Deal spares Jordan Lake marina from wrecking ball

John Norton's firm recently won a 30-year lease from the state to run Crosswinds Marina, at 565 Farrington Road in Apex, at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.

The move prompted longtime operator Albert Urquhart to order all boats out of the marina by March 31 so he could remove the infrastructure he had installed over the years, including docks, fuel pumps and other facilities.

Urquhart told boat owners that he would rather demolish the marina than accept what he considered to be a low-ball offer from Norton for the infrastructure.

Norton said Tuesday that the two sides have reached an agreement on a seamless transition at Crosswinds. Boat owners will soon get new leases on slips that will take effect April 1, he said.

The deal comes days after state officials urged Norton and Urquhart to compromise so that the marina could remain in operation and boat owners wouldn't have to incur the expense and trouble of removing their craft and find storage for them until new docks could be built.

Norton has said his company plans to revitalize the area, add training courses, boat rentals, a café, an observation deck and picnic area.