoing legal investigations. Those links make for great gossip fodder, but simply act as gossip fodder in the end.

    As to the insults regarding spelling, puncuation, and the such. Why lower the argument to that level? In response to the lack of last name…How does it seem reasonable to accuse someone of abstaining from providing a last name to an anonymous internet forum and use that as a basis to claim fraud. The fact that ‘funkymonks’ is accusing someone of deceit on that basis is laughable.

    The bottom line is that this forum has simply become an avenue for anonymous insults and baseless accusations against a legitimate business entity. HealthyandGreen2009 is committed to developing Frazier’s Neck Island into a Platinum LEED certified development. We are more than happy to field legitimate questions from actual media outlets, but at this point we are spending too much time responding to little snippets of misinformation posted on this forum. Time spent looking backwards is forward momentum being lost. Thanks for the interest in our project, you can follow developments at our blog and in the press.

    Reply

  39. editor on September 11th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I think you have a point there, Ben. The conversation may have gotten a little wanton. I’m sorry about that.

    Apparently, readers here have some history with or knowledge of the investors in the project. I’m not sure who Peter Koke is or if he is in fact “behind” Frazier’s Neck, but he does seem to have drawn a lot of fire in this town. Can you comment on that specifically? Is he a partner of yours?

    Moreover, “green” investments of various kinds are SO popular right now, and seem to many like almost magical win-wins, that we’re already seeing a vortex of less-than-virtuous enterprises in this area. Green this, green that…I think readers are extra sensitive — and perhaps extra skeptical — when they see things like this pop up so suddenly, and from quarters they don’t recognize as “green” or in any way invested in sustainable development. This may be because they (the readers) are (also) extra hopeful. I think everyone would love to see a project such as the one being (partially) described here work out.

    Re: the spelling: I think the comments are not about whether this representative is capable of spelling things correctly, only about whether she is dedicating the right sort of language and attention to this discussion.

    Regards, -ed.

    Reply

  40. funkymonks on September 12th, 2009 at 8:08 am

    I am sorry to have offended any any one. My hope is that anyone who is interested in the job offered or who is interested in investing. Investigate.

    IslandKing | Heather |Justine | Ben | Peter | and Heather Mayberry I really hope you find your funding for such a wonderful project. It would be a lovely addition to the area.

    I have seen much better marketing packages for “the Dream Job” i.e. most recently “The Murphy -Goode Winery” http://www.marketingprofs.com/chirp/…/twitter-wine-dream-job . I do not recall a fee involved or do I recall any contact information without last names involved. I hope you are able to pull it together with your marketing and your image. I find that more laughable right now as you are looking at a 15 to 20 year project. You are what you project and your trail is all over the internet.
    Again the best of luck and everyone don’t forget to do your “resurch”.

    Reply

  41. funkymonks on September 12th, 2009 at 8:22 am

    Sorry the prior link went no where.

    http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/28/BU8E17A0ON.DTL

    http://www.areallygoodejob.com

    A dream job offering with the kind of money that Frazier’s Neck is offering is the perfect viral opportunity. It is sad to see the marketing department not running with that.

    Reply

  42. Cape Fear girl on September 12th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

    I heard Peter Koke spouting off about this crap a few years ago in a coffee shop. That windbag is always boasting about how he’s made or gonna make 5 million on this project or that.
    Here’s what I think: Peter has created this dream/nightmare and gotten some investors on board (this is how he tried to do the Gateway project and Muddy Waters across the river.) These investors are sincere and responding here on the forum, but the are starting to dread that they ever signed anything with Peter. just Google Peter Koke’s name and see what they might be in for. I hope they drop Mr Koke and finish the project. Many people have been left unpaid by him…

    Reply

  43. peter koke on September 12th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    very proud of my vision reputation and accomplishmets i never hide my name under some phoney web name or run from a jelioos big mouth. i don’t like to brag but if you must no when i came town i demolished jervay a housing project in town i reused over 96% of all debris , most of that material was used on gateway project under cape fear bridge although the city tried to stop the project they where completly unsuccesful i tought the city and council about the possatives of reusing salvedge and not needlessly filling our local landfill and the end councilmen harper peterson spoke to residents of old wilmington and explained you can’t stop peter koke you need to work with him he’s to smart end quote turns out he was wright gateway was some of my best work over ten years i took ten acre’s from industial companies and had it rezoned t o a mixed use wow six years of clean up and rezonning. i then saved the oldest company in the state of nc allowed the city to put the riverwalk through itt something faught by previous owner. i took ship building records and donated them to ECU the largest collection known.colection of antiques went to four different mueums. then i opened an organic spa and bath house over 5,000 customers then sold the realestate for huge gain very fun in one day i bought and sold wilmington iron works and netted over $1,000,000.00 gene merrit made the comment that i was the best deal maker he and this town ever seen that made my day. my vission for this city may have been way ahead of it’s time but the world is catching up.i’ve been recycling aprox 96% of what i touch for over 20 years now it’s HIP to be me. you will be unable to find anyone to say i lied cheated or stole from them because it’s never happenned. i’ll give anyone $10,000.00 cash if you can find a real person that would i cheated them in any way not someone hiding there identity areal person. cape fear girl i’m sure your probebly aguy mad you did’nt have the vission drive or capital .whatever your sad cituation is i wish you piece. there is some great people involved in some of these amazing projects i am one of the worlds most fortunate people very very blessed goodluck to all with the vission,drive and focus to make a differce. i don’t go to bed mad or get up mad i dont wish any negative and or gelouse people ill god bless.PS i’m sure there’s misspelled words andpore grammerrrrr

    Reply

    Bill Reply:

    Caretaker or whatever. I’d give 100% of my time and effort and second mortgage my home to be part of a project of this complexity and vision. I have been involved with projects from mere visions to completion…..preplanning, environmental, regulatory, design, contractor qualification and selection and through build out and warranty. My first Love is our coastal areas, my passion….their continued beauty and preservation.My second Love is seeing a project evolve from sketches on a napkin to completion and a satisfied client. I would pick up trash on the beach to get my foot in the door of something this dear to to my heart and soul. Now all I need is an assignment and a hammock to prove my worth to this endeavor.

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    Bill give me a call at 409-739-9899 pete

    Reply

    Bill Reply:

    Will speak with you around noon EST Thanks for your reply.

  44. Ed on September 13th, 2009 at 6:40 am

    Hello Peter,
    How about all the tax payers in NC? I’m pretty sure they would say you cheated them.

    Koke pleads guilty to tax charge
    Wilmington man gets probation on 7 counts involving state taxes

    http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20060920/NEWS/609200461

    BTW, you can keep your $10k.

    Reply

  45. Teke on September 13th, 2009 at 9:59 am

    Peter, apt naturally i have a gub

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    wow i paid my taxes late me and half the world not cheated ed try again you have nothing to do clearly ed try being constructive you can’t stop me or this project everyone can see through your bs ha ha good luck go watch some football and why don’t you tell viewers why all your about is negativety were you stupid enough to give muddy waters-danny alvis money i knew him and john were con artists but ed find me one person who i cheated i’ll up it to $20,000.00 i’m sure youl make up more bs i’m sure you can use the cash i can use the write off 100 comunity service and 25k i paid cash do alittle better research you look like sour grapes

    Reply

  46. Cindy on September 14th, 2009 at 8:09 am

    After following this thread I feel as though that this community of movers and shakers on the Grove Project is somewhat contradicting ideals. These developers are trying to do something responsible and everyone is bashing them. I am all for the development of a “green” (term overused in this day and age) none the less, sustainable community on a peice of land that looks to be beautiful. Wouldn’t that land be built on some day and for someone to want to create a self sustainable place for people to go and enrich their lives and learn about the environment, well count me in.

    Reply

  47. Serje on September 14th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    Personally, I find this job advertisement less of a scam and more of a way to generate public interest to a proposed new development, public interest equals demand, demand equals higher prices. In addition to clever advertising, this job position seems to me to be a way to add validity to the research, green building practices, sustainable living, and educational selling points. Though, I personally believe these selling points to be a stretch.

    Think about it. This “director of coastal area management” will have no authority to change the developers plans to build on this site if he or she perceives any threat to the coastal area they manage, however qualified or unqualified they are. Basically making this person an overpaid field observer. Bringing me to another point, no previous experience is necessary; I would argue that previous experience would be a deterrent. Every developer who works on the coast wants to use every inch of available land to develop. They take careful pains to have property surveyed at the right time of year so that the wetland takes up less space. Last thing a developer wants is someone with intimate knowledge of CAMA laws or wetland biography, when they have enough hoops to jump through developing an island in an estuary, of which 93.5% has been surveyed and deemed wetland. (Based on 130 acres vs. 20 buildable acres)

    Now, if the developer in this case is just trying to draw attention to a project that will in actuality be Platinum LEED certified and take more than the usual precaution with the wetland and native species, more power to him.

    However I believe it a stretch.

    First, on the site chosen to develop. There are six categories in the LEED scoring system. The first of which is “Sustainable Sites” dealing with choosing a site that will have minimal effect on the ecosystem taking into consideration storm water management, habitat and plant species management. The second category is “Water Efficiency” dealing with wastewater on a new construction site, rainwater runoff, and recycling water when possible. An especially arduous task in a marine estuarial environment. And just because a building is certified by the Green Building Council doesn’t make it less invasive to the habitat or scenery. Not to mention cramming a spa, bath house, pottery barn, horse stables, farm, marina, camping areas, cabins, and 120 residential units into 20 acres hugging water where our seafood begins its life. What land wildlife would hang around? Another reason to draw attention to such a project is that by driving up the prices you can recover costs associated with taking all these precautions, if they have been.

    We’ve basically figured out who the developer is. This has not been mentioned yet, but Mr. Koke owns the domain name fraziersneck.com.

    http://www.whois.net/whois/fraziersneck.com

    I hadn’t heard of you before today Mr. Koke, but it seems you have stirred up controversy in at least Wilmington, Charleston, and Galveston, all publicly available. I have nothing against you Mr. Koke and I also realize that construction happens near the water every day within the rules and regs, though I may not personally agree with all of the rules. And that this construction is important tourism and such. But, tell it like it is, it’s a business plan.

    Since you’ve been agreeable to answer questions Mr. Koke. I’ve got a couple.

    1: Is the developer in this case a LEED Accredited Professional having met the examinations and credentials of the USGBC?

    2: Which of the points in USGBC LEED 2009 category 1 and 2 are being considered and worked into practice?

    Reply

  48. Peter Koke on September 15th, 2009 at 6:38 am

    To answer Serje’s questions.. Yes those who are working with us are LEED accredited civil engineers, architects, and all major contractors . The second question, potentially all points. Obviously you are very well versed in LEED construction. We are interviewing a LEEDS consultant from Charlotte but would rather find someone local. Is there any portion of this project you would like to bid on? We are doing this project in 3 phases, 40 untis per phase. We will be collecting all grey water, all rain water. We will be using solar, geothermal air conditioning and potentially wind power. We are working with a company to use recycled foam block as our form material. Which, as you know, will reduce energy usage by as much as 60%. All suggestions and recommendations relative to a LEED certified community will be considered. You are correct, this is a very ambitious project that I don’t believe has ever been attempted. We are fortunate we bought the property at the right price. We have the resources to do most everything in house and we have over 20 years of experience in salvage and recycling. We have collected what would amount to over 2 million dollars worth of hundred year old brick and stone. We are currently milling heart pine and cypress from old local buildings we have dismantled. Your comment has been a breath of fresh air. To have a comment written in an intelligent manner was great to read. Obvioulsy with this type of depth and understanding bringing alternative projects, you must be in the field to some capacity. You can reach me at 409-739-9899. or email me at Kokedemo@yahoo.com. I am probably not going to respond to any more negativity on this public forum. We are expecting the city of Southport and the County to make a statement endorsing this project within the next two weeks. As it relates to the Coastal Area Management position, what was inferred by having no previous expereince, is we beleived that the work pool would be limited by suggesting that we needed someone with coastal and island experience. We want to offer this to anyone who shares similar views. Everyone involved with this project will have the opportunity to critique throughout the process. This will take a community effort through support and a vast reach from anyone who is serious about the industry and environment.

    Reply

  49. David on September 15th, 2009 at 11:52 am

    This whole string takes the biscuit for aggravated typing of the month!

    Check it… They’re opening an office next to Slice of Life downtown. A suggestion:

    Those with questions: go ask in person.
    Those with answers: have them ready.

    Reply

    amy Reply:

    David, now that is funny.

    Time will tell anyway, and we will all know one day. It doesn’t really have anything to do with me, so I won’t be going to the island/peninsula and I won’t be visiting the office. I only raised the question because I saw the ad and was very curious- I’ve lived in this area for 25 years and like to understand what is going on. It may be the next big thing… like our own “Rancho La Puerta”. If it is legit, I still think it is bad form to expect job seekers to pay for the chance. I have not seen this done before and question the ethics and legality. Also, if you haven’t gotten the development approved by the city or county or state, it seems premature to make the big hire, especially knowing how unique this land obviously is. What if you don’t get approval? Will you refund the $26 per applicant? But that is your business, and people can spend their own money as they choose, so why are we even worrying about it? Karma, people! :) Good night.

    Reply

  50. editor on September 16th, 2009 at 5:48 am

    Editor’s note: Changed the name of this post to better reflect the ensuing, unprecedentedly long discussion going on here.

    Reply

  51. funkymonks on September 16th, 2009 at 6:02 am

    David-
    check it- Frazier’s Neck is not opening an office downtown next to the Slice of Life.

    Reply

    David Reply:

    Yeah, there’s still a lease sign in the window of 120 Market, but I spoke (briefly) with a guy at Slice on Friday the 11th who said, verbatim, “We’re opening a base of operations next door for a new development off South Port… It’s called Frazier’s Neck.”

    It went on. I mentioned I’d heard about it on the web and he actually referred to the Grove. Having seen nothing of this conversation, I asked him about the posts. I couldn’t figure out at first why he didn’t want to talk more, but your mock to my overtly neutral comment explains just how impossible it is to speak speculatively with a know-it-all like yourself…

    Reply

  52. funkymonks on September 16th, 2009 at 8:20 am

    It is funny the use of the word speculatively in this conversation. I am not a know it all but I do know somethings.

    Speculatively Frazier’s Neck assumed or thought they may be there but they will not.
    Sorry to have mocked you.

    Fact or Fiction, Interesting name change.

    It all is just speculation until it is tangible.

    Reply

  53. landnc on September 17th, 2009 at 7:16 pm

    I arrived at this group by accident and just finished reading all 52 posts. Having worked for many years for a top developer, I can appreciate the juicy PR that this message board is generating…there are actually people making personal inquiries.

    Mr. Koke, I wish you the best with this interesting project.

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    thanks it’s going realy well

    Reply

  54. Adam on September 18th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Star News coverage

    http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20090918/ARTICLES/909189963/1155?Title=Plan-for-Frazier-s-Neck-retreat-raises-questions#

    Reply

    R. Cameron Reply:

    It’s to bad they did’nt focus more on a great project rather bashing a local visionery good MR. koke

    Reply

    R. Cameron Reply:

    good luck !

    Reply

    R. Cameron Reply:

    he got the gateway rezoned i’m sure this will be a walk in the park

    peter koke Reply:

    read real careful county said buildable state said buildable we don’t need city!

    Reply

  55. James Terkel on September 20th, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Ha! The ‘article’ from the Star-News is journalistic swill. Hopfully a couple of the high school newspapers will do an article so the we can read something of substance. I’m interested to see this whole thing play out.

    Peter Koke would do his cause well to stay off of this forum and keep the discussion at a higher level. He needs to be filling out applications apparently, not issuing blog updates!

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    james you seem like you realy add value but you are currect the star news is a pile of swill eaven you can read between the BS but i can’t complain that negative fish rapper raised the project $650,000. just like that you got to love it! people are’nt as lazy and blind as you would imagine there smart enough to write a big check and be part of the future not smoke a cig eat a donut and take apill or shot thank you grove project and star news keep on

    Reply

  56. Applicant on September 21st, 2009 at 7:56 am

    Mr. Koke,
    If the project doesn’t work out, will applicants be refunded the $26 fee submitted for the background check?

    Thank you.

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    someone will get this job lots to do before costruction

    Reply

  57. Catherine Welch on September 21st, 2009 at 11:27 am

    StarNews?!?! You should tip off your struggling public radio station news department. It needs all the tips it can get.

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    I’m availale for real talk peter koke 409-739-9899

    Reply

  58. JohnD on September 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Hi,
    I’ve just come in on this blog and have read most of it . I will apply for the position and my background covers Economic development, fundraising, manufacturing, project management and the list goes on – I’ll take a$26 chance on the app. and do my homework – On the tax issues I’ll state this if your area or any other area does not have growth, visitiors, employment etc. – thats when your taxes go up – this is ocuring everywhere as budgets and services are being cut because of reduced revenue – I suggest you look at the glass being 1/2 full and imagine the psooibilities. Not only will it be a draw for the area -all involved can add this project when completed to their list of accomplishments.

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    wow! sounds good if it was’nt real it would be wire fraud 5 years in the works we will list the other 50 plus jobs soon

    Reply

  59. surrealtor on September 25th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    Mr. Koke,

    Before you list “the other 50 plus jobs soon” will you announce decisions for the “dream job of a lifetime”? I am sure many are waiting and eager to hear about the ONE job advertised? Has a selection been made? The field narrowed down?

    thank-you in advance.

    Reply

    peter koke Reply:

    we only received 12 aps on island job will repost this week without fee

    Reply

    surrealtor Reply:

    Why not select from those 12? Your original posting never indicated a minimum number of apps was required.

    And if not, will those 12 get their fees refunded? Also, will they then need to apply once more to be considered or are you saying that those 12 are NOT in consideration for the position?

    thanks again.

    Reply

  60. peter koke on September 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    three out of 12 will go to next round others will get refund we are going to be shooting 4 espoides for a reality tv show this whole process is what it is about dream job on an island and so on the series is called THE INTERVIEW i can’t tell you more yet .but you are one of the three thanks pete

    Reply

    surrealtor Reply:

    so you are telling me I am one of the three. that’s great! will you publish the names of the three?
    I am just wondering how I am one of the three without my name associated with my questions to you….

    Reply

    surrealtor Reply:

    Hi again Mr. Koke,

    It’s been nearly a month since your last comment on this forum where you said “you are one of the three” and yet I have heard nothing by email, phone or snail mail. Rather than jump to what could be unfair conclusions would you please update the status and clarify your earlier statement?

    or are these conclusions spot-on and accurate concerning this “enterprise” rather than unfair?

    sincerely.

    Reply

  61. JohnD on September 28th, 2009 at 5:49 am

    Hi,

    I have responded to your advertisement but there was not a link for submitting a resume. Are you requesting one ?

    Reply

  62. L Boyd on October 4th, 2009 at 10:09 am

    Am really trying to keep an open mind here; after all the comments, and without commenting on the validity of the project itself and the people involved, this SOMEhow seems more legit – at least not a fly-by-night $26 scam. I’ll be honest, it did, and still does smell somewhat fishy, but at the end of the day, my view is one of ‘caveat emptor’. This is America; the party in question is not forcing ANYBODY to pay $26; if one would like to take a chance, go right ahead. If it brings negative press and ill will (it obv has), then this is on the developers; I don’t see why this should be viewed as illegal. Though the old saying regarding publicity, and it’s ‘absolute value’ seem to be validated here.

    Just to add my two cents on the site: a ‘techie’ I am not, and cannot claim to hold the ability to build a website of any substance; but no doubt that the website in question would’ve looked elementary when “98 degrees” and baggy cargo shorts were (somehow) popular. This is just my opinion and one that I’m sure is shared by at least a few. I must admit, however,that I’m always skeptical of new, “big money” developments that have fancy, interactive websites with no underlying substance wrt the actual property/development – akin to having a grand entrance and nice sales office in front of hundreds of acres of “promise” – (take a drive to Hilton Head, SC to see all you’ll ever want to see – very depressing.)

    I must give commendation to NEARLY everybody in this forum; a lot of time and good research have gone into this. I will say this, however, Mr. Koke – I would highly suggest you and your associates use a spell check – even in a “lowly” forum such as this; regardless of your views on the triviality, it is NOT helping your case to have horribly misspelled words. I assume you are a very busy man and this may be part of the problem, so if you want, I will volunteer my time to spell check any more correspondence you wish to have in this forum, as much of it is painful to read; I am serious…and what the hell, I’d like to be considered for the dream job, but I hesitate to tell you that I am not willing to pay the $26 fee – if that disqualifies, que sera, sera. andithankyouall

    Reply

  63. Peter Koke on October 27th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    The Reality show will be filmed on the Island, it is a nudist colony type plot and we have raised another 650K while you idiots drink coffee and need to jump in as envesters on this deal

    Reply

    editor Reply:

    Editor’s note: This does not appear to be Peter Koke.

    Note to all: Please don’t assume identities other than your own or troll this site. I moderate comments and do my best to keep the discussion “real”.

    Reply

    surrealtor Reply:

    Then why dont you answer my questions? Perhaps because you are a fraud?!

    Reply

  64. Stan Dadson on October 30th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    What’s the status of things as of this weekend? It seems like the whole thing just kind of died. I love how citizen journalism’s attention span lasts about as long as there is a snappy comeback to make. I guess that may be the difference between actual paid journalists who have pages to fill and the type of investigative online person who is simply killing time. Has anything actually been figured out? What happened to all the dough that people paid?

    On a side note, I wouldn’t want to be a nudist on a heavily wooded island in this area…unless the producers provided a large supply of DEET and some calomine (sp) lotion.

    Reply

  65. Ian on October 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    Lots of snappy comments here, Stan, but I disagree that citizen journalists compare unfavorably with paid journalists in this regard. Both typically write about something and move on, don’t they?

    It’s questionable whether information about Frazier’s Neck has been improved by recent comments on this site, but I do think the discussion as a whole shed some light where more was needed.

    Reply

  66. Serje on November 18th, 2009 at 7:47 am

    In respectful defiance of Stan, I would like to bump this thread and see if anyone has heard anything about this project lately. I searched the starnews and didn’t see any newer articles than the one above and haven’t heard anything else about a nudist reality show.

    I know a developer trying to build on this so called island isn’t as much of an issue as the current Titan Cement fight, but it’s still relevent considering it’s water front location.

    (Platinum LEED Certification does not nullify encroachment.)

    Reply

  67. Meg on November 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    My mom recently called me up gushing about this wonderful job opportunity near Wilmington. Am I glad I found this thread! I was going to do some research on the subject, but it’s all displayed here! It gave me a lot to think about. I also passed the info on to a friend of mine who works in estuarine reserve management to see what she thought about it all. I plan to check back on this thread to see if any new info has come up. I’m quite skeptical about the whole situation.

    Reply

  68. Amy on November 20th, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    Great news! The winning “hire” will be announced by December 4th! Remember? That was the promise that Island King made! 90 days. Unless he was lying about the position, or he is a scam artist, he will anounce the lucky new employee within 2 weeks. Drumroll, please!

    Reply

    surrealtor Reply:

    LOL I know I am preaching to the choir by saying “do not hold your breath”. If you scroll above you will see that he told “me” (and I use inverted commas for there was no way he could know who i am based upon this forum) that I was one of three finalists from 12 original applicants. To date I still have not heard anything via email, snail mail, phone, etc. In fact, only on this board have I heard anything at all!

    Reply

  69. Meg on November 20th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    Just found out they were reported to DCM couple months ago for lying about CAMA permits. I was excited about the opportunity but thought it sounded too good to be true.

    Reply

  70. EW on November 21st, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Considering their blog hasn’t been updated in over 2 months, I think we can assume that this ‘dream’ has hit a roadblock. Of course, everything about this project smelled fishy from the get go.
    http://fraziersneck.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  71. The Insider on December 12th, 2009 at 7:33 am

    Of course the whole project is dead/dying. Peter Koke usually leaves a trail of IOU’s to people and a whole lot of head scratching. I did some work for him early in the project and surprise, surprise never got paid. The whole idea looked good on paper, but at this point I’m joining the ranks of people fighting against this project ever materializing. The actual island is pretty sweet., as well as the surrounding marshland. It is a nice little slice of coast, but by no means the shangri-la that Koke crowed about. Let’s all hope that this development is done for and let the land remain as is…

    As for the $26 employment application fee, I distanced my self form the whole deal when I heard about that. My opinion is that it was a money raising scheme to get liquid cash to fund island work. You know he wasn’t going to background check every person who applied, just the top few…

    Reply

  72. Karma on January 17th, 2010 at 12:35 am

    I am interested in suing Peter Koke and company for fraud to recoup the money spent on application, not to mention just fed up with lies in today’s world. Anyone else?

    Reply

    The Insider Reply:

    Did you actually pay money? If so, to who and where did you send it? He owes me money too and I know a couple of other people he owes money to. Dig up your receipt and file charges on it. It was all a scam from the beginning or at least so poorly planned and conceived that it wasn’t going to even be a plausible thing.

    Reply

    Karma Reply:

    Hi Insider,

    Sorry for the long delay in reply. Yes, I did actually pay money online – $26 – for the so-called search. If you follow the application procedures on the website there is a link for the “service” or at least there was last year, dont know now. I think rather than file charges independently it is best if we all pool together our complaints and resources for it IS CLEAR THAT PETER KOKE IS A FRAUD.

    Reply

  73. JohnD on February 22nd, 2010 at 11:22 am

    Ok – it was obviously a scam but had the basis of being believable – it had been done before – but to get Mr. Koke’s attention we will need an organized approach to putting a lean (maybe mispelled) against his company/property etc. to start the process – this will prevent him from moving any property/sale/transaction until all title(s) is clear etc. Not an attorney but I’m sure there is someone out there with the resources to get the process organized and stated.

    Reply

  74. Adam on June 3rd, 2010 at 6:42 am
  75. John Mellenchump on June 11th, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    Oh my. I love the food and culture of New Orleans but I’ll pass on this particular “swill”. This guy is slime personified. I wonder if the reporter knew about this quote, which appears under Peter Koke’s name in this thread of comments — and about an entirely different (failed) venture:

    james you seem like you realy add value but you are currect the star news is a pile of swill eaven you can read between the BS

    Reply

  76. Best for Last on June 13th, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    Peter Koke was just arrested last week for assauting a construction worker for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge beneath the bridge with a Bobcat Skidster on a State easement through his land. Another warrant was put out for him just a few days after the Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The second was for Assault and Battery. Guess what Peter Koke….. there’s third warrant in the wings. Anybody interested in seeing the video of this unbelivable assault??

    Reply

  77. Ed on June 13th, 2010 at 6:15 pm

    Wow. I want to see it!

    I’d also like to see Peter Koke stop being taken seriously as a businessman — or maybe he already? What about him does NOT say: Angry dumb opportunistic charlatan? He makes us look bad.

    Reply

    Best for Last Reply:

    Send me an e-mail and I’ll forward the video – chip66us@yahoo.com

    Reply

  78. Downtown on July 24th, 2010 at 6:20 am

    Peter Koke is putting up a fence around the lot on corner of 2nd and Princess St Downtown.

    He is also going to serve a Cajun Breakfast till 4am out there and have live music acts like BB King playing in that parking lot. BB King in a parking lot by the bus stop downtown is going to be great. Can’t Wait!!!!

    Reply

  79. Anonymouse on July 27th, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    wow, THAT doesn’t sound like fiction at all. I’ll believe it when I see it, DOwntown.

    Reply

  80. Downtown on July 29th, 2010 at 6:23 am

    Since he showed up he has put the Pink Pig out of business and keeps telling all kinds of tales all over the place.

    His fence project seems stalled, It is a real shame that the Pig is gone.

    Reply

  81. Ian Oeschger on July 29th, 2010 at 8:11 am

    The Dish – Creole’s, new Pink Pig to come to downtown Wilmington

    Diners awaiting downtown’s Creoles must be patient. Previously scheduled to open around July 4, Creoles new debut is August first-ish, owner Pete Koke said. Permit delays stalled the New Orleans themed-shop (122 Princess St.). Plus, Koke was purchasing Pink Pig Café next door. Koke is expanding Pink Pig’s menu to include Cajun specialties and weekend brunch….

    Reply

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